<span style="font-size: 18px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0080ff">PAGE 1</span></span><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><i>The sound of the auctioneer's hammer slamming against wood sounded out throughout the whisper filled room. "A genuine black star stone, sold to the gentlemen in the imp mask for $2,000,000." The auctioneers deep voice filled the room as butler stepped off the stage with a object wrapped in white silk cloth, carrying the goods to its new owner.<br/>
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Adjusting his own mask, the auctioneer paused for a moment to survey the masked individuals assembled before him. A wide smirk crossed his features as he let a long breath exhale past his lips, then licked them excitedly. "Now...I promised you all the best for last...so let me prove the rumors true...for today we have with us something far more precious than the usual stock..."<br/>
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Snapping his gloved fingers once, the auctioneer waited as the rustling of metal chains sounded out from the crimson curtain behind him, and the whispering in the room was replaced with silent anticipation.<br/>
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Flanked on either side by armed, masked men was a slender figure clad in a silver cloak. Her face hidden by the long hood, It was impossible to make out anything beyond her soft lips and chin. Her bare feet ghosted across the marble floor with scarcely a sound before she was stopped at the rooms center by the two masked individuals at her side. The cold chains that bound her wrists connected to the tight collar around her neck, keeping her from crying out as the individual to her right gave the chain a brief tug, clinking the chains once before letting the room fall silent.<br/>
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"Sources tell me that what you see before you is one of this centuries Moon born. I can claim to her validity, as can any who wish to test her aura." Nodding once, the masked man cleared his throat before he spoke up. "I will start the bidding at $5,000,000."<br/>
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Despite the seemingly absurd cost, the numbers on her rose quickly, soon surpassing the aforementioned number at an incredible rate. Time passed slowly in the auction room, but soon the price reached a peak few dared to follow. "$500,000,000!" A elderly woman's voice rasped out from behind a worn fox mask. Dark, glowing red eyes peered out from behind them at the bound girl, much like how a cat looks at a cornered mouse. "$800,000,000!" Another shouted out in heavy tones, This voice belonging to an overly heavy man wearing a boar's mask.<br/>
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For a time the room was silent...eight hundred million? how could one possibly justify such an outlandish price? Sensing the disbelief that filled the room the man stood up with a grunt and reached into a coat pocket. "This one's genes alone would set my homunculi company beyond the competition...her genes in common sacrificial fodder? My products would leave the shelves faster than they can be stocked!" A greedy grin exposed flat teeth as the large man waved about a checkbook in a gloved hand. "I will go higher too...try me." he spoke in almost gleeful tones, when the sudden creak of old wood filled the room, causing many to turn back to the entryway.<br/>
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Standing in the doorway to the room was a new individual, late to the auction. His long dark cloak looked as if he had torn a piece of the midnight sky and wrapped it around his tall figure, The dark cloth would shift slightly as he moved, while the miniscule runes that decorated it would glimmer and sparkle like tiny stars. Lifting up a liquid black leather glove, The young man adjusted the demon mask covering his features. The same gloved hand slipped higher up on the mask, smoothing back his silken black hair once before coming to rest next to his other hand atop the darkly glowing amethyst that crested the laquered black wood of his cane.<br/>
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Tapping the ground three times, he surveyed the room. Glowing purple eyes searched the room from behind the demon mask, and whispers of "The Midnight King" and "Dark Sorcerer" filled the auction room. <br/>
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All at once that amethyst gaze fell upon the chained figure of the young girl. for a moment the masked man held that gaze on her...then he began to move once more.<br/>
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His dark cloak spread out behind him as he took brisk steps to the front of the room, Exposing a pair of expensive black boots and matching pants as he walked towards her. <br/>
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taking that cane in his right hand, he ascended the small set of stairs between himself and her, and soon "The midnight king" stood tall over her figure!<br/>
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The two guards at her side seemed uneasy now with the mysterious, dark man standing so close to the girl. One of them cleared their throat. "Sir, you cannot come up here-"<br/>
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Lifting a leather clad finger to the lips of his demon mask, the tall man shushed the guard as if he was silencing a rowdy child. Lowering that same hand, the dark man gently lifted the hood of the girl's silver cloak, and gazed down at her now exposed features. "...$2,000,000,000." The mans voice was smooth, yet deep and silken. His offer brought a collective gasp from those gathered in the surrounding auction room. Turning that amethyst gaze to the auctioneer, he placed a possessive hand on the young woman's shoulder. "There will be no other offers. I am taking this one with me to my domain...and she will become my apprentice."<br/>
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Posted November 10 2017</i><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>"I will not have that cursed monstrosity in my house any longer!" Regina snapped.<br/><br/>"She is our responsibility!" Paul argued, as loud clattering could be heard. "We agreed with the agency."<br/><br/>"Not anymore she's not, legally she's an adult. She has brought nothing but trouble and misfortune since the moment she arrived at this house. We have no obligation to keep that disturbingly wicked thing under our roof any longer. I've had it up to here!" A steady rhythm started in the room next door. The boys must have turned their music up.<br/><br/>"She clearly did nothing wrong! It's not fair to point the finger at the girl."<br/><br/>"Are you kidding me?! That was the fifth incident this mon-"<br/><br/>Aleine put her hands over her ears as she rested her forehead on her knees, a heart aching shiver running through her. She hadn't done anything, but she knew better than to get upset. Yet she couldn't help the niggling whispers get to her, the terrible rumours about her. Getting laughed at in public had been the final straw, shattering the classroom windows even if she hadn't touched them. She was pretty sure the whole neighbourhood could hear her foster parents arguing. They had barely even started dinner when the argument had broken out, the rest of the household getting dismissed, leaving their food to go cold. God only knew how long they'd been at it.<br/><br/>So much for a Happy Birthday.<br/><br/>Not that she ever expected anything good to happen on her birthday. Well except for that one time when she was very young with the floating cupcake. But apparently turning 18 was a special event, not that she knew why, it didn't feel any different to any other day. In fact it felt worse.<br/><br/>The window across from her burst open with a gust of wind, revealing a beautiful nightsky, a full moon hanging in a sea of stars. Pushing away from her bedroom door and getting to her feet she went over to the window, trying to ignore the arguing going on in the background to admire the view.<br/><br/>It was the right thing to do. She had nothing and no one. She was a curse to those around her, even if she tried everything not to be. Gazing down at the garden below her she knew it was time to end it. End the cycle. To disappear and leave everyone in peace. At least her foster parents and the agency would stop arguing about what to do with her.<br/><br/>Gathering up her waist length black hair she quickly braided it and marched over to her bed, dragging out a backpack from underneath. Though she didn't have much in the way of clothes or anything, they were still her precious things, things she could call her own. Going to her closet she pulled her five outfits out and began folding them into the bag, opening up her drawer next, then checking under the bed. She hadn't even filled half the backpack when she stood up, a flash light in hand when she spotted a hooded man standing in front of her window. The flashlight clattered to the floor as she took a fearful step back, right into another hooded man.<br/><br/>Before she had time to think a white clothe was the last thing she saw before she fell into the clawing darkness.<br/><br/>-------------------------------------------<br/><br/>Aleine woke with a headache, lifting a hand to block the bright light boring down on her when she spotted the thick rune covered cuff on her slender wrist. Sitting bolt up right she tried to pry it off when she noticed the chains linking her wrists together and a third to her neck. Clawing at the thick collar that was practically crushing her vocal cords and pressing against her windpipe, she realised she was no longer wearing her jeans but a silken white dress and a glittering silver cloak. She had to get out of here before her captors came back.<br/><br/>Just as she hopped off the cushioned alter, two mean clad in black filed in through the door across the room. Fearful she raced around the other side of the alter to put distance between her and the men. But they didn't care as they approached, coming at her from either side. Frantically shaking her head she put up her hands in defence, trying her damnedest to choke out more that a squeaky breath. They both grabbed her by the arms and started hauling her towards the door. She fought, struggled, kicked her legs out to catch the door when she felt the cold kiss of a knife at her throat. It was a silent promise of pain.<br/><br/>Taking shallow breaths so not to get nicked by the knife, she slowly put her hands up and lowered her feet down. The knife didn't go away until they were out the door and a third man had hooked a lead to her chained wrists. "Oh don't cry treasure..." he murmured through a mask, swiping away the tears trickling down her cheeks with a gloved hand. "You are the star of the show and we can't have the star looking a mess now can we," he told her, tucking her now unbraided hair behind her ears and pulled the hood of her cloak up and over her head to cover her face. "There that's better... Take her." She couldn't see a thing except for her bare feet and the hard floor. Shaking her head she tried to grab for her collar but they tugged her forward by her hands, making her stumble.<br/><br/>As she walked barefoot down the marble hall the iciness of the floor travelled up her legs with each step to her heart, numbing her. Was this her fate now? Was this it? Was this where is all ended for all the misfortune she brought upon others for simply existing? Maybe it was for the best. She had contemplated it herself, telling herself that the world would be better off without her, yet she'd never been able to bring herself to end it all, always telling herself that she deserved to suffer as much as those around her had.<br/><br/>She numbly walked through the red curtains, stumbling when it was clear she wasn't far enough forward on the stage she now realised she was on. Staring at the floor she was vaguely aware she was being auctioned off like some sort of animal, making her feel sick in the pit of her stomach, but it was what she deserved wasn't it? She was a burden, a monster, a curse to those around her, and she had blood on her hands.<br/><br/>The atmosphere suddenly changed, the hairs on the back of her neck tingling as sleek black boots entered her field of vision. Whoever it was was very powerful and very dangerous. Flinching at suddenly being blinded by bright stage lights, wide red rimmed duel coloured eyes met those of a glowing purple. It was clear that though she'd resigned herself to her fate, she hadn't been able to entirely stop the flow of tears. She jumped when his heavy hand landed on her shoulder, instinctively cowering from his touch.<br/><br/>She didn't want to go to hell.<br/><br/>She didn't want to become a demon.<br/><br/>The silence grew heavy. No other offers were made, the bidders both stunned and outbid by a long mile. Yet she frantically shook her head in protest, though no one took notice, desperate to take the collar off and have her voice heard.<br/><br/>The auctioneer cleared his throat and looked out to the crowd of people red faced In anger, knowing there were going to be no other offers. "Well... the-the final bid for the Moon born goes to the gentleman... on stage for a generous $2 billion..." Clicking his white gloved fingers knowing there was no point in arguing, one of the men in black came around and handed the lead over to The Midnight King. "Thank you, please follow these men and we can finalise the contract and purchase for the Moon born," the auctioneer said through gritted teeth.<br/><br/>There was no point in fighting, she knew she had no power to stop any of this. But it didn't mean she couldn't wait for the perfect moment to escape.<br/><br/><b><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000">EVILGRANDMASTER</span></span></b><br/>For a moment the room was filled with a stunned silence. this did not last more than a breath however before astonished whispers filled the room. "You...you cannot just burst in here and do this!" The man with the boar mask called out in angered tones. "This auction has rules! and you showed up late to the bidding!! not to mention this is a private bidding, do you even have an invitation?!"<br/><br/>The midnight king clicked his tongue disapprovingly and turned smoothly on the heel of his expensive boots, turning to face the masked man. Motioning to him with a gloved hand, the king spoke again. "Please sir, dont make a scene...being a sore loser is rather unbecoming of you, wouldnt you agree?" he inquired before turning to look at the auctioneer. "The money will be wired immediately. As for this lot on an invitation, defer to your supervisors." he spoke in purring tones before turning about to face her once again.<br/><br/>Reaching out casually, he gently took hold of the chain beneathe her chin and tilted it upwards, forcing her to meet his eyes. "Now, you will keep your head up high and you will stand tall, understood? You are my apprentice now, and are no slave." He let his words sink in as he stared at her with those glowing amethyst eyes of his for more than a few breaths before finally letting the chain drop.<br/><br/>Turning his attention now to the men at her side he made a dismissive motion to them. "Off with you. I will take her from here myself...there will be no need of transportation." Turning about he took the chains on her hands and led her from the stage, walking back the way he came. "I will be taking one of your private rooms as well."<br/><br/>Whispers followed her as she was lead from the stage and up the stairs to the oaken entry way. Greedy, jealose eyes burned into her from all sides, thier malice contained only partially from behind those many masks they wore. "Outrage...this is an outrage!" the man with the boar mask hissed at her as she was whisked away, stolen from the room by the midnight king.<br/><br/>The hallway they entered was lavishly decorated, much like the room she had exited from. The architectural style was a mix of gothic and roman, with pillars and fountains supporting overarching cielings. Like the room she was just in, marble was everywhere. the dark stone cold beneathe her bare feet, and the sound of running water from the fountains filling the hall.<br/><br/>Finally the mage stopped by a ornate door. Turning about to face her he stretched out a hand and opened the door. "After you." he purred out as he motioned into the room with his dark cane. The room itself was similar to a reading room, with comfortable looking chairs sitting below tall, painted glass windows. A stone mural on the ground depicted a flock of doves flying into a cage, fleeing from the approach of night.<br/><br/>The door closed behind her with a soft click as the king locked it. Letting out a sigh he reached up, removing the mask and setting it atop the bust of some greek hero of old. "Now that unpleasantness is out of the way..." he purred out, then turned to look at her once again.<br/><br/>His moon kissed features were pale and smooth, contrasting the dark and stylish attire he wore and the coloring of his hair. His smooth lips were tilted upwards slightly in a amused smirk while a pair of deep purple eyes looked down at her like a fox might a cornered mouse. "Now then..." He began, his purred tones filling the air once more. "Im sure you have many questions...so lets take it slow, there is much to share." Tapping the ground once with his cane he then lifted it upwards towards her! The carved amethyst sphere now held right before her nose!<br/><br/>The crystal itself gave off a slight glow, as if lit from the inside by a candle...yet inside the stone was no flame...instead a black spiders web lay forever trapped in the core of the gem...and in the webs center, a small spider made entirely of flame flickered and lurked.<br/><br/>The glowing gem of the cane slowly lowered from her features and gently caressed the collar at her neck. there was a clicking sound, followed by a warm wind that seemed to eminate from no where! All of the sudden the metal around where the cane's gem touched began to turn a deep inky black. Like spilled ink on paper the dark coloration spread throughout her chains, and where the darkness spread the chains became like ash. Another gust of wind followed and the chains melted off her figure, dissolving into the wind.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>The harsh whispers in the room were deafening, the atmosphere sharp enough to cut with anger and disbelief bubbling in the room to the point she thought there might be a riot.<br/><br/>Aleine's heart was hammering away in her chest, the blood drums in her ears as she was forced to look up into the face of a demon with unearthly purple eyes. No one on earth had eyes like that, no one human, which meant he was something else altogether behind that mask. If it was even a mask at all. She wasn't sure how she knew, after all they could have been contacts, but contacts didn't glow and make you feel that untold power lurked behind them. Why her? What did being his apprentice even mean? What she did know was she wanted no part in it, in any of it. She only brought misfortune for those around her, she didn't know how or why, but she certainly wasn't going to be used because of it.<br/><br/>Knowing there was a no point in putting up a physical fight, she complied for the time being with the yank of her chains. She wanted to be off that stage and out of the hall as quickly as possible. Begrudgingly following the so called Midnight King down the steps, she attempted her best at not showing fear, keeping her head up and straight ahead. But it was like walking out into a sea of darkness, feeling the pressure of their gazes, feeling like meat being dangled in front of ravenous wolves. At one point she flinched when knobbly pointed fingers brushed her arm belonging to a women who licked her lips at her scent in ecstasy, shivering at the implied thought of being devoured.<br/><br/>Her relief was short lived once they'd left the hall, hesitant when he gallantly opened the door for her into a private room knowing her route to escape would be blocked by him if she entered first. But she had no choice. She knew he would get her in that room one way or another, and she certainly didn't want to find out what the other choice entailed.<br/><br/>Upon entering she completely ignored the beauty of the room when she heard the lock click into place, spinning to face the demon who'd bought her like some rare object to be collected and used. Her hopes of getting past him and out the door were dashed, wanting to put distance between them but he still had hold of her chains. So when he finally took of his mask she expected to see something demonic or grotesque, but she was faced with someone who was hauntingly beautiful in his looks. But that's what the demon wanted was it not? To give her a false sense of security with a friendly face. She wasn't going to fool herself into thinking he wasn't dangerous. He was, as evidence of evil looking cane he threatened her with.<br/><br/>The eerie looking spider within made her skin crawl, sucking in a breath as he pressed the cane to her throat, too frightened to move. What followed was not the pain or death she was expecting, but the sudden relief and freedom as her chains blew away in warm gust of wind that didn't belong indoors. Momentarily shocked she rubbed at her red, bruised and scratched up neck and wrists in disbelief, the runes on the cuffs the only thing keeping the power within her from potentially lashing out in her emotional state.<br/><br/>The first thing she did was put distance between them, making sure there was a chair between her and the demon. "Wh-" her voice cracked. "Wh-who are you? What are you? Why am I here? What do you want from me? You don't want me around. Let me go, please. I don't want to be here and I don't want to be your apprentice. You don't know what you are doing. I-I-" she said in a hoarse whisper because of the collar. So many thoughts, questions, pleas and demands were racing through her mind, unable to organise her words and thoughts enough to get them out they way she wished, frantically shaking her head in protest. "Just leave me alone." Looking at him with pain in her duel coloured eyes.<br/><br/>But then she thought of those people back in the hall as she eyed the locked door behind him. She knew even if she managed to leave the room one of them would snatch her up. So what was better, being locked in a room with a demon or running into the jaws of the waiting wolves?<br/><br/>At least facing one demon she had a chance to defend herself.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>A smirk slipped across the mans pale, moon kissed features. Turning about he lifted his cane in a dramatic fashion, his cloak flaring out by his sides as the lights in the room dimmed and shadows danced. "Who, what, when, where, why, how?" he inquired back to her, then let his arms fall back to down to rest upon the top of his cane. "Hear no evil..see no evil..speak no evil." he then was quiet as he studied her for a moment after his outburst, his cante tapping against the floor in an almost impatient manner. "We have all the questions, dont we? and yet how seldom we recieve all the answers." He chuckled then relaxed. "I am known to many as "The Midnight King", though I assure you I come not from any royal courts...truly the honest title I could claim to own is that of a count...though this is from my wealth and current status amongst the truly affluent...not through birth right."<br/><br/>Shifting slightly the man turned and began to walk, circling her figure like an amused wolf might a frightened rabbit. "You are right to fear or hate me for what has occurred here today...though I do not have any insidious intent towards you, the same cannot be said for those outside these doors." Pausing in front of her he motioned to the door before continuing. "Now...I suppose I should explain my intent here as well as perhaps some things you do not know yourself." he began before motioning to a nearby chair. "Take a seat...I will be quick, but there is much to cover." clearing his throat he shifted slightly, leaning in slightly on his cane. "I am a sorcerer...not a magus, nor a druid or the like. Although I have been known to dabble. Also, I am half human...the other half would be fae. of what kind, that you will have to figure out through research of your own when we return to my home."<br/><br/>The smirk on his features returned as he let his words sink in before speaking again. "Now...as for you...you have undoubtedly lead a difficult life up till now. It is rare for a moon born such as yourself to live long enough to flower...suicide and the like far too often steal your kind far before then." Raising an eyebrow he casually lifted a single gloved finger. "that is correct...you are not human...not entirely anyways. Every hundred years the repressed magic on earth finds a crack in the chains and spills forth, condencing itself in one human child." Lifting his shoulders in a shrug he let out a small sigh.<br/><br/>"Its completely random as well...there is no relation to the previous, and the gender is fluid as well...It just so happens that the moon had a daughter this century...now, what does this mean for you?" he grinned, revealing clean white teeth as he motioned to her form. "Many things...far too many to discuss here and now. The honest truth is that those that walk in the moonlight see you as a queen, appointed or not...a manifestation of what gives them thier life and powers, The unseelie court as they are better known." nodding he raised a hand to rub at his chin thoughtfully, his grin fading to a pleased smile. "This alone makes you an adept witch at birth. All through your life the members of the unseelie court have watched over you and courted you...though their favors are not always considered in a good light." turning about the sorcerer walked over to the window and turned his gaze out the painted glass. "Summoning is just one gift of yours. many must learn to craft our magic lures and strengthen our strings...To reach what you can do innately takes some years..others will never reach such without stealing centuries from others."<br/><br/>Turning back to her the midnight king lifted a hand to his face and curled his fingers. Parting his lips he exhaled, but instead of breath came a brilliant violet flame! The purple flame cloaked his gloved hand for a moment, then suddenly began to move! A humanoid form began to form in the core of the flame, the beings skin as black as coal with that brilliant violet flame flaring out from the creatures joints and taking place of where its hair would have been.<br/><br/>The fae stretched slightly on the smooth porcelain floor that the mages outstretched hand made. Opening its mouth in a sleepy yawn it turned to look to the girl, then tilted its head slightly as it gazed at her with brilliant violet eyes. a moment passed before it grinned and chuckled, exposing sharp, crystalline teeth.<br/><br/>"This...is just one of many things you are able to do...unconsciously as well. Emotions are so often used as bait on the end of the line...the stronger the emotion the more powerful the being...and the stronger the line, the more likely you are to be able to bring it to your side." lifting his hand slightly, he stepped over to her. Reaching down to her arms with his free hand he scooped up one of her own, then tilted the hand with the fae into hers! A warm sensation greeted her fingertips as the fae slid from his hands to her own, the violet and black flames that coated the fae's form surprisingly not burning her in the slightest.<br/><br/>The unfamilair feeling of tiny limbs pressing against her soft hand was palpable as the fae shifted to sit on his knees in a polite manner, its dark head bowing to her in a respectful manner as large wings of shimmering violet flame fluttered and snapped on its back.<br/><br/>Placing a hand on her shoulder the midnight king continued. "I will teach you how to control this latent ability of yours...as well as how to cast spells of your own. summoning is to you as breathing is to all...but casting is something you will need to learn, though the power is stored away within you.." reaching upwards he tilted her head up to look at him once more, a warm smile on his features. "You are like one of the gemstone mountains in the fae realm...the stone rough and uncut, yet beautiful in its own right...but given time and effort, you can make yourself into a palace of legend...and a true queen among magi." stepping back from her the sorcerer then held his hand out for her to take. "Today I did not purchase you...but your future. I offer it to you, and a chance to become what you were born to be. Every student must have a teacher, and I offer myself as yours...and in time, I promise to make you a dark sorceror of legend beyond the likes of Merlin."<br/><br/><b><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00">Moonflower3</span></span></b><br/>She gasped as the shadows suddenly moved unnaturally so, clutching at the front of her dress in an unconscious attempt at calming her humming bird heart. She tried convincing herself it was just an electrical glitch and a trick of the lights. But he seemed to be angry with her as she watched him, wary of the way he moved. He may have been a beautiful man, but his movements were too quick, too smooth, too silent. A snake. He reminded her of a snake that was slowly circling its prey, getting ready to suffocate it.<br/><br/>Aleine paled, making the dark circles under her eyes stand out like bruises as she slowly turned her head to spy him circling behind her. She hadn't even seen him move, one moment he'd been taking a step towards her the next he'd made it across the room and was circling her like a predator. Making sure to keep her one sky blue and one golden eye on him as he got closer with each step. No ill will? It certainly didn't feel like he held no ill will towards her, she felt like she was just counting down the hours to her demise as he stood in front of her, reminding her of the other hundreds of threats to her life on the other side of the door. Shuddering she pulled her cloak tighter to her body like it might help ward off the darkness trying to get at her as she took several steps back until her back hit the wall. No way was she taking a seat if it meant hindering her ability to escape.<br/><br/>Sorcerer, fae, magi, druid, moon-born, magic, unseelie, summoning... She was barely able to focus on what he was saying, questioning his sanity as he stood there looking so very pleased with himself as he explained a great many things to her. That were in truth myth, fairytale and pretty much impossible because nothing like what he was explaining existed. She couldn't do any of the things he thought she could, she was just a human that brought bad luck to others. All this fear and nonsense was becoming overwhelming to her currently delicate mental state, wanting to curl up into a ball.<br/><br/>Flinching at the sudden burst of light in the room she watched transfixed by what this King was doing. For a moment she thought he was going to burn her alive, but what happened next was beyond belief, beyond normal, it was in fact magical. It was the only way to describe what she was seeing before her very eyes, as the flames shifted unnaturally and moulded themselves into something resembling a small human. Except as the flames settled, what rested in his palm was a small fae, one that looked like it had walked straight out of a fairytale. Although this one looked like a burnt version of tinkerbell, with his demonic smile.<br/><br/>She pressed herself further against the wall as the Midnight King came towards her with the fae in hand, shaking her head as she weakly fought the pull of her arm. Emotions? She thought as she stared down at a fae resting delicately in the palm of her hand. She gave it a shaky yet numb nod of respect in return for the bow she received. Startled when she felt a heavy hand on her shoulder. Staring up into those violet eyes she shook her head. Future? Dark sorcerer? Merlin? She hadn't asked for any of this, didn't want any of this.<br/><br/>Questioning her own sanity, she held the fae in her hand far away from her. Had she finally broken? Had she finally had a mental breakdown? Had it really just been men in white coats that had taken her away to a mental facility on the orders of her foster parents, and to cope with it all she'd conjured up this, this magical reality, that in fact the man standing before her was her doctor, and the fae was just some object, her new clothes were just a hospital given gown? "I-I am a human being... you cannot do this... I have a family... A ho-"<br/><br/>Pain and sadness flashed across her duel coloured eyes, closing them as she leaned heavily against the wall, holding the fae closer to her. Who was she kidding? She had never had a home, never had a family, never had friends, never had anyone care for or love her. What exactly did she have? Nothing, except memories of pain, humiliation, fear, blood... And yearnings of death. Her foster family probably didn't even care that she was missing, was probably throwing a party in relief, was glad to get rid and forget about her. So why did it hurt so much? Clutching at her aching heart, silent tears rolled down her cheeks.