Nocturne Des Nevermore Chapter 1 continued...


Unamused Ilaron 11:23 pm tuesday july 25, 2000
Ilaron recognized the voice if not the appearance of the man that suddenly appeared behind Silvara. 'Mephistos...does she know that he's..' He sighed deeply as the bounty hunter turned to the god with a friendly smile, obviously intent on some serious flirting. 'Guess not...' Emotionless silver eyes watched them and a pale brow arched as Mephistos glanced at him, but he ignored his question.
’Ilaron.../
He snarled at his guardian, silencing her with a harsh thought and rose to his feet in surprise as both the god and the bounty hunter vanished. Cold anger rose in his soul and he flung open his senses bracing himself against the tidal wave of emotions that crashed in his mind...searching for the unique trace of her.. The anger receded and he sat back down as he closed himself against the onslaught. She was nearby, it was enough to know that the god hadn't spirited Silvara out of his reach, Ilaron's gaze fell on the sleeping lioness and he nodded. She would return. After what seemed like an indeterminably long he saw her bound through the tent and felt himself relax. It annoyed him...he hadn't realized that his entire body had been as taut as a bowstring while she had been off with Mephistos. 'Obviously, having the time of her life.' He shook his head in annoyance when he saw the excitement in her luminous eyes as she knelt and woke her guardian. 'As worked up as she is...this could last all night...' Ilaron moved closer to them, annoyance building within him as he listened to her laughing voice...finally turning into anger as she turned her attention to him.
"Uhhhh... What?"
His eyes narrowed as he knelt and swiftly grabbed her arm in his hand, pulling her up to her feet, ignoring the warning growl of the lioness. Wide lavender eyes stared at him in confusion and he opened himself to her, sending his emotions into her mind, letting her feel the anger burning within him. She gasped and tried to pull away but he was stronger. Lamashtu snarled again and her claws extended as she prepared to attack, but Valari slithered down his body, the blue serpent growing until she was thicker than his leg. The lioness and the serpent watched each other, sizing their opponent, each looking for the first opening to strike. Ilaron stopped his mental barrage against the bounty hunter but didn't release her. Not yet. His grip softened and he stared into her eyes. "Forgive me huntress."
’Valari..return to me. Now’
He silenced his guardian's protest, remaining still as the serpent shrank and crawled back up to his neck, never once looking away from Silvara's eyes. For a moment his silver eyes cloud with regret and he let his hand slide down her arm to catch her own hand and bring it to his lips in silent apology.
re: Unamused Silvara 1:06 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Silvara stood, frozen in shock, as he gently kissed her hand, unable to tear her eyes away from him as she recovered from what had just happened to her. What he had just done to her. She felt anger trying to rise up within her, but her mind was still reeling from his onslaught and the best she could do was to wrench her hand from his grasp. There had been so much anger, flooding into her and battering against her mind. She began to tremble. Lamashtu snarled beside her but Silvara pressed her hand to the lioness's head in a silent order. "Ilaron.." her voice was soft with a quiet menace, "if you ever do that to me again, I will kill you. I swear it." Silvara forced herself to meet his gaze, even though she really wanted to run from him. Anything to get away from those cold eyes.
re: Unamused Ilaron 1:37 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Ilaron nodded solemnly, knowing full well that the bounty hunter meant what she said. It wouldn't happen again, it had been inexcusable to lash out at her like that, in his anger...he hadn't even considered the damage he might have done. Silvara's mind had only had the instinctive shielding that nature had blessed her with and obviously no training as to erecting further protection. He had casually ripped aside those flimsy barriers and attacked the very core of her being. It was more than inexcusable...it was disgusting. Ilaron was filled with self-loathing at what he had done to her even as he was touched by her bravery. What he had done...attacking her that way...had formed a small bond between them and he could now sense her emotions even without using the full power of his abilities. It would only be temporary...but it was enough to sense her fear of him, but Silvara held her ground. Ilaron's eyes softened imperceptibly, she was so incredibly young...and so open...she had all but danced into the circus tent, filled with awe and excitement that her god had spoken to her. His actions had taken those emotions from her, overshadowing them... A sad smile shaped his lips as he held out his hand in invitation. "If you will walk with me, little huntress, I would hear what he said to you."
re: Unamused Silvara 2:16 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Taken aback by sad smile curving his lips, Silvara took his hand and allowed him to escort her out of the tent. He had called her little huntress, exactly as Mephistos had and the thought caused a small smile to brighten her face. Thinking about her encounter with the god also brought back a measure of the happiness and excitement that had filled her soul. At least enough to banish the lingering fear of the man beside her as she walked with him away from the crowd. "He had a task for me, I'm to watch over another one of his followers, a woman named Luna Jadon." The bounty hunter grinned as Lamashtu nodded her approval, even her guardian had liked the young woman. 'and it will be nice to have a friend again. it’s been so long..' Silvara's wistful smile faded as she turned her full attention back to Ilaron. "He didn't command me to break our contract...but I will if it interferes with protecting her." A soft frown marred her features, "besides, he said until you accepted that you need help from the gods to find her, that we’d be wasting our time searching for the woman anyway” She shrugged, "Just a guess...but I would say that you managed to annoy them somehow."
re: Unamused Ilaron 2:34 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Ilaron lifted his shoulders in the vaguest hint of a shrug, 'so it would seem...very well, if that's what it takes, then I will gladly accept their help.'
‘I told you Ilaron, you shouldn't have been so arrogant..’
Ilaron ignored Valari and shook back his hair as he glanced around the circus grounds. So Silvara had been charged by Mephistos to guard another one of his followers...interesting. He rubbed his eyes wearily, "then I shall help to guard this woman until we are offered aide in finding the woman from our dreams. Ilaron thumped the tiny serpent around his neck as Valari's laughter danced through his mind and turned back to Silvara, quietly waiting.

Charming Lil Beast Jester 0:26 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Jester grinned and crossed his arms. The tiny dragon didn't intimidate him, no matter what he could do, "keep it," he said as he watched the Razzmatazz intensely while a blue shadow crept up behind the Dragon and Luna, "I have another." Rikki Tikki slowly took form behind Razz and Luna, taking the shape of a blue dragon then suddenly scooped both girl and guardian into his arms and slid a reptilic tongue over each. Jester chuckled and shook his head, "I think he likes you," he laughed, "either that or he just wants a taste."
re: Charming Lil Beast Luna--&--Mephistos 9:30 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Luna's eyes brightened at his words then suddenly filled with shock as she was lifted in the air and crushed against scaly flesh. "Hey! Tell it to put me down!" she cried squirming in its grip. She felt it lick her face and squirmed even more finally pushing herself outta his grip and glaring at the guardian. Unable to keep a straight face she started to giggle and held up Razzmatazz. The little black dragon snorted in annoyance at the blue guardian which only made her laugh a little harder. She stopped laughing and jumped a little when a man suddenly appeared beside her.
"Hello Mephistos," she said in a quiet voice, not turning to look at him. She glanced quickly at Jester instead.
"He can't see me," Mephistos told her. "Only you can at the moment."
"So what brings you here?" Luna asked quietly.
"Luna, just forget all this. Come with me, Orion be damned I'll look after you myself," he told her. "I can't forget," she replied. "My place is here."
"What do you want? I can give you everything you want," he promised. "Razzmatazz isn't enough to settle my mind."
"I've already had everything and Razz is plenty enough for me," Luna said as she finally turned her green eyes to him. "I WANT to stay here... with Jester."
"With...?! But why?!" Mephistos growled. "Why him when you can live in the Hall of the Gods?" "Because," she smiled. "He makes me laugh."
"Fine!" he threw up his arms in exasperation. "But if you insist on remaining with him...." Mephistos glared as he disappeared. He reappeared sitting on a chest near Jester bent over with his elbows resting on his knees. "How goes it Jester?" Mephistos asked him with a devilish gleam in his black eyes.
re: Charming Lil Beast Jester 9:54 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Jester glanced over, then nonchalantly made a step to his right, "goes well," he answered as he pulled the garrote from his belt and toyed with it. He spun it into a circle, then looked over, his black eyes glittering like the night sky. Rikki Tikki appeared beside him, then looked over at Luna and her guardian before it's draconic lips curled into a smile and it shrank in size to match Razzmatazz's. He hopped over, then tugged on Razz's tail and finally yanked him from Luna's arms before he made a face and started to chase him.
re: Charming Lil Beast Mephistos 10:14 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Mephistos grinned as he watched Rikki Tikki chasing Luna's guardian along the grounds and finally Razzmatazz leapt at Luna with Rikki Tikki right behind him. She squealed happily when she caught them both and stumbled backwards to sit on a nearby crate. He smiled softly for a moment then looked back at Jester. "Luna seems to like you a lot," he replied standing up. "I had to find out for myself if you could keep her safe if a disturbance were to occur." He waved his hand in his godlike way and sighed. "She IS a favorite of the gods whether that blasted brother of mine likes it or no so I want her safe and I'll do anything to make that possible." Mephistos grinned at Jester, his eyes darkening even more. "I cannot understand why but she seems to favor you." He glanced over and found that he was earning a glare from Luna. "Jester, the biggest misfit of all my followers catches the eye of the one faithful of mine who should be a follower of that neat and organized brother of mine. Don't you find that the least bit odd?"
re: Charming Lil Beast Jester 10:25 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Jester grinned and flicked his garrote, snagging Mephistos' foot before he gave the rope a tug and watched the god land on his posterior. He chuckled and recoiled his garrote and waited for Mephistos to fully grasp what he'd done, "well, I caught you off guard...and you are a god after all..." he chuckled as he glanced at Mephistos and looked to Luna.
re: Charming Lil Beast Mephistos 10:34 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Mephistos got up and was about let into Jester when he heard the soft laughter behind him. He turned and followed Jester's gaze at Luna who was laughing. He couldn't conceal the look of surprise. She was actually laughing. He had seen her smile and even heard her giggle before but... He turned back around to look at Jester with a mischievous grin. "So she was telling me true. I didn't think she'd ever crack so sad was her past." He shrugged his shoulders. "I guess you'll have to do seeing how there is nothing I can do to change her mind. So be it!" Mephistos turned towards Luna one more time before disappearing. Luna stopped laughing and looked up at Jester with curious eyes.
re: Charming Lil Beast Jester 10:42 am wednesday july 26, 2000 ,BR> Jester grinned and watched the god disappear, then looked to Luna, "I couldn't resist, he was such an easy target," he said calmly.
re: Charming Lil Beast Luna 10:47 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Luna couldn't hide her amusement as she stood up with Razz sitting on her left shoulder glaring down at Rikki Tikki whom Luna was holding in her left arm. She approached Jester and looked up at him with a bright smile on her face. "He's always been over protective of me for some reason," she told him. The bells jingled softly as she dropped the hat on her head and giggled when it dropped forward over her eyes.

