Sadina's Compound and Gardens

Arturus with petal in tow. He comes in quietly and sticking to the shadows as to avoid any undue attention.

((out of time sequence))

The garden is dark, with just a few shuttered lanterns to barely light the paths, but not the sheltered areas of the garden, the only ones about are the typical guards outside, and they know to ignore the figures slipping through the secret gate, because only certain people have been given the access code to the magically guarded and locked gate, and any tampering will highlight the culprit to guards with magically enhanced bolts and crossbows.

Sadina sat in the grotto alcove where the fountains will cover the sounds of any conversation within. With her is a box, covered in scrollwork. And of course, she is armed to the teeth, as usual, though no one would know by looking.

Arturus coughs quietly from the darkness and he steps forward into the light. Petal is behind him one step and to the left and moves with him as per instructions. He waits to be acknowledged before he comes closer. He knows the lethality of Sadina. Not that he couldn't defend himself and had before even from her as he knew her temper too. But he was by no means unarmed either.

   Swiftly and silently they fanned out to hide amid the shadows and alcoves along the street.  Wary of the guards, Mordar signals to Jannor, asking silently if they should remove Sadina's guards and surround the compound, but he shakes his head.  There was no need to approach further.  If they did they might alert someone to their presence.  It is enough, thought Jannor, to know that Arturus is there.  He will depart whenever his business at this manor house is done and we will have our "chat" thereafter.
   They had followed Arturus carefully, Jannor's sons all accomplished trackers, trained by their father of course.  Being many, they could trade places as they shadowed their quarry, so that he need never see the same man behind him twice, and thus not know he was followed, were any of them to be spotted, which they almost never were.  They had tracked Arturus to this lavish estate and quickly informed their father of Arturus destination.  Now Jannor waited in the darkness, his eyes gleaming with malice as he replayed the events of their last parting in his head.
   Ever so quietly he whispered to himself."You left me for dead, Arturus old 'friend.'  And I nearly did die as you intended.  How ill fated for you that I did not.  How unlike you, to leave something unfinished.  A serious mistake, to be sure, and one which you shall soon have cause to regret." Jannor's fingers played across the ugly scar on his neck.  "I'll wager you know I'm here, by now, so its only a matter of time before we meet, you know it as well as I.  Fate casts the dice and all must play."

              Petal trembled slightly, not from the chill of the night but from a mixture of apprehension and excitement, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest and her skin prickled with goose bumps as she shadowed her master, moving as quietly and keeping in his shadow wiling herself to blend into the shadows, many hours of  her life had been spent in just such a way, trying to avoid notice, trying to become one with the furniture. A good slave knew when to be silent and inconspicuous if Master wished her to remain unseen and unheard then she would do so. Silently she repeated a few words of a song long forgotten by most, soft soothing and calming it had always helped to ease her nerves before and now she silently repeated it almost as a prayer.
          Here eyes and ears were open, her eyes darted from shadow to shadow, here ears tuned to every sound. The crunch of gravel under foot, the sound of boots on the cobble stones. Any cough, whisper or little noise that would give away anyone who might be watching. She was worried not for herself, but for Master, his life was her life, if he was injured or killed her life would be over.

OOC:
12:33, Today: Petal rolled 20 using 1d20+6. 12:33, Today: Petal rolled 15 using 1d20+2. spot . 12:31, Today: Petal rolled 12 using 1d20+5. move silently. 12:31, Today: Petal rolled 11 using 1d20+3. Hide.
Held action if anyone hostile appears she will cast “CAUSE FEAR” at anyone who draws a weapon.or attacks her master or her.

 "I know you are there Arturus. You may come forward, but tell the girl to stay where she is for now."

She looked up as she awaited the curier/assassin/spy to come forward and join her on the bench.

As Arturus moves forward he motions petal to his rear to follow "NO she needs to come forward to. I can't train her nor have her be at my back if she is just a ignorant pawn. I will die that way as you well know. I am not being disrespectful but since I have this responsibility I might as well turn it into a asset not a liability." He doesn't raise his but he doesn't leave any room for doubt either. He always worked on his terms or he didn't take the job. Because he always made good even in his failures he was allowed this eccentricity.

 She stood up and started to move away from the concealed bower. The anger in her was almost palpable. This upstart seemed to forget who found the gutter snipe, lifted him up, trained him and started him upon this career of his! Well, he would soon find many doors closed to him once word of this impertance got out, she'd make sure of that!

 "Then we have nothing further to say to each other, and we will have no further business dealing. You may show yourself out, and rest assured the lock will be changed upon the door if you should ever chance to try to use it again. I bid you leave at once and never return."

 She stepped out past him quickly and moved toward the shadows near the wall, where roses grew upon the stone, or seemed to.

Arturus doesn't flinch a bit. "Mylady can do as she wishes but I am not being imper tenant. You know my work and if I have a new tool it has to be broken in correctly or is worthless or worse fatal. You would not ask for me unless it was critical. Well I can do no less with my tools. I don't presume to tell you your business, please let me run my own for after all it is my neck that is being risked." Arturus falls silent and waits for the anger to pass. If it doesn't he will just shrug it off an move on.

 "This is too important to allow any chance of a slipup Arturus. I will allow you to have her along on this mission, yes, but I will not allow her to hear what we have to say at this point. So, you chose what is more important to you at this point. Your new plaything's training, or a commission from the Head of the Assassin's Guild."
 "The girl is but a slave Arturus, and does not have a need to know. She has, at this point, an ingrained need to obey, and would be hard put to break conditioning should she be captured. I am sure you will train her well, but she is not yet trustworthy and it is not just my head or yours or hers that can be lost if this information falls into the wrong hands."
 "She may come closer once we have discussed the most important things, and I will insist that she be geased by Hieronymous before she can join the convoy. But even that can be negated if the Enemy gets ahold of her. Do not underestimate the power of this enemy. He has already caused the death of Sidi's parents, and has tried to kill her and her sister several times. A slave is nothing to his implacable determination to erase this family from the world. So, do you still insist she know every little detail?"
 She crossed her arms and gave him a look that said she would not compromise more at this point.

Arturus contemplates for the moment and then decides. "Done but I will reserve the right to bring her in as I choose later. She might be a slave but she is my new tool which I plan on exploiting completely to my enemies or targets demise. She shall be properly trained or she will be dead. There is no middle ground in my part of the profession and you know that I do not tolerate errors." He waves petal back and moves close to Sadina to hear what she has to say.

 She nodded and waited until petal moved away, then moved back inside the bower. She sat down and pulled a locked box from a recess behind the stone bench. Unlocking it, she pulled out a scroll case, plain leather, worn with use, not really much to look at. But anyone with magical powers would see it was bespellled by someone with power.
 "I cannot begin to tell you how important it is to have this delivered into Calipha Feyda's hands personally. It is vital. Empress Sidi's life is even more in danger than it has been in the past. The Enemy is on the move. Calipha Feyda must be warned as well. The Enemy is set to kill us all if he can. Do not fail to be on guard yourself, for he would not wish warning to reach her! Now you see why we cannot allow even the smallest weak link on this mission."
 "Inside this tube goes a list of all known or suspected operatives of The Enemy. He is an implacable evil being who has held a grudge these many decades. Do not underestimate his power, for it is great. Do not let this item out of your hands for even 1 second. This list must reach Feyda!"
 "Trust no one you do not know well. You can trust the General, but even he does not know you carry this. Galen or Fairaday are two others you can trust, but they do not know you carry this either. Go in safety and May the Goddess Preserve you Arturus!"
 She pressed the scroll case into his hands, as well as a pouch heavy with golds and silvers. Then she stood and bowed slightly before hurrying toward her estate.

Arturus looks at the tube and then it disappears into his cloak into a secret pocket. He then moves back to petal and says "We are to leave now. I will go to the spectacle of the combat and see what I learn but know that as of now both our lives are on the razors edge and you must learn as fast as you can. You must also learn to accept pain and go past it. I am not sure how to teach you that but we might improvise that. Be on alert and trust no one absolutely no one but me. If you do you might die. Think hard and think fast for your life DOES depend on it as well as mine. Come." With that Arturus moves quietly to the exit. He is very wary and is looking for anyone, thing or shadow that is out of place. The weight of the money bag was substantial that he didn't even bother to look.

 She entered the compound and went into her own meditorium where she set the seals on the doors and placed a shield around the room to prevent scrying. She pulled out an amulet out and breathed upon it, then spoke to it.

 "Hieronymous, I would speak with you when you have time, if you can, before the caravan leaves."

