Anonymous

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "Roux."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "As you will it then, beloved."

Roux tells you, "-Don't-."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "I'm not."

Roux tells you, "You are."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "Have your space. Do what you need."

Roux tells you, "YOU KNOW WHAT I NEED."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "Then take it."

Roux tells you, "I will not take something against your will."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "Who sent him?"

Roux tells you, "Him who?"

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "Lexen. Who told him to drag me back?"

Roux tells you, "He went of his own regard -Haven-. I did not want him to go. Because you made the -choice- to -leave- and I fucking respected that!"

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "You should've...should've forbade him! Put him in a cell. Something!"

Roux tells you, "... because you did not wish to return."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "Do you even want the truth?"

Roux tells you, "Yes, I want the truth. Finish the kill."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "I love you more than life. I would sacrifice anything and everything for you. I left because I was searching for peace. A peace I felt I couldn't find here."

Roux tells you, "...and now you are back. I will not expect you to stay long.... I hope you find what you are looking for."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "My orders are to live, Roux."

Roux tells you, "You will live in a shadow then, because ultimately.. nothing in this life gives you peace."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "We do what we have to."

You tell Zura Ani, Roux Aquila, "Now come see me."

Haven looks up at Roux with a weak smile. "Hi."

Roux tightens her jaw, swallowing, her dim expression fading a little even with that small touch of expression from you. "..hi." she murmurs.

Haven slowly pulls himself to his feet and holds his hands out to either side of him as he gestures Roux forward into his arms. "Come."

Her throat works convulsively as Roux looks at you like a deer at the hunter, frozen in place. With gradual, almost jerky movements, she manages to begin walking forward, and it's as if a dam breaks within her, and her body is suddenly launched forward, a red-blurred dart of speed that lands in your chest with resounding impact, familiar vermilion cloak fluttering behind her as a sob catches in her throat, and her arms go around you.

If Roux could see Haven's face, it was one clearly torn as he accepts his beloved into his arms. With his fingers running across the crimson fabric of the cloak upon Roux's shoulders, Haven cannot help but manage a stronger smile for Roux. Perhaps a touch false considering the underlying frost in his eyes but certainly stronger all the same. He doesn't bother with trying to pull back from the embrace, it is full as it is profound as he holds Roux tightly to his frame. "I'm here." Is all he manages to say as the emotion eventually clears out from him, frost, fire, and all.

Roux buries her face in your chest, ears curved back, her body shaking in your hold. She can't manage words, only harsh, loud breathing escapes and even that sound is muffled as if she's afraid to have anything find its way from her. Her tail hangs limp behind her, the picture of dejection.

"Things will be fine beloved. You'll see." Haven answers in as best a soothing voice he can manage as he continues to hold Roux close to him. If there was anything to be felt by his demeanor it was that he was completely at ease and calm throughout this exchange. "I've missed you."

Roux finally turns her face to the side to gain a clear breath, eyes tightly closed. Her shoulders bunch at your words, and a sound worms its way up into her throat, a whine that she can't contain. She swallows roughly, audibly and pulls back a little as if she wants to part from you, but her arms refuse to allow her to complete the move, remaining firmly in place. "I'm sorry... I didn't.. I don't want to cause you pain anymore."

"Don't be foolish. Just." Haven catches himself from completing the phrase as he stares into Roux's face for a long while before finishing , "Don't. You're mine as I am yours." With his clawed fingertips dropping to the small of Roux's back and ushering her frame closer to his, Haven states, "Unless you've forgotten?" It is here that the first semblance of real emotion surfaces as mirth oozes into his tone like a sticky sap.

A trembling takes over her features, lips parting, brow drawing down, eyes fluttering before Roux opens them to look up at you. ".. I never forgot." she says, low and fervent. "... I never will. Even should you..." She exhales sharply, sucking in a breath before continuing. ".. even if you should leave me... forever. I would always remember."