<br/><br/>But this man, this sorcerer seemed to genuinely want her, actually seemed pleased by her presence, seemed happy to be near her. He wasn't rejecting her or putting up false smiles and hollow words of acceptance. He was holding out a hand to her, a life line. Lifting her other hand she hesitantly, but gently stroked the edges of the fae's wing, the warmth licking at her skin, far too real in sensation to be fake or her imagination. She wasn't that brilliant. The more she thought about what he'd said, the more she connected scenarios, events with magic and emotion, it began to click a little, to make a bit more sense. She had been the one commiting all those unexplainable acts. But that only put a sense of dread and fear into her, at the horrors she was capable of when left alone. She hadn't known she'd been doing anything, but if he was correct and this wasn't her imagination. Then it meant she was a killer.<br/><br/>With her free hand she swiped away her tears, giving a little sniffle as she finally looked up at the sorcerer, but in a new light. "Y-You have to promise you can help me, that you won't hurt me, and that...that you will stop me from-" she couldn't say the word kill, "-from h-hurting others. I don't want to become something evil, something that people fear, something that causes pain. I want to learn control, to live normally, peacefully. If everything you've said is true... Then I want to be someone who can help. If you can promise me that then-" she bit at her bottom lip in worry, her gut twisting as she lifted her free hand. "-then I will come with you," she replied, hesitantly placing her hand in his.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>The Midnight king's smirk spread across his features at her words and as soon as she placed her hand in his he was quick to close his fingers around her own and pull her close!<br/><br/>Before she could register what had happened her form was pressed up against his own, the expensive fabric of his cloak and suit palpable through the thin silk of her robe. "My darling, I accept. Though it is not you whom causes those around you misfortune...it is those that seek to earn your favor." His glowing amethyst eyes travelled upwards as he watched the flame fae in her hand suddenly move! Little fiery fingers and toes scurried across her flesh as the fae moved up her arm, defying gravity for a moment as it crawled in a firey spiral up her arm and onto her neck, leaving behind a small trail of soot as it curled up against her neck, cuddling her. "The one that created that light has always followed you since you were a small child..he is responcible for any lights and treats you may have brought...but he is also among those that have lashed out against your tormentors...if there was ever a sudden fire or explosion in your life, It was his doing."<br/><br/>Slipping a hand around the small of her back, the midnight king rose her arm up above her head carefully, as if he was about to dance with her. The spicy yet clean smell of expensive cologne filled her nose as he leaned in close to her, then whispered to her in husky tones...his breath warm and sweet. "Fae are naturally childish and have little tolerance towards unfair treatment...they also hold grudges...there are others though...far darker and more malicious than the one on your shoulder...The young woman that tormented you at school? It was no fall that broke her neck, and not only her neck was broken." His smirk faded to a smile as he suddenly moved! his body leading hers into an impromptu dance around the room, The fae on her shoulder flickering and glowing like a candle as all lights in the room dimmed. "The new moon is here my dear~And the unseelie court watches and waits in eagreness to see a new queen seated in the throne of black gold...I am but its steward, known to the land we are about to venture to by many names...those who fear me refer to me as you have heard, but those who revere me know me simply as the southern guardian, one of four great wardens to a land where magic itself is fading..." Suddenly he stepped forewards, dipping her towards the ground as he leaned over her. "But to your terms, I accept. You wish to be a benevolent queen, and there is no reason that the empress of the night cannot be in of herself a sweet dream...Yes, I shall give you what you desire...and in doing so I shall fulfill my own desire and save my beloved valley." Stepping back he lifted her to her feet once more, then stretched out his arm as he stepped back, a brief flick of his wrists sending her spinning about, his hand never leaving her own as he returned to the dance!<br/><br/>Yet when she finally stopped and was pulled close to him again, she and he were no longer in that small room.<br/><br/>instead they were atop a small cliff, and down before her sprawled a forest of blossoming cherry trees with red leaves and deep black bark.<br/><br/>A cold yet sweet scented wind stole its way past her figure, the breeze cutting through her thin clothes as easily as knife. Up above her the night sky lay spread as far as the eye could see, a drastic change from the midday sun that had been present when she was on earth.<br/><br/>"Quite a nice view of the front yard, no?" he inquired with a chuckle, turning her about so her back was turned to the forest and instead showed her another grand spectacle.<br/><br/>Before her towered a huge structure of wood and stone. The building was a throw back to fantasy novels and movies, and was far more imposing in person. It was as if someone mixed a victorian styled mansion with a gothic castle of old. Black wood melding seemlessly with foundations in the darkest marbles. The building stood with its back against a hefty mountain, looking much like a large crystal stretching out from a Hollowed Geode.<br/><br/>A gentle push on her shoulders and the Midnight king lead her to the grand doorway, being careful to ensure her soft bare feet remained unmarred as he lead her up the marble stairs. "For now, this will be home to you. The outside may be a tad drearie, but the inside is quite warm. Also, be forewarned but the servants of this castle may take some getting used to, and as such I will first introduce you to the castle's caretaker and your chauffeur. He is a touch old fashioned as well, so make sure to be polite."<br/><br/>Reaching the doors the midnight king tapped his cane against the ground twice, then cleared his throat. "Belnair!! I have returned...Please unlock the doors and let in my new apprentice and I! It is quite cold, and she has been through much."<br/><br/>The door to the mansion suddenly shifted and pulled inwards, opened from within by a large force...and soon its source became frighteningly apparent.<br/><br/>A towering figure covered in heavy black full plate armor stood on the other side. The towering masculine figure looked like something torn straight from a book on the black knight, and yet...his size or equipment was not nearly the most shocking thing about him. no, that fact went to what he was carrying in his right hand.<br/><br/>His own head.<br/><br/>Black witch fire flared from the head held in the knights hands, his curly black locks and morning scruff present on his features as if he was not dead at all. From the base of his neck and the bottom of his head more flames flared out, yet seemed to burn nothing.<br/><br/>Giving Her shoulder a small squeeze of encouragement, the midnight king spoke. "This is one is known as a Dulahan...do not be frightened by his appearance, for he is not dead...but for his kind, life is similar to our own." Turning to face her he continued. "Once, long ago during one of the many walks through my woods I came across a dreadful scene of war...A beast folk village, its people slaughtered by the ambitions of humanity." Turning to look away from her he instead stared up at Balair. "...Among the wreckage I found a curious yet harrowing sight..A human boy cradiling the dead forms of a beastkin woman and her child. Curious as to why a human would show such care for beast folk I approached him and intruduced myself before inquiring." Nodding once, He turned back to look at her. " distraught, the young man informed me that the dead were his wife and son...his daughter had been taken as well to be skinned. See, the humans that had attacked his village did not see him as a beastfolk like the rest, and instead saw him as a captured human...so he lived to witness his family's demise and was powerless to stop it."<br/><br/>Letting out a sigh the king stepped into the room and began to take off his outer garments and place them on a mahogany coat rack within the cozy, red carpet and warm brown wood filled entry room. "Desprite for a way to prevent a second tragedy like this one from occuring again and a second chance to help those who raised him, the man begged me to make him as mighty as the bear, and as brave as the legendary lion...and though I tried to tell him that such boons were never without thier due, he would not be swayed."<br/><br/>His gloves removed, the midnight king flexed his moon kissed fingers as he turned once more to look at the quiet dulahan before her. "...So, what you see here is that man's soul...the price I took so that room could be made for the wish he desired. The man in question gained the soul and heart of the bear and lion, inheriting thier strengths as well as thier desires...but in return he lost his humanity." Turning back with a saddened gaze, the midnight king stared into her eyes. "Now, his vengeance complete...he seeks to reclaim that which he lost when he was merely 16. So, his dulahan serves me in waiting...and someday, I hope the two meet again and I can undo the blessing that has become his curse."<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>Aleine yelped at the sudden shift in gravity, feeling every inch of herself pressed up against the sorcerer before her, almost every inch. She'd just managed to stop the small fae in her hand from getting crushed between them. Though the little bundle of fire soon sorted that out by racing up her arm in a move she could barely see, leaving no more space between them as the King pressed her closer. Already she was beginning to second guess her decision with the way he was smiling down at her, heat rushing to her face and drying up her tears quicker than she could understand what was happening. "W-What-?" The fae's doing? She got goosebumps as the Midnight King brought them impossibly closer, his sweet whispers of death tickling her ear, and just as quickly making the blood drain from her face. How could a being do such a thing in an attempt to make someone else happy? It didn't matter, she might as well have killed her with her bare hands, she may not have killed the girl herself, but she had unconsciously summoned the malicious fae that did it in her time of suffering. Same difference. She'd essentially signed her death warrant without even knowing it.<br/><br/>"I-I don't understa~aand-!" Gasping when he suddenly dipped her, clutching onto him for dear life as she stared up at him in both surprise and confusion. "What do you mean? I am no queen, I never said I wanted to rule over anyone. I don't even have a hold on my own life let alone rule over someone else's. You just said I would be your apprentice, that you would teach me. Nothing mo~ore!" Heart hammering away as he spun her outwards in this strange little dance of theirs. She felt like a rag doll as she was pulled back to him with such speed, she just hoped the tiny fae on her shoulder was holding on tight, because she barely was in all this confusion of information and movement.<br/><br/>She shivered, leaning into the Midnight King as petal dusted wind whipped up her hair in a swirl, both cloak and dress ballooning in the gust. The sight splayed before her stole her breath away, the array of colours blinding in their beauty. She'd never dreamed something so beautiful could exist, nor could the blanket of diamonds that winked down at her. "When did-? Front yard?" Finding herself suddenly blinking up at the grandest castle she'd ever seen. "W-Where are we?" Awestruck as she willingly followed him up the path, rubbing her hands up and down her arms to get some warmth back into her limbs.<br/><br/>So distracted by the sights she nearly forgot he hadn't answered her question as he mentioned getting used to the servants. "Wait a minute you still didn't answer my question, and I don't need any ser..." She went pale as a ghost as her eyes travelled up a headless body that sprouted flames from its severed neck. "...vants," she whispered, rooted to the spot. She felt sick, unable to stop staring at the unnatural phenomenon before her. How on earth was he not dead!? He shouldn't even be able to stand let alone live without his head attached to his neck. "D-Dulahan...?" She breathed, scared to look away, like he might suddenly jump her.<br/><br/>Despite the beauty behind her she felt like she'd walked straight into a horror movie, especially with the harrowing story the Midnight King told her of the Dulahan's fate. Numb, she was careful to slip inside, keeping as far away from the headless servant as possible. "I'm-I'm sorry to hear that..." giving Belnair a quick bow as she backed away. "Wait skinned?" Distress clear in her hoarse question. "A child why? Why? She was an innocent it, it..." She was getting a headache with all this bombardment of information as she hugged herself in an attempt to get rid of the sour knots taking up residence in her stomach. "I don't understand..." None of what he'd just told her was normal. She was still trying to wrap her mind around the first bombardment of information back in that private room, now all of this too. "So... h-he's a ghost? I... this is too much... Where on earth are we? What is a beast..kit? And you didn't answer me before either... about being a queen. I thought I was just an apprentice." At this point she felt like she was in some nightmare that wouldn't leave her alone, wanting to curl up in a ball. "And you never told me your real name."<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>The midnight king smirked again as silence filled the room. Only the crackle of the dulahan's flame and the classical celtic music emanating from somewhere in the halls broke the silence that filled the grand entryway.<br/><br/>Clicking his tongue in an amused tone the midnight king turned away from her and looked to the dulahan, who merely bowed at her after she had done the same to him. "Thats enough free questions you will get for now." He announced in teasing tones before slipping out of his coat and shoes. "If you wish to hear more, you will first go to your room upstairs. All within is yours. You will go and bathe, then return down here for dinner. I will explain more then." Tapping the cane one last time in emphasis, he turned to look at the small flame fae one her shoulder. "As for you, she seems more comfortable around things much smaller than her...perhaps she finds you cute. You are dismissed once she reaches her room" turning about he set down his cane then turned on his dark dress socks and made his way to an adjacent room, leaving her alone with the dulahan.<br/><br/>Belair turned his glowing green eyes to her, studying her before adjusting his hold on his head. "I am not dead." He spoke in deep tones, his voice crackling slightly as if there was a flame in his throat. "I am not decaying and my flesh remains intact...nor have I weakened over the years. Quite the opposite as the souls in my body have affected my flesh's growth to better house them." Turning to the doors he reached out, then with one hand shoved each of them closed. "You had best do as the master says and go to the your room. He is not a patient man."<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>"B-But-" No more free questions?! What was she going to have to start paying for answers? She had nothing to her name, not even the clothes she wore. She had a right to know, to get an explanation. Getting kidnapped from the only place she could feasibly call home, from the only people she could legally call her guardians at the very least, then getting sold and bought in some very shady black auction because she was somehow special (like it gave any of them any right to own her like some object), somehow getting whisked away to some other part of the world she didn't recognise. All against her will, all because of some magic she didn't understand. She was more than owed answers. She'd never asked for any of this.<br/><br/>Yet it was clear as she stood there watching the Midnight King, he had had enough and could possibly react negatively if she kept pushing for answers. After all it wasn't just a possible temper she had to watch out for but magic now too. Heaving a heavy sigh she was left standing in the grand foyer of a place she didn't know, with a headless man who was freaking her out as he stared at her who should be dead by her definition. She flinched when a voice emminanted from the head being held aloft by its own arms. "I-I'm sorry... It's just where I come from a headless person is a dead person..." She didn't know where to look so instead settled on focusing on her apparent given task.<br/><br/>Hesitantly she made her way down the richly carpeted hall, the plush fibres like cushions under her bare feet. Making her way up the stairs she stopped on the landing and was faced with a number of closed doors to choose from. Going down the hall she made a guess and went to reach for one of the doors when she felt a tug on the sleeve of her cloak, the little fae beckoning her to follow. In a blur of purple flames it raced down the hall, landing atop one of the door handles as it sported that crystalline smile that reminded her it was no tinkerbell. Gulping nervously she reached for the door handle, pushing the door open, the little fae disappearing inside first.<br/><br/>Stepping inside, the room was suddenly illuminated by a burst of flame from the personal fireplace off to the left and the small candlelit chandelier above. To the right was a large white four poster bed, with its own canopy made of a rich dark wood and a bedside table, a fresh set of clothes folded atop. Across from her was a large window with stained glass decorating its edges, a cushioned bench underneath and book shelves framing either side. Next to the fire place was another door that lead into the ensuite bathroom, on the other side a large wooden wardrobe. Distracted by the room that was four times as big as her old room she was surprised when the little fae came darting over, giving a quick bow before begrudgingly darting straight out of the room, closing the door behind her.<br/><br/>Her legs finally gave out as she slid down the door, hugging her knees close. She may be in luxury, but it still felt like she'd waltzed right into a trap -quite literally, with her death warrant on it. She was just in a fancy prison with no hope of escape now. With no clock to gauge the time she had no idea how long she'd been sitting there, trying to make sense of everything, to gather some strength after the whirl wind of stress and upset. Figuring she should probably do as told, she finally uncurled herself and made her way over to the bathroom and past the half burnt fire place.<br/><br/>It took some figuring out but she finally managed to get water into the claw footed bathtub from the manual pump in the wall, just about heating it by the strange unbelievable crystal system underneath. Shucking off her cloak and dress she slid into the hot water, shivering and hissing as she sunk down deep until the waterline hit her nose. After some delicate scrubbing, being mindful of the bruises and scratches where her collar and cuffs had been, she got out, skin a light pink from the warmth settling into her bones and chasing away the chill and numbness.<br/><br/>Feeling a little more like a human being as she dried off with the fluffy white towels provided, she finally got dressed in a far more comfortable modern outfit. Snuggling into a long sleeved pale grey turtle neck sweater, and shimmying on a pair of casual black jeans, she slipped on some simple flats and left her hair damp to air dry. Taking a few deep breaths she decided it best to go back out and face the nightmare that was now her new reality, tentatively opening the door to her room before stepping outside.<br/><br/><br/>An enticingly sweet scent permiated the air, reminding her she hadn't eaten anything for at least two days now. Retracing her steps the scent got stronger, turning the corner to go down the stairs when a flash of purple startled her. The little fae was back and hugging her again like she'd been away for years. But she was no fool to think he was some cute and cuddly creature, not with those needle sharp crystalline teeth. She was just glad she seemed to be in it's good books and not on the receiving end of its malice. "Can you show me where the Midnight King is?" Determined to get answers to the questions he said he'd answer, if he did at all this time considering his mood towards her. The fae buzzed around her head a few times before zipping off down the stairs, beckoning her to follow.<br/><br/>Making her way down she followed the fae down to the foyer, around the corner and down the hall before reaching what she could only guess was a living room. But instead of a tv and a couch, there were two armchairs in front of a crackling fire and more bookshelves. No King. "I thought you said he was here?" But she could no longer find the fae. Rubbing her arms she tentatively made her way over to the fire to get warm, crouching down and putting her palms up in an attempt to soak up more warmth whilst she waited.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>The hot fire crackled and flared as she approached it, the hot flames dancing about just before her outstretched hands as she was given time to concider her situation. Suddenly the flame dipped and lowered, and from far above the wind howled down the chimney...a storm approached.<br/><br/>minutes passed and still the king did not show...and yet there was a distinct feeling that she was no longer alone in the room. Almost immediately after that sensation set in a warm blanket draped itself across her shoulders, then a steamy and strongly scented bowl of stew was placed before her by a pair of white gloved hands.<br/><br/>The owner of the hands that delivered the blanket and meal to her was not her new master however, but instead a new face to add to her growing list. His hair was dark and curly, matching the freshly pressed butler attire he wore. Deep, azure blue eyes stared down at her with a soft, nurturing and almost brotherly look on his pale features as he took in her own.<br/><br/>Reaching up to his fine collar he pulled it away from his neck and revealed a deep, crossing scar over where his jugular had been, almost as if it had been removed by force.<br/><br/>Adjusting his collar again to cover the wound, the young man turned his attention to the antique, earthen pot that contained the soup and slipped something from his coat sleeve and pressed it gently into her hands.<br/><br/>Resting there was a mastercrafted spoon with an ornate ivory handle, and wrapped around it was a small piece of soft paper with a message in black ink.<br/><br/>I am known as Crypt...I am the manor's butler and cook. It is my pleasure to be tasked with taking care of your desires while the master is occupied...The meal I have prepared is a mushroom and beef stew cooked with red wine, pearl onions, roasted garlic, red potato and sliced black truffle...I thought you may want something warm to ward off the autumn chill, and did not know your tastes yet...if this is not what you desire I would be happy to serve you something else.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>Aleine shivered in front of the dimming fire due to the howling storm that was approaching if not already on the door step. She hated storms, it usually meant something bad was going to happen, and she usually got the blame for whatever bad luck the storms happened to bring. Most would say she was being ridiculous, that a storm was the work of nature, that she couldn't be to blame. If you were an outsider looking in that is. But for those around her, her foster parents, the agency, anyone at school, bad luck would usually befall them in a worse manner than any other time.<br/><br/>For instance the month she had stayed with a family who lived by the sea, and who's husband was a fisherman by trade, had gotten the worst streak of bad luck. Being near the ocean meant there were more chances of storms. The first week, a couple of windows had been smashed in by branches, and the ground floor lightly flooded. The second week her foster father's car had been vandalised during the night, and the haul of fish that week had diminished putting him in a bad mood. The third week the haul of fish had diminished again, and one of their trees had been struck by lightening, falling over and getting tangled in the wiring leaving her foster parents to wake up one morning with branches in their face after it having smashed atop their bedroom window. The fourth week had been the last straw, the hull of his boat had been wrecked sometime during the night, meaning he couldn't do his trade. Thankfully the agency had arrived to do a routine check up just in time before her foster father could belt her something awful. Not that her foster mother at the time was any angel either with the way she'd been yelling at her and slapping her around. Now that she thought about it, it was probably because of their abuse that the bad luck had escalated so badly, especially if she added the idea of magic and fae summoning into the mix. She'd soon been rehomed after that, with the incidents going on record.<br/><br/>Though strangely she adored the sound of rain, usually falling asleep to its symphony. Maybe because the sound usually drowned out the arguing, the shouting, the unwanted whispers, leaving her in a sort of isolated peace that she could enjoy momentarily.<br/><br/>So entrenched in memory and the crackle of the fire she started when a warm blanket was wrapped around her shoulders, looking up just as a warm bowl of soup was placed into her line of sight. "Thank you..." The steam rising off the surface carrying rich scents she'd never come across before, awakening her hunger. The warmth of the bowl seeped into her hands, stilling her shivering. Until the butler pulled back his collar to reveal the nasty scar across a vital point on his neck, her hand flying to her throat in shock. Was everyone in this place dead? Or undead as the case may be? At this point she didn't want to ask the how's or why's of his affliction, having had enough chaos and stories of death for one day to last her stress levels for a couple of weeks.<br/><br/>Looking around she expected to see the King somewhere, but found nothing and no one. Just her and another undead servant. Except he didn't scare her, unlike everyone else. She didn't know why, in fact he seemed quite nice. Plus he was kind enough to cover up his nasty wound so not to further traumatise her for the night, unlike some people. Deciding to make herself comfortable in front of the fire, she sat down cross legged, bowl of soup on hand when he handed her a spoon and a note. Putting the bowl down in front of her on the carpet, she slowly unraveled the note in confusion.<br/><br/>So that meant the King was not coming anytime soon, if at all to join her and continue his explanations, like he promised. Raising her hand to her neck she realised, "You can't talk..." She'd have to learn some sign language then, save on paper. "Um... I'm Aleine... nice to meet you..." She looked down at the soup bowl he'd given her. "Oh uh... no this smells wonderful. I've never had something this fancy before so I wouldn't know. Normally I eat frozen meals, ready meals, or if it's a good night take out, or something home cooked like roast chicken, mash, gravy and vegetables." If she was lucky. "In fact two of these ingredients I've never heard of before so... It'll be interesting to try...so thank you."<br/><br/>Feeling a little awkward with him waiting to hear her verdict, she picked up her bowl and dipped her spoon in. Giving a few puffs to cool it off she took a mouthful. Her eyes drifted closed at the wonderfully rich tastes that danced on her tongue, the warmth travelling down her throat to warm her cockles. The meat tasted like meat and the herbs brought out different flavours she'd never encountered. "It's delicious... Thank you," voice cracking slightly. Why was something so simple as a bowl of soup threatening to make her cry? Instead of giving into the emotion she dug in, savouring the soup with each mouthful. Seeing as there was no one else around and that it was pretty cold she looked up at the butler. "W-Would you like to join me? You must be cold too, plus there is plenty of soup to share." Not to mention maybe he could tell her a few things that the King seemed too annoyed to answer, like what country she was in for instance. "Although I don't want to get you into trouble, however, I won't tell if you don't," she offered.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>The young man gave another of his soft smiles to her then nodded at her offer. Reaching down he took the small paper from her hands, then began to fold it about! He shifted the paper about in his dexterous fingers, eventually unfolding it to reveal a new set of words where the old had been.<br/><br/>I am not a spirit. The scar on my neck is but a scar, a memento to the kindness of the master. I cannot speak, but my life was saved. Please do not be afraid of me though I am not human...to you I am harmless.<br/><br/>The small note was both a plea to calm her senses and be honest with her. His soft hands patted her shoulder once, then he knelt down by her to dry the tears on her cheek. Pulling out a fluffy white silk napkin, he treated her delicately as he dapped at the small rings under her eyes before standing up.<br/><br/>Suddenly what was previously considered a black fluffy pillow stirred on the chair by the fire. Large fox like ears stood to attention as a pair of glowing jade eyes slipped open and turned to look towards her, studying her with an intelligent glint to them.<br/><br/>Smoothly the beast began to move, uncurling from around itself to reveal a slender body like that of a mink, complete with a large, fluffy tail akin to that of a fox. The beast in question focused on her now, sniffing the air before it with a small pink nose before hopping off the chair with a small sound.<br/><br/>The beast in question then approached her warily, sniffing at her from just out of reach with that small pink nose...seemingly the only difference of color on the midnight black beasts coat aside from those jade green eyes.<br/><br/>Licking its muzzle with a small pink tongue it stopped circling her for a moment to stare at the bowl she held. Its large ears twisted slightly as it focused on it for a moment before approaching her.<br/><br/>Reaching her side it reached out a small paw and wapped at her knee twice before rolling onto its side, exposing a fuzzy tummy that had seen one too many snacks.<br/><br/>Nodding at the sleek beast, crypt reached down to pet it, and earned a few gentle swats aimed at his gloved hands, signs that the beast had no intentions of giving free tummy pets without some sort of playful penance. Afterwich the butler stood up tall and turned about, heading over to a nearby counter to serve himself a bowl and join her nearby.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>Aleine was somewhat glad for the butlers politely agreed company, not wanting to be left alone just yet. Looking up in confusion as the butler took his small scrap of paper back, she wondered what he was doing screwing up a perfectly good piece of paper he could have utilised again, when he handed her back a smooth piece of paper with a whole new set of words written on it. "How did-" she turned the paper over in her hand, trying to see what he done to it. Could he read minds? Of course... magic, and not the stage magicians kind she was guessing. Reading the note she couldn't help but wonder at the so called kindness of the Midnight King, she knew she was only being used, that all of this only went so far, that she was more captive than apprentice.<br/><br/>At least he wasn't dead, grateful for his kindness even if it only lasted so long. No one escaped unscathed from being around her. No one.<br/><br/>She gave him a nod of understanding before handing the piece of paper back to him. "Thank-" gasping as he gently soaked up the tears she hadn't realised had escaped her. Averting her gaze she stared down into her bowl of soup. "Thank you..." she whispered, no one had shown her such care before that she didn't really know how to take it. Pulling her knees up to her chest and leaning back against the base of the chair behind her, she took small, savouring sips of her soup, staring into the fire when something batted at her knee.<br/><br/>Captivating green eyes stared back at her.<br/><br/>Fascinated by the small unusual sooty fluff ball, she watched the butler go in for a belly rub only to have to fight against little paws of protest. Risking it she dared to reach down as the butler went to get some soup of his own, tentative fingers dodging little paws until they reached their goal. Giving it delicate rubs up and down its silky fur it seemed to give in to her touch, going floppy in content. Animals seemed to be the only thing she was good at, despite being a curse upon the world. Thinking of which...