Elvina Hellcat

[Jain Zar]

185.

*** Back in the field ***

A week after Morgen had stopped by, with whom she discussed plans about her brother and the Master, but also afterwards had a normal talk about common things until late at night and ending up with an empty wine bottle… Elvina found herself on the fields again, not that far from Dasar.
The wind brushed her face with a rather strong breeze, stealing warmth from her skin and carrying it away to an unknown destination. Her mind had just wandered likewise, aimlessly, to another place and another time.





The white-haired commander snapped out of it, and turned her head in the direction of the treeline at the other side of the valley, the enemy still hidden in the green. Gone were the few recent memories of fun and relaxing, gone was the warmth of her little house near the docks, gone were her friends…
There was some work to do. After a letter of a fellow and befriended commander, Elvina had travelled to this place again in order to aid her.
The two companies needed her, especially after suffering a series of defeats.

Elvina shook her head, defeated or not, the Vanguard were still nested in this area and they were still strong. These hills were still in their hands and today she would make sure it would stay that way, one way or another…
She could feel how that cold and dreadful wind seeped in through even the slighest of openings in her outfit. It carried a somewhat unpleasant feeling of unknown future and she bet a lot of these men waiting under her temporary command must have felt the same.

Temporary or not, the Vanguard were her brothers and sisters and she would show them she wasn’t different from them. Elvina grinned, well, except for the fact being a witch. But she was totally accepted by them, many knew who she was, or at least what she was capable of.
But would it be enough to rally their hearts and go for it?

“Hey Elvina!”

The white-haired commander and her fellow commander turned around, a figure in green armour stopped not far from them. Swiftly the medium tall woman jumped off a white mare and walked over.

“Need a bard?” the young woman with carmine hair said with grin.

Elvina widened her eyes,” The hells, as a matter of fact we do! Hello Reina… and you are most welcome!”

[Jain Zar]

187.

*** Stopover ***

The black-clad Vanguard commander rose to her feet while sniffing the fingers that had just touched the soil. Fresh, organic, earthy. She moved a white tress from her face and tucked it behind her ear as she started to smile. This wasn’t home but the place managed to make her think of it. The Grove was like it always had been, tranquil, peaceful and sacredness itself.

Elvina let out a contented sigh and stood feasting her eyes on the view. Reeds and head-high marsh grass near the dark blue creek, a small dusty path between the tall tussock grasses leading towards the inner part, little bees and butterflies flying among the brightly colored flowers in search of food, a pair of squirrels dashing into one of the majestic trees swaying over her head like an impenetrable wall, humming birds lurking from above at this ‘trespasser’, … a trade she would make one day, the battle fields for a peaceful spot like this.
The white-haired warlock approached the waterfall and stood next to the altar.

It was just beautiful. Just like herself if she had to believe others. Elvina shook her head, she knew by now people considered her beautiful, but she also realised beauty didn’t have to be about anything, since beauty is a light in the heart. And by now that was the only thing about beauty she accepted to herself. True, she had had for instance a few beautiful lovers herself, but she always looked passed the face at the beauty within.
The same applied to the Grove, for several travellers it was just an attractive spot to rest during their travels, a feast for the eye to some, but to Elvina it was a lot more. At least one knew.

But he wasn’t here. She looked around. It’s been a while since she had seen him, and it was worth it to wait a while longer. A few days, and than she’d be heading home.
Elvina walked back towards a sunny spot near the water and got rid of her black armour. She opened her backpack, took out a comfortable gown and slipped into it before laying herself down in the grass, her hands behind her head, her grey-white irises aimed at the cloudless sky.


A few encounters of the past week ran through her mind.


First there was ‘the’ Cap… she giggled... Sam who went swimming without even noticing her. The thought of it made her blush a little, but not for long. The trick she performed with his clothes had been funny, and just when he was wondering and she was about to reveal herself, Shayde had shown up as well. Nevertheless, a few minutes later she revealed herself, faking to have only interest for her sister, but hiding the fact she just wanted to see his face… and maybe some of the rest when he turned to her. She and Shayde got a lot of fun with his expressions, and never had she witnessed someone jumping into his pants that fast.
Afterwards and together with Shayde, Elvina took a swim herself too, but what should have been fun, turned out otherwise. A discussion between the two… something about a box down at the lake. Something that was hidden there and got moved. Elvina only understood later on at Reina’s place, it had something to do with a cloth and it was related to Soap in the past. Concern grew about her sister Shayde.

She hadn’t seen Reina again since the battle at the front. After the encounter near the lake she shared a small meal with her and Shayde at Reina’s incredible house. Elvina had felt humble when she entered that place. They sure were rich people. Reina’s love god she had only seen on the street, passing him without realising it at first, a well-built man bearing a massive Falcon shield.
From Reina she heard the man was busy organising some kind of a tourney. Even though they hadn’t been introduced together, he seemed cute… for a man.

Speaking of which… and this place also reminded her of him… Daniel. A few days after her encounter with Reina, she had bumped into him. Turned out he was the victor of that same tourney. Their conversation was short, but he had been very sweet and kind to her and during their chat she had told him about the current situation concerning her child wish. Just like Sam, Daniel had seemed concerned, although he was better at hiding it than Sam. Or Sam just… expressed himself more, maybe just because of how he saw her, like a sister.
It made her doubt, hesitate, wondering her possible future plans. But then she shook her head, the decision had been taken but she wouldn’t procede with it until a few other obstacles were cleared. One of them being the devil who was still harrassing her, together with her 'death' ex-wife.