Job Well Done Orion 0:32 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Orion stroked the dull rock in his hand, then gripped it. A doorway opened up and Loki was standing before him. "Once again you have proven your worth to me." He said without a smile, then offered the rock. "Your reward."
re: Job Well Done Loki 0:43 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Loki accepted the stone without hesitation, knowing instinctively that his master would never offer him something that did not have value, even if it was something only valuable to him. The moment the rock contacted his flesh, he could feel the magic surging though it, expanding his mind farther and opening a locked door within his consciousness. 'Traveling distance and time in but a thought.' he said to himself, knowing full well his master could hear every word.
re: Job Well Done Orion 0:48 am wednesday july 26, 2000
'Indeed.' Orion answered, then crossed his arms. "I have a task for you, my faithful bloodhound, a task that will not prove simple by any means." He told Loki coolly. "You and the toy maker, Angelo Strixx, are to provide protection for the young woman you most recently aided. Her name is Blade Ravenheart, I want no critical harm to befall her...do not fail me." He finished by uncrossing his arms and then waved his right hand, sending Loki back to the street where he'd encountered Blade and Angelo. 'You are my watchdog, Vincent Loki, protect this girl with your very life.'
re: Job Well Done Loki 0:52 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Loki found himself, once again, in town with the toy maker and the young woman he'd been instructed to protect. Orion's voice rang through his mind for a moment, then faded and eventually died out completely. He looked to the toy maker, then at Blade before he deposited his reward into his left pocket and crossed his arms.
re: Job Well Done Angelo 0:57 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Vex finally released Angelo from his stasis, then chuckled as he fell forward, catching himself with his hands. "Dammit, Vex!" He snapped out loud, then covered his mouth for a moment. He was about to chide his guardian when another voice entered his mind. 'Angelo Strixx.' I said in a deep, commanding voice. 'Meet Vincent Loki, your new partner in a task which only the two of you can fulfill. Protect this girl with your life, allow no harm to befall her, fail me and you fail humanity.' The voice faded away, Angelo looked up at Loki for a moment, then got to his feet and looked at Blade. "Are you all right?" He asked her in concern.
re: Job Well Done Blade 9:10 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade dropped her head down into her knees that she'd pulled up to her chest and closed her eyes. She had not seen Vincent Loki disappear nor did she seen him reappear. Angelo's voice suddenly cut through her thoughts and she lifted her head to look at him. "Damnit," she grumbled as she pushed the long locks of dark hair out of her eyes. She turned her green eyes to look at Loki then turned again to look at Angelo and finally sighed. "I'm fine, just a little bruised from that ride I just took. Nothing a cure spell can't fix," she told him. She rose to her feet and looked at Loki. "You got hit with a stronger spell than I, are you alright? I can fix any damage done if you'll allow me." re: Job Well Done Loki 9:29 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Loki looked at her calmly, then shook his head in silent decline before he heard a voice ring through his thoughts. 'Do it.' Orion told him harshly. 'I don't care if she wants to dress you in a silk and satin ball gown, you will be subservient to her wishes.' Loki took a deep breath, then released it with a sigh and nodded after the pause. In all truth, he could use the healing, although it meant displaying weakness.
re: Job Well Done Blade 9:36 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade smiled at Loki. "Thank you, it is the least I can do for your help," she replied in a quiet voice. "She felt her eyes suddenly illuminated with the red glow of her fury and summoned the Guardian Fury. She grasped his hand and the black flame that had surrounded her now surrounded him, healing all damage that was done him and transferring it to herself. She pulled away from him the and the flame vanished as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She opened them and turned to Angelo, "Are you okay? Your guardian doesn't hurt you does he?"
re: Job Well Done Angelo 10:27 am wednesday july 26, 2000
"No... just makes me look like an idiot." Angelo answered softly, then gave Loki a quizzical glance. "I've seen you somewhere before...you're that psychic from the circus aren't you?"
re: Job Well Done Loki 10:32 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Loki looked at Angelo a moment, then gave a nod of affirmation. He could see Vex coiled around the toy maker’s mind, the guardian glaring at him from the confounds of Angelo's subconscious and conscious thoughts.
re: Job Well Done Blade 10:38 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade pulled her only cure water out of her pouch and took a drink of it. Instantly she felt her depleted energy return in small doses and decided that now was the time to rest. "Angelo, if you don't mind I'd like to return back to my room. I'm really tired."
re: Job Well Done Angelo 10:47 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Angelo nodded. "Of course." He answered as he gave Loki a glance, then looked back to Blade. Vex forced him to suddenly turn so that he could look the at the psychic completely. 'Vex! Dammit, I need to get her back to the store.' Angelo protested adamantly. 'You will be patient.' Vex told him sternly. He tried a quick scan of Loki's mind, failing miserably, which only stood to annoy him. He turned Angelo around, then grumbled. "Fine, let's go."
re: Job Well Done Blade 11:03 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade sighed and started walking in the direction of the toy store. She quickly ran up the stairs and shoved open the door so that she could collapse on the bed and curl up. She was not sleepy, merely tired. How could anyone be sleepy when it was only a few minutes until nine o'clock? She still had not gotten used to the day beginning at noon and ending at eight. The darkness being the majority of the day's hours. She sighed and turned to look at Angelo. "How does this city handle the extended night? We already know what happened to Ligeia."
re: Job Well Done Angelo 11:16 am wednesday july 26, 2000
Angelo stood in the doorway, then nodded. "It's fairly calm here, the circus keeps most everyone's attention while it can, we have a crime rate, but nothing that compares to Ligeia." He answered. re: Job Well Done Blade 11:28 am wednesday july 26, 2000
"Ligeia..." Blade sighed as she draped her left arm over her eyes. "Have you ever been there before? I went there during the day time hours and it was horrible. Everywhere you turned there was someone waiting in the shadows to cut your throat for even the smallest amount of money. I managed to kill one of them, fairly easily because he couldn't use magic. That was how I got all of that silver." She sighed sadly. "It was more or less blood money, some innocent soul died for it. If I didn't need it so badly myself I would have given it away." She lifted her arm and sat up on her elbows. "What's your story? I know you came from Metzengerstein like I did but what happened after you left? Did you just come straight here and put up a store? My story is kinda simple. I just traveled around the world until there was no place else to go but here."
re: Job Well Done Angelo 2:09 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Angelo sighed, then stuffed his hands into his pockets. "We moved when I was fourteen, Kantu all but destroyed Metzengerstein and my father decided Tamerlane was the best location to set up shop again. He figured if we went through the forest it would save time..." He began softly, thinking back to six years ago. "We camped and I hears something rustling around, then a weird clinking sound and suddenly there was something curling up in my mind. That's when I encountered Vex, he decided he needed a master who he could manipulate, but my mind was a little stronger than he anticipated and he can only control my body. He decided we should go wandering through the forest and the next thing I knew, I was standing outside Enigma. My father went berserk searched for days, then finally traveled out of the forest to get some help...Don't ask me about Enigma, I don't remember anything, Vex manages to steal whatever memories I can manage to find from the time we were there." He sighed and then looked up from the floor, noticing that Loki had managed to follow them. "How'd you get here? What's your story?"
re: Job Well Done Loki 2:23 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Loki looked at him calmly, then leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. "I don't have one." he answered as he looked down at the floor.
re: Job Well Done Blade 2:29 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
"Yes you do everyone has a past," Blade sighed. "Just some people have pasts that are unpleasant to talk about like myself. But you know..." Blade looked at Angelo with a gleam in her eye. "I seen Enigma before. I stumbled onto it while I was hunting, what luck huh? Its a really neat place but they told me that if I ever revealed its location that they would cut out my tongue so I haven't said anything. Oh well, that was a long time ago and not necessarily important. Angelo, do you suppose we knew each other? I didn't leave Metzengerstein until I was 14 either but it was kinda a big town wasn't it? Almost as big as Ligeia!"
re: Job Well Done Angelo 2:45 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Angelo thought for a moment. "We might have, everything is possible. I don't remember much about my past, Vex lets me see glimpses of it, but nothing I can hold on to." He gave Loki another look. "And she's right...everyone has a past."

Still Wired Silvara 2:44 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Silvara nodded, "that might actually be a good idea, couldn't hurt anyway.." The bounty hunter glanced around, knowing Luna had been in this area only a few minutes ago. "There she is!" With Ilaron and Lamashtu following at a more dignified pace, Silvara broke into a run, calling after her friend. "Hey Luuuuna!" A smile shaped her lips as she caught up to her and Silvara began laughing when she noticed that the oversized hat had fallen over Luna's eyes. Quickly she pushed it back so she could see her eyes and began talking at an incredible pace, but kept her voice soft enough that only Luna would hear her. "You are never going to believe this, well yes, you probably would. Mephistos was here!! He wants me to keep my eye on you and make sure nothing happens to you! Isn't that great!" Silvara giggled happily, "I mean...just think about it! Of course I made a total fool of myself talking to him but...WOW! I mean he was actually HERE!" Her expression fell somewhat as Ilaron finally caught up to them, "that's Ilaron, technically I'm working for him...but we can't get the job done until he has a bit of an attitude adjustment soooo he's decided to help guard you as well!" The bounty hunter finally wound down enough to take a breath and giggled again, "sorry, I'm not usually this wired...but DAMN! I mean...he...was...right...here!!" Her eyes were still sparkling with excitement, but Silvara managed to calm herself, "I hope you're okay with this, and I'm sorry if you aren't, but there's no way I'm going to disobey him...so you're kinda stuck with me." The bounty hunter shrugged and then made a gesture towards the circus tent, "and I absolutely LOVED your act! I couldn't believe it when I saw you flipping about up there! Aside from Mephistos that was the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life!"
re: Still Wired Luna 2:54 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Luna's eyes widened and she adjusted the hat better on her head. She kept pushing it out of her eyes as she listened to Silvara's rushed talking. She turned wide green eyes to Jester, silently telling him that she was confused and then smiled at him as she turned back to Silvara. "You really liked my act?" was all she could say with a childishly excited smile.
re: Still Wired Silvara 3:05 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Silvara's smile brightened, "oh absolutely, you were great! You were both great!" The bounty hunter shot Jester a brief smile before turning back to her friend. "Where did you learn to do that though? I mean, if this was your first night and all?" Silvara grinned and shrugged, "Doesn’t' really matter, it just looked like you'd been doing that sort of stuff your entire life! I was really impressed!" Her expression turned somber, "so your okay with it, with me becoming your body guard I mean? I promise I'll stay out of your way as much as possible and I can guarantee that you won't see me..." She shrugged and a vague hint of shy uncertainty entered her voice, "unless you want to..."
re: Still Wired Luna 3:31 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
"Why would I want you hanging around all the time?" Luna asked with a cold glare. She watched Silvara's face fall and giggled. "I'm just kidding! Of course I don't mind!" Luna flashed Jester a big smile obviously proud of herself for tricking the girl. "Mephistos is a little crazy don't you think? I wish that he would give up this crusade of protection. I'm thankful for Razzmatazz but now it seems he's going to far." She sighed and shrugged her shoulders, giving Silvara a bright smile. "I'm glad that he picked you. I sensed a bright spirit in you the moment I met you, I was just too scared to do anything about it!" Luna's eyes dropped slightly as the corners of her lips tilted down. "I just wish that I could take care of myself."
re: Still Wired Silvara 3:58 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
"Why would I want you hanging around all the time?"
Silvara felt her expression fall before she could mask her disappointment and then began laughing along with her friend at her joke. Still, it bothered her that she had been that strongly affected by Luna's rejection, even if it had only been a joke. It wasn't good to let yourself become that vulnerable to someone...which was why she usually made a point to shun other people.
’Yes, but you shouldn't close yourself to everyone daughter...’
Silvara ignored Lamashtu's gentle scolding but felt herself smiling at Luna's words, "well, I would imagine that you could hold your own if push comes to shove...but if it'll make you feel better, maybe we could train some together?" Silvara grinned, instinctively wanting to cheer her, "besides, being able to take care of yourself is overrated, I'll tell you a secret....sometimes I wish I had someone to care and look after me..." The bounty hunter laughed lightly, covering the truth behind her words as she knelt by her guardian. "but I have Lamashtu here, and my faith...so I guess I don't really need anything else." She frowned thoughtfully, "except maybe something to eat, better yet something to drink!...wanna go find another tavern, I assure you those places are much more fun when you've got a drinking buddy. C'mon...I'll buy!" Silvara grinned up at Luna, waiting for her reply.
re: Still Wired Luna 4:18 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
"I suppose we could train together some but I am not really that strong. I use a long distance weapon for that specific reason," she replied. She bit her lip and looked up at Silvara. "And I should probably tell you that I don't drink. I seen what it did to my father after my mother.... there is a tavern across the street over there." Luna pointed at the building about thirty yards away. "We could go there if you want, I'm sure I could order something nonalcoholic and I won't be wondering too far from Jester..." she leaned closer to Silvara to whisper to her. "Mephistos spoke to him as well."
re: Still Wired Silvara 4:39 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Silvara smiled brightly "that's wonderful," she turned and glanced at Jester and her smile completely vanished as her gaze swept past him to settle on Ilaron. 'Wonder what I did to tick him off now..' She shrugged and dismissed him as she turned back to Luna, "well, whatever you want to do, I'm game...I'm certainly not going to drag you somewhere that will make you feel uncomfortable." Lamashtu settled down beside her feet, by all appearances falling asleep, unless you noticed the faint twitching of her ears. The bounty hunter grinned down at her guardian and shrugged again. "Well some people are easy to please...so whatcha want to do Luna?"
re: Still Wired Jester 4:48 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Jester watched the newcomer and her guardian, then raised a brow and grinned maliciously at Ilaron as he toyed with his garrote. He snapped it out suddenly, wrapping Ilaron in it's coils, then gave a yank and sent him spinning like a top, "smiles everyone, smiles!" he said suddenly as he snapped his garrote back and coiled it to hang from his belt.
re: Still Wired Luna 5:00 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Luna's eyes widened when she heard the snap and knew exactly what it was. She turned her gaze in time to see Silvara's companion go flying and couldn't help but to laugh. Still, she knew what was going to happen and made quick of herself to step in front of Jester to dissuade any counter attack. "Jester behave," Luna giggled as she hugged up the two guardians she was still holding. She looked up at Silvara with the amusement she felt making her eyes sparkle. "I suppose it wouldn't be such a good idea to leave would it!"
re: Still Wired Jester 5:05 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Jester grinned, then tinkled one of the bells on her cap, "oh, very well," he said, then gave Ilaron a maliciously mischievous smile.
re: Still Wired Silvara 5:10 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Silvara kept her eyes glued on Ilaron and her eyes were somber as she answered Luna in a quiet voice. "No... obviously not. I wish he hadn't done that....." The bounty hunter saw the cold rage burning behind those silver eyes before it was hidden and watched the serpent around his neck uncoil and begin to glow...only to return to it's place with a menacing hiss. Obviously Ilaron had stopped his guardian from attacking... The bounty hunter sighed, "this is going to be harder than I thought..."
re: Still Wired Luna 5:12 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Luna giggled again as she turned slightly and gave him a sideways glance. "You think you're bad don't you?" Luna asked playfully. "Oh well no harm was done except maybe a hurt pride. Sorry Ilaron." Luna bit her lip to hide the smile that trying to force its way in.
re: Still Wired Jester--&--Zsasz 5:19 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Zsasz stepped into the area almost hesitantly as he watched the silver haired man stop spinning. Baffle Baffle released his top hat and fluttered toward Luna, perching on the hem of her cloak. He folded his wings around himself, then settled in and remained where he was. Jester watched Ilaron casually, then looked to Zsasz, "done getting your daily lecture?" he asked with a chuckle. Zsasz gave him a glare, then crossed his arms and took a deep breath.
re: Still Wired Luna 5:30 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Luna wasn't paying attention to anyone around her rather was studying the little bat that had clung to her cape. Razzmatazz crawled down a little to sniff at Baffle Baffle and snort as he crawled back up to hiss at Rikki Tikki. Luna giggled and finally looked up. "Hello Zsasz," she told him with a smile. "It seems that I am the guardian hang out for the day." She lifted Rikki Tikki to show him why then hugged him to her chest again much to Razzmatazz's distaste. Razz snorted and nudged against Luna's cheek trying to get her attention. "Are we going to stand around here all day or is there something we can do to pass by the time?"
re: Still Wired Zsasz 5:38 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
"Anywhere is fine with me," Zsasz answered, then gave Baffle Baffle a whistle and watched the bat unfold a wing to look at him. Baffle cocooned himself again, remaining where he was. Zsasz sighed. "I guess he likes you," he said, then smiled. re: Still Wired Luna 5:45 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Luna's smile brightened as she looked at Zsasz then turned to Baffle Baffle. "He's adorable," she giggled. She sighed and glanced around. She looked at Silvara and Ilaron and finally Jester before shrugging her shoulders and turning back to Zsasz. "I've been here only one day, I don't know the place that well... I'd kinda like to go for a walk. I like doing that during the night, its really peaceful." Her eyes widened in a sort of surprised look then she turned to grin at Jester. "Forget I said anything about peaceful," She giggled.
re: Still Wired Luna (cont..) 7:09 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
"On second thought..." Luna said looking up at the sky. "Maybe we should get some rest. It’s well after midnight." She turned around and tried to give Jester a mean look. "I am not sleeping with no bearded lady!"