<br/><br/>She took her hand back as the butler took a seat as well, going back to eating her soup when she figured he might be able to give her a couple of answers to her more pressing questions. "Um...I don't know if you can tell me, and it's ok if you can't, I don't want to get you in trouble. But the Midnight...” Sick of saying his full title. “I mean um Mr. King seems to get angry with me for asking so many questions...." Not that she didn't deserve answers after everything. "But do you know where on earth we are? Like what country, city or town? I thought maybe Japan with all the cherry blossoms outside but I don't know. One minute we were in an auction house room, then the next a different place altogether. And also do you know why he keeps saying I'm going to be a queen?" She asked Crypt hoping beyond hope to get at least two answers out of someone as she finished off her soup and put her bowl down on the carpet.<br/><br/>"It's just..." Finally feeling warm both inside and out as she hugged her knees she gave a heavy sigh. "I only agreed to be his apprentice and then he was spouting things about being a 'benevolent queen' and saving some sort of valley and..." She rested her head on her knees and closed her eyes, finally feeling the full force of her endured stress, upset and fatigue now that she'd relaxed just a little. "I'm sorry... It's just..." Her words becoming softer. "there is a lot I don't understand ..." Softer. "and very confused about," she mumbled into her knees.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>The butler took a seat near to her as she ate and spoke. The butler listened to her quietly. his deep blue eyes watching her carefully as she detailed her worries to him.<br/><br/>As she had finished the only sound that seemed to fill the room was the warm crackle of the fire in the fire place and the howl of the outside wind.<br/><br/>"kekekekekekekekekek!"<br/><br/>A sudden, excited chittering sound came from the fluffy beast that moments ago had been supposedly placated. Hopping to its flurry feet, the beast charged her side! running into her seated flank and swatting at her playfully! the beast then dodged back from her and circled around her in excited, leaping mink like loops. The furball continued its weasel wardance while the butler returned to his small paper, writing out whatever words he could not voice himself.<br/><br/>Finally the beast at her feet seemed to have enough playing with her. after a single excited hop towards her the beast seemed to give a violent shiver and suddenly doubled in size! yet the increase was not in muscle or sheer mass...but in fur. a brief flicker of static electricity causing the beast's silky coat to stand on end, comically making the once sleek beast to floof up.<br/><br/>The beast didnt seem to think it looked quite as endearing as it held an almost prideful, smug look on its face as it layed down atop her feet, still letting out that chittering chuckling sound as if laughing at her.<br/><br/>as the beast got comfortable on her feet, she was carefully handed another paper from the butler.<br/><br/>The king is not angry with you in the slightest...quite the opposite. He is excited. As for where you are...you are on Avalon...A realm hidden from mankind since they turned thier backs on the old ways. It is a country, much like the land in which you came from...though the technology found here works far different than what you know or have been exposed to. Aether Crystals provide much of what electricity does for your former home.<br/><br/>Our realm is divided into four main realms....the north, the south, the east and the west. Each is lorded over by a powerful guardian, though not all are benevolent. We are located in the south east, and the Midnight King is also knows as the southern guardian. He is a trickster, but not an evil ruler.<br/><br/>As for culturally, we are seperated from a hidden town by the woods outside...there the culture is old asiatic.<br/><br/>You are e being born of human blood, but only temporarily. You are more akin to a caterpillar, starting off as a human with oddities...but you will become much more soon. The daughter of the moon is a misleading title, as you are more the manifestation of the moon given human form...you are a rare being, a divinity. there is a story to your origination, but that is for another time.<br/><br/>But this you must remember...Those who align with the night are yours. The unseelie court must have a queen, but at the moment has a king...this is unnatural in the realm of fae, and many feel it. You are born to inherit that throne, and all who have unseelie blood are your subjects...willing or not.<br/><br/>However...like a caterpiller, you are vulnerable. There are those who seek your blood....others your very organs and soul. You have a direct connection with the moon for your power...and your kin will share some of this. I have read many threatening letters for the midnight king, mailed from those who sought you to breed with select beings...there are those who wish to treat you as a prized sow, and others who wish to butcher you. It is crucial you learn to harness the magic within you to defend yourself and create powerful allies.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>Aleine poked her head up in surprise as the little furball rammed into her side like she'd taken its favorite spot in the house to sit. She watched with fascination as it began swatting at her and bouncing around as if it had eaten sugar and was desperately trying to tell her something she couldn't understand. And just when she was getting worried it might be getting a little vicious in its playful excitement it puffed up, looking like a very cuddly soot ball, holding back a little laugh. Was it trying to intimidate her? Because all she wanted to do was pick it up and cuddle it close, yet she suspected she might get scratched if she tried it. At least it was comforting enough to become her own personal foot warmer in this cold. Letting it curl up on her feet, she reached out, tempted to stroke it when a folded piece of paper entered her line of sight. So instead she reached for the paper given.<br/><br/>Carefully taking the piece of paper she slowly unfolded it and began reading the butlers beautiful penmanship.<br/><br/>Her fingers curled tighter and tighter around the edges of the paper, crushing it in her grip, reading words that scared her, angered her, made her feel sad and somewhat empty.<br/><br/>She wasn't even on her earth, realm, whatever. her hope of escape lay shattered at her feet. If she ran away, if she did escape, it would be the equivalent of walking out onto a road and hoping you didn't get hit or stopped by something else. She was trapped in a magical realm she didn't understand, with people who freaked her out, and threats that wanted to use and dissect her. She was nothing but an object, a tool to these people. Trickster indeed. And apparently now wasn't even seen as a human but a vessel for whatever twisted magic was inside her, which was going to twist her into something else entirely now. It hurt. And now she was meant to force a completely different species to accept her, to lord over them, control them, like they too were disposable. Like they were nothing, like their thoughts and feelings didn't matter. Like herself.<br/><br/>Burying her face in her knees, she let slip a couple of tears. The growing rumble of sound was not the storm outside but the room itself shaking. Books bouncing around on shelves, dust from the chimney fluttering over the fire, windows shaking, the chairs vibrating. She felt like a trapped animal. "I'm sorry..." She whispered, before bolting out of the room. The paper the butler had given her floating to the ground in her wake as she raced up the stairs and to her room, slamming the door and jumping onto the bed. She curled up tight, feeling suffocated as she clutched at her chest. A long while later and she had calmed down enough to breath properly.<br/><br/>Almost immediately after she fell asleep atop her bed still dressed in her change of clothes, mental and physical exhaustion unwillingly dragging her under into the pitless land of sleep.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>the sound of rain brought with it the arrival of morning. A soft knock at the door was all the warning she recieved as the door cracked open, revealing the quiet form of the butler from before. Quietly he gave her a warm smile before stepping in with a silver tray, and on it...her breakfast. A cup full of fresh fruit lay next to a breakfast sandwich of runny egg, swiss cheese and bacon held between two slices of french toast.<br/><br/>Placing that as well as a glass of milk at her feet, the butler placed his small paper down by her once more...while a familiar, dark furred form romped its way across the floor, no doubt seeking some of her breakfast.<br/><br/>Good morning mistress. I hope you slept well, for you have had me worried for you since your abrupt retreat last night. I hope I did not hurt your feelings or scare you, as I voiced a few of my own desires in last nights conversation.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>Dead eyes and a bloodied hand reached out, getting closer and closer and closer. Running got her no where and stopping would mean death. She fell to the ground in a heap as she tripped up over an invisible obstacle.<br/><br/><i>Thud.</i><br/><br/>The gentle knocking jolted her from her nightmare, clutching at her turtleneck as her heart hammered away in her chest.<br/><br/>But this was normal for her. The nightmares that kept chasing her, even across to another realm. It was why she had dark circles staining the delicate skin beneath her eyes.<br/><br/>It was nothing less than a curse like her deserved though.<br/><br/>Groggy with sleep, and waking up in an unfamiliar room disorientated her for a moment, remembering just where she had ended up because of Mr. King's trickery. After all he only wanted to use her, to control these Unseelie fae through her like some puppet, wanted to use the twisted magic inside her to control and hurt others. Well she wasn't giving in, she wouldn't do it, wouldn't do what he wanted if it meant using her curse. Teach her control. Pffft! A ruse. A lie. If he was so all powerful and great, then why did he need her? Because she was some key to getting what he truely wanted, that's why. And if it meant getting people hurt, if it meant killing, controlling or something else just as twisted she wanted no part. He couldn't force her, lest he wanted her cursed power to rebound onto him.<br/><br/>Realising she wasn't alone she slowly pushed herself up onto her elbows and sat up, rubbing at her tired eyes. She felt more exhausted than when she'd fallen asleep. She was surprised to see the butler after last night, then remembered it was his job, so even if he disliked her he would have still been here whether he liked it or not.<br/><br/>The smell of bacon and eggs awoke her stomach with a vengeance, avoiding his gaze when her stomach made all sorts of growling and yowling noises. She'd never had someone make her breakfast before, let alone bring her breakfast in bed. That was stuff for tv and movies. "Morning ... I think," she mumbled. Glancing outside she could tell it was well past morning, wondering just how long she had been asleep. She'd never slept for so long that was for sure. Normally she got four hours of rest at the best.<br/><br/>She took the paper offered to her, feeling bad for how she had reacted last night.<br/><br/>Unfolding it and reading what was written, she looked up at him, searching his face. From his words and expression he seemed genuinely worried about her, she should know she'd seen the good, the bad, and the ugly side of people. Feeling a mix of mainly guilt for worrying him, for being a burden, confusion as to why he was bothering to worry over her when they'd barely met, but also a small childish wonder at the fact someone was actually bothering to worry about her. No one ever had. She normally took care of herself or no one else would.<br/><br/>"S-Sorry ... I didn't mean to- " she bit at her bottom lip, shaking her head. "N-No you didn't do anything wrong, it's just-it's just, this is all so much. I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around everything that's happened so far. One minute I'm in my room, safe, warm, getting ready to leave, then I'm pulled from everything and everyone I know and dragged into a place I have never known, with people, apparently whole other species I've never seen, getting told I'm not who I thought I was, with magic that scares me," she told him with a heavy sigh, playing with the paper in her hands.<br/><br/>It was then that her sleepy mind twigged something about what he'd written. "What did you mean where is says you voiced your own desires?" Looking up at him in confusion and curiosity, trying to recall what he'd said last night. Everything about what he'd said was unnatural, to her anyway, but to him... Her eyes widened. "Are you a unsee-"<br/><br/>Gentle scraping interrupted her train of thought, glancing down between her legs to see the silver tray surreptitiously being tugged under the bed, as one little black snout tried to yank the bacon from between the bacon, egg and cheese toasted sandwich. She gave a sudden titter at the picture of obvious stealth from the little soot ball, watching in fascination. "I think we have a thief in our midst," she whispered in amusement.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>Crypt smiled gently at her words and nodded. reaching out carefully with his gloved hands he pushed the tray back into place, earning a grouchy little hiss from the small black fur ball. In response the beast let go of the tray and proceeded to romp about on the floor, doing more of his little weasel wardances in an effort it seemed to earn a meal this time.<br/><br/>Reaching out carefully crypt took the paper from her and crumpled it up. a moment later it unfurled as he handed it to her again, this time with fresh writing. Turning about he made his way away from the door and took a seat at a nearby table, quietly waiting for her with his hands folded across his lap.<br/><br/>That thief is a cloudtail the master has raised from a pup. He spoils the beast quite a bit...and currently has it on a diet. Hence why it is trying so hard to get to your breakfast, as its own was a fried egg over a bed of fresh spinache. the "Little master" was not pleased with me this morning.<br/><br/>As for your inquiry, I am indeed unseelie. however my branch I will keep to myself...as my kind are concidered poor company. if you wish to know more, the master's library is always open to you.<br/><br/>Suddenly there was a light knocking on the door! It was all the warning she had before it slipped open and a familiar figure stood in the doorway. The midnight king was dressed in the same manner she had seen him in before, and wore that same eagre smirk he had when he had first purchased her...however, this time he held a large black box against his side.<br/><br/>"And a good morning to you, my apprentice. I heard you had quite the early night last evening." turning and motioning about the room he turned back to her. "Everything to your liking I hope? do comment if something is amiss...I would be heartbroken to hear of any discomforts..." Stepping over to her bedside he placed down the large black box next to her meal. A dark chuckle fell from his lips as his fingers slid over the smooth sides...then lifted away the top! Inside lay three smaller boxes, though these looked made to carry rings.<br/><br/>"And so, day one of your training begins. Normally I would have you do some research before making the choice you are about to make now, but...time is of the essence. Yesterday you made quite a few powerful enemies...and I cannot lock you away like some prized jewel now can I?" Reaching down, he lifted out the three smaller boxes and placed them before her. each of the tiny boxes was covered in a thin, soft layer of black velvet...yet each also had a symbol of sorts etched into the tops.<br/><br/>Sliding the larger box away, the midnight king stepped forewards and let his pale fingers glide over each the boxes in emphasis. "Today, you will choose your first servant...and learn your most basic of protection spells...the summons." letting his fingers slide off the boxes he continued. "All throughout time users of magic form bonds with other beings...home to this plane or others. at times these are deals of power, for you or your companion. It matters not the magic sect...from the potion obsessed arts of the alchemist to the nightmare fuel of the necromancer. All start with pacts, and all grow with them in time." turning about he stepped back from her, giving her time to digest his words. "The one you form a pact with shall be with you even when they are not on this plane. Eventually they will come to you at the utterence of thier name, or the snap of your fingers...but shortening spells can come at a later date. Today you will bind your summons, and gain a guardian spirit...after that, I am letting you loose." motioning to the doors he grinned. "This residence is but a nest to you...and I will see you fly before dusk." Turning about once more he placed a small scroll on a nearby table in addition to some trinkets. "This is a map that will lead you to a nearby town. Return from the meat shop with 5 pounds of char sui. If you encounter trouble, call upon your guardian and make way back to the blackwoods...the forest at our doorstep." Turning back to her he made his way to the foot of her bed, then crossed his hands behind him pensively. "now then...your initial choice will be between those three. held within are conductor stones...jewels you will later ingest to summon a being indebted to your heritage. The being may come from this world...or they may come from one unknown. I am a traditionalist at heart, so you have a choice between fire, ice and lightning to start. Think over this as you eat...then when you have made your choice, come to my office."<br/><br/>and with that, he turned about and left! leaving her alone with crypt, the cloudtail and the three boxes...each having a unique symbol engraved in color on the velvet tops. One blue, another yellow, and a third a red.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>Aleine couldn't help but watch in amusement at the little soot ball and its antics.<br/><br/>But as she was handed the piece of paper by the butler she felt a sense of sadness from him despite the smile he wore as she watched him walk away to the table across the room by the door.<br/><br/>Opening up the piece of paper she looked up in surprise as her suspicion was confirmed. In her world things like unseelie fae were complete and utter myth, from Titania and Oberon to Mab, Morgan and Puck. They were all just stories, bed time stories, or playful moral strung tales. And yet apparently the man across the room from her was a living, breathing example of one such unseelie being. Except for some reason she'd imagined a unseelie fae to look more.. Otherworldly, dark, scary, magical. Not that she hadn't had enough magic for one day. But Crypt seemed so... normal, human looking apart from the worrying scar on his neck that he kept hidden and the magical notes he weaved to talk to her.<br/><br/>Biting at her bottom lip in worry she folded up the note. "I-I didn't mean to offend, honestly. And I don't know who thinks you are poor company, but... so far, to me you've-you've been nothing but the best of company. And for that I have to thank you, especially with being so informative and kind when I know nothing and no one here," she said hugging herself. Unlike certain people. She thought, about to bend down and grab her specially made breakfast when there was a knock on her door.<br/><br/>She stiffened when the Midnight King breezed into the room as if he cared about her well being, her state, her comfort as his new "apprentice". When it was clear to her he wanted something of her and nothing more. "Morning..." She murmured, watching him closely as he presented her with a box, with more boxes inside. "Training?" She'd barely woken up and he wanted her to do tricks already. "E-Enemies?" She paled, wondering who she had ticked off this time. She'd barely been in, what was it, Avalon, less that 24 hours and she'd already pissed someone off? She hadn't seen anyone beside Mr. King, the headless chauffeur, the butler, the anti-tinkerbell, and the soot ball, she'd barely talked to any of them, yet she'd made an enemy how was it even possible. She'd only set foot in his garden and his mansion. How could she have made an enemy, and powerful ones too. If they were anything like Mr. King in front of her then she was doomed to a fate possibly worse than death. Yet here he was smiling and giving her what appeared to be jewellery.<br/><br/>"But I didn't-" she went wide eyed. "S-servant? No, Mr. King I don't want-"<br/><br/>He wasn't listening as he prattled on about summoning spells, and bonds, and magic that she didn't understand.<br/><br/>"But Mr. King I-" she didn't like that grin of his.<br/><br/>"Letting me loose?" He was willingly going to let her walk out of the house whenever she wanted with no supervision, without a care, no time limit, or whacky spell of some sort? Not that she could run anywhere now. "Wait you want me to go out there? You just said I made powerful enemies, surely it's not a good idea for me to leave the house right now. I don't know this place, or the people, or magic for that matter. How am I supposed to-" he really wasn't listening to her. How was this teaching? He was treating her like some errand boy, a very expensive one.<br/><br/>Her hand went to her throat, feeling ill at the idea of swallowing a stone. "Wait, Mr. King I don't want to-!" The door closing reverberated through the silent room. "I don't want to make someone my servant," she murmured, putting her head in her hands in both frustration and defeat.<br/><br/>Soft pawing at her leg had her glancing down at a growling soot ball, eagerly awaiting food as a treat for the dance it had done. "Here." She plucked a grape from the fruit bowl and gave it to the soot ball, who promptly sniffed it and batted it away in disgust. "Sorry, it's all you are getting from me. I'm not getting Crypt into trouble because of your greedy tum," she said, poking the cloud tail in its podgy tummy with her foot. With a heavy sigh she picked up her tray and the three boxes and made her way over to the table Crypt was sitting at.<br/><br/>"What am I going to do?" Placing her tray down on the table next to the map. "I-I can't even read this thing anyway," she mumbled, staring down at a map that showed her a world she had never set foot in before, with markings and writing that looked like no language she'd ever seen before. She wouldn't even know where the very mansion she was in was located on the map. Even if she didn't pick a box for a servant and went out to the market he had talked about she would get lost in the first five minutes of setting foot outside. "Sorry... I'm letting your lovely breakfast go cold." She picked up one half of the bacon, egg and cheese toasted sandwich, not that she had much of an appetite left after the bombardment of more information Mr. King had left her with.<br/><br/>"Speaking of which, Crypt, you don't have to make me meals or anything, all the time. I can do it myself. If you just show me the kitchen and laundry I can make my own meals and wash my own clothes. That way you don't have to bother with me if you have other, more pressing things to attend to. "Not-! Not that your food isn't delicious. It's just..." She took the first bite of her sandwich to shut herself up, involuntarily humming in delight at the flavours. Everything was fresh, not processed, old, or an imitation. She blushed a little, torn between liking his food and the guilt and unease of having someone take care of her needs. But she'd never had such a tasty sandwhich. Covering her mouth full of food, she said, "please have the other half if you want. I feel bad you just sitting there watching me eat..." She offered, pushing the plate his way.<br/><br/>Yet despite the delicious food she couldn't help being drawn back to the task Mr. King had given her. "How am I going to get out of this. I don't want a servant, or a guardian to unwillingly bind to me, whatever that means. I just, I just want a little help to better understand things." She brought her legs up to sit cross legged on the chair as she nursed her sandwhich. She certainly couldn't ask Crypt to talk to Mr. King. "I never should have agreed, I never should have taken his hand, I should have just t..." Shaking her head, she stared down at her sandwhich. Who was she kidding, she was a coward and a murderer.<br/><br/>Glancing at the fancy velvet boxes she tentatively reached out and started by opening the one nearest to her, the blue one first, then the yellow, then the red, just to see what was inside, what these crystals were, how big they were, what they looked like. Upon opening it she had to admit they were beautiful. The clear blue one looked like snowflakes were trapped inside, forever preserved. The blood red one, looked like lava rested inside, and the the sunny yellow one, had silver veins running through it. Snapping the boxes shut she pushed them away and leaned back. "Maybe I can ask the headless guy if he'll help me find the meat market... I can just go out, get the meat and come straight back. That way I won't have to choose a servant and swallow a huge crystal." She groaned in frustration. "But then he said I have enemies already. What am I going to do, I don't want to go out there..." At this point she was just voicing her thoughts to herself, not really asking anything of anyone. "This is all too much," she grumbled, placing her forehead against the edge of the table as she slowly ate, almost forgetting Crypt was in the room with her with how quiet he was. "There has to be a better way..."<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 18px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0080ff">PAGE 2</span></span><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>Almost as soon as she began speaking to him Crypt began crumpling up the paper for another go. silently contemplating the words that were to appear to her next. The small furball however...was not done with her.<br/><br/>Apparently her poke to his podgy tummy was an act of war, as he promptly went on the offencive against her feet! Little sharp teeth nibbled and nipped at her toes and the balls of her foot while his little rough tongue tickled her slightly. Raising his fuzzy paws he wrapped them about her ankles as he curled around her feet! nipping and nibbling at her exposed skin as he "savaged" her bare foot in revenge for the audacious poking of "his highness's" fuzzy pudge. Letting out more playful chitters his large, duster like tail thumped against her calf's playfully before he suddenly sprung away from her abused foot! then he proceeded to mock charge her and run away, then repeat the process several times over.that would teach her to dare touch his royal tummy!<br/><br/>It was during one of the cloudtail's many antics that crypt once again slipped the paper into her posession before collecting the dirited plates in preparation for his return to the kitchen.<br/><br/>Belnair's purpose is to provide transportation in addition to protecting the house...while my task is to protect it and tend to its occupants. Both myself and he will protect you whilst you stay here...but we cannot follow you out without permission from the king first.<br/><br/>As for the matter of cooking and cleaning, those are my tasks and tasks I take as much care in as I do joy. I enjoy cooking and cleaning...neither are a trial for me, and my work in both has taught me much about your tastes as well as yourself. If you dont mind me saying, your attires tend to hide your feminen physique quite a bit...as the size of your upper garments exceeded what I had formerly surmised before I was tasked to wash them.<br/><br/>Finally...the stones themselves. You cannot handle more than one at the current time, so I would choose the one you wish for the most. Servants will come to you whether you wish it or not and that is a fact of your new existance...not a fault of the kings or your own. If the concept of a servant offends you, than think of them as a friend...whomever is trapped within those gems has been for some time and for some reason...and you are freeing them. You will need protectors as news of your arrival spreads...Witches, wizards and the like covet your heart...and your powers. The king informed me of two already whom wish to have you...and told me you already saw the Witch of the red vulture and the pig baron...being caught by those two alone would leave you with a fate far worse than death.<br/><br/>The midnight king has trouble picking up on ones feelings aside from his own...but he does have your best intentions at heart. Going to the town will allow you to make new allies and familiarize yourself with your surroundings...should belnair, myself or even the king be felled...you will need the knowledges and skills he is trying to teach you...though a typical or even good teacher...he is not. truly he is more akin to an excited elder sibling trying to teach his younger sister things he is interested in...now I do warn you, once you choose the jewel I suggest you ingest it down the stairs in the great hall...I doubt the King gave you a simple petal fairy as a companion...so you must prepare yourself for a uncomfortable if not painful binding and summoning procedure.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>"Ow!"<br/><br/>She jerked as needle sharp teeth nipped and nibbled at her foot, enough to shock the nerves in her foot but not hard enough to pierce the soft skin of her foot. Torn from the attention of her meal she watched in fascination as the little soot ball wrapped itself around one of her feet, lifting her leg up in amusement at his antics. She had no idea what he was trying to do, only that it was amusing that he was seemingly trying to fight her foot. She spotted the abondoned grape and figured it was ticked off about her offering, trying to bully her into giving him food, threatening her foot if she didn't hand over the goods. Shaking her head with a small smile she watched it suddenly run off then back again, as if challenging her foot to a duel.<br/><br/>Whatever.<br/><br/>When it got close enough she grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and held him aloft, arm outstretched in front of her so he couldn't do anything but squirm.<br/><br/>"Now listen here you. If you don't behave like a good little..." Trying to remember what it was. ".. Cloudtail?... Then I will get Crypt here to feed you nothing but boiled vegetables and water," she threatened. "But do you know what good little cloudtails get?" Wondering why she was talking to the little ball of fluff like it could understand her. "Good little cloudtails get played with, get nice tasting meat with vegetables, and pats and cuddles afterwards. But podgy, mean little cloudtails that bite people don't get any of that. Got it? So behave and eat what you are given." The fox thing had better meals than when she was on her earth. "Besides if you get any fatter you might get too delicious looking..." She teased, putting the soot ball down, turning back to face the now clear table.<br/><br/>Both Crypt and the dishes were gone, except for the little note he'd left.<br/><br/>Unfolding and reading the note she had to blush, hugging herself at his feminine curves comment. She hadn't known he'd been looking, besides she'd never thought of herself as having any curves worth noticing in the first place. Yet she suspecting his comment was more from a professional view point of not having brought her the right size of clothing. Even though she liked baggy things.<br/><br/>But as she read on she realised he was right, she'd never thought of it that way. That she could be freeing whatever thing was trapped or sealed inside. What a cruel thing, so be forever sealed in an object until someone deemed you necissary to free you. She sort of knew the feeling, shivering at the memory of those two bidders back at the auction. It had felt like death at her back as she'd left.<br/><br/>So the thought of freeing whoever was inside and giving them a different life, not in servitude but in friendship didn't seem like such a bad thing. She'd always wanted a friend, someone she could talk to, share things with, laugh with, enjoy things with. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing after all.<br/><br/>Opening all the boxes, she stared at them for some time. But the one that drew her most was the blue crystal that looked like it had snowflakes trapped in it, wanting to hold it and warm it up. Closing them back up she took the blue box and the map, and finally decided to take it downstairs the the Midnight King like Crypt had suggested. Yet the thought of the process being painful was what scared her.<br/><br/>Putting on her shoes that had fallen off during the night, she quietly made her way down the stairs and past the living room she'd eaten in last night. Each door she passed she knocked and opened trying to determine where the office was of the Midnight King. Turning a corner she spotted a large double door, intricately carved and decorated door, figuring it to be his office. Striding over she gave a knock before entering. "Mr. King you told me to come see you once I'd chosen a box," she told him as she closed the door behind her.<br/><br/>His office was like a dome, with stained glass windows above and floor to ceiling bookshelves surrounding a large, deep red wooden desk. It was both bright and fascinating, and ominous and threatening.<br/><br/>"D-Do I really have to ingest the stone?" It was certainly going to hurt to swallow, that was for sure. They weren't tiny by any means. "And this map you gave me... I can't read it. The -I'm assuming words- are all gibberish to me. I don't even know where we are on the map. It's mostly forest with places dotted around anyway," she told him. "And can you at least tell me what kind of enemies I should be looking out for so I can avoid them."