Sandra
While they walked an icy feeling blossomed at the base of her skull. It crept along her spine, slowly, the chilling feeling settling in her gut as she slowed to a halt. Ashira inhaled deeply, calmly, trying to call out for a companion before it happened. It was uncontrollable though, provoked by something she didn't yet understand. The familiar feeling swept over her as the Hym materialized at her side. Her nostrils flared, with clench fists she fought to cage the creature. It was obvious it was not the only source of her present discomfort, however. She turned a narrowed and suspicious gaze on Vierna's guest, preparing to tear into his mind. 

*The Hym.*

Its emotions were intertwined with her own, and she could feel the fear zing through her like the shock of frigid water. Reluctantly ripping her gaze from the stranger she watched it cower. The beast that tormented her, chipped away at her mind, weakened her will, now hid behind her rigid frame. She spun on the clear cause, her features contorting into a fierce expression that shattered the moment her eyes met his. 

*Fear* And *Fire*.

The glow was like flames licking at him as the Hym spoke, its words echoing in her mind. Then something pressed upon her, fought to smother the matriarch, to bend her spine and will. She fought, teeth grinding, nails biting into flesh. Her unwanted pet collapsed in on itself willingly, folding over in a deep bow before returning to the safety of her mind. She hissed, jaw clenched, gaze unflinching. Her eyes flared bright with defiance, but a spark of something *Weak* Glittered in her amber hues. Then, it was over. 

The weighted feeling lifted, dread snaking from her stomach and up her back in a faint shiver. Vierna's voice dragged her from a flood of thoughts and she promptly collected herself. Her expression was once more composed, calm. It did not reflect the way she felt. 
_ _

The duchess had taken notice of their exchange, but her reaction was that of someone who had not witnessed its entirety. As she spoke Henryk's name Ashira watched him carefully, a few pounding beats of her heart passing before she replied.

"I trust your judgment, Matron Argith. If you feel I should hear him speak then so be it." It was all she could manage as she sorted through the onslaught of feelings vying for control. The matriarch raised a surprisingly steady hand, darkness followed. It swirled and writhed into a large frame, and at its center rested the faintly blurred view of a study. It was empty, the only hint of life a fire crackling its warm welcome at the trio.

Ashira stepped out of the courtyard and into the warmth of the castle. It did little to remedy the gooseflesh that had spread along her bare skin. She permitted herself a single, deep sigh before the pair followed. 

*Calm. Collected. Controlled.*

They'd find the room comfortably furnished, almost cozy. A table of refreshments awaited them. Ashira had no appetite and stepped past the temptation of teas and treats, they seemed silly now. Preparations made for different circumstances. She stood by the fire, her back turned to its safety and heat while her eyes found Henryk. There was expectation in her gaze as she awaited an explanation of either their original purpose or the situation that had just transpired.
Alice
**The Doctor had been asked to introduce himself by Lady Vierna, and the Queen had accepted to prospect to listen to the man speak. Before he could speak freely, the trio had been moved from one point to another— now inside the castle, the warmth of fire greeting them, it felt better than being outside in the cold.**

**He studied the queen closely with inquisitive eyes. Looking upon her bear skin, her silvery hair— she truly captured Lazarothi beauty. She carried a visage of a matriarch certainly, but he pondered if she truly carried the stature befit of a monarch. Yet, Vierna seemed to deeply respect her— So of course he would too. He desired to keep his head on his neck after all, especially after the visions which he and presumably the Queen experienced. He saw how her body was beginning to bend, almost like she was repulsed by Henryk's presence. No— she was being made to bend due to Ulmos's will. What Henryk struck odd was how neither pair chose to address the demons in the room.**

**Although in the comfort of her study, he knew the Queen's castle had ears. Vierna hadn't realized it herself, but Henryk knew how much danger he was potentially in right now.**

**There was a gaze of expectation. From not only Vierna, but Queen Dhakashira too. They _both_ wanted to hear the Half-Human Doctor speak. Clearing his throat, he would speak— and speak clearly he would.**

