Building Anew

[Shin]

(Sorry if I forgot something. Just wanted to get caught up, I'll be able to post more regularly now)

D’Angelo remained by the queens side, silent as a shadow and just as still. There were a lot of powerful beings in this small area, things were happening that he didn’t understand or know anything about. The appearance of Kahlan and Vylrath unnerved him more than just a little, their strength was near palpable and to a man like D’Angelo, who had nothing more than his skill, it was something to be weary about.

He had his own opinion on the topics at hand and personally thought that things were escalating very quickly. Individuals seemed rushed and rash, especially this Vylrath individual. Still, D’Angelo was obviously overlooked by all of the people there, which was exactly how he wanted it. He could serve better in the shadows than out in the open. Still, if something was about to go down and the Queen was going to leave than shouldn’t the rest of her guard be here? Or would they only get in the way? He eyed the dragon turned bird carefully from behind everyone, leaning backwards, staying in the shadows with his cowl pulled low and hands on his weapons. There was no illusion of being hidden, he knew without a doubt that the other people here, if not able to see him, were surely able to sense him as another presence in the garden.

Still, despite the rush and brash tactics he felt were being executed; he remained silent, keeping his voice and opinions to himself. He was a man of action, not words and if something did happen he would be better off serving with the two weapons on his hips.

--

Rayne remained perched on Igraines shoulder as they entered the garden, taking in the sweet scent of it. The old dragon enjoyed such simplicities, they were often overlooked by others her age and power. She remained calm and quiet even when Kahlan appeared, a figure she knew well, though she was wise enough to alert Kal of the change of events and that he would be better off being here in the garden then in some stinky cellar. There was some complaining of course, Kal often complained, but he recognized common sense when he heard it and doubled back.

Rayne nodded her head in recognition of Kahlan, but that was all. The dragon recognized the wisdom and strength in the old angel, but she was still a dragon and in her mind dragons were still supreme beings. Second to none, not even angels. Though, she still respected the angel, it would be a foolish thing to not.

The other individual, the one she knew was named Vylrath was not someone that Rayne cared for in the slightest. The man was the epitome of all the faults a man could have, Rayne would sooner eat him or bathe him in fire than be near him. He acted foul and smelled worse to her, even his actions were uncalled for in the dragons eyes. Of course, if the fool wanted to drain himself dry than she wouldn’t stop him.

With a flutter of movement Rayne propelled herself from Igraines shoulder, turn and flipping in the air as the magic that surrounded the dragon lessened and weakened. In a moments time Rayne stood on all fours on the pathway in her true draconic form, azure scales sparkling brilliantly. She was, of course, many times smaller than her actual form, she was roughly the size of a horse now, but despite her size there was no hiding the power and strength that a dragon displayed. She shook herself from snout to the tip of the tail, seemingly shaking off the magic.

‘Fool men.’ She spoke with her mind, letting out a low growl of displeasure. ‘A tidal wave?’ The dragon echoed, it’s serpentine neck turning so that one eyes was staring right at the mere-folk creature. ‘Correct me if am wrong, but if you intend to crash a tidal wave onto the spell ridden folk don’t you risk injuring if not killing them? A tidal wave is a force to be reckoned with, it seems drastic.’

“I agree.” Kal’en Drasco said as he rounded the corner, running a hand through his graying hair. “Rayne said there was a meeting going on, she didn’t indicate the participants.” Kal gave Kahlan a deep bow. “It is good to see you again, it has been many years.” He gave the angel a friendly smile before turning to address the rest of the group. “If it is some sort of mind affecting spell Rayne and I can shield those of us here from such spells and those not yet effected. However, without knowing the nature of the spell there is very little we can do to those already affected, short of restraining them.” He shrugged and looked around at the reactions of those around him.

As a rider Kal’en had a distinct advantage over other spell casters that came in the form of a giant dragon, the two were able to pool their strength together. Raynes own magical aptitude far surpassed that of Kal’en’s and his ability to weave spells was greater than that of hers, together they made a deadly team, her brute force combined with his finesse had overcome many opponents, this spell snaring the populace would be yet another foe to fall.

“Regardless,” He paused, looking at the obviously worn Vylrath, he could feel how much the man had put into that barrier. “, if we continue to waste our strength then we will be of no use when the true threat reveals itself. Allow Rayne and I to expand our own resources before you continue to spill your blood. With myself, Rayne, and the King here, not to mention you Kahlan. Our combined magical aptitude will be sufficient to turn aside if not completely destroy whatever or whomever comes this way. “ He finished by leaning against Rayne side, one hand in his pocket and the other absently stroking the dragons gleaming scales.

[Herald_of_Fate]

Slyail listened to the dragon and rider as their true nautres were revealed, her question one he'd already considered. They'd misinterpreted his true intent, not completely understanding how the Merrow's mind really worked. He never meant to draw a wave from the ocean, which stood behind the fortress and would require far more energy. The castle itself stood on a penninsula between two great rivers, as Slyail had discovered. Most of the fighting was taking place in the open fields before the palace's gates.

"I do not intend to unleash such a force upon these hapless humans. I'm raising the rivers, flooding the plain before us." He explained, looking at the dragon with a raised brow. "My question was to asure that the barrier holds our culprit outside of the castle grounds. To have a proverbial rock and be the hard place we trap our enemy within. I don't think the spell's hold will be great enough to hold a mind faced with a primal fear. And every man fears the deep on some level. In either case, we'd best move soon. I can hear them. Every second they draw closer."