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>Boldly the kit charged forth! bounding over to her with long hops and leaps in which to reach her! a loud squeak of surprise filled the room when the cloudtail was snatched up by her! his scruff was fluffy and soft, much like the rest of him...however, he went completely still as she scolded him gently. A few moments in however the strangest thing happened and he seemed to slip free of her fingers!! on a quick look however he didnt s;ip from her fingers, but rather through them! the cloudtail plopped down nearby her, then romped off a short distance before turning about and looking at her. it wasnt long before he trotted back over to her, the scolding all but forgotton as he gently nipped at her ankles in a playful manner as she read crypt's last letter...though these nips were far softer. when she rose up ang began to move, the nips stopped as he trotted after her, becoming her little fuzzy shadow as he followed close by her heels as she left to find the midnight king.<br/><br/>The king himself sat before his desk, his leather sho clad feet resting on the desk as he lounged, his head cupped in a thoughtful manner as he turned his amethyst gaze to her form, and a long smirk slipped over his features...as if someone had just offered him a rare dessert. "Ah...the young queen returns." he purred out before raising an eyebrow at her words. "do you have to?" he sent the question right back to her, then snickered and motioned to her. "well...lets see...the...well..."jewel" needs to reach your core...so, it can reach it in other...less conventional ways." he then lifted a finger and tapped his lips thoughtfully. "Admittedly that would be enjoyable to watch...however, when it comes to the summoning itself?" he paused for a moment in thought before suddenly bursting out with laughter!<br/><br/>The outburst continued for some time before he fell quiet and shook his head. "No my darling...im afraid that gem must make its way from those cute lips, past that tiny soft tongue, down that tight little throat of yours and into that slender tummy." he lifted up a small pen and began motioning to her part by part as he spoke. a moment later he lowered the pen and leaned forwards on the desk, his long legs sliding down to the floor. "You can drink it down with water if it will help. however, I will warn you that the water will not stay down. Sorcerer's do not bind summons often...as the process is rarely pleasant and rather personal." he then motined to the map. "Once you gain your new servant, I will educate you on your whereabouts...as for your enemies...well...how about anything that wants to eat or rape you?" he inquired.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/>Aleine threw him a glaring look. "I am not a queen..." She grumbled, walking further into the room, dodging a flying book in the process of putting itself back.<br/><br/>What he found so absolutely hilarious to her perfectly reasonable questions she'd never know, didn't want to know with the creepy look he was giving her that made her feel uncomfortable. Narrowing her gaze at him she said, "you know that was not very helpful. Why can't you give me a straight answer to my question.... You realise you just told me everyone outside this place is my enemy right? I'd have to suspect everyone and everything. Which isn't right. Everyone is not out to kill me, hurt me or use me." Though back home it certainly felt like it. "Nevermind..." Fed up already with his antics.<br/><br/>Taking a step away from his desk she opened the box and took the crystal out, trying to decide the easiest way to swallow it would be. Cringing she laid it lengthways along her tongue and tilted her head back as she attempted to swallow it. It tasted metallic and dirty, struggling to swallow it. It felt like swallowing a knife with the way it was scratching up the inside of her throat, but it was only halfway down as she kept swallowing, trying to muscle the crystal into her stomach. After another minute or two she gasped, eyes watering in pain as the crystal finally hit her stomach, making her feel ill and heavy. "I'm not doing that ever again-!"<br/><br/>She clapped a hand over her mouth feeling like she was going to be sick, duel eyes wide as what she threw up was not bile, but a cloud of white air. The temperature around her dropped, but she was already shaking like a leaf. "W-W-What d-d-did you give me...w-w-what's h-h-happening?!" Her breaths became shorter and shorter as she watched her fingers turn grey like she was getting frost bite. Her lips were already blue, her skin getting paler and paler, to the point frost had started to cover her from head to toe. A thousand little needles worked their way up her fingers and across her body, turning her from pale to grey in moments. Completely and utterly numb her legs gave way, unable to control her muscles properly by this point.<br/><br/>And then she screamed.<br/><br/>She curled into herself, desperately clutching her head with hands that wouldn't cooperate. Brain freeze to a more than painful degree.<br/><br/>Everything suddenly went silent as she sat on her legs, curled into herself, as if frozen in place. Not a puff of air left her.<br/><br/>For what seemed like a dangerously long moment she finally jerked with a gasp of air. "Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, make it stop..." She whimpered.<br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/>During the whole ordeal the midnight king remained quiet. her suffering seemed to do little to him, and he observed her calmly...almost passively. "Your earlier comment...the one you made in such sarcastic tones, is actually the opposite of what you think." Lifting himself up from his chair, he calmly moved over to her form as snow began to fall from her skin like sweat, dusting the floor around her. "Everyone you meet could be an enemy...in fact, there is more incentive to be that now than there ever was back in your xenophobic society on earth...you of all people should know that the kindest of smiles can hold the most insidious of motives." moving around her he walked over to a long drawer and rested his fingers on it. "this is your first lesson here, my apprentice...and one I cannot stress more that you understand it. The rules have changed from what you are used to...and you must adapt...Or I myself will kill you...and that, would be a mercy in comparison to what may befall you...what I cannot let befall you while still calling myself a man." Retrieving a long black blanket from the drawer he turned back to look at her, and for once an emotion other than mischief was visable in his amethyst gaze...it was pity. "you taste now just a fraction of the evils that you can be put through...though this is for you, it could just as easily be for another. I do not think you fully grasped the danger you are in now that your secret is out...so this....this is your first lesson."<br/><br/>As he stared at her the most alien and bizzare feelings could be felt within her numbed body. At first it was faint...but then it became far more pronounced and clear. something was moving inside her. The sensation began in her gut, and with it came more of that numbing cold, this time leaking from her trembling lips. It spread, floating out like smoke from the corners of her eyes and out her nose. Ice had begun to coat her skin, though she could no longer feel them...and soon, she felt nothing...nothing but the squirming of that thing as it moved within her.<br/><br/>Her lips would part once again as whatever it was finally freed itself from her stomach, and her body aided it as it began to crawl up her throat. Her lips would part, and from them came a freezing breath of frost! Ice formed where the blue and white ray touched the floor, bringing winter itself to the office of the midnight king!<br/><br/>Finally stepping over to her the midnight king flicked the blanket across his shoulder as he reached down, taking her and shifting her numb form into a sitting position on her knees. A soft blue glow eminated from her form while ice began to frost over the midnight king as he held her gently, taking her arms and lifting them up so she could cup her glowing hands before her mouth.<br/><br/>Then, her lips parted once more! but instead of cold air or that deadly ray of frost, a small form rolled out from atop her soft tongue, landing in the center of her cupped hands. A small coughing sound filled the air as the nude figure shuddered on her palm, covered in a thin layer of saliva.<br/><br/>A deep warmth slowly seemed to come from the core of her body despite the frost and snow around her. as she held the small humanoid her skin began to regain its luster as well, and breath found its way back into her frozen lungs.<br/><br/>It was then that the blanket the midnight king held was draped over her form, covering her like a cloak. "Summonings are not normally this violent...to you or your summons. But you have yet to understand how to control your powers, and with the limited time at hand I have little time to teach you to refine it." gently he rubbed at her back, and the magic blanket seemed to activate, heating up her form gently but quickly.<br/><br/>Stepping away from her he moved to his desk once more. "Today you have marked as choosing the first season. Winter now comes before all, at the beginning of life. Like a defanged snake it can no longer harm you. The cold is natural to you, and the element of ice is yours to command." Sitting down he turned and motioned to the shuddering figure kneeling on her palm. "He will recover soon. Like you, he has gone through much at this moment. know that to get here he consumed a piece of you, and you..him. The two of you are forever linked now...and when he is better, he will prove to be a match even against my own servants." Lifting a hand he reached over and traced a small gemstone on his desk. "...Other mages would like to capture you and force you to create summons for them like the one you hold now...so imagine a place where you are forced to do this constantly...a living, breathing factory of slaves bound to the will of your master." shaking his head he sighed. "you are far closer to hell than you think. I will not be gentle teacher...but it is my hope that in the bitter soil I will help make you into the most beautiful rose." pointing to the figure in her hands, he cleared his throat. "Now...that is not mine either, but yours. As tempting as it would be to take the being strong enough to take the lure your magic makes, I am not about to take the fruits of your labors such as this. Go now, get to know him better...after all, he did quite literally spend some time in you. perhaps he might know a thing about you that you yourself do not know?" he chuckled and touched the stone gently. "Crypt, please bring down two hot chocolates and escort my apprentice to the fire place. she will need some time to recollect her bearings."<br/><br/>The small figure in her hand finally seemed to be settling down. his coughing had faded to shudders and heavy breathing and soon even that faded along with the deep blue glow that had before obscured his figure. Now, sitting on his knees in her cupped palm was the nude form of a young man. His short, unruly hair was white as snow, matching his alabaster skin and bringing attention to his shocking blue eyes, which reached such a frosty blue color it almost appeared electronic, as if his eyes were lit up from within by some kind of sapphire lighting.<br/><br/>He stared up at her for a moment with that sharp gaze of his when suddenly his eyes squeezed shut as he tilted his head down, and let out a small sneeze! the motion forcing a pair of white snowflake wings to flare up from his bare back! between them however was a small blue glow, marking a celtic sort of tattoo that matched the new tattoo that rested just south of her navel...both of which emanated a soft glow that strengthened and faded to the beat of her heart.<br/><br/><br/><b><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00">Moonflower3</span></span></b><br/>She could barely concentrate on the words he was spewing in the first place, let alone hear them. Everything was echos and muffles to her as he spoke, like the frost was invading her ear drums. Even her eyes were frosting over, unable to see past the blur. In fact the cold was invading every nook and cranny of her body to the point every minute movement crackled where parts of her were starting to freeze over with ice. It was strange like her body was turning into a living ice sculpture.<br/><br/>If she thought she was afraid before, his words did little to quash that fear, only ratchet it up, which in turn fuelled her magic into lashing out at her surroundings in search of the threat. She didn't want any of this, didn't ask for any of it and yet now she was getting death threats from both supposed ally and foe. Ice started crawling along the carpet and up the book shelves, the rumbling shaking some of it off making the room feel like a snow globe.<br/><br/>Yet she couldn't move even if she willed it, trapped and scared in her own body.<br/><br/>Something moved.<br/><br/>Butterflies? Knots? Ice?<br/><br/>Her body jerked involuntarily, feeling increasingly sick. It wasn't her body. It was something inside her body.<br/><br/><i>No! Out! Get out!</i><br/><br/>A couple of crystallised tears fell to the floor, feeding her more pain and numbness. She puked up ice with the rage of nausea at what she'd consumed.<br/><br/>Her body cracked as thick chunks of ice fell away and reformed just as quick with each purposely placed limb the Midnight King moved, trying to desperately communicate with her eyes, yet again her body was too frozen to do much else but be a living ice sculpture as he moved her hands out in front of her, palms up.<br/><br/><br/>Her body jerked again but not in nausea but in a violet spasm, trying to expel the moving creature within her, her throat stretching unbelievably so to accommodate its shape, until what fell from her lips finally hit her palms.<br/><br/><br/>She sucked in a harsh, high pitched, wheezy, breath of air, as she sat holding this little creature. Her breaths became greedy with each gulp bigger than the last. Warmth swarmed her both inside and out creating a burning pins and needles sensation at the sudden contrast to the drastic iciness of before. Feeling slowly crept back into her limbs, the dying frost sapping her strength and energy. Her body began shaking uncontrollably, gritting her teeth as she attempted to force her body to stay upright otherwise she'd collapse and hurt the little guy in her hand.<br/><br/><br/>Now she heard everything the Midknight King was spewing, the horrible truths about the threats to her even if concentration was difficult. How could he do this to her. She had been fine back on her earth, here she was liable to get killed, raped, or enslaved just for breathing. But he wasn't the one who had kidnapped her, no, he'd saved her from threats that would have forced her into far worse than a queen hood disguised as an apprenticeship. She should probably thank him, but in her mind she would have rather died than be this target everyone wanted a piece of. For god sake she'd just been cannibalized by the tiny guy in her hands all for the sake of magic. But she was a coward, so would have to suffer her fates. Even if it meant enduring eating a rock and almost dying.<br/><br/><br/>"I-I-I-I'm never d-d-d-doing that again!" She said through gritted teeth, doing her best to glare at Mr. King.<br/><br/><br/>She would have gotten up, but making her limbs move was proving more difficult than she thought. She might have been warmer but her body was being swarmed by pins and needles, that horrible debilitating sensation of your nerves screaming at you as punishment for lack of movement. Her uncontrollable shaking had dimmed to shivering, not helped by the fact she was both warm from the blanket but cold from all the frost and ice melting, soaking into her clothing.<br/><br/><br/>Gently she scooched the little fae onto one hand, using the other to help herself onto her knees, then one foot, then the other. She probably looked like Bambi on ice with how much she was wobbling on her own legs. Standing still till the swaying stopped she attempt to put one foot in front of the other, using every ounce of concentration to do so. Embarrassingly it took her a little longer than she would have liked but she got herself out of his office without the help of Crypt.<br/><br/><br/>Outside his office however was a different matter as she collapsed against the nearest wall for support, still managing to stand upright. "Sorry..." But she wasn't going to be for long. Using the wall for support she made herself walk all the way back to the living room where the fire was as fast as she could. She nearly collapsed in the doorway to the living room when she had to let go of the wall, but just about made it to the chair near the fire. Kicking off her shoes she curled up on the chair, under the blanket as she rested her head against the wing headrest. She felt exhausted and weak, how the Midnight King expected her to go out was beyond her. Even the little guy in her hands was having trouble.<br/><br/><br/>In that moment she truely got the chance to look at the small being in her hand for the first time, butt naked, but nevertheless enchantingly beautiful. "H-Hi..." biting at her still pale lips. "I-I-I'd wrap the blanket around you, but you have s-s-snowflakes for wings, so I'm assuming the warmth w-w-would hurt you more than do you any g-g-good," she murmured, curling up tighter. "M-M-My name is Aleine, w-w-what's yours?" God how she'd love to fall asleep right about now.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>The small man in her hands continued to shake at her inquiry, remaining quiet as he too seemed to try and regain his composure. His enitre form was slick from his travel through her form, but it was clearhe was less worried about the cold and seemed to be more in shock from the experience than anything. "A...airis." he breathed out, his voice a scarce whisper. he then dipped his head once more and coughed! his snowflake wings stretched and flared, then seemed to spread! splitting not into just one but three pairs of the frosty wings. A small blue ring flittered into life on the palm of her hand! the ring explanded outwards, creating a small glowing platform of sorts decorated with the symbol etched between his wings.<br/><br/>Energy hummed in the air as small wisps of blue and white light flickered in and out of being around his form, eventually cloaking his form in a shimmering blue and white sphere that swirled and flared as if it contained the power of winter itself! moments later the sphere seemed to throb, as if to a heartbeat before cracks broke out on its surface, then it shattered!<br/><br/><br/>The small figure of the young man from before fell back to her hand, but this time he was dressed in flowing white silk, complete with samurai styled armor plates over his shoulder, chest and stomach. The armor itself was no ordinary metal either, but seemed to be made of pure sapphire.<br/><br/>Sitting down on his knees once again, the young man bowed to her, a small sigh falling from his lips. "My name is Kanrou, the midwinter storm...long have i been sealed in that stone, and to you, Airis... Unseelie queen and daughter of the moon, I pledge my unwavering loyalty."<br/><br/>As before, his voice was a soft whisper...quiet enough to where even crypt's quiet footsteps could be heard approaching the chair from behind her. A second blanket fell over her shoulders as he stepped in by her side, then placed a small tray on the arm of her chair...upon it was a single mug of Deep black hot cocoa with swirls of heavy cream...and as always, crypt's small and neatly folded paper.<br/><br/><br/>So begins your first day of lessons. I am happy to see the summoning did not go awry, as the master was quite worried over that. I see you chose the ice gem...I imagine that was not pleasant. It may be of little consolation, but by dawn tomorrow your perception of cold will be at your will...you could walk through a frozen tundra wearing little and the cold would be no less comfortable than you desire...and no longer a threat to your form. but, enough of this matter on your training. please, enjoy the hot chocolate. if you wish to sleep, do not hold back...your day in town can wait if you wish.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>As she stared down at the small fae, she felt sorry for him, wanting to wrap him up, help him in someway. But he was so small she was worried she'd hurt him more than do him any good, especially when she wasn't doing much better herself and shaking all over the place to boot. "A-A?" Straining to hear what he was saying. The poor guy needed cleaning up and some clothes. Maybe Crypt knew a spell of some kind or a magical realms semtress nearby that could help. "I'm s-s-sorry about earlier. I didn't k-k-know you'd come about that way. Though to be honest I-I-I didn't know w-w-what to expect in the f-f-first place. Are you o-o-ok-"<br/><br/><br/>To her disbelief he grew more wings, three on each side. "What-What's happening? Hey-" she held her hand out further in front of her, worried something dangerous was happening as he was wrapped in a ball of light. "H-H-Hang in there little g-guy." But what did she know about magic. "C-C-Cyrpt!" Was he dying? She was too weak and cold at the moment to do much more than call for help. But to her surprise and relief the ball popped like a balloon to reveal a refreshed and clothed looking fae, looking like he'd stepped right out of a history book with those clothes. He kind of reminded her of a knight.<br/><br/><br/>Awkwardly Aleine watched him as he bowed and introduced himself, though he didn't seem the least bit pleased to be free of his seal. Like he'd been freed thousands of times before and was just going through the motions, fed up with having to pledge himself, bow and scrape. "I'm just glad you are o-o-ok, Kanrou. And I'm n-n-no Queen and my name isn't Airis it's A-A-Aleine," trying hard to keep her hand from shaking. "P-P-Please you don't have to bow, I'd p-p-prefer you not to. You are free to do what you want, you aren't a servant or a slave here. I just didn't like the idea of someone being trapped in a stone and thought we might be able to help one another. Become friends even though I know we are bound to one another somehow. I don't understand magic so I don't know the rules, but I think the being bound thing doesn't really give us much of a ch-ch-choice about sticking together. But we can at least get to know one another..." hoping he wasn't offended by the idea.<br/><br/><br/>Startled she looked up to find Crypt standing behind her, a heavy blanket being drapped around her, getting buried under clothe. Yet she still felt cold. "Th-Th-Thank you..." Very gently she placed the little samurai on her lap, cushioned by layer upon layer of blanket. Reaching over she grasped the mug of hot chocolate and held it close, willing the heat into her as she clutched it tight to stop her hands from shaking. One sip of hot chocolate had her relaxing a fraction as the heat slowly bled through her body. A couple of sips later and her shivers had died down to the occasional spasm of cold.<br/><br/><br/>"I didn't think it would hurt so much...I thought I was going to die..." she said in response to Crypts note with a heavy sigh, gaining some normal feeling back into certain body parts. "I don't think I want to do that ever again. But I feel bad for the others that are trapped," she murmured closing her eyes as she sipped more chocolate, able to finally taste the thick, rich, and creamy sweetness on her tongue. She'd never had hot coco before, wishing she could savour it more, but the desire to get warm was overriding her taste buds. "Besides I don't think Mr. King is going to be happy if I don't do what he demands," not wanting to get on his bad side to the point he thought her worth more disposed of than alive. "I'm sure once I have a bath and get changed I will be fine..." she murmured softly, trying to psych herself up to get moving. But she it was becoming so cosy in the chair. "Kanrou you must be hungry and thirsty. Do you want anything? Would you like any of my hot chocolate, or is heat bad for you?"<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Kanrou had remained quiet up until her inquiry, to which he promptly looked up to her and gave her a smile. "Thank you, mistress...I would very much enjoy it." he noted with a calm nod. "The heat will have no ill effect on me, but quite the opposite...I am not a conventional frost sprite." he noted as he looked up at her with his glowing blue gaze.<br/><br/>Crypt smiled at her and fondly patted her on her shoulder as he took the paper back, then moments later returned it to her with fresh writing. After a moment he handed it back with fresh writing, then moved a second cup before the small fae boy as he sat back and smiled at her.<br/><br/><br/>You must prepare yourself...as there are two stones that remain. in time you may need to breathe life into them as you have his stone...but the following times should differ, as you will have improved and prepared yourself. The master teaches in unconventional ways...but is not a bad man. I promise you he wishes the best for you, and has prepared for your coming for many years and lost much more than mere money.<br/><br/>As for what occured back in the masters study...it was unrefined and forced, but proved yet another of your abilities.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Kanrou shifted a bit on her lap as he approached the other cup of hot cocoa. Calmly he stripped down, stepping free from the ceremonial garb he had worn mere moments ago and instead stepped into the hot chocolate! sinking down up to his neck in the silky liquid he let out a pleased sigh and relaxed, leaning against the lip of the mug in a pleased manner, looking content and happy despite the earlier ordeal.<br/><br/><br/>The peaceful situation did not last forever however, as the door soon opened at the end of the hall, revealing the midnight king! yet he did not wear his casual garb, but instead wore the gentleman's outing garb he had dressed in when he first went to seek her out. "Crypt! careful not to spoil the girl...as adorable as she is, remember a bird never learns to fly if it never falls." he announced in playful tones before glancing to her and back. "Now...I shall be in my study, but ask not to be disturbed." turning to look to Aleine again. "That applies to you as well...you may wonder where you wish as you wish...but for now, do not enter the study without me...or currently. there are dangerous things there, and a few moments from now I will need to attend to a personal matter that will likely deal with a powerful mage of sorts."<br/><br/>Turning about he made his way to his room, walking away from the room. "...Someone has ensorcelled Belnair's body with binding magic...A woman by the feel. I suppose I should not be surprised considering he does appear to be of desirable breeding stock...however, It is not conventional sorcery so I will investigate..." Tapping his finger against his side for a moment he paused before turning back to look at crypt with a smirk. "I thought the night had yielded all it’s fun when I confirmed Aleine's ability to quite literally consume death...but now here i am, about to summon a guest." he chuckled and turned about, then made his way to his room.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Cute.<br/><br/>She smiled and nodded, not that she knew what a conventional frost sprite was compared to Kanrou. "That's good to know, I wouldn't want to accidently get you melted or something...And you don't have to call me mistress," it sounded weird, gross, slimy to her ears. "Just Aleine is fine," she reassured him, feeling somewhat bad for him. Maybe it was an ingrained habit he couldn't shake if he'd made more than one connection with someone.<br/><br/><br/>Taking another sip of her coco she blinked up at Crypt before taking the offered paper. Reading it through she had to disagree with Crypt, but she wasn't about to tell him she didn't trust the Midnight King, or that she thought the King had ulterior motives. What caught her eye however, was the fact he'd been preparing for her arrival. How long had he known about her? How long had been preparing? If he had known about her and wanted to help as he claimed, then why wait until now, why wait until she got kidnapped? Why let her suffer? Why not reach out to her sooner? So many questions and ones she would probably never get the answers to.<br/><br/><br/>"Abilities?" She wondered, handing Crypt back his precious piece of paper that never seemed to wrinkle or tear. "As in plural? What abilities and how many do I have? I thought I had been unknowingly summoning malicious magical creatures?" Not that she understood any of the magic that had happened to her or around her so far.<br/><br/><br/>Going to sip more of her coco she nearly spit some back up when Kanrou began getting naked. "K-Kanrou!?" Averting her gaze as best she could with rosey cheeks. "W-What are you doing, you aren't meant to-" Watching out of the corner of her eyes as he got into the hot coco like it was entirely normal. ".. to get in it...You, you do realise you are meant to drink hot chocolate right?" Surprised he wasn't dramatically reaching for her crying 'I'm melting, melting! Ahhhh!!!' like the witch out of the Wizard of Oz when she got hit with water. No he looked quite pleased, like he was taking a bath. A chocolate bath didn't sound all that bad, sounded like fun actually, warm too.<br/><br/><br/>She gave a little titter of laughter, covered by her free hand. Quickly schooling her features in embarrassment, "sorry," when the Midnight King waltzed in with dramatic flare.<br/><br/><br/>Snuggling under the blanket and holding her coco tighter she refused to move. If he wanted something from her he wasn't getting it. She was to tired to do much else right now. "Don't worry I'm not going back into that office any time soon..." She grumbled into her mug of coco, glaring at him. Not that he seemed to notice or care by the looks of it. "Wait, what, death? Mr. King-!" She gave a heavy sigh and leaned her head back against the chair. By this point she was a sea of frustration and exhaustion. "I'm afraid to ask but what did he mean by consuming death? I-I thought that I ate a crystal..." looking warily over at Kanrou. "You know what I don't want to know," she muttered, finishing off her coco. "The map... I didn't get the English translated map."<br/><br/><br/>Slowly she uncurled herself and put her empty mug down. "Thank you Crypt... I'm going to go have a bath to warm up." Looking to Kanrou. "You can stay here and enjoy your coco bath if you want," she told him, gathering the blankets up around her as she prepared herself to stand up. Taking a deep breath she took a wobbly stand, giving herself a second to balance. Like a newborn she slowly made her way out of the living room and up the stairs to her bedroom.<br/><br/><br/>Once in her room she shuffled over to the bathroom, dropped the blankets by her feet and began peeling her damp clothes off of herself. A heated rock and some struggling pumps of water later she sunk into a hot bath with her waist length black hair braided and twisted up off her neck. She sat in the bath until it went lukewarm before finally getting out and wrapping herself in a towel. At least she felt a little more human now that she'd practically cooked herself in a bath.<br/><br/><br/>Finally able to move properly and feel her limbs again she spotted a new outfit laid out for her, surprisingly still modern clothing. Crypt. Except this time it was a<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.buzzfeed.com%2Fbuzzfeed-static%2Fstatic%2F2015-12%2F8%2F10%2Fcampaign_images%2Fwebdr11%2F16-consejos-de-moda-para-usar-tus-vestidos-cuando-2-11770-1449589718-10_dblbig.jpg&amp;hash=00fce0263b54a501327ac0380e24298b" href="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2015-12/8/10/campaign_images/webdr11/16-consejos-de-moda-para-usar-tus-vestidos-cuando-2-11770-1449589718-10_dblbig.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">black Peter pan</a>dress with a white collar, along<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fae01.alicdn.com%2Fkf%2FHTB10eJwLXXXXXXoXpXXq6xXFXXXN%2Felegent-shirt-neckwear-solid-silk-like-stain-ribbon-bow-tie-women-girls-lady-butterfly-tie-purple.jpg&amp;hash=4b04a8ced59eeacc0ad023543f572586" href="https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB10eJwLXXXXXXoXpXXq6xXFXXXN/elegent-shirt-neckwear-solid-silk-like-stain-ribbon-bow-tie-women-girls-lady-butterfly-tie-purple.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">red ribbon neck tie</a>and black tights, with a sweet pair of black flats with red bows on top and a red ribbon hair tie. There was even a little<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2Fd1%2F8f%2Ff0%2Fd18ff0d764c664c8fc85b5c76d12d0c8.jpg&amp;hash=a6190d65d964fffcabdb3794203b4961" href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d1/8f/f0/d18ff0d764c664c8fc85b5c76d12d0c8.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">grey cloak </a>beside it to keep her warm.