**Providing a slight bow of his head to the Queen first, lapsing a hand over his chest, where his heart was located,** "It is my honour, your benevolence, to formally meet you." **He had spoken thusly, before raising his upper body to meet with Dhakasira's gaze.** "I am a man of Findaran origin. I had the luxury of meeting the Duchess by happenstance, months back. I came into her employ to provide foreign advice, as well as work on projects involving medicine in Syvathere." **Henryk had briefly explained— facts which had been true. Syvathere had received a boon of improved health ever since Henryk began his projects there. Something that had definitely reached the ears of people in high places— especially for the fact it was a _man_ and a Halfling at that performing these feats.** 

**Henryk's chest felt heavy, as he sensed he hadn't said enough— no, there was more. It was obvious Dhakashira wished for an explanation as to what transpired in the cold of the courtyard. Doctor Henryk released a weighty sigh, as he would put on a brave face, willing to be the one to address what happened between the pair. He knew she had a shadow latched onto her, and thus was certain he wasn't going to make a baseless accusation— or so he had hoped.**

"If I may speak freely, my Queen... I believe you and I are possessed by great evil." **Henryk spoke boldly— something unheard of before the audience of the highest form nobility.** "I don't know what it is that has attached itself to you. Merely that it is a _shadow._" 

**Doctor Henryk must've gone mad. How could a man— no— how could a mere Halfling accuse the Queen in such a manner?**

**To the Lazarothi Queen however; the fact the Doctor was able to not only suspect but guess the sort of evil which has tied itself would only speak on the fact what the two experienced was in fact true— A meeting destined by fate, perhaps?**

**Henryk looked away from Vierna, as he kept his eyes locked onto Dhakashira, certain that the pair both knew what they saw within one another. Evil.**
Timothy
**A study befitting a Queen, and what an assortment of treats for them to dine on! Of course, any speck of food was a gesture. A proceeding by the servants, but never an invitation. If the Queen found no time for a snack, then so too would her guests. Discussion came first, and upon Ashira's approval of listening to Henryk, the Queen would earn a smile and nod of Vierna's own. Eyes darting to her desired Fiancé, it was all up to him now to sell himself like all forms of Nobility. Impress the Queen, a complexity that only grew worse as their secret clash continued to lurk. And in her ignorance, Vierna remained ever the victim to greater plots.** 

**Henryk started well, that much seemed true. The Duchess did well to hide her admiration for such steps, and so too whatever blunders she considered from his words. To state honestly his origin in Findara, it was perhaps bold but needed. The innocent smile of the Duchess kept close to hiding her true thoughts, but so clearly was she observing the very looks of the Matriarch. Anything, to grasp at the thoughts of her Queen. An effort, so fruitless. And just as the fire sparked up, warming the Queen and her guests, so too did Henryk's words. Boldness, brought to sudden lunacy.**
.

**Henryk's next words came after that longer pause, typically room for an explanation but one that Vierna never imagined.** 

_**Possessed by a great evil. A Shadow.**_

**Even the tightest of composure fell flat as Henryk's words came out at the presence of the Matriarch herself. Lips squirming to part, narrowed eyes spying confusion and concern. Alarms, ringing violently in her head. What was he doing? Whatever did he mean? She had knowledge of the tales of Ulmos at his mind, but to accuse the Queen? It puzzled her greatly, and so expecting a bout of wrath from the Matriarch in reply. A dream, squandered. Ambitions, crushed in her thoughts.** 

**She had to interject, only she struggled to find the words. The perfect path to divert such a topic. It was too late, how could they recover?** 

_"I.. Henryk? - Your Majesty, I- Heh.. What?" **Vierna's eyes darted directly to Henryk while she spoke, a look of alarm desperately driven on finding the reasoning for this outburst! Yet, Henryk never seemed to look back. Only upon the Queen, who he so badly accused of mutual suffering.**

**Gods, what had he done?**