What Dreams May Come Loki 2:56 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Loki looked at the toy maker calmly. "It's nothing important." he answered softly, then glanced into the room Blade was occupying.
re: What Dreams May Come Blade 3:02 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade sighed and dropped back onto her back and draped her arm over her eyes. Her head was still spinning from using her level five limit skills so she hadn't realized how tired she'd truly became. She flipped over onto her side facing the wall and pulled the blanket sloppily over her bare arms. She smiled softly, glad that she finally had a comfortable bed to sleep in and drifted off to sleep.
re: What Dreams May Come Loki 3:15 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Loki watched as Blade fell into sleep, then glanced at the toy maker as he leaned back against the wall. He focused his mind and pushed his way through her tender thoughts and into the swirling maelstrom that was the dream plane. He opened the door to her mind, then stepped inside, becoming visible only to her subconciousness. "I am a messenger, open your mind, you will not be harmed, simply relax and keep dreaming."
re: What Dreams May Come Orion 3:46 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
'That'll do, Loki.' Orion said calmly as he entered the dream. "Blade Ravenheart, my loyal follower, you must escape Tamerlane and evade Siirotinus for now. Travel to Enigma and find the thief Faustus Vitae. Loki and Angelo will protect you and I will guide you through your dreams. When you wake, the morning hours will have come and you must begin." He finished with a slight bow, then stepped back and faded, Loki severing the link between them.
re: What Dreams May Come Blade 4:04 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
"Orion wait!" Blade exclaimed. "How am I supposed to find him? I have no clue what he looks like!" He faded away and Blade stamped her foot in annoyance. She dropped her head forward and sighed. "I'll do as you say m'lord."
re: What Dreams May Come Loki 6:22 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Loki glanced into the room, then leaned back against the wall. Through the window he could see the sunlight, though he was unaware of the night passing. Angelo was sleep, curled up in a corner. He looked to the toy maker for a moment, then stepped into his mind, Vex meeting him at the threshold of Angelo's thoughts. He backed out quietly, then sighed and waited.
re: What Dreams May Come Blade 6:29 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade stirred and rolled over. She slowly opened her eyes and peered at Loki sitting against a wall. She sat up and pulled a brush out of her travel bag and started brushing out the tangles. When she was finished she rose to her feet and nudged Angelo with her foot. "Wake up," she said quietly. She turned around to look at Loki. "Did you sleep at all?"
re: What Dreams May Come Loki 6:52 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Loki looked at her calmly. "Briefly." He lied with casual grace, then glanced at the sleeping toy maker.
re: What Dreams May Come Blade 7:05 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade followed Loki's gaze and dropped down to her knees. She grabbed both shoulders and shook Angelo roughly. "Wake up!" she laughed.
re: What Dreams May Come Angelo 7:17 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Angelo jolted awake and looked around disoriented for a moment before he recognized Blade and finally looked past her to Loki. He took a deep breath and sat up, then shook away the rest of his grogginess. "What are we doing today?" He asked.
re: What Dreams May Come Blade 7:22 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
"We're leaving Tamerlane," Blade told him. "Are you okay to leave?"
re: What Dreams May Come Angelo 7:24 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Angelo nodded, he didn't dare go against Orion's order. "I'll tell my father I need some wood that I can only get in Astoria or something, he'll fall for it." He answered as he stood up, then gave Loki a look. "...You didn't...try'n enter my mind or anything did you?"
re: What Dreams May Come Blade 7:26 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade glanced at Loki with a raised eye brow and smiled. "Of course he didn't," she replied. "Lets go talk to your father then we'll buy some supplies with the silver I have left." re: What Dreams May Come Angelo 7:43 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Angelo nodded, then gave Loki a second look and followed Blade out of the room.
re: What Dreams May Come Blade 7:53 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade walked down the stairs and glanced around the little store before turning to look at Angelo. "I'll wait outside," she said in a quiet voice then turned to stroll out the front door. She stopped just outside and sat down on a near by bench to wait for him.
re: What Dreams May Come Angelo 8:01 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Angelo watched her, then walked behind the counter and into a back room where his father was busy dressing for the day. "Dad, I'm going to Astoria for some Astorian Pine, I'll be back in a week or so." He said, then crossed to his side of the room and grabbed his backpack along with several leg pouches. Anton watched him, then sighed. "Just be careful." He said. Angelo nodded and left the room, walking around the counter to leave the shop. He looked around for Loki, then saw him outside.
re: What Dreams May Come Blade 8:09 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Blade pushed through the door and stepped back outside. She smiled at Loki then watched as Angelo came through the door of the toy store. "I bought as much as I could but my silver was running low. I managed to get us a nice supply, it'll last until we can get to Enigma," she replied. "Are you ready?"
re: What Dreams May Come Angelo 3:09 am thursday july 27, 2000
Angelo nodded and shouldered his pack. "I'm ready whenever you are." He answered calmly, giving Vex a mental warning to allow him free movement. For once, the guardian didn't object with him, surprising Angelo. He shook off the momentary awe, then followed Blade, glancing over his shoulder to see if Loki was joining them.
re: What Dreams May Come Loki 3:20 am thursday july 27, 2000
Loki watched, then followed a moment later, keeping several paces back, but remaining close enough that Blade and the toy maker were never out of his sight. He crossed his arms, glancing at the people they passed sizing them up mentally to make sure they were no threat. When they reached the city limits, the outline of Mephistos' temple caught his attention and, much to his surprise, he suddenly felt the urge to venture inside.

Under the Big Top Jester 7:36 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Jester looked at her innocently, then grinned, "there's an extra cot in Loki's tent, you could sleep there...he wandered off somewhere," he answered.
re: Under the Big Top Luna 7:51 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Luna shrugged her shoulders. "I don't care as long as he won't be mad at me," she answered. "The sun will be back up in twelve hours. What are we going to do tomorrow?" She lifted Rikki Tikki up to look him in the face and only succeeded in getting licked across the face. She smiled at him and giggled when he licked Razz continued who to hiss at him. "Razz be nice. He's only playing."
re: Under the Big Top Silvara 8:18 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Silvara shrugged and nudged Lamashtu again, seeing that the lioness had fallen asleep again. "Well, if your going to sleep or the night, I think I might go out and do a bit of hunting...if Lamashtu doesn't mind, she can watch you in my place until I return." The bounty hunter smiled at Luna, she'll obey your commands," Lamashtu rose to her feet and twined about Luna's legs like an overgrown house cat and snarled softly at the other guardians hanging onto the woman. "Just don't let her try to pick a fight with any of you other friends." Silvara knelt and Lamashtu came to her, pressing her forehead briefly against her own as her thoughts flowed into her mind.
‘good hunting daughter, no harm shall come to her.’
The bounty hunter smiled at Luna as she stood, "I should be back in a few hours...well...I'll be back before dawn anyway." She glanced up as Ilaron mumbled something about the Inn and walked away but refused to let his glares spoil the prospect of a peaceful night's hunt. "I'll see you later Luna!" With that the bounty hunter bounded off, running at an easy lope until she had reached the outskirts of the city. Normally Lamashtu would accompany her...it was practically a ritual with them. It spoke well of Luna that she had agreed to stay with her without sulking or arguing. The bounty hunter's smile fell away, replaced by a neutral expression as she began looking for prey. She gave up after a few minutes and loped out into the plains, that close to the city, all she could hope to find were rabbits or similar beasts. perhaps she would have better luck elsewhere....
re: Under the Big Top Luna 8:37 pm wednesday july 26, 2000
Luna sighed as she watched the girl run off then turned to look at Jester. "Its been a long day I'm going to sleep," she told him drowsily as she strolled into the psychic's tent. She dropped down on the second cot and looked down to see Baffle Baffle stir at the movement. She smiled at it and then looked at Razz. Rikki Tikki jerked on Razz's tail and earned a hiss. She jumped when the pair started chasing each other around her then onto the floor. She reached down to try and grab Razzmatazz and noticed something under the cot she was sitting on. She reached for it and pulled the box out. Inside was a lot of pictures, curiosity got the better of her and she began to shift through them. It didn't take long for her to recognize them. They were from Ligeia! She flipped through them quicker. Half of them was from before the destruction, the others were after. She stopped when she found one that tore at her heart.... "Home..." she whispered. "They told me there was nothing left. That it had burnt to the ground. There is still more of it left! What if they left daddy's things? Oh no..." She choked back a sob and laid down on the cot. She silently watched the lioness curl up on the floor next to her and felt as Razzmatazz hid behind her. She sighed as she listed to the two guardians fight back and forth and closed her eyes as the she pressed the picture against her chest, she had also taken a picture of the psychic to hold onto, finally recognizing him from somewhere. 'Where? Where did I see you? ....I have to go back to Ligeia.' "Tomorrow. I'll find out tomorrow..." her words trailed off as she drifted into sleep.

