Zinna Dawn / Lilitu

[Jain Zar]

135.

*** Called back ***

Lilitu, the mirror image of Zinna, rushed through the woods after receiving an urgent message from the Master. He wanted to see her, down under that tree... the tree where Angela once brought her... no brought Zinna, after she had recovered from her trip to hell... after she broke up with Elvina.

It almost took her a day travelling and when she got there the tree almost immediately opened to her.
She descended the unnatural looking stairs and found the Master standing in front of the fireplace.

“Angela is in her home right now with her hu...” she started.

The Master raised his hand without turning to her, his eyes fixated on the flames,” It doesn’t matter right now.”

The elf behind him fell silent.

He turned around, his eyes on her. “You did well, my lovely ‘Zinna’. For now your work is done.”
The Master glanced over his shoulder at the flames,” Right now, there are other things asking my attention.” His eyes briefly turned red, like burning coal, and the fireplace opened, revealing a portal.

Lilitu could see her homeworld through it, such a clear image...

The Master looked back at her with a smile, revealing his white teeth. He offered her his hand and together they stepped in the bright surface of the portal.

[Jain Zar]

146.

*** Left and Right Hand ***

The phenomenal warrior rose up from his knee, his head only inclined a little towards the man on the throne in front of him, a hint of resistance and perhaps even unwillingness in his expression.
The Master grinned at this form of arrogance, which was clearly a display of superiority.
And if the expression of this warrior wasn’t intimidating enough , the sight of his armour surely completed the picture.

The warrior dressed in black and red armour, plates covering each part of his body with the rare material, stood tall before him. The shoulder pieces, almost as elegant as on elven armours, were extended with curved triangular blades ending in thin sharp points and matched with the man’s helmet which had likewise triangular extensions, but longer and pointing more backwards. Right now the visor was opened and the man’s eyes were on the Master.


“Artega, as from now you are officially known as my Right Hand and gain all the...,” the devil lord glanced at the woman standing next to his side before facing the warrior again,”... benefits.” He grinned and winked.

The warrior’s eyes never left the Master’s head,” I only want bluehair.”

A chuckle was his answer, “While you have all these fine ladies at your disposal?” The Master’s hand slapped the butt of the elven girl standing next to him.

“Bluehair, “the warrior repeated.

The Master grinned, “Well, in that case, more for me. Now, don’t worry. After Angela gave birth to that baby, you will have her. And the child will be mine.”

The warrior shrugged to that and seemed to think of something. “And what about my sister?”

A hand of the man reached out for the arm of the woman standing next to his throne, and he gently pulled her towards him, motioning her to take a seat on his lap.
He kissed the barely covered skin of her back before turning to Artega again. “Taken care off, and will be further taken care off.” He smirked and glanced at the lady on his lap. “And our ‘Zinna’ here just officially became my Left Hand, “he said while playing with a ring on the finger of the girl’s right hand.

The girl, or rather the demoness Lilitu, who looked exactly like Zinna Dawn, blushed a bit. She turned her face towards the Master and kissed him on the cheek, her gaze something between adoration and worshipping.

The Master smiled upon the girl, “Soon our Elvina and Angela will both be... alone. Those Vanguard friends will be soon out of the picture and Angie's husband is gone already. I only want something to be done about these two friends who interfered. And after that we get those two girls.”

The warrior didn’t sound pleased with the answer, but said, “Right, want me to kill them?”

“Don’t always use your strength my dear Artega, we can accomplish so much more with... intrigues.” He smiled at the warrior, but there was no warmth in it. “What happened to your sister, our beloved... ‘Elvina’ may look most ... unfortunate, but, if you take a better look at it , you could see its genius.” He almost giggled like a girl.

Zinna, or rather Lilitu, tilted her head a bit and smiled, but not fully. “But... I am your Left Hand now, right?”

The Master chuckled, “See! Just became my wife and already jealous!” He kissed her on the lips, “Don’t you worry my lovely girl. I have other plans with Elvina.”

The girl on his lap sighed a bit, “Okay...”

The warrior was clearly losing his patience as he snorted, “When?”

