Elvina Hellcat

[Jain Zar]

165.

*** Work to do ***

Wearing her half long nightgown made of a white silkish fabric accentuating her curves perfectly, Elvina slipped in a comfy large chair with arms, curling up against the back rest with her journal on her lap.

“Work to do,” she giggled very softly as she dipped her quill pen in the ink flask on her desk.

“... several people know. Right now we asked a few very good friends to lead the ceremony. I think I’m gonna leave them a free hand into this, although Eve and I need to prepare something to say. A welcome word, our vows, a speech for the party. Its not my first wedding, but perhaps I should seek advice.”

She brushed with the feather over her lips.

“And I really need to visit my hometown again and introduce Eve to my foster parents and friends there. Perhaps I better start to make a list.
Other things I need to take care of :



((ooc: if anyone feels up for anything of this list (even assist) or other things Elvina didn't think of yet, let me know *assumes btw Eve may have a list too...* ))


A few more things were added, until her eyes got caught by another important subject.
She whispered it, “Protection.”
Elvina bit her lip while adjusting her position in the chair. Her hand reached out for a note and she read it again. There were only just two words in it :

“Leave her”

She glanced at her desk, briefly examining the object that had been used to deliver this message. Next to it the same object but with blood on it. Two elven arrows, fired at her lover a few days ago at the store.
The first had scratched her upper arm, as if to catch her attention. The second had pierced itself into a wooden beam, quivering right next to Eve’s ear, the message wrapped around it.

Elvina brushed with her finger over her lips, it just didn’t make any sense. So far her investigation of the scene and objects hadn’t provided much information. The angle and the depht of the impact had led to the possible position of the sniper. He or she must have used a shortbow as there simply hadn’t been much room for anything larger.
And from what Eve had told her, it was also someone who was able to fall back into the shadows and go around unnoticed... someone like herself and she only knew a few others.
The note drew her attention again, but brushing it between her fingers didn’t provided anything more than she already knew. This was the kind of paper used for scrolls.

Wondering if this was part of the message, someone telling Eve she had to deal with another magic user perhaps, Elvina got up.
It just didn’t make any sense. Eve thought its someone who is jealous but Elvina really had no idea who. Sure, she realised there were probably a few people out there who wanted to share her bed, but even if so... no one would do...
The white-haired woman stopped half way the room and turned back.
She glanced at the word ‘protection’ and at two names, two people who she had asked for help even before this had happened, each time at a safe location... at least thats what she thought. To guard during the wedding... could it be... could it be Him behind this?

Leaning on the desk, a bit bending over her journal, Elvina shook her head. No, not His style... the Master would love to involve her in something like this. No, this message was very personal, literally aimed at Eve. Someone who hated her perhaps, if you considered the way it was delivered. But who possibly knew Eve and her and was ready to do something like this?
She made up her mind, first thing in the morning she would look for someone of the fleet. Perhaps with a bit of luck she could find that corporal with who she had been tracking down Xarion, what was her name again... Galatea?

As for now Melanie would watch over Eve’s back for a few days on the moments she wasn’t around.
Relax Elvina, try to relax, everything will be okay... there is just... so much to do, she thought.


Quietly and carefully she slipped in the bed and lay down next to Eve, watching her for a moment and adjusting a white tress hanging over her eye.

“I love you... and no one will part us, not even death... at least not yet.” Leaving a small kiss behind on Eve’s forehead, Elvina sank into the pillow next to her lover.

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


The next morning she opened her eyes and saw a letter on the other pillow... and while reading it quickly, as if by magic, a very warm and wide smile appeared on her face... she really really loved this...


Hey love,

I had to leave home early in the morning, and I didn't want to wake you up. While asleep you are too beautiful!
You know, my heart is fulfilled by joy seeing the lab that close to the end of the construction works. It is also thanks to you. To the money and the time you have invested in my project; to your support; to your love. Thanks.

Well, we are definitely going to host party when everything is set; and I am thinking something in regard. Since we are going to have lots of unused furniture, we might use part of it for a charity auction... I was thinking to the orphans, and the auction might take place during our party. We can invite our friends, and the citizens of Cear, to attend the event.
What do you think about it?

Well, enough plans for the day. I need lo leave now. I left a kiss on your lips - and you didn't notice it - but I am sure you will notice the last piece of pie, which is for you.

With love, and forever yours
Eve

[Jain Zar]

166.

*** Report *** (by Jae and Jain)

A white-haired woman stepped into the district house not far from the city. Dressed in the colors of the Vanguard she walked over to the first desk, the man behind it engrossed by some documents right under his nose.

Elvina who didn't seem willing enough to wait, cleared her throat," Excuse me... I'm looking for Corporal Galatea." Her voice clear and insistent enough to draw the man's attention immediately.

The constable nodded and went off deeper into the guardhouse. After some time Gala made her way out and nodded her greeting. "Can I help you, Vanguard?"

Elvina immediately recognized her as the woman she was looking for. “I would like to report a threat and an murder attempt.” The long thin package she was holding in her left hand and the note in her right, were offered to the Corporal.

“And this is proof.”

Gala frowned, nodded and looked over the evidence. "Any suspects?"

The Vanguard shook her head,” If I had, I might have gone after this person myself... the arrow was aimed at my future wife. I have investigated the place where it happened myself, but more than the probable use of a shortbow and someone who can leap in the shadows I couldn’t deduce from the scene of the crime.” She glanced briefly at the door, “It happened right in the middle of the city.” She looked back at the Corporal and waited for her reaction.