But it would come to an end. She had even more faith in that statement now after her last encounter… probably the most intriguing.
A message… a message she ‘sent’ six months ago had been ‘delivered’. And by coincidence contact was made. Soon she would meet up again with someone of the so called Covenant of Hellfire, a mysterious organisation that maybe could help her with her problem. The only question was, what would she have to do in return?

Elvina turned to her side and closed her eyes. For now she would stop worrying and just enjoy this moment of peace. Like a cat napping in the sun and looking for its warmth knowing that when she goes to sleep her body temperature drops, Elvina curled up and started to conserve the energy needed for whatever was about to come.
The Vanguard drifted off to sleep...

[Jain Zar]

189.

*** Kisses ***

“My turn!” Celestia giggled and walked over to her, immediately pressing her lips on hers, her eyes wide and lovingly looking on hers before closing.

“HEY!, Leave some for me too, will you!” another familiar voice, Shayde’s,” Sisters do have to share you know.”

She could feel how Celestia giggled during their kiss, but she couldn’t feel any warmth. Nevertheless her heart raced as the kiss lingered and got crazy. An uncontrollable desire for more overwhelmed her. Without feeling the need to stop her hands started to explore Cel’s body.

“Hey, not fair, I want some too!!” That was… Sam’s voice. She cursed… couldn’t he just wait his turn?

Elvina broke up the kiss and looked around as she felt even more people watching her. Sam, Adrian, Daniel, Zeo, Anne, Anna, Eve, Adele, Jezel, Morgen, Amora, Amy, Phelan, Firin, Gene, Terrah, Beryl, Tharwulf, Reina, Vanadiel, and… and… Zinna….

“Wha… ? Go away! Go, all of you!” She attempted to push Celestia away, but her arms were tight around her neck.

Then she heard even another voice, a cold voice,” I told you so to watch out who you allow so close. You did this to yourself, Elvina.” That was Selene, even though she didn’t saw her.

“Let me go… please,” she could hear her own voice begging, “... please, please…”


Her head was filled with images, she felt sharp and alive. She had no idea what this all meant. Suddenly her eyes shot open and she felt scared. Covered in sweat she shot up straight in bed, breathing heavily. More images flashed through her mind, Teshalian orgies, a man. She looked around but saw she was alone down at the inn at Two Bridges.
Slowly her heartbeat started to decrease and she lowered her body back into a laying position.
The hells… why me?

[Jain Zar]

191.

*** Admitting ***

After breakfast, Elvina found herself sitting alone again in front of the fire down at the inn.

Finally, she had admitted it… to her friend, but primarily to herself. She could still hear the words she had spoken earlier,... lingering in her mind.

I’m unhappy…

Once more the fact she had said it out loud made her feel ashamed. Especially when she considered how much luck… and how many friends and love had crossed her path.
For a while now Elvina understood she had been ‘searching’, just like that other friend of hers, Sam. Well, his search had ended… and maybe… hers too?

It was still hard to tell, but after everything that was said and everything that had happened last night, she sure didn’t feel unhappy, which was … incredible.
Friendship presented itself in so many ways, and this friendship was in the least… peculiar. Yet it made her smile, since she had overcome certain things, and it almost felt as if she had conquered something within the deepest of her being. As if a weight had fallen off her shoulders…

So long…

She also understood she was merely at the start of what looked like a new road, a new experience… yet she would follow it.
Follow your heart he had said.
Her answer was then that she had the feeling to have been following it for too many times, but now… yes.
She would follow her heart, she would follow this road just because of the earlier experience. She would follow it, yet step by step… tiny steps.

Elvina smiled. Just like 'old' times when she was so cautious with everything. Yet she would walk this road with faith and confidence, since there was a high level of trust and understanding present. And she would face any consequences for taking this direction in her life.

She was Elvina Hellcat, and this life was hers. No one could control her in what she did, and she, only she decided over her own path. She would never allow others to have any influence on it, ... never again.

“I’m not unhappy…,” she whispered in front of herself,” … never again.”

The white-haired Vanguard glanced around. A few more days, again a few more days before she’d be going home.
Curious if her new neighbour had already arrived and that reminded her of the appointment she and her would have somewhere underground. There she would have to face again what she really was before she could battle her worst enemy, and that was not Marrent.

[Jain Zar]

193.

*** Distance ***

The past week sure had been turbulent as a new wave of feelings and emotions seemed to engulf her mind and almost taking it over, forcing her to rash decisions.
Yet she had tried maintaining one thing, one focus… and that was to avoid feeling unhappy. That one thought was now forming her only support in an boisterous ocean of events where winds, waves and currents seemed to do their very best to knock her off that tiny little rock.
And every time she seemed to survive the storm, another load hit her in the face.
One could ask himself, how does one end up in such a situation? Was it the result of an unfortunate crash from a ship onto unseen shoals? Or was it due an error the captain had made?
Elvina didn’t know, she only understood that right now she was the plaything of her own emotions.


Adele knew things now. One time when they were both home, Elvina had motioned her to sit down and listen. She told her what happened, confessed what she had done, though not with who and even though she hadn’t shown everything, it was… well, would have been enough to end their life as a couple. Instead of dumping her, Adele had asked her a few questions and told her she wasn’t angry…

She didn’t mind ? Did she care ?? Did she really see it ???


Elvina shook her head to herself.
In the past week she had also been inducted in the Covenant of Hellfire and officially she was now Hierophant. Anna had taken her to a place underground where Elvina took the oath and passed the tests. And it is exactly one test that once more upset her since it had almost taken Anna’s life, or so it had seemed at least. Strangely, even though they didn’t know each other that long, the very thought of Anna being killed made her very upset, especially if it were the result of Elvina’s magic.
She learned another thing, no… faced another thing. Warlock powers were unpredictable when it came to the practice of them. Sometimes blasts couldn’t be controlled, neither in direction or strength. They were comparable to lightning, you never knew where and how hard it struck.
After the tests she had received her mark on her body, on a place hidden from sight. It was this marking that would allow her entrance to the Great Library and would prevent the guardians from attacking her.
Anna would show her around another day.
That other day came, but they never made it for visit at the Great Library.