The Master looked back at Artega and held up one finger. “One more month my Right Hand, and I promise you, you can... move in with her!”
He chuckled.

[Jain Zar]

148.

*** Firing up ***

A busy evening at the inn where many soldiers were staying after the Canite attacks on the keep...


“Quite a night yesterday, ey?” The man looked up from his cup to the innkeeper of the Burning Troll inn.

Angus winced, “ Yea, lot of folks have been afraid, but thanks to the Knights, the Vanguard and some volunteers, “he smiled and nodded at a few other men at the bar, “... it seems all safe again.”

“Speaking of which, I saw that the white-haired Vanguard was back.”

Angus nodded, “Ah, that must be ‘our’ Elvina. I wonder how she is doing, it sure has been a while.”

The man grinned, “A pretty lady I must say. Hey, is she... available?”

Angus smiled, “She is pretty yes, but don’t get anything in your head about that.”

The man kept grinning, “Ow, she already seeing someone?”

Angus continued with cleaning glasses, “Well, I could let you find out yourself, but is commonly known Elvina is for the female gender.”

The man in front of him shifted a bit on his stool, and pretended disappointment, “Oh? No male’s huh?”

A woman at the other end of the bar, her head covered by a hood all that time and who had been silent thus far, suddenly spoke, “Elvina Hellcat? I heard she had a fling a month ago with that tall handsome Vanguard Captain.” Three heads parting the woman from the bartender, turned in her direction simultanously.

Angus turned to her with a frown, “I think you might heard wrongfully miss.”

“I think I saw it...,” the unknown woman insisted.

Angus shook his head, “You think. Lady, I think it is time for you to leave.”

She woman shrugged and left the inn.

The man in front of Angus finished his glass, wiped of his mouth, and said loud enough, “I think I’m gonna have my... shot at her.”

The three other men at the bar chuckled, and there was also a lot of grinning in the back.

...

When the man stepped outside and glanced to his left, he saw the unknown woman casting an unnoticed smile into his direction. He gave her a smirk and turned to the right, walking down the path.

...

[Jain Zar]

151.

*** Sibling ***

Crossing the path of a Nrungnorog would guarantee the ordinary adventurer a horrible encounter. The Nrungnorog was a mighty creature with an average body height of about one and a half times the size of a normal man, but it were its half-fold bat-like wings with long sharp spikes rising high above its massive shoulders that made the Nrungnorog look even taller.
And if its height didn’t make one feel daunted, its appereance should. This creature looked as if it was born out of the flames of the hellfire itself... and for common people, it probably was. With a torso shrouded in flames and smoke without its flesh or skin even being charred, its devilish head featuring a huge mouth and a quite impressive set of teeth, eyes like burning coal and a creast of horns along its head, even the strong would have found it hard to stand firm in the presence of this devil as it exudes a feeling of absolute helplessness.

And yet...
Such a creature had found the end of its existence, lying there with a cracked open skull after been smacked against the wall... the shadow of the warrior hardly covering a fourth of its lifeless body.
A young looking elven female found herself shrinking back in the corner of the study room, her eyes wildly scanning the area for any nearby exits before finally resting on the man silhouetted against the reddish light of her only escape route.
He was still standing tall with his left side to her, his gaze seemed to be focused on the black blood splattered over the wall.
She held her breath and considered her chances while trying to assess the man’s mood. Would it be enough, or would she be next? Stepping back in the shadows was useless as he would be able to hear her and if not, the hellfire shield currently surrounding him, might be enough to kill her. If he would only move away from the door...

Then, he turned his head towards her, his eyes glowing like burning coal. At first sight he looked calm now, but she knew it could be just an illusion. Lilitu had just not only witnessed his power, but also his wrath combined with an abrupt outburst of hotheadedness.
This was Artega up to the hilt, and now she knew how this would end. Unstoppable like a hellhound, faster than an angel could fall from the sky and pitiless like a pitfiend that had just cought its daily imp... when Artega was like this, he was a monster of remorseless cruelty.
She shivered by the thought how incredible it was this man being Elvina’s sibling. Thanks to Zinna’s memories and her own acquired experiences Lilitu had obtained a clear image of the white haired female.