She had raised an eyebrow at the term "wife" and then nodded. "We will look into it."

Elvina gave Gala a pensive look before saying,” You are putting this black on white?..., as I cannot guarantee what will happen if we have to defend ourselves.”

"If you have to defend yourselves that is not against the law."

“What about hiring private guards to protect her? Unless it is possible to have a patrol once in a while checking upon our place?” Its clear Elvina would like to see more happening then just ‘look into’.

"I don't have the authority to allocate our forces to offer protection. I can personally patrol there on occasion, but that is all I can do. We are stretched thin at present."

Elvina nodded as that seemed better than nothing. She shifted her attention briefly towards the prison cells and said,” Too much crime or too few constables?”

"Too few men not at sea." Gala shrugged.

Elvina looked back at her,” I shall leave the evidence here, the lady at the furnishing shop can show you the exact location of the attack... or we can, should you pass by.” She bit her lip,” I think its someone we know and what worries me is the fact that people who know me, know that I am not just anybody.”

Gala nodded, "Understood. Stay safe then."

The white-haired Vanguard nodded back and left the guardhouse, without the package or note, without certainty.


Her mind went back to the wedding and the people she contacted thus far. One of the latest was Shayde a few days ago and she had passed her near the gate moments before she had entered the guardhouse.
Perhaps if she was quick she could talk to her about this threat aimed at Eve.

Shayde was still there, talking to a man she recognized as Caldur, a new guy she met earlier under weird circumstances. She grinned...

But before they even got started well... two creatures flew over, an orange and a blue one.
Elvina rolled her eyes and looked at Shayde, “Here we go...”

They hurried in the direction of the creatures, Elvina meanwhile wondering if she would have to make a report of this one...

[Jain Zar]

168.

*** Grove ***



Her eyes cracked open... a dream?

Flashes... the Grove, … the Dracolich, … her eyes widened and suddenly she sat up, pressing the blanket tight against her bosom.
Eve!! … Then she noticed the hand resting on her leg and when she glanced she saw the white-haired tiefling laying right next to her, still asleep.

Elvina relaxed and slowly laid herself down again, just before rolling to her side, facing Eve. After a few moments looking at her and stroking Eve’s arm, Elvina closed her eyes again, still tired.

More flashes, and although her mind still felt a bit chaotic, this time she tried to control the recent memories and more or less managed to set the small events in order.


… Archie made the elixir of which all the girls drunk. We were all dressed in our beautiful dresses... Celestia was earth, Click was fire, Shayde covered water and I was air... or the butterfly like my friend always calls me.


She smiled, her eyes still closed.


… each of us had chosen a Defender, mine was of course Eve, something that already had been decided earlier. The potion hadn’t been really tasty, but it was needed to prepare us and … to ‘change’ us. As soon as the last of our sisters arrived, our Archdruid started the ritual what would lead to the restoration of the Sacred Grove.
I remember feeling something I still can’t describe... but then it happened, the shapeshifting... first the others, then me. I remember how light I felt, weightless and unlimited... not only could I go up and down, but I could else squeeze through narrow openings, searching a path between rocks and branches. For a moment I really felt like that butterfly I am sometimes called after.


Another smile.


Click was the first, heating up the altar and for a moment I swirled around her... how odd to say this as none of us had her true form, but I remember fanning the flames with my ‘dance’, giving the fire the air it needed....

… then it happened, vaguely I could hear my friends and the other Defenders shout, I felt darkness... I felt the first wave of attacks... and I also remember how helpless I felt in this form. But we had to focus on this ritual and rely on the ones protecting us, making sure this ritual would be performed... they fought for balance, good versus evil, and even though balance might be important, darkness wasn’t allowed to prevail.

I could sense them, the ones fighting while I was waiting for my turn, right after Shayde. I felt Eve’s and Yvalee’s energy soaring through the sky as they besieged our enemies with their magic,... I felt the arrows of Caldur and Crow as ‘disturbances’ in the atmosphere,... I felt how the air that was seperating friends from foes being cleaved by the blades of Rel, Darion, Gody, Lyran and Daniel,... I felt the vibrations of Vinduil’s growling... and I didn’t only hear but also felt the inexorable tunes of Reina’s and Sam’s song... I could feel it all, as I seemed to be everywhere, … for a short moment there was a contact with everyone.

Unfortunately I could also feel our enemies and their determination to stop what we were doing. For a moment I know I raged, like a tiny storm... but there wasn’t anything I could do, at least not then and not in that shape.
One thing was comforting though, the fact our enemies were doing their best, meant we were doing something good. Right?
I remember how I felt my confidence was even growing... that we actually would win...


She opened her eyes briefly...


The ritual had just ended and I was returned to my normal form minutes before this man showed up. Still weak of what seemed an energy drain, I tried to listen and heard him talk about the curse being lifted but the Grove not be anymore what it used to be.

This was something I would have to ask later... as I had been simply too tired to realise or catch what was really going on... just like someone who is drunk...
It didn’t end there...


Elvina closed her eyes again and pictures the second wave, creatures that looked elven, some aggressive elementals and then... the Dracolich.