Elvina stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, cleaning her eyes. Anna had just ran out in tears, with the message she would be gone… to Lendose. It happened after Elvina revealed her secrets. It had taken all her strength and will to not run after her, but deep down in her heart she knew she probably might, one day.
Why? Maybe because unlike Adele’s, Anna’s reaction was completely normal and very rightly even though her own idea’s had seemed rash too.
Elvina could really understand Anna’s reaction, since if it had been the other way around… she would have reacted the same. Strangely enough due this, it felt as if she was closer with Anna than with Adele, at least in this.


She took a deep breath, suppressing any further tears and took a decision. For a while she would distance herself from all these things and give herself and others time. She had no idea if Anna would ever come around, but right now she wouldn’t go after her to ask.
There was a tempting future, but she would not make one step in that direction before other things were dealt with.

Elvina looked around. One of Anna’s suggestions did make her aware of something.
This house, despite the fact it had been beautifully decorated by Reina, didn’t mean anything to her. She would be able to sell it, to distance herself from it. Perhaps it was also because of the memories connected with it. Jezel, the flood after the water elemental attack, the demons and shades, the Master and Zinna breaking in. No furniture or paint could remove that from her mind.
So, if the house made her unhappy... she would distance herself from it.

Adele, Anna?... she would distance herself a while from them and she had no idea if it would be temporary or permanent. Nevertheless it meant she would let her lover go.
Elvina rubbed over the mark on her body, yet she would never break with the Covenant even though it was connected with Anna. For too long she had been searching for this and now that she was part of it… no. It just may take a while.

Easily said, not easily done.
Where would she go now, do now?

All the earlier emotions hadn’t stopped coursing through her body yet and with a lightly trembling hand she took the quill pen and wrote a letter for Adele.
She placed the envelop above the fireplace, in sight, and went back to her bedroom to gather things for a journey.
An hour later she was ready, and looked around in the house, her eyes a moment stopping at the dark yellow envelop. The white haired Vanguard closed her eyes and turned away.
She left her house, with a destination set.

Elvina was going... home...

[Jain Zar]

195.

*** Calling ***

Sha-’della looked up at her husband Aeron while she held their foster daughter in her arms.

Aeron crossed his arms and just shook his head,” Elvina, every time you come back from -there-, you are a mess, or sad, or shaken up. Why would you ever want to go back there? Don’t you think it’s time to reconsider,” her foster father said rather bluntly.

“Aeron!” Sha-’della commented, clearly not happy with that.

“What, isn’t that true? I mean, look at her, she doesn’t belong there….”

“Oh no, where does she belong then?” Sha-’della a bit fiercely replied,” She is human after all.”

“Mom, dad, please…” Elvina weakly said as she gently pushed herself out of the embrace and rubbed her eyes.

Aeron simply ignored her,” She belongs here, with us.” He glanced at the woman they adopted more than twenty years ago,” And she’s more elf than human.”

Sha-’della shook her head,” Who are we to say where she belongs, Elvina belongs where she feels comfortable.”

Aeron looked at his foster child and almost begged, perhaps also because of what Elvina had told them and because he wanted to protect her,” Dear girl, please stay with us now. In the morning I’ll make sure you have everything you need and I’ll prepare your house.”

Sha-’della only needed a glance at Elvina to know that was not what she needed. That house was once connected with Zinna and after what Elvina just had told, it would be a bad idea to let her even spend the night there.

As if Aeron now too realised,” Or you can stay here… we’ll fix your old bedroom… daughter…” he said, now with more warmth.



Elvina looked up at her foster father and saw it… he was concerned, and he even had every right to be. To him she was his daughter and after the past they’ve been through and now the rest of the stuff...
She had practically told them everything, even the very personal things she would normally only share with her foster mother.
Right after she had left her house in Cear, she sent a bird to Sha-’della. The message contained a request if Ja-Uth could pick her up in Ravenswatch since the bird needed a day travel, and then teleport her here.

Coming home, here with her foster parents in the remote elven community, has always been an emotional happening for Elvina. Mainly because most of the times it has been a while and this time wasn’t otherwise. More than eight months had passed since the last time they had seen each other. And her last letter dates from no less than four months ago, with only little specifics.

For instance, this was the first time ever they heard about Eve, a tiefling on whom Elvina had had a serious crush and who had asked the white haired Vanguard to marry her. Only then to disappear like she had appeared, completely unexpectedly, now more than six months ago.
Her father had shaken his head when the name Adele came up and then looked relieved when he heard how Elvina took distance again. But besides a few single weak gestures, none of her foster parents had had any specific comments on Elvina’s adventures.
Yet there was visible concern…



“Anyways,” Aeron started,” This adventure you are planning… I will ask if one of our loremasters can assist you. This thing has to stop, yet I am… and your mother too, afraid losing you.” He swallowed.

“Oh dad… “ Elvina stepped over to embrace the elf, who slightly shuddered as she did,” I promise you I will be fine. I think I will have a lot of help and people watching over me. We will end it. I will end it.” She sounded pretty determined.

“And I keep forgetting how you are growing up,” he said gently patting her back,” But I’m going to be completely honest with you, my dear. Even though your powers are making you the woman I am so proud off… I dislike them greatly and I will pray for the day they are removed.”