Happy Hunting Silvara 4:36 am thursday july 27, 2000
Silvara grinned as she sighted down her arrow, watching the grazing Lomeri. The size of a large dog, the creature was basically a cross between a deer and a ram...with the added benefit of fangs and sharp branching horns...but that was part of their charm, t wasn't fun to hunt something that wasn't a challenge. Besides, they tasted good. She had tracked this particular beastie for the better part of two hours before finally getting the perfect opportunity to kill it. You wanted to kill a Lomeri with the first shot, they had a nasty habit of tracking their attackers over great distances and needless to say, were quite vicious. Silvara's first arrow struck it's chest, burying itself into the creature's heart and she grinned in satisfaction. The Lomeri gave a startled, snarling bleat, took two running steps and collapsed, crashing to the ground. Silvara sent another arrow into it's throat, finally relaxing once she was sure that it was dead. An hour later, with half of the Lomeri roasting over a small but cheery fire and the other half wrapped in the Lomeri's pelt for Lamashtu's breakfast, Silvara sat back and gazed up at the stars. It had been a good hunt, she smiled softly, and it had been a good day. With a deft movement, Silvara cut off a small steak with her dagger and waited for it to cool before taking a nibble. "Brains, looks and one hell of a cook." She grinned happily and leaned back into the grass, munching happily.
re: Happy Hunting Ilaron 4:54 am thursday july 27, 2000
Ilaron tossed restlessly, unable to sleep despite the soft bed and the airy room. The problem wasn't the Inn, it was him... For some reason he couldn't get Silvara out of his mind, it was annoying. Valari floated above him, a soft blue light that seemed to emanate a soothing melody into his mind.
’Knock it off Valari...you know that bothers me’ He sighed and sat up, rising from the bed and padding across the room to the window. He tried to tell himself that it was just the lingering effects of their bond that was keeping his mind on her. He knew better.
’I'm worried about the little idiot, she's probably out there hurt’ With a disgusted sigh, Ilaron tucked his shirt into his pants and settled his cloak around his shoulders. ’what kind of fool, especially a woman, goes out alone?:’
He sighed again and called Valari to him, ignoring her sleepy complaints as the light coiled around his neck.
’I'm going to check on her...maybe then I can get some sleep’
He shook his head at Valari's sharp retort.
’It won't take long, I can sense her.’
It took the better part of an hour to find her and by then Ilaron was completely annoyed with her. Especially when he found her small camp and saw her. Saw her foot to be more precise. She had her leg crossed over her bent knee and was idly bouncing her foot causing it to rise and fall above the grass. Whatever she had killed, and cooked, smelled delicious though, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since that morning. "I see you haven't managed to kill yourself yet."
re: Happy Hunting Silvara 5:09 am thursday july 27, 2000
Silvara frowned in annoyance as the silky voice cut through her good mood. 'Just great.' She lifted herself up on her elbows and glared at Ilaron as he settled onto a small bolder near the fire. "Disappointed Ilaron?" She dismissed him and flopped back down in the grasses, "if you came out here, to cheer me up with your presence you can leave...I don't know if anyone has ever told you this before but you're actually quite depressing." Her voice was flippant but carried a subtle menace as she made a vague shooing gesture with her hand. "Why don't you run off somewhere and see if you can convince something to eat you?"
re: Happy Hunting Ilaron 5:34 am thursday july 27, 2000
Ilaron almost smiled as he sensed the underlying emotions to her words. The bounty hunter was not pleased that he had intruded on what she obviously considered her private time and she was making no effort to hide it. He shook his head in amusement and helped himself to part of the Lomeri, still sizzling over the fire. "I deserved that I suppose...a Lomeri, I am impressed." They sat in a somewhat strained silence, Ilaron privately enjoying her growing annoyance, especially since she was making such a point to ignore him. She was an amusing woman, all sulks and furtive glances as she waited for him to leave. The little bounty hunter shared much in common with her guardian and right now, reclining in the firelight with a haughty expression on her face, she even looked a bit like the lioness. All sleek lines and golden skin with a cat's easy grace. Ilaron smiled knowing that Silvara would take the comparison as high compliment...and thought that it would almost be worth it, just to sense her reaction. 'What are you doing?' Ilaron came back to his senses with a start and his eyes hardened as he stared at Silvara. He had come out here to see if she was safe...she was and it was time he headed back. He rose from his seat and adjusted his cloak. "I'll leave you now huntress, it was not my intention to intrude." He paused just outside the firelight and glanced back, "I was unsure as to where you would be sleeping, if you wish to use it, I have reserved a room for you at the Inn." With that he turned and melted into the night.
re: Happy Hunting Silvara 6:10 am thursday july 27, 2000
Silvara remained where she was until she was sure Ilaron was really gone and then sat up, draping her arms over her bent knees. 'Why did he come out here...and how did he find me?' She turned her head and stared out into the darkness. Ilaron confused her, he was so cold...but he had went to the trouble and expense to get her a room at the Inn. Silvara sighed as she stood and carefully put out her smile fire, her good mood spoiled by his sudden but brief appearance. That...and the way he had been watching her. Every time she'd glanced at him, his silver eyes had been watching her and to make it worse she got the distinct impression that he was amused. Annoyed and unsettled, Silvara left the remains of the roasted meat for the scavengers and gathered up the other half before turning to head back. By the time she reached the circus and the performer's tents, she was starting to get sleepy. Calling softly, she was relieved when Lamashtu finally poked her head out of one of the tents. "Well met mother, it's Lomeri, is Luna asleep?"
’Well met daughter, good...and yes, she's asleep but..’
Lamashtu shrugged and began to feed causing Silvara to sigh in annoyance, "but?" The lioness glanced up and licked the blood from her muzzle before she continued.
’she seemed troubled by something...some pictures...’
Silvara shook her head, "I'll see myself, Ilaron got me a room at the Inn, I want you to stay with Luna tonight. I'm going to leave her a note telling her where I am and then I'm going to bed." Silvara ducked inside the tent and smiled softly at the woman and the guardians curled around her as she gently took the pictures from Luna's sleeping grasp. They didn't mean anything to her, but she took a moment to memorize the man's face anyway...then she saw the box nearby and began to silently flip through the other photos. Compassion softened her features, 'of course...her home, poor girl.' Silvara stood and draped a light blanket over Luna's legs, returning the photos to her hands before she moved tot he small table. After a brief search for some paper and a pen, she wrote Luna a brief note saying that she would be at the Inn. Reminding her to send Lamashtu for her if she needed anything during the night. She propped it up so that Luna would see it if and when she awoke and gave Lamashtu a brief caress as the lioness walked back into the tent. "good night my mother." She smiled as her guardian's sleepy thoughts followed her outside and stifled a yawn as she made her way to the Inn. Once in her room she flopped down on the soft bed and was sound asleep just as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Carelessness Mephistos 9:09 am thursday july 27, 2000
Mephistos appeared with the same grin crossed over his face as he looked at his brother's follower. "What brings you here Vincent Loki?" Mephistos asked. He thought better of it and waved his hand as if to wave off the question. "Never mind, I know why you're here. I know that Siirotinus is a very strong fighter and was even a very nice kid until Kantu got a hold of him. His fighting skills are what caught the warlord's eye in the first place. If I would have known that he was so close I would have gave prior warning but unfortunately it is much more difficult to keep track of the unfaithful." He stood up and approached Loki with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Don't tell my brother I did this because he actually hates this particular rune. It will give you the elemental power you need to help you against Siiro." Mephistos held out his hand palm up. There was nothing there at first but with a bright flash an amber colored rune appeared inches above his hand. "Take the Catastrophe Rune Loki and make good use of it." Mephistos grinned as he reached out and hand and took it, without another word Mephistos vanished.

Unstable awakenings Luna 9:21 am thursday july 27, 2000
The bright orange light of the flickering flames made Luna wince as she ran through the destruction. A nearby building collapsed, its charred remains landing merely two feet from Luna who jumped back in shock. All around her she could hear torments cries and the battle calls of the soldiers sent to destroy them all. Luna fell to her knees and covered her ears but then they were inside her head. She could hear them so loudly. "NOO!!" she screeched.
Luna landed on the floor roughly and groaned at the pain that shot through her shoulder. She shook it off and got to her feet noticing that she still had the two pictures grasped tightly in her hand. She hurried to tuck them away and picked up the note propped up near the bed. She smiled and looked down at the waiting lioness. "Go tell Silvara that I'm awake and I'm leaving Tamerlane today if she wishes to go with me." Luna watched the lioness nod once then rush out of the tent then turned to the bed where Razzmatazz was sleeping soundly with Rikki Tikki sprawled over top of him. She giggled and searched for Baffle Baffle. He had hung himself from a loose flap in the tent to her right. She sighed and pulled her hair free of the messy braid and started to brush it out, letting the soft locks fall around her face. Too sleepy to braid it right now she scooped up the lazy guardians and whistled much in the same way she had heard Zsasz do. The bat fluttered over to her, upside-down, much to Luna's amusement, and grasped the hem of her cloak. She smiled and strolled out of the tent happily. She put Rikki Tikki down on the ground. "Show me Jester's tent but don't wake him up," she told the guardian. She hurried to follow after it and pushed open a tent flap, finding Jester laying on his back sound asleep. Unable to resist she walked over to the bed and sat down on top of him. "Wake up sleepy head!!" she laughed.
re: Unstable awakenings Jester 10:00 am thursday july 27, 2000
Jester snapped his eyes open in surprise and grabbed the glass of water on the crate beside his cot. Without a second's hesitation he emptied the contents onto his wake up call and then stared wide eyed at Luna. He grinned as he finally woke up enough to recognize her, water dripping from her chin and a not so appreciative look on her face.
re: Unstable awakenings Luna 10:06 am thursday july 27, 2000
Luna shook her head and wiped her face off with the hem of her cloak. After recovering from the shock of the cold water she smiled and leaned forward until her face was inches from his. "Good one now you're all wet too," she giggled as her waist length hair fell over her shoulders.
re: Unstable awakenings Silvara 1:00 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Silvara awoke to the sound of Lamashtu's roaring and groaned as she snuggled her head under the pillow. "Go away!" She groaned again as her guardian’s amused voice cut through her sleepy mind.
’Luna sent me to fetch you daughter, she's leaving’
"WHAT!?" Silvara tumbled to the floor with a loud thud and snarled at the soft laughter rolling through her thoughts. "Shut up, I'm not used to sleeping in a bed." Silvara grinned despite herself and ran into the bathroom to stick her head under the faucet, letting the cold water clear her thoughts as it flowed over her. Then with her hair leaving a dripping trail behind her, Silvara grabbed her weapons and ran from the room. "ILARON!" The bounty hunter laughed as a very annoyed Ilaron poked his head out of a nearby room to scowl at her and then fell silent as he narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, it was very hard to think of the witty comment that had been dancing on the tip of her tongue and she stare at him in frank female admiration. By the time her eyes had slipped from his sleep-tousled hair to his broad chest and then back to his silver eyes, a slight flush had colored her cheeks. "Umm, Luna said she's leaving, I'm going with her...if your coming you need to get to the circus." She swallowed as he gave her a small smirk and nodded before slipping back into his room.
‘I thought you didn't like him’
"Liking the person...and liking the person's body are two entirely different creatures Lamashtu." The bounty hunter turned and started off to find Luna.
re: Unstable awakenings Ilaron 1:05 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Ilaron sighed as he shut the door. If Silvara didn't learn to control her emotions around him, it was going to become difficult. Even without trying he could still catch traces of her in his mind and he cursed the lingering bond between them. He couldn't get involved with her, didn't want to. She was attractive enough, she was in fact, quite lovely, but he didn't want to become attached to her. Not in that way. It had almost destroyed him when Elyse and the baby had died, he wouldn't be that vulnerable ever again. Grim faced, Ilaron quickly dressed and secured his hair in the silver clasp before leaving the Inn. Unconsciously straining to catch a glimpse of the bounty hunter's lithe form as he made his way through the crowd.
re: Unstable awakenings Jester 7:10 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Jester grinned at her, then sat up, "well, at least I've had a bath," he chuckled, then looked to Rikki Tikki. His guardian did a quick back flip and landed on Razzmatazz, then rode him around the tent as Razz bucked and hissed.
re: Unstable awakenings Luna 7:18 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Luna giggled as she watched their guardians then looked at Jester with a serious look on her face. "I'm going back to Ligeia today and I was wondering if you would go with me," she told him. She bit her lip then her green eyes brightened when something came to mind. "Hey I have something for you!" She grinned as she reached into the pull string back tied to her belt and pulled out a black circle, a couple inches in circumference. She grinned as she stretched it out and stuck her hand into the nothingness. "Razzmatazz stole this from Mephistos after he seen me playing with it!" She pulled her hand free and shrunk it back down before handing it to him. "I figured you would find better use of it than I would." She giggled as she hopped off his lap and reached up to braid her hair.
the Portable Hole Jester 7:28 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Jester took the new toy without hesitation then tried the phenomenon out for himself. He jumped off his to, then tossed it on to one of the tent's canvas walls and stuck his head through, looking out. He pulled himself back, then grabbed the circle and grinned devilishly before stuffing it into his pocket, "I'm going to round up something for breakfast, I'll be back," he told her innocently, then hurried out of the tent and searched for his first victim. When he saw Silvara and Ilaron heading in his direction, he quickly hopped behind a crate and ducked down. He waited until Silvara and Lamashtu had passed, then quickly tossed the cloth into Ilaron's path and snickered madly as the bard stepped into it he reached out a scooped up the hole, then folded it and tucked it into his pocket, securing Ilaron until he felt compelled to free him.
re: the Portable Hole Luna 7:35 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Luna's eyes widened, she knew exactly what he was up to. She raced out of the tent she followed her senses until she spotted Silvara and the lioness. Then she seen Jester putting the black cloth into his pocket. "Silvara was that Ilaron guy with you?" she asked in a hurry. When she nodded Luna walked next to Jester and tapped onto his shoulder, unable to hide her smile. "Let him go Jester."
re: the Portable Hole Jester 7:43 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Jester grinned and pulled the cloth from his pocket. He gave it a brisk flap and watched the bard tumble out onto the ground, then roll about a foot before he stopped, "whoa! I guess you'd better watch your step there, Ilaron, strange things seem to be brewing here today," he said as he gave a suspicious look around to the other tents and people.
re: the Portable Hole Luna 7:54 pm thursday july 27, 2000
"Oh damn," Luna muttered as she watched the silver haired man roll out. "Maybe I was a little too hasty in giving you that?" Luna's eyes widened in fear when they caught sight of the Ilaron reaching for the deadly looking Katana he carried under his cloak. Her first instinct was the same as it has always been. She grabbed Jester's arm roughly and pulled him into the crowd of people. "Want me to show you a neat trick?" she giggled as she took the black hole. She swung it over their heads and they vanished from view. She pulled it around and they were on the other side of the main tent. "Nifty little escape devise huh?" she grinned. "That's what I always used it for. Escaping is what I had to do to survive since I can't fight."
re: the Portable Hole Jester 8:02 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Jester grinned and nodded, "very handy," he answered, then glanced back toward his tent, "I'll go with you to Ligeia, let me grab Zsasz and I'll meet you by the big top in ten minutes."
re: the Portable Hole Luna 8:12 pm thursday july 27, 2000
"Alright, I have to find Silvara," Luna replied. She grinned at him one last time before running off. She searched the crowd until she spotted, not Silvara, but the lion that accompanied her. She reached out and stopped Silvara and bit her bottom lip. "I'm really sorry about that Silvara I had no idea he would do that to him. Please see what you can do to calm him down. I'm leaving for Ligeia today and Jester is going with me. So, if you're going I don't want them to fight okay?" Luna flashed her a smile. "Meet us right outside on the main road out of the city." She grinned again before disappearing back into the crowd. She only had three minutes to find Jester. She found him right where he said he would be with Zsasz in tow. She grinned slightly as she approached them, slower than she had with Silvara. She gave Baffle Baffle a little nudge and watched as he flew back to his master. "Sorry I forgot he was with me last night," she told him as they left Tamerlane, she stopped right outside to wait for Silvara. "He's just so cute, where did you get him?"
re: the Portable Hole Zsasz 8:23 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Zsasz watched Baffle Baffle perch on the brim of his top hat, then cocoon himself, "I found him outside Mephistos temple when I was ten," he answered, then tapped the guardian lightly so he would inch away from his line of sight, "what in Ligeia...I've never been there?" he asked. Jester grinned and tapped the Zsasz's top hat, making it fall down over his eyes, "you've never been anywhere," he chuckled.