I remembered my role as Defender, but also my duty as Vanguard and raced along forward in an attempt to stop the creature, or at least to slow it down from entering the Grove. Our combined forces managed to … make it flee. I don’t know what happened, but after it took several hits from blasts and weapons it simply disappeared.
A nightmare...? For sure... but I also know now, nightmares do exist.

The rest of my memories are a bit clouded... I only remember I could barely stand after the second wave was repelled, and I remember Eve embracing me and teleporting us here... towards the Mystivale inn.
Vaguely I remember a visit of Amilcar, but I think I fell a sleep before I said ten words.


She opened her eyes again and remembered one more thing... Eve and all the others had been tired too. She stroked Eve’s cheek and resolved she would travel to the Grove and her friends as soon as possible.

She had to see... to see...
... a few moments later she fell asleep with her face buried against Eve’s neck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdTcwlOq8Cs
...
..
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[Jain Zar]

169.

*** Trip -part 1- ***

Elvina leaned over and softly kissed Eve's forehead who was still asleep, just before leaving a note on the pillow next to her.
For a moment the white-haired warlock looked down at her lover, glancing at the pillow under which she also had a package hidden.

Then she quickly dashed, and set course to Ravenswatch where Ja-Uth was waiting for her. The letter she earlier sent by bird had arrived and her mother had asked Ja-Uth to get her.
Elvina smiled as she first wanted to talk to her foster parents in private.

She glanced at the letter in her hand, a letter from Ja-Uth. For some weird reason he hadn't been able to teleport himself to Cear so he had send a bird to her and asked her to come to Ravenswatch. She would find him in the Collegium Arcanum.



After what seemed like a short trip she could see the city on the hill from a distance. It was near sunset, but she was almost there.
Suddenly her horse stopped very abruptly and snorted.

"Hey girl, whats up? Go on..." Elvina tried to spur the horse but to no avail. "Oh c'mon now! We're almost there... what is..."

Suddenly she could hear a sound, coming from the bush on her left. Something heavy was traveling through the thickets.

"Hello...?" she started, meanwhile reaching for her dark blade and mumbling a few occultic words.

The sound stopped, Elvina narrowed her eyes in an attempt to focus but it was just too dark in the small forest on her left.
She tried to spur her horse again, but it refused to set another step.

Suddenly something started to move again, the sound of something walking, and it was getting closer and closer.

Elvina didn't wait and jumped from her horse, attempting to drag it to the side of the road. But it didn't want to move...
"Worse than a donkey," she muttered without losing eye contact with the bush.

Suddenly a red glowing... thing appeared in the dark forest. It rapidly increased in intensity and before Elvina realised, it flew in their direction, hitting her horse in the flank.
The animal let out a scream in pain as it cought fire and ran off.

The impact of the blast had made her blind for a few seconds, but she could hear the sound of something heavy approaching.

Blinded she tried to focus on the sound, her hellfire already prepared and surrounding her as a protective shield, able to wound or kill any attacker. And she would know where to aim her blast...

Her sight rapidly recovered and still there wasn't anything hostile to perceive.... until...





Two pair of red glowing eyes became visible and when she saw what walked out of the bush, her breath and heart stopped for a moment.

"Hello, Elvina," the appearance said.

[Jain Zar]

170.

*** Trip -part 2- ***

A familiar rider had just stepped out of the forest, and even though Elvina had seen him once before, his appearance was just as impressive.
With a hint of arrogance the rider rode until he was just in front of her before stopping, and because he wasn’t wearing a helmet this time, Elvina had a clear view on his facial expression which was without doubt radiating superiority.

If she hadn’t had any idea who he was, she would probably had to run in fear... and even now she was fighting her feelings. This appearance was just overwhelming, and so close, so tangible.

His steed’s eyes were glowing just like his and hers, and it stood tall, towering high above her. Never had she seen a horse like this so closeby.
The hair of the beast was darker than the blackest coal, its manes and hoofs were glowing red in the dusk and its eyes looked as if they could burn through metal. When it opened its mouth, it looked as if its inner body was on fire. Elvina could also feel rays of heat each time it snorted.
The gleaming red eyes rolled dangerously, the being seeming half crazed and ready to uses hooves and body to bring death.
It was a miracle a monster like this could be domesticated.





Her eyes shifted to its rider, who was even more intimidating, even to her, she who has already seen a lot. Perhaps the fact she knew the rider’s reputation could explain this.
The armour he was wearing was a bit different from last time. It was dark, black plates with aspects of red on the edges, its shape as elegant as elven armour, but radiating pure aggression only when looking at the sharp extensions on the shoulders.
The armoured gloves holding the horse reins, looked as if they were build up from small dark metal segments and were provided with spikes, standing up when he clenched his fists around the leather.

There was only one thing that wasn’t dark about this man, and that was his hair. Long, white, perhaps a bit silvery, just like the moon, just like... hers.
His white-grey eyes were locked on her white-grey eyes, a faint cold smile decorating his face as he looked down on her.
The sister was finally facing the brother.

“Artega...,” his name escaping from his lips with a whisper.

The thing that probably shocked her the most, was the rest of his face. Light colored tattoos covering a big part of the facial skin. Something that hadn’t been there last time. It made him only look even more aggressive.


He smirked,” You can always try and call me brother.”


To her it didn’t sounded like an invitation, but more like a challenge. She also wouldn’t liked to be called ‘sister’ by him, at least not at this point. Elvina glanced over her shoulder, just in time to witness how her horse died a horrible dead in flames. She crossed her arms and looked back up at him.
“No, thank you,” she answered with a cold voice.