Slyail's eyes blazed blue as he began gathering the neccessary energy for the spell, Alleste offering her strength to the process as well. Their relationship was not so unlike that of Rider and Dragon, Alleste being the physical representation of all of Slyail's procreative energies. Mundane as it sounded, the sheer power they held together was phenominal. Even with the rivers' waters some distance away, one could hear the turbulance that stirred them, that began to raise the waters, innundating the fields slowly at first and then faster and faster. The water began at only about ankle height but rose quickly as Slyail's hand stretched outward and rose, reaching waist level in a matter of minutes. He sensed some of the people breaking free of the spell, the threat of being caught in a flood enough to trigger the self preservation instinct and force them to flee. Vylrath's barrier held the waters back as they rose, climbing the barrier as they would a wall. While the waters seemed turbulent, they were not enough to injure those who could swim decently well. But to hold such a force in place was taxing, even to one as powerful as Slyail.



"Someone needs to track down our mystery singer and hurry.....I'll have to let the waters recede after a while. She's west of here, just within the treeline. Be careful and guard your mind. She bewitched those people with her voice; don't fall victim yourselves!"


------


Helena watched as her song-spelled legion was swept up in the rising waters, her hold on them faltering, individuals running and swimming from the flood. So the Queen had chosen powerful allies indeed, one capable of changing the course of a river at the least. She wondered at this display, the sheer audacity of it amusing. The Siren could see Vylrath's barrier, denying her a chance to deploy her voice within the castle walls and ensnare her most staunch defenders. She leapt into the branches of a strudy birch, climbing above the waters, shielding herself with glamours. Observation and calculation were her mission now, her frontal assault predicatably ill-fated. She had wanted to draw them out with the first wave. In the long and short of it, though, it didn't matter. Phase two of the plan would be proceeding soon enough.

[Igraine]

Kahlan reached out and grabbed Kal's hand and smiled. So this was the dragon's rider. They were old friends indeed.

"You're here to advise my daughter? Then I know she is in good hands." Kahlan tilted her head to Rayne and smiled again.

"Wait, Slyail, she sings?" Kahlan cursed mildly loud enough for Kal to hear. "We have a Siren on our hands. It is the only Fae creature that can ensnare men with song. We can't just walk outside of Vylrath's barrier. The only one of us that would make it would be Igraine because Thorin was idiotic enough to break her heart. Though maybe if we break her concentration long enough..." Kahlan paced for a few steps and then back again looking at Slyail.

"Her hold is loosening. I can feel it, though it has only caused her to go deeper into a glamour in order to save herself. She knows now that a powerful Water Mage is in this bubble of protection, but she doesn't know of the dragon rider, the Angel, and the Vuri." Kahlan glanced over to where Vylrath was laying on the grass and frowned slightly. "Okay, the Dragon Rider and the Angel. Vylrath is far too spent to do anything other than protect his daughter."

She turned and looked at the human in the shadows. She had felt him, yes, and she smiled. There was something of a kindred spirit standing there lost in the powers of strange creatures. D'Angelo was something of a stranger to Kahlan and that didn't happen often. She walked over to him and extended her hand to him.

"Kahlan Lothair. There is something about you. I can't really put my finger on it. What is your name?" He would know, without a doubt, that she was an Angel. One that was powerful and old, older than the one he freed, but still similar in strange ways.

Before he could answer, Kahlan glanced over her shoulder at Slyail and Kal. "We need a stronger diversion aimed at the Siren. When she's sufficiently distracted focus on the absence, that will be where she is. She's cloaked herself so deeply in glamours that she doesn't realize she's no longer blending in with the creatures around her. It's faint, but there is a hole where she is." Kahlan laughed as she looked back at D'Angelo.

"I believe, King Slyail has managed to make the Siren rather unsure of her current tactic."

[Herald_of_Fate]

Damn, Helena thought, as the waters continued to rise. This was no natural phenomena; the thundering pulse of aquamancy radiated through her senses, telling her much about the power behind. The sheer force involved spoke of an extraordinarily gifted Water Mage, the control making it likely one of the Merrow.
Bothersome creatures, she mused, so curious, but full of will. Easy to tempt, but hard to completely control, their minds shifting like the tides. She'd avoid that one if she could. The Siren eyed the shield, admiring the dark-tinged energy dancing at its edges. It was like watching concentrated malice, a force she, as an Unseelie, could totally relate to. The maker of such a barrier was a soul already stained by sin, relished in pain and darkness. And practically breathing raw power. Yes, this one would be most susceptible to her charms.

She assumed a human form, one of long flame red hair, of slender womanly curves, of smoky green eyes, dressed for the scullery. The Siren's glamours were thick but subtle, guarding form, mind, and body as completely as she could. Then she let herself fall from her perch, pretending to struggle in the risen waters of the rivers. Hopefully, she'd be able to infiltrate in the aftermath and investigation of the attack. Now to throw off her pursuers. She opened her mouth, projecting and throwing her voice, making it seem to dance and flit amongst the treetops, to be there one moment and gone the next.



----------

Slyail let a strained chuckle escape his lips at Kahlan's assessment. It was true the Siren's hold was all but broken but that made the threat she posed no less real. Even he could fall victim to such a power. Slowly he released the waters, willing them back to the rivers he'd called them from. It was an ardous task but one far easier than calling them from their natural courses.

"So what do we do? She seems on the move now...if we allow her to escape, we'll still be vulnerable to further attack," he reasoned, lowering his arms as he allowed the energy to dissipate. "How do you combat an enemy whose very voice carries your death?"