<br/><br/><br/>Not something she would have usually picked, but it wasn't like she had any other choice of clothing right now. Drying off she got dressed before heading back into the living room, wondering how she was going to tackle reading the map of gibberish. "Kanrou... you... you wouldn't know how to read this map would you? Do you know where we are on the map or what it even says?" She was probably asking the wrong fae considering he'd been trapped in a crystal for so long. A lot can happen in a few years. "Maybe Crypt can help point me in the right direction, or at least show me where we are on the map..."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Kanrou tilted his head back and looked up at her as she spoke. he gave her another gentle smile and nodded. "You cannot read common yet? well...A translation spell will help you far more than me simply telling you everything." He turned over, splashing a bit of hot chocolate over the side as he looked back up at her. "When crypt returns, ask him for one. As for the map itself, i can show you where we are." resting his head on his folded arms he smiled at her gently. "If you wish, i can get out now and dress if you plan to be leaving soon. as for the chocolate itself, you can still have it if you wish." he spoke in mildly teasing tones before blinking and glancing down at his arm. "...perhaps it may have been a better choice to bathe elsewhere....as I now smell like candy." he sighed and submerged himself, vanishing into the sweet fluid!<br/><br/>A moment later he surfaced, then slipped out and stepped behind the cup, obscuriing himself from view. there was a soft click as the chocolate on his skin froze and fell off him, then his clothing reappeared on his form with a gust of crisp wind. As before he had dressed himself in that set of oriental armor, though this time a pair of three blades lay against his silk clothed waist, the handles of which were slightly tilted upwards with single moonstones at the hilt, decorating them. Turning to face her he sat back down on his knees and looked up to her. "come to think of it...I can probably cast that spell for you if you would wish, my queen. but it has been some time since I have done any real magic."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>"No... of course not, how could I, I only got brought here by Mr. King last night," she told Kanrou. "I only just found out this morning that we are in fact in another realm entirely, not just a different part of the world. Or at least the world I'm from. I don't even know what this magic curse is that's inside me, nor what my apparent abilities are besides summoning I think. I also thought I was being brought here to be an apprentice so I didn't hurt anyone else, but apparently I'm also some queen that I never signed up for. And that I already have enemies..." She sighed and sat down on the chair and looked down at the map. "And now Mr. King wants me to go out to go shopping for him in an entire world I've never been in before with enemies lurking outside, with a map written in a language I can barely read. I'm surprised I can even understand you guys, but if Mr. King has been preparing like Crypt says then he must have taught them English or something, I don't know... sorry..." shaking her head. "I didn't mean to... this is all just..."<br/><br/><br/>She leant back. "Thank you that would be helpful," she told him as Kanrou pointed out on the map where they were, but it just looked like they were slap bang in the middle of a forest. They must be right in the middle of Blackwood then. Yet last night it looked like they had been on some kind of cliff, maybe on a mountainside or something. She wasn't sure. Focusing she spotted what she assumed was a town that was straight ahead of them, with a name she couldn't read. "Ok so we can just go there... get the meat and come back..." It seemed easy enough, it didn't look like a long walk, but with Mr. King nothing was ever easy.<br/><br/><br/>"Crypt!" She called out, hoping he was nearby as she looked to Kanrou, shaking her head with a little smile. "I did tell you hot chocolate isn't for bathing in, it's for drinking," turning her gaze away as he got out. "No thank you, I'm... full thanks though," glad he was back to being fully dressed. "Uh.. no offence Kanrou but I've had enough bad reactions to magic for one day. I think I will ask Crypt. But next time you can do it if you want," she reassured. "And I keep telling you it's Aliene, call me Aliene, you don't have to be so formal." Then she realised, "Money... I can't get the meat without some money. Maybe Mr. King gave Crypt the cash for it..." Looking around she called for Crypt again.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Kenrou blinked a few times at her words then tilted his head. "Very well, as you wish Queen Aleine." he anounced as he stepped back from her and took a more respectful stance.<br/><br/>A few moments pass and crypt returned, walking over to Aleine and giving her a polite smile. a moment passed before he handed her a small paper.<br/><br/><br/>Yes my queen? You called for me?<br/><br/><br/>Kenrou nodded at his words then motioned to Aleine. "Yes. Queen Aleiene wishes for some funds for her trip to the market. I assume the Midnight king had some readied for her."<br/><br/><br/>Crypt turned his attention from her to her companion and offered him a smile as well.<br/><br/><br/>Funds? The master already placed an order...but I suppose he would not be against some spending funds.<br/><br/><br/>With that crypt turned about and left the room, only to return moments later with a large sack of gold! placing it in her hands he smiled and stepped back and gave her a small bow.<br/><br/><br/>Please, stay safe and take care. that should cover anything you might desire.<br/><br/><br/>Kenrou nodded and smiled, turning about to face her. "there..now, after you my lady."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/><i>Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen, QUEEN!</i><br/><br/><br/>Now even Crypt was calling her Queen. Groaning in frustration she took a deep breath, "that's not what I meant... I mean just call me Aliene. No Mistress, Mrs, Lady, Madam, M'Lady, Queen, Highness, or any other weird title you see fit to put in front of my name. Just no. My name is Aliene, always has been, always will be. No weird titles. Just. Call. Me. Aliene. Nothing else added to it. Please..." Yet she suspected she wasn't going to win this battle.<br/><br/><br/>With her weak upper body strength she nearly got dragged down with all the gold, struggling to hold it up. Duel coloured eyes wide she peeled open the bag, seeing thick, solid, gold coins all winking back up at her. If she thought she was in danger before, she was certainly going to get attacked with all of this gold on her person. She'd never had more than ten dollars on her in her life time, so god only knew how much she was holding now. Probably millions. "I-I can't take all of this! I just wanted enough to pay for the meat..." She didn't know how this worlds currency worked but she was pretty sure meat didn't cost all that gold. She took a small handful of coins and slipped them into her dress pocket. "Five gold coins should be enough right?" Handing Crypt back the sack of gold with shaking arms at the weight. "And I am not spending money that isn't mine to spend. Hopefully what I have should be enough for the meat." The gold was weighing down her dress.<br/><br/><br/>"Ok lets do this..." Pulling her hood up and over her head she was about to walk out when she remembered she was going to need the translation spell. After a couple more minutes of casting Crypt placed the translation spell on her, finally able to read the names and places on the map.<br/><br/><br/>Aliene hesitated with her hand resting on the handle, but a few deep breaths later and she finally stepped out the door.<br/><br/><br/>What greeted her was pure beauty. Grass greener than she'd ever seen was sprawled out before her like a red carpet with a simple stone path winding its way across. The sky was pure blue dotted with fluffy white clouds, iridescent birds flitted across the sky. It was like stepping into a painting. A little awe struck she took in the view with pleasure before continuing on her way.<br/><br/><br/>Walking to the end of the path had her standing on the edge of a sort of cliff, looking down upon the strangest, yet most vibrant trees she'd ever seen in full bloom. Pink flowers, blue flowers, green leaves, red leaves, black bark, rainbow bark. It was like an artist just threw colours on a canvas. The problem was how was she meant to get down.<br/><br/><br/>After a moment of searching she spotted a little path tucked away in the corner that wound down to the forest below. Blackwood sounded ominous for a forest so beautiful. A wind battering descent later and she was walking through Blackwood forest, getting showered in wind disturbed petals. "Now..." Opening the map up she made sure she was going the right way before tucking it back into her cloak.<br/><br/><br/>It turned out the walk into town was a lot further than she thought, but the trip was made up for it by the view. The town was bustling with people dressed in clothes she'd expect to see in history books, surrounded by buildings made of wood and stone. No bricks, metal, or glass for these guys. It was strange taking a walk through a very, very old asiatic town like she was taking a tour through time.<br/><br/><br/>The next problem was that she may have made it to town, but it was pretty big, so the next hurdle was trying to find the meat shop. Walking through town was interesting, seeing market sellers trying to flog their goods, dodging horse and carriages and people. The crowd was getting denser, getting bumped into more often. "S-Sorry." Trying to keep her head down as she searched for the shop. It took a little while but she finally spotted it, watching the sign above the shop morph into English. "The Meat Hook and Larder... interesting name." Making quick work of crossing the street before a horse bowled her over she entered the meat shop with a little ring of a bell.<br/><br/><br/>"Welcome, welcome! How may I help you madam?" Pulling back her hood with a little sigh of relief ofbeing back in the warmth, Aliene offered a shy smile. "I'm here to pick up Mr. King's order of meat...It was for five pounds of char sui?" She asked, looking around in interest.<br/><br/><br/>------------------------------------------------<br/><br/><br/>Kaori reappeared coughing and spluttering on the cloud of smoke that had engulfed her upon<br/><br/><br/>((From Valley of the Wisp))<br/><br/><br/>Her hackles were raised in sudden alarm, her instincts screaming danger as she unsheathed her short sword. She couldn't see anything, it was pitch black except for the faint glow of the circle beneath her feet that was dimming by the second. A summoning circle?<br/><br/><br/>What was going on?<br/><br/><br/>Power she could feel the life blood of magic thrumming through her. So she was back on her side of the valley. Why was she on her side of the valley?<br/><br/><br/>"Who is there?! What do you seek from me?!" She growled, raising her short sword as she smoothed blue flames over the metal to cover the blade. "Show yourself," ears straining to pick up any sound in the void she stood in. Something brushed her and she struck out.<br/><br/><br/>She sliced through something, catching black silken strands that were as thick as ribbons, watching as the fire covering her blade ate up the strands she'd cut, turning to ash in the pitch black space. She conjured a ball of blue fire in her other hand as Ai stood on her shoulder ready to defend. "Show yourself or so help me I will let my flames sate their hunger," she snarled, carefully trying to feel out her surroundings with her tails to see if there was a way out.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>The meat shop was certainly a throw back to a far simpler time. An attractive settlement made of ornately carved wood and stone, it was readily apparent that care went into the creation of the building itself, and that was from the outside.<br/><br/>The sweet and savory smell of meat could be savored far before the shop itself came into view.<br/><br/><br/>Huge cuts of cooked meat hung from hooks and spits by the entry way to the windowless store. a fat, whole roasted big lay hunkered down in a pool of sweet oils and juices, a roasted peach held in its almost smug looking mouth while roasted chickens, ducks and even what must have been a goose lay suspended on massive meat hooks.<br/><br/><br/>A curtain of smoke repelled any curious flies that may try to wander into the store, but seemed to do little to dissuade the hungry customers that entered the store...and there were quite a few.<br/><br/><br/>Kenrou did not seem even slightly out of place even dressed in his full oriental ensamble. Beings of all shapes and sizes shuffled past. A few gave him inquisitive looks, but fewer still dwelled on them as their eyes fell onto the six swords that were laced on either side of his belted form.<br/><br/>These same weapons helped to keep hungry eyes off of aleine as well, though it did little to dissuade the more curious ones.<br/><br/>Truly vanilla humans seemed to be the odd ones out in this place. Those with human features usually posessed a differing trait, such as the more fae like appearance of elves or the stout figure of a dwarf. Others that dwelled here could hardly be called human at all. take for example the owner of the meat shop himself.<br/><br/><br/>Appearing like a large human with a single prominent horn on his forehead, The blood red skinned man looked down at Aleine's form curiously upon her request, a thick black haired eyebrow raising up in surprise.<br/><br/>Lifting a hand to scratch at one of the thick tusks portruding from his lips he pondered for a moment before looking down at her again. "You...Your picking up for the king?" he inquired before lowering his hand to tap at the table, now eyeing up Kenrou with his copper gaze. "Wheres Shriek? That boy usually takes care of the king's packages....did I hear you right miss? I know my hearings gettin kinda old..."<br/><br/><br/>A loud guffaw came from nearby as the door to the kitchen opened wide, revealing the muscular and bristly figure of a large man with a boars head . "If that woman wants to take the king's orders, aint none of our buisness!" he spoke out as he crossed the floor over to the side. There the boar headed man tossed a heavy looking butchers knife into a bucket, then grabbed a fresh one from a nearby hook and examined it. "As long as she pays there aint gonna be any trouble...noone here in thier right mind takes from the king...unless thier a masochist that is...Or that naga girl." Turning to face her the boar man studied her for a bit, his pig snout wiggling slightly as he dissected her scent from the plethera of smells in the room. "The king has a thing for the snake folk...all about bellies he is. I swear, she could get away with murder if she did one of those belly dances for him! thats why I warn all those fae boys here to stay away from the snake girls.... girls in general really." Lifting the cleaver the butcher gave Aleine a playful grin and squeezed an eye shut as he moved the blade in a scolding manner towards her. "I always tell em' the same thing...Girls are pretty on the outside, but they all look the same on the inside!"<br/><br/>The boar's laughter filled the room as he lumbered back into the back room, leaving the nearby dining area filled with snickers at her expense.<br/><br/><br/>The Oni man let out a sigh and turned to look at Aleine, then rubbed the back of his neck. "Aye...alright then. You got the money? the food'll be out in a bit."<br/><br/>Kenrou was quick to speak and step forth, the bag of money Aleine had return to crypt somehow in his hands! "Yes, I shall pay on my ladies behalf." Placing a few gold coins in his hand, he then cleared his throat and motioned to the menu listed above the oni. "And we shall take a duck mushoom udon bowl each." he stated before stepping back with an almost eagre gait, leaving behind a single gold coin for them both before the samurai took a seat and looked to her with those glowing blue eyes. "Now...my empress, what do you think of the town? Is it to your liking?" he inquired curiously.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>-----------------------------------------------------<br/><br/>Silence met her requests for an answer, and not a sound filled the pitch black room. yet the unerving feeling of being watched persisted...yet this was not merely as if someone was watching her, but actively stalking her...it was as if she was a mouse that had wandered into the nest of a snake...<br/><br/>The shadows would continue to persist throughout the room, and her earlier threat remained unanswered. unbeknown to her, eight massive legs made of smooth obsidian uncurled from above her, and soundlessly touched down on either side of her, the width of which still put the legs out of her reach if she was to reach out for them.<br/><br/>Suddenly the flames on her form and blade went out, blown out by a warm breeze that smelled faintly of mint. a breath later and a purple flame reappeared along the length of her blade where her original flame had been, illuminating the space before her in a purple glow...and revealing the upside-down face of the southern guardian in his monsterous form!<br/><br/>His eyes were a pair of obsidian orbs, dark as night with a single glowing purple pupil in each of the centers, and a circlet of amethyst gems lay curled across his massive brow. The Guardian dwarfed her by far, his upper body bending over to see her in such an alarming manner...yet it was nowhere as alarming as when he grinned at her, showing her rows of sharp white teeth. "Boo." He whispered, then let out another mint scented breath and blowing out the purple flame on her blade, casting her back into the all consuming darkness.<br/><br/><br/>Laughter filled the shadows as the weapon in her hands was harshly wrenched from her grasp, then a sensation only ai would have known surrounded kaori as she was scooped up in the guardian's hand! The sensation of silk on flesh invaded both ai and kaori's senses as they both were quickly restrained! the odd black silk suddenly having a nullifying affect on both their magics...especially ai's, the light surrounding her figure snuffing out as it was swallowed by the shadowy fabric.<br/><br/>Only when the two could barely move did the light return in the form of a floating ball of purple flame! the light enough to reveal kaori's position.<br/><br/><br/>The woman was suspended from the hidden cieling, black silk wrapping around her figure in a more than slightly embarrassing way. A latticework of threads was squeezing and restraining her form, her feminine assets far more pronounced as the rest of her was held back in the complex display of bondage. A single black thread lay wrapped over her mouth, muffling her as well...Even her tails could do little more than twitch against the strong black silks that bound them.<br/><br/>Her clothes had been all but completely removed, her hidden knife confiscated along with her boots as she was left there, clothed in only her underwear and the silk that bound her in a gesture of force designed both to humiliate and humble her.<br/><br/><br/>Then, more of the floating purple orbs began to illuminate her surroundings...and slowly the elegant structures of a throne room began to become visible. Black marble melded with veins of gold filled the room around her while a single brilliant red carpet lead up to the figure of the midnight king as he lounged upon his detailed black gold throne. Fortunately for kaori, the southern guardian had chosen to return to his human form, dressed in a fresh looking black suit with matching leather shoes...The cold reminder of his monstrous form reflected by the throne he lounged on, which was sculpted to look like a massive black spider rearing up in an aggressive stance.<br/><br/><br/>Kaori's position in of itself was a dark one for certain, but it was nowhere near as grim as Ai's. The fae would find herself wrapped up in much the same way kaori had, though unlike kaori, she was suspended up to her chest in the ruby liquid that filled the elegant glass held gently in the midnight king's left hand!<br/><br/>Absentmindedly the midnight king moved his glass in a small circle, causing the liquid within to swirl and splash over Ai's nearly nude form. The king then smirked and tipped the glass, taking a small sip from the expensive wine that surrounded Ai before turning his attention to the beast folk that lay suspended a few feet away. "Now...isnt this an exquisite treat?" he purred out, tapping the glass by Ai's face before smirking again and motioning to kaori. "not just the wine...but you as well. A fox kin beastfolk...Kitsune by the hue of those exquisite tails of yours? Splendid...truly splendid."<br/><br/>Reaching up with a gloved hand, he invaded kaori's personal space, running his smooth fingers through her luxerious fur. "8 tails....my, you have been through much haven't you? few of your kind make it to two...It is my understanding that the western guardian in particular has quite the appetite for your breed? Quite a shame really...you are quite beautiful." he clicked his tongue then lowered his hand to her upturned feet, tapping the center of her soles thoughtfully for a moment as he hummed, his off hand gently moving the glass with Ai in it once again.<br/><br/><br/>"Im afraid you have caught me unprepared my dear...You see, I was expecting some kind of dark sorcerer or a evil fae of sorts to steal away one of my servants...I had selected quite the wine pairing as well and It would of been a most pleasant dinner. So I must confess I did not prepare properly for your company. Perhaps I can interest you in some of the wine? Its quite good really...A local brand. Here, Ill let you look at the bottle yourself, see if its something you might like."<br/><br/>A final tap to her foot and he lifted his hands, snapping his fingers once before lowering his hand back to his throne and taking another sip from Ai's glass.<br/><br/>Immediately more of those purple lights flickered into view, passing close by Ai as they carried with them the quarter empty bottle over to kaori...and revealing a final horror to them both.<br/><br/><br/>The small purple lights were no mere magic animation, but the remains of fae. Small skeletal figures with faded wings eminated the soft purple light. Evil fae and sorcerers of both genders in life, they had met a horrific end in the persuit of power not given to them at birth. How many had been in the positions that both ai and kaori found themselves in now? The small figures approached kaori's features, and ghostly fingers pulled the silk free from her mouth.<br/><br/><br/>Licking his lips the midnight king offered Kaori a smile, seeming to not even register Ai as any different from an olive garnishment for a glass of tequila...possibly with the same fate in mind for her. "Now...I imagine I dont need an introduction...I imagine Belnair....well...valencar...warned you as much before you did what you did. But if I may be so bold...who are you and why did you enchant my servant? You are no witch as far as I could see...so what is your reasoning behind all this?"<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Aliene grew worried when the friendly human looking person behind the counter seemed to grow nervous and pale before disappearing out back, like she'd asked if she could carve out his heart and liver to take home fresh.<br/><br/><br/>That was when the far more demonic looking owner of the shop came out, towering over her as if he was contemplating eating her, not making double sure she was indeed picking up what Mr. King had asked for. "Y-Yes..." she said quietly, nervously, trying not to keep eye contact, like looking at him would anger him. Were there any normal humans around this realm? "I-I don't know, I was just asked to p-pick up for Mr. King..." the translation spell doing wonders in helping her understand them as they spoke. She was sure back home someone would have marketed a spell like this for millions.<br/><br/><br/>A talking boar. The boar is talking to me. An animal is talking to me. It was hard not to feel like she was quickly losing her sanity. After all this could all be in her head to get away from her terrible reality. Yet the smells, the touch, the pain, the sounds were far too real, far too tangible and far too out there for her imagination to conjure up, flinching when the butchers knife hit the wooden bucket. Calm, breath, keep calm. Kenrou was with her, again towering over her and looking far more deadly as a human than in his sweet winged state. He truly reminded her of a samurai out of a history book or those old fashioned movies from his side on profile. In fact he looked quite regal, cold and ruthless. Which was probably why people were giving him a wide birth. People, creatures was more appropriate. Even the humans here looked strange to her.<br/><br/><br/>"I-I have money I promise, one-one moment..." she began fumbling with her cloak, nerves and fear getting to her to the point she couldn't coordinate her fingers and clothing properly to get the coins from her dress pocket. Caught unawares she leant back when the boar leaned over and started sniffing at her, paling under his scrutinising nose wondering just what he was sniffing for. But that wasn't even the cherry on top of her fears, no the thick knife he waved at her had her sweating and feeling nauseous. Was he threatening to gut her? She couldn't see the humour in the boars words, but either way she was glad when he left.<br/><br/><br/>"T-Thank you..." About to reach for her pocket when Kanrou pulled the sack of gold from his garments. "Kanrou!" she hissed, quick to push his hand down in an attempt to hide the money. "How did you-" she smiled nervously at the red horned guy and followed after Kanrou when he went to grab a table. Taking a seat across from him she leant forward and whispered, "why have you got that! I left that back at-" looking around, "you need to keep that hidden. It's dangerous to be carrying around that much money," she told him with a heavy sigh.<br/><br/><br/>It was obvious she hadn't won the battle. "Just Aliene, it's still just Aliene..." she mumbled, knowing it was probably falling on deaf ears. "Well..." she took a moment to take in her surroundings. "It's certainly very different to back home." From what she could tell all the more human looking people lived on the outskirts of the town, whilst the closer you got to the centre more creatures resided. "At least the air is fresher here, back home in towns the air would be clogged up with exhaust fumes and smog from cars. People seem happier here, more relaxed, not like home where people are glued to their phones rushing to get places. It'll take some getting used to but it's interesting..."<br/><br/><br/>"Th-Thank you.." she told the red horned guy as he plopped the udon down before them. For some reason she was expecting it to be some strange colour, with strange ingredients, but the food looked rather normal, like something one would get from a Japanese restaurant back home. If you could afford it that is. "I didn't think about how we are going to get the meat back home...I forgot to ask Crypt for a bag of some sort..." she murmured to herself, picking up the chop sticks given to eat the udon with. Unsnapping them she struggled to grab the food with the sticks, having never used chop sticks before. "How do you eat with these?" Trying to copy Kanrou.<br/><br/><br/>...............................................................................................................................<br/><br/><br/>Kaori knew something or someone was nearby, waiting, waiting for what she was not sure. Either way it was not going to be a good outcome, either for her or for her invisible companion was to be seen. It was a waiting game to see who struck first, the first strike was crucial.<br/><br/><br/>They were suddenly plunged into darkness, sensing the breeze. To her surprise her flame came back purple to reveal rows of needle sharp teeth grinning back at her. Cursing her walking stick hit the floor in shock. "Southern Guardian!" she breathed, getting plunged back into darkness, lashing out too late as her weapon was yanked from her. It explained the overflow of power she could feel pressing against her.<br/><br/><br/>It all happened so fast. "Ai!" The ground left her feet, struggling in his grip, claws slashing at nothing but air. Kaori cried out in pain as the silk strands wrapped around her bad leg, tightening unbelievably so just like the rest of her body until she was gagged. Disarmed and hog tied in seconds so that she couldn't move an inch, even her tails were restrained. Her eyes were quick to adjust to the light, realising she was dangling within touching distance of the southern guardian. Again. How was it she'd managed to end up dangling from a trap once again? "Mmm!!" Spotting Ai.<br/><br/><br/>Ai was cocooned in black silk, correction black webbing, similarly gagged, trying to keep herself afloat in the heady wine that looked more like the colour of blood than wine. To Ai when the midnight king swirled his glass was like a whirlpool to the poor fae, wine spinning and shoving against her, making it hard to keep her nose above the line of wine. That was until the glass was suddenly tipped. Ai went under, her little blonde head disappearing for a second before popping back up, jerking, coughing spluttering as best she could around the silk.<br/><br/><br/>Kaori stiffened when the midnight king ran his hands over her tails, expecting pain to come, expecting something, but nothing came except compliments. Neither Kaori nor Ai cared about their half naked states in that moment, too concerned about surviving whatever hell the southern guardian decided to put them through.<br/><br/><br/>What was he talking about? Stealing servants? She hadn't stolen anything of his.<br/><br/><br/>Ai struggled as she went under again, unable to swim to the surface, forced to wait until he set his glass back down. The wine was stinging her eyes and getting up her nose, making it hard to see and breath. But she could see just enough to make out the figures floating by.<br/><br/><br/>Dead fae, it was sickening to watch as they got closer. The dead should remain dead to feed life into the next generation. This was just cruel, so gods only knew what these fae had done to earn such a fate. Growling at the skeletal fae she moved her aching jaw as the silk was removed. "You are killing her, let her go. She is drowning, please." It was true fae didn't do well with alcohol, it affected their systems differently to other species and not in a good way. Ai was struggling just to remain upright in the wine, drooping.<br/><br/><br/>Kaori shook her head. "So you are the guardian that cursed him, that took away his soul and turned him into that thing, that monster just like these fae?" She questioned. "If you had witnessed the crime he committed... I put fire in his blood to stop him. A leash if you will, so if he tries to kill again like he did last time he will burn up. Not that it will kill him but it will certainly stop him. He will be in too much pain, unless I release the fire and give him permission to kill. He nearly killed innocents with that cursed hammer of his. He caved in a cabin without thought or care, putting their lives in danger had it not been for myself and Ai shielding them in time. He would not listen to anyone, even Echo who is an ally of his. He nearly got staked through the heart because he caved in half the cabin, had I not kicked him out of the way. I did not know he could not die at the time. I was knocked out as the cabin collapsed, in which time he proceeded to overkill the poachers that were attacking us... pulling out spines and..."<br/><br/><br/>She glared at the guardian. "He does not care about or fear death which makes him a liability to those he says he is protecting, he actively seeks out blood when armed. It is only a matter of time before he starts killing those dear to him because he cannot tell the difference between friend and foe. There is something wrong with him and it is only a matter of time before he does something he cannot take back. He may act human, but it is just an act. He does not feel and cannot understand what is right in front of him. That is why I leash him, that is why I put fire in his veins, to stop him from committing an irreversible massacre the next time. He needs his soul back because otherwise he is worse than a human, worse than a rogue, worse than a monster. This is nothing to do with war, this is everything to do with fear, cowardice and the craving of a power he cannot have should his soul be returned. The curse you placed on him is rotting him from the inside out, I can smell it, and before long you will no longer have a servant but an enemy you created."<br/><br/><br/>Kaori growled and gave a little thrash before she suddenly disappeared from her binds.<br/><br/><br/>A white eight tailed fox landed on the red carpet before she shifted back to her more human form, cursing at the pain that was slicing up her leg, her wound oozing a little. "I am not trying to steal him," she grit out, taking a wobbly stand. Using her tails she limped over to the guardian, leaning in. "You are welcome to your soulless puppet," snatching Ai from his wine glass and taking a step back.<br/><br/><br/>Ai laid in her hand drenched in red wine, looking close to unconsciousness. With the slice of a claw Ai was released from her bindings, the poor fae coughing up a good mouthful of wine, hair stained red as she struggled to sit up. "But..." Kaori said, looking up at the guardian. "As long as he is without a soul and continues to commit such atrocities that make him no better than those he is killing, those he deems worthy of death, then I will be keeping a leash on him. You do not like it, then return his soul and take back your power. My intention was never to steal him from you or anger you. My intention was to protect those innocents from his wrath. They do not deserve to be collateral damage because of his curse, you're curse."