Sanctuary

[Vylrath]

It had been days, maybe even weeks, before Vylrath woke up to full senses. Now he felt in control of himself. His guilt had washed over him, riddling him with inner-question’s that had never plagued him until this curse.

Everybody needed a sanctuary: even demons and past Queen’s. In thought to his past actions, he had been attempting to rebuild Tempus- the God that Isabella had been worshipping since before he knew her. He knew that he wasn’t skilled in the arts, but he thought he had done a damn good job at attempting perfection.

His boyish personality had gotten the better of him. He had founded the room, when he had been scouting during the first weeks of their arrival. It may have been designed as a private prayer house, or some odd meeting hall. However, it still had enough light where she could find peace. He found that not all of the light had been covered. He studied his work once more, growing anxious over what her reaction might be. Vylrath had been around human’s enough, to recognize their physique.

Looking upward to admire the facial features, he had personally carved, he wondered if Tempus would be rolling in his own grave. Would the old God have ever fathomed, that a demon would be rebuilding a statue in likeness of him? He doubted it.

Building the statue had brought back old muscle and kept his mind busy. It would be an ultimate gift for Isabella. He had remembered his cruel comment: Did your God die, when I changed you? He sighed at himself, his mind constantly working.

He sat for a moment, as if in counsel with the statue.

Blood had been spilled across the chest of the statue. It looked like symbolism, but they appeared alive with a foreign light. It made the statue look like a living ghost of Isabella’s past. The Great God Tempus was there for her- his sword, shield, and the pose that Vylrath had miraculously remembered.

Leaving his place, he shut the heavy stone doors behind him. They drew up dust and bits of debri from the tile floor keeping them in place. He would show her his gift soon, maybe even in the morning, so the first light could shine in her sanctuary.

“By the gods, never has a woman been so complicated in my life!” He threw his arms up in the air, letting his voice echo down the corridor like a disembodied spirit.

He chuckled, fairly amused with himself. Things had calmed down since his madness. He avoided Caela and still yearned for Kahlan. Would one woman never be enough to satisfy him

[Jen]

"We find vexing you to be a pleasing passtime." Isabella sat in the garden which was off the hallway that Vylrath was meandering down. She sat with her legs crossed, her wrists wresting on her knees, and her palms face up. Her eyes were closed and her head was tilted back to catch the light spilling through the open ceiling. It wasn't a gaping hole, but intended to give the garden light and water. The green that had once thrived in the garden was starting to come back as Caela or Isabella took turns and watered the vegetation daily within the garden.

For all the world Isabella could have been a statue grown from the natural stone beneath her. The only sign of her living was the slow and steady rise of her chest as she breathed. Caela was no where in sight, but Isabella knew that she was in and out of the Faerie as much as possible. Leaving her children to Kahlan and the Faerie had worn her down -- and Isabella was sure the children were aging. She didn't fault Caela at all for wanting to stay with her babies as they grew. Their return would be imminent once Caela and Kahlan felt they were old enough to hold their own.

"What have you been up to?" Only her mouth moved as she kept her head tilted back to catch the first light of dawn. It was a ritual with her that made her feel cleansed in a way bathing in any sort of holy water never had. She took a deep breath, expanded her chest, and let it out slowly -- never once opening her eyes. She hadn't seen Vylrath for some time, but she had heard him muttering and tinkering. Out of respect for her own sanity she had left his mind alone and hadn't bothered looking in on him. Besides, she would know if he were hurting himself -- a reflection (if not as severe) would appear on her. If he killed himself, unless he miraculously found a way to shelter her, she would die too. So far there had been nothing to worry about. A few bruises, a stubbed toe, and she almost swore that a few days ago a hammer had smacked into her finger.

As the first light of dawn winked over the side of the temple Isabella sighed in relief. There would be no talking for a few minutes as she soaked in the cold sunlight. When the moment was over, Isabella glanced down at Vylrath -- her gaze not unlike a hawk. Her eyes were sharp and beautiful with their inky black rings surrounding the otherwise brilliant turquoise iris. He might notice that, as time had passed, her brown hair was starting to slowly turn an inky blue black. However, it was still as lively and full as it had been before his decision to turn her into whatever he had become.

"Well?" She arched one slender brow as she stared at Vylrath from atop her stone perch -- still soaking in the morning sunlight. The day would be rather warm by the feel of it.

[Vylrath]

He heard her voice, the mockery mild. Vylrath came from behind the corridor and motioned for her to follow him. His mind had been shut off, calm in the wake of a storm. He was sure others, with familiar powers like the vampire, would sense their uprising. Vylrath let the thought slip him, his mind didn’t need to be dragged down by repeating the past.

“It’s childish, maybe even ridiculous, but I made you something.” He said, with an awkward calmness. Without letting her question it, he walked toward the door that he had just closed. He grasped the stone handles and pulled: she would see the sight of her God.

“This place is for you. I will not step foot in it, unless you give me permission, nor will anyone else. This is your sanctuary- do what you will with it! I have no use for Gods and they have no use for me.” The last statement, gave away his age. He was still an old soul.