The Merrow King's mind whirled with possibilities but none seemed particularly useful. If they could hear...

"What if we cannot hear it? The song she sings? Would that be sufficent? And how do we contain such a creature?"

Slyail had learned the legends of Sirens as all Merrow children did. In truth, they were widely believed to be extinct.

[Shin]

D’Angelo didn’t bother to hide his surprise when the angel creature came near him, her particular power was one he was intimately familiar with. He had spent considerable time with an angel that had been trapped in the depths of hell with him, together the two had formulated a plot to escape, and it had been through that angel that D’Angelo had gotten his current name. Bringer of Angels.

As she approached his mind raced through scenarios as his cool eyes casually worked over her form, not in lust, but in an attempt to judge her strength. Which was impossible. He extended his own hand to shake hers, careful to mentally suppress the ability of one of the swords on his hip so he didn’t absorb any magics she had about her person. There was no need to offend her.

D’Angelo waited until the angel was finished speaking, his hands once again returning to the depths of his cloak to rest on his weapons. “Nicoli Salvatore.” He said politely, “, some call me D’Angelo.” He added, wondering if the name meant anything to her, it was likely it didn’t, but then again how many mortals freed angels from the depths of hell itself?

--

Rayne and Kal listened to the Merrow king carefully as he spoke. ‘A flood then, not a tidal wave.’ Kal spoke to Rayne who said nothing in return and instead focused her senses outward, past the wall to the gathering waters that the mage was already causing to rise. She could feel the living creatures panic, the primal urge for survival becoming paramount in their thoughts and the spell shattering under their terror. It was a good plan.

The two waited in relative silence, speaking amongst them, sharing their thoughts in private and going over what spells they knew and the best way to confront the situation. ‘We are only here to guide.’ Rayne reminded Kal. ‘Not to solve their problems.’

Kal nodded his agreement, he knew that their actions here were to be small and he was to offer his advice, not his abilities. ‘I will at least protect us from her enchanting song.’ Kal argued, reaching deep within himself he could feel the mana dormant in him stir and wash over him, protecting his mind from any spells or abilities that would alter his train of thought or emotion, it was simple, yet a powerful enchantment. The bond between Kal and Rayne was extremely strong, so strong that any spell that affected one affected the other if they were near enough to each other.

“It depends on the strength of her song. The song is nothing more than vibrations; those vibrations must trigger something in the mind. Not hearing it would likely prevent her from taking hold for a while, but the closer you get the harder it will be to resist.”

[Thorin]

Going into the shadow realm, would feel like crossing into another world entirely. The realm itself would attempt to bring out the person's fears. Thankfully, Thorin was very much like a master, or lord of the realm. Caela might witness him making commands on the whim, controlling every aspect of their travel.

Before they reached Ulster, Thorin immediately felt the presence of Vylrath. He spoke in Caela's mind, not being able to physically speak in the shadow just yet. That son of a bitch is alive...I can't believe Kahlan brought him back! Thorin was beyond pissed, but he had to keep his composure, if he was going to make any kind of impression. Since leaving, he had most people fearing him and the safety of Igraine because of his temper. Cursing, he tried pushing Caela off of him, which only resulted him falling with her.

Embarrassing, but remedied.

Thorin got up and glared at Caela. He hadn't planned on bringing her along, but she had been smart enough to follow. She was an angry mother, not someone to mess with. Thorin unsheathed the chaos blade for safety, not knowing how Vylrath would react to him cutting through the barrier. With some of Thorin's spilled blood, the barrier was quickly repaired and his wound healed. The other Vuri would smell his scent and sense him approaching.

Caela should feel his anger about Vylrath, but he wondered if she had turned on him too. She had been so loving and caring, until it harmed her precious Trydian and Sebilla- whom he had no connection with whatsoever.

There were other powerful beings in the castle, some of a varying degree of breeds. The only ones he mainly worried about, were Kahlan and Vylrath. He stood with his darkened form, his eyes quickly watching for sudden movement. If Vylrath wanted revenge, he wouldn't hesitate on attacking him, regardless of how foolish that would be with Thorin's current weapons.

He decided to speak, trying to bring some peace and a chance to explain himself. “I'm here to speak with Igraine and to tell her the news of Trydian and the King.” Thorin simply stated, not wasting time on grand explanations. He was full of pride and power, both tamed at the moment, having remembered Slyail's lecture on controlling his presence. He didn't need the King to suddenly appear on their grounds.

“I am only here for Igraine's sake and no one else- regardless of what any of you might think of me. I won't be stopped from protecting her.” He knew Vylrath was right in front of him, along with a handful of other strangers. If Igraine had been present, she would have seen that he had kept his wedding ring around his neck- he hadn't forgotten everything. Even though he had shared harsh words, he had hardly truly meant them.

He kept his blade low, but prepared to use it in defense. Caela would feel his uneasiness and unwillingness to make the first step forward. Thorin wondered if she felt the same anger toward Vylrath being back from the dead- the bastard should have stayed in the spirit world.

Wanting to hit a personal spot with Vylrath, he couldn't help but taunt him. He could feel some of his father's weakness, the barrier very much created by him. “Recognize the sword father? My nephew thought I was more worthy of holding its power...I can't blame him, given your history.” Thorin snarled, looking directly at his father who huddled weakly against the stone wall. If he could smile broadly, he would have without hesitation- it was the first time he had seen Vylrath weak and almost helpless.