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Kenrou raised a fair eyebrow at her inquiry, his other hand politely placed in his lap while the other held the two wooden utensils, ready to begin eating after her. "Oh? Chop sticks?" He inquired before frowning slightly and leaning forewards, placing the utensils down as he guided her hands. "You hold them like this, fair maiden." He gently took her hand in his own, his smooth fingers a ghost of warmth over her skin as he helped her, touching her as if he was trying to teach a flower how to eat with these tools and not her. "It will take a bit of practice, but if you have others your more familiar with ill be sure to bring them...in the meantime..." He smiled slightly as he pinched a piece of sweet green onion between the two chopsticks and delicately popping them past her soft lips. "If you so wish, I can feed you. It would be a pleasure to serve you." He pipes uo in eased tones, already prodding around her bowl for another grab. "As for the bags, worry not. I am certain thise can be procured...as for yourself, you will need to expand your wardrobe into more...proper attire befitting one in your social class. That is the main reason I retained the rest of our funds...following that, A stop at the local apothecary if you would wish it...for exotic spices and scents. Lastly is a request from the king himself, as he wanted to me to bring high quality soil for your room servant."<br/><br/><br/>-----------------------<br/><br/><br/>Laughter filled the halls as the midnight king leaned his head back slightly, eyes closed in mirth as he let the sound persist for some time. When he had finished the laughter had died down to snickers, and he raised his hand and motioned to her. "It was with the best intentions that valencar created himself...and the legend among your kind that followed." Lifting his glass to his lips again he eyed ai before swallowing and letting out a sigh. "What a cliche motivator love is...yet no less potent than her elder sister, wrath." Lowering it he turned his gaze back to her. "What would you do If I offered you the ability and chance to kill the western guardian?" He inquired in amused tones as he leaned down on his left hand, supporting his chin with the back of his hand. "The chance to hunt down the beast who made it his personal goal to hunt down and consume the fox born...the sages of your people. Your own brother as I understand it met his fate in the belly of the guardian, did he not? I recall the guardian looking quite smug that day in particular...not counting the bragging that came in the weeks to follow." He sighed slightly and shook his head, then looked back to her with that mysterious smile of his. "Now...back to the question at hand. Would you take it, regardless of price? I suppose that would depend on your love for your brother...are you prepared to declare your brother's love not worth sacrifice? and if not, what would you offer?" He inquired as he shifted back into a more casual position, a sigh falling from his lips. "Everything. That was Valencar's price...though, the man he used to be is a stark contrast to what he has become. A young man, born human and raised by beastfolk...for what other race would look down upon the crying and doomed offspring of the destroyers and see a chance at redemption? He lacked the natural abilities and magic of his adoptive families, but that does not change the fact he still loved them." tapping the throne thoughtfully he cleared his throat. "and there it is again...that cursed word. Possibly the most wretched of all emotions. Yes, as valencar grew so did his love for his people...his family...and eventually, for another...One who possibly was the last creature to ever deserve such an emotion."<br/><br/><br/>Snapping his fingers, the sound echoed through the hall and the purple wisps flared all the brighter! A purple flame appeared above the midnight king's hand, and in it the form of a woman rose from the fire, her form black as the night sky.<br/><br/>"Adam met eve...Though eve was no divine creation...nay, she was as you are...yet damned by her choices in life. Five of her nine tails she had earned, though not by ascension or labor, but through the consumption of life itself."<br/><br/>The black flame smirked cruelly and struck a provocative pose, five tails of dark flame fanned out behind her as she stepped out from above the midnight king's hand, a pair of glowing rubies forming her eyes as she stepped over to koari, growing to her size as she stalked the fellow fox kin, circling her.<br/><br/><br/>"A kyuubi...She had lured in and devoured countless others. Her trickery and guile was unmatched. Yet Valencar would not offer her an easy meal...in fact, he spent much of his time thwarting her attempts to gain more tails. Many times she got close...oh so very close...but she never got more than a bite."<br/><br/>Motioning to the fire he continued. "Eventually irritation led to anger and anger to rage...then rage to obsession. Obsession over the human that had managed to become the only thing in the world she seemed unable to reach...and in time, he began to see glimpses of her that they had both thought were long dead...and then he too became obsessed...obsessed with the being she had been before the darkness."<br/><br/><br/>The flame fox then shifted and split, creating a tall and well built man of red fire. The two turned to one another, then reached out carefully and held each others hands, staring at one another. "She would get her prize...The man that had always remained out of her reach. and he would gain his, The woman caged in shadows of her own make. The mark was hers to make, and she claimed him in a traditonal beastfolk wedding that none of the clans expected."<br/><br/><br/>The fire people embraced and held each other close after the guardian's words, and both the dark flames from her and the red flames from him invaded one another's from from the kiss. The dark flames covered the red and formed tattoo's and markings on the masculine form of a younger valencar, while the red flames entered the body of the black flame woman, then swirled into a glowing orb of flame in her stomach, which grew to accomodate the fire ball as it slowly seperated into five other glowing flames within her.<br/><br/>"Thier stories should have ended there...but the sister of love is always close by her younger sibling...and she covets her creations. Yes, it was a product wrath that lead to the destruction of what should have been a happy and deserved ending. Men came from the west, humans drunk on a desire for land, gold and glory. There was no warning, a specific breed of human warriors had been trained to hunt beast folk...there was nothing that could be done. The invaders came upon valencar's village like a wave upon ocean sand...and like the ocean sand, the ocean left little more than a trace of what had been."<br/><br/><br/>The red flame that had been valencar was suddenly torn from his wifes embrace and cast roughly to the ground by a pair of sturdy human warriors made of purple flame! The pregnant form of the kyuubi woman was quick to try and help him, but the form of a cloaked man with a long sword of white flame stepped in behind her. Taking the sword in two hands the figure swung the blade! A crackling scream erupted from the black flame woman as the sword passed through her form and the forms of the two other men, causing all but valencar's figure and her decapitated head to vanish.<br/><br/><br/>Valencar's fire form reached out in vain for something that could not be seen, then crawled over to the severed head and lifted it carefully from the floor, then held it close to himself as he began to weep soundlessly. It was then that the midnight king spoke again.<br/><br/>"The humans had left him alive, but crippled. They had thought it was an act of valor for them, freeing the fellow human that was surely kidnapped at a young age, then certainly raised as some form of slave! They had thought valencar's mind had been broken, and so to stop him from harming himself or them they cut off his hands...he could no longer properly hold a tool, let alone a sword. These men stole not only his life, but any chance he had at rebuilding one, let alone to seek vengeance. Cauterized by flame, not even death would help him escape the hell his words had become."<br/><br/><br/>Suddenly the representation of the midnight king appeared next to valencar's form, his form covered in a cloak of vibrant purple, red and black flames. Appearing to study valencar's weeping form for a moment, he reached out and offered the fallen man a gloved hand.<br/><br/>"I had heard of the razing of the village in my lands...so naturally I went to investigate, and naturally punish the destroyers of the peace. It was in the ashes of his former home that I found valencar...or what had been left of him...and it was on that spot that I offered him a deal...To give him a chance to avenge all that had been lost, and I named no price...no, It was he who told me he would offer anything and everything...and so that is what I took."<br/><br/><br/>The flame that was valencar looked up at the flame that represented the Midnight king. There was a moments pause before valencar reached up and took the offered hand, causing the head of the woman to roll from his lap and over to stop by kaori's leg.<br/><br/>Immediately afterwards the flames of the midnight king all swirled together, surrounding valencar's form and causing it to swell into the massive form Koari knew so well, that huge hammer held tightly in both hands as valencar emerged, now made of black flame.<br/><br/><br/>"It is this story that your side of the valley knows best...the tale of the black hammer. It was said that the bear beastfolk was a spirit of retribution, Vengeance for the beast folk given form...and who am I to disagree? He was no longer human for certain...And I did give him the beastkin form that best suited him. So in a way, that part of the rumor is true...but it was the carnage that followed that cannot be disputed...Hundreds if not thousands fell before my cursed creation...From the most crooked of thieves to the most valiant knight. All who stood before him in combat fell...and I beleive you know that none of it was a fair fight."<br/><br/><br/>The flame raised the hammer and began to swing it about in the low, heavy sweeps she had seen earlier in the day. Small flames rose and scattered in valencar's wake, armed men charged in mass, but thier swords of red or purple flame never fell past the black flames of valencars form.<br/><br/>"Humans had hunted beastkin similar to how they had hunted rabbits...but valencar hunted humans with all the care of a hungry bear coming across a baby deer. They were slaughtered, crushed to the dirt and mangled in ways you cannot imagine. His rage was an all consuming fire that did not lessen till every human village in the western and southern valleys had been destroyed as his had...then, as quickly as he appeared to the beast folk he left...and to my surprise created what he protects now."<br/><br/><br/>The fires vanished, all but the figure of the woman's head by kaori's ankle. "So...ends my tale. Love is a curse, Kaori...one that has afflicted far too many throughout time...now, as for you...I will admit I am rather displeased that you added a...leesh...onto my creation. but then again, I do not know why I should feel so spiteful...Ive no use for him any more." nodding he motioned to her, and once again the silken bonds snared her figure! wrapping around her, though this time it was tight to the point even if she shifted she would remain entrapped.<br/><br/><br/>Rising up from his throne with a dark smirk the midnight king leaned towards her figure. "You wish to ensure he does not become what he wished to be? Very well...but a leesh of flame will hardly cause him to submit. so, I will make a trade with you."<br/><br/>Stepping over to her figure, he tilted up her chin, forcing her to look into his now blazing purple eyes. "...And concidering you stole from me, you should concider it lucky I dont simply kill you...however, I feel that you could give me far more entertainment elsewhere..."<br/><br/><br/>The severed head of the woman suddenly opened its eyes and rolled onto kaori's foot! opening a mouth full of firey fangs, it sank its teeth into her injured leg!<br/><br/>A loud hissing sound filled the air as a coating of shadow began to crawl up her leg from the bite mark. Black as ink, it steadily made its way over her flesh, her tails darkening to a midnight black as the darkness flowed over her figure.<br/><br/>Her leg injury, long since the bane of her existance let out a sickening sizzling sound as the dark energies warped her flesh, sealing her wound and healing her with corrupting energies.<br/><br/>"Kaori...I give you control of valencar. Though he may try and resist, you will have the final say...the true leash of the beast. I also heal your leg, letting you walk without a limp and move with the grace you once posessed...but I do not come to give you just gifts, no...These blessings come with thier own price and curses."<br/><br/>Lifted his fingers to her lips, he made a soft beckoning motion, and a sharp pain flashed in the core of Kaori's body! an orb of blue flame rose from her lips, floating over to The midnightking's gloved hand.<br/><br/><br/>Immediately, inky black and red flame began to fall from her lips, as if blood flowing from a mortal wound. The black stain to her flesh vanished, seeping into her pores like ink as they took with them any imperfections, the darkness seeming to concentrate on her nails, tails and hair as they stained them a vibrant shade of black.<br/><br/>"And...I will take from you the Light. Like the woman he had loved before, you will be as if you had chosen the path of shadows. Be wary, Kaori...for your animalistic instincts to hunt and kill with be 8 fold what they once were, a step for each of the tails you took so much pride with." Sitting back down on his throne, he grinned as he placed the blue flame in a small box, turning his back to her for a moment as he let her recover from the taint that now filled her entire being. "Oh...and do be careful...There has yet to ever be a 9 tailed kyuubi before...and had valencar not taken the five tail's heart, I would have killed her once she reached six. You would become a demon with power unlike any that has walked the earth before...so do be careful, and remember the fae on your shoulder is a friend...not a snack. now...say hello to valencar for me, will you?" he teased her, then snapped his fingers! her figure vanishing from the room and reappearing where she had been before the summons.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Aliene watched how Kanrou moved her fingers into a different position to best hold the chopsticks, but the hold felt alien to her, so used to a knife and fork. With some concentration she tried moving the chopsticks in her hand, opening and closing them but losing her grip a couple of times. She was beginning to admire anyone who had mastered the art of eating with sticks, it was a lot harder than it looked. "No it's fine, I'll get it..." blushing in embarrassment when Kanrou snuck a piece of food into her mouth like he was feeding a child, earning a few snickers from those around them who were watching. She was not a child, despite his best intentions. Shaking her head she said, "N-No its fine thanks, I'll get the hang of it don't worry."<br/><br/><br/>A few tries later and she had finally managed to capture a couple of noodle strands, even a mushroom which had nearly slipped from her chopsticks. Even though it was only small mouthfuls it was still a success in her eyes. "Hmm?" Caught with noodles in her mouth. A delicate slurp later she licked her lips of soup. "What's wrong with my clothes? These are pretty normal for me, well... I don't normally wear dresses, but I don't have any clothes besides the one Crypt gives me. I'm sorry I didn't exactly get the chance to bring my own clothes whilst getting knocked out and kidnapped...besides I don't need any, I've got the dress I'm wearing and the jeans and turtleneck jumper I had before, that's enough..." she told him with a shrug. Having so little was normal for her. She'd had less before. In one foster home she'd worn the same jeans, top and hoodie for weeks until she'd had to patch the holes up.<br/><br/><br/>"Why would we go to a medicine shop for spices and scents? And what new room servant? I don't need one. No more servants, I can do things for myself, I've been doing it all my life. I'm not a child..." she grumbled. "Besides why would you need soil for a servant anyway? Surely they should get a bed and food like anyone else-"<br/><br/><br/>The paper and string wrapped meat was plopped down on the table between them with a thud, making their bowls jump at the weight. "Thank you.." eyeing the meat with wide eyes. She'd never seen so much meat before in her life, nor was she going to be able to carry it. It was huge. "We are definitely going to need a bag..." she said, finishing what udon she could. She hadn't realised how hungry she was after her earlier ordeal, but was glad Kanrou had ordered it. "We better head back now that we have the meat," she said, getting up. "If you grab one end I can grab the other and we should be able to carry it back."<br/><br/><br/>...........................................................................................................<br/><br/><br/>Kaori snarled at the mention of the western guardian and horror her brother went through. "Do not speak of my brother, guardian, like his death was but some trifle amusement, do not belittle his sacrifice!" She snapped, uncaring who he was or what power he possessed. Status and power gave no one the right to take the life of another without question. "I would rather take him down with my own bare hands, my own power, so that he may know whom holds his life in their hands, that he may know fear from those lesser beings he so enjoys to swallow," she growled, her blood boiling. "No deal is worth the satisfaction of hard work and patience."<br/><br/><br/>The bite marks she'd seen, it certainly explained who he'd gotten them from. "Kyuubi!" She hissed at the shadow fox-kin who got too close. A fallen kitsune, one who had gone rogue, tasted blood, tasted life, corrupting their magic in the process, their very being, poisoning their mind. Very dangerous. But she watched, was made to watch the tale play out before her, seeing a Valencar she had never seen, a Valencar she knew was trapped, dying beneath the weight of his curse. It explained why he had momentary lapses and looked at her with a strange hollow tenderness.<br/><br/><br/>The story was a painful one to watch, but she had no choice, watching as humans yet again devoured life for their own gains. They were worse than rogues. "Imbecile..." Shaking her head as Valencar placed his arm in the midnight kings hand. A frown warped her features at the life he stupidly gave up without a thought, becoming the Valencar she recognised now, the muscle headed imbecile who held no emotions.<br/><br/><br/>Gritting her teeth she watched as Valencar created more and more blood shed and carnage, showing her the truth behind the stories and myths that she had so innocently devoured with her big brother, revering him as a sort of hero, a legend. Now she knew that the beast-kin she looked up to was no better than a rogue, than the very humans who had taken from him, he'd become the very monster who had taken everything from him and he couldn't even see it.<br/><br/><br/>So what had changed that he created the village he now protects, a village filled with mostly humans and with only three beast folk, two fae and a magic wielding human. Why would he create such a village, why protect those humans instead of killing them, what was so different, especially after they had tried to attack her and sacrifice Ai.<br/><br/><br/>"I keep telling you, you are welcome to have him back, if you have no use for him then just return his soul and I will remove my leash- Argh!" The silk strands bit deep into her skin to the point she was bleeding, struggling to keep Ai close to her. Unsheathing her claws she caged Ai in the palm of her hand, protecting her should the guardian try anything again. "I do not want your trade. I have not stolen from you! He is still your puppet, I am just trying to prevent him from killing innocents!" She struggled and stained against her restraints, feeling his power building, dangerous power. "Or seeing as you have control over him, then you can do us all a favour and stop him from killing without care, without mercy, without thought!" Not dropping her gaze from his, she would not cower, would not take his threats.<br/><br/><br/>Kaori screamed and her flesh burned, feeling like acid was crawling up her veins, really thrashing in her binds now, drawing more blood.<br/><br/><br/>"Kaori!" Ai rasped, clutching at her nails, begging Kaori to release her so she could help her. "Stop it! Stop it, you are killing her!"<br/><br/><br/>Her skin a web of black veins, her canines elongating, the pain of her bones shifting and knitting was making her howl, her heart racing. "S-Stop! I ... do not want-!" Her body jerked as what felt like her soul was being ripped in half. Her eyes glazed over as she watched helplessly as her lifes fire was taken from her.<br/><br/><br/>She was vaguely aware of Ai begging him to give back the flame, to remove the taint, the curse.<br/><br/><br/>"Ai..." She gurgled up flame and blood as the corruption drove into her very being, arching into another bone chilling scream as the corruption latched on, took hold and made a home for itself in her heavily wounded soul. Then she suddenly went limp in her bindings, huffing and puffing but the gaze that pinned Ai was stained red not the pure amber she knew. "Oh Kaori..." Ai whispered in sorrow.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Clicking his tongue once in disapproval kenrou reached over and placed a hand on the bagged meat, then drew it close to him as he shook his head. "No. Its freshly cooked, and if need be ill put it on ice. Furthermore, I shall carry it." Nodding he patted it fondly before turning back to her. "As for your earlier inquiries, your current aftire makes you stand out, and the spice shop sells more than just spices...the owner of the shop as I recall is employed by the king and sells more than just spices, though that is what she is best known for here." He motioned about him before continuing. "Potions, poisons and more importantly for us...perfu.es. do not take offence, as I am not insinuating you smell...but unfortunately you do have a scent, and I imagine it is rather attractive. To avoid dangerous encounters you will need to become more aware of yourself...as even a drop of your sweat for some is a brightly lit trail. Better you cover your natural scent, however faint." He nodded and tapped his nose before motioning to her bowl. "The king has many allies, but you have many more enemies.be glad that his current play of hand has them caught unprepared...though this will not last. You will need to learn to defend yourself and make allies wherever you can...but most important of all.." he began, lifting up his chopsticks and poking her bowl before offering her a smile. "You must embrace yourself. All of lifes moments have a balance...the good and the bad. Your life may have been hard till now, but soon your luck will turn now, how do you like the food? And is there perhaps a shop you would like to go to?" He inquired.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Aliene bit at her bottom lip, looking around surreptitiously at the attire people in the meat shop were wearing. She hadn't noticed before but now that Kanrou pointed it out he had a point. Everyone in the meat shop was wearing old fashioned clothing, so old fashioned she wasn't even sure what kind of time era. 1700's? 1800's? Earlier? The men were all wearing a more casual, everyday version of what Kanrou was wearing and the females, at least the species she could tell were females were wearing wraps or dresses, she wasn't sure, it kind of reminded her of what the Asian females in history books back home wore. It wasnt a dress but it wasn't a pant suit either.<br/><br/><br/>And yet here she was dressed in tights, a dress and flats that probably no one around here had even seen before. Great, she stuck out like a sore thumb despite her cloak. "I-I do...?" She looked around and took a sniff of her own arm, unable to smell anything weird coming off of her. But then she wasn't a fae or a talking boar with weird senses of smell.<br/><br/><br/>With a sigh she supposed Kanrou was right, even if she didn't like it. "Fine..." she grumbled. "We can go get some new clothes, just so that I fit in and look normal, only what I need. Nothing more... ok... and then we can go to the medicine shop and see if this lady has a potion or anything that can hide my scent." She didn't like the idea of going shopping but if it saved her from getting attacked then so be it.<br/><br/><br/>"Oh the food was good, I just can't eat anymore, it was a pretty big bowl," she pushed the bowl towards him. "You can finish the rest of mine off if you are still hungry," she offered. "But I can't think of anywhere I'd want to go, besides the quicker we can get what we need and leave the happier I'll be." She hated feeling like every look, every person, every shadow was something waiting to attack her.<br/><br/><br/>Once the food was gone it was time to go shopping.<br/><br/><br/>Walking through the town, she looked at the people with fresh eyes, realising that everyone was a creature or animal of some sort, even the humans she had thought were humans weren't human here. It made her wonder just what kind of realm she was trapped in. Yet it was weird because everyone seemed to act just like any other human back home, selling goods, couples walking down the street, children playing. Very strange, but sort of enchanting and scary at the same time.<br/><br/><br/>Finally she spotted a clothing store and went over, spying all the colourful cloth, ribbons, buttons, charms, shoes. "Welcome, welcome!" A women's with rabbit ears said, making Aliene want to pet her. "Hello..." she said, giving the women a nervous smile. "I'm looking to get an outfit, but I don't know what to get, would you be able to help me?" She enquiried. "Yes, yes of course!" The rabbit clicked her fingers and little fae came flying out of nowhere, all ushering her into the changing room. "Wait....I..." Aliene looked back at Kanrou for help as they took her away to be measured and dressed.<br/><br/><br/>The first outfit was a kimono. She'd been spun everywhich way as they'd wrapped her up in what seemed like endless swaths of red and gold cloth. When she'd come out to get Kanrou's approval she'd hardly been able to move, her sleeves so long they dragged on the floor. "I think I prefer my old clothes..." she grumbled, uncaring if she stuck out like a sore thumb if it meant she could walk and breath properly.<br/><br/><br/>A few more dresses and more casual kimono's later and she'd finally managed to select three outfits that were easy enough to move in and breath in, but still looked pretty.<br/><br/><br/>"Thank god that is over..." she said once they were out the store. "Now where is this medicine shop.."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 18px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0080ff">PAGE 3</span></span><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Pleased by her decision, Kenrou rose up along with her, leaving behind his finished udon bowl and following her out. He kindly left behind a single gold coin as a tip, making certain that they would be welcome upon their return.<br/><br/>Carefully he lifted up the meat, then tucked it under an arm as he made his way out after her, his steps light an eager, as if pleased by the idea of being out and about.<br/><br/>Then again, how long had he spent trapped in that crystal? It was impossible to tell. Though, he seemed to still be in a current enough frame of mind and attire to fit in better than she had.<br/><br/><br/>As they traveled more than a few curious glance and giggle was sent their way, as with how Kenrou followed quickly behind her package in hand, it looked much like a couples outing to the market.<br/><br/>Meeting the beastfolk woman in her shop pleased Kenrou, as it exposed Aliene to a more gentle representation of their kind in place of the large boar-kin that they had met in the meat store...not all beastfolk had human features or dominant genes.<br/><br/><br/>When she reappeared in the gold and reds of royal attire, Kenrou raised an eyebrow. "It certainly fits your title more than it does your physical form." he declared as he raised a hand to his chin. "Something lighter would be better...though you do need formal attire." Turning to the seamstress he motioned about. "A moment miss, if you may...I would like to make a special order..." he began, cleverly deciding to begin the discussion with the woman as Aliene returned to the dressing room to dress in something lighter.<br/><br/><br/>When she returned Kenrou was waiting, sitting on his knees politely by the entrance as he waited on her. "It looks quite nice, but is not the attire for travel." Turning to the lady he motioned to her. "White, blue and silver wrappings for her please...as well as silk dance attire knowing the king...same color if possible." he informed her before reaching down and lifting up the suddenly diminished sack of gold they had begun with. It was clear he had done quite a bit of spending with her back turned as the funds were clearly more than half gone.<br/><br/>"Thank you." he spoke in pleased tones as he rose up, the woman giving him a few more sets of cloth, in addition to a few more...hidden...clothes much too private to be carrying around visibly. The village did not need to know her bra size or the colors of the panties just purchased, so those were bagged separately and placed at the bottom.<br/><br/><br/>Turning to her he followed her out, carrying all the purchases made so far excluding the ones she wore out. Turning on his heel he made his way to another part of the market. "according to the map the shop should be here...but like the last, take what you wish to. To be honest, I quite look forward to seeing you more formally dressed my lady."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Aliene couldn't help but fidget in her new clothes, feeling uncomfortable in such foreign clothes. Everything was tight in strange places but baggy in others, even the delicate pins in her hair were making her head itch. She was so used to jeans, a t-shirt and a hoodie that what she was currently wearing felt a lot like formal attire. "Wait so this isn't formal wear?" In certainly didn't seem casual. It was cotton, with hand painted patterns on it, with little flecks of shimmering string through it. At least the sleeves of her kimono weren't dragging on the floor and she'd gotten to keep her own shoes on because surprisingly they'd matched, but it didn't mean she wasn't uncomfortable, feeling more out of place than when she'd gone into the shop.<br/><br/><br/>All the while she was none the wiser to all the extra purchases Kanrou had made on her behalf. "I feel bad. At least let me carry one of the bags, I can do that at least. It's not fair for you to be carrying the meat and the bags," without waiting for him to hand one over she took the two bags at the front. "No arguments. And it's still just Aliene..."<br/><br/><br/>Looking at the map it didn't really give her any specific locations of the shop, just the location of the town, the forest, and anything outside of it. A few minutes of searching later and they finally found it. Except this shop wasn't decorating the street side, this shop was tucked down an alley with a battered sign outside saying "Serpentine", with the symbol of two entwined snakes staring at one another.<br/><br/><br/>Stepping inside a bell rung overhead. The inside was dark and musky. Behind the desk was a whole wall of wooden drawers all with different labels on them, hanging from the ceiling was strange and beautiful plants, some tied to crystals. Incense was burning in a little pot on the desk, which was lined with strange tools and bottles ranging from small to large. Shelves lined the other walls containing jars of different shapes and sizes, some containing animal bodies, bones, bugs, eyes, plants, powders, strange moving liquids, you name it it was in a jar, even books were on the shelves. But on the floor beneath the shelves were huge sacks of different herbs and spices. It was both amazing and creepy. It was so packed and busy with so many different things it would probably take her months to see everything in the shop.<br/><br/><br/>"Yes, yes..." The voice said followed by a yawn. Akane ducked under the archway of the door located behind the desk holding a cup of tea, parting the beads that obscured the doorway. "What can I do for you sir?" Obviously not seeing Aliene.<br/><br/><br/>"Uh well I was hoping that you might have something that could help hide my scent? Apparently I stink?" Aliene asked.<br/><br/><br/>This woke Akane up as she looked from Kanrou down towards Aliene. Blinking a few times she put her tea down on the counter, wondering if she was seeing right, taking a deep breath to confirm her suspicions. Red eyes widening she hissed in a none too friendly manner.