Before she could even thank him, he was off again. His armor needed tending to. The armory was his true sanctuary: everything had been laid out for the makings of his weapon. He remembered the swords that the Goddess had blessed him with. His bastard son, Roen, had lost the most important sword: Chaos. The sword Light had been hidden away, something only a purest of heart would have use for. If he could just get his hands on the chaotic sword once more, he would make this race of his absolute.

He sat pondering his motives, breathing in the sense of new life coming into him.

Vylrath was finally home.

[paper_stars]

What an interesting place. She thought as she stood in the mist of the wilderness around her..did she know were she was? not at all..she just 'woke up' and found herself here. Though the thought of not knowing where she was didnt bother her one bit..she rather liked the idea being somewhere she may have never been before..Yes.

Dark eyes shifted back and forth as she examined her surroundings..she was here for sometime, just aimlessly wandering about this very strange and beautiful land..however its beauty didn't faze her so much..it hardly compared to how she felt about herself and her own beauty..She would rather drown in herself than 'enjoy' the beauty of the land.

"Hmn..how strange." Her head tipped to the side as she stopped by a tree fingers lightly caressing between the rivets of bark. "I didn't notice anyone was here..." the shadows shifted behind her as the sun seemed to slow move in the sky..time simply passing by. "Oh..don't worry, I didn't forget about you my darlings..my shadows." She smiled sweetly to herself and leaned against the trunk of the tree, lightly placing her cheek against it.

"Oooh..." she closed her eyes as she listened as she felt the sudden rush over power, the shift in the land and the rise of emotions.."Wonderous..it's been so long.." She licked her lushes pink lips as she pressed her body into the tree.."I miss it.." she said to the tree, to her shadows..and mainly to herself.

She moved her hand up the tree slowly in a passionate caress before bring it down quickly; digging her nails into the tree..the bark biting into her porcelain skin..blood seeping from the paper cut like wounds as she withdrew her hand to examine it. "mmm.." Shards of wood stuck out from her fingertip where she had dug her finger into the tree too harshly..she shivered and the sight of her blood and removed the shard of bark.

The shadows shifted again as she withdrew herself from the tree and started to walk barefoot over the land. Fascinated with the little bit of blood that now tickled down her index finger..she waited and watched it stain her beautiful skin before she took her tongue and drew it up to the very tip were she would suck on the small wound.

However this woman was not only barefoot but she was completely in the nude and hardly even noticed..she walked through the forest like she walked down a runway, strutting..powerful..intimdating and in her own thoughts beautiful.

She was a small thing, very fragile looking..skinny with an average size bosom ..her body was fairly normal with just a hint of curves to her hips that only showed when she shifted them in her seductive walk.

Skin smooth with no blemishes or hairs..like a perfectly crafted doll. Her deep dark brown hair fell in a feathery cascade down her shoulders to the mid of her back..slick and shimmery in the light of sun.

As she finished enjoying the taste of her own blood she whipped that same hand out in mid air beckoning them forth..and the power would engulf her in an instance of shadows.

Seeping from her body like a disease they would remove from her and leave behind a light black mesh dress to cover part of her body but hide nothing from view. The cloth lightly touched at her upper thighs and draped effortlessly over her shoulders and arms.

Her curiosity pulled her closer to this interesting gathering of beings..to the power and emotions she felt, she found pleasure in it..and wanted to feel more and see what the cause of all this attention was.

How long did it take her to reach this temple? She did not know, she didnt keep track..time was nothing to her, this world..this place truly was nothing in her presence.

She stopped not to far away from it gazing upon it and feeling the power that shown almost brighter than the sun to her eyes..what a wonderful beckon to draw more near..she thought as she curiously gazed upon the structure.

The corner of her mouth twisting up in a devious smile..how long would it take..for whoever was here..around to notice her now?

It was so very exciting.

[Jen]

In reality, it didn't take long for someone to find the errant child-like creature lurking in the woods surrounding the Sanctuary of the Vuri. There would be no sound, no visual shift in the way the world worked, no incredible sense of horror to convey the creature's presence. It would seem as if she had just materialized out of nowhere.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" The voice was soft and had the aching singsong quality of a faery. If the person turned around they would be surprised to see what could only appear to be a goddess. Caela was not a goddess, she was nothing but a Vuri. This creature, once Caela revealed herself to it, could have no doubt about that. Caela's power was startling, just like the ones indoors -- if not as old.

The woman was fantastic in appearance. Long blonde hair fell in rich coils past her waist and to her hips. It was held back at the temples with what appeared to be a...vine? Her eyes were beautiful in the extreme sense of the word. Sunlight filtering through the canopy high above their heads pierced the deep sapphire blue of her iris, revealing the silver pinpricks like stars in a nightsky. This woman, this Vuri looked nothing short of regal standing there wearing a simple white sleeveless gown with leaves in her well groomed hair.