There were cataclysmic thoughts rolling in his head- none of which were stable. Thorin blamed the blades that he had in his possession. The Vuri blade and Chaos blade would make anyone near insane, had it not been for his corrupted blood.

“I'm sure my sister would love to see me rip your guts apart with this sword!” Thorin said, not mentioning which sister he spoke of. Igraine and Caela had their reasons for revenge on Vylrath, something that had not been given to them. Fate had been cruel, but maybe he could cure them of that.

Drunk with power and the feeling of invincibility, Thorin flashed his ego and authority, as if he had already won the battle with the King. It would take someone with a greater understanding to calm him down.

[Igraine]

"D'Angelo..." Kahlan said his name as if tasting it. She smiled and reached out to touch his face. She wasn't afraid of him. "I understand you were the reason one of my bretheren was freed from Hell." Kahlan gestured with her other hand, as if encompassing herself and the other Angels. She was curious, indeed, and powerful. "I am sorry that you had to bear witness to what happens in that place. I bear the scars of my centuries in that place. They are old, and they are faded, but I remember."

She turned at the sound of people entering the garden, and D'Angelo might see the outline of wings disturbing the pattern of the sky if he looked just right. He might notice feathers, some speckled black but all rimmed in silver. Her wings were huge, though when needed they could be contained in a smaller form. They were not visible for long, but it was as if her power had pulsed at the feeling of new bodies in the small area they were all in.

The grating sound of Thorin's voice filled the garden. Kahlan turned to him for a moment before motioning to Slyail. "I think that we should all plug our ears as a precaution. Do you think, King Slyail, that some sort of vibration could be made to counter the Siren's voice?"

Thorin's bravado was lost on them. They were in the middle of a crisis and the dumbass had to beat his chest like the ape he was?

Kahlan turned to Thorin and leveled her gaze on him. His show of power was something she was used to. Men who were frightened exposed their power for the world to see. "I am sure you mean to ask if Igraine wants to see you. Did you ever consider that, perhaps, we're in the middle of an Unseelie problem? No? I didn't think so."

Kahlan walked toward Thorin slowly, her eyes drifting to where Caela stood close by, the pain in her eyes evident. The old angel looked into the young Vuri, once demon, woman's eyes and saw the tragedy of losing a child. Both of her children by the sounds of it. Her eyes were disfigured for the moment, the whites of her eyes a red black from an obvious display of power.

"I suggest you let your sisters talk. My daughter wants nothing to do with you right now. I don't give a rats ass if you think I shouldn't have a say in it." Kahlan was slightly shorter than Thorin, but no less menacing or powerful. She didn't have to display her power like was. She made a point not to, the Siren was still out there even if they couldn't feel her like they had before. She could feel them.

"Dampen your power now. We're facing a Siren. Do you want to be the one that kills Igraine when the Siren lures you into her web? Well, do you?"

Caela drifted closer to Kahlan, comforted by the woman's staunch presence. Kahlan had lost many children before she was able to keep Igraine. Her daughter Willow had been a tragedy, corrupted by a rogue demon thirsting for power. Caela closed her eyes and let go of her power, putting it away in the well deep inside her. When she opened her eyes she was "normal" again.

If normal could be applied to a woman Vuri. All of those present in the garden had seen only male Vuri. Isabella still residing in the Faerie Realm and not present. She was a creature to behold with light white blonde hair that fell in tight spirals down to around the middle of her back. Her skin was tan, soft and supple, and her eyes. Her eyes were strange and yet oddly alluring. They were a shade of midnight blue sprinkled with flecks of brilliant silver. Her eyes looked like the night sky, strange and beautiful.

When Caela spoke she did so softly, somewhat hoarse after her display of power in Xexoria.

"The Unseelie King took Sebilla. Trydian tried to barter with them but..." Caela looked up at Kahlan with tears, unshed, swimming in her eyes. "We all know how deals go with regards to Faeries and Demons. Nothing good can come of it. He's been promised to the Unseelie King, and has been told so long as Sebilla remains neutral she will not be hurt."

Caela felt Kahlan's arms around her as she was pulled into a hug.

"He wants Igraine, Kahlan. He won't let Sebilla go until Igraine steps foot into his god forsaken world. I assume he has no idea that she's pregnant, but I have no doubt that Thorin has angered him into stealing the only mortal we have in our family."

"Then I must go to the Unseelie King. After this...Siren problem is dealt with of course. I won't go alone and I will not go in without a plan." Igraine spoke from the doorway. She was still wearing that emerald green gown that Thorin left her in. She was still harboring the bruises of his anger. She didn't even look at him as she spoke, though she could feel him. She was beyond his touch right now and she didn't care if he knew it or not.

[Vylrath]

Vylrath felt like he was in an insane asylum. There was too much going on. Thorin's presence created a new surge of anger in him, something that could be uncontrollable very quickly. Kahlan's presence kept him grounded, his silence much worse than his actual physical fury. He had no blade to attack his son with, but he would have gladly fought him right here and now.

“I gave up the chaos blade for a reason. I was not its true master and you may not be either.” Vylrath said softly, not needing to stress his anger in his voice. He needed others to hear him and register what he was saying. “The blade may corrupt you and you would lose everything you were fighting to protect- why do you think I gave it up?” Vylrath didn't say anything more, instead, he got up and walked over to Igraine.

He was upset at her as well, considering this would be her real first war and confrontation with a powerful being like the Unseelie King. “Do not be stupid. I did not raise stupid children.” Vylrath looked toward Thorin, his powers practically seeping from his very form. “Save for one.”