Right now Elvina was actually more the opposite, but she also “recalled” Elvina once had had quite a temper herself. Even though she expected to die within a few moments, Lilitu wondered what was really going on between Elvina and the Master. There just had to be more to it. If Elvina was at least as powerful as Artega, the Master already would have an outstanding pair of generals. If Elvina proved to be even more powerful...
And suddenly she wanted to escape... to break free. How the hell could she be of use to Him later, with two people like that? If she only...

Too late.
Another figure had stepped into the doorway... it was Him...
The young elf shivered.

[Jain Zar]

154.

*** When ***

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyjV0AfGRVo

Lilitu got up and nodded to Krisa and Sonja, her eyes a bit longer on the last one, before she walked off.
She had to be careful now. A few people now knew 'Zee' was looking for the bluish-haired woman. Besides Angela there weren’t many other people who could recognise her as Zinna Dawn, so she decided to keep this appearance for a while longer.
She searched Zinna’s memories for faces the girl once had seen and who were connected with Elvina.
An impressive half orc, Adrian Sunheim and one of El’s closest friends was the first to come up. Next there was of course the Lightbringer, and the thought of this young blondie made Lilitu clenching her fists. Lilitu grinned as she found what had once been an evil thought of Zinna... murdering the bitch who had stolen Elvina from her.
Perhaps one day.... but then quickly Lilitu shook her head. No, I’m not Zinna and these are not my feelings, she thought. Stick to the plan.
A few more faces passed in her mind before she thought back of what happened in the Master’s keep and what the plan was.

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

Lilitu followed the Master into the cell illuminated with the light from a single torch. They stopped not far from a figure near the wall...
The once so mighty and proud warrior sat on his knees, chains and metal ties locked around his wrists and connected with the wall. No, he didn’t sit, he practically hung, the chains pulling his arms backwards. His long white hair draped over his face, covering any facial features and expressions. Not that it mattered as his face was oriented downwards. With the ends of his hair touching the cell’s filty floor this warrior gave her a defeated impression.

It had been a short but terrible confrontation, and she finally had witnessed Artega’s fully unleashed fury. Not only had he killed one of the Master’s best generals, he had even attacked the Master himself.
And for what? Lilitu knew, the Master knew... all for love. Or at least if you could call it that way. To Lilitu it more seemed like possessiveness. She searched Zinna’s memories once more but couldn’t find more information about this Artega-Angela thing. All she knew is that the two had been ‘dancing’ around each other... maybe even more.
She studied the warrior at their feet, it had to be more.

And now she also had witnessed more of the Master’s powers. He didn’t use them much, but with a man, no, more a creation like Artega there was ‘slightly’ more to it.
First he had blown Elvina’s brother against the wall, stripped him from his powers, which was easy since he ‘owned’ the man, before beating the hell out of him.
The once so charming Master had turned into a monster himself. Lilitu smiled as the demoness in her was keen on this display of power. Zinna’s presence however messed up the picture once in a while and she noticed she rather liked the Master as he was to her... loving, caring, adoring... she was his slave, yes, but she liked this attention he had given her thus far.
For a moment she wondered about the Master’s possessiveness but stopped thinking when he looked in her direction. He could read her thoughts with moments, especially intensive ones.

However he turned his face back to the warrior.
“So, what will I now do with you?” he started with a smooth voice. “Feed you to the Pit? Devour your soul myself? Tell me.”

No answer, no even the slightest of movements, ... the warrior could have been a work of art, even his hair looked as if it was carved out of stone. No, Artega’s mind was far from beaten.

The Master glanced at Lilitu,” So, let me get this straight.” He looked back at the white haired prisoner. “While I am busy with my plans, you do things behind my back? First you bring my lovely ‘Zinna’ here in danger by sending her out to look for Angela, and when she came back without news you got so angry that you wanted to kill the one who had finally agreed to help you?”

Lilitu felt relieved, he wasn’t angry with her.

Suddenly a voice in her head sounded,” Oh, but I’m not finished yet with you, my lovely girl... this is your fault too.”