Haven takes his hands from Roux's back and lets his claw trail lightly over the side of her face. "Some things never change." He lets the silence claim him for a time as he stares down at Roux and contemplates. Some things did change though and that's what disturbed the Azudim the most. It might not have been on his face or even across his eyes but something shifted. What was it? The Azudim mulled over the question countless times as he studied Roux's features with that odd smile upon his lips. "Do you think you can forgive me?"

Roux leans her face into the touch, her features twisting into lines of such sweet agony, it's visibly troubling on her countenance. "... I can forgive you of anything... my love... my Haven." she mumbles, chest tightening around the emotions rising within her. "... but you will not be happy... with me. You do not find... peace."

"I am happy with you, Roux." Haven presses a finger against Roux's chin in an effort to lift her gaze to meet his squarely as he states, "I find life in you. I find fire. It roars and rages. It consumes me thoroughly, melting away a frost that I've carried with me for most of my life. Do not fret over this... this idea of peace." The Azudim delicately leans forward to briefly press his lips upon her own before he finishes, "I'm here and that's all that matters."

Quickly, you ask, "Though I am tired. Will you lay down with me?"

Roux lets her golden gaze search your face for a long time, unable to stop from licking her lips after the brief contact. She seems about to speak, and ins tead simply nods. "..Aye, love." she murmurs in reply.

The edges of your vision darken and begin to shroud the world around you. Only when it all seems lost, when not a shred or spec of life touch your senses, does it come. With a thunderous roar, a pillar of light and flame surges from the earth to completely envelop your frame from sole to crown.

Haven holds onto Roux's hand as he leads Roux past the charred throne and through the milky mists that pervades the area.

You grow still and begin to silently pray for preservation of your soul while you are out of the land.

----- Some time later.... -----

Lexen tells you, "...Brother?"

You tell Lexen Verite, "Hello."

Lexen tells you, "By the gods, you scared me, man."

You tell Lexen Verite, "You shouldn't have come for me."

Lexen tells you, "I didn't have a choice."

You tell Lexen Verite, "You always have a choice, Brother. -Always-."

Lexen tells you, "People here need you, Haven. I am no replacement."

You tell Lexen Verite, "At least you have one thing right. You are not a replacement. Nor will you ever be. You are supposed to be just Lexen Verite."

Lexen tells you, "I was expected to take on far more in your absence."

Lexen tells you, "Your boy needs you, brother."

You tell Lexen Verite, "I didn't want to come back! There is no peace here. NONE. How much more of myself must I give to duty before it leaves me alone?!"

Lexen tells you, "Stop this selfish cowardice. You would leave all you have left undone to those of us not meant to do them? You would disgrace my Lord's domain by deining to choose your own end?"

You tell Lexen Verite, "And why shouldn't I?!"

Lexen tells you, "Because the Haven Locke I know is stronger than that. He is no coward."

Lexen tells you, "... I can't believe you used me for such a selfish purpose."

You tell Lexen Verite, "I first and foremost did it to help you."

You tell Lexen Verite, "When I was down there...I saw the mirror."

Lexen tells you, "But you knew you did not intend to return."

You tell Lexen Verite, "I saw my life, Lexen. I saw it all!"

Lexen tells you, "And were you satisfied by what you saw?"

The sun begins her downward journey towards eventual sleep, casting even, full light upon the land.

You tell Lexen Verite, "Worse, brother. I realized that there was no war for me to fight. I realized that I can never atone for what I've done to her. I realized that my hands will forever be tainted. I realized... that there is only suffering for me here. An endless game of hide and seek as I fumble around in the Light."

Lexen tells you, "We should suffer, Haven. You and I both. We've done things in our lives that should take eons to attone for."

Lexen tells you, "What right do you have to simply cast that aside? To give up because it's hard? When have we -ever- feared a difficult life?"