Looking toward Caela, Vylrath felt very awkward. Most of his family was present, some had a harsher history with him than most. He couldn't blame his son for wanting to kill him, but he wondered why Caela looked to him at all. Vylrath hadn't given her the best life and now her son and daughter were gone.

He nodded toward Slyail, D'angelo and anyone else near. He respected them, only for how they represented themselves. The men were not ignorant to the danger presenting itself. His daughter was in good hands, unless Thorin decided to try and play hero. Sighing, he found himself meditating. He could find the cause of his son's distress, the blood magic connecting him to all of the Vuri created through his line.

Slowly, he let Thorin's fevered display of power interrupt his awareness. He let his son display his authority over the others, all the while, he concentrated on his own powers connected to his son. Thorin would feel his heart rate drop and lethargy would quickly begin to settle in his body. Vylrath was attacking Thorin's inability to control himself. While the Vuri could feel each other emotionally, Vylrath was the only one that could control them internally- even if it was only momentarily.

For a few sparing minutes, he let Thorin know that he was there and very aware of the situation. Thorin would feel a sudden fear of death, as if he would be killed that very instant. Vylrath would remain silent and calm, not saying a word to anyone in the room.

When he saw his son's fearful expression, he smirked. “I'm still your God...regardless of that cursed blade you hold.” It was a bold statement, but it held some truth. Thorin was his first born and the last Vuri created- he would feel the bout of Vylrath's power more than the others. It was something that the guests in the room would have trouble comprehending.

Looking toward Igraine, he growled at her words, having had enough of the dramatic actions of his children. Grabbing her by the shoulder, he began to push her toward the barrier. He still had the sword he had used to cut himself with earlier. Simply slicing the barrier, he pushed her through and dared Kahlan, or anyone else to stop him from the motion. Igraine had had her heart broken, he had felt that much. If she wanted to continue cursing him with her emotions, he would use it to their advantage. He knew of the myth's well enough, to understand that Igraine would have a better chance than anyone.

“Since you don't value your life, you might as well make yourself useful and get rid of the Siren for us.” Vylrath didn't seal the barrier, he would let someone else do that. He could feel Igraine's shocked emotions, but he was too irritated too care. Everyone had been thinking of their own actions. Walking past Kahlan, he snapped at her. “Make sure that someone can put a binding spell on Thorin. It's bad enough he has the blades- I don't want him to think he can rush after Igraine too and ruin my plan.” Vylrath moved past her, wanting a moment by himself. The others were free to discuss what had just happened.

[Shin]

D’Angelo stared at Kahlan with a look of confusion on his face. The women had heard of him then? The thought that he might have been known of beyond his small circle of associates was more than a little surprising to the sell-sword. “I fear the scars will always be there, always awaiting.” He broke eye contact with the women, looking to the side instead of at her. Being in her presence brought back fresh memories of his torture, things that no mortal should have survived, let alone endure.

He did catch the glimmer, the faint hint of her wings, though his attention was quickly stolen by the presence of yet another individual… Thorin. So this was the man, D’Angelo had never met him but he already held a very strong dislike for the individual. He focused intently on the interactions that were going on, once again happy that his appearance faded to the background.

--

This was a family squabble, nothing more than that. Kal told himself, though he shared his emotions openly with Rayn. There was too much pride, to much power, and everyone thought they knew what was best. The only individual with it’s head on his shoulders seemed to the Merrow, Kal already deemed that man the calculating type, the type to weigh his options and choose his words before speaking them. Everyone else was too personally involved.

‘We will be fighting amongst ourselves before too long now. What we need here isn’t a show of power, but some words of wisdom. The Siren is but a small problem.’ He explained to Rayne, who said nothing, and instead was watching the interaction between Vylrath and Thorin, the two were so alike it almost made the dragon sick.

The names of who was capture and who was now in servitude were not lost on Kal, though they held little meaning right now. ‘More family, likely.’ He told Rayne, taking her silence as agreement with him. ‘Finally, an opportunity!’

“Rayne and I may be of some assistance to you in the Unseelie Court. I may not be the warrior I once was but I can be of some use.” He spoke to Kahlan alone here, ignoring the others, not out of disrespect but because he recognized that she held the most influence here and could likely sway those that didn’t agree. Not to mention there was a certain affinity for someone that had seen and experience as much as him, so much so that little seemed to bother or threaten Kal now days, like this Siren problem. He was sure Kahlan could take care of it herself if she truly wished to, as could he and Rayne, but all three understand that their time had come and gone.

--

So lost in his thought D’Angelo had missed Vylraths rough treatment of Igraine, he cursed himself. He had just started his position as her guard and he was already failing! There was no time for subtle movements, nor was it the time for slipping a dagger in the mans back even if it was what D’Angelo really wanted to do. No, this demanded a more upfront, but still tactful approach.

He might have been the only human here, but that was something of an advantage the way he saw it. Unlike the angel or the rider and dragon, perhaps even the Merrow, D’Angelo would never be in this moment again, he was mortal, his age would cripple him, he would get old and he would die. It was a short life-span when compared to nearly any other race, but it was a gift, a beautiful thing that allowed humans to climb to the heights they did. D’Angelo was one of those humans.

“You will unhand the Queen.” D’Angelo said with no room for arguing, his black eyes smoldering with intensity, both swords were in his hands now. One looking like a large curved tooth with serrated edges that would tear instead of slice, what animal it came from D’Angelo didn’t know. The other weapon, a slightly curved ash grey blade with an obsidian hilt carved to look like a black bird of flame. It was a powerful artifact, capable of absorbing all sorts of magic’s and energies, its what had given D’Angelo the edge over so many powerful opponents in his life. The one before him was of no difference he told himself.