Lilitu shivered and attempted to cover up her thoughts. However, she didn’t hear His voice again.
And The Master had sounded calm thus far, probably meaning he was up to something.

“I know where she is, Artega, well I know in what kind of place.”

Did the warrior’s head just moved a bit? Lilitu couldn’t tell, but she was curious what was going to be said.

“She is giving birth to her child, if it not already has taken place. And it must be in one of the temples.”

This time the warrior moved his head, bringing his face a bit up, his eyes still partially covered by his white hair.

The Master grinned,” Yes yes.... bluehair,” he said as if talking to a dog warmed up for a hunt. “Well, since you are so eager in interrupting my plans and intrigues... how about I send you out?”

Lilitu could see the disbelief in Artega’s eyes, now making contact with the Master’s.

“That a good boy... yes, you heard me well. I am sending you out... however...” the Devil Lord grinned.

She could have known, with Him there was always a ‘but’.

Artega’s lips parted and with a hoarse voice he said,” Anything...”

The Master chuckled,” Lovely to see you so motivated, my dear Artega. Yes, I will send you ‘up there’, however you can only come back when I allow you to. Furthermore you will be stripped of all your powers and will do exactly as I say. Do something … ‘good’...,” the Master chuckled again,” … and maybe I shall grant you to have some of them back.”

Lilitu looked in disbelief. This was like a death sentence as Artega had been used to and relying on his powers for a long while now.

The Master grinned as he probably had read their thoughts,” If you die, your soul will be mine anyways. If you live, well... then things might get interesting. Perhaps I’ll even let you create some … havoc.” He chuckled again,” Of course all in the name of Elvina’s brother!”

The warrior gave one slight nod, but nothing more. For him it only had been a matter of ... when.

For the Master that was enough nevertheless and with one word, the chains and clamps opened. He walked over to Artega and kneeled next to the warrior, lifting up his chin. “But first we’ll have to do something about this face of yours." He studied the bruises," How about some … tattoo’s?” He chuckled again.

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

Well, at least he hadn’t beaten her up. Her first task was simple. Track down Angela and her baby, and report back, whilst keeping an occasional eye on Artega.
Lilitu slipped back into the shadows, exploring Cear and its surroundings once more...

[Jain Zar]

159.

*** I just want you to know... ***

Night, stars glittering in the black sky above the city and the moon shining upon its souls in its full glory, the warmth of a nice summer's day that had been contained in rock and stone was slowly being released now.

A blond elven woman sneaked through the streets, her sharp eyes spying, searching, observing...
It wasn’t an easy task, finding Angela. She couldn’t enter a temple but she could stay near the ones in the city. The only problem was that there were more and she constantly had to move from one place to another in order to increase her chances.
Besides that she also sometimes talked to people, asking them if they’d seen a bluish haired woman with a baby.

Up to now without succes though. It almost seemed as if Angela had disappeared from this world. Just when she was about to corner a building... she suddenly stopped after hearing a familiar voice and a giggle, echoing between the facades in the alley.
Her heart rate increased when a name and a person was associated with this sound. Strange feelings were released and started to spread over her body making her shiver.
Lilitu, still disguised as Zinna Dawn, peeked around the corner and widened her eyes when they made contact with an unexpected scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdYWuo9OFAw

Two, not one, white haired women were walking slowly, arm in arm in the direction of the docks and by the looks of it at least one of them had a bit too much alcohol. It was as if Elvina really wore a slippery boot, laughing and giggling when she almost lost balance, and kissing the other woman on the cheek while caressing it with her other hand.
Lilitu narrowed her eyes as she could see their faces pretty good now, her gaze shifting towards the other woman.

Kin! She could smell AND see it! AND Elvina was with HER?!
What the HELL??!!
Lilitu’s eyes turned darker as she stared at the other woman, a tiefling... and a disgusting beautiful one!
With her teeth clenched and eyes which if they could make searing holes in this woman, Lilitu managed to remain calm and well hidden behind a crate.
That perfect flawless face, the amazing curves of her body and then that bright smile and warm eyes ALL over Elvina!!! She could barely stand the sight.