Lexen tells you, "You have a son who joined the Luminaries to be like his father. A lover who needs you to remain strong herself. Perhaps you can never attone for what you have done, Haven Locke, but by the Gods, you should stand and bear the weight so that others may live by the example."

You tell Lexen Verite, "I do not fear a difficult life, brother. I fear the -impossible- life. I cannot bear such a truth... What am I without purpose? Without orders? I am no symbol. I am no monster. I am nothing Lexen. Nothing!"

Lexen tells you, "You're unshackled, brother. Free of your previous chains and able to forge new ones."

You tell Lexen Verite, "ARE YOU NOT LISTENING?!"

You tell Lexen Verite, "There is no crueler fate brother. I just..."

You tell Lexen Verite, "I just want peace."

Lexen tells you, "You mistake peace for giving up."

On top of the Luminary Watchtower. (Enorian.) (21898) [-Slyphe-]
The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. This sturdy watchtower is tall enough to provide a magnificent view of Enorian and the surrounding lands, yet not so far from the ground as to be unable to make out individual figures. Completely open to the sky, the tower has no walls or ceiling. Halfway along each side, a short ledge extends a few feet beyond the edge of the tower, providing those brave enough to venture onto it an uninterrupted view of the surrounding city and its denziens. A hole is set in the center of the tower, over the top of which stands a beautifully designed altar of gold and amber. A solemn looking chaplain rests the base of his tower shield on the ground and hefts his mace. There are 2 monolith sigils here. An argent intercessor is poised here, hefting an ancient-looking halberd in her glowing hands. An intense white flame, inexplicably formed into a sphere, hovers above the altar. Tossing her august mane, a sprightly white mare stands here. A peacemaker of Enorian stands here, one hand on the pommel of his sword. The shining figure of a guardian angel floats in the air here.
You see a single exit leading down.

::[ Lilith ]:: <<> Lexen enters from the down. <>>

Lexen slides his right hand anxiously across his chest, a deep seated frown across his features as his eyes set on you, his jaw set into a frown. "Our path is still here. You just can't see it, brother."

Haven flinches at Lexen's voice. Slowly, the Azudim turns from the ledge to regard Lexen with careful silvered eyes as he says, "Talk, brother. That's all everyone gives me. Talk, talk, talk. Am I supposed to take it all on faith? What has faith every given me?" There is a deep seeded sorrow in his tone before it suddenly grows brisk and clipped with a flare of anger, "TELL ME! What has it ever -given- me?!" In an instant Haven heaves himself across the watch tower in an effort to seize Lexen by the scruff of his shirt.

Lexen steps into the harsh embrace, his fingers twisting into the front of your shirt as well as his eyes narrow. The Idreth's features carry a surprising layer of final certainty that had not been present before. "It has given you a son. A child you have sought since longer than I've known you. It has pulled your brother from the darkness, and placed him next to you as a steady shoulder for when you stumble. It has given you far more people who care for you than you realize, who need only know -how- to reach you to help."

Lexen Verite says, "Had they the power, I know of several who would have personally ripped the heart from my chest to return you."

With Lexen returning the rough embrace, Haven's grip falters as he slumps and presses his head against Lexen's chest. How could he make the world understand? Make -them- understand? 'Grrrr.' 'Grrr.' 'Grrrrraaahhhh!' The rumble in the Azudim's chest starts low and insignificant as the former Knight's state of mind before gradually building. With each passing moment it grows fiercer. Hungrier. Sharper until it is practically an explosion of a wail as Haven tightens his claws into Lexen's garb, possibly tearing the fabric. "LISTEN! TO! ME!" He screams though his eyes betray his anger - instead revealing a pleading pool of anguish. A beg for mercy rather than a command.

Fiercely tight, you say, "I know of love brother. I know of the weight set upon my shoulders!"

Lexen's arm shifts to encompass your shoulder, his muscles flexing to draw the Azudim into a tight embrace, fingers pressed taunt against the back of your neck. "Then you have more to teach me, brother. I still need you."