“You should be ashamed, angered or not. That women bears a child. She will be the last one to leave this castle, you condemn them both by throwing them out to the wolves. The Queen is going nowhere but back into the safety of the Angel and Dragon.” D’Angelo was not threatening in his approach, other than having his weapons drawn, his voice was calm and controlled and he was telling Vylrath exactly as it would be, if the man wanted to go any further he would need to do it without the Queen.

“Send Thorin to kill the Siren. Force him to prove himself then.”

[Vylrath]

Vylrath had been quiet, only showing his rough approach with Igraine lately. He would have never harmed her otherwise. Her foolish idea of going to see the Unseelie King, was what triggered his enraged emotion. Being her father, he had always wanted to protect her and it was as if she was throwing that shield away.

Surprisingly, he let go of her, which might seem like a shock to most in the room. D'Angelo didn't accuse him, or try to fight with him and he respected that much. When he spoke of Thorin, he simply smirked and let Thorin hear his words.

“He doesn't have anything to prove to me. I'm not interested in his show of ability. Besides, he doesn't have a broken heart like my daughter does. He would fall victim to the Siren. She's been sharing her emotions with me....her heart is the most damaged.” Vylrath let Igraine go and walked away from her silently. It would be the first time, that he had turned a cold shoulder on her, but it wasn't without warranted action. He had spilled most of his blood trying to protect her and she simply wanted to go visit the King head on.

Vylrath was also taken aback by how much damage Thorin had done to Igraine. Even though Igraine didn't show it, it was as if her very spirit screamed inside of her. She wanted to show more than she was showing, but he couldn't blame her for masking it in front of Thorin, or the others.

“I know she bears a child. I feel her and the child every moment she allows it.” Vylrath answered back to D'Angelo, for once, not caring if Thorin was present or not. The anger coming from his son, was obvious that they would have fought, had D'Angelo not stepped in. The group didn't need to be broken. That wouldn't serve Igraine any use for her well being, or the others involved like Trydian and Sebilla.

“I am ashamed I spill my blood, yet that would be wasted out of spite.” Vylrath said, looking toward Igraine and then back to Thorin. He knew that they would understand what he was talking about. Igraine would feel her fathers anger, concern and resentment all mixed into one wave of an emotion.

“I am here to protect my daughter, not make light of the situation and endanger everyone. She has a better chance of surviving the Siren than most of us in the room.” Vylrath said, knowing that it was a hard truth for most to swallow- especially Kahlan. For once, he stood there calmly and rational. Folding his arms, he leaned against the stone wall and wondered what plan D'Angelo had in mind.

“I don't recall your name. I am Vylrath Xanathi, father to Igraine. You have already proven you have more bravery by confronting me...so what is your idea for stopping this Siren?” Vylrath said, open for other options, other than using Igraine as bait. Even in her condition, she would be able to handle herself.

[Shin]

“Send me.” The words were simple and to the point and he showed no fear when he spoke. “Her song will only strengthen me and aid my in finding her.” He explained by gesturing with the wicked looking long sword in his right hand, though it was a strange thing and any attempt to identify it’s properties by interacting with the sword itself would prove to be useless, even for creatures such as Angels and Dragons.

“I will hear her song, it will be nothing more than noise to me. The sword has protected me from the screams of a banshee and the penetrating gaze from a vampire lord before I slew them both, I can’t imagine this is much different than either of those times. And as far as her glamour’s…well, anything that I am within a sword reach of is subject to this blade hungering nature. Except for now of course, I am suppressing it.”

D’Angelo looked out from under the cowl of his cloak, black orbs of unfathomable depths, to see if any disagreed with his plan. “It is my duty by oath to protect the Queen and if the best way to do that is to go find trouble, then that’s just what I will do.”

He held the grey bladed weapon out a moment longer before sheathing it along with it’s tooth-like counterpart. He only then looked up at Vylrath, starting the man straight in the eyes. “I am D’Angelo, bringer of Angels.” It was his full title, or at least, the one that was given to him.

[Vylrath]

Vylrath laughed, which was an odd sound coming from him. It may startle grown men, or make women rethink his company altogether. D'Angelo was amusing and his title even more-so. “Bringer of Angels? I haven't heard of a more ironic title- you are in a room with more demons, than angels.” Vylrath smirked, pulling some of his long black hair behind a pointed ear. He looked young, as if he could be this man's younger brother.

“Do what you will, D'Angelo- I am not your King, thus I have no authority over you and you are certainly not a Vuri.” Vylrath watched his daughter, feeling some humor in all of this. This was the most action he had seen since the old wars and he was beginning to feel alive again. He wished he could be back in the royal courts, manipulating the haughty men who thought to enslave his mind.

“It seems that you are the only eligible woman in this kingdom, daughter. All of these men are fighting to protect you. I'd be tempted to send all of them- just for some amusement of my own.” Shaking his head, Vylrath expressed his humor more, finding it rather ridiculous that men would go to their deaths for her. Vylrath had never met a woman full of that worth. Maybe his son wasn't so foolish after all- he hadn't seen him volunteer. It was an impending doom, if the man hadn't had a broken heart.

Magic wasn't always the savior.

If they weren't about to be at a war, with an Unseelie King, Vylrath would have forced men to fight for her in an arena. It would be a sort of nod to his dark past. He kept his thoughts to himself, the grin on his face not leaving. It was the type of grin that could get underneath Kahlan's skin easily.