Lilitu gasped for air, what the HELL, what the HELL was going on with her. Damn Zinna!
She attempted to suppress Zinna’s memories but also thoughts containing emotions and feelings.
Only one way...
Lilitu turned away, her eyes reluctantly abandoning the pair. She closed them and bit her lip, still not fully having regained control over her own mind. This would prove to be much tougher than she ever expected.
Perhaps... she needed to give way to this? But the moment she thought of this, a tear formed in her eye.
She could hear the couple wandering off, but she didn’t look anymore. Instead she remained seated behind the crate with her back against the wood, slowly knocking with the back of her head against it while softly mumbling.

“What if I would show myself to her? Explain her, and... tell her how I f....”
Lilitu shook her head just before banging it once more against the crate, a bit harder now.
No, she wasn’t Zinna, she was Lilitu, a demoness in service of the Master and she had a task to fulfill. Slowly she pushed herself up and stepped out of the alley... pondering.

Finally she decided to look to her right, just in time to see the two white haired women disappearing from sight.
She turned around and started to walk in the opposite direction, her fists clenched and giving a regretful look to no one in particular...

[Jain Zar]

163.

*** The hunt ***

Angela was found, and the Master had been pleased when He learned the woman was staying over at Ravenswatch.. with Amilcar AND child. Lilitu smiled to herself, she had even obtained the baby’s name quite easily... Arae.

She licked her lips briefly and for a moment wondered what His next move would be with “Bluehair” and the rest of the happy family. A shrug quickly followed.
He hadn’t called her back yet... and she knew exactly what her next move would be.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qIoPffXsHc


As a matter of fact, she was looking at it right now. From behind a tree she peeked over at the pair sitting at the top of the hill, gnashing her teeth as she witnessed how the one called Eve started to lean over to HER Elvina for a passionate kiss... and it didn’t stop there.

Rage and anger filled her up when she saw how Elvina answered her lover’s attention... eagerly.
The demoness’s finger itched, her mind resisting the impuls to pick an arrow from the quiver next to her on the grass, and pierce that half-she-devil’s heart right on the spot.

But she knew the Master wouldn’t be happy with His plans being disturbed... and Elvina would probably kill her.
Nevertheless, this Eve was never mentioned in His plans, He might have knowledge of Eve but if she suddenly had some accident...

She bit her lip as she realised she had to wait until Eve was alone... maybe learn a thing or two about her rival... before...
She watched... until she couldn’t any longer and sneaked back to the entrance of the hill, lurking... and ready for the hunt...

[Jain Zar]

167.

*** Hiring ***

“Two hundred now and two thousand when your observation ends...” she glanced at him. “That’s it. Take it or leave it.”

The man arched a brow,” Alright then, Zee”

The hooded woman stepped forward and gave him a small piece of paper, on it two addresses. She glanced up at him without revealing to much of her face. “The names... of these two white-haired ladies are... Elvina and Eve.”

The man glanced at the paper,” Easy enough.”

She looked up once more,” One more thing.”

“Hm?”

“Don’t get get caught, or you die.... well, probably.” And with that she disappeared in the darkness and walked towards the forest, leaving the hooded man behind at the beach.



Lilitu was pleased with herself. The attack had shaken up Elvina, as she witnessed how the white-haired woman entered the guardhouse, probably reporting the attack.
That wasn’t part of her plan so she decided to change a few things. And the man she had just hired was only the first step. He had everything she needed, an excellent skill in stealth, deadly with his blades, and he was someone who didn’t seem to talk too much or asking too many questions.

And if he didn’t show up anymore, she would find him... even if his real name wasn’t Maliker.

[Jain Zar]

172.

*** Assassinate ***

"KILL HER"

Late evening at Cear.

In a dark alley of the Empress Court a pair of elven eyes peeked around the corner of the merchants building, scanning the area before focusing on a large building across the street.
In the darkness and barely visible, a slender elven hand slowly reached far back and drew an arrow out of a quiver hanging over the back of a shady and hooded figure.
Another hand was lifted and a short curved bow appeared from under her cloak. The shaft of the arrow was placed on its arrow rest and the back was attached to the bow string with the nock. Three fingers were used to lightly hold the arrow on the string.
A grin flashed from under the hood, eyes now shifting to the door of the building on the other side.