 She placed the amulet back inside her gown and set about doing some other work that needed to be done. Soon she would be forced back to her husbands chambers when the sleep spell she had placed upon him wore off. She intended to give him a dream of a fairly blissful night that should leave him smiling for a few days.

   Jannor the Hunter, Jannor the Relentless, Jannor the Wolf lifted his head as he saw movement in the shadows, every single fibre of his being focused on the gate of Sadina's compound as he peers into the gloom to see if he has, in fact, spotted the departure of his old acquaintance, Arturus.  He gives the signal, the call of a screech owl, to let his children know to be alert.  He could not see them in the shadows, but he knew his sons were there, awaiting his word.  A cruel wolfish grin spread across his scarred features...

10:15, Today: Jannor (and sons) rolled 20 using 1d20+10. Spot Arturus and petal leaving.
10:18, Today: Jannor rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Hiding in shadows.
10:19, Today: Jannor rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Listening for Arturus.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Mon 21 Apr 2008.

   The tall astrologer regards Sadina for many long minutes, silent as a tomb,  as the night's spirits whispered to him in their strange tongue and he listened.  His dark brown robe he kept pulled close about him, as if he were trying desperately to keep warm.  His amber eyes followed every graceful movement of the chief assassin.  Oh yes he knew who Sadina was, he knew her VERY well indeed.  In fact he knew many of her secrets, or at least he believed he did.  With a woman like Sadina it was very hard to tell.  She guarded her past, her true self most carefully.  Hieronymous respected her for that.  She had survived among the Arnish nobility as much by her sharp wits and canny judgement as by the application of her considerable abilities.  She was a dangerous woman to have as your enemy.  Smiling the cursed mystic thought of Lord Talaric.  Though he was a very powerful man, he had no idea of who he had married this day.  Or did he?  Perhaps he was not the fool Hieronymous supposed him to be.  Only time would tell , for Fate was a cruel and relentless revealer of truths, ugly, painful, and destructive.  The royal astrologer knew first hand the pitiless cold will of fate.
   Stepping forwards, Hieronymous golden gaze shone from beneath his cowl, his face as always shrouded in darkness as he preferred it.  In truth he had only disdain for the light, and avoided it like a plague.  Only a royal command would make him abandon the safety of his beloved gloom.

  "Honoured Lady Sadina.  Why has the Chief of Assassins conjured me hither, I wonder?"  He rasped, his voice barely above a whisper, yet echoing in the empty sanctum.

 She didn't jump like most people would when Hieronymous appeared out of thin air like he was want to do, for she had expected it, and had been braced for it. He was nothing if not reliable for that. She turned and smiled at him, probably as warm as smile as Sidi would have given him, if a bit more womanly than Sidi's.

 "Hello My dear Lord Hieronymous. I am sorry to have had to call you out, but the Curier Arturus has a new slave girl he wishes to train for his business, and I wanted to see if you could place a geas upon her never to reveal any of our secrets. You are more powerful than I am, and only you or Feyda might be strong enough to prevent the Enemy from subsuming the girl. Would you consent to do this for Sidi's and my safety?"

   Biting back the sarcastic reply that sprung so easily to his lips, Hieronymous bowed deeply, something he rarely did out of respect. "Only you and the Empress have ever asked me for such things, Lady Sadina.  You know full well that I cannot refuse one of the royal blood anything, yet still you consider my wishes of import.  I...am grateful for that small mercy."  He straightened up once more, rather awkwardly, not from a lack of grace, but from the unaccustomed emotions that accompanied the gesture.
   Lady Sadina always brought such tumultuous, passionate memories rushing back to the old astrologer.  They had been lovers once, a brief and beautiful moment in the ill-fated man's long and lonely life.  Fair Lady Sadina; the sunlight in her long, lustrous hair, her luminous eyes, her pale, soft skin, so warm against his own, had awoken feelings in Hieronymous that had been so long buried he had forgotten them.  Even now, looking at her, fairer than the starlight, he felt the pangs of desire...and regret.  It seemed even he, Hieronymous, the Gloomweaver, the Star-wise, the Accursed, could still love after all.  Yet he knew he could not give himself to her.
   Their fates were sundered, and he knew that she would continue to grow older, while he was forever trapped in his wretched form, until somehow his own geas would be forgiven and he could finally die.  His memories of her tortured him, all the more, for their beauty and their brevity.  And yet he loved her still.  He pushed his feelings angrily aside.  They were useless to him now.  He could serve her, be of use to her, and that would have to suffice.
   "Bring the girl, petal to me when you are ready, I will weave such a geas that none living now may untangle, you have my word."  He responded quietly.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:10, Wed 23 Apr 2008.

"I believe she is still without, in the garden My Lord Hieronymous."
 She stepped toward him and briefly placed her hand upon his arm, looking up into his eyes, allowing him to see how much she still cared for him; even though their relationship was a tangled and torturous one, she thought he still needed to know that there was one golden thread in the dark cloak of destiny he wore. And who knew, perhaps someday, when his geas was done, and he and she were reborn upon the earth again at the same time, their love would be rewarded, and they could have their chance at happiness.
 Until then, they both had their duties to do for their Goddess, their Family, their Emress and their Country. She smiled sadly and stepped back after giving his arm one last squeeze. She looked away, allowing him...and herself the privacy of their own thoughts at this time.
 "I and very grateful to you Hieronymous. As I am sure Sidi and Feyda are. Know you that I will always be here to help in any way I can."

Arturus opens the gate just enough to allow a body to slip out. It is here that the screech owl calls and he recognizes it as being out of place. He isn't sure what bird it was but it isn't normal. He shoves petal back through the wall and motions her to stay inside and then slowly shuts the gate and slips into the darkness and stops to wait and see. He knows he has a hunter close now to see who it is. His blades fall into his hands.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:06, Thu 24 Apr 2008.

 She cringed against the wall when Arturus shoved her back inside the garden and shut the door. It locked automatically, leaving her inside alone, frightened that someone would kill him! What would happen to her if he was killed? She didn't understand all this creeping around in the dark anyway! She knelt on the ground in the shadows to make as small a target as possible and waited, straining to hear what was going on outside.

10:15, Today: Jannor (and sons) rolled 20 using 1d20+10. Spot Arturus and petal leaving.
10:18, Today: Jannor rolled 11 using 1d20+6. Hiding in shadows.
10:19, Today: Jannor rolled 19 using 1d20+7. Listening for Arturus.

13:18, Today: Arturus rolled 25 using 1d20+7. hide.
13:17, Today: Secret Roll: Arturus rolled 19 using 1d20+6. listen.
13:17, Today: Secret Roll: Arturus rolled 14 using 1d20+6. spot.
13:18, Today: Secret Roll: Arturus rolled 10 using 1d20+1. survival.
13:23, Today: Secret Roll: Arturus rolled 20 using 1d20+7. move silent.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Sun 27 Apr 2008.

      Hieronymous turned from Sadina, her gesture bringing a profound sadness that he did not wish her to see on his face.  Wrapping himself in shadows he looked to Lady Sadina, no longer visible to any living being, but her.  Somehow she always knew when he was there, even when it was not possible for anyone to know.  His voice reached out to her, whispering to her softly.
   "I shall find her then, and weave the spell as you have bidden.  Your humble servant, I remain...my Lady." He replied quietly, then disolved into the night's darkness and was gone.

   Stepping forwards the astrologer hisses to petal. "Slave, come with me, there is something which Lady Sadina requires of you.  Why do you tarry here, quaking at the threshold, and where is your Master?"  Hieronymous' glowing amber eyes gazed intensely into the girl's, narrowing as he saw the fear and anxiety there.  Something was amiss, of that the cunning mystic had no doubt.
   "Praytell what mishap has befallen?  Speak quickly!"

 She squeaked and fell onto her backside as the cloaked man appeard from the darkness to scare the daylights out of her. She groveled at his feet and tried to speak.
 "Uhh...Uhh..there's men out there My Master thought Sir. He bade me stay here while he went to investigate."
 His other words dawned upon her then and she quaked even more. She didn't want to make him mad, but she didn't want to make her Master angry either.
 "Lady Sadina wanted me for something Sir?"