“I agree, husband,” Sha-’della said who looked at Elvina now,” Here, in our community we have no warlocks or witches… we only once had before.” Sha-’della glanced between Elvina and Aeron,” Pacts with devils, we greatly fear, especially after one almost destroyed our village.”

“Mom, I never made one…” Elvina started.

Sha-’della shook her head,” We might never know that, my dear… and it is the reason why you are still accepted around here. People even like you.”

Elvina blinked at something that was never told to her before,” Accepted… mom?” she asked, letting her foster father go and turning to her.

Sha-’della bit her lip,” Yes dear, if it weren’t for Ja-Uth and the rest of the loremasters… People needed to understand what had happened when you opened that portal.”

“They lied about it… for me?”

Sha-’della shook her head,” Not really, but they tried to erase your memory, so tha…”

“Tried mom, I do remember it all, since more than a year now. And you know now who the one was who raped me. That happened years -before- I opened that portal. He’s been in my life much much earlier, and I’m convinced I have these powers either through him or his now dead disciple Eligor. My guess is him…”

“Elvina…” her father carefully said,” We think it may even have happened much much earlier… around the time you were found perhaps.”

“When I was six?” but she already thought of it before.

Aeron nodded,” A child seeing its parents get killed, is an easy prey for making a … quick deal. Ja-Uth is convinced you have your powers since then, or perhaps even from before that moment.”

Sha-’della looked between them,” There also has been another theory. And that is that you simply been born with it.”

“Through mother…” Elvina whispered.

She nodded,” Mirri yes, after everything you told and what you know from this Angela Wrath, and this brother of yours… But again, no one has knowledge really here due that history I just told. We, the people here kind off evade the subject warlocks.”

“Well, I know someone…”

“This Anna, yes, you told us. Hm… and she is the ‘same’ as you you said?”

“We share the same powers…”

Aeron shook his head,” Well, I don’t like it at all… devils and hellfire.”

“Dad… she is really nice… don’t…”


((ooc The call of the Covenant : viewtopic.php?f=18&t=12225 ))


Suddenly the white haired Vanguard reached for her hip and closed her eyes. It was not sure if she was in pain, but more like as if she listened to something.

Her foster father blinked,” Dear, are you alright…” he started. Then he saw the flames around Elvina’s wrists appear and he just turned pale.

“Elvina??!” Her mother shouted. “What’s wro….”

Elvina's eyes flew open, and they were like glowing coals.

Aeron made a step backwards,” Elv….”

But then suddenly the flames and the glow were gone, and Elvina was looking with her grey-white irises in some distance.

Her foster parents looked at each other and then Sha-’della waved in front of Elvina’s eyes,” Daughter…?”

Elvina blinked and snapped out of it,” I must go…”

Aeron frowned,”Go?... my girl, now listen…”

“Aeron…” Sha-’della shook her head and then looked at Elvina. “Please tell us rather why you think you must go…” It was clear she tried to understand the one she had adopted as daughter.

“Its… it felt like a call… I must go back to Cear,” she answered, absently rubbing over her hip.

Sha-’della saw and frowned,” Are you hurt somewhere?”

“Heh… oh, no… just… tickling… “ she quickly said, scratching the place.

“Anyways, stay here tonight at least. We haven’t seen each other in a long while and there is so much left to talk about,” her mother said with a weak, yet warm smile.

It really sounded inviting and Elvina smiled back,” Yes mom…” and then to Aeron,” My old room? Just for the night?”

He nodded, frowning a little as he had hoped she would stay longer,” Of course dear, I’ll prepare it right away.” He turned around and left his wife alone with Elvina.

[Jain Zar]

197.

*** Not alone ***

Elvina turned the page of her diary.

You are not alone,

That… is what Darion once said to me now so long ago near the hills of Ravenswatch. And as if by magic he was there today, stopping me from running away again. Even though this is a friend I do not see often, he is a man to whom I listen. Even though I was hurt in my feelings, he is the one who managed me getting of my horse again and to explain a bit what had happened.

Not that our conversation lasted long since she showed up, looking for me.

Honestly, I do not know what I have to think of Anna but I guess we are even now. I hurt her two weeks ago, totally not my intend and she did today… and according to her, also not her intend.
I put it to the side, let it go. Well, at least for now, since for the other things, I do have the feeling we have a long way to go. But I’m going to try, no… I’m going to do my best.
And I will seek Darion out later...

I guess it’s a good thing both Anna and me understand it’s going to be a bumpy ride, but I also do want to be there for the Covenant and I won’t run away from any problems that may have been caused earlier, even if not by me.
I have to find a way to get Reina and Anna talk again with each other and probably better start by one at the time. Tomorrow I will look up Reina, by that time hopefully with a head that is more clear than it is today. Or perhaps I should wait a few days.


Elvina rubbed her temples in an attempt to relieve her from a headache.


And, my sweet diary, you be my witness. I am NOT doing this for myself even though they both offered their help in my personal case and I need it. I am NOT using them or their resources, I will only go with the level of help they want and can offer.
And in return I WILL offer my help… well, in whatever I can mean to them.
Rei sees me as a friend and earlier proposed me something, well, rather asked. If she ever gets back on that, I’ll say yes.
Anna, she has seen things and she is maybe a bit like me in certain things. There is, I do have to admit that, a sparkle between us. One which unfortunately is overshadowed by the earlier events between us and our pasts. Yes, I admit I like her still, even after today, but I am careful. And so we’ll she, so I guess we are both good. Taking small steps and taking them slowly.