A bit later within that same building, a serie of three short knocks on the thick wooden door were audible.

Outside everything remained quiet, ... but the door wasn't opened.

Two times this procedure was repeated, yet the door remained closed.

[Jain Zar]

175.

*** Seducing ***

The elf-like girl sat near the stream, not far from Two Bridges, staring at her own image in the water. Absently her fingers clenched around the shortbow hidden under her cloak, its string still unused for what it was planned to be used for.

“You will get your chance,” a voice sounded behind her.

Startled the girl jumped up and looked around only to meet two glowing eyes looking at her, just before his full form materialized. The sight of white flickering teeth was her share.

He held up his hands,” Now now, don’t say you are surprised to see me.”

Lilitu stumbled over her words,” I… I… eh…”

The Master shook his head,” No words are need, my sweetest.” He walked over to her and took the shivering girl in his arms. “So, are you bored?”

The girl looking like Zinna regained herself hearing his soothing voice, and as if by magic her posture changed. It’s also possible the presence of the Archdevil saw to that.
Her voice changed, displaying a seducing tone. “Mmm, maybe…” her elegantly shaped elven hand changed into a claw and the nail of her forefinger stroked over his chest. “You have something in mind?”

He chuckled as he took her claw in his tanned hand, kissing it with a grin,” Now that’s more like it. And yes, as a matter of fact I have.”

Lilitu pressed herself again his body and whispered next to his ear,” Where do you want me?”

He smirked,” In Lendose, my lovely demoness…”

“Hummm?” Lilitu blinked.

He kissed her claw again,” You are going to seduce someone…”

She pouted,” But I already am…!”

“How about the one you are dreaming of, my tiny love bird…”

The female elf with the demonic claw widened her eyes,” You mean…?!”

The Archdevil nodded,” But first… you may want to practice a bit…”
He chuckled.

[Jain Zar]

179.

*** Mission ***

Lilitu smiled to herself, though not much.

She was up for the job, except for one unexpected surprise, a surprise she was now looking at, albeit from a distance… a blond woman of almost otherwordly beauty.

… a rival…

At least according to Zinna’s memories.

Adele D’Payens, or in other words the once ‘secret’ lover of ‘HER’ wife.

Lilitu traveled through Zinna’s thoughts and picked up the unfortunate girl’s story really quickly. After Elvina dumped ‘her’, well, honestly they both broke up because Zinna thought Elvina had feelings for someone else, Zinna was sorry afterwards.
But when she tried to approach Elvina again, she was still so convinced Elvina was sharing a secret love life with the Lightbringer Celestia.
Turned out, on the night just before she… Zinna died, she… Zinna learned that it hadn’t been Celestia but Adele… and that it happened after Zinna and Elvina broke up.


According to the information she received later from the Master, Elvina and Adele parted not long after that night. In the meantime now Elvina had had two other lovers, Jezel Kelandon, the redhead who was now riding in the back, and Eve…who had mysteriously disappeared out of Elvina’s life.
Well, not that she mind, one obstacle out of the way, free of charge!


Except now… there was one obstacle again… well not really… but probably… Adele…and as long as Adele was near Elvina, she couldn’t risk it to get too close to this ‘commander’.
She shrugged, there was nothing for it but to come along… her was given time, and as long no paladin was around, she would go unnoticed.


An elven woman tucked her hair further under her hood, her other hand clenching around a short heavily arched bow as the company marched.



Vanguards for Dasar : viewtopic.php?f=18&t=11891&start=45

[Jain Zar]

183.

*** Dead ends ***

The Master chuckled softly as he witnessed Elvina’s reaction,” You didn’t expect that, didn’t you? Dear Zinna here has been with me, all the time.”

Lilitu suppressed a grin, basically he told the white haired human the truth. Meanwhile she would continue her role with confidence and passion… and actually passion there was. Zinna’s memories making part of hers made it all feel real, and in a way, she really was Zinna Dawn.
It was a big risk breaking into Elvina’s house, especially since Adele could return anytime. But by what the Master had seen and judged, it wouldn’t be right away, and he would keep the bitch out with a trick if needed.