The only sign that she could not be a goddess of nature, an angel of life, or any sort of being other than a Vuri (which the world was not aware of yet) was the discoloration of the vegetation surrounding Caela. However, instead of the vegetation dying off as it had for Vylrath -- the plant-life was changing and taking on a blue sheen not unlike the faint blue shimmer of Caela's own skin. Her eyes were riveted on the pretty little creature, pondering something, when a sound echoed from behind her. Caela, however, didn't move.

"Mother? What is the problem?"

"We have company, it would seem."

A young man, no older than perhaps sixteen summers, stepped from behind Caela as if also materializing out of nowhere. He was handsome as only a demon might be. His silver hair was long and thick, tied back in a ponytail. He looked like his mother, thankfully, with only hints of his father's angularity. It had taken some coercing to bring him back to the Temple. He stared at the little creature with his mismatched eyes, one violet and one turquoise -- pure representations of his mother and grandmother before their corruption by Vylrath.

The young man could only be Trydian Xanathi.

"Should we bring her to Grandmother?" It was Caela that spoke to her son, though she only broke eye contact with the little creature to stare pointedly at the temple.


-----------------------

Isabella reveled in the statue that Vylrath made for her. It was a lovely rendition of the patron deity of her religion. It brought back so many memories both good and bad. Bella sat in front of the statue, staring up at its face, marveling at the detail for which Vylrath expended his powers. She may have thanked him, though he left so quickly that she wasn't sure. She resolved to make certain that she thanked him for this sanctuary and this statue.

It was then that she felt the uneasiness of Caela beyond the walls of the Temple proper. They had spent time cleaning up the place, picking weeds, planting plants and encouraging growth. Mother and Daughter had spent time getting to know each other better as the man responsible for their current position made their sanctuary possible.

"Vylrath..." She spoke outloud but offered him a message in his mind. He probably already knew they had a visitor -- but she wanted to make certain that he knew that Caela was outside facing the visitor with their son Trydian.

She was quickly on the move, carefully closing her sanctuary door, and heading toward her daughter. Who knew what sort of threat this "visitor" would pose to them?

[Vylrath]

This creature was a sweet thing-so quick to being, but that was how they always were. He was thoroughly amused. Sisters of his world had always tempted him with that very nature. They were always suffering souls, or just flesh of madness.

Whatever her reason for existing, she had chosen their home as a reckoning.

He stood by Caela, maybe shocking her about his own presence unable to announce itself. However, he doubted his daughter or ex-wife could be shocked by his nature anymore. He made a motion toward the creature, one of peace, making an awkward glyph in the air, something only a demon would understand. It basically meant that she was welcome on his turf, provided she didn’t harm any of the others.

“Why are you here, Sister? I didn’t call you.” He was worried that someone had sent her after him. Vylrath didn’t exactly possess a pristine reputation with his dark cousins. He had abandoned their world, for this realm. Demons didn’t really need to be called, but it was awkward that one of such pure blood, would show up at their doorstep.

“You are welcome here, but I must warn you, I will not tolerate violence against my kin.” He motioned for the demoness to come inside, if she would. He hoped that he could visit with her. It had been long since he had been in the presence of his own blood. Maybe she had news of their dark underground? He knew that demons, especially of the feminine kind, could be filled with madness. Secretly, he worried about Caela’s safety.

Another presence stopped his heart: Trydian. The boy had matured since being in the fae realm. He feared him, naturally, but he would not show his fault. He walked past Trydian and let him practically bathe in his emotions.

“Your grandmother will be happy to see you.” It was all he could say. He would not scorn the young man, or let him stay outside with this demonness. It was strange to feel some paternal connection with a son he hardly knew.

If the demonness was true to her nature, she would definitely feel the essence of the Temple. It was covered in his blood, alive with their source. He walked toward the Temple, eager for news.

“Come, Sister. We will talk…I welcome you.” He bowed, knowing his place. The males lived differently in the dark underground than they did in this realm. They obeyed the demonness – regardless of their position or rank in society. A single demonness could kill a handful of males. Isabella and Caela would never understand why he bowed, but he would warn them later.


He hoped Isabella had felt the stranger.

Keep your distance if you feel uncomfortable. He could only warn Isabella. Maybe she would stay in her sanctuary, even the Demonness couldn’t step foot in that place.

[paper_stars]

Much quicker than she had anticipated ..indeed, her lips slowly curled into a devious smirk as this woman appeared out of no where. The woman would turn as this strange female being materialized behind her..and her dark almost black eyes would glide down her body the way a lovers hands would delicately touch.

She wasn't impressed ..nor stunned.. her beauty was simple.. almost nothing, it was just beauty after all and she wasn't fazed with appearances.

She would tip her chin up a bit, she looked around seven teen or so in appearance..but her age...oh she was very very old, in fact..much older than this land..the people..their ancestors.

She has experienced lifetime a millions times over..and would enjoy doing so more years to come. She has died, suffered, lived and loved..and she would never change a thing...except...

Her shadows would shift away from the shadows of the trees and woo ever so sorrowfully into the strange woman's ear..crying softly to her about what they missed and begging for her attention.

She silently soothed them with a motion of her hand..calming them to silence for the time being.

The dark thick shadows would shift and take on the form of a two headed wolf..only they remained as shadows..no eyes, no fur, just black with bright white fangs.