Elvina quit writing a moment and looked over her shoulder at the fireplace. The letter was gone and so was Adele. But without a letter in return. She was angry, probably. Elvina would be too in her place.
Was it another case she still had to finish? Even though she had been only away for two weeks, she had realised in that time that she and Adele could stay friends and at least have a final word about it. Though she would avoid drama. Things were just like they were. She hadn’t feel well about them and made up her mind.


Today I also decided that I will have no child. Even though Anna got back on this subject herself, it is something I like to set on hold. As long as the Master exists I won’t have a child. More and more, after putting all the information together again, I’m getting feeling that this may be what he wants with me. Bring his seed into me and beget a child that somehow fits in his plans. He already tried after all, using someone. Well, it’s either that or he wants to use me as a conduit and set foot in this world using my body or whatever.


But, just like Anna and me, the Covenant, Reina… one step at a time. And the first one will be research. Again yes, but this time one I put much faith in.

Why the hellhound who has obviously been send after me? I just know it is his. And probably there are even more out there. So if possible we can try catch one. Yet, whom I’m going to ask to help me with that? Celestia? Morgen? Adrian? Anna? Someone from the Vanguard?

The other thing is me passing on the name I cannot speak. Reina and Anna will look for a way of me sharing that name and see how this could be of any help. Write it down on a special paper, in a special language.

Next is the search for other likewise cases, using both the libraries of the Covenant and the Ordo. Me and Anna will search in the Covenant’s, while Reina would check the Ordo. There just must have been more cases like me in the past since I think my mother is one. Yet he failed with her, perhaps because his seed didn’t work within her. Though this is still all an assumption, I think we do good also looking in that or any likewise directions.

And finally, Reina is going to inform Sam when she sees him.


Elvina sighed and wrote one last line before closing her diary and going to bed.


I know dear diary. People want to tell me that … I am not alone.

[Jain Zar]

198.

*** Together forever ***

After a very short meeting with her friend Celestia, and a few errands thereafter, Elvina found herself in her bed being even more optimistic about the future. Not only her personal future, but also that of others as she personally was convinced she and the others were about to stop a serious threat to the people.
Despite the frightening thoughts of what the Master might be up to, Elvina found easily peace for this night and quickly she was dreaming of her and Celestia catching hellhounds.

Then that wishful dream started to fade and soon the Vanguard moved to an even deeper sleep, yet her subconcious mind kept awake and took over…


song : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmv568Ib8U0

lyrics + translation dutch>english : http://muzikum.eu/nl/127-141-206744/mar ... aling.html




“Can you look after her a moment, dear?” the beautiful woman asked.

He kissed her tenderly before turning around and looking down at her.

With big eyes she looked up at him, her little arms raising, the tiny hands opening and closing repeatedly and thus clearly showing what she wanted.

He smiled and leaned over, his big hands going under her armpits as he picked her up,” So, what does my little girl want to do now? She wants tooooo… fly??!” he widened his eyes at her as he suddenly lifted her up, high above his head

She giggled as that tickled in her belly,” Flies, flies,” she sang, holding out both her arms, her legs kicking the air as if she were an experienced swimmer.

The man chuckled,” Hey, go easy now, soon you might think you can really fly.”

The beautiful woman behind him laughed along, and turned to them, her eyes warm on the scene.

He lowered her again and just let her sit on his arm, the skin of his cheek now subject to scrunity as her tiny fingers wandered over it.

“Oh, now you wanna be a shaman huh? What you think, I’m still looking okay to ya?”

Suddenly she slapped the cheek, not hard though, and as if the surprised look in his eyes was a signal, she repeated it with both her hands! Slap !!
He chuckled but she didn’t give up and started to squeeze his cheeks, only to witness that weird thing coming out of his mouth, making her widen her eyes.

When he saw the surprised look on her face, he withdrew his tongue and looked at those little grey-white irises while he started to smile.

Her hands moved now to his lips and grabbed them, pressing and squeezing them together.

“Ohww, nwoow I sweee… kwisssww?”

She tilted her little head and tried to bring her lips in a shape or position she already knew.

The woman behind him smiled,” Its obvious, darling!”

She removed her tiny hands from the man's lips and lifted her chin a bit, her lips still trying to form a kiss.

“Of course she does, she is my little girl,” he said before leaning a bit and kissing the cheek.

And she returned it… and burbled as she tried to form another word.




The white-haired Vanguard mumbled in her sleep while a smile crossed over her face,

“...Daddy…”

...

[Jain Zar]

199.

*** Preperations ***

After a lovely night with her best friend Celestia, and the deal they would soon go on a hellhound hunt, the white haired Vanguard returned to Cear.
On the way there she passed the Grove and as always lately, Elvina made a short stop to see if Archie or anyone else was around.
Entering the Grove was always entering peace. Something she also had been looking for when she returned to her foster parents, now almost two weeks ago. She barely had seen them two days in the past eight months and then found herself returning to her life after what had proven a call from the Covenant, or rather from Anna.
After spending the night at the Grove, the Vanguard continued her journey to Cear.


A few days later she met up with Reina and Sam, and she was obliged to tell her captain all about her plans and possible upcoming events.
And what she had feared... happened. Sam wanted her to keep him informed and he wanted to come along to the Lower Planes. Elvina tried to stop him, but to no avail. It simply didn’t seem an argument Sam shouldn’t come along now that he finally had found his love, with Shayde. He was so happy now and Elvina just didn’t want to feel guilty if something happened to Sam. How would she have explain that to her Sister? Shayde… perhaps she should find her… and tell.