The Guide Orion 5:09 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Orion appeared from out of his doorway and fell into step at Loki's side. "Your services I do require." He said calmly as he picked up the two foot creature following him. "This is Abrakadabraalakazam, I need for you to watch over him, he'll be your guide through the forest surrounding Enigma. You must take care of him, Loki, he is the only thing that will lead you to Faustus Vitae."
re: The Guide Blade 5:24 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Blade looked at her watch then flipped the top up to the compass underneath. She made certain that they were going southeast then flipped it back down. "We'll have to cross the river half way there," she said in a quiet voice. "I hope you two know how to swim because I'm not walking around it and the closest bridge is all the way down by Isadore."
re: The Guide Angelo 5:29 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Angelo took a deep breath, then nodded and glanced back to Loki, narrowing his eyes as he noticed the psychic's new pet. "Where'd that come from?" He asked.
re: The Guide Blade 5:38 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Blade turned around and looked at the strange creature with narrowed green eyes. "What I want to know is what is it?" Blade laughed lightly as shrugged her shoulders and looked around at the terrain. She had been on this road before. It was how she had entered Tamerlane in the first place. She knew that going east would take them to Ligeia and south was Isadore. "After we stop in Enigma I would like to go see what happened to Metzengerstein. I haven't been back since it was attacked."
re: The Guide Angelo 5:58 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Angelo looked at the creature for a moment longer, finally giving up on Loki providing an explanation. "Yeah, I'd kinda like to see it too." He said as he looked back to Blade calmly.
re: The Guide Blade 6:25 pm thursday july 27, 2000
"Did you know that there hasn't been one person that has had the nerve to go inside?" she asked. "The stories of it being haunted stretch all the way to Isadore." She smiled at Angelo as she thought about it. "Of course we'll have to find out for ourselves if the stories are true."
re: The Guide Angelo 6:35 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Angelo nodded, then glanced back at Loki and his new pet again. The psychic wasn't being talkative and it had peaked Angelo's curiosity as to where the creature had suddenly come from, especially since he'd never seen anything like it before. He looked back to Blade, then took a deep breath and sighed. "How're we supposed to find Enigma anyway?" He asked.
re: The Guide Blade 6:41 pm thursday july 27, 2000
"I found it on accident actually but I remember its location. The trick is to never look down," Blade laughed lightly as she glanced over at him. "All of the houses are in the trees and are well hidden. That's why its so difficult to find!"
re: The Guide Loki 6:57 pm thursday july 27, 2000
Loki looked down at his new ward, then glanced at the toy maker. Orion's words had not fallen deafly on his ears. He looked down at the little creature once more, then took a deep breath.

Shadow Atticus 0:57 am friday july 28, 2000
Atticus watched Jester and Zsasz intently, they were obviously planning on leaving with the newest member of the staff. The ringmaster forbade any of his performers from venturing out of Tamerlane, it was part of his code, keeping his people here meant lowering the risk of competition sprouting in some other town. 'So it's Ligeia you're planning on.' He said to himself as he listened to their conversation through Whisper's ears, then allowed a slight grin to curl his lips. 'Sounds interesting.' As they set out to leave, Atticus drifted along in the shadows, completely concealed within them. He considered Jester and Zsasz his only friends, thus turning them in to the ringmaster churned his stomach, he'd follow them, but not with the intent to drag them back.

peacemaker Silvara 2:19 am friday july 28, 2000
Silvara smiled and watched Luna bound off through the crowd before turning back to Ilaron. 'I wish Jester hadn't done that...' For all that Ilaron appeared calm...and as cold as always...she could all but sense the rage boiling inside of him. She couldn't help but feel that a small portion of it was directed at her. "Lamashtu, go after Luna and keep an eye on her until I get there." The lioness nodded and cast a questioning glance at Ilaron before loping after the young woman causing Silvara to sigh. 'I know...Jester had his fun and now I have to deal with him...' The bounty hunter shook her head, not sure why she was even bothering with him. 'I ought to just break our contract and leave him, Jester alone or Ilaron alone I can handle...but the two just aren't going to mix.' She turned to walk away and paused, glancing back at him, watching as he sheathed his katana. She didn't really want to leave him, Mephistos had said they would succeed in finding the woman...Ilaron just needed to accept that he needed the help of the gods. Besides... he intrigued her. Finally she walked over to him, "are you coming with us Ilaron?"
re: peacemaker Ilaron 2:45 am friday july 28, 2000
Ilaron turned cold eyes to Silvara as he settled the cloak around his shoulders. Valari screeched within his mind to go after the one named Jester...and the thought had definite potential. The little fool had no idea how close he had been, it was rare that he used his guardian or his full abilities...equally rare that someone made a fool of him without dire retribution. Ilaron held Silvara's gaze and felt her swirling emotions through his barriers. Evidently their link remained and he bitterly regretted having allowed his anger to overwhelm him, it was hard to think clearly with her presence hammering at his mind. He snarled at Valari as her voice rose to a fevered pitch.
‘ENOUGH!’
Ilaron sighed as she fell silent and turned back to the bounty hunter, answering her question with a silent nod.
re: peacemaker Silvara 2:53 am friday july 28, 2000
Silvara shook her head as she walked beside him, heading after Luna and the others. She watched him closely, throwing him furtive glances as they moved through the crowds. She couldn't be sure, but it seemed like his anger had faded. Silvara shook back her hair, not really sure how she knew that...especially with him wearing his usual expression. Keeping her voice calm, Silvara finally spoke to him, "what would you have done?"
re: peacemaker Ilaron 2:57 am friday july 28, 2000
Ilaron turned and glanced at her, his expression unchanging and his voice quiet as he finally answered her. "I don't know." He turned his gaze away from her and continued in a soft voice, "I suppose I would have done my best to kill him."
re: peacemaker Silvara 3:03 am friday july 28, 2000
Silvara frowned and brushed her bangs from her eyes. There was nothing she could say, she sensed the truth in his words...he would have really tried to kill him. Finally she turned to him, "would that have been necessary? I don't think he meant any harm."
re: peacemaker Ilaron 3:13 am friday july 28, 2000
Ilaron made a small noise that might have been a laugh or a sigh and met the bounty hunter's gaze. "A unique choice of words...how many have you killed, Silvara, that were necessary?"
re: peacemaker Silvara 3:18 am friday july 28, 2000
Silvara froze as the silky voice seemed to coil around her. Violet eyes narrowed in anger and she stepped in front of him, poking her finger into his chest. "There is a difference Ilaron, in killing someone who's dangerous to myself and others...and killing some clown because he wounded your pride."
re: peacemaker Ilaron 3:25 am friday july 28, 2000
Ilaron glanced down at the delicate finger driving into his chest and nearly smiled. It was so ridiculous to be holding this conversation in the middle of the street. "Enough..." He caught her small hand within his own and held it gently, "how would you have reacted, little huntress? Would you have laughed along with him?" With a mocking formality he lifted the back of her hand to his lips before releasing her.
re: peacemaker Silvara 3:40 am friday july 28, 2000
A sadness filled Silvara's eyes and she let her hand fall to her side, trying to ignore the tingling sensation left by his kiss. "No...I don't suppose I would have. Lets just drop it...try to stay away from Jester, if you don't go near him maybe he'll pick on someone else." She glanced up and spied Luna and the others, "at least try..."
re: peacemaker Ilaron 3:56 am friday july 28, 2000
Ilaron felt the sadness that suddenly darkened her soul and saw it flash behind her eyes before she managed to bury it. He didn't say anything though, he merely kept his gaze on the small group as they approached. Valari shifted around his throat, lifting her slender head to hiss at them before settling back down again.
’Behave, while I agree with the sentiment, now isn't the time.’
Silvara knelt and greeted the lioness, briefly hugging her before smiling at Luna. The bard sighed in true exasperation as he listened to their chatter. 'What did I do to deserve this?'