The into an elf transformed demoness walked over to Elvina, slowly as if not to scare her, her voice soft and tender, and showing her hands palms up,”... please, Elvina… don’t…”

“GET AWAY FROM ME !!” Elvina cried out. “YOU ARE DEAD, I SAW YOU !!” She brought her hands to the sides of her nose and obviously attempted to stop her tears.

… Good ...
Lilitu shook her head,” It was an illusion, a trick…” she glanced at the Master.

The Archdevil nodded to her before turning to the warlock,” And with that I take my leave, my pretty diamond.”
He walked over to the door, and sniffed as he passed Elvina. With his hand on the handle he looked over his shoulder at the white haired woman,” You smell lovely as always, darling. Now, … talk with your beloved ex-wife, for I am giving you back what was taken.”
The Master winked at them,” Have fun… love birds…” Then he chuckled wickedly, in a way like someone laughs about an old joke… and disappeared.


Lilitu turned to Elvina, her eyes sad on the warlock’s, her voice soft”... please…?”

“You were there… all the time… I wasn’t going crazy… I saw you…”

Lilitu nodded,” Yes, … it was me …”

Elvina narrowed her eyes,” Wait… wait…,” she rose her hand and glanced at the shortbow hanging over the elf’s shoulder. “You… did you… YOU???”

Lilitu winced and didn’t even had to fake that. She decided to make a clean breast about certain things. “Yes… it wa….” but before she had even finished her sentence she got punched in the face.

“WHERE IS SHE!?!”

The blow came unexpected and for a moment Lilitu only saw white flashes. She had raised both her arms, one to cover her nose, the other to ward off the next blow, if any...
When she answered, her voice sounded different as she squeezed her nose which changed the airflow,” … I don’t know, rea….”

Another hit, this time more a slap on the cheek,” LIAR! You worked together with my brother!! I know!! And I ask it one last time!! Where is Eve?!!”

If Lilitu had pictured how the the reunion between ‘Zinna’ and Elvina would be, it wouldn't have been anything like this. Still, she had more up her sleeve. Quickly she browsed through the memories of the dead elf and imagined what the girl would have done in a situation like this. Flashes of quarrels between the elf and the warlock passed her mind’s eye.

"EVE, EVE, IS THAT ALL YOU CAN THINK OFF?? WHAT ABOUT ME? WHAT ABOUT MY FEELINGS!!! DAMN YOU, ELVINA... I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT YOUR BITCHES... ALL I KNOW IS I LONGED FOR THIS MOMENT!!!"
She actually had to take a breath, before continuing... and less loud," I hate you! I hate you so much!!"

To her own personal satisfaction, Lilitu noticed that her reaction seemed to convince Elvina she was really looking at Zinna. She witnessed how the warlock's face turned a bit pale, her eyes widening and her fists clenching.
THAT, was the Elvina she knew... and she prayed Elvina saw the Zinna she knew.

But then Elvina's voice turned cold, cold as ice,"... get out..."

Lilitu blinked," Mmm?"

"I said... get out... get the @#$% out of my house."

Lilitu placed her hands in her sides," Thats it?! You are kicking me out after... I can't believe this! You are doing exactly the same thing like you did the last time you kicked me out of your room?? Remember?!?"

She could almost see how Elvina was remembering, she knew Elvina witnessed the images again when Zinna tried to come back and apologise after her lies. That... was the day Angela had shown up, taking Zinna back to the Master... telling her she had failed.

"El... Elvina, please..."

The warlock bit her lip and shook her head," Go... go before I hurt you."

Lilitu couldn't believe it... has the relation between Zinna and Elvina always been doomed to fail?
Lilitu was shocked, and couldn't keep her tears behind... which were genuine now. She could actually feel what Zinna would have felt. Damn Zinna... damn.
And damn Elvina... she changed so much since the last time 'Zinna' saw her. Lilitu observed Elvina… damn she was tough. Not even tears now.

“Alright, I’ll be going then… but we will see each other again…” she said while glancing around. “For now, you just stay in your pathetic little shack instead of going back to our place in the woods.”