Meanwhile Reina also had found someone to help Elvina share the True Name of the Master, so that more research could start.
Someone to whom she also had some explaining to do now, her new Captain, Anne. Another meeting to plan on a warded place…


And then suddenly someone else important returned in her life, it was so weird to see him at first. How long has it been? Six months? More probably. Amilcar… and from what she heard they were back in Ravenswatch and doing fine. The news he had made her smile, Angela was pregnant again.
Yet… Elvina told Amil a little, but she wouldn’t allow Angela to join Elvina on her crucial journey. Amil however had now become acquainted with Anna, and the four of them, Anna, Amil, Shivara and herself would have a meeting soon.


Elvina sighed, she depended on others… and when they joined, they were depending on her. She only hoped that all these preparations were worth it and they would all return safely.

She would pray to Utu for that… asking for His Guiding Light to shine upon her and those committing themselves for that one big upcoming task…

[Jain Zar]

200.

*** Covenant Library ***

Deep down in the halls of the Covenant, where the light of Rel stood no chance and where the winds of Ki lost all their strength, the candles on the tables in the Great Library cast sinister shadows between the endless rows of bookcases. Finding a certain work here didn’t become easier when noticing that the layer of dust on the backs of thousands of books was thick enough to cover their titles.





Warm air enveloped the Vanguard’s entire body, and soon she had to remove multiple layers of clothing until she just like all the other Hierophants was dressed in something very light, leaving the largest part of her legs and arms free. The sandals were a necessity though as the floor under her feet was cracked on several places.

The library was dead silent except for the sound of old pages and parchment carefully being turned over. Several books were lying open on her table, spreading an old and musty scent, but only one book currently had her attention. It was a rather thick book bound in demonhide, produced and written by someone who claimed to have traveled for a long time through the Lower Planes. The black and slightly glossy leather looked well kept and had felt surprisingly smooth. The pages were a bit wrinkled and stained, probably because of the writing along the journey.

The new Main Keeper of Hellfire had her smooth legs pulled up, and was leaning over the book, her hand absently flattening out the current page. Ever since she obtained access to this place, Elvina had tried to come down here at least once or twice a week, either to meet up with the other Hierophants or to seek information about the Master. No one could help her right now, not until she had shared the True Name of the Master with the other people. A procedure that would be performed carefully and with caution. Currently Reina, Anna and her new Vanguard Captain Anne were the ones who would be involved in this.

The reasons why this particular book had caught Elvina’s attention was rather simple. First, the writer may have heard of the Master and with a bit of luck there would be even a few entries. Secondly, this Traveler could have written things down that may lead to information about the weak spots of an Arch-devil. And finally, it was a short line under the title that had aroused her interest.


'Never trust a being using hellfire, as none hold a true soul…'


The whole book was written in Fiendish, but this posed no obstacle for the newest member of the Ordo Magica, since Elvina was also a diligent student. In less than two years, she had mastered the skill of reading and writing the infernal language.
Even though she had only read about ten pages thus far, she realised that this book may become her favorite for the time being. Too bad she couldn’t take it with her, but that was probably for the best. She closed the book again and read its title in silence.


'Hell spawn, between Chaos and Law'


About its author Elvina already had learned that he must lived about two centuries ago and that he was a bard and a warlock. Just like Elvina he had been able to open up portals and travel between worlds. She also noticed that the writer described the Lower Planes as a part of something bigger he called the Three Lower Realms, and that the Hells were only a part of the Lower Planes. It was still all very unclear to her, but as there were hundreds of pages left, Elvina assumed she would soon get a more clear view on the structure of these worlds. She also hoped to learn quickly whether this book was based on real experiences, or merely just fantasy. No matter how interesting even the last possibility may be, right now the fresh Pacti Quaesitor was looking for facts.


A tiefling had approached her and was standing next to her table. Elvina looked up at her and smiled faintly, before whispering,” Hello Neesha.”

Running her hand through her hair, the slender and scantily clad female moved a bit closer and leaned over as she whispered back,” Hi… I was just wondering if I could help you with anything, Main Keeper…”

Elvina saw how the girl blushed and produced a smile,” Not right now girlie, but thanks for the offer.”

[Jain Zar]

201.

*** About past love ***

The first time she heard the news it hit her like a hammer, and almost knocked her off her feet. Only the experiences she had had in her past and her life as a Vanguard, prevented her from sinking into depression. Nonetheless she had had a good cry near the altar down at the Sacred Grove. It was shocking after all.

Along with it many questions rose, and she wondered if they needed an answer. Her gut told her it would be a bad idea as it may lead her away from her current path, or at least reduce the focus she currently had. She could feel her heart where it once was broken… it even hurt physically.
The Vanguard lady’s hand rested on her chest as she closed her eyes.

Whenever you think of a past love, you may view it as a failure. Or you may try and think everything happens for the best, cause... if the person you love doesn’t really love you back, it may mean something else is out there, waiting, destined...
Did it mean she had to be more careful the next time, that she wouldn’t show her love that easily? Well… that couldn’t be true either since you’ll never love a person unless you risk for love.

Love equals hurting and if you never got hurt, you don’t learn how to love. Within her the hurting was still there, as if it was testing her. Why? Perhaps to help her grow in this? But what about the expression ‘falling in love’? It is not something you could really control now, was it? You just fall… and go along with it. And in case of certain persons you can fall really really hard… and land even more hard.

She looked up from her diary in which she had written summaries from her conversations with Reina and Celestia… and she wondered how to deal with it… despite what she had said coldly to them in the first place.
She mumbled to herself,”... Damn you, Eve…”

[Jain Zar]

203.

*** Focus ***

Elvina looked at Xev, nodded and once more thanked him before making her way to her inn room again.