He smirked when he followed her glance at her horse and looked back at her.
“We meet again...” the glow of the hellfire surrounding him and his horse fading.


“And who are we killing this time, Artega? Defenseless animals?”


A cold chuckle was her first answer.
“If I were you, I would be worried about other things than steak on four legs. How about … white-haired devils?”


Elvina raised a brow, only a moment later to be followed by her heart stopping with beating for moment.


He grinned as he saw her expression, her eyes widening a little and her skin turning a bit pale. He witnessed how she glanced over her shoulder again, in the opposite direction of Ravenswatch.
“Too late, and even the fastest of horses wouldn’t have been fast enough to get you there in time.”


“WHAT?!” Her head snapped back in his direction, her eyes burning like coal again,“ If YOU touch her...!!"


Artega chuckled,” I’m standing here right in front of you....”


“Who...!! He??!!!”


Her brother shook his head, and looked amused.


Without any further warning she mumbled a word and turned her back on him, taking off in the direction of Cear.


“DO YOU WANT TO SAVE HER ?!!”


Elvina stopped and turned around quickly, her eyes narrowing,“ Save her ?!? HOW ?!”


Another grin was cast in her direction,” I can communicate with her.”


Elvina’s eyes widened slightly,” Her ??! What... who her ??!” She walked back in his direction, like a cat sneaking upon its prey.


Artega chuckled,” You have no idea... and even IF I tell you, you would never believe me, ... sis of mine.” The last words sounded rather sarcastic.


Elvina’s eyes narrowed and for the first time in a while she felt something inside... something familiar... something of which she thought she had lost it.
Her love was in danger and now she felt … hate... hate for this man... hate for her … own brother. She crossed her arms, and tried not to look too impatient.
"Try me..."

[Jain Zar]

171.

*** Trip -part 3- *** (by Hvrankel and Jain Zar)

Artega looked down upon her, his red glowing eyes on her glowing eyes before he spoke,” No, but I have a proposition you might want to consider now.”


Neither of them had noticed someone had walked upon them until within earshot, and was now looking at the brother and sister, both shrouded in flames.

Morgen Korp, in the shadows of the night stood calm down the path, observing and clearly wanted to hear what that 'proposition' might be.


Artega still looking at Elvina said,” Your love for mine.”

Elvina raised a brow,” Your love?”

Artega chuckled, but it sounded ice cold,” Yes, because your brother is evil, you think he cannot love?”

“What has that got to do with me, and Eve?” clearly a bit surprise in her voice.

The warrior leaned a bit over, bringing his head next to his horse’s,” Because you know 'her' and 'she' knows you, and 'she' trusts you.”

“Forget it, I don’t like the way this sounds!”

He sat back straight up again,” One word...” he briefly closed his eyes, before he opened them again, two burning coal looking down at her,” … and she’s gone!”

“NOOO!!!” Elvina lifted up her hands, clearly convinced now he meant what he said. “There must be another way! And who is this about anyways?!”

Her brother chuckled,” I had to wait till she finally gave birth to that half-thing.”

Elvina paled, her eyes widening in disbelief and her hair in her neck and on her arms standing up,” Angela....”

“See, that wasn’t so hard now, was it? I want Angela Wrath. You will lead her to me and we will leave your bitch alone.”

Elvina crossed her arms again, anger in her voice,“ Angela is my friend, I cannot do what you ask of me...” Her statement was answered with chuckling before she was finished.

“Dear ‘sis’, Angela is no one’s friend. You don’t seem to pay much attention anymore and seemed to trust people right on the spot now. I heard there were days you were so different... the great distruster... where is she now?” He grinned,” I’ll make another proposition. Let me kill that devil bitch of yours and I promise I will look a decent man for you... in fact, I already know one...”

Before she had to time to control it, she suddenly lashed out at him, the impact making him drop from his horse,” That is something you shouldn’t have said,” her voice an incarnation of the person she sometimes used to be in the past,... hate, anger, rage... all focussed against this one man, her own brother... and she felt she was prepared to kill him. All those ‘lost’ emotions were gathering again within her and she could feel how it started to feed the hellfire surrounding her, the flames arround her wrists becoming intens. Meanwhile she hoped she didn’t gave him the time to send a message to his contact. Pressing on the attack was now her only option.

The moment she attacked and made Artega fall from its back, the horse fully turned towards her and pranced fiercely, just before coming down rapidly and knocking the Vanguard out with its hooves but not before taking a hit from her hellfire shield, sending it a few metres away to the side of the road for a moment.



Suddenly, without being noticed thus far, Morgen steps in beside Elvina and looked at her brother. “I don't think Angela would like a simple man like you.”
Morgen's voice is cold like ice and his wolven eye looked down on Artega, his armour gleaming in the flames of the hellfire, he continued,“ If you value your life, you better leave my friends alone.”

Meanwhile Morgen offered a hand to Elvina to help her up, but Elvina didn’t seem to respond and suddenly Morgen heard Artega talk, his voice threatening," Who are you to interfere in a family matter !! Step aside before I pierce you with my spear and drag you on it all the way to the Eighth Circle." Madness was to be seen in man’s eyes.