Haven shudders violently at Lexen's words. His mouth parts ever so slightly as if he were getting ready to sneeze or sigh heavily but nothing ever comes. Not physically anyway. The change... the shift is internal as he stares blankly at Lexen. In time the Azudim shakily nods at Lexen, conceding to his request. "Of course." He answers in a nearly breathless whisper.

Lexen's chest rises and falls with a steadiness too even to be natural, his grip on your shoulders never lessening, as if to release you would be to lose you again. "I've made a mess of things with your son, Haven."

"...how is he?" Haven asks with his head bowed against Lexen's chest - blatantly ignoring his remark.

Lexen hesitates a moment, frowning. His free hand shifts awkwardly against his chest, the prayerbeads wrapped around his wrist clinking quietly together. "Hurting. Confused. ...has one hell of a right hook."

Lightly, you say, "I suppose that's good. Good that you're teaching him to be strong. To be filled with conviction. To have..."

Haven tries to push off Lexen as he finishes, "...purpose."

Lexen snorts arrogantly.

Lexen slowly releases his grip, his features troubled. "The only thing I've taught him is that he shouldn't leave his family alone with me."

You say, "I have a strong feeling you're underestimating yourself."

Lexen Verite says, "I've given him more broken bones than anything else."

Haven approaches the flame with Lexen's release and stares at its merciless glory. The steady and heavy roar of its flames as it tosses and churns endlessly about. The Great Spark. For a moment it might look like the Azudim had a bit of awe and wonder on his expression but it is gone as quickly as it had arrived instead replaced with dread. "He'll live."

Lexen quietly says, "I need to go brother. Will you... will I speak with you again soon?"

Simply, you say to Lexen, "Yes."

::[ Lilith ]:: <<> Lexen leaves to the down. <>>


Senna Arcan says, "Hello."

Haven takes his eyes off of the Great Spark to look Senna over. "Hello." He answers quietly.

Senna enters the room slowly, looking you up and down, "Welcome back." she says lightly.

"I shouldn't be here." Haven replies as he returns his silvered eyes to the awe-inspiring Great Spark, the soothing heat washing over him.

Senna leans comfortably against the door, emerald eyes brightened by the light, "Then why are you?" she asks, her head tilted in curiosity.

Quietly, you say to Senna, "Lexen."

Senna stiffens slightly at the name, lips set into a thin line, "What of him?"

"He's the reason why I'm here." Haven states as he rubs the side of his neck.

"Mm." Senna says, "I'd imagine it's still your choice to leave or not."

Haven shakes his head as he turns on his heel to fully face Senna. "No. I'm under orders to live and so here I am."

Senna allows a slight frown to settle upon your features, "That's tragic then."

Haven sighs and merely nods at Senna as he makes his way towards the tower's edge. "What brings you here anyway? I imagine you've better t hings to do than check on an old ghost like me."

Senna idly twirls the ring that resides on her middle finger, "It's quiet and I thought it'd be nice to meet you in person." she comments, "I admire what y ou did for Lexen, even if he has no idea what a gift that heart is."

Lightly, you say, "I'm sure you'd do the same for your family. It's no rare feat."

Senna shrugs, "The only family I'd give it to would appreciate it, they understand love, loyalty, he doesn't seem to." she says in a light, clipped tone.

Haven seems to nod in understanding as he says, "We Infernal soldiers tend to have that problem. I suppose the Infernals relished in manipulating damaged goods and hardening them to the point that such a concept as love is almost impossible to learn."

Senna shrugs as if in indifference, "He claims he wishes to learn, but isn't willing to bend in his ways." she comments, "He won't find a woman willing to put up with it I'd wager."

You ask, "What's your interest in him?"

Senna gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Senna Arcan says, "Now? None.

"Mm, I suppose the future can hold anything." Haven replies as he returns his eyes to the bustling city far, far below the watch tower.