   Reaching down, Hieronymous lifted the slave to her feet with surprising gentleness.  As he gazed at her, a strange look came over the Astrologer, his golden eyes glowed with an intense light, as if he had forgotten where he was, walking in other worlds beyond the sight of lesser mortals.  Yet as swiftly as it came, the awful moment passed and he bowed his head, his words little more than a whisper, yet they carried with eerie clarity to the young Petal.
   "Your new Master has a long and difficult history, Petal.  The wheel of destiny has turned and Arturus must face some old demons.  It is a path he must walk alone, slave.  It is as it must be and none shall aid him in this.  Follow now, I will take you to Lady Sadina.  You are to be bespelled, so that you cannot betray her or your Master.  Come, for the night races onwards, and this must be accomplished before you may depart this place."
   The old mystic turned, without another word, and began to walk back towards the compound, his staff clacking upon the flagstones.  He knew that Petal would follow, for this too, was part of destiny; her destiny that could not be denied.  He had forseen it and it was as it must be.

Arturus sighs internally and realizes he has a more difficult time ahead then planned which wasn't easy already. He pauses and thinks who this could be. He hits on the people from the Inn. It had to be them. They were watching him and he knew that he knew them from somewhere. Nobody local that I can remember.....JANNOR that was the face.Having figured out his puzzle, he now moves on to the dilemma. He comes to a quick decision. "Alright Jannor I know your there. We might as well meet and talk or alot of us gonna get killed even if that is myself you will loose alot too. But more important, all the contracts you have in this place will dry up and you will become hunted here of this I am sure. You wouldn't have come with such a large force unless you knew that I can do what you fear." Arturus moves 2 steps away from the gate and hunkers down so if any missiles come they will fire to where he WAS talking not where he is now.

"Yes Sir. I will go with you Sir. Lady Sadina wants me Sir? Oh, i would never betray my Master Sir, or the Lady Sadina! I thought she didn't like me Sir."

She followed the mage without really thinking about it, or without thinking her Master might not like it.

   Stepping from behind the old cypress, Jannor spreads his hands to show he is currently unarmed.  He had always been deadly accurate with a throwing knife, almost needle think blades that he frequently poisoned.  He had many of these hidden on his person, but it wasn't his intention to use them, not yet at any rate.  He truly hoped it wouldn't come to that.  Oh, he intended to have his revenge on Arturus, but not just now.  His time would come, however, very soon. He peered through the darkness at his former acquaintance and smirked.
   "You always were perceptive, Arturus," he began in his slow carefully paced baritone.  His eyes darted around to make certain that Arturus did not have henchmen of his own.  Although he thought it unlikely, knowing Arturus as he once had, a great deal of time had passed, and things had changed considerably.  A note of amusement crept into his voice as he continued.
   "I'm not surprised you knew I was in Milath.  Interesting situation this eh?  Who would've imagined we would meet this way, after so many long years apart.  Truly we are but pawns of the gods, as the savants say.  Very curious indeed, to find you here, visiting your old friend, perhaps?  Ah, well, you always were the more social of us two.  Fortunately for you, Arturus, I'm in the mood to talk as well, just now."  He whistled twice quickly, sounding exactly like a common nightjar, another of his well practiced bird calls.  He was an excellent mimic, and the skill had saved his life more than once.
  "Easy for now, boys.  Hold steady while your father has a discussion with his dear old friend."  He walked into the street, awaiting Arturus.

Arturus stays in the shadows and doesn't show his hands. He watches the ones he sees and looks for the ones he doesn't see. "Cut the crap Jannor. We are not friends and you botched a job. Now I guess you are blaming me. So if you want to talk get rid of the bully boys.... all of them and I or the lady of the house's men wont kill you. I wasn't being social just business. The lady of the house has moved up quite a bit in social rank and therefore more dangerous. Right now she has need of my services. She would consider very ill favorably a person that would kill me at this juncture.. So why are you here and what do you want to talk about?" After he finishes talking he again takes 2 steps to the side more into the darkness. His blades firmly grasped to dispatch any of Jannor's bully boys he comes across.

   Jannor cocks his head as he hears Arturus reply.  Jannor's former colleague, as he recalls, was always an excellent negotiator and strategist.  Right now, Jannor was certain Arturus was carefully calculating the situation and determining the best angle to play.  He couldn't see all of Jannor's boys and the bounty-hunter knew it well.  'All the better to let him sweat,' thought the Relentless one to himself. He smirked as he silently approved of the situation.  'I have carefully considered this and for once I have the upper hand.  I rather like seeing Arturus off his game.'
   "My, but we are nervous now aren't we?" he taunted as a predatory grin spread across his pocked face, unseen in the darkness.  "Methinks it is you who seems afraid, Arturus.  Now why ever should that be, if, as you say, I 'botched' the job?  Perhaps guilt coils in your gizzard like a viper as you recollect the misfortune of our last encounter together?  As I remember it, you failed to grasp an opportunity to profit from the mission.  And when I wisely sought to do so, you left me to die.  TO DIE ARTURUS, IN SHAME AND IGNOMINY!"  Angrily Jannor's scarred hands balled into fists at the unwelcome memory and he shook with rage.  Now was not the time to let anger cloud his judgement, he knew.  With a herculean effort, he forced himself to swallow his bitterness.  Patience was needed, there would be a time for his revenge.  After a long silent moment he continued in a disturbingly steady and quiet voice.  "No, I have seen how far I may trust one such as you.  I am sure Lady Sadina's guards would defend you, so you have allies should you require them."
   Jannor peered into the starlit darkness, searching for Arturus face.  "I would be a fool then, in truth, to send my own away and leave you with the advantage.  My lads will stay where they are for now.  They understand loyalty far better than you and will await my orders.  I don't want you dead.  Not yet.  I just have some questions   that beg to be answered.  Simply give me the truth and no one will be harmed.  Not you, or your new, and may I add, fetching, slave girl.  Most interesting that is.  You are very much a loner, it is most unusual for you to have acquired a servant, though at least she is a comely girl.  If she knew, as I do, the treachery of her Master, she might consider inserting a knife in your belly one night while you sleep.   I know I would relish the opportunity."
   Suddenly, an idea occured to Jannor, a compromise that would hopefully allow them to talk.  Jannor needed information very much, enough to take the risk.  "At the end of the street are the ruins of an old shrine called FIERA VERITAS, do you know it?  Not much remains but a fountain, a dias, and some crumbling walls.  It is lit by the summer moonlight now, and I shall see to lighting a fire on the old brazier.  We will talk there, if you are bold enough to come.  Just you and I, no men, no darkness between us, save that which you bring in your own black heart.  You will be safe there; you know I would not attack you in a sacred place, even a forgotten one, on my honour.  I ,at least, still respect the old ways.  I will be waiting there, at the end of the street.  I do suggest you come."
   With ears perked and growing anticipation, he awaited Arturus reply.  Bending down to enshroud himself in the shadown of the ancient cypress around him, he listened in the still night.  He gazed up at the cloud darkened moon that seemed to watch silently from above.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Mon 05 May 2008.

Arturus snarled at the crap that he heard."You think I am afraid of you or death? Then you truly don't know me. You did botch the job. Your greed caused you to fail and I told you in no uncertain terms that if you screwed up and let personal issues get in the way you were on your own. Just as I told my new acquisition, she follows orders at least not like you. It is this reason that I will not follow you or meet you. You can't be trusted. You could be a great asset if you ever learned to control yourself. I would even use you again could you prove that. But you respect nothing not even your own family or should I tell your sons what happened to your wife, their mother, at your hands. So either you send your men away now or we are done. Nothing will happen to you if you believe me, I give you my word which has always been good....everywhere." He stops and awaits the reply and the repercussions of his sons that his father did something to their mother. Maybe they already knew but He thought not since it was Jannor's one true shame. She had truly loved the man and all his faults trusted him. He had used her and she paid the ultimate price. He moved his weapons in his hands so that the points were now out. Their blacken blades not showing any light. He felt the air looking for more of the men he knew to be there.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:22, Mon 19 May 2008.