Demonic power radiated from her, from those shadows they seeped about her like a diseased fog..but yet, it did not harm the land she stood on.

She had full control over her power, over these strange shadows.. she was not as weak and fragile as she may appeared. The rest of her power would be undetected ..blocked with an intention to purposely hide it..to make them wonder...because she was sure, and what she had learned in the past..people always seemed to posses the ability to sense it..and so she purposely hid it from them..to watch them squirm preferably.

The woman would not answer the child, she would not give her the enjoyment of her name just yet..because she felt the shift in the air..the materializing out of no where, another one would appear.

But this one, a young man..a young demon.

Mother he said..

Her lips twisted in a vicious smile as she looked him over..ahhh how she loved it when they were 'wet' behind the ears.

"Dawn." she she said after the mother spoke to her son.."I am. Dawn."

The tip of her tongue slid over her lips as she looked to the mother..considering her curiously. "I am here..because I am. That is the only reason..no purpose, no destiny and no fate..I just am."

She would shrug lightly.

However her expression would turn to that of great amusement as the 'master' she would call him, appeared and greeted her with welcoming. It has been a very long time since she had seen the symbol he had made and in return she made a mock gesture of compliance. She would not harm his kin, usually she hardly harmed anything else she was angered..threatened or in sexual situations..otherwise she entertained herself without threatening another's life...

Sometimes..she couldnt always help those lovely urges.

Instantly she could smell the blood relation before he even stated they were his skin, their power similar.. his power stronger, she could feel it within the ground and temple behind her..it made goose bumps crawl over her skin; oh how she missed being awake..it was just so much fun being in the mortal realms.

A mischievous smirk would cross her face at his words..Called. No one called for her, no one ever summoned her. It only happened twice..the first was a calling for aid rather than a summoning to someone who forcefully wanted their bidding done. The first was by a god..who was lesser of the rest in that time..even so she wasn't exactly able to deny his call, his urges..his desires. He was the one..it was so strange how the fates could play with the lives of even the gods..her soul mate. One and only. He was evil, devious and deadly as her, they made the perfect match in love..and life.

But one day...one day he was gone, and that's how she came upon the creature that stood at her side. The shadows, so sorrowful and pained to have lost their master..they stuck to her like a fly on sticky paper..she was all they had left of him, they only thing they could find even a part of him was her..and with the years and years gone, the more they became hers.

She and their master was as one once..souls forever connected..but now? well there is a sense of being lost at times..it was comforting to have these strange shadows with her..because in them sometimes she found parts of her lover..

After his disapearnce she and the shadows had laid down for slumber and thats when the second summoning awoke her sooner than she wanted..she was furious enraged and too powerful for that person to control..she tortured them, made them suffer until death..and ever since then she has never been called..or summoned.

Dawn would roll her eyes and wave off his worry for his kin "Do not fret brother...I wont harm them." She turned her head a bit as he beckoned her to follow him inside. "You have my word."

One last look would be given to the young man before she turned to follow her brother into his temple.

She would grin at his respectful bow..ahh it was so refreshing being around those a little bit older than the pups..the pups were so arrogant and annoying..most were never able to grasp their true ways.

Her shadows dispersed in a light and sorrowful hiss..but they always remained with her even if they weren't seen.

Oh this place would be entertaining yet..she thought as she followed a step or two behind him.

[Jen]

Caela rolled her eyes as her father rolled over like a lapdog to the intruder. She almost wondered if he was aware that he fell to his knees at the mere glance from a woman. In reality, the only woman that Vylrath cowered to was Kahlan. She smiled at that and thought that having the High Queen of Ulster as a step mother wouldn't be a very bad thing. Vylrath, however, was a very dense old man.

If the demoness had opened her eyes a little wider, looked just a little closer, she might realize that while she may sense no intense demonic presence -- Vylrath and Caela were both half demons. Vylrath the older by far, and Caela's slowly turning half. Apparantly spending so much time in the Faerie had affected the way in which her father had turned her -- in so much that she seemed to be more capable of growing things and healing.

"Listen to your father. Go see your grandmother, she will be proud to see how you have grown." Caela kissed her son on the forehead as he bowed to her. She could feel the shaking hatred that her son had for Vylrath and she could understand it. She had grown up perilously close to the edge of insanity because of the man. In the end, he had broken her of any ill habit that she might have been capable of acquiring. Vylrath had given his daughter a resolve to be good instead of evil. She smiled at the back of the demoness' head as she followed them into the Temple proper.

Caela almost wished Kahlan would show up. She wagered that Kahlan's presence would be at the very least uncomfortable for the demoness.

--------------------------------

As it were, Trydian didn't have to go far to find his Grandmother. She was entering the main section of the Temple. She hadn't heard Vylrath's warning, but then again she wasn't worried. A genuine smile for her grandson found its way to Isabella's lips and eyes.

"My, how you have grown Trydian!" She hugged her grandson tightly and kept one arm around his shoulders as she turned to face Vylrath. She lost that genuine smile and replaced it with a cynical smirk as she noticed their guest was anything but wholesome.