Morgen narrowed his eye as if judging his opponent. “Brave words from a man that only wants to prey on women. Is that all you have to come with? You are as low as a dog.” He smirked and studied Artega's face to see the effect of those words.

Morgen could see the glowing eyes widening, through the flames he could perceive a short reaction of disbelief over such an defiant answer. Artega let out a terrifying shout and with it, to Morgen it may have looked as if the black-red armoured warrior had just grown in strength, muscles pumping around the neckline, and the hellfire surrounding him turned even more bright. It was clear they were on the verge of a fight, a duel most likely as the Vanguard behind him hadn’t responded at all thus far.

The warrior stood tall... the light of his flames lit up the road and a part of the treeline, his right fist clenched around the shaft of a short thick spear, a large black shield with spikes in his left.



Morgen watched Artega as he went into frenzy and unsheathed his dark sword that seemed to draw the shadows to it and he moved his shield into position. “This might be fun,” he said with a playful smile.


Elvina's brother charged immediately, a dark occultic sounding word from his lips made him suddenly speed up fast and he charged in what could be seen as a reckless attack. But the tip of the spear is aimed with deadly precision and trusted forwards with brute force.

Artega rushed in with such a sudden speed that it surprised Morgen, but he managed to get his shield up in the last second and a very loud clang echoed through the woods.

After the first hit, Artega acted like a wildman, trying to hit the man behind the shield in an attempt to slam it out of his hand,... to Morgen his strength feels unhuman. Morgen could also feel the flames of the hellfire shield close now and if he didn’t started to act quickly, he would burn his fingers... and more...

Cursing the flames low and the power behind the man in front of him he took a step back and touched a wand in his belt, suddenly spreading several copies of himself in front of Artega... and they all made an attack as one.

Moving fast in and out in the hellfire, burning his armour and skin, Morgen fought with a determined face and finally hit Artega, making a deep cut in man’s arm.

Artega, uncertain which one his opponent was, defended himself against the ‘wrong’ Morgen and got struck by the real one. The hit however, to Morgen it may have seemed his opponent just shrugged it off as if bitten by a mosquito. Artega mumbled another dark word, which made him more swift for the 'multiple' attackers. His frenzy still dominating, he presses on the attack striking rapidly and hard at a few of the images.

A few of the copies vanished and Morgen received a hit over his chest, leaving a deep cut from the powerful blow. He staggered back for a moment before bouncing back and placing a hand on Artega, letting a dark cold energy flow into him that burned like ice and fire.


The warriors fought on and Artega’s flames and powerful strength delivered Morgen many deep wounds and burns but he also retaliated with his own sword and Artega bled from many wounds while his power was drained due the poison Morgen used.

Artega growled deep at the pain, and gave Morgen a headbutt... nevertheless he mumbled a dark word and simply vanished in front of Morgen's eyes.

Morgen frowned as Artega disappeared and stood still for a moment before his hand went down to his belt, activating another wand and his skin became hard as stone.

He remained still and listened.


Elvina on the soil behind him groaned softly. Her head moved a bit before lifting it up, bringing her hand towards the side. "Wha...??"

“Get up, Elvina. He might still be in the area.” Morgen stood next to her in his stoneshape and looked around.

“M..Morgen...?" she blinked a few times and tried to sit, blinking with her eyes once more before looking up at Morgen... and then behind him... her eyes seeing what his didn’t," MORGEN, LOOK OUT !!!”

A sharp spear struck out of thin air hitting Morgen in the side as he attempted to turn around in the direction Elvina was looking. The hit made his sword drop from his hand.

Elvina suddenly had her head clear as she saw how Morgen was about to be finished off. She lashed out, sending a purple blast in her brother's direction.

Artega, struck by the full impact of his sister's eldritch blast, almost tumbled and had to step back.

Morgen coughed up blood as the spear went into his lung and while he tried to keep his vision from not going dark, he reached for his dark sword on the soil the moment Artega staggered back from Elvina’s blast.

Gritting teeths he lunged up forward and sank the blade deep into Artega’s stomach. "Die you bastard...!”

Artega looked at Elvina and Morgen in surprise and moved back, the sword slipping out of his stomach before hobbling over to his horse. Neither Elvina or Morgen followed him.

"YOU WILL NEVER SEE HER BACK, SISTER OF MINE," Artega shouted before coughing heavily with his hand over his belly, and spurring his wounded hell horse to take off.

Both rider and his hell beast disappeared in the darkness of the woods.

Elvina only glanced at her brother and quickly moved over to Morgen, taking him in her arms and attempting to make him stand," C..come... Ravens is not far... you need treatment, immediately."

Morgen coughed and nodded, leaning on Elvina,” Tough family heh...”

Her voice was soft and she seemed impressed by him, "Hush, be silent now. We talk later after they fixed you up. I'm... so sorry, Morgen..."


Two black-clad people, one supporting the other, slowly made their way to the city, at least one of them praying the giants wouldn’t bother them.

[Jain Zar]

173.

*** All good things come to an end ***

LINK ==> viewtopic.php?f=18&t=11852

[Jain Zar]

174.

*** Vanguards for Dasar ***

LINK ==> viewtopic.php?f=18&t=11891&p=119553#p119553

[Jain Zar]

176.

*** Motherly feelings ***

She smiled to herself as she was finally convinced. The moment she was holding Amy's baby in her arms she had taken the decision to one day have one of her own... and not an adopted one.
It wasn't the first time this thought had occured. But this time it came with strong feelings. She had had it once before, with Angela's baby... but her feelings towards men suppressed any further thinking about it.