“Go then! Let's see what your sword and intelligence can do for my daughter- your Queen, that you would put yourself in dangers way for- I hope she is worth it.” Vylrath knew she was worth it, but he wanted to taunt D'Angelo into actually going into the fray.

He moved from the wall, his arms still crossed over his chest. The amused expression never left his face. If this man was truly as strong as he boasted, then he wouldn't have an issue. Without letting D'Angelo see, he winked toward his daughter.

“Make sure you bring back the Siren's head and some of her flesh. Some of us are famished.”

[Igraine]

Igraine was too startled to react when Vylrath, her father, shoved her through the Vuri barrier he had created for her and then yanked her back. She could still feel the tingle of the barrier on her skin as she looked up at him. Her features settled into something stubborn and angry, almost the image of Kahlan's own impetuous features. She yanked her arm out of his hand and looked at D'Angelo.

"I do not ask this of you. You might be able to do this, but I won't have you killed on my behalf."

Kahlan stepped up behind D'Angelo, her hand resting on his shoulder. His title didn't say how many Angels he was bringing, but there was one here now. Her smile flitted back to Kal and the dragon. Their speech fresh in her mind.

"D'Angelo. I will go with you. I should be able to make her focus on me while you drain her power and kill her. A full blooded Angel would be quite a creature to have under your control, wouldn't you say? She will underestimate me, as many do." Her gaze travelled over to Vylrath briefly, where he was leaning smug against the wall. She will have to work extremely hard to get to me, and if you're quick enough she will be focused so entirely on me that she won't notice that you're there. When she does it will be too late."

Kahlan moved her hand from D'Angelo's shoulder and walked toward Vylrath. Her fingertips brushed her daughter's arm, checking her and the child for damage but not looking at her. She knew her daughter would feel the wave of comfort coming from her mother.

"Before we go, however..." Kahlan walked to Vylrath and touched his chest, running her hand up to his neck and jaw. She smiled as she pushed on his throat, pinning him against the wall. Her fingers would tighten around his throat, her nails suddenly like claws. Her eyes, so like the sea, would be like pure silver. The threat rolling off of her would be palpable, even to the human. Kal might even be proud. She somehow thought the Dragon would be too.

"If you ever put our daughter in harms way, even a little, I will kill you Vylrath. I will send your soul so deep into purgatory that it will take me coming to find you in order to get you back. Don't think I can't shred your soul. I know you know what I am capable of. Don't fuck with me, Vylrath." Kahlan squeezed his throat tightly with one fisted hand. He would be too weak to really fight her. He could try, but his Vuri powers would crash against her too weakly to really do much to push her back. Especially, since promising to go with D'Angelo, she was gathering her powers -- creating a beacon to the Siren. She was the bait, not her daughter.

Kahlan pulled her arm back and tighted her fingers around Vylrath's throat. She would slam him into the wall behind him and it would leave a crack when he hit. The sound of which would echo for miles.

"Do not make me regret your existence, Vylrath. All it takes is..." Kahlan let him go and touched the place where her hands had been buried in his chest, grinning. "Well you know exactly what it takes. Do you want to tangle with the lost souls again?"

Kahlan stepped back and stretched her neck and her shoulders and her back. Her long arms stretched over her head, as if she were simply leisurely relaxing. When her arms dropped to her sides she looked different, stranger, calmer, but infinitely more deadly. The Vuri assembled might take a step back just out of reaction, their blood tied to demonic blood and a blood curse.

Her wings were contained, smaller than they would be if she were really free to let them go. As it stood, her wings were loose, trailing behind her and majestic. She was no longer wearing travelling clothes but a pure white dress slit up one side to about mid thigh. The dress had no sleeves but it sparkled strangely, as if it were armor. It was, a special sort of armor that was made specifically for female angels that were intended to fight and not guide. Kahlan was no guardian angel, no sweet little creature meant to sit on a man's shoulder and whisper words of encouragement. Kahlan was meant for war, she had been the gift of god, student of Michael himself. She was awe inspiring in ways that no mortal could truely comprehend, and the perfect bait for a Siren.

Imagine, a Siren controlling this much age, power, and war knowledge.

The feathers of her wings were speckled with black in places, though now they were mostly white. She had gone a long way to redeem herself for her fall from grace. The black spots he had now she kept for nostalgia's sake. She didn't want to return to heaven and fall back into the ranks of her bretheren and fight in a war that was no longer her concern. She was a broker now, a broker between worlds. She had a hand in the demonic, human, and fae worlds -- not unlike her breatheren who also chose to remain behind and not ascend to their former height. She was one of the oldest, though, one of the most powerful Angels to remain on earth. Kahlan enjoyed it best that way, it was simpler.

Kal and Rayne might notice, periodically, a small silver dragon crawling around her. It was small, no bigger than a squirrel, and it nuzzled against her neck as she stared at Vylrath, letting him see her for what she was. The dragon was more a manifestation of her power, her time with Kal and Rayne before remembering -- a tribute indeed to Rayne than any real dragon. Rayne might see it as a nod to her knowledge and a way of honoring her always.

Kahlan shook her hair free of the braid it was in, letting it shower like liquid fire down her back, sparkling in the morning air with vibrant reds and golds. She turned to D'Angelo and held her hand out to him, the silver dragonling slinking down her arm to look at him, curious. He would notice the scars on her, this Human savior of Angels. There were some very faint along her arms, but the dragon was nuzzling at them as she remembered the pain, feeling it deep in the marrow of her bones.