It could all have been a bluff what the hellhound said earlier,... that the Master as of now knows her whereabouts, just like before. Before what actually...
The beast also said He was on his way, but after another hour on the very hill where they had caught the infernal creature, all remained quiet.
Still, Elvina wouldn’t return to her house near the docks, just to make sure. If He really had lost sight of her, than there was no reason to give her exact locations away again.

She was Xev very grateful for his assistance and company in going through this, and for a moment she wondered if they would get to know each other better some day. The elf mage reminded her a bit of the local loremasters of the small community where she had been raised, and somehow made her feel comfortable. Well, … as a member of the Ordo she assumed she owned him a full explanation of what was going on, since the was one of them.
The Ordo would assist her… as would the Vanguard, and the Covenant… like a … family, once more.

“All those people…” she murmured.

Elvina bit her lower lip and dropped on the bed, pushing out her boots before laying back and staring at ceiling with her hands behind her head.
She now knew how to find the Master, not where. The place where he was residing was unknown to her, yet the path seemed familiar and she would have no trouble at all with opening a portal that would lead to a place from where she could travel to devil’s location.

“Almost, too easy…” she whispered.

That thought made her frown to herself and wonder. What if it was a trap? Just like last time she had gone there and was captured by the Master’s disciple Eligor.
Well, she wouldn’t go alone this time.
And it was exactly that thought that made her worry again. What if this happened again? And what if this time her friends were imprisoned too, or worse? For a moment she was tempted to do it all herself, but she realised she couldn’t do this alone. It wouldn’t be fair either, since she already had asked for their help.
She had such powerful and caring friends, some even like close family to her.

But why… was she worried than …

She tried to push other thoughts and worries away, like : Where has Eve been and why was she back, where did Anna-Kraven go, was Celestia really being stalked and was she ok, what information would Shayde have about this when they meet again, would she be able to handle all this before the next mission of her company ‘El’s Ninth’ … would she ever see her child wish come true...?

The Vanguard sighed…

Step by step, she was so close now in finally dealing with the Archdevil. One last step remained… sharing His True Name on a special paper so that both the library of the Ordo and the Covenant could be consulted and more eyes could look for information in how defeating Him.
She would focus on that and nothing else but that, for now. Tomorrow she would consult Reina again before returning to the Great Covenant Library and continue to read in that mysterious book she found.

Elvina turned on her side, and wrapped her arms around herself.

She… was missing something… warmth… someone... holding her. Then she just shook her head to herself and closed her eyes.
She didn’t need anyone anymore… however, a few moments later she felt it again, ... a longing in her heart and before she knew it, a name escaped her lips in a whisper...

[Jain Zar]

205.

*** Overcoming fears ***

In the middle of the night, Elvina woke up at the shelter where she stayed anonymous. Well, the ‘boss’ of the place and the few people who also stayed over here knew her as miss Kitty. She wore some sort of a mask and a hood most of the time when she was here, yet nobody asked questions. Probably because they all had their problems. But tonight there hadn’t been a single person around.
Well… that wasn’t entirely correct either...


She turned her head a little, which made her chin brush over the hairy and muscled chest. On this very moment, with those strong arms gently around her, her own problems felt so far away, so distant. She was experiencing a feeling of safety, which was weird since she was completely aware of how dangerous she could be. Yet he had comforted her,... in so many ways. She lifted her head a bit and studied the handsome face.
This was the second time ever they spend a night together and this time she had gone only one little step further… well, they actually. He hadn’t insisted on anything though, and the things they had shared felt so natural. Elvina sighed, it had been more than enough. She never would have thought she would touch and be touched by a man like that, she never would have thought she would allow that.
Yet here they were… their skin sharing warmth, touching…


However, they would never be a pair, and she would never claim him as hers. He was a free man, though he called himself a loner. Love wasn’t the issue here since they liked, perhaps even loved each other more than enough for doing something like this, sharing this like a sort of special friends. There was trust, actually a whole shipload of it from her side.
If she decided on taking the next step… going further than she had done so far, which she would ‘after’..., ... and got pregnant,... she would never ask him to be around as the father, let alone expect him to act as one. He would be a sort of uncle, he even agreed on that, and that had made her smile. Everything was just gonna be alright. She felt her confidence increasing by the minute and it made her relax even further in man’s arms. Her future child would know many uncles and aunts, and would be raised surrounded by her love and the love of her friends.


She didn’t wish for more. She didn’t wish to get her house back, she didn’t wish for physical wealth, she even didn’t wish for another lover as her heart had been broken too many times. All those things not synonymous with happiness and contentment, were things she didn’t wish for.
Inner peace, having a real purpose, being healthy and living without fears, any fears… that was what she wanted.
Her hand stroked the man’s chest.
And it was all starting to fit. For a moment she could see her future, perhaps ideal life being played in front of her mind’s eye. No Archdevil messing up her life and trying to threaten the world through her, no more infernal powers that worried so many other hearts, no more fear over losing love as her child’s would be eternal and she would focus on that, no more fear over having a man in her bed…


Elvina glanced up and studied his face again. Well, not just any man. She was not and would never be some whore who would ask anyone to her bed just because she felt the need for it.
But he… only he would always be welcome, as he was the one who seemed to take away all her fears...

[Jain Zar]

206.

*** Solitude or not ***

Elvina wandered through the streets of Cear near the docks, seemingly aimless, her long white hair and dark red cloak fluttering gently in the wind. It had turned more cold outside she noticed, and she also wasn’t dressed for it. Her skirt was simply too short and left a fair part of her legs bare, and the same thing applied to her arms. She wrapped the cloak around her and suppressed the urge to turn back. Not yet…

Without realising it, more than a month had passed. All that time she had spent underground without surfacing for even a single moment. She had read like she never read before in her life and still had so many books to go, so many pages to turn, so much information to analyze and so much of what was written down to verify.
When she would go to face Him and to confront Him, she had to be sure. Otherwise she and her friends could die and their efforts to prevent this Archdevil from setting a permanent foot in this world would be in vain.