Leaving Luna 8:49 am friday july 28, 2000
Luna's smile faded at Zsasz's question. It was innocent enough but her answer? She sighed softly and looked at him. "Ligeia is actually a very dangerous place. But I do not intent on actually going inside the city, I couldn't allow myself to put you two in danger by doing that," she answered. She spotted Silvara on her left and suddenly knew that the woman would keep a safe distance from them. "There is my tree," Luna grinned. "Hold on a second." Luna leaped up to grab the bottom limb and flipped herself up. She glanced down to find them watching her and grinned as she hopped up higher as if it were nothing more than a ladder. When she got to the top she reached inside a hole created by some animal and pulled out her travel bag she had hidden. It had been her experience in Ligeia that anyone carrying such a bag was a good target for a mugging. She had hidden it in case Tamerlane had turned into such a town. She sighed as she hopped back down and landed several feet from her companions, she slung the bag over her shoulder and grinned at them. "Okay lets get outta here."
re: Leaving Atticus 10:02 am friday july 28, 2000
Atticus wasn't impressed by the one called Ilaron's temper. 'I'll be watching you closest of all, bard.' He said to himself as he crept along in the shadows. He was the first to admit that Jester could be annoying to an extreme, but should his new target try an approach with sinister thoughts, he wouldn't live long enough to draw that sword again. With a flick of his wrist, Grievance was cocked and ready as they began to head for the city's boundary.

Decision Blade 11:01 am friday july 28, 2000
Blade stopped and looked up at the sky. "It'll be dark soon we can either stop now or keep on walking. Another five hours or so would bring us to the river and that's the halfway point between Tamerlane and Enigma. What do you think?" she turned and looked at her two companions to await an answer. "Put down for the night or keep walking?"
re: Decision Angelo 6:54 pm friday july 28, 2000
Angelo glanced at Loki and his new pet, then back to Blade. "I'm all for traveling through." He answered calmly as he looked up at the sky.
re: Decision Blade 7:26 pm friday july 28, 2000
"Good," Blade replied with a bright smile. "I was actually hoping you would say that because I prefer traveling at night. So I guess we'll stop at the river to rest." Blade sighed as she continued her normal pace and stared ahead towards the slowly darkening sky.
re: Decision Loki 8:28 pm friday july 28, 2000
Loki followed the two, traveling slightly aloof as he became acquainted with his new pet. The little beast was surprisingly adept with psychic energy and he found himself able to communicate with the creature without Twixt's involvement. He'd only half heard the conversation Blade and Angelo were having, hearing something about continuing on into the night and stopping at the river, but it Abrakadabraalakazam who had the largest share of his attention. It's youth was apparent, it was merely an infant of whatever species he was, and Loki found himself utterly fascinated with him; so much so, that he walked on without being fully aware that he was doing so.

Crossing the river Luna 11:31 am friday july 28, 2000
"What luck!" Luna grinned as she hopped up onto the fallen log. She looked down at the river that was at the bottom of the crevice they had reached. "Jester I know you can get across this no problem but what about Zsasz?" She turned and walked across the log sprawled across the canyon and hopped down on the other side. "If he can't do it then you'd better help him." She smiled slightly as Razzmatazz whipped around her and stood on her shoulder to watch them with a loud snort.
re: Crossing the river Silvara 2:55 pm friday july 28, 2000
Silvara shrugged and followed Lamashtu across the log, pausing in the middle to look down at the river, it was actually quite pretty. But she had no desire to get any closer to it than this. She couldn't swim...or at least not very well. 'Nope, dry land for me thank you very much.' She grinned and padded after Lamashtu when the lioness made an annoyed sound and dropped lightly down beside Luna. The bounty hunter smiled gently at her friend, "Are you sure you really want to go to Ligea Luna? That's a pretty rough place now."
re: Crossing the river Luna 3:03 pm friday july 28, 2000
Luna watched the huntress and her lioness cross the log and watched them jump down. She smiled at her question and nodded her head. "I know what Ligeia is like. I just left there a year ago," she told her. "Besides, I am going as far as the outskirts of the city. Like I told Zsasz, I would never drag any of you inside and put your lives in danger." She turned and walked away from the crevice to look around. "If we're going to make it there by tomorrow we should probably stop for awhile. More than likely we'll end up walking during nighttime hours, unless you all want to wait until noon tomorrow to start."
re: Crossing the river Silvara 3:09 pm friday july 28, 2000
Silvara rolled her eyes, "I wasn't worried about me..." She paused, "I just thought it might bring back some unpleasant memories for you." Crouching down on her heels, Silvara idly picked a blade of grass and twirled it between her fingers, "that's why I never go home..." With a small laugh she stood up and grinned at Luna, "lets just rest here and move tonight."
re: Crossing the river Luna 3:16 pm friday july 28, 2000
"Those unpleasant memories are why I am going back in the first place," Luna told her sadly. "Very well, we'll go tonight and we should get there around dawn." Luna turned around and walked towards a nearby tree. She sat down on the grass beneath it and leaned her back up against the trunk as she began digging in her bag. She stopped when she found a small box and smiled up at Silvara in an invitation to join her.
re: Crossing the river Silvara 3:19 pm friday july 28, 2000
Silvara returned her friend's smile and sank down beside her, grinning when Lamashtu came and settled across her outstretched legs with a contented sigh. Eyes bright with curiosity, Silvara nodded at the box, "what's that?"
re: Crossing the river Luna 3:28 pm friday july 28, 2000
"These are my pictures," Luna said proudly. She pulled the two pictures she took from the psychic's tent out of her pull string bag and put them on top of the stack in the box before lifting them all out. "These were all taken more than six years ago. I know there isn't very many but they all have some significance of my past. My father, my friends, and even some of the servants. There is one in there of my favorite place to go, the gardens in the back of the house. My father was so protective of me that he always made me go with a chaperone. He was a very nice boy named....." Luna bit her lip as her eyebrows moved inward in confusion. "You know... I can't remember his name for some reason." She sighed and shrugged it off. She looked at the pictures sadly for a moment before handing them to Silvara. "It doesn't matter, I am not even sure if he's still alive."
re: Crossing the river Silvara 3:49 pm friday july 28, 2000
Silvara went through the pictures, lingering over the one of the garden and the one of the man, "your father must have loved you very much Luna, to try and protect you as he did." She stared at the ornate garden and smiled softly, "I can see why you liked the gardens so much, they must have been very beautiful." The bounty hunter shook her head and patted Luna's arm, "I know I should probably tell you he survived and that everything will work out for the best, but..." She shrugged again, "just don't give up like that, even if he didn't survive...don't shrug it off like it wasn't important to you. It gets easier to do with time, and then eventually you can't stop, you just start shrugging off anything that effects you and you stop caring.." Silvara laughed lightly and shook her head, "listen to me! This is why they don't send for me to talk jumpers down from buildings." She giggled and gave her friend a little hug, "so what do you want to do? We can watch Ilaron and Jester try to kill each other, go hunting, maybe get that Zsasz kid to do some tricks or something.
’Or we could sleep’
"Be quiet, you sleep to much anyway." She sighed in mock annoyance as Lamashtu rolled onto her back and stretched, clearly settling down for a nap. "Well not on me you don't shove off!" Silvara grinned and yanked her legs from beneath her guardian who gave her a glare before settling back down.
re: Crossing the river Luna 4:42 pm friday july 28, 2000
Luna giggled as she watched the guardian get bounced around then put the pictures back in their box. "Everyone inside the house was killed, including my father," she sighed. "Fortunately, I was in the gardens at the time with my chaperone..." Luna closed the bag and jumped to her feet. She smiled slightly and leaned towards Silvara. "You probably shouldn't call Zsasz a kid I don't think he likes it," she whispered. "He's actually only two years younger than I am." She smiled as she strode over to Zsasz with a bright smile and reached out and tapped on Baffle Baffle to get him to open up. Luna sighed as she straightened up and looked at Jester with a grin, she rolled her eyes slightly and gave him a look that told him to leave Ilaron alone.
re: Crossing the river Atticus 7:45 pm friday july 28, 2000
Atticus stalled within the shadows. He'd managed to conceal himself throughout the time they'd been traveling and when night fell he'd have no worries of being discovered. He settled down in a good shadow, then watched the group from afar, waiting for nightfall.
re: Crossing the river Jester--&--Zsasz 8:20 pm friday july 28, 2000
Jester sighed and nodded begrudgingly as he looked over at Ilaron. He grinned inwardly to himself, he'd leave the bard alone for the night, but not permanently. Zsasz looked at Luna and smiled slightly as Baffle Baffle lifted a wing and peered at her before cocooning himself and inching around to the other side of Zsasz's top hat. He unfolded himself to stretch, then let his wings hang down as he watched Luna.

the Forests of Enigma Faustus Vitae 8:35 pm friday july 28, 2000
Faustus Vitae sat perched on a branch in one of the trees adjacent to Enigma. The city was secondary to him, he preferred the solitary existence in the trees outside it...or so he told himself. There were too many people, too many risks for him to actually live in the village, though he ventured in to ply his trade. Stealing was something that came naturally to his stealth and subterfuge abilities, but not something he necessarily enjoyed-in fact, he enjoyed very little about anything. He took a deep breath, the sky was darkening and though it wouldn't be completely dark outside the forest for several more hours, the canopy of foliage forced the night onto the village of Enigma sooner than the rest of the world. This was his time, the shadows allowed him the cover he needed and with the villagers in their beds, there were very few that he had the chance of actually meeting face to face.

Musings Ilaron 5:28 am saturday july 29, 2000
Ilaron sighed and fairly growled with frustration.
‘Damnit Valari, no!’
He held up his hand and let the small serpent crawl into it.
‘For the thousandth time you may not kill him’
He shook his head and gentled his thoughts as he tossed her into the air, a small smile curling his lips at her protests.
’If I can't do it, then what makes you so special?’
He caught the writhing serpent and made a soft noise as she bit his thumb, not quite hard enough to draw blood.
’Now behave, or I'll leave you here.’
It was an idle threat and they both knew it, he could no more leave her than she could leave him. Valari was his friend, even if she was annoying at times. With what sounded like a small sight, the serpent gently licked the abused flesh of his thumb and began coiling around his wrist.
napping Silvara 5:58 am saturday july 29, 2000
Silvara hid a small smile as she watched Ilaron and his guardian. Every once in awhile, he dropped his guard just enough that she caught a glimpse of whatever it was that he tried to hide behind that cold mask of his. For the hundredth time she shoved Lamashtu from her legs and finally stood, ignoring her guardian's sleepy protest as she walked over to Ilaron. Without asking, Silvara sat beside him and made a face as the serpent hissed at her. She wanted to talk to him, but wasn't quite sure what to say. Finally, she just decided to remain silent and drew the small black stone from her pouch. If they were going to Ligeia...even the outskirts, she wanted to be prepared. With quiet efficiency, she began removing the small daggers hidden in her clothing, drawing each across the stone and watching the gleaming metal darken. She handled them carefully, returning each to it's former location before returning the stone to her pouch. Fortunately, with the shortened days, they wouldn't have to wait long to be on their way. She shrugged and glanced over at Ilaron, "wake me in an hour or so...please Ilaron?" Silvara gave him a small smile and fell back into the soft grass, quickly dropping into a fitful sleep.
re: napping Ilaron 6:09 am saturday july 29, 2000
Ilaron was surprised when Silvara came and sat beside him, but was nonetheless relieved when she chose not to draw him into conversation. With growing amazement he watched her pull blade after blade from her clothing, losing interest in counting once he got into the teens. Even though he saw it with his owns eyes, he found it hard to believe the sheer volume of weaponry the little bounty hunter had stashed on her person. The most incredible part was that you couldn't see any of them even though her attire left little to the imagination. Finally he shrugged and went back to his conversation with Valari, mentally scolding her unkind criticism of the woman beside him.
"wake me in an hour or so...please Ilaron?"
He nodded and watched her lean back into the grass shaking his head when her breathing quickly shifted into a slower pattern. It had taken her less than two minutes to fall asleep. His gaze drifted to the sleeping lioness nearby and then back to the bounty hunter. Yes, Silvara had much in common with her guardian. A small smile tugged the corners of his lips, "sleep well, little hunter."
waiting Luna 9:14 am saturday july 29, 2000
Luna paced along the edge of the cliff, impatient to get to Ligeia but not wanting to rush anyone. From here it was still a long walk and would take them almost the entire night to get there. If they left in the next hour or two they should get there sometime around noon... dawn. Luna sighed, shaking her head slightly to get her mind off the subject. Thankfully Jester had refrained from any more pranks on Ilaron so thinks had actually been peaceful. She looked up at him and wondered how long it would last. "Not long," she was forced to smile. She looked away and continued to pace, every so often glancing down the steep crevice to look at the dark outline of the river below.
re: waiting Atticus 9:38 am saturday july 29, 2000
Atticus settled into the grass of the shadow he'd concealed himself it, watching the girl pace on the other side of the crevice. When they left, he'd cross over, but there were still patches on the log that were not darkened by shadow and they'd catch glimpses of him should he try to cross now. Biding his time was something he was used to, he'd make his presence known when the need arose.
re: waiting Razzmatazz 11:08 am saturday july 29, 2000
Razzmatazz snorted as he peered into the shadows. There was something there, not necessarily dangerous so should he tell his Luna? He looked up at her pretty face and decided against it. He would tell her if the intruder proved to be a nuisance. If he wasn't then he didn't want to worry her. Instead he curled around the back of her neck his eyes locked on Jester. Razzmatazz didn't like anyone who touched his Luna. He snorted loudly when she finally spoke, feeling the frustration in her body. "I'm ready to go wake Silvara up," Razzmatazz closed his eyes, enjoying the musical softness of her voice even if there was a slight edge to it. He felt her moving and stretched his arms and legs as he turned his body around. With a big yawn he watched the jester from his upside down view and snorted at the blue shadow that was always with him. He glared at it as he quickly flipped back over and latched onto his Luna's neck with a small growl at the other guardian, telling Rikki Tikki that it was HIS Luna and he couldn't have her.