<br/><br/><br/>Aliene became nervous as she stared up at the grey skinned women, looking fairly normal with a black and gold kimono on.<br/><br/><br/>"Out of my shop filthy human!" Akane hissed, rising up on her tail as she crawled over the counter coming to stop in front of Aliene, tail following after. She towered over both fae and human as she rose up on her tail.<br/><br/><br/>Aliene backed up into Kanrou, realising she was not normal human either, but some sort of beast. "B-But...I just..."<br/><br/><br/>"Out! I do not serve your kind."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Akane's aggressive stance alarmed even kenrou, who stepped back and made a motion as if he was about to drop the items he was carrying in favor for his blades.<br/><br/>"Please, we meant no disrespect miss...we will be on our way now so please, forgive our misstep." moving between Akane and Aliene as he began to usher her out. "Do not feel too offended, humans are not looked favorably upon in much of nonhuman society." he explained to her calmly before turning back to glance at Akane before letting out another sigh once they had moved to the door of the shop. "we can likely find a substitute or something else in a differing town...she likely has a good reason." Lifting a hand to his chin thoughtfully . "For now, let us return. we have more than enough of a haul for the day and I do want to see you in the silver laced dress I bought for you." Nodding he lowered his hands and helped her outside, making sure to keep a careful eye on the hissing lamia nearby. "Crypt should know where else we may be able to find another spice and medicine shop."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Akane was not blind, she saw the minute movement of the fae who clearly wanted to go for one of the six weapons on his hip, not that either one would land a mark on her. But he was smart, he did not go for his weapons and chose to retreat with his Master. Her hiss grew with her anger. "Then leave! Your presence here alone is an insult, a sickness, a curse," she spat, slithering forward with each step back they took, leaving no room for them to do anything else but leave.<br/><br/><br/>Aliene was clutching onto the back of Kanrou's shoulder, watching wide eyed and fearful of what the serpant women would do. "I-I'm sorry-" she choked out, breaking out in a cold sweat as Akane pinned her with a dangerous look that could turn one to stone. She didn't know what she'd done wrong, what she had said wrong. What were the humans like in this realm, what had they done to earn such wrath and prejudice from the women. Who was she kidding it was not hard to imagine what humans were capable of, she'd been on the receiving end of their cruelty, but probably nothing close to what the medicine shop women had come under.<br/><br/><br/>"You and your Master are not welcome in my shop, ever!" Just as the door was slammed in their faces.<br/><br/><br/>Aliene took a deep breath and leaned her back against the wall, clutching at her poor heart.<br/><br/><br/>"Going back to the house sounds like a very good idea..." Aliene breathed, taking a moment to calm down. She'd had enough shopping for one day. When she finally felt ok enough to move she nodded to Kanrou. "Ok lets go..." Then she realised what he'd said previously. "Wait a minute, what silver laced dress? I didn't get any silver dress..." she said looking up at Kanrou with a narrowed gaze. "Kanrou... what did you do, what did you buy?" Looking at the half empty sack of gold on his hip. "Kanrou!" She said, snatching the gold from his hip. "How much did you buy!?" Only just realising he was holding far more bags of clothing than what she'd agreed to back in the shop. "We can't take all that! It's not our gold to spend," she whispered harshly, quickly hiding the sack of money on her person. "No more spending. We have to take the clothes back." Except as they were walking through the town it was clear some shops were already closing up for the day.<br/><br/><br/>Having no sense of time in this realm without a clock, a watch or a phone she had to look up at the sky to gauge the time. Which guessing by how low the sun was it had to be getting late. And if they were to get back to the house whilst it was still light outside they would have to leave very soon anyway. With a frustrated sigh she said, "tomorrow, tomorrow we are taking the majority of these clothes back and getting the gold back. Right now we have to head back to the house," she grumbled.<br/><br/><br/>Using the map she found her way from the town entrance and back towards the forest. She couldn't wait to get back into her other clothes, her modern clothes. She felt stiff and proper in the ones she currently wore. She went a little off course coming back but still managed to navigate her way back up the cliff side to where the Midnight King resided.<br/><br/><br/>She didn't think she'd ever be relieved to be back in the house but then again after facing an angry snake and trying on millions of clothes and nearly dying from being frozen, she was worn out.<br/><br/><br/>"We got the meat..." she called out.<br/><br/><br/>Looking to Kanrou she said, "you better hide the bags of clothes lest we get in trouble."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Kenrou chuckled slightly at her words, seemingly unfazed by thier encounter with the snake lady from before. "Return them? Ah, I do not think that will be possible. Money moves quick in this society, and transactions are quite final." He informed her as he turned and made his way into the dark woods with her. "Eventually you will need to see beyond the surface of things...as a queen you will need to know far more. That bunny woman you purchased from? She has a large family to care for and feed. The smaller clothes that were not for sale shared that much. It is quite likely that she already bought necessities like food and silk...nay, the money is gone and I do not regret purchasing what I did with it...and after the king sees you in your new attire, I doubt he will have many qualms at all."<br/><br/><br/>Turning to face her completely he gave her a small smile. "This world is far different tan the one you are used to. luxeries and amenities like this are rare. everyone works for something...there are no beggers, no waste. In the society run by monster folk, there is much that differs it from human society..though not all is good." he informed her as he turned and headed through the trees.<br/><br/>The forest themself certainly changed in the lght of dusk. The leaves all collectively darkened along with the bark, creating a forest of immense trees with black bark and ruby red foilage. The dark earth was illuminated by glowing fauna, creating eerie paths that lead all across the forest itself.<br/><br/><br/>For awhile they travelled before finally making back to Aleine's home. Kenrou merely smiled again at her words as she entered and announced thier presance, but did not have to wait long before Crypt's well dressed form greeted them, two cups of cocoa ready at thier return from the cold. Handing one to each he gave Aleine his paper, with a simple message and inquiry written upon it.<br/><br/><br/>Welcome back. I see you returned with the king's favorite dish...as well as a few other amenities. I hope you enjoyed the town at least?<br/><br/><br/>Taking the cup in his now free hands, Kenrou read the paper over aliene's shoulder, then nodded and smiled at crypt. "Yes, the trip to market was quite the expierience for Aleine...though we did have our first encounter with hostility im afraid..a Lamia owned the herbal shop, and we were not welcome." Turning to Aliene he continued. "It was for perfumes and soaps mainly, as Im worried her scent is too easily traceable...not that you stink, Aleine. But you do have a unique scent being what you are...and it is best to take precautions." he noted.<br/><br/><br/>Crypt nodded at his words, the paper crumpling then reopening with different words as he turned set her new attires neatly on a chair, then turned and made his way over to the kitchen.<br/><br/><br/>I know that lamia, and she can be a....a handful at times. She is not a bad person, but can be hard to...reason with. You should have no more issues with her after tonight however, as the King is in a very good mood right now. I have already sent a message to her by raven, and she should show at supper to dance for the king. I will be there as well, in addition to others you have yet to meet. The dinner will not be for some time however, so please relax.<br/><br/>As for you kenrou...I need to speak with you. there is much to share, and Aliene deserves some private time.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Aliene jumped when Crypt appeared so suddenly, wondering how he did it. Even with magic he seemed to time his appearance perfectly, seeming to know when she was hungry or cold or in need of clothes even before she did. Maybe there was a mind reading spell she didn't know about. Giving a nervous little smile she took the coco, knowing they were busted. There was no way, nor no point now trying to hide the clothes there were too many. And knowing Crypt it was probably useless to try and hide things from him anyway, he seemed to know everything.<br/><br/><br/>"Thank you.." She said sipping the drink as she read his note. All that meat was just for the Midnight King? Even for any man that was too much for one person to eat, especially one so slim. Before she could reply Kanrou took the words right out of her mouth. "Mmm!" Pulling the sack of gold from her person she quickly handed it to Crypt. "You'd best take this before Kanrou gets any other ideas..." she murmured, gesturing to the bags. "Unfortunately he went a little crazy with the gold, I'm sorry, I didn't realise what he'd bought until it was too late. I'd only agreed to get three outfits to blend in and then I find he got all of this..." Hoping Crypt nor the Midnight King would be too annoyed with them both.<br/><br/><br/>Aliene took the note back before looking up in surprise. "Sh-She's coming here?" Not wanting to repeat her experience back at the shop, or worse. "Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean she really didn't seem to like me and I really don't want to anger her anymore than she was earlier..." But what was the point in arguing the case when both men were walking away anyway.<br/><br/><br/>With a heavy sigh she decided it was time to change out of her irritating clothing.<br/><br/><br/>She made her way up the stairs to the room she'd been given and closed the door behind her. Putting her hot chocolate down she went over to the very inviting looking bed and flopped face first into the sheets. Kicking off her shoes she curled up in her bothersome clothes, wondering what this dinner was about. Since she'd arrived the Midnight King hadn't once eaten with her or talked with her since buying her. More like he'd just talked at her, told her what to do, where to go and expected her to do it. So why was he inviting her to such a big dinner now, with all his friends and servants? What had changed?<br/><br/><br/>Before she knew it she'd drifted off, curled up on her side, still dressed in her new clothes.<br/><br/><br/>A little while later she woke to the sound of gentle growling. With sleepy eyes and hair that had come undone she peeked over the edge of her bed to spot the little soot ball trying to sneak off with one of her flat shoes. "Hey... knock it off..." She yawned, wanting to fall back asleep but realised it was now dark outside. If she didn't get up she was sure Crypt and Mr. King were going to be annoyed if she didn't make it to dinner, especially no doubt with the effort Crypt put into cooking.<br/><br/><br/>Pulling the pins from her hair and unravelling herself from the many layers of cloth she finally changed into her now dry jeans and grey turtleneck jumper, slipping one black shoe on and limping over to the soot ball and slipping on the other black shoe without stopping in her stride. Stretching she ran her fingers through her hair and pulled the long black strands into a ponytail before leaving her room, making her way downstairs, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Kanrou... Crypt...?" she murmured, checking in the living room by the fire and seeing no one. Where was everyone?<br/><br/><br/>Making her way further down the hall she could smell the mouthwatering scents of herbs, meat, vegetables, and other things she didn't know the names of. Was she late for dinner? Looking right she saw the door to Mr. King's office, to the left she saw more options and decided it probably best to find the dinning room. Stopping short she realised then that the snake lady was probably going to be in the dinning room as well. Maybe she could pretend to be sick and skip dinner, apologies to Crypt later. She really didn't want to know what was on the other end of those fangs.<br/><br/><br/>Backing up she started sneaking back to her room, hoping not to run into anyone.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>The fuzzball made a playful noise at her as she approached, but her grumpy tones had the pudgy fluff ball quickly drop her flat, then romp around her legs in a demanding manner instead, clearly looking for some attention now in a less destructive manner. It seemed it remembered her scolding from her earlier.<br/><br/>As she left the room it continued to follow close behind on fuzzy, stubby little legs. still happy to see her and eagre fer a bit of love from her.<br/><br/><br/>The fluffball was her constant companion throughout the house, following her every step. when she decided to go and skip dinner it followed after her, but began to let out a playful cacophany of mischivious chirps and chittering sounds that were similar to the chuckling sounds humans might make...as if he was up to no good.<br/><br/><br/>The walk back to her room was mostly uneventful, with crypt passing into another room nearby being the only close call, but he appeared to not be looking for her in particular.<br/><br/>Eventually she made it back to the stairwell that lead up to her room. however, she was no longer alone.<br/><br/><br/>Perched on the elegant wood railings that lead up to her room was a large owl. It looked much like a barn owl, with an elegant rounded face and large eyes. though instead of white plumage with browns, this owl in particular had inky black plumage and dark grey feathers. It turned its head to look at her as she approached, then clicked its sharp beak once at her before fluffing up slightly and letting out a hissing shriek! After that initial call it was silent once again and watched her carefully with its intense yellow eyes.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Hikari sat atop the roof out of sight, humming a sweet little tune that made her head bop and her talons twitch as she stared up at the fat moon hanging from the sky. Though she looked idle she was very busy monitoring the houses surroundings. Which was why she sensed Akane's approach long before she came into sight, knowing she was one Papa deemed a friend not a foe, watching as the lamia slithered up the path towards the house. If she was lucky and was a good little harpy she'd get to have dinner with Papa tonight. It had been a while.<br/><br/><br/>Akane hated the changing of seasons wishing it could remain spring all the time. It was too cold. Already in a bad mood from earlier, with the weather on top did not make the trek to the midnight kings home very pleasant. Bundled up in her thickest kimono and cloak she burrowed under the hood, trying to keep the cold from touching any part of her, still shivering underneath it all. But the only bonus to all of this was Crypt who had sent her a letter summoning her to dinner. She couldn't wait to get her hands on him, he could certainly warm her up in no time. Reaching the door she raised her hand and gave a heavy couple of knocks.<br/><br/><br/>....................................................<br/><br/><br/>Aleine looked down at the little soot ball, placing her finger to he right lips. "Shhh..." she told it, wanting to sneak back with as much stealth as possible. If Crypt and Kanrou's senses were anything to go by she knew for sure theirs had to be far superior to her own, which meant they could probably pick up on the smallest scent and sound, which wouldn't be good for her attempts to get back to her room unnoticed. "If you are good by the time we get back to the room, I'll give you a cuddle," she whispered to the little soot ball. Sticking to the wall she tip toed back managing to get back round the corner when she spotted Crypt coming out of a room. Diving behind a tall ornimant she waited until Crypt had disappeared before continuing on.<br/><br/><br/>Reaching the stairs she was just going to race up before anyone saw but a massive owl obscured her escape path. She was pretty sure the bird could probably take the little soot ball by her feet it was that big. "Nice owl..." she whispered, flinching when it shrieked and snapped at her like she'd offended it by ascending the stairs. "Stay..." she inched closer step by step. "I just want to get by... good owl," she breathed, leaning as far away from it as she could as she passed by it slowly and carefully. When she had made it passed the owl she took a deep breath, turning the corner when she heard an irritated heavy knock to the front door. Snake lady. Quickly but silently she raced back to her room and quietly closed the door with a heavy sigh of relief.<br/><br/><br/>Sliding down the door she spotted the little soot ball and gave it a little smile. "Good boy, come here." She slowly reached for him and picked him up, cradling him in her arms. "See being a good little...cloudtail earns you rewards," she told it, giving him a scratch behind the ear and under the chin. In the midst of stroking him from head to back she spotted all the bags of clothing Kanrou had bought, in her room. Crypt must have bought them up whilst she'd been asleep. Though she felt guilty she knew now there was no refund policy in this realm. But she was somewhat curious to know what he'd gotten.<br/><br/><br/>"Good boy down you go," she told the soot ball as she placed him back on the floor.<br/><br/><br/>Getting up she went over to the bags and knelt down, digging through them. She pulled out a red kimono that looked far more expensive that the three she'd chosen with its gold threads running through it, a blue kimono with a few silk flowers sewn on, digging deeper she pulled put out a pair of string tie panties her size, not elasticated like modern ones but it still made her go bright red. When had he...digging deeper she pulled out a bra as well that worked almost like a corset. Stuffing them back deep into the bag she huffed, feeling vulnerable. "Stupid Kanrou..." she grumbled now a deep red, hugging herself like it might help.<br/><br/><br/>She wasn't taking him clothes shopping with her ever again.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Crypt heard the knock as he was approaching the door, and he paused for a moment. oh, he knew that knock....that knock could mean only one thing.<br/><br/>Pausing by the door he waited for a moment before letting out a sigh and set a small cup of steaming herbal tea down on a small decorative table by the door. He then calmly dusted himself off with a gloved hand and smoothed back his hair. Letting another of his small, mysterious smiles cross his face he opened the door wide and paused there staring at Akane's well clothed figure. He stared up at her kindly, then he moved out of the way and ushered her in with a welcoming wave, and handed her that small slip of paper of his.<br/><br/><br/>Welcome Ms.Akane , I hope you are doing well today. The king will be more than pleased to see you joining him for dinner. It has been awhile since I last saw you, I trust you have been well? Please, make yourself comfortable.<br/><br/><br/>He then took a small step away and retrieved the tea before he turned around and walked back to her, offering the still steaming mug of warm tea. Afterwards he went about removing the cloak from her figure and neatly placing it on a nearby coat rack.<br/><br/><br/>The little fuzzball continued to chuckle, not nearly worried about the bird as she was as they climbed the stairs.<br/><br/>The bird however, visably fluffed itself as she approached, its head swivveling to watch her at the odd angles owl necks allowed...all the way till she slipped into her room!<br/><br/><br/>Then, it was time to give the cloudtail his slice of heaven. The furball almost purred the moment she scooped him up, his silky and lithe form going limp in her arms as she cuddled and pet him...that fluffy tail curling and uncurling in pleasure as he seemed to melt.<br/><br/><br/>However, it was over almost as soon as it started, and left him wanting more. Mewing like a needy cat it weaved between her legs, brushing up against her gently before sitting on her feet.<br/><br/><br/>The embarrassing clothes came in 3 sets of 7, panties, socks and bras. One for each day of the week and each a differing shade. Other attires of less embarrassing origins lay waiting for her and neatly folded...by crypt no doubt. It seemed that man knew everything about her little feminene secrets now...well, almost everything.<br/><br/><br/>That was until she came across some far more personal feminine products hidden inside a set of socks, with a single deep blue flower tucked away by the cottons. Was this gentle gesture crypt's way of teasing just how much he had gotten kenrou to prepare for her stay?<br/><br/><br/>And then...kentou's voice, and a sudden weight on her head. "Mistress? You called?" He inquired, sitting samurai style atop her head in his fae form. He then peeked over the top of her head and down at the array of embarrassing items spread out across her bed. "Oh, those? I didnt even think about them to be honest...but as you took your nap after summoning me, he told me that he wasnt going to have the master's apprentice wearing the same unsuitable garm every day...and that he thought it might embarrass you to ask for some from the other girls who live here." Nodding in thought and still oblivious to her discomfort he continued. "So! He said to get this stuff, and was certain they would be the right size cause of measurements he took as he washed them. A very smart man that one."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Akane was nothing but a shivering bundle as the front door was opened, quickly slithering inside, drawn to the warmth. Yet she knew that scent, that slip of paper anywhere. "Crypt darling!" Taking the warm cup of tea she shrugged the cloak off, revealing a sharp, well dressed handsome looking Crypt standing before her. Elated she wasted no time in putting the cup of tea on a side table and sidling up to him and embracing him with a happy little noise. "You always know just what I need," she purred, cuddling him close, "oh I plan to make myself very comfortable, you will help warm be up will you not," she purred seductively, taking a deep lungful of his scent as she nuzzled his neck, her bosoms pressing up against his arm as she wrapped the tip of her tail around one of his ankles, wanting to be as physically close to him as possible. "I am all the better for seeing you, I missed you dearly too it has been too long my lovely," she hummed happily, getting her well needed dose of Crypt, completely forgetting she was here to do a job too preoccupied with her Crypt.<br/><br/><br/>Aleine yelped in surprise at Kanrou's sudden appearance, wondering where on earth he'd come from. "Kanrou, how did you-?" About to look up when she realized he was sitting on her head, having shrunk down to his little fae form. The next moment she realized with a moment of horror that he was looking at all her undergarments. "Shut up Kanrou!" Face going bright red from utter embarrassment as she chucked a handkerchief over the top of his head to block his view, quickly stuffing all her bras and undergarments deep, deep, deep in the bags and out of sight wanting to throttle both Kanrou and Crypt for prodding into her very personal needs. "From now on I'm washing all my own stuff! I don't care what Crypt says," she grumped, scooping Kanrou off her head and placing him on the bed before removing the handkerchief.<br/><br/><br/>It then occurred to her that her plan to play the sick card had gone out the window, especially now that Kanrou knew she wasn't. "I'm not going out there, I'm not going to dinner with that mean old snake lady that seems intent on killing me should she see me again," hugging her knees as she leaned back against her bed. "I'm going to pretend I'm sick and stay up here, you can't make me go down there." Feeling the little sootball sit on her feet, reaching down to give it a little pat on the head. "I'll make sure to apologize to Crypt later."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Crypt had expected as much, her response much like the many others he had been subject to before it. However, as always he let her have her way up to a point. Her adorations were flattering and cute on her part, and he allowed them so long as they did not interfere with his work. Slight, prior attempts to dissuade these activities had failed, and he viewed them as irritable at thier worst.<br/><br/>He smelled distinctly of expensive cologne, as well as a hint of sweet maple from whatever it was he had been cooking before her arrival.<br/><br/>He cleared his throat calmly as she began to nuzzle his neck and steal away his arm, a hint at her overstepping her boundaries.<br/><br/>Calmly he lifted his free hand over to her hair and calmly ran his fingers through it, his gloved nails tickling acrosss her scalp as he catered to her affections.<br/><br/>It was a cheap trick, but it always did cause her to melt against him and make her far more moveable than otherwise. He had tried before to slip out of her tail without distracting her...and the result was exactly the opposite. She may be of the poison bloodline of snakes, but her parents must not have been...for once caught in her coils, one tended to stay there unless she deemed otherwise.<br/><br/>Taking advantage of the tease to her he slipped free of her grip, and instead turned his attention to the scales that adorned her long, lower half. That letter of his shifted and changed again as he headed over to the tea, and handed it to her again, trying to remain as duty called.<br/><br/><br/>You were missed as well Akane. The master will be pleased to see you as well dressed as you are. Is that a new kimono? I also did happen to notice your scales are quite vibrant.<br/><br/>Dinner will be the Master's treat, and I have been told to even offer you a nights stay in a nearby guestroom, as He knows how taxing the autumn chill can be for you.<br/><br/><br/>The fae then walked away for a moment, disappearing briefly around a corner before returning with a large fluffy white towl that let off little puffs of steam. The damp, hot cloth was then carefully unfolded and blanketed across the lower tip of her tail. Like a man who was tasked with washing some priceless artifact crypt gently moved the steaming moist cloth across her scales in a circular motion, spoiling her in a rare moment of individualized attention not required by his duty...but his new letter made his actions speak with his intentions.<br/><br/><br/>Akane, I need to ask you a favor. My master has chosen an apprentice, and it has come to my attention she was unable to shop in your store. I would kindly request you allow her as an exception on my behalf. Secondly I seem to be running out of cologne, and was thinking that if you accept my prior proposal, I might escort her to your shop and try on a cologne of your choice.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Kenrou calmly looked up at her as she spoke, taking in her words as he paused in thought. "My Queen, you cannot hide from your challenges...there will be many whom you will have to face that will be far more unsightly than the lamia from this afternoon." He pointed out to her before shaking his head. "Making excuses is a slippery slope that leads to a pit of laziness. The lamia woman sees you as a mere human woman from this realm, nothing more. It is your chance to disprove her...rise to the challenge!" He declared in a proud manner, nodding his head as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Its your chance to appear like the royal you are. Go, don a pair of new lucky underwear and your fine attire and stride out with confidence! You should be showing yourself off, be proud....trust me, not all women have the assets you posess and fewer still are as humble about them as you are. " He cleared his throat and shot her a sidelong, teasing glance. "If you filled the cups of one of your bra's with water, there would be enough room for me and crypt to comfortably bathe." He teased her lightly then tilted his head and smiled at her. "Come. You shall likely enjoy it. If not, I shall take the blame."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>If it was possible for a snake to purr Akane certainly would be as she enjoyed soaking up the scents and sensations to which Crypt indulged her. If he'd let her she'd eat him up, not literally though like she had done with other male species, no, Crypt was just too delicious and fun to play with to devour, he wasn't like the rest he always seemed to resist her charms somehow. Which is exactly why she found herself holding a cup of tea and not Crypt from one moment to the next, earning a pout. Sly little fae. She hungered for him in a far more lustful fashion than he probably thought. If he'd let her she'd certainly make him very comfortable indeed. Crafty, crafty, crafty.<br/><br/><br/>Sipping the tea given to her she could only smile at the taste of her favorite tea, not a new flavor this time to tease her tastebuds. Though she was rolling in his compliments she didn't fail to notice he was making more of an effort to please her this time around, wondering what the special occasion was, or more to the point what he wanted. "This old thing, I have had this kimono a while, though I'm glad you like the new shine to my scales, I shed my old ones especially upon coming here tonight," more than glad he was pleased with her appearance. She may have noticed but she was still a sucker for compliments when they came from Crypt, it meant he was eyeing her as much as she was eyeing him. "And thank the Midnight King on my behalf, I may take him up on his offer. Though I am curious he has not called upon me in a long while, so why so sudden in his request?" Akane did no like dancing for the King but she liked the money far more, which helped her with her shop, not to mention they were very good customers of hers.<br/><br/><br/>She blinked and giggled in delight as she melted beneath the warm towel he placed on her tail, feeling his fingers giving her an extra knead as he went. It was the equivilant of giving a human a foot rub, something Crypt rarely if ever did. Tonight this was new even for Crypt, but she couldn't say no to him if it meant she got to have more of him for herself. "Of course my darling Crypt you know I would do anything for y-" Though her mind was fuzzy with warmth and preoccupied with relishing the attention Crypt was paying her she didn't miss what was written in his note.<br/><br/><br/>"Crypt..." still wearing her smile though the stealth in which she had coiled herself around him whilst he had been paying attention to her tail was a somewhat dangerous place to be. She tucked a finger beneath his chin and made him stand, closing him in her coil. "You do not mean to tell me that that small filthy little human girl who walked into my shop today is the Midnight King's apprentice, meaning she has been here, is here," only now just picking up her scent past Crypt's cologne, the tea and the food. Jealousy and anger ringing in her eyes and sweet tone. "and has you under her thumb serving her, pledging for her. You know how I despise humans, how could you. My poor Crypt, why? Why are you having to deal with such vermin? What is the Midnight King thinking bringing a human here..." she coiled tighter, leaning in as she drapped her arms around his shoulders with a sigh. "You know I cannot deny you my sweet Crypt, but I will not serve her, especially when she has stolen you from me. Fine, I will give you your cologne and I will give you anything else you desire from my shop, even if it is for her, though she is still not allowed in my shop, but in return I want you, your time, your presence all to myself. What say you my darling?" Tucking his little piece of paper back into his breast pocket.<br/><br/><br/>Now Aleine was more annoyed than embarrassed as she sat up on her knees to stare at Kanrou. "Listen here, snowman, I have never in my entire exsistence been lazy. I have been afraid, angry, sad, depressed, suicidal, silent, hard working, diligent, a ghost, a burden, a curse, a stain, a coward and a murderer but I have never once been lazy!" She told him, pointed finger and all, pursing her lips. "I keep telling you I am not a Queen! I never have been and never will be. I only agreed to be an apprentice because he said he could help me but now I realise that it's all a ploy of some kind. I have spent my entire life running and hiding from danger, from monsters, bullies from pain and it has served me well so far. So why stop now, I'm still alive and here today because of it..." she murmured strain in her voice, turning her back on him and sliding down to the floor to hug her knees, sniffling. "Leave me alone Kanrou, I'm not going downstairs. It's safer up here," she mumbled, not listening to his teasing remark as she chucked a pillow at him.