Senna gives a nod, "Aye, many things can change I suppose."

You ask Senna, "How is the city?"

Senna Arcan says, "Heck of a lot better than it was."

Alexina tells you, "..ah."

Alexina tells you, "I heard you were dead."

You tell Alexina, "I approached the mirror.

Senna Arcan says, "Heck of a lot better than it was."

Alexina tells you, "Ah. Welcome back."

A copy of The Cure (circa 357)" comes flying in from the down and lands on the ground with a 'thump.'

Senna Arcan says, "Ok...."

You pick up a simple book entitled, "A copy of The Cure (circa 357)".0] [5500]

You tell Alexina, "You could've just handed me the book."

Senna Arcan says, "I need to be off, perhaps I'll see you around?" [5500

Alexina tells you, "Uh, not without creating a fuss with the guards."

You say, "Likely."

Senna Arcan says, "Take care of yourself hmm?"

You grunt noncomittally.

Senna Arcan says, "Try to."

::[ Lilith ]:: <<> Senna leaves to the down. <>>

Alexina tells you, "And, if I simply handed it to you, I wouldn't be able to impress you with my infiltration techniques. Mhmm."

Alexina tells you, "Well, I mean, I guess it's just phasing. But it doesn't sound as impressive."

You tell Alexina, "You're cute, you know that?"

Alexina tells you, "Uff."

Alexina tells you, "That's not exactly what I was hoping you would say."

You tell Alexina, "What were you hoping for then?"

Alexina tells you, "See, children are cute. Babies. Puppies. I'd rather be considered.. I don't know.. charming? Intelligent. Beautiful. Witty."

You tell Alexina, "You're talented. I adore the throne you've made me still."

Alexina tells you, "Of course."

Alexina tells you, "Anyway... thank you for helping me."

You tell Alexina, "You are living now?"

Alexina tells you, "Ah, yes. It took a few tries to get everything right."

Kerryn tells you, "Hello, Haven."

You tell Auspicious Legacy, Prioress Kerryn Cardinalis-M'Caeld, "Hi."

Kerryn tells you, "How are you?"

You tell Auspicious Legacy, Prioress Kerryn Cardinalis-M'Caeld, "I'm... alive."

Kerryn tells you, "Yes, I'm glad for that. You've been missed."

Kerryn tells you, "Demarcus has missed you. He will be happy to see you."

You tell Auspicious Legacy, Prioress Kerryn Cardinalis-M'Caeld, "I... Of course."

Kerryn tells you, "Do you feel up for a visit, or would you rather I leave you be? I imagine you're overwhelmed enough."

You tell Auspicious Legacy, Prioress Kerryn Cardinalis-M'Caeld, "If you want to come then come."

Kerryn enters quietly, pausing in order to pull her cloak about her a bit more as she offers you a faint smile.

Haven turns away from the edge to regard Kerryn evenly before offering a simple nod in greeting. His features seem completely stricken with exhaustion from the bags under his eyes to the gaunt appearance of his cheeks made all the more eerie with the encompassing night. "Long time no see."

Kerryn slowly approaches the edge of the watchtower, taking everything in. "It has been a while." she comments as she folds her hands before her. With a glance to you her smile fades slightly, concern reflecting in her emerald eyes. She begins to say something but quickly changes her mind instead she looks away. "I fear our son has been neglecting his studies, he thought a simurgh was a parrot." she says a hint of a smile returning to her lips.

Haven tilts his head as he regards Kerryn with a nearly blank stare. Just beneath the surface there is a faint trace of curiosity on his exhausted features as he asks, "Isn't it?"

Kerryn shakes her head, "No, it's a... mixture of animals." she says softly.

You ponder Kerryn's profile, deep in consideration.

You ask Kerryn, "Are you okay?"

Kerryn looks away, "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" she asks avoiding the question.

Lightly, you say, "You wouldn't like my answer if you did."