   Jannor's reply exploded from him like seething volcano no longer able to contain its white hot fury.  "DAMN YOU, ARTURUS!  A thousand boils upon your treacherous tongue!  My sons know you for the lying serpent you are and they'll not heed your falsehoods.  How DARE YOU?!  How DARE you bring Jarelia into this you villain!" The enraged Hunter's words split the air, like thunder in the stillness of the night.
   He shook with the force of his anger, as visions of Jarelia came unbidden to his mind.  His heart felt like a stone, stabbed by his dark daggers of painful memory.  He remembered there last argument so well, for it had haunted his dreams ever since.  She was leaving him, she had almost managed to slip away unoticed.  He  had accused her of being in love with Arturus, which she had denied.  Her lies had been more than he could bear.  Unleashed, his wrath had been terrible, and the rest of that day was burned forever into his mind.  A maelstrom of nightmarish moments that tormented him to this day.  Her strangled screams, her frenzied, desperate writhings, her streaming blood, her wide horrified eyes...
    His hands were balled into fists and his eyes squeezed tight as he mercilessly drove the memories deep inside; banished them to the dark recesses of his soul.  It was Arturus who was to blame for Jarelia's death, not he.  His sons could never know the truth  He scanned the shadows, wondering if his children were swayed by Arturus words.  Then with a quick gesture, he signalled them to withdraw.  He would not risk further discussion with Arturus, it would not do for his children to doubt him now.  He would find the information some other way.
   "Very well, Arturus, this parlay is at an end!  Mark me well, however, we are not done, by all the gods, I swear.  It is clear to me that I erred in thinking we might reach an agreement.  It is certain that only blood can settle the score between us.  Not here, however, and not now.  Your time will come soon, and when it does you will regret you ever betrayed Jannor the Relentless!  Sleep lightly Arturus." Jannor growled the last few words and swiftly followed his sons to be lost in the shroud of darkness with a last look towards his nemesis.

Arturus sighs. He knows that didn't go as planned and he had to push back hard since Jannor was a harsh man. He had wanted to talk but the rage blinded him more then Arturus had known it would. He would remember that. He thought about following Jannor and "fixing" things now. Jannor was too good to let alone unfettered or unleashed. He would be a powerful enemy but it was one he knew at least. He would keep just a little more closer the wanted poster of Jannnor for the murder of his wife. He also would let petal know the whereabouts of a certain packet that had the evidence that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jannor was guilty. Including her locket of her 2 sons, with her blood on it and his blade mark. A blade that was very unique and left a unique mark. Any seer would be able to magic the truth with that item.
    He moves back into courtyard to retrieve petal and be on his way.

   Hieronymous strode silently through the gardens, hearing Petal's unsteady footsteps behind him.  He climbed the marble steps automatically, consumed by his own thoughts and the duty he must soon perform.  It troubled him to geas another, knowing only too well how bitter the chains of enchantment could be. Seldom had sorcery wrought anything but misery in the world of humankind, and the price for such otherworldy aid was far greater than any should pay.  Petal's destiny would not be altered, no matter how deep the magicks he conjured this night; her doom would be the same.  Her fate lead far from Arn, into fire and peril.  The Mystic had forseen it the night that Empress Sidi had asked him for her future.
   He walked into Lady Sadina's compound and down through the doors to her private sanctum, where he knew she would be waiting. Raising his head he looked for her, and seeing her, smiling softly as her eyes met his, in that moment he knew.  He would do anything to protect her, her household, or her secrets.  Suddenly nothing else mattered to him but her safety.  He would do this, bind Petal so that the slave would not betray the Lady Sadina, or her Master.  He turned and held his hand out to the slave girl, seeing the fear in her wide eyes, yet noting she did not run.  There was courage in her too.
   He gazed up at Lady Sadina and stepped into the sacred circle.  "We are here, my Lady; we are ready to begin the ritual."

 She turned as she felt Hieronymous enter, giving him a soft smile she hoped would ease his guilt she knew he felt whenever he contemplated geasing anyone. He knew only too well what those felt like, and was cursed to know until he'd fullfilled his own. He'd never told her exactly what it was he must do, and she never asked. She knew if he'd wished her to know, he'd have told her. She nodded to him then turned toward the girl.
 "Welcome My dear. Do you understand why you must do this? If not, I will try to explain it for you. It is not just your life and soul at stake, or your Master's. It is many people's lives at stake, perhaps even the fate of Kingdoms. There are things happening that even Hieronymous and I do not know about. There is great Evil in the world, trying to bring down all good so it's darkness can spread. We work to prevent such an unbalance from happening. You are a very small part of this. You are a small spark of light in the darkness, and we'd not see that spark extinguished."
 She poured a mug of tea laced with herbs that would relax the girl and open her mind to the gentle touch of her mind. She added a dollop of honey to it then handed it to the girl, then waved her to a stool by her work table.
 "Please, have some tea, then sit and relax. If you are willing and relaxed, it will not be so uncomfortable for you. It is only when one resists the touch of the geas that discomfort strikes."

    " Yes Mistress," Petal trembled slightly as she took the cup, fearing that some dreadful poison was within. Lady Sadina did not like her, and had displayed much concern that she would betray them if captured, If the woman wished she could kill a slave with little risk of punishment, other than compensating her master for his lost property.

    Sipping the tea Petal tried to remain calm and do as she was bade and drank the tea, wishing Master was present to protect her. She wanted to throw the tea away and run back to master but she was sure that she would die within ten steps if the Lady wished it.Master please hurry

 "Don't worry girl. If I wanted you dead, you'd never even know I was around, you'd just be dead. I don't normally kill people and make them suffer while I watch them die. If someone has to die, they die as quickly and as painlessly as I can possibly make it. Now, drink the tea and relax. We are doing this to protect your Master as much as to protect you. Any mage trying to get information from you will immediately know he can't, and will leave you alone. You do want to protect your Master don't you?"
 She tried to reassure the girl, to make it easlier for them all. There was nothing worse than trying to geas someone who was frightened and resistant.

   " Of course Mistress Sadina." Petal drank the tea and set the cup down."" Mistress if you wish to geas me..." Petal shut up quickly her knowledge of higher things was not to be dicuseed, perhaps it was the tea, or the dizziness from not having eaten all day, she paused and looked up frightened at the Lady then to the wizard.

   " May I ask that you also geas me never to harm my master, no matter who asks me...I know of spells that can bend the mind,my mistress wished me to know of such things so that I might be able to discern if one of her other slaves was so affected. I am afraid I am...well mistress I am not strong enough to resist them."

 She looked surprised that the girl understood what was going to be done. She nodded with approval as she reached out to take the mug from the girl, and waited for the potion to work and relax her. She smiled slightly.
 "Very good child. Yes, we can do that, can't we Hieronymous? Since you're willing, it will go much easier for you. We would never do anything to harm you or your Master if we could avoid it. This is for the safety of the Kingdom, you understand don't you? It's not just this kingdom either, it's for Valkandis as well, and for the stability of all the sirrounding countries. There is an evil force out there that wants this whole world engulfed in war, famine and disease. We strive to prevent this."

  "I...I understand Mistress...and Master Magus."Petal nodded relaxing slightly then realizing what Master was going to be involved in. Her hand shook slightly until she silently recited a poem that she found soothed her nerves when she faced punishment or the Mistress' anger.

  "Mistress...I'm afraid, Master wishes me to aid him, but..."Petal paused composing herself letting the rythym of the poem steady her words, her words taking an odd, fearful, and slightly excited tone."I am able to work some small magics, but I am no wizard. I know no spells that can kill and I am no warrior, only a slave girl Mistress." she was not resisting Masters will or questioning it, she only hoped that the seasoned woman might offer some guidence.

   The Imperial Astrologer stepped forwards as Petal finished, silently indicating she was to stand in the center of the sanctum.  He watched while she took her position, turning to nod to the attending Lady Sadina.  Cupping the slave's chin and raising it slightly, he gazed at with fierce golden eyes commanding her attention. His voice was deep, his words soft, yet somehow ominous as they echoed through the moonlit chamber.  He could sense her fear, yet she bravely fought to keep control.  She had spirit, which was fortunate.  She would need courage to survive the trials that lay before her.  He waited silently as she calmed herself.
   "Be still, slave," he ordered.  "Do all that I say.  Stay focused on the thought of serving your Master.  Let all of your thoughts be for him alone."  As he spoke, he reached into a worn leather bag at his side and began to toss handfuls of a strange, rust coloured powder into the air.  Quickly it settled upon the mosaic floor in a dark red circle around them.  Closing his eyes he could hear the night breezes coming through the windows above, questioning, muttering, whispering to him, heeding his summons as the power began to swell with the casting of the circle.
   Raising high a strange looking talisman that resembled a many rayed star he walked around the outside of the circle, with Petal at the center.  Each time he arrived behind, to the left, to the right or in front of the slave he chanted rhythmically.

   "Spiritus Nortus, Spiritus Vestus, Spiritus Estus, Spiritus Suthrus.  Vostrum cantarem et quaeso munirus vostrus.  Sanctorabilis estus loci.  Demando attendatum dictus meus et secorivi est."