"I find it very intriguing that the creatures of darkness flock to our power like flies to a bloated corpse." Isabella may not know her intent or her inherent nature but there was no hiding dark energy. Especially when the woman was blatantly capable of controlling shadows. Last Isabella checked, a person with good intentions didn't play with shadows and negative energies. Besides, Vylrath was all over her in a way that meant she could only be a demoness. Or she was breeding. Or, well, in heat. Then again, with a visible effort at holding back her laughter, Isabella wasn't sure a demoness could be "in heat".

Isabella bent her head to the demoness a fraction, acknowledging her presence if not meeting her eyes directly. Her eyes settled on her daughter behind the demoness and Vylrath.

"So Trydian, tell me..." She motioned for Caela to follow her as she turned and lead Trydian and Caela into her sanctuary. The demoness could not follow and would be completely walled out of the large room by power that was Vylrath's and her own.

[Vylrath]

He struck at Caela with his mind, making him feel his force like a malevolent wind. It would stem like a migraine, building and erupting into sharp pain. Do you want to get us killed? You are of my blood, but you know NOTHING of where I came from! Females decide who lived and died in my realm! Why do you think I was powerless when I was banished? He let the words flow into Isabella, also. It was true. Age did not matter with a male. Their goddess had decided to bless the females with immediate power when they were only in wombs. Males suffered extreme tests of faith, often ridiculed to a breaking point.

Half-demonesses could contain the equivalent power, but it would not be the extent that they wished. He had seen Caela roll her eyes, and hoped that his formidable strike, had sent them rolling out of their sockets. They would never understand. He was glad for the new presence. Since seeing the demoness, he felt old again and wished to depart from this realm. What could he offer her? Sex did almost nothing for him. Not since he had been with a near mortal.

“Forgive them. They don’t know us!” He spoke in a different language, a different tongue. His body followed hers like her shadows. Would she have any news? Maybe she had seen too much of the surface to determine realities. He hoped this wasn’t true- he had missed much since his leave.

“Sit...” He motioned toward his own makeshift throne. The throne had been given the symbolism of a great phoenix. The headrest the most impressive, with the wings jutting to meet the head in an uproarious victory. Jeweled eyes gleamed from the mythicial bird, with whatever light was still available to the cavernous temple.

The gesture would be one of the greatest compliments and the most insulting for Isabella.

[Jen]

Ebb and flow as Vylrath's temper might, neither Caela or Isabella were adversely affected by his shouting tantrum. He had, in effect, broken his mental tie with his own new race when he gave himself over to whatever force drove his actions. His black eyes were a testament to that. He could scream when it fit his mood, but together, Isabella and Caela could will him out of their minds and shut him out. Isabella's abilities to infiltrate the mind were still strong but she only used her gift if forced.

I strongly suggest you attend to your guest and leave us out of this. You do not own us. You will not force our hands to accept or bow to anything.

Isabella's face never changed as she spoke calmly to Vylrath. Out of those gathered she had dealt with the petulant man the longest and therefore was the calmest. She could read the pain on her daughter's face. His audacity at hurting Caela every chance he got was beginning to get old. Hadn't he hurt her enough?

By now they were comfortably inside Isabella's sanctuary and she sat cross legged on the stone floor in front of the statue of Tempus, facing her daughter and grandson.

"How was the Faerie?"

"As fantastic as ever, Mother."

"How are your powers?"

"Growing. You would like me to attend to the garden while I am here?"

"Yes, please. I know you have learned much while with the Fae. It may work to our advantage so that we don't have to go far from this place to find sources of food beyond meat."

"As you wish, Mother." Isabella watched Caela move with a slender grace. She looked caught between old age and womanhood. Still, Vylrath lashed out at her as if everything wrong in his life was her fault. Isabella shook her head as the Caela opened one of the ornate double doors and closed it behind her. Her eyes settled on Trydian who still shook with ill concealed rage.

"Your father is old. He does not think like people do in this place. He was raised in Hell and still thinks and reacts in ways that are not acceptable in the Human world. I am not asking you to forgive him for his faults. I ask you to tolerate him for your Mother.

"How am I to tolerate a man that begot me on his own daughter and then neglects to claim me? In every sense that I got from him while I was in the womb, he was certain that I would be the perfect son for him -- that because I was a full blooded demon he would own his incest and claim me. Now he will not and he hurts my Mother even more."

"He cannot help himself. Vylrath is not unlike a fickle fox. When there is easier quarry to be had, he will abandon everything he has gained and go for the kill elsewhere. That he is still here, among us, is a miracle. I would wager it is simply because he has given us power -- and he can no longer give your mother and I anything else. We are shut out to him and his power to control us."

"I don't like him."

"You don't have to. He's your father. No one asks you to understand him, love him, or even like him. Tolerate him like we all do."

"Your patience is legendary, Grandmother. All I desire is to stick a knife in his heart and serve it, split in two, to you and Mother."

"I'm not entirely sure he has a heart, my darling."