in dreams Silvara 3:43 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Silvara opened her eyes and gave a frightened squeak at the man looming over her hand going for her dagger. She froze at the feel of steel against her neck and heard other male voices, her blood running cold at their words. Stupid...so stupid to sleep out in the open, but her wound had weakened her and she hadn't been able to go any further. Now she would pay for her mistake. She glared up at the man and then let her face crumple as tears slipped from frightened eyes. "Please don't hurt me." She began to sob softly, trembling from fear and heard the man snicker and order her to her feet. He shifted the knife at her throat...and Silvara moved. In a blur of motion she lashed out with her hand, driving the tiger claws into the man's unprotected groin. At least that's what should have happened. He should have fallen with a gurgling scream...the other three would rush her, and hampered by the healing gash on her leg, they would bear her to the ground. There would be a screaming roar and Lamashtu would appear, an impossibly tall golden woman with the face of a lioness and the wings of a great eagle. Their would be flames...high-pitch screams and when she awoke, a tawny lioness would be curled at her side, the guardian's voice speaking softly within her mind. Calling her daughter and promising to protect her. But this time, none of that happened. The man laughed and her claws passed through his insubstantial body. She knew then that it was the dream again. Her guardian wouldn't arrive...and Silvara wouldn't be able to stop them herself...nor would she be able to wake herself until the dream had run it's course. She moaned in her sleep and tears began to slip from her closed eyes.
re: in dreams Ilaron 4:05 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Ilaron heard the soft sound and felt the faint rise of terror, grief and shame within the sleeping woman. His eyes turned to Silvara and he opened himself to her, letting her full emotions enter his mind. A sharp hiss escaped his lips and he quickly withdrew, shaking the bounty hunter gently, wanting to wake her from the nightmare. "Huntress...Silvara, wake up." He glanced up and saw Lamashtu walking towards him, a sadness filling her luminous eyes. "I can't wake her." The lioness sat beside the sleeping hunter and he was surprised to hear a woman's weary voice within his mind.
‘no, you cannot...it doesn't come to her as often as it did’
The lioness laid her paw on the woman's leg.
‘in her dream, she fails and none save her when she does’
Ilaron met her gaze and his voice was filled with anger. "So you just let her suffer through it?" The lioness snarled softly and Ilaron sighed, "forgive me." He ignored the lioness and gathered Silvara up in his arms, his eyes hardening at the tears coursing down her face and the soft cries escaping her lips. He was angered that she had been hurt that way, that even without physical injury, her mind had been scared enough that her dreams tormented her. Softly, he began to sing, keeping his voice low and soft, using his powers to send assurance and comfort to her sleeping mind. His powers rose within him and his eyes began to glow a with an inner light as he strengthened their link, sending his thoughts into her mind.
‘Silvara, I'm here. They cannot harm you...awaken, huntress’
re: in dreams Silvara 4:20 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Bruised and bloody, Silvara faced her attackers. Nothing she did effected them, her attacks passed through them and they seemed to know that she couldn't harm them. They made a game of it, laughing as they darted forward a knife grazing her arm, a fist driving into her stomach. Eventually she wouldn't be able to get up, they would wear her down and then... Hot angry tears began to mingle with the blood on her face, knowing exactly what they wanted to do to her. Knowing what they did to her every time she faced them in her nightmares. Only when they had finished would she be able to awaken. She heard it then, a silky voice coming to her from a great distance, the gentle melody strengthening and comforting her. The anger faded, the tears flowing down her face becoming tears of relief. "Ilaron!" He was here and he would save her, she could all but sense him as his voice swirled around her.
’Silvara, I'm here. They cannot harm you...awaken, huntress’
She called his name softly and felt a warmth surround her as she closed her eyes. She felt strong arms around her and the steady beat of his heart under her cheek, heard Lamashtu's soft, contented purr nearby. He finished his song and she felt strangely bereft as she stared up into his face, her eyes still shining with tears. "Ilaron...thank you."
re: in dreams Ilaron 4:32 pm saturday july 29, 2000
"You're welcome, little huntress. I'm sorry to have broken my promise to you." He smiled, a gentle expression and carefully wiped away the remaining tears before helping her to stand. Ilaron let the smile fall away and steadied her, feeling the small shiver that ran through her body. There wasn't anything else he could do to help her, she would have to deal with it on her own. All he could do would be to stay close enough to her when she slept to sense if the dream came again...and to bring her out from it's grasp. 'Why? I'm not going to by her side her entire life to protect her from her own demons...why should I concern myself further?' He shook his head and released her, "I think it's time to leave, Luna seems to be getting impatient." He gestured to the pacing woman and then gave Silvara a cold look, "they are dreams Silvara, nothing more, if you let them hurt you..so be it." With that, he left her and walked over towards Luna, stopping several feet from her, waiting for them to leave.
re: in dreams Silvara 5:04 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Silvara watched him walk away and struggled to hide her confusion. Lamashtu leaned against her legs and she knelt and hugged her guardian. "I don't understand him..." Ilaron had seemed so concerned when she had awakened, so caring...and now. "Why is he angry with me?" Her guardian nuzzled her cheek but said nothing that would have helped ease her ward's mind. Still, Silvara took comfort from Lamashtu's presence and briefly tightened her arms around her before standing. After carefully wiping her eyes and forcing the memory of the dream and Ilaron's song to the back of her mind, Silvara forced herself to smile as she walked over to Luna. "Sorry...are we ready then?"
re: in dreams Luna 5:53 pm saturday july 29, 2000
"Yes," Luna told Silvara in a soft voice. She looked into violet eyes and seen an emotion flicker there. Silvara could not hide her emotions from her, especially when they were such strong ones. "I'd like to tell you that everything will be alright. We just have to keep fighting and hope it does." Luna's head drooped slightly as she began walking into the darkness towards Ligeia. As she looked out at their moonlit path a tear escaped and she quickly wiped it away. 'I wish I could tell you that everything will be alright...'
on the road Silvara 8:33 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Silvara walked beside her friend, falling into a somber silence as the headed towards Ligeia. She wasn't terribly worried about the city itself or the inhabitants, it was just a reaction to the dream and to a certain silver-haired bard. As always, the nightmare left her emotionally shaken and Ilaron hadn't helped matters one bit. Lamashtu finally took matters into her own paws and set about trying to trip Silvara by twining through her legs as she walked. It worked. Silvara caught herself with her hands and snarled playfully at her guardian before giggling, "alright, alright. You win, no more moping." The lioness gave both the women a haughty look before curling her lips and baring her fangs in a feline smile. Silvara grinned ruefully and watched her bound off into the night, "good hunting, my mother." She then turned her attention back to Luna and set about singing every dirty limerick she'd ever heard, trying to bring a smile to her friend's face.
Ruins of Jadon Manor Luna 8:41 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Luna giggled at her friend as they walked and turned to the hill they were suddenly climbing. The charred remains of the once grand mansion were the first thing Luna seen as they reached the top of the hill. Luna stopped, her heart torn at the sight, as painful tears streamed down paled cheeks. "Home..." she choked out. An image of the how the house once was floated in front of her eyes for a moment then disappeared, leaving nothing but the bitter sight that was left in it's stead. 'What if there was something left inside? Something that would be special to only me.' Shaking away the pity she had felt for herself she suddenly found herself racing towards the manor house, pushing through the blackened wood that had fallen over the door and squeezing through a hole big enough for her to fit through. She ran up what was left of the stairs, not hearing the wood straining under her weight. She felt the black cord used to bound her hair pull free and her long hair loosed itself from her braid to flow gently behind her as she shoved open a door and entered a large room. She stopped at the door and stared wide eyed as she slowly stepped inside. "No..." she groaned as she dropped into a sitting position. She just hugged her legs to her chest and buried her face against her knees as her hair fell around her.
re: Ruins of Jadon Manor Silvara 9:06 pm saturday july 29, 2000
"Luna!" Silvara took off after her friend, barely noticing when Lamashtu darted out of the high grass and began loping beside her. They followed the fleeing girl to the mansion but Silvara didn't bother with the hole, she just vaulted through one of the empty window frames in time to see her friend disappear up the stairs. Ignoring Lamashtu's warning, the bounty hunter followed, wincing at the sound of the groaning wood and finally let out the breath she'd been holding once she reached the top. 'I'm gonna kill her!! Running off like that and those stairs! She could have been killed!!' Her angry words died on her lips when she saw Luna huddled inside the room, her long hair falling around her in a dark veil. "Luna." Silvara felt tears sting her eyes and knelt beside her friend, draping her arm around her shoulder. “I’m sorry Luna.."
re: Ruins of Jadon Manor Luna 9:14 pm saturday july 29, 2000
"There... there's nothing left!!" Luna wailed. "Its all gone! Everything! My parents' bedroom is gone! My room is gone! The nursery is gone! My mother, my father, my little brother!! I have NOTHING!!" Luna moaned softly as she fell against her friend. "What am I going to do? How am I supposed to live with no family? No life.... I would have grown up to be one of the most important people in society and now I am nothing. I am a scared rabbit in a big world who can't even protect myself or the people I care about... I'm sorry Silvara. I don't mean to bother you with my problems.. I'm really very sorry."
re: Ruins of Jadon Manor Atticus 9:25 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Atticus followed the girl, blending with the shadows and weaving his way through the charred remains of the mansion. He ended up on the second floor and looked into the room Luna had collapsed inside of. He took a deep breath, then showed himself, walking into the room without a sound. He'd been seeing the former inhabitants throughout his way up here, their spirits lingering like a soft blanket, testaments of Kantu's rage.
re: Ruins of Jadon Manor Silvara 9:33 pm saturday july 29, 2000
"Luna." Silvara enveloped her friend in a hug, tears streaming down her own face in reaction to Luna's grief. "How can you say something like that? You're not "nothing." It's hard not having any family...loosing everyone and everything you used to define yourself by...I know." She hugged her friend tightly, "but just because they're gone...you're not a nothing. You're special Luna, you draw people to you...you even have Mephistos personally concerning himself in your well-being..." Silvara shook her head, "I'm sorry for what you've lost...and that you judge yourself so harshly, I'd help you if I knew how." She fell silent for a moment and then spoke again in a hesitant voice. "You're wrong though...you do have family, I'm alone...you're alone so we'll be each other's family." Silvara tried to smile and wound up crying harder.
Razz attacks, Luna runs Luna 9:53 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Luna hugged Silvara harder as she cried softly. "Thank you Silvara, that really means a lot to me!" she told her softly. Her eyes widened when she heard Razzmatazz growl and whip away from her. She hurried to her feet and watched as her guardian latched onto the man's boot. Fear clouded her green eyes, dulling them a few shades as she quickly looked down at Silvara. 'I seen him twice at the circus and suddenly he's here! Is he following me? He wants to finish off the last of my family, he's a spy for Kantu!' "Silvara run!" Luna cried helplessly as she ran out the door. 'Why can't I just fight for myself?!' Luna ran down the steps and squirmed back out the door only to leap at Jester and throw her arms around him, shaking with fear. "He's been watching me! He's gonna kill me!" she cried out as she squeezed him tighter and hid her face.
attack Silvara 10:00 pm saturday july 29, 2000
"The fuck he is!" Silvara whipped out a poisoned dagger, prepared to hurl it into the man's heart but Lamashtu beat her to him. The lioness leaped at the man, barreling him over and Silvara followed, pouncing on his chest and pressing her claws against his throat. "You better have a damn good reason for being here.."
re: attack Atticus 10:20 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Atticus closed his eyes and focused his thoughts on the main entryway of the mansion. His body began to fade, then he blinked out completely and appeared on the floor in front of Jester and Luna. He got to his feet, Razzmatazz releasing him to weave dizzily around the room. Atticus fought off the nausea eating his gut, then looked at Luna. "My name is Atticus Redwolf, I work for the Tamerlane circus. I wasn't following you, I was following Jester and Zsasz, to make sure they were safe...I may be able to help you in a way no one else can...tell her Jester, tell her I'm no one she need fear."