Kerryn turns back to look at you, "Probably not. But it doesn't change the fact I care enough to want to know the answer." she says quietly. She holds your gaze another moment before looking out over the edge. "You know me... stupidly believing I can help." she smiles a little. "But I didn't come here to force you to dredge up things you don't wish to, Haven. If you wish to talk, I am happy to listen. If you don't, then I am simply happy to share your company as long as you will allow it."

Haven holds Kerryn's gaze for a long time before nodding in understanding and shifting in his posture to look back out over the city. "You're too good to me Kerryn." Is all he manages to say before allowing the silence to claim him.

"I'm good to everyone." Kerryn murmurs as a frown pulls at her lips, her jaw clenching slightly before her expression shifts suddenly to reflection a calm outward appearance.

You ask Kerryn, "What troubles you?"

Kerryn shakes her head, "You've enough to deal with, Haven." she says firmly. No sooner have the words slipped from her lips then she seems to regret them, "I-I'm sorry." she says more gently. "I appreciate your concern."

"As you say then." Haven replies - not bothering to push a clearly troubling agenda. "Your daughter is well these days? Demarcus looking after her all right? Lexen was going on about how he's done the boy wrong but I personally feel he's just underestimating himself."

At the mention of her daughter a look of pain crosses her features. Kerryn nods a little, "Yes, he's taken excellent care of her." she whispers. "As for Lexen... he's not wronged him, they had a shaky start. Demarcus blamed him at first... they both hurt each other, but deep down I know they care for one another. Lexen's made a ... a rather large improvement."

Haven seems oblivious to the pain spreading across Kerryn's features as he nods along to her words. "I thought so. I knew Lexen wouldn't disappoint me."

Kerryn wraps her arms around her stomach, her gaze focused on the people wandering the streets below. "He's a good man... he just doesn't want to admit it. It did take a few months to get through to him that what he normally does, wasn't something I was going to allow to continue in regards to Demarcus. Demarcus on the other hand...another story."

You ask Kerryn, "Is there something I should know about the boy since I've been gone?"

Kerryn considers the question before nodding, "Yes." she murmurs. "He's a boy and he's missed you a lot, he needs his father. He still has much to learn and you and Lexen will be need to be there for him. More so then you ever have in the past... you must be patient with him. Make sure that Lexen continues to follow how we agreed to raise him, Haven."

"Of course." Haven breathes out the answer as he nods more to himself than anything. His focus primarily seems to be on that of the city rather than the conversation at hand. "I'll try my best to be whatever you need me to be."

Kerryn spares you a brief glance, "This isn't about what I need, Haven." she says softly.

Lightly, you say, "It's about what everyone needs. It always has been."

Kerryn smiles sadly, "Needs and wants." she murmurs looking away. "Eventually you get to a point you care for neither."

You ask, "What remains then?"

Auspicious Legacy, Prioress Kerryn Cardinalis-M'Caeld says, "The cold hard truth."

"And what's that Kerryn?" Haven seems intrigued by Kerryn's remark as he tilts his head towards the side.

"That what we want and need always dances out of reach." Kerryn says "That when you think you've finally grasped it, you find out that it's like sand in your hand. It slips through your fingers. It leaves you empty with nothing but a memory of..." she shakes her head falling silent.

Nodding, you ask, "It's enough to make one want to give up, no? In the face of impossibility, what's the point?"

You say, "It's a cruel, cruel fate to bear. Crueler than anything I've experienced."

Kerryn nods a little, "Yes." she says quietly, "But I can't give up, I don't get that luxury."

You wryly say to Kerryn, "Why fight?"

"Because I don't know how not too." Kerryn answers with a slight shrug. "The thought crosses my mind... but." she shakes her head, "Too many depend on me, I can't let them down."

Haven shakes his head at the notion but keeps his silence for a time - his crimson cloak billowing behind him the only sound coming from his direction.