Isabella smiled as Trydian barked a genuine laugh. When he was not worried and was allowed to free his emotions the boy was incredibly beautiful in his own right. His eyes, one lavender and one turquoise, were a testament to the women in his life and his protective abilities. He was their bodyguard and his sister's savior. As if remembering Sebilla, Isabella smiled warmly.

"How is Sebilla?"

"She studies far too much. Her seeing powers are excellent, though. She will be powerful. She desires to become an Oracle of sorts once she is done in the Faerie."

"She is a gifted young woman, just like you are a gifted man. How does she look?"

"Hideous. She's got the most perfect little face, perfect hair, and perfect silver eyes." Trydian rolled is own eyes and rested his hands on his knees. Isabella laughed and rested one of her hands on his in a grandmotherly gesture.

"When will she be home?"

"Soon, I hope. I do not like being away from her, but it was time for my return."

Isabella nodded and looked around the room. She didn't have a care in the world for the demoness beyond the four walls of her large sanctuary. She wasn't afraid for Caela because she would not cross paths, intentionally, with the creature unless Vylrath intended her harm.

"Come, show me what you have learned."

------------------------------------

Caela moved like a silent wraith through the webwork of halls in the temple. When she arrived at the garden in the middle, Caela went to work immediately. She kneeled in the dirt and worked to move plants and encourage them to grow properly. Her white dress was dirty in places, but overall she was very careful. Caela unplugged the natural spring that had once been used to feed the plants. As the cold clear water bubbled to the surface her face lit up with a smile.

While she worked she hummed a soft song that had no words, that she seemed to feel and hear in her own mind but could never voice beyond a hum. She hadn't heard the song in the Faerie as far as she knew, but it was comforting to her and so she continued to hum as she worked. Never quite understanding the reason beyond the beauty and soul of the song.

She knew, as she worked, that the plants themselves changed in various ways. Dead ones remained dead, but seeds sprouted in various ways. Perhaps their color was off, a little more blue mixed with the green. Maybe they flowered when they weren't supposed to, logically, be capable of producing flowers. Some produced fruit of perfect edible quality out of season, while others no longer produced fruit at all -- even if they were supposed to. Caela was starting to get the hang of what power her father had given her, mixed with the knowledge of her Faerie training, could do for the plants in their garden. Her mother was nice enough to let her experiment -- knowing always that Caela needed to learn by persuing rather than book reading. Besides, there was no book to be read on their gifts. Similarities, yes, but actual knowledge would come from their own trials.

If anyone ventured into the garden, where Isabella's large sitting rock graced the center, they would find Caela meticulously working with her back to the open archway. Her tools set within reach, a soft smile fixed on her lips, and her hands covered in dirt.


(Sorry for post hopping. I needed to clarify a few things and give myself a potential to stay in the thread ^_^)

[paper_stars]

How disrespectful they were to him, all that he had offered and seemed to have done from what she could see and feel. Dawn's ideals had changed once she spent her time with her lover..she had a different respect for males..Though she still held herself at a higher regard, she wasnt as quick to judge or smite. Unless angered.

She rolled her head against her shoulder and somewhat dismissed what he said, it hardly bothered her. "Indeed. They do not." her reply would be soft in that similar tongue, the opposite of her demeanor; her voice literally oozed with the joy of hearing him speak that beautiful language..it has after all been such a long time.

But then.. he motioned towards his throne.

Silence fell like sudden despair and her shadows sat quiet in her mist, they felt it..what she was feeling as the rush went through her body, a grin sliding across her face. How fabulous this was, that he offered her to sit in his throne. It brought back a flood of memories which caused her eyes to shimmer with her vicious desire. She remembered the same.. from him, his offered of power..his offer of his very own life and soul to her..all those emotions and heated desires rushed through her body like the first time she felt it, his touch..his lips and his power.

Step by step she approached Vylrath's throne. She couldnt deny the offer even if she wanted too, the pull was to strong... the want for her soul mate had planted a seed she could not destory and the urge to find him again begian to grown once more..her shadows stirred and followed as she neared.

Her movements were seductive and graceful, the stance of her body changed as she reached her hand out and slowly drew her fingers over the details of the chair; touching it in the manner she had touched him..

Oh her beloved; she would tear this world to shreds in search of him.

Turning she sat down into his seat and leaned back comfortably "A magnificent throne." She literally melted into it.

Her dark eyes settled on him and she held her hand out towards him beckoning him forth "Come here darling, It's a shame your family disrespects you so.." It was a shame..but also an embaressment..and a dishonor to her kind that he allowed these otherworldly beings..half demon or not to disrespect him.

He was their maker, so to speak.

Perhaps they had more in common..with being gone from their world for so long, she had been called away and since then..things had turned upside down if it could even get more upside down than what her life was already about.

Her shadows shifted but remained subdued of their woes as they hovered behind the throne as their mistress sat in it.

[Vylrath]

He watched her sit on the throne, the voice in him challenging his decision. It had been rash and not well-thought out, but that was how Vylrath Xanathi worked as a man. He kneeled down, as if giving his solute to a new Queen. He actually feared for his own hide and for his family, even though this new demoness said, she would not harm a single hair on his kin.