“Out…!”

Lilitu nodded and walked out… the door slammed, seperating past from present.


Elvina turned around and looked at her bedroom, before walking over and taking place behind her desk. She took a quill pen and started to write a letter.

Dear Reina…

[Jain Zar]

186.

*** Opportunity ***

Lilitu jumped up and rubbed her eyes, while spying from behind the corner. What was this? Was this the moment she had been waiting for??

She watched how her... she shook her head,... no, how -Zinna's- ex-wife stepped out of the small cottage near the docks, a big bag on her back which she hung over the awaiting horse. She saw how the white-haired woman walked back to the door of her little home and heard how she said," See you over two weeks..."

Then everything turned silent. Lilitu clenched her fists, Elvina was probably busy with kissing goodbye. Then she grinned... it would be the last time anyways.
She almost danced... two weeks! Time enough to plan. She didn't had anything to do with Eve's disappearance, but she would with Adele's.
She disappeared in the gap between the two old terraced houses and slipped into the alley, wondering for a moment what happened with Artega and if she could still use him. Lilitu glanced over her shoulder... Adele didn't fought anymore but she sure wouldn't underestimate her.

Lilitu stopped and wondered for a moment why it was so hard to disconnect from Elvina. Then she shrugged, it was probably due Zinna's memories.
And she thought it without wondering about the casualness thinking all this...

[Jain Zar]

188.

*** Stalking ***

Finally, the bitch had left the cottage and was heading in the direction of the city gate. There were several indications that Adele either was about to make a small trip, or at least would be heading to a place outside the city.
Here in the city it was just too crowded for Lilitu to make her move and the broad daylight wasn't much of a help either. True, she had skills, but one never knew who was out there. Not to mention the Fleet...

Time was running out though. The moment Elvina returned, things would be more difficult again. Lilitu muttered under her breath and for a moment she wished Zinna had had more experience with opening locks. The experience would have been most welcome, since for several nights she had tried to break in in order murder Adele in her sleep.
She could have thrown a rock through the glass, true, but she didn't want to risk a direct confrontation with the 'love-doll'. She knew Adele once was a pretty dangerous woman.

During these musings she almost missed how Adele took a left and headed through the Northern gate. Lilitu could almost cheer. Quickly she abandoned the alley and pulled her hood up before she mingled with the crowd, 'disappearing' from sight in different way.

The smile drawn on her face didn't disappear however...

[Jain Zar]

190.

*** Intervention ***

Lilitu aimed, Adele’s head was in her visor, blood was about to splatter the farmer who she was talking too. From behind a tree, lurking in the shadows and far enough from the city gate, Lilitu decided it was time.
The arrow was about to be released, and just on that moment when her fingers started to lose grip, a hand appeared out of nowhere and pushed the bow down.

Lilitu cursed, she had been spotted, and as she turned to look at her side… her face grew pale.

Flickering teeth…

“No darling, normally I wouldn’t have mind, but… that girl you like to murder so much, may be needed after all.”

“Master…” Zinna, or rather Lilitu lowered her head a little,” I.. I..I don’t understand?”

He motioned her over to follow him into the nearby woods. Once there he turned around and looked at her,” You see, Adele might be the final push Elvina 'needs' towards us.”

The demoness in disguise looked up at him,” Adele still loves Elvina… ”

The Master grinned,” She will completely stop after she hears what Elvina has been doing, or rather will be doing.”

Lilitu frowned.

“We are close to where we need to be, my dear. Elvina’s inner love is about to be fully unleashed and soon will become uncontrollable, even to her. That was part of the plan when we… restored her soul. She’s a strong girl, but she will believe love will be her doom. And on that moment, in that final moment when she is not longer able to take more of it, she will discover that it is love that will save her... and that I... am her last hope.”

“And then you will give her to me, yes?” Lilitu gave him the puppy eyes.

He patted her cheek,” Of course, my dear, of course… you both will be mine.” He pulled his servant close for a passionate kiss.
However, what he didn’t show his servant, were the rest of his plans. Once Elvina was fully in his power, willing… well, nothing would stop him as of then.