   Spinning around he could feel the tingles like lightning coursing through him as he faced Petal once again.  Bringing the sharp edge of the talisman he wore to her mouth he sharply pricked her lower lip, the crimson drops trickling down slowly.  Yet not one fell upon the beautiful floor, for the sparkling scarlet blood drops hung now in mid air, suspended by some unseen force.  Closing his eyes, Hieronymous began to sing in a deep baritone his hands waving through the air in strange patterns, the blood seeming to follow the talisman as he waved it back and forth.

   "Impero animae multis di Arnium tuli arbitrariat!  Prae ignuus; prae tellus; prae marinus, et tormentus.  Probo lingua tua mutuam.  Adstrictissimus incantatis meus, adusque ad sempiternum!  Sinero tacitus nullus prodeo a ausculum tuum iste adpertinerus ad Sadina aut Dominum tuum.  Atque obliviscor omne habere haec noctis viderum."

   As the strange words flowed from him, the air shimmered, and strange rasping voices seemed to echo the Magus' words, as if the stones themselves or the shadows dancing upon the smooth stone walls were a strange chorus that repeated each phrase.  All around the feeling as if they were watched, as if the night itself bore witness to the sacred contract being written tonight.  Hieronymous chanted over and over, his hands weaving the blood into a scarlet chain which wound around the helpless slave, again and again, until she was utterly bound amid the eldritch fetters.
   Lifting up the bloody star talisman, the Astrologer placed it to her forehead, and he passed his hand over her face, closing her glazed eyes.  With trembling lips he repeated three times more.

   "Atque obliviscor omne habere haec noctis viderum."

   He was ready and caught her easily as she lost consciousness .  Gently he laid her down upon the smooth floor.  She would be asleep for at least several hours now, and would remember nothing of the ritual when she awoke.  Her last memories would be of her waiting on her Master in the garden.  That was for the best, he had decided.  Suddenly he knew Arturus was coming.
   Looking up to Lady Sadina, he silently asked for a bed upon which to place her until her Master should come.   Holding Petal in both arms he followed the Lady Sadina methodically, relieved and fatigued, though he would not let her see.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:02, Wed 04 June 2008.

 She nodded and led him to a room nearby, one often used for just such an event, of strong workings of magic upon those who came to her for such things for themselves or their servents. After he'd laid the girl down upon the bed, she covered her up, then led him back to her workroom where she pressed a different mug of hot tea into his hands.
 "Here Hiero, drink this. It is just a fortifying tea, it won't disrupt your power or your alertness. It will just help replenish the energy you have spent. Again, I thank you for the work you did tonight. I know Arturus will not be happy, because he wanted to be here to see it, but I thought you would not wish to have him witness your work. It is not a need to know situation for him to know you or to meet you My Beloved Friend."
 She took a similar mug and sipped from it as she leaned against the work table and watched him. She had noticed his fatigue but didn't comment upon it. It would just make him uncomfortable if she made it known she was aware of it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:12, Thu 29 May 2008.

Arturus came back into the courtyard and found petal gone. He followed her scent that she used. He would have to talk to her about that but right now it helped him follow her. He got to the edge of the courtyard near the roses and lost her scent amongst the scent of the flowers and he wasn't a dam hound. He followed inside anyhow in the direction she was going hoping to find more. He had idea of where she went and was now angry on 2 counts. He stopped to listen and see if he could hear footsteps anything that would definitely give him the way to go. He thought he heard chanting off in the darkness and went toward it. He then heard muted voices and knew he was in the right place. He snuck in and waited anger seething and concern. He waited till she realized he was there but remained out of sight. He knew it wouldnt be long as she was good. Maybe not as good as him but still good.

 "So My Love, do you think The Enemy will strike again soon? Do you think he will send against the Caravan? Should the girl go? I know she wants to. Moreover, if she insists, do you go along as well or do you stay here to make it harder to for anyone to discover she is gone? If you wish to go, I can stay and move into the Palace to guard she who is left behind as a decoy. My husband may not like it, if he even notices I'm gone, but the Kingdom is more important than any one person's happiness. And we know it's not just Arn at danger here. It's the whole world if the Enemy has their way."
 She took a sip of her drink, her eyes going to the shadows along one wall, then going silently to Hieronymous. She was trying to give him as much time as she could before he had to disappear into the Aether again upon his own business. She knew he'd feel the mild enchantment she'd cast upon the drink, Fortify would help bolster his energy and his defenses until he'd gotten his energy back.
 If he who was without tried to enter, he'd not see anything but a writhing wall of energy that looked like tortured souls and nothing else. It wasn't captured tortured souls of course, but to anyone who had less power than she did or her companion, they'd never believe it was anything less.
 She drained her mug then stepped toward her Mentor, Friend, and more. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head upon his shoulder, soaking up his rare presence as long as he'd allow. It was something she needed desperately to get her through the coming months as she dealt with her new husband and with the Enemy and the Kingdom's business. She sent him her love and her loyalty and her acceptance...for now of how he felt things had to be. Finally, she sighed softly, looked up at him, gently kissed his lips in a lingering butterfly light kiss, and then stepped away.
 She smiled softly and gave him a self-confident glance, striving to show him only happiness and contentment, and none of the pain she felt knowing she couldn't be his at this time. But time was something perhaps she could manipulate to a degree, and she'd wait as long as was possible.
 "There is one who waits without with anger in his heart against me for doing what I felt needed done. If he hadn't been so set on confronting the stranger outside my gates, he could have been here to witness it...though I really didn't want him to see you My Love. So, much as it pains me to see you go, I fear that the longer he waits, the more angry he will be."
 "The fool still doesn't know who he deals with, and seems to think he is my match. But you and I know better, do we not? Still, he is one of my top operatives, so I suppose I must placate him now. I am glad you were able to boost the girl's strength and resistance as well as placing the Geas. I admit I was surprised when she asked you to strengthen her bond to her Master. She has more integrity than I had thought she might, and I am happily surprised by it. I think she will truly make Arturus a good partner after all. She will be his match, if I can aid her over time."
 "If they all survive..."

   Hieronymous accepted the cup gratefully.  As he reached for it his fingers brushed over Sadina's and he fought to control the tremor that surged through him.  Her touch was like a fair summer's day, just beyond his reach; a sumptuous banquet, he was forbidden to eat; a beautiful dream, that faded even as he ran to embrace her.  Quickly he brought the mug to his lips, to hide his expression, the bittersweet longing obfuscated as he squeezed his eyes tight, concentrating on the refreshing tea.
   He focused on her words as she spoke softly to him, not daring to look at her, but glad of her company and her understanding.  None, but she, had ever sought to truly understand him, and she alone had courage to pierce the fortress around his heart.  Only with her did he know even fleeting joy, her unfailing love banishing the shadows from his soul for a time.  He was no longer sure he could trust himself to be strong in her presence, his lonely heart yearned for her as no other.  Only by forcing himself to think of the task at hand, could he keep from taking her into his arms and offering her the fierce passion that she evoked at her merest touch.  He would not hurt her that way, tempt her with pleasure they both knew they should never share.  And so he kept his eyes closed, clung to his cup, and quietly sipped.
   "My gratitude, for the tea, Lady Sadina.  You are right, I would just as soon not speak with Arturus.  His temper is great, but the fires of reason will quell his anger soon enough.  You will make him understand that this was for the best, for him as well as for her.  Their destinies are wild and wandering, they will travel far from this place, and they shall not return again as they are now...if they return at all. A great doom lay before Master and slave, and that may well destroy them, if their hearts lack the fortitude to do what must be done.  Their futures are beyond even my kennings, lost in the mists of uncertainty.  They go now into darkness and I cannot tell if they will find the light or no.  One thing cannot be denied however, fair Lady.  The enemy shall know of them all soon."
   He allowed a slight smile to curl his lips.  His renewed vigour was undoubtedly do to the enchantment the Lady had placed within the brew.  She always had been a gifted sorceress, with a power to nearly rival his own.  Although he kept some secrets, even from her, he trusted her with more than perhaps was wise.  There was a price for knowing too much.  Better that only he know the true cost of such knowledge.  Yet he had to entrust someone with his concerns that he bore like chains around him, and there was no one more discreet in all the Three Kingdoms.  He was certain of that much at least.
   "You know, as well as I, Sadina, that our Enemy has been silent for far too long.  We both can fathom how dire a portent that is for the Sundered Realms.  My counsel, such as it is, is for the "girl" to accompany the Caravan, in secret.  Let none know of this, save one.  I would send the Captain of the guards along to protect her secretly.  I dare say no more than that, my Lady, already I fear I meddle overmuch." 
   He agreed with her, that Petal was an excellent match for Arturus.  She'd shown strength of character tonight that had actually impressed the jaded old astrologer. Arturus would very likely need her strength in the travails that were to come for them both.  Only time would prove if it was enough.
   Hieronymous was surprised when Lady Sadina embraced him and laid her head upon his shoulder.  He felt himself stiffen, his pulse racing as she rested against him, her scent, the sounds of her breathing; so close to paradise.  Panic fought its way to his tired mind and threatened to engulf him, but he mastered it and thrust it away.  For so long he had wanted this, craved her arms around him, so long they had laboured, did they not deserve at least a moment of happiness?  She needed the comfort as much as he did; she loved him still even after he had kept her at a distance for so long.  He kept his arms at his sides, however, though they ached to hold her close.  Her lips so warm, so soft and inviting against his own, were a sweet torture, yet he longed so for her honeyed kiss and yielded just a little.  A single tear the only traitor to his true feelings as he gently stood, reluctantly pulling away from her, and replacing his cowl in one fluid motion.
   "I...must go my Lady.  I have tarried overlong and there is still at least one other task that requires my attention this night.  I know I need not tell you to beware, Sadina, for if there is any in this country that is more careful I cannot name them.  Find someone to take the place of "the girl", someone discreet who will fool the agents of the Enemy for a time.  And, if you may arrange to, abide yourself within the palace.  I shall be near if you have need of me.  Farewell  for the nonce..."
   As he stepped into the shadows and they embraced him once more he whispered softly, so that he alone would hear...  "Gods be with you, my beloved Sadina."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Mon 02 June 2008.