“Join us and this can be your new home! I have much to offer…I wish to grant you my blood? Please…just a simple token.”

He asked her, raising his wrist to her lips. He treated her, as if she were the Dark Lilith herself. “Don’t you feel a loss, wandering without a purpose?” He felt the chill of her shadows and allowed his own to manifest with hers. They mingled, teasing each other’s like a dark perversion.

He wanted a new Queen and someone to have his children with pure blood. Maybe she would accept his offer and maybe she would sooner spit in his eye. He hoped that she would accept his proposal. Vylrath wouldn’t mean to keep her here, as a prisoner, but merely as a comfortable ally and mate.

“Drink….it is the most exotic. I would not offer, if it did not possess a certain character.” Vylrath kept himself to her left side, with his arm still in offering. He felt an empowerment when he was by her side. Maybe it was the fact that they were both demons, but he felt an odd connection with her. He was not a demon at this moment, but he could remember how it once felt and it excited him. His young face looked up at her with an earnest longing.

“Please…”

[Jen]

"Are you ready?"

"Yes, my lady. I am ready."

"I will see you to the Temple so nothing happens to you."

"As you wish, Grandmother." Sebilla looked up at Kahlan with wistful silver eyes and smiled. Kahlan had always been nice to her. Had always found in her some hidden strength when Sebilla felt she had none. Kahlan believed in her like no one else ever had, and for that Sebilla had worshipped her like a grandmother.

She was not her Grandfather's wife, however. As far as Sebilla could remember there was no wife for her evil grandfather, just heartache. Kahlan had loved him though, and a stronger woman the world had never owned. Heaven itself was less grand for the lack of this one angel. Sebilla understood Kahlan's story and she also realized how hard a life the woman had really lead. It gave her hope when it seemed there was none to be had.

"They're all home I believe." Kahlan spoke softly and raised her head a fraction to peer through the dense green foliage. There was always a wild aspect when considering the once High Queen of Ulster. There was an air of the unknown about her that gave her an edge. No one was quite sure what she was capable of.

Kahlan took Sebilla by the hand and lead her to the Temple proper. No one had summoned her, but no one had come to get Sebilla either. She considered Caela's children her own pseudo grandchildren and their safety was utmost her concern -- especially coming from the Faerie.

Kahlan glanced down at Sebilla and smiled, the child had grown into an elegant and beautiful young woman. There had been no doubt that she would inherit her mother's beauty and her father's eager will. It was a shame that Mateo had never come to know the daughter he had given Caela. Her smile widened slightly as she cast a glance over her shoulder to the wooded area. Then again, Vylrath had never come to know his own daughter either. Perhaps, one day, when things were different they would be able to meet without pretentions and misgivings.

Vylrath would know she was there. Kahlan's very presence was one that was unmistakable. The demoness would know she had arrived as well, but she wouldn't know who -- or what -- she was. An angel, the bane of the demoness' existence, yes -- that would be unmistakable. The other mixture of things, all dangerous in their own right, were there too. Even to Vylrath, mixed and crazed as he was, Kahlan was dangerous. It was a testament to Vylrath's true nature that Kahlan hadn't killed him when they bedded. Her feelings for him (and her other powers) had sheltered him from the onslaught of her one true nature. If he still felt for her he didn't show it, but then he had always surrounded himself with women. Kahlan had come to the understanding that she would be alone for eternity in the end. That did not stop her love, desire, or feelings.

Kahlan stopped short of entering the Temple and helped Sebilla over the broken stairs.

"Go see your mother and grandmother. Your brother is worried sick, if I know him." Kahlan laughed and kissed the girl on her forehead before sending her into the Temple. Kahlan would not enter the temple without an invitation. She did, however, linger along the fringe of the woods -- her green gown blending elegantly with the waist high ferns.

Wild.

Kahlan would only stay a short time.

---------------------------

"Come along, then. If you want this old windbag of a Demon, you have to help get there." Mikhael set foot on the rocky shore of the Isle of Xexoria and looked around. He was devilishly handsome and exceedingly desirable. Was there any doubt as to why the once Princess of Ulster flocked and clung to him like a needy child?

Mikhael stretched his strong arms high over his head and sprinted like a fox up to the treeline and back again. He was exhuberant with the landing of the ship and the close proximity to a quarry.

Mikhael turned back toward his lover and smiled his heartbreakingly handsome smile.

"Well? Coming, love?"

[paper_stars]

Dawn tipped her head to the side as she watched him and listened to him speak, join them? his horrible and disrespectful family? Her nose crinkled a little bit as she considered his offer and that oh so tempting 'token'.

"A loss..." she brought her fingers lightly over the top of his wrist..yes, she has felt a loss. But was it a wandering purpose that brought forth this loss? or was it other wise..well, she knew the answer to that. But if she joined him, what did he expect? Children? she hated children..she even dispised the thought of having her own entirely..she'd rather them be completely destroyed within her womb before given the chance at life.

But..it would be a powerful spawn between them..even though the thought of matting with him wasnt a very pleasing idea..he stank of all the other women he has laid with before. Idly she scrapped at his skin with her nails as she went over his offer in her head.