She was still after all... lesbian,... and probably would never have 'such' feelings towards men. The problem of getting pregnant in such case had been enlightened since her conversation with Erica. There were other ways to 'do' it...
She wouldn't dare to ask any man though, so what Amy suggested was probably the best thing she could do... completely anonymously... no contact before... or after. She would be able just to continue with her life, without making things complicated towards herself or lover.

Well, there was still time to think about certain things as she would give herself a few more years, just a few more. First there were other things demanding her attention, other things she wanted to do. But in the end her decision would be final... a baby of her own before hitting thirty.

The Vanguard lady turned her attention from her diary to one of the maps under it, before glancing briefly at the sleeping woman on the bed behind her. Thinking back at the earlier conversation with Celestia, Elvina just had to rub her tempels again. Madness her friend had called it, Sam, Shayde, Amy, Darion...
Elvina was glad she was here In Lendose, and she wasn't alone as several others were joining or would be at least rather near. Almost like... family...

She was smiling once more to herself while getting up from her chair...

[Jain Zar]

177.

*** A few letters ***

Elvina sat at her desk in the Vanguard command post, writing, this time the content of what seemed letters that had nothing to do with orders or lists.

After a relaxing moment, the first in a long while actually, the white haired Vanguard had had a short night sleep and after lying awake for some time she had returned to the main tent, now about an hour ago. Somehow something had triggered this… sudden writing.

She stopped a moment and brushed with the feather of the quill pen over her lips, rereading the text of her first letter left on her desk, the one addressed to her elven foster parents.


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Dear mother and father,

Let me start by saying, I know.

We haven’t talked or seen each other in months and I’m sorry for not sending any messages earlier. In the past four months my life has seen changes, and changes all over again, and recently it also grew more busy. It was more or less too complicated to write about it. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any other things I could have written about, or let you know.

The ones I consider as my parents, in the life I am living now, I would like to tell how much I love them and how much I would love to visit them now to tell them how much I miss them, and how much I will miss them for even a longer time.

I should personally thank you every day for the life you have given me, perhaps I should have done that with letters, but know I do this in my heart.

Thanks to you I’m not feeling scared or alone in this world, thanks to you I know what love is as you have given me so much of it, thanks to you I’m staying strong.

……………..

Elvina quickly read the part that explained her promotion to commander and something about the nature of her mission and the amount of time she would be away, before going to the end part.

………………

… but please don’t worry as I’m surrounded by many good people and friends.

ps: If I said any silly things, now in this letter or before, then please forgive me and I hope we’ll see each other again so that you can address me personally about it.

Love and kisses,

Elvina

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She cleaned her eyes as tears had pooled in them, ... that also had been a while.
Crying… it sometimes seemed so weak. But she realised that people not always cry because they are weak, … often they cry because they’ve been too strong for too long.

She glanced around in the tent, but in this early hour there was no other soul to be seen. Elvina looked at a part of the next letter.


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Dear Morgen,

I’m not sure when you will read this letter, and if you do, you probably noticed I had it send to the very inn where we recovered after our latest adventure.

An adventure which is still at the forefront of my mind, and an outcome for which I am still grateful to you.

Heck, I should write a letter like this to more of my friends, if not to all of them, but I hope the ones I see on a more regular basis just know through our communication and bond how I feel about them.

………………

Elvina quickly reads the parts in which she explained her current situation.

……………..

So my friend, if you decide that are you well enough to pick up that blade of yours again, and you have the time and you feel like it, you are always welcome to join me where the metal meets the flesh. If not, I wish you safe travels and look forward to catch up with you after my mission.

Until then, and hopefully not in the hereafter.

Sincerly yours,

El

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The next letter she totally had no idea where to send it to, so she decided to put it in an envelop with another letter.


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Letter 1

Dear Caldur,

I would like to thank you, since I never really did, for that moment you cared about me back in those woods. I didn’t realise at the time, but I do know that I needed a friend.

I never really talked about what happened, but I sure am willing to do so in a nearby future, that is after I’m back from duties.

It may take a few months, but let us not let time get in the way to meet up again, perhaps at the Grove. Well, I hope Archie catches you and deliveres you this message, as I really want you to know how grateful I am.

PS: let me know how you and your spider are.

Sincerly,

Vanguard Elvina Hellcat

Lendose / Bastion

………………………………………..

Letter 2

Dear Archie, or Father,

After all that time I haven’t decided yet what I like to call you the most. But perhaps you should tell me what you like on the next occassion we meet. Yes, I know, its been too long I attended at the Grove and frankly, I’ll be away for a while longer. But don’t worry, as I’m not running!

No, there is no need for that as I do know I have my friends too during difficult moments.

There are many things I could tell you now, but I prefer doing it in private, face to face like we always did and always will do.

………………….

In the next part she quickly read the same explanation as in the other letters, about going to Dasar and the timing of her mission.

………………….

Until we meet again my friend, either on the field, in the woods, in some creepy basement or perhaps just at the Grove.

Love,

Butterfly

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[Jain Zar]

178.

*** Last will ***

With a longbearded man right behind her, the white haired Vanguard entered the temple of Rhauth and almost immediately spotted the one she hoped to find.
“Sister Alina…”

The priestess turned around and smiled as she recognized Elvina. “Miss ‘Kitty’, what a pleasure to see you again.” She came forward and took Elvina’s hand in hers. “Have you been well?”