She stood still as he left, her arms still warm from his body, his scent still surrounding her. She didn't move for the longest time, savoring the memory of it as she had the reality.
 "Goodbye My Lover Hiero...I Love you still and always will."
 She wiped a tear from her cheek then picked up his mug, raised it to her mouth and gently touched the rim to her lips, where his had rested, tasting that last drop of tea upon the edge. Then she sat the mug down, turned away and squared her shoulders. Life went on, one could only live in a moment for a brief time. She picked up a damp cloth and wiped the tears away then turned to face the doorway.
 She waved her hand and the energy web disintregrated.
 "Come in Arturus. I have been expecting you."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:31, Mon 02 June 2008.

Arturus steps from the shadows, "I am here mylady." He had been their awhile but hadn't made himself obvious till now. He knew that she would sense his presence quickly so must not have cared that he had seen the display of affection. He considered it a sign of trust and cooled inside some. His fists visibly unclenched from the frustration of the earlier events as he realized the trust she gave him. She was head of the assassins guild and though had trained him in that some he still was nor would he ever be a assassin. That wasn't what he was. He also knew that she need to know about Jannor as he would definitely jeopardize the mission. He sighed and then shrugged off the rest of the anger.

 She studied his face for some time then nodded approvingly. She knew of his anger when he came near, that was why she had not taken down the energy barrier earlier. She also knew that Hiero didn't wish to meet her currier at this time, if ever. Hiero was reclusive and Arturus had no need to know. She noted now that his anger had largely evaporated and was glad; That met with her approval in the extreme.
 They all had their emotions that they could not afford to allow to color their perceptions at this time. It was imperitive that they protect the Child Empress Sidi, and Arn, and thereby Valkandis as well from the predations of The Enemy and his servants of darkness. Emotional outburst would not help them in that, and in fact might leave some weaker souls vulnerable to the sidicious influences and manipulations of The Enemy's menions.
 "If you must be angry Arturus, blame me. It was done at my request...and hers as well, you might be surprised to learn. She asked that we also strengthen her ties to you so that she might never betray you... or the Kingdoms of Arn and Valkandis and thereby Empress Sidi or Calipha Feyda. It were best done quickly if it were done at all. If you had not been otherwise occupied, you might have stood by her as she was made to relax and seek the inner truth. You may ask her. She has not been left the ability to lie to you or to us. I would not have you angry about this Arturus; it was something needed done before you leave tomorrow morning."
 "She has now been strengthened against the Menions and the manipulations of The Enemy. She will be safer now, for My friend has left the mark of power upon her so all who has the least magic to force contact can see that she has a great geas upon her now and that cannot be easily broken. I could not break it, I admit, and I am stronger than most of the Enemy's servants."
 "Another thing I would ask of you. There is someone traveling with the caravan who we would have you watch over. There is a young girl going along that we would keep safe. She will have a guardian of course, but she still should be protected. I cannot tell you what she looks like, or her name, but I think you will know when the time comes. See that she arrives safely in Valkandid and you will be greatly rewarded."
 She watched the play of emotions across his face to see how he took all that she said. She was greatly worried right now. The Enemy had been quiet too long. That meant he was up to something behind the scenes and even Hieronymous hadn't been able to winkle out what it was. That in itself was ominous.

Arturus sighed again to release the emotion. "I knew who was responsible. No one in their right mind does anything here with out your say so. But then I have never been in my right mind." He laughs cynically. "And what you had done was as you saw fit to do I will live with even though I would have made it a bit different. But that is neither here nor there now, we have a bigger problem which has a need of your immediate attention. Do you remember Jannor? He is back. He is after some other quarry but paid me a visit right outside your walls. I managed to talk my way out of it but not to a good conclusion. I think I have managed to make an enemy for life and he will be out to kill me and petal and take what they can. He could easily go over to the  enemy and work for him. He has no scruples but is quite capable killer. I think that your guild if you wish my mission to come to a successful conclusion would be interested in making him a non viable concern. It would make the job you wish me to do all that much more viable. I only bring this to your attention due to the fact that my usual crew is no more after the last mission. I was thinking of hiring another and have a good idea where to start but will attend the duel to see what becomes of my idea." He looks at her with still a bit of angst as it wells up now and again but he squashes it and makes it a little niggle instead of raging inferno.

"I will look into the situation, you may be sure. I had heard he was here searching for another, but we will see what else is afoot. There may be other considerations to take into account. But you may be sure, he will be kept very busy if there's any way possible to divert him and his sons."
 Indeed she would check out Jannor, he was an unknown element right now. And she didn't like unknown elements. Not one bit. She knew he'd once been Arturus' partner, but she'd never met the man personally. She'd only worked with the man through Arturus.

Arturus nods and is relieved. That would make his life more easy by a long shot and would make his success more likely. "thank you that will help immensely. Now is my slave ready to go? I must watch the duel to figure out what I must do."

  Petal stirred slightly her head spinning as she tried to fight off the sleep that had suddenly overwhelmed her. She had not had a chance to rest much but that was little excuse to doze before she had been given permission to retire for the night. A jolt of panic jerked her awake as she remembered that the Lady Sadina was about, she couldn't embarass her master again tonight,he would never forgive her.

     " Master?" Petal murmered as she roused herself and looked around for Master she had heard his voice but her vision was still blurry from sleep.

 "The effects of the potion and the spell will make her extremely sleepy for awhile, and disoriented. She is in the servents chamber in the guest suite at the end of the hallway. You may spend the night there if you wish. I doubt she'll be in any shape to travel for 3 or 4 hours yet. I can call slaves to carry her back to your inn if you'd prefer, though there may be those who watch that you wouldn't want to see that."
 "It is entirely up to you. I need to get back to my suite soon, so I would leave you there if you do wish to stay over. I do not wish my...newly wed husband to awake and discover himself alone. He has pride and it is not well done to injure a man's pride."
 She walked with him to the guest suite where Petal slept, and opened the door to show him that she rested in the servant's room in the dressing room there.

Arturus ponders "Will she be alert by the time of the duel is all I need to know? She must be in attendance with me. If not then we need a potion or magic to zap her out of the grogginess. If she is to assist me not just bonded to me. I need her functional." He stands there deep in thought as he goes through the permutations of what is needed tonight. It will be a busy night and he needs is slave to up and alert or otherwise she would quickly become a liability.

"Just give her a couple of hours, and she will be awake and alert as if she'd had a full 8 hours sleep. And now, I must leave you here. You know the way out when she is awake enough to travel. But also remember, the caravan leaves in 8 hours as well. What business you have elsewhere should be concluded by then."
 She gave Arturus a stern glance, steel showing in her eyes as she looked at him.
 "Also keep in mind that, regardless of what is between you and Jannor, you have already taken My commission, and that precludes any other concerns you may now have after the fact. I should not have to remind you of this. See that you carry out My commission before you seek retribution or revenge, or you will have more trouble than just Jannor!"