Her shadows moaned and twisted with his own in a frightening dance of attraction, however they were not a display of her feelings..but rather their own feelings.

The voices in her head finally started to speak to her once more, they had been dormant when she was sleeping..and it usually took them longer to awaken. whispers they started out as..her own voice mixed with others, they echoed and sung..chit chatted and requisitioned his offer. Her eyes closed for a moment as she wrapped her hand tightly around his wrist and squeezed hard enough that for any normal man there would be a tremendous amount of pain.

She felt the presence of this new being outside, but Dawn didnt advert her attention from the question at hand. She wasnt intimidated by it, even if this being by chance was more powerful than her or not..Dawn simply didnt care.

Stand...

Suddenly she released his wrist and stood. "I will think about it." she gently drew her fingers across his young face. The voices were growing in ferocity and her mind was preoccupied with the task she had planned to do. She wouldnt be able to tell him one way or the other until she has completed what it was she wished to do.

Her shadows slowly withdrew from his and settled near her feet like a ghostly fog.

"Later, you'll have my answer..I have some things I wish to do first." She waved her hand in the air bidding him farewell before her shadows engulfed her and she disapeared..appearing outside of the temple a ways from this new being.

Dawn smirked as she barely gave her a glance before deepening herself further into the forest and away from the temple.

She had some important things to do..and she wanted to get them done first.

----

He betrayed us because of you...The voice hissed like a deadly poisonous snake within her mind. We stole him, he is dead..destoryed you will never have him again. It would laugh, causing the other voices to stirr and rise with their own sorts of laughter.

Dawn..

She let them talk and laugh all they wanted, though it made her head twitch with their annoying tones, she had long before grown used to their chitters.

She lifted her hand and sent the shadows off to do her bidding and bring back to her the necessary supplies she will need for her ritual; while she waited for them she would walk through the forest to find herself a spot she approved off..the perfect place, it had to smell right..look right and feel right to her.

Dawn...Dawn...Dawn...you are a fool, it wont work..it never works, your always missing something..always always alwaaaaaayyys.

"Enough!" She shouted, her voice echoing through the trees. "You know nothing! you were all weak..impossible." she seemed to be talking to herself, but she was talking to those voices in her mind.

We were invincible...a voice moaned.

"And yet.. you no longer exist.."

why try to bring something back that doesn't exist? a voice asked her..

"Because I can."

She smirked and laughed as she rounded a tree and snapped off a small branch. Missing something..she never missed anything, her plan..the ritual was fool proof..it would work and work to perfection, she knows..she can feel it, this was the time..it would work here..it was his time to return.

It never worked because it was the wrong time, the wrong place..but now, here, well there was something different about this place.

How wrong she was...but Dawn would never know that, her insanity has made her thinking tainted and broken..once vibrant and intelligent thoughts now faltered against her broken mind. Especially when it counted, when she really wanted something there was always a whole filled with those voices, or floating clouds of blackness..she liked to call it. But she disregarded it as her own imagination and has grown to live and perhaps enjoy those voices in her mind. Sometimes they were helpful..

"This will do." She said as she stood atop a large rock that jaggedly protruded from the earth, carelessly dragging the stick back and forth over the stone. "Perfect."

It will work.

[Vylrath]

The demoness shocked him. What shocked him more, was that his so-called mate reached their shores. It wasn’t that he minded the presence of Kahlan, but he rather enjoyed it. With the demonness forgotten, he pulled himself up as if in a daze. He flicked his wrist, never-minding his wounded manhood. It would be a first that a woman- demoness- had not succumbed to him. Maybe he was getting old. Kahlan would certainly find humor in his personal failure to capture a new woman.

Sighing, he left the side of his throne to greet her. He could at least be pleasant, but a part of him wanted to rip the very base of the Temple to shreds. His shadows had all since dematerialized and had gone into their own realm of sorts.

Vylrath looked older and his steps cautious. Would Kahlan be the same? He remembered parting on good terms, but women could never be predictable with her type of nature. He watched Sebilla run past him, his eyes only catching her own briefly. He wouldn’t cause tension again- his mind needed peace.

“…Kahlan?” He stopped himself short and caught the image of the woman shrouded by his blackened forest. “I figured you would have the children. The women in my life were never dumb.” He beckoned for her to join them inside, but stopped his movement when he felt the other two forms trespass his lands.

******
Willow could see the Temple and she wasn’t even completely off the boat yet. Its body towered over their small frames, menacing with the strange woods covering its face. Was the demon inside? What would she do when she saw the man?

Her mate encouraged her, while her mind played the role of doubt. Could she really do what she had boasted about? Maybe they would present themselves, friendly allies and then she could strike at him, but she doubted she would be so lucky at that plan.

“Let’s go, Mikhael. I don’t like these woods. I’m sure it feels natural to you.” Daintily, she stepped off the boat, ignoring the cold and concentrating on her path ahead.

“I will let you lead…”

She would do anything she had to- even if she had to face the rest of this demons horde.