Jester looked at him, then looked at Luna. "He's telling the truth, he's one of my friends, certainly no spy." He answered softly, in a tone so gentle it surprised even himself. "...And he might be able to set your mind at some ease."
re: attack Luna 10:27 pm saturday july 29, 2000
Luna's eyes widened and she looked up at Jester. 'Was he actually saying something nice?' She couldn't help but smile but quickly hid her face again. "How could anyone set MY mind at ease?" she said quietly. She suddenly felt dizzy and immediately looked over at Razz who caught onto her leg dizzily. A sudden wave of nausea and pain tear at her insides. Her legs wobbled weakly until they finally gave out under her. She closed her eyes as the swirling blackness took over.
oops Silvara 5:53 am sunday july 30, 2000
Silvara had found herself straddling air when the man disappeared and fell onto her bottom with a surprised "ooof." After Jester's assurance that the man wasn't a threat, a light blush crept up Silvara's cheeks. Lamashtu wasn't amused either, and the blush deepened at some of the things she said about Atticus. 'Great Silvara...good job...maybe for your encore you can do something equally embarrassing.' She quickly consoled herself that, given the circumstances, her reaction had been reasonable. After all, she had been charged to protect Luna...but more importantly she was, besides Lamashtu, her only friend. Still, it would have been nice to have handled it in a more dignified manner. She was still blushing when Luna collapsed and she rushed forward just as Ilaron entered the room.
re: oops Ilaron 5:57 am sunday july 30, 2000
Ilaron took one look at Luna's unconscious form, quirked an eyebrow at the stranger and then turned to a blushing Silvara. He shook his head at her and gave her a look, that clearly asked her what she had done to bring about this chain of events.

The river Blade 11:15 am saturday july 29, 2000
Blade groaned as she collapsed on the edge of the river. She laid there silently looking up at the stars and closed her eyes, not bothering to look at what the others were doing. "We'll rest here for awhile. I'm actually surprised that we got here so soon. We'll leave when the sun comes back up in several hours, feel free to take a nap," she rolled over on her side, listening to the gently lulling sounds of the river next to her. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep.

Memories Atticus 11:04 am sunday july 30, 2000
Atticus looked at the bard with a glare, then grabbed him and shoved him against a wall before he knelt down to Luna. Jester was in a state of shock, which, given his insanity, didn't surprise Atticus in the least. He shot Ilaron another narrowed eye warning, then pressed his left hand to Luna's heart. A red mist entwined his arm, slowly circling it's way down until it seeped from his fingertips into Luna's body, healing the sickness caused by the blink. She was obviously linked to her guardian much in the same way he was linked to his familiar, and he knew the feeling of sudden, unpreventable situations. With lifetap working through her body healing everything the magic could find to heal, Atticus stood up and looked at Silvara. "I apologize for not making myself known sooner, but I assumed I'd get this sort of reaction...I may be able to bring a portion of ease to her mind concerning the deaths of her family, some small amount of comfort perhaps." He told the bounty hunter calmly, then looked down at Lamashtu as Lucifer uprooted himself from his shadow with a malicious scream. "Again, I assure you I mean no harm." Lucifer looked down at Lamashtu, his arms crossed as he hovered overhead. 'Do not touch my child again, demoness.' He told Lamashtu mentally as he glared down at her, receiving a look just as cold from the lioness.
re: Memories Luna 2:40 pm sunday july 30, 2000
Luna rolled onto her side and let her eyes creep open slowly. She could feel Razzmatazz clinging to her left calf as she slowly pushed herself to her feet. She looked around carefully wondering how she ended up back inside the house. She shivered slightly, not wanting to be there. Not wanting to be anywhere near it. She turned a confused glance up at Jester then looked around at Zsasz, Silvara, Ilaron and the stranger named Atticus. She suddenly felt uncomfortable around everyone. Suddenly felt as if she were a plague, something to be avoided at all costs. She gave them all one last look and started to stumble through the house, wanting to be alone with her memories. She sighed as she walked through the doorway where the backdoor once stood and stepped out into what was once the most beautiful garden. She bit back the tears as she walked past the dieing flowers to the fountain in the middle where she sat down to think. A small smile lifted the corners of her lips as she remembered all of the days she spent wondering around memorizing every flower and herb. The smile faded when she recalled the last time she was here. The day that Kantu attacked. She was sitting at this very fountain watching their best gardener trip the rose bushes. The lady had even cut her off a pretty red one for her to keep. Luna sighed as she remembered the wonderful smells of the flowers. They were all so beautiful and... perfect. She missed them all. Missed the servants, missed her gardener, and especially missed they young man who was her chaperone. 'Why can't I remember his name? Did I block the memory out? I can't even remember what he looks like... only the memory of wondering around the gardens with him.' Luna sighed softly again as she looked into the blackened water that used to be crystal clear. 'It doesn't matter, its all gone. Everything is gone. Its time to move on in my life. To be with those who I care about. Everyone I cared about it dead... Will everyone I care about now die? Jester... Silvara... Zsasz... will they be hurt because of me?' A fearful look crept over Luna's face as she leapt up and quickly went back inside the house. She had to get them out of there before they were cursed as well. She had to get them to leave before she hurt them. 'I have to protect them. I have to stop whining because I am so weak and stand up for those I care about most.' "We have to go, we have to leave this place," Luna told them in a frightened voice. 'I cannot be the cause of your pain.' "We have to get as far away from Ligeia as possible." 'Into the mountains! We should run into the mountains! Kantu would never think to look for us there!' "What do you say about heading to Astoria? I hear there's good skiing this time of year..." she muttered as she motioned towards the door. 'Anywhere but here.'
re: Memories Atticus 6:25 pm sunday july 30, 2000
"I'm from Astoria, I know it and it's surrounding ground like the back of my hand." He told Luna softly as he watched several spirits gather around her and whisper encouraging words to her. Atticus sighed, so many times had he seen this, words falling upon deaf ears, smiles aimed at blind eyes. He finally let out a deep breath and turned to walk out of the house. The world was a mausoleum to him, everywhere he went, the dead seemed to always outnumber the living. Lucifer sensed his sudden withdrawal and seeped back into his shadow, curling up in his mind to provide what little comfort he could. He wandered away slowly, refusing to look back as he eventually came to a stop and looked up at the sky. Vast and seemingly empty it was the one thing he always relied upon, it was always there, no matter what time of day, no matter what circumstance he found himself involved in...the sky was always there to comfort him. He finally gave a glance back at the house and realized he'd wandered a little farther than he'd intended to. 'Oh well.' He said to himself with a shrug, then took a deep breath. 'Jester and Zsasz can take care of themselves, they don't need me around.' His thoughts turned to the one city he'd possibly find comfort in, Metzengerstein. If it truly were the ghost town everyone claimed it to be, then it was the place for him. He found the dead so much more comforting than the living. He settled his mind, he didn't dare return to the circus without Jester and Zsasz, and he was only causing friction traveling with them. He focused his thoughts on the only photograph he'd seen of the dead city, his body gradually beginning to fade before he blinked out entirely.
re: Memories Ilaron 7:43 pm sunday july 30, 2000
Ilaron was still slightly annoyed by the rough treatment he'd received but brushed it away and found himself reacting to the fear in Luna's voice. He didn't like it...but there didn't seem to be a damn thing he could do about it...he wanted to comfort her. His gaze flew to Silvara, who looked like she'd been crying...as did Luna for that matter. 'Of course...it's just feedback from Silvara, Luna is her friend so she wants to comfort her and I'm picking up on that through our link. Lucky me.' The bounty hunter was proving to be a definite annoyance. Still his voice was surprisingly gentle when he turned back to Luna. "I was born in Astoria...I have a home there, a house anyway...you're welcome to use it if that's where you wish to go."
re: Memories Silvara 8:00 pm sunday july 30, 2000
Silvara frowned at Lamashtu, her guardian's sulky thoughts were full dark utterances about arrogant elders and vague promises about attacking whoever she damned well pleased to attack. With a sigh Silvara shook her head and did her best to hide the faint blush that rose to her cheeks. She'd never reacted like that before, usually when she fought, she tried to stay detached, to keep her emotions out of it...but when she'd heard the fear in Luna's voice. Promising herself that she would apologize to the man, Atticus, the next time she saw him, Silvara walked over to her friend. The bounty hunter's eyes widened somewhat at Ilaron's gentle tone but she didn't comment...it would probably just make him mad at her again. Still just a bit embarrassed about her actions, Silvara gave Luna a sheepish grin. "Astoria's fine with me." Lamashtu immediately began complaining about hating snow and how boring a place like Astoria would be but Silvara ignored her. "Astoria is fine with both of us."

Wandering Mind Angelo 6:51 pm sunday july 30, 2000
Angelo looked over at Blade and watched her for a moment before he sat down away from the river bank. Water was not one of his favorite things. Loki was being his untalkative self and Blade had fallen asleep so he pulled a small pocket knife and block of wood from one of his pouches. He idly began to whittle away at the block while his mind wandered off into parts of his thoughts he was rarely able to obtain entry to. Memories began to flicker, some lingering long enough for him to see them, others flashing by too rapidly to grasp, and all of them unrecognizable. These were the memories of those times when his mind was essentially unconscious, the memories Vex kept locked away from him. The images finally began to run together into a full memory. It was completely unrecognizable to him, none of the faces were familiar, none of the houses, then he realized just what it was. 'Enigma.' He said to himself. The buildings were all in trees, high above the ground, linked together with walkways. He quickly memorized everything he was able to see. Into the vision walked a man dressed in green and he saw himself approach, boomerang drawn and ready. He gasped slightly, Vex suddenly forcing the image back into it's safe before he locked it away. 'Ah, ah, ah...no need to know about that.' He said with a malicious chuckle. Angelo sighed and shook his head, then looked down at the block of wood and narrowed his eyes curiously. He'd whittled it into a dragon, though his thoughts had been far from one of the beasts.

the Nature of the Beast Loki 9:05 pm sunday july 30, 2000
Loki settled down on the grass and plucked a few blades of it. The river was soothing, it's constant flow of water calming his mind and allowing him to think clearly again. His new pet flopped down and leaned against him, falling asleep. Loki looked at him, he had to admit, the creature was rather charming in it's own way, and it's psychic abilities matched his own, even in it's infant stage. He glanced over at Blade, then looked at the toy maker before he laid back and looked up at the stars. There were too many to count, billions upon billions, but somewhere in their numbers was one that would eventually lead them to peace. In a literal sense she was human, but in his way of thinking, she was so much more. From the first dream, the first vision he'd seen of the mark after stepping into Jester's mind for a night, he'd recognized it immediately, there was no mistaking it. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Sleep would never come, but he could send his mind hunting for a dream.

Stupified Jester--&--Zsasz 9:14 pm sunday july 30, 2000
Jester stood completely dazed. The embrace had sent him spiraling into a stupor, he'd never been hugged before, even out of fear. He'd answered Atticus' question more or less on reflex, and as his senses began to return, he shook away the last of the awe stricken cloud covering his mind. He turned in time to see Atticus fade away, off to some location, 'typical,' he snorted to himself, 'always have to take off in the middle of things, don't you?'

Zsasz stood outside the manor house, looking at it's charred remains. Something about the place spooked him and he couldn't bring himself to actually enter the ruin. Baffle Baffle flapped his way toward the door, then returned after finding everyone in satisfactory condition. Zsasz frowned as the guardian cocooned himself, then poked him to make him inch away from his line of sight. He'd heard the name Astoria simply because it peaked his curiosity, he was too busy trying to determine why this place scared him to hear anything else Luna had said.



To be continued...