Arturus was already making his way toward where petal was when the rebuff from Sadina came. His anger shot up again but he kept on walking. "I am not your flunky or slave Sadina" He said matter of factly. "You should know better then to have to even say that. I never ever let anything get in the way of the job which is why I asked you to look into Jannor and to take care of him since it is in your best interest as well as mine." With that he continues

 "I know, but in our business, one can never assume. Safe journey Arturus. Petal will awake shortly."

 She left then and headed back to her Nuptial Chamber, where she disrobed and slipped into her Nuptial Bed, nestling against her new husband, trying her best to make herself not be resentful of his disappointing behavior earlier. She had hoped for affection and respect from her husband, not neglect and disregard. Maybe she could change his attitude if she was patient.
 That he was ambitious she had known, but she had hoped she meant more to him than just a step up the staircase to power. He didn't know just how close to power he really was, or how easily he could get his fingers burned. She hoped he never found out, never so disappointed her as to bring himself to a fatal end.

   Easily, the Astrologer slipped into the Dreaming, using the ancient art of oneiros that he had learned centuries ago.  Swirling mists surrounded him at once, sliding about his dark robed form, shimmering like starlight, fragrant and seductive.  Softly they whispered of the joy of sleep, of fair dreams, and moonlit skies, and the sweet peace of oblivion that awaited him.  In truth, the Dreaming was one of the most dangerous of all the spirit realms, a world of pure pure glamour, where anything might be.  No man could hide from himself here, there were no secrets in such a place.  And Hieronymous had many, many secrets.
   He ignored the chimerae that encircled him, trying to entice him to rest.  They would not take such antipathy well, the Astrologer knew.  Their honeyed words would soon become brutal barbs, revealing truths he would rather keep locked within, but he was in earnest this night, or he would not have dared the Dreaming at all.  This was not a place for mortals, sanity would not survive long here.  Closing his eyes and shutting out all distractions, the magus reached out, feeling for the portal that would speed him to the one person he sought.
  There!  He could never mistake her warmth, her gentle dreamings for any other.  If he were blind, still he would know her, and be drawn to her as inexorably, as the gull is drawn to the sea.  He opened his amber eyes, glowing with golden fire , and beheld the shining portal at some distance, like a star amid the heavens.  His star, his one and only light, when all others were extinguished, his redemption.  He summoned chimerical wings and flew towards the place where his beloved lay dreaming. Hovering before the threshold of her dreams, he chanted now, his deep baritone echoing through the Dreaming:

"By all the names of Hoggoth, by Ymir's ice riddled sea, I invoke the flames of Falatine, to open yon portal to me!"

   The doorway glowed in response, the wisps of glamour rolling back to permit his entrance.  He stepped forwards boldly into her dream, his rigid features softening in a rare display as he gazed about him in wonder.  Her beautiful, warm dreamscape felt like home and his heart grew leaden as he longed to remain there with her, in peace.  He bit his lip hard, to remind him of reality, and banish any such childish whims.  He knew if he dwelt on such things, he'd go mad.  Best to attend to matters quickly.

   "Sadina..dina..dina..ina...na...na...na..."  his voice rang through her dream, echoing strangely in this realm between.  He looked at her sleeping form far below and waited for her chimera, her dream-self, to manifest before him.

 There was a soft warm breeze blowing the scents of the awakening earth toward her. She smelled the earth and the grass, as it spread wide it's arms in welcome to the bright spring sunshine. She closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet perfume of the honeysuckle that was beginning to bloom along the hedgerow across the meadow. She reveled in the warmth of the sunshine upon her shoulders and the light playfulness of the breeze that riffled her hair and the mane of her horse.
 The horse stamped lightly and flicked her tail at a bothersome fly, then turned her neck to mouth her riders foot in a humorous reminder that she'd been promised a run today. Long had the winter months kept them from their favored passtime; a run across the meadow, a light romp in the sweet green grass and meadow flowers before stopping for a drink of the icy cold wintermelt-fed stream on the far side.
 Sadina gave a light laugh as her favorite mare gave her a playful reminder that they were here for a run after the long dark confinement of the winter. With a shout, she gave the mare her head, giving her a light nudge with her bare heels to urge her into a gallop. She clung like a burr to the mare's back as the mare tossed her head in mock surprise and shot forward. The mare's feet were a blur as she tossed chunks of sod into the air, her tail a flag behind and her head raised in exaltation for the first bouncing springing steps before she put her head down, shaking it from side to side as she gave a burst of speed and set out full speed across the meadow.
 Sadina laughed with joy as they ran, knowing that on the far side of the meadow, in a bower of tangled wild rose bushes awaited Her Beloved, Her Hieronymous. She frowned as a faint air of sadness crossed her mind then she banished it as an undesirable thing as she focused upon just living for the moment. She would allow nothing to come between them at this moment, not even a stay thought or a whisp of a cloud.
 "I am coming My Beloved, wait for me!"
 As swift as thought, swifter than flight, she was before the stream, and the mare stood blowing from the run, flicking flies with her tail, sipping from the icemelt stream and nibbling the green green grass. Sadina walked in the warm sunshine, a young woman, barefoot, toes seeking the touch of the earth, connecting to the spirit of the world, happily anticipating the embrace of the one she loved. As she came around the clump of wild roses, she espied there within the sunwarmed sheltered bower the form of the mysterious astronomer, his bright shining eyes glowing from within the deep cowl he affected to wear. With a happy cry, she dashed forward and dived toward him, to land in a tumbled embrace within his arms, surprising a brief smile from him...
 ...dressed in light thighlength silk, bare of leg and foot, warm arms enfolding, long hair crowned with wildflowers, body scented with womanly musk, eyes burning with desire and deep abiding love, the nympth/child/woman that was his beloved Sadina, passionate young woman in love, bright essence of potential swirling around with chaotic fire, she Embraced him...
   ...fog and darkness swirled around her then as she came aware face to face with the older form of her Beloved Hieronymous. Briefly tears formed in her eyes as confusion filled her mind then she reached out in embrace and wrapped him within her arms, sensing his need of her in the deep recesses of her soul.
 With a strength that might surprise him, she drew him close, wrapped him within her dream/memory of a time decades past, where once, for a brief time he allowed himself to love her, to be with her, to hold her close without restraint, to Love Her. She filled his mind and his soul with the memory of their once bright passion, she drew him down until his and her senses reeled with the smells, tastes, sights and sounds of their love. Her mouth trailed fire as it tasted his flesh, drew responses from him he thought he could no longer feel, would not allow himself to feel. Her lips coaxed responses from his body until he no longer knew what was real, what was memory, what was fantasy and night-sweat desires born alone in pain but not in silence in his hidden bower. She drew him down until he knew not where he ended and she began, or even if they had beginnign or end, but were all one being. She drew him deep within herself and gave of herself until she filled him and he filled her, and their essences joined in one forever moment that was nearly too brief a time for happiness but nearly too long to endure from the bright ecstatic pain of it all. She drew him in until the brilliance of their union caused the bright chimerae to pulse with joy, a joy so great it sent shockwaves throughtout the very Dreaming itself.
 When next she was aware in her deep dream state, she was wrapped within his embrace, standing in the shimmering Mists in the doorway of the portal, caught in the very center of being one or the other but not quite there. She blinked and stretched langorously against him, yawning like a sleepy content cat within his embrace. She was not yet aware that this was not completely a dream...nor was he sure at that instant that it was not a dream, so caught up in the experience she had brought about...
 "My Beloved, I have missed you so!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:53, Mon 10 Nov 2008.

A melody seems to whisper throughout the Dreaming...