Her skin had become more pale in the past month, obviously due the lack of sunlight, and she realised if she would spend even more time in the Halls of the Covenant, she may start to look like Anna-Kraven whose skin was pale. Beautiful yes… but very very pale.
Speaking of which, Elvina had no idea where their Matron had went and found herself more or less in charge of the Covenant as Main Keeper. But she didn’t do anything with it.

Right now she only wanted to be left alone, to read... and even though she had found a tiefling, sometimes even two in her bed, Elvina simply hadn’t been up for it and sent them off each time. By now she knew those two girls couldn’t help it, not completely. They were alone down there along with a few others, without anyone else ever visiting them. And… from what Elvina had read, they had their nature, their demonic blood manifesting and making them go begging for pleasure, often and literally driving them insane if they weren’t sated. It really had to be hard on them.
Elvina turned more firm. Nonetheless, they had -chosen- to be where they were and just would have to keep pleasuring each other.

At least… they had each other. She had no one, and she had chosen for that. She didn’t need anyone else or new in her life, not anymore. True, maybe a bit of pleasure once in a while wouldn’t hurt. And maybe one day that would lead to her big wish. A child…
But not yet. She had granted herself three years to achieve that, and before that time had passed, the Master had to be slain. Otherwise he might use the child against her.





After sitting a moment by the water she looked around, but didn’t saw anyone familiar out on the streets. She knew she could travel to Reina’s home, or to the Misty, or the Ravenswatch and search for her best friend… but she didn’t feel much for it.
Perhaps it was also because of the chance the Master picking up her trail again and knowing of her whereabouts once more. True, it was not really something she desired and frankly it gave her a huge feeling of freedom.
Yet the experience of herself residing in the Halls of the Covenant and being by herself felt painfully lonely and created a rather nourishing, meaningful solitude. In this loneliness, she felt alone and without deep connection with anyone, not even with the god she worshipped.

The white haired Vanguard stopped and turned around to look at the road behind her. Was she on the wrong path? Or rather on the right?
For a moment she felt like a child who lacked a deep attachment to a loving parent… while she knew all too well she had two loving foster parents far from here.
She felt like a small child, who was crying within her and in need of being held… while she knew all too well she could feel the arms of her friends around her if she really wanted.
However, if she somehow could turn this loneliness into a positive feeling… a positive solitude… she could become a master in patience. And she would have no problem at all with staying down -there- and reading for another month, perhaps even a year.

She clenched her fists and nodded to herself before making her way back to the Covenant.

Hells,... she might even allow those tieflings having it their way. But only if she really needed it...

[Jain Zar]

208.

*** Emerging from the darkness ***

Elvina removed a part of her disguise but without slipping out of the shadows. The journey to Ravenswatch had taken her twice as long than normally just because of the fact she didn’t want to use her magic. The magic that may draw His eyes back on her. Up to now she assumed He still had lost track of her and as long as she acted like a normal human being she may stand a chance to walk the surface whilst remaining undetected. Yet the world had grown boring on her as she rather avoided contact with any of her friends, afraid they were maybe being spied on.

It sounded silly but to her it wasn’t. She wanted to make sure the plans she made, the information she gained were not at a display.
But it was so god damn boring. A wishful sigh escaped her lips as she recalled a few of the nice moments she spent with her friends. Enjoying nature with Archie and Cel at the Sacred Grove, gossiping with Shayde in one of their rooms, teasing Sam as well as having certain deeper conversations about love, conversations about tactics with Amora and Jezel… it all seemed so far away now and for a moment she wondered how they were doing.

And then her thoughts went to a man who simply made her smile. He was special to her and even though she hadn’t seen him a while… which happened often, she just knew they would see each other again. She wasn’t in a hurry either to have his child,... her child eventually as he would never claim it as a father. Yet he would be around from time to time. It itched as she recalled his touch on her skin and she had to admit she was curious for more.

Almost she felt like… a normal woman. No use of magic, capable of handling a man in bed, her wish for a child which was rather normal for a woman of her age. She had the feeling she was emerging from somewhere she didn’t really wanted to be… yet she was hiding for some monster and for most of her friends. But that would only be a matter of time. And when He was dead she would chose for that normal life. It meant she had to resign all the factions she was part of, the Vanguard,... the Covenant,... and probably the Defenders and the Ordo as well.

Her daydream lingered a moment longer.

Then, when her child was finally born she would probably move to Ravenswatch, IF she could afford it. Perhaps starting by renting a room, then a little house before eventually buying something small yet decent. From here and with the help of Ja-Uth, she would use the portal stone to visit her foster parents from time to time and they could visit her. She would be closer to Utu’s temple as well and to a few of her friends mostly hanging out here.
She could visit the grove with her child and teach him or her all about its past whilst enjoying the peace surrounding them, the buzzing of the local bees, the various scent of flowers, the calming waters of the creek and the majestic trees swaying in the wind.
And when her child grew older, she could work like a normal woman, perhaps selling all kinds of stuff like honey, soap and healthy products.

Boy, if she ever would tell her friends, they would think she got hit by a rock. But frankly, no one knew, neither did she herself at first, but she just wanted to be a normal girl. Never did she ask for the powers she had and it was a miracle given their nature, she never got consumed by them.

Elvina sighed, the shadow of the inn making it look as if she wasn’t there.. Her journey had already begun, but she wasn’t out of the darkness yet.