Elvina offered her a faint smile,” Yea, sure.”

“Are you coming to see the orphans?”

Elvina nodded,” In a minute.” She turned to the man behind her and motioned him to do something.

The man mumbled a word and a small chest appeared in front of Elvina’s boots.

Alina widened her eyes as she knew it was gold,” Miss K… Elvina…”

Elvina held up her hand and took something from her backpack and offered it to Alina.

The priestess accepted what appeared to be a scroll. “What is this?”

“Its my will. I’m donating my house to this initiative and this temple, should I come to…die.”

Alina blinked,” Are you leaving, miss Elvina?”

“Yea… almost, and I really would like to see the orphans now.”

[Jain Zar]

180.

*** The ride home ***

As evening fell not far from Morell, the tall war horses trudged on, just before plodding up the last hill towards the gate. It wasn’t the nicest place to stay, but to the travellers approaching the city it also had a certain history.
White hair and a Vanguard cloak fluttered in the wind...

After a campaign of more than a month, Elvina was called ‘home’. The campaign had been a succes, but it would never fully feel like that. Even if the Tome of the Fallen had been opened only once, it would have been one time too many. Nevertheless, the objectives were achieved… and she should be pleased with herself.
But right now... she could only feel how tired she was...

Leading a company day in day out sure had been an experience and as a matter of fact, she hoped to be assigned as a commander in the nearby future once again. She sighed, one thing though... she was bad with… administration… reports. When she was still a scout for the Vanguard she also had to write them, but as a commander they just had to look… ‘important’, no?
Elvina grinned to herself...

Day in day out surrounded by ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’... it had been a good feeling, even though it meant little to none privacy. An intimate conversation, expressing emotions, letting off certain steam… it had been out of the question most of the time… just like all the other things that didn’t befit a leader.
Same had applied to ‘her’ Vanguard. And she really would understand all too well why the soldiers were so happy to go home… and to their loved ones...

Now, she was going home, her empty home. Good thing that was a … good thing.
She glanced at her companion riding next to her and a faint smile was drawn on her face.
”We’ll take a room in Morell…, “ she said to Adele as she winked...



ooc: the campaign 'Vanguards for Dasar' will keep continuing meanwhile as it will describe was has happened there.

[Jain Zar]

181.

*** Cear ***

It was a windy morning at the Cearian docks and it felt like temperature was dropping by the hour.
The waterway between the two piers received the small ship from Morell, its draft showing that the ship could handle the rather shallow water near the quay which was kissed gently by its bow a few moments later. Just before the hull made contact with the piles of the wooden jetty, two heaving lines were tossed and caught by the dock workers in order to attach the ship to the mooring.

A simple but very broad gangplank was balanced between the ship’s dock and the jetty in order to transfer the passengers and their goods off the ship more easily.
Taken by their reins, two war horses were lead over the board by two black clad figures, the clip-clop of their hooves echoing against the solid with bricks clad embankment.
Not all the rain falling down from the sky reached the surface, as most of it evaporated while passing through the dry air. But that would soon change with these temperature drops.


Elvina glanced up at the sky which clouded over to a heavy grey. It wouldn’t take long before a heavy fall of rain drops would immerse the city in an autumnal atmosphere.

“Still no good weather,” she mumbled to herself beforing turning over to her companion. “Let’s bring our horses quickly to the stables before that…” she pointed up at the sky,” … starts to find its way down.”


A small hour later, the two stood in front of a small house not far from the docks. Elvina glanced to the person at her left and reached out to take a hand.

“So… this is it...,” she looked back at the house and added a bit shyly,”... it’s…it’s small, but comfy…,” then she grinned a bit,”... certainly after we tackled it.”

She rubbed her chin with her other hand,” Though I may hire someone to give us some hints and advice. That is… if I have still have money for that.”

Elvina recalled donating most of her money to the orphans and whenever something would happen to her, the house would become property of the temple of Rhauth. She ran a hand through her half wet white hair which was sticking against her head, before reaching in her pocket for the key.

Home sweet home...

[Jain Zar]

182.

*** Intruder ***

A few days later, during an evening, Elvina left Adele at the shop to quickly check out some of her war documents. She also realised it was about time to send word to Sam and her friends that she was back. Plunged into thought, but with a noticeably happy smile on her face she entered her home… only to sense something was wrong.

As soon as she walked in she noticed the flames in the fireplace were out and the house felt cold and was dark as the curtains were closed. There was a … familiar smell in the air. Merging with the shadows, the Vanguard witch softly closed the door behind her, avoiding the click of the pin falling into position.


A soft chuckle…

… and other sounds that seemed to emerge from the bedroom. Elvina gave her eyes some time to adapt but already had noticed the door of the bedroom was half open, while she was certain she had closed it when they left..

Contemplating between slipping out to get Adele or capturing the burglar all by herself, Elvina picked the second choice. She got in unnoticed, but there was a slight chance she might get detected trying this again. And besides, even without her armour she was not just any woman, right? With the images of her mission to Dasar in the back of her mind, what could be worse to find here in her own bedroom?

Absorbing the weight of her body with her knees, the Vanguard lady sneaked over to the other side of the dining room. She made her throat wide in order the breathe slowly and steadily. Her ‘play’ with the light and the shadows was practically flawless as she moved towards the bedroom door.
With her back against the wood, she turned her head and peeked in.