Was it strange to feel a kindred spirit in a human? No, but Kahlan felt the need to be around D'Angelo because of what they had both experienced. She didn't want to be romantically involved with the man, but she felt the need to be near him because of their similar past. He would know why certain memories would make her flinch, without even having to ask why.

D'Angelo had made a powerful ally in Kahlan, without even really having to try.

[Thorin]

Thorin was full of emotions, some not readily controllable. When Vylrath pushed Igraine through the barrier, he started to yell out in protest, his Chaos blade reacting to its masters emotions. With flashing eyes, he probably felt the same rage as Kahlan. He had been trying to protect Igraine and his father wanted to destroy that right before his eyes.

Igraine might be a sibling, but they had been lovers first. Regardless if she acknowledged him as one, he would still acknowledge her. Others might attempt her hand, but he would always visit her when she least expected it. As soon as D'Angelo interrupted Vylrath, Thorin felt very out of place here. He hadn't even been able to stop Vylrath, without someone else being the shield. Apart of him was afraid to use his new powers, not knowing where the ferocity would take him. In his sub-conscience, he was afraid of hurting Igraine.

Keeping his hand firm on the blade, he watched Vylrath crash against the wall with Kahlan's force. Thorin knew that it couldn't have happened sooner, someone had to put Vylrath in his place- he only wished it had been him. The chaos blade reacted to his thoughts, pulsating a hue now and then. He no longer forced his power, knowing very well what had happened last time. They didn't need the Unseelie King attacking, when they were already fighting.

Staying silent, he watched the fight with Kahlan and Vylrath. It ended swiftly- as swiftly as Kahlan's anger had emerged. Her angelic form was beautiful and breathtaking, even for someone like Thorin. The blades reacted simultaneously, strangely enough, to the presence of Kahlan. It was a warning, but not one he could do anything about.

Forgetting about Vylrath and Kahlan, he looked toward Igraine. He wanted to talk to her, but he felt a strange distance between them. When he saw her fear, he wanted to comfort her, but he was afraid of touching her with his new essence. He was changed, that was certain. New voices in his head warned him of being near her for long periods of time. Maybe it was the darkness finally consuming him. He couldn't tell, he just knew he didn't want to risk her safety over his desire to be with her.

“Igraine...” He spoke her name for the first time since arriving. His voice would be different, as if part of him was lost somewhere. There were other powerful entities, but right now he focused on her safety. Seeing Vylrath exposed and weakened further created a twisted enjoyment in him. If he couldn't deliver his punishment, at least someone like Kahlan could.

He wondered how Igraine viewed him. Did she fear him now? Thorin didn't know how much he had changed since he had left- maybe it was hopeless trying to reconnect with her.

The chaos blade and Vuri blade prevented him from showing, or sharing much emotion. Thorin was totally unaware of this side effect from possessing the blades. It was just part of the process of being controlled by the weapons themselves. Slowly, he would lose himself in their power. It didn't help that he recently acquired Vuri abilities, that could be used with the blade. Thorin was beginning to see his fate before anyone else.

In a desperate attempt to protect Igraine, he used his shadow ability to bind Vylrath. Shadows would become a physical substance, they would bind Vylrath across the arms and legs, even shield Vylrath from being able to pursue magic against Thorin.

Thorin couldn't take it any longer, he had already lost Igraine once and he wasn't going to lose her again- even if that meant going against Vylrath. In a sense, he would be getting revenge. Thorin kept Vylrath as his prisoner until Kahlan and D'Angelo would return.

Speaking to Kahlan only, he hoped she could understand him through her own madness.

"I'll make sure he doesn't try anything." Thorin said, standing in front of the imprisoned Vylrath. It was a sight that he never thought he'd see.

[Herald_of_Fate]

Slyail watched the exchanges in stark silence, taking the opportunity to catch his breath, reestablish focus. The displays of power, frightening as they might have been to some, weren't of much concern to him at the moment. A vibration powerful enough to counter the singing? His mind whirled for a solution.

"I may be able to produce such a pulse but I'd have to be closer or utilize an amplifier...is there a bell in the castle? A large one?"

If so, he might be able to use it to give him the significant boost in volume to drown the Siren out, with a few modifications. The Water Mage whirled about, eyeing the towers until he saw what it was he wanted: above the chapel, glistening in the fading evening sun was an ornate bell, far larger than necessary. Still an issue remained. He'd be a sitting duck, having to be high up to send the vibration across the distance. There was also the matter of altering the bell the way he would require. Shifting his colorless eyes to Rayn, he smiled. His questions were answered.

"Rayn, is there any way you could carry me up to that bell and rip the top off of it, set it on its side? I think I've got a plan. I'll lay a mist to cover Kahlan and the others and use the bell to try and drown out the singing. I'm unsure of how long I'll be able to keep such a vibration up. I'd say you'll have about 10 minutes free, though you may need some sort of ear protection. I agree that Igraine should remain here. Her condition and the danger any of us could pose should something go wrong are reason enough, but also we all here are warriors. What sort of weaklings would our enemies think us to send a pregnant woman to face an enemy while we've our arms and our wits?! I may be new to the Court but that does not seem to be the way the Seelie Fae fight their battles!"

The Merrow King's eyes flashed with anticipation, intent on doing his best to bring this to end and take this bold enemy down. His resolve was almost palpable, his words seeking to speak to the best in the immensely powerful gathering before him. If they worked together, this Siren would be child's play.