A thousand years, a thousand more,
A thousand times a million doors to eternity
I may have lived a thousand lives, a thousand times
An endless turning stairway climbs
To a tower of souls
If it takes another thousand years, a thousand wars,
The towers rise to numberless floors in space
I could shed another million tears, a million breaths,
A million names but only one truth to face

A million roads, a million fears
A million suns, ten million years of uncertainty
I could speak a million lies, a million songs,
A million rights, a million wrongs in this balance of time
But if there was a single truth, a single light
A single thought, a singular touch of grace
Then following this single point , this single flame,
The single haunted memory of your face

I still love you
I still want you
A thousand times the mysteries unfold themselves
Like galaxies in my head

I may be numberless, I may be innocent
I may know many things, I may be ignorant
Or I could ride with kings and conquer many lands
Or win this world at cards and let it slip my hands
I could be cannon food, destroyed a thousand times
Reborn as fortune's child to judge another's crimes
Or wear this pilgrim's cloak, or be a common thief
I've kept this single faith, I have but one belief

I still love you
I still want you
A thousand times the mysteries unfold themselves
Like galaxies in my head
On and on the mysteries unwind themselves
Eternities still unsaid
'Til you love me

    He stood mesmerized by the unfolding scene before him.  Although many years had passed, he had not forgotten the happiest days of his life.  He remembered, with bitter sweetness, every glorious word she had spoken, every touch of Her delicious warm skin against his own, every taste of her ruby soft lips upon his own, as if it were but yesterday.  And Sadina was even more radiant, more beautiful, suffused by the awesome power of the Dreaming.  His heart ached as he watched their love making, so poignant, so wild, so reckless, so sublime.  In all the centuries of his miserable existence this was the one redeeming moment of his life.  She had loved him; fiercely, with a passion beyond measure, beyond even Hieronymous understanding.  Her exquisite love burned so brightly that no barrier could stand against it.  And he had surrendered at last to her loving arms, heedless of the price.
   Tears fell unbidden from his eyes as he watched, unable to turn away.  He had done all he could, in the years that followed, to distance himself from her.  He would not doom her to the darkness he himself must endure, the eternity of atonement for his vile and heartless treachery.  He avoided her presence, or spoke cold and unfeeling words to her, hoping she might hate him, hoping she would cease to love him in time.  He was not worthy of her, and had pleaded to the gods themselves, that she might find happiness in someone else's embrace.  Yet still she loved him in spite of all he had done. She loved him without reservation and could not be disuaded.  Knowing he could never accept, or even acknowledge, that glorious gift again was a torture worse than a thousand knives through his heart.
   It had been foolish to come here, the Dreaming was far too perilous for even Hieronymous to dare, but he no longer had the power to turn away.  And in that instant she was there before him.  Her passion sweeping over him like a tsunami, surrounding him, engulfing him, inviting him, until he thought he would drown in her arms; and he wanted to with all his heart.  Then suddenly he was embracing her, holding her close in the sanctuary of his arms.  He closed his eyes, savouring her body curled against his own, knowing it would not last.  He wished he could remain with her here, in the oblivion of the Dreaming, and forget everyone and everything that kept them apart.  Yet he knew that was a foolish dream.  And in that instant, he pulled away from her, turning from her so she would not see the pain on his face.
   “Sadina my love…listen to me closely my Lady.  A great darkness comes for the Empress, dearest Sadina. I have forseen it.  You must come to the palace on the morrow.  Tell the Pro consul what you must, but I implore you come as soon as you may.  Remember, you must come to the palace.”   He tried to keep his voice passionless, but this was the Dreaming, and the tremor in his voice betrayed him.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:30, Mon 24 Nov 2008.

 She clung to him, wrapped in his arms for the brief eternity they had, and in her dazed understanding, in the Dreaming, she took what he would not give, could not give freely, and Loved him still, and always would. She knew not whether he would continue to love her against his will, but she prayed he always would, no matter what. She cupped her hand to her heart and looked at him, tears glistening in her eyes as he turned from her trying to repudiate what gift she gave, what the fates had decreed, what he could not accept in his guilt and anguish. So be it, then. She would have him in the end, she was sure of it, but she would take what he could give, would take what he would not give that she could steal, if need be. She knew her love was strong enough to last. And she had sidhe blood, something he often forgot or ignored.
 Taking a deep breath, she tried to turn him to face her again, so she could speak to him. He was strong, stronger than her in most things, but when one's heart battled ones head, sometimes love must prevail. She turned him to her and smiled up at him, even though her eyes sparkled with unshed tears.
 "I will be there Hieronymous. I will be there beside you to fight for the Empress, to fight for the world. I would not abandon you to fight the evil darkness of the Enemy alone Beloved. Ease your mind and do not allow doubt to cloud your judgement. Stay safe until I come. And never doubt my Love, for I will Love you forever...
 Her fingers slipped from his, her image became foggy and unfocused as she neared the waking state and slipped from The Dreaming.
 Upon the bed, her body moved, curled into a ball of misery as her dream slipped away. She clung to it's whispy fragments for as long as she could, her arms wrapped close, her hands pressed to her body as if she could hold him to her. She glowed briefly as even her power reached out to cling to the Dreaming, then slowly subsided till it was a glow in her hands, then it seeped from her hands and into her body and was gone. With a sob, she awoke. She threw her arm across her face and cried, silent tears streamed down her face as she hid her eyes from the real world for a short time further.
 With a heaved sigh, she sat up and wiped her face. She rubbed their dampness off on her gown, her hands lingering briefly there as she remembered parts of the dream, their bodies entwined...
 She pressed her hands against her body contemplating what she had done and was going to do. Then she reached for the sharp dagger she kept at hand even in bed, and pricked her palm. She rubbed fresh hot blood against her thighs, and her white silk gown, then reached over to the still slumbering man beside her and stroked his member briefly, and his thighs as well. Last of all, she wiped her hand against the sheet. She breathed upon it then, a brief breath of magic to dry the stains. Lastly, she leaned over and whispered into Talaric's ear, and brushed her fingers across his brow, leaving him with memories, not fantastic and wonderful ones, but pleasantly pleasing enough that he should wake feeling fulfilled and satisfied that all had gone as it should on his wedding night.
 She stood then with great resolve and went out of their nuptial chamber to call upon servents and slaves to draw her bath immediately, and to serve breakfast, and alert the bearers to be ready shortly. She did not regret what she had done, even in the Dreaming, and would not allow doubts to enter her mind. What would be would be, the Gods had their way of flouting plans of mortals and immortals alike, regardless of what the people wished. But she hoped they would not say her nay in this endevor.
 She bathed and breakfasted, then dressed. After gathering clothing and other supplies, she left a note then headed to the Palace to assist Hieronymous in guarding the child there.

   The Astrologer held onto Sadina's hand, until she awoke, her ghostly image leaving him alone in the Dreaming.  Falling to his knees, he wept anew, bitter and long, wailing in frustration to the swirling dream strewn heavens. He cursed the cruelty of Fate, his eyes blazed like twin supernovae longing to burn everything surrounding him.  His anger sent ripples across the Dream-realm, echoing back to him in an anguished shriek.
   "WHY?  Tell me WHY we must be denied?  DAMN the gods, damn mortals, angels, and spirits alike if they keep me from her!  I have served for a thousand years, faithful to my oath a hundred-fold more than any common man is ever called to be.  I have defended the throne of Arn against its ancient enemy, until my powers and my youth were spent.  Why do you continue to torment me so?  Does our suffering amuse you, JOVE? JUNO?  ANSWER me damn you!"  His voice cracked now, as his conflicting passions became unbearable.
   "I have implored you, IMPLORED on bent knee like a humble slave, that you should bring Sadina happiness. Yet in your spite you refuse even the one I love to know joy in this world.  If she were mine I'd never rest until she knew such joy as mortals could never imagine.  There is nothing I would not dare were she at my side.  We would fashion wonders the likes of which even the Dreaming could never match.  She and I are one, we are two halves of the same whole.  Why must we be forever parted?  I made one terrible mistake and I have suffered for it as is just.  But I will be DAMNED to Tarterus itself, if I will allow her to suffer for it too!  That you should send to her, this scheming, lecherous, ambitious, pox-ridden, poltical VIPER to share her bed is neither justice nor punishment.  It is an evil she has never deserved and I will not stand silently and ENDURE IT!  So mark me well, for I know full well you hear my every word.  If you will not make this right, then I will, and damn the consequences!"
   He trembled with the force of his anger.  Never had he raged so vehemently against the Gods themselves.  He was losing all control, and he fought hard to regain his composure.  Wrapping his arms around himself, he struggled against the emotions welling up in him.  He reminded himself that in the Dreaming, passion and emotions were magnified.  He pictured his fair Sadina, the memory of her in his arms filling him, calming him, until he was once more in possession of himself again.  Closing his eyes he imagined her there, her hand soft upon his face, her hair shining in the light.  It was the only thing that truly made him happy and he rejoiced that she would soon be with him in the waking world.
   He rose to his feet, and began the journey back, unaware of the thing that arouse behind him.  A demon of shadow and hate, a twisted chimera, fashioned of nightmares and fear, its body undulating as it gathered a form around its black spirit.  It loomed above him now, huge and bloated and terrible.  He sensed it then, far too late to avoid its savage attack.  He spun around, a spell already on his lips, even as it eveloped him...

OOC: TO THE PALACE IN MILATH