A man standing with his back to her, seemed to be amused by something he had taken from her drawer next to the bed.

What the hell…
Elvina quickly moved in and closed the door with a smack, shrouding the room in almost complete darkness and shaking up the intruder.

That didn’t seem to have the effect she had hoped for, as the man only lifted up his head a little, just before looking over his shoulder in her direction.

Flickering teeth…

Elvina narrowed her eyes, as she almost immediately identified the man whose right hand was still in her drawer right before he turned to her.
She saw he was holding a piece of textile in his other hand, which he slowly raised up to his nose. He gave it an unmistakable examination with his nose.

“MMmmm ahhh… I hardly can wait. But these… these are not yours.”

Elvina blinked as she recognised the object which he was sniffing… an underpants…

He chuckled, just before throwing it in Elvina’s direction.

Her natural reflexes made her catch the white piece of fabric before it hit the floor. Then her grey-white eyes locked on him,” May I ask you to put this back in its place, right before leaving my house??”

The Master grinned wide,” What? No tea? Aren’t you happy to see me?” Little flames appeared in Elvina’s eyes, yet the Master only seemed amused by that. “I see you are picking up old habbits again…” and with that he clearly meant more than her hellfire as he glanced at the underpants in Elvina’s hand.

The flames faded just before Elvina offered him a devilish smile and said,” What… are you… jealous now?”

Flickering teeth just before he said,” No… but I know someone who might be.” He looked to his right, and both saw a small tender figure detaching itself from the shadows.

The Master mumbled a word and the taper on the desk ignited, spreading a soft dim light in the half finished bedroom.

Elvina’s face turned pale as she recognised the girl. Elven traits, a tanned skin, dark eyes and that hair… blond… in a pony tail… and lots of lots of memories... overwhelmed her.
The Vanguard lady took a step back, while she sucked air between her teeth, tears pooling up in her eyes at the sight of the woman walking over in her direction.
She shouldn’t help her voice betraying all her emotions,”... No… it can’t be… you are dead…”

The woman stopped right in front of her and looked up,” No… its me alright, Elvina,...”

Dark eyes found the Vanguard's who whispered a name,"... Zinna ..."

[Jain Zar]

184.

*** Home sweet home ***

Elvina stood there with her hands on her hips, observing her house. It was really feeling like coming home. It looked new, but still was home… their home now.
It was nice to have seen Reina at work and even more nice that much of her own furniture had been reused, to keep the costs low.
She slapped her head, she still owed Reina cash for the new stuff! And not only that, she would do something extra for her. But not today… nope, today she would travel with Amy to Morell, as earlier suggested and promised, a girls day out, a perfect one, hopefully. Adele was out, checking if an old friend of hers was still in the area.


Adele… Elvina smiled softly… they were back together, and this time it was different from the first time. There was no worrying about something evil in her lover, ready to change her in some kind of … monster.
No… Adele was healed in many ways… and she was sweet, incredibly sweet. Adele wasn’t married anymore with Sam, while she herself had been single too.
And they were in love… and this time Adele made her feel hard she did.
Going with her on this mission to Dasar,... there hadn’t been time, or space, let alone a place to be intimate with each other… yet Adele made it clear with the way how she looked at her… and she had looked back at her all those weeks… a lot...


True, there have been also moments in which they hadn’t had a visual on each other… moments they even were parted, though never for long and always knowing they would see each other again in a later moment. Just like… the sun and the moon, chasing each other in the sky, cherishing their silent love for each other…
Triggered by something, Elvina took a seat at her desk and opened her journal on a new page.

She glances at the front door, Amy hadn’t arrived yet, so.. why not?

The white haired Vanguard picked up the quill pen and started to write, slowly, with care, the words written in elegant letters… and she smiled, oh she smiled as she recalled this… changing only a few words :


When the sun shines,
warming the moon’s skin,
it means there is no world,
standing in between.

The only silent witnesses,
are the tiny stars,
watching from a distance,
how this love evolves.

And even in dark times,
with the world’s shadow,
the moon waits silently,
tarring on the afterglow.

When the sun finally reappears,
the moon smiles brightly,
bringing light in darkness,
seeing their love is for eternity.





The only poem she had ever written… she was still smiling and as she wiped a tear, Elvina closed her journal, her hand caressing the leather cover absently while she fell in thoughts for a moment.

All the problems weren’t over yet… there was her brother Artega, of whom she heard he was running around without his memory. There was still the Master, who loved to pester her… and now also Zinna, risen from the death… she couldn’t believe it was her. Thank Utu there was Morgen who would be around, willing to help her out with her brother...

There was Celestia, but she was probably out there now... returning who knows when. Elvina was actually worried about her best friend after their short conversation and she promised to herself to bring a visit at the temple soon, also with the intention to clean up the Chalice after not been there so long.

There was this new undead threat which seemed to have a source near the city she loved. And she still needed to look for Thanos and Shayde concerning this… at least that is what Terrah had told her.

Elvina giggled, at least she had dealt with Shayde… and Sam! But then she sighed, he would be expecting her reports soon now. Well, her field notes would help her make them… but not now!
A bit relaxing wouldn’t hurt.
She glanced at the front door, … and hoped they wouldn’t be to late for the ship...