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Crypt was as calm as ever despite the increasingly precarious situation that was developing around him. Most sane men or women would be panicking right now, and rightfully so.<br/><br/>Akane was the smallest of the naga race crypt had ever encountered...but that was like comparing a jaguar to a tiger. her tail could still rend a sizeable tree in half, and her scales were an inch thick armor that was as beautiful as it was efficient.<br/><br/>That seemed to be a continual trend with her, to be honest...lethal, yet beautiful. Yet where one should be responding with fear, crypt instead responded with his usual, carefully selected words and professional demeanor.<br/><br/>Shaking his head gently he reached down, taking the small paper she had place in his pocket and handed it back to her, letting her do as she pleased to him for the moment.<br/><br/><br/>I tend to her because it is my duty, and I have hope. She may be a human now, but she will not be one forever. The master claims she is the daughter of the moon, and shall someday ascend to divinity. If this is true, she shall become a fae like me in time...and rise to become the new Titania. It has been hundreds of years since a queen was chosen, and I will do what I can to help her rise to that calling.<br/><br/><br/>It was then that he reached out and gently took hold of her hand, removing it from under his chin as he patted it fondly before he leaned back against her coils, sitting on a lower one as he turned his attention to the side politely so he was not staring at her chest, then he gently took the rose that decorated his coat and placed it in her coils.<br/><br/><br/>Suddenly he shrunk down rapidly! taking his fae form as a way to escape from her tail's secure grip. Wings of polished black bone and deep sapphire lace flare out from his back, and he took to the air!<br/><br/>but a mere step later he reverted to his human sized form, just outside her coils and leaving behind the small rose he had in his coat for her.<br/><br/>Adjusting his tie, he smoothed out his cloth before turning back to her, his letter changing yet again.<br/><br/><br/>Please do not eat her or harm her, Akane. I see her as a younger sister and care for her accordingly. I ask your help in educating her, as she knows little of this world. She will need your extensive knowledge of herbs, and potions. If you are willing to do this, I am willing to barter with you on behalf of the midnight king.<br/><br/><br/>He stared at her for a moment with those brilliant blue eyes of his, wanting her to know he was quite serious about this before he reached down and gathered up the now empty teacup and saucer, then turn and left the room, his letter changing one more time.<br/><br/><br/>If you accept to train her, I will convince the midnight king to accept you into his extended "family". You have proven yourself and he should have no qualms employing you full time. The benefits to you will mean you can expand and refurnish your shop as you see fit, as well as make yourself a permanent resident within these walls...naturally this means that I will be tending to you as I tend to him and other residents of the home.<br/><br/>Now, if you choose to not take the offer, I understand as well...I have little love for humans, and will not judge you for your decision...however, there is that elf girl in the nearby town of Redleaf...I heard she is a herbalist as well, and I doubt she would refuse the king's offer to stay and teach the budding queen...so when you next meet, there will be a new mistress of the house I will need to care for...and being a dark elf, they are known to be...quite the handful for a fae such as myself.<br/><br/><br/>He left no mention of her prior offer...perhaps he had not heard her? Or maybe it was a counter offer...as well as a warning that the next time she arrived, there might be some sultry dark elf skulking about with her eyes and claws set on crypt...<br/><br/>The pillow struck kenrou and for a moment he remained under it. A short time later however he pushed it up and away from him as he smiled down at her. "Aliene..." he spoke to her in a warm voice, moving over the bed to her. He then stared at her for a moment before flying down atop her knees, and placing a hand on her forehead. "You have always been a queen, you just did not know it. You are a queen in a world of monsters and beings you cannot even imagine...It is a blessing, not a curse...though many times it may feel otherwise." he then shifted a bit, getting comfortable. "...Yes, this world is frightening...and there are dangers here. That woman in the shop? she could swallow you alive if she wished to, and you would barely make a bump in her tail...but that same woman also cures the sicknesses and ailments of hundreds a month, and is the reason that crypt's dishes are always filled with the freshest spices."<br/><br/>Lowering his hand from her head, he gave her another gentle smile. "see...it is human nature to fear her capabilities...but it is that fear of what may be that has caused your old world to become as cold as it is...and is the reasons humans have such a poor reputation. You must learn and see for yourself what else they can do...so if not for yourself, for me...please my queen, go to the dinner with the king and see the lady dance."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Akane smiled as she took back Crypt's little piece of paper, unfolding it to read something that made her smile disappear. "That little runt of a human?" She hissed, looking at him with a simmer in her red eyes. Re-reading his note did nothing to please her. "She is still a filthy human, still has the stench of one too, you should not be having to be serving such a dispicable being. The Midnight King could be wrong? What if she truely is just a lowly human?" Watching him him disappear into her coils. "Crypt," gasping as he flew up and over just to shift back to his human size. Pouting she uncoiled, bringing the flower between her fingers. He'd wormed his way out of her coils, just when she thought she might have him in a tight spot. She'd almost forgotten he was fae, though she did get the rare treat of seeing his fae form. Magnificent as ever.<br/><br/><br/>Reading the note again she met his gaze. "You cannot say that, you cannot be serious my darling Crypt," slithering closer, "that human, that human is nothing close to your brilliant being," baring her fangs, "but how can you insult me Crypt, why would I give anything to that human. You may believe she is one of yours but I do not. Humans are all the same. I do not care what bargains you make I would rather eat-" Watching as the letters shifted once again, reading with baited breath.<br/><br/><br/>Gasping in hurt she hissed something venomous. He wouldn't dare! Crushing the paper in her grip she looked up to find him having slunk off somewhere safe no doubt. He certainly knew what buttons to push, ways to manipulate her, counter her. But it would be no fun to play a game she knew she'd already won. It was why she adored Crypt so much, he played hard to get. Very hard to get. But this time to get to him she would have to be near and educate a human, a species she wished she could eradicate. With a dark little smile she realised she could certainly agree to the deal and get what she desired, even educate the human as agreed, but nowhere did it say she had to be nice to the human, didn't even have to like the human girl. She could educate her about a lot of things, dark and menacing things, maybe even make her run off in fear and never return. She'd still technically be doing her job. If she had to be near the human what would be the harm in having a little harmless fun. "Oh Crypt darling..."<br/><br/><br/>..................................<br/><br/><br/>Hikari caught whiff of the smoke coming from the chimney, licking her lips as if she could eat the smoke. Brother Crypt always made such deliscious food, she was jealous. Every time she had tried cooking or helping with the cooking it normally ended up in disaster, not because she couldn't cook but because something normally went wrong, burning herself, others, knife accidents, knocking over pots, eating as she went. She nearly blew the kitchen up once after she tried to make some sweet treats for everyone, it had gone so well up until the point one of the crystals had become overcharged with magic. If it hadn't been for Crypt ... boom. Now she was banned from the kitchen.<br/><br/><br/>It made meal times hard, especially when she missed them like today. It hadn't been her fault Papa had asked her specifically to keep an eye on the human and the forest area. She took his requests seriously, never slacking or missing a beat. But it meant she had forgotten to eat, her stomach howling out. And there had been no trespassers to pick on. Thankfully though it was late in the evening, a time when she was allowed to come down from her watch tower on the roof and had the guarding over to someone trusted for the evening.<br/><br/><br/>Walking right off the edge of the roof she floated down to the open window below. Hip wings out flared casually fluttering away she peeked in from above upside down, long blue hair dangling to the ground. She didn't want to disturb him if he was busy. This time however, he didn't seem busy and was also in a good mood by the looks of it. Hikari smiled and righted herself as she landed on his office windowsill. "Papa, all is clear this evening," she told him, cocking her head to the side in curiosity. Hopping inside she went over to give him a cuddle from behind. "What has you in such a good mood Papa?" She cooed. "Is it because of Miss Akane's arrival?"<br/><br/><br/>-------------------------------------------<br/><br/><br/>Aleine looked up as Kanrou landed on her knee, glaring at him before looking the other way. She was not going to go, he could not make her. Huffing she said, "you are not making my feel any better, in fact you are just convincing me it was a very good idea to decide not to go," she mumbled, shivering at the idea of being eaten alive by that snake lady. What a horrifying way to go.<br/><br/><br/>Except the longer he talked the more she realised what he was trying to say. Was she shunning and making harsh judgements of the snake lady just like those who had cared for her back home had done? Was she being just as cruel and single minded? Bitting at her bottom lip she sighed heavily, looking back at Kanrou, studying him to see if he was just trying to torment her. But it seemed he wasn't, he was trying to genuinely be nice and understanding. Letting out a long grumbling groan she shook her head. "Fine,,, I will go, but if she tries to eat me, I'm saying I told you so and running right back up here and I won't be coming back down," she told him.<br/><br/><br/>Looking a little embarrassed she said, "I may need some help with the kimono, I still don't understand how to tie it up..."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>The midnight kings glowing purple gaze shifted over to Hikari as she hopped in through the large unlocked window that overlooked his private study. He often worked nights and enjoyed the full view of the moon the window it provided, as well as easy access for his avian servants...and those he considered family.<br/><br/>A genuine smile crossed his features as Hikari hopped in and embraced him from behind. He then raised a hand and reached up and behind him, then gently stroked the side of her cheek with the back of his thumb and hand. "Ah, finished the last of your chores today, my little Pipit?" He purred out in pleased tones, then lifted up a white crystal with his unoccupied hand.<br/><br/><br/>Within it a brilliant blue flame swirled and bloomed, vibrant and strong as its owner was. "The dancer has returned has she? Splendid...that is a reason enough for me to be pleased, is it not?" he inquired in warm tones before lowering his off hand and standing up. Dusting off his clothes he casually opened a drawer in his wooden desk and retrieved a obsidian key. "However, there are a great many other things to be pleased with today as I imagine. You can most certainly relate my darling dove, As I must feel much like you do after a good flight. Today has been going exactly how I desired."<br/><br/><br/>Stepping over to the large cabinet nearby he carefully inserted the key and opened the doors, revealing a impossibly long corridor filled with all manner of gems, each glowing with some sort of colored flame or similar element. Letting the crystal go from his hand, he watched it float for a moment before drifting down towards a shelf of similar looking crystallized flames.<br/><br/>Shutting the door he turned to look back at Hikari when Crypt's signature knock sounded on the door. "Ah! was just about to say..." he began as he moved over to his adoptive daughter. "come in."<br/><br/><br/>Crypt stepped in and gave a polite bow before raising his head. Nearby a paper floated up from behind him, then began to write in glowing letters.<br/><br/><br/>Excuse the interruption, Master. But Akane has arrived. I delivered her your offer as well as spoiled her as you asked. The meal and preparations are complete as well, and is ready for when you wish to begin the event.<br/><br/><br/>"Excellent." The midnight king exclaimed as he adjusted his tie, then turned his gaze to Crypt. "I will ask her before the dance whether or not she will start staying within these walls. I imagine you told her a bit about the dark elf." he chuckled darkly when crypt nodded before he turned his gaze over to Hikari. "You see my dear, this is one of the many things you must learn when it comes to getting what you want from others. Sugar or incentives work wonders, but salt or threats force action. You may not get your desire with sugar, and salt alone can leave to unpleasantries...but when sugar and salt come together, your left with a treat most will not refuse..." Turning back to crypt he paused. "You then know if she seems reluctant what you must do." He motioned to crypt before taking the key and moving over to the drawer after locking the cabinet. "Though, I do not expect it to reach such requirements...regardless, she is a jealous serpent....so until she formally accepts the contract you will dote on the females of the house more than usual. understand?"<br/><br/><br/>Another nod from crypt made the midnight king grin. "Wonderful." he purred out before turning to look to Hikari. "Now then my dear, you must get ready. Tonight we shall watch akane dance in addition to formally introducing my fledgling apprentice to the rest of the house. It will be your first encounter with her as well, so do not be alarmed. She is a human, but not from this world...so please, be welcoming...for she is a part of the family." He then raised a hand and motioned to her form. "dress your best as well, and clean yourself up. Crypt shall assist you in preening your wings and doing your hair this evening as a special service. After dinner I plan to have him offer his services as a masseuse as well." Turning about, he made his way out of the study. "Now, come the both of you. I will be locking this room, and you must get ready Hikari. I wish to see you at the dining table in fifteen minutes."<br/><br/><br/>------------------------------------------<br/><br/><br/>Kenrou chuckled at her words and shook his head. "That I doubt will come to pass, mistress. The lady has no desire to eat you or she would have tried at the shop. Eventually you will learn the art of observing one's posture, as the body speaks honestly what the tongue may wish to lie. Her posturing was far more defensive than offensive, but indeed was hostile. Furthermore, please do not refer to her as "snake lady." You may refer to her as a Naga, or a Lamia if you wish to be more polite...of course it would be best to call her by her name." He then stood up and shifted forms.<br/><br/><br/>"As for your clothes, I would be quite happy to assist you, my queen." Going over to her, he lifted up the kimono and set it to the side while he turned to her, waiting for her to disrobe. "Additionally, it would be best if you did not refer to her as a snake at all...Naga's believe themselves to be related to dragons, not snakes. Some would find the comparison insulting, and considering some naga's can breathe fire, the rumors are likely accurate." He then blinked and frowned at her. "Ah...and this style of clothing is worn overtop wraps...you will find that style of underwear along the others. unfortunately not many in this culture are quite as....gifted...as you are, so it might be too short. Give it a go, and if it doesn’t work well...."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Hikari gave a cooing purr, nuzzling into her Papa's comforting touch. "Yes, Papa, nothing to report," she sighed in a rather disappointed tone, but it at least meant the grounds were safe and no one was hurt. But sometimes she wished she could be doing more on quiet days like today, however, she also didn't exactly trust anyone else to do her job during the daylight hours, feeling if she wasn't the one doing the job that something would sneak in, that she would fail in her task as guardian of the house, of her Papa.<br/><br/><br/>Cocking her head to the side she eyed the crystal with the writhing blue flames within, smiling at its beauty and strength. "Ahh so it was not just because of Miss. Akane's arrival," she said, perching on the edge of his desk as he got up to put the crystal away for safe keeping. "You gained another rare gem I see," she smiled, thinking back to earlier in the day. "That would explain the screaming I heard this afternoon," she remembered. "I thought I had missed an intruder until I felt your magic, turns out it was just you making another extraction for your collection," pursing her lips in thought she said, "but next time Papa can you please keep the screaming down, I can not monitor properly if they scream like that, very distracting," she asked sweetly.<br/><br/><br/>"Big brother Crypt!" She beamed, patiently listening to their interesting conversation, though she had no idea what they were on about. Cocking her head to the side she said in confusion. "So the quickest way to get what you wish is with deliscious food?" She wondered, biting at her bottom lip. "Mmm but I am no longer allowed in the kitchen," she pointed out, missing the point completely, probably mostly likely because food was the only thing on her mind right now.<br/><br/><br/>"Yes Papa, of course!" She smiled in excitement, hoping off the desks edge to give the Midnight King a peck to the cheek, the same with Crypt. "See you later big brother, Papa!" Disappearing out the window in a flurry of feathers, going all the way up to the top floor of the house where her room resided. It didn't take long to heat up the bath water and dive in for a good scrub down, getting rid of any dirt, not that she'd had much on her this time around. Once done she got out and shook the water off, fluffing up her feathers in the process. She then began smoothing them down, brushing her hair and picking an outfit for the night. It was only on similar occasions that she got to change into something different other than her battle garments, finding it tricky to pick. Remembering the crystal that had made her Papa so happy, she decided she'd wear something blue, picking out a lovely blue silken dress that accomidated her feathery features, wondering just what this human was like that Papa would go to such lengths for it.<br/><br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/><br/>Akane could no longer find Crypt but decided it was close to dinner time and that it would be best to get ready for her dance. She was no professional by any means, but for some reason the Midnight King found her entertaining enough to want to pay her for the privilege of watching her dance, even though when he'd found her she'd been drunkenly dancing in a tavern somewhere. Sometimes she regretted saying yes, other times she was grateful for the extra income. Medicinal herbs, liquids and crystals were becoming more expensive to procure to make her potions, brews and medicine. But then again if she hadn't accepted she never would have gotten to lay eyes on her beautiful Crypt.<br/><br/><br/>Taking her kimono off to reveal a silk and sheer ensemble for when she danced, rimmed in gold, pulling on her golden jewellery to go with. She still wasn't sure what fascinated him so about her dancing, but she had a few guesses she'd rather not entertain when she only had eyes for Crypt. Once properly changed she grabbed her pouch and left her kimono neatly folded in another room before heading to the dinning room to begin the entertainment.<br/><br/><br/>---------------------------------------------<br/><br/><br/>"Well I'm sorry, back home they don't have ... lamia or whatever. Humans I can read perfectly fine but half humans part ... whatever she is is a little more difficult when her body melts into the rest of her..." not that she believed Kanrou about the no eating deal. She'd seen the fiery look of death she'd given her. It was probably only because of Kanrou and his swords that she hadn't tried anything.<br/><br/><br/>"I'm not changing in front of you!" She snatched up the dress he'd given her and got up to stomp off to the bathroom, slamming it with a bang so he didn't peek. Taking off her more modern clothing she started pulling on the lengths of fabric, just about able to find the sleeves to put her arms through. Once done she stepped out of the bathroom looking like she was drowning in fabric that was blue and silver, little delicate flowers decorating it.<br/><br/><br/>After some spinning around, knot tying and hair doing she was finally ready.<br/><br/><br/>Red in the face she couldn't help but tug at parts of her clothing to feel more comfortable, wondering how women here moved and ate in these things. It was an absolutely gorgeously intricate dress, one too fine for her to be wearing, one she was still annoyed with Kanrou for buying behind her back, but one she couldn't deny was enchantingly beautiful. It rested just on the edge of her shoulders and showed an inch of cleavage, an inch more than she was comfortable showing off, but she couldn't argue anymore.<br/><br/><br/>Taking a deep breath she lifted the hem of her dress that was dragging on the floor behind her so she didn't trip and began making her way downstairs. She really didn't want to be dinner tonight.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Kenrou cleared his throat loudly as she struggled to lift up the hem of her silvery fabric, then approached her from behind, a gentle hand on her shoulder halting her progress down the stairs. "My lady..." he began, though his tone was much more condoning. "In this attire, you do not lift the seams." he began, stepping back as he lifted a hand and blew a gust of silvery powder at her!<br/><br/>The powder spread across her features and attire, causing them both to feel lighter and glitter faintly. "Now...that is a start. Ill have you looking like a young queen yet..." he began as he reached down, then lifted the back of her dress like a servant boy! "Now, please continue. Company is within family tonight, so you should not be so self conscious...please, continue onwards." he began as he glanced down at her feet, making sure she was wearing something that would match the royal dress and did not sneak on a pair of casual flats. "Ill have you know that if your shoes are not for the set, you will be barefoot."<br/><br/><br/>The fae's careful scrutiny of her form was interrupted by Akane's repeat appearance in the hall. However, before they could interract with one another the midnight king's own form seemed to step out from the shadowy halls themselves. "Ah, Aleine! looking positively stunning~" he purred out before turning his dark gaze to Akane, dressed in her dancing silks. A pleased hum left the king's lips as he stepped over to her then stopped before her. "And tonight, what an exquisite sight you are. breath taking as usual, Akane..." he then gave a polite bow and pulled a letter and pen from his vest and held it out to the snake. "Now I beleive is the occasion to tell you that your trial period is at its end, and I wish to formally invite you to make your presence here a more permanent one. A rare treat as it is, one cannot help but desire more, no?" he then straightened his posture and smirked at her. "I imagine my head butler shared with you the current situation with the need of spices and...your services. So, Ill have you take a moment to sign this if you will."<br/><br/>Clicking his tongue once he placed the pen on the paper before stepping back. "course, you are free to refuse...but having a dark elf here is rather concerning...see, with their obsessions over the more darker magics, I would likely be troubled with thoughts of what may happen to my poor head butler...as he would be tasked to take care of her, and in the process she would likely...well, do some rather tasteless things." he cleared his throat then leaned over, placing his gloved index finger over the "X" marking where the beginning of her signature would be. "But I wont need to worry about that, will I? after all, you have nothing to loose here...would you? Crypt would be assigned to take care of you just as well as me...and i am certain you would enjoy being my new librarian, would you not?"<br/><br/><br/>A soft knock on Hikari's door would announce crypt's presence as he waited for Hikari to give him entry, a large yet fine toothed comb held in his off hand. The small piece of paper slipped under her door, giving him the voice he lacked.<br/><br/><br/>Hikari, I am here to comb your wings. I will enter now, please feel free to speak up if you do not wish for me to enter.<br/><br/><br/>With that the fae entered the room and calmly stepped over to her and begin to tend to her. the strokes of the comb were gentle yet firm, smoothing her vibrant feathers into place and fluffing her plumage.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Aleine flinched, coughing up some of the silver powder, waving her hand in front of her face. "What..." cough, "are you," cough, " doing Kanrou!" Her face screwed up as she tried spitting some of the powder off her tongue. Thankfully none had gone in her eyes. Glancing down the powder was all over her, making her feel like some disco ball, especially with the fine blue and silver fabric she wore, making her stand out more. She hated all this eye catching, attention bringing stuff, just wanting to curl up in her room and read, be left alone.<br/><br/><br/>"W-What are you doing!?" She went pink as she watched Kanrou lifting the back of her dress. "Leave it, I can do it myself," she insisted, trying to tug the dress from his grip when Mr. King arrived from seemingly no where. Hugging herself she had no reply as he walked past her towards the snake lady, correction lamia. Gulping she made her was tentatively down the stairs, keeping her eyes pinned on the snake, wanting to give her as wide a birth as possible.<br/><br/><br/>-------<br/><br/><br/>Akane turned to the Midnight King and gave a professional smile. "You flatter me too much," she told him, raising a brow as he bowed like she was more important than she was. "I did not know I was on a trial period, I assumed we just had a mutual business agreement," she told him, taking the letter passed to her. Eyeing the letter she began unfolding it, but did not read it as she looked up at the Guardian as he explained the situation. Her eyes flashed at the mention of the dark elf, knowing they were praying on her jealousy and desire for Crypt. She may adore her fae, but when it came to business and deals, she was no half wit. She never signed anything without reading it and agreeing on it. She didn't make the best medicines around by agreeing to the first produce she could get her hands was all about quality. "A very enticing offer you make..." she told him, folding the letter back up.<br/><br/><br/>She spotted the human all dressed in fancy fabric, looking more like a regal doll. Reigning in her rage she gave a toothy grin to the Midnight King. "I will keep this and read it for later. Do not worry I will give you my answer by this evening or early morning tomorrow," she gave a bow of her own as she tucked the letter away on her person. She knew the Midnight King was a cunning, tricky man, it was how he'd roped her into dancing for him. "But for now, it is dinner time and your food and entertainment awaits. Do enjoy," she said, watching the human with narrowed eyes as Aleine slunk past, gaze down, sticking to the wall, trying to get by as fast and as quietly as possible whilst the Midnight King had her distracted to head towards the dinning area, nearly tripping over her own feet.<br/><br/><br/>---------<br/><br/><br/>Hikari turned to the knock at her door and smiled. "Come in!" She called, just finishing off brushing her feathers down with a soft brush, making them shiny and smooth. "Brother Crypt!" She beamed pecking a kiss to his cheek. "I have finished doing my feathers, but I can not do my hair," she told him sheepishly, straighting parts of her dress. Flaring her tail feathers she sat down on a stool so Crypt had better access to her hair.<br/><br/><br/>Once done she realised they were going to be late and she did not want to be late or Papa would be mad. "We must go, come Crypt, come, or risk being late," she said, giving an excited tug to Crypt's arm. Her hair now tied up into a waterfall braid, golden flowers in her hair. She couldn't wait to eat with everyone, and also meet the new human of the household of course.<br/><br/><br/>-----------<br/><br/><br/>Aleine finally found the dinning room, clutching at her chest in an attempt to calm her frantic heart after having passed the glaring snake lady.<br/><br/><br/>But when she opened the dinning room she was met with a feast laid out along a long, wide table, surrounded by red and gold appolstered chairs, even the carpet was a rich, fluffy red, surrounded by mirrors along each wall. It was more like a ballroom especially with the candle lit chandelier above them. And just behind the head of the table was a massive fireplace.<br/><br/><br/>Stepping inside she felt extremely out of place. "I've never seen so much food..." she murmured, wondering just how much of it would be wasted and how much eaten, because she knew she wouldn't be able to eat much more than a plate. She probably wouldn't even make a dent in any of what was on offer, probably wouldn't get around to tasting it all even if she had a month to do so. All of it was overwhelming.<br/><br/><br/>Walking over to the nearest chair to the door, she looked back at Kanrou, wondering if she was meant to sit or wait or what. "Now what?" She wondered.<br/><br/><br/>"You must be the human, Papa was talking about!" Making Aleine stiffen at the sudden embrace she received from the beautiful blue haired women. Lost for words was Aleine as Hikari pulled away with a bright smile on her face. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have never met a real human before, Papa has never willingly invited one over," Hikari said with a little giggle of delight.<br/><br/><br/>Aleine however, took note of the fact that the women was floating a couple of inches off the ground in all her excitement. "T-Thank you...?" Did she have wings? Were those talons!?<br/><br/><br/>"I hope this time we can be friends," Hikari said sweetly, clasping Aleine's hands in her own. Normally Hikari was attacking or eating any humans that had managed to get through the forest. "My name is Hikari."<br/><br/><br/>Aleine offered an uneasy smile, trying to retrieve her hands. "My name is Aleine... this is Kanrou..."<br/><br/><br/>Hikari blinked over at Kanrou and smiled sweetly. "Pleasure to meet you, fae, Prince of Ice, Kanrou, samurai general of the six swords." The harpy spread her arms out in welcome. "Come, come, sit, relax, enjoy, Papa and brother Crypt should be here in a moments time," she said brightly, having to remember to walk off and not float off to take her own seat.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Kenrou remained politely quiet as he walked behind her, still holding up the back of her dress as if she was already royalty. At Hikari's arrival he calmly moved to the side to distance himself slightly, not wanting to get in the way between the two meeting. When Hikari addressed him however he bowed and gave her a polite greeting of his own. "Good evening miss...I regret to admit you seem to have me at a disadvantage, for I do not know as much about you as you seem to know about me." he admitted as he pulled out a chair for Aleine to sit in. He then turned to address her, gently patting the seat invitingly. "Please, make yourself comfortable. You will meet most if not all the others who live here and likely be treated to a cultural sampling. When it is time to eat take things a piece at a time, your plate should never have more than a single serving." he informed her as he motioned about. "Though you have definitely put up a good fight miss, im afraid to tell you that this is likely your new lifestyle so...you had best get used to it." he teased her lightly.<br/><br/><br/>It was then that Crypt entered the room, and calmly began to lift the silver tops off the large plates on the table! revealing a massive assortment of luxurious foods. The most eye catching of all however must have gone to The roasted swan that lay at the center of the table. There was no doubt as to what the bird was, as it was decoratively displayed with a golden glaze and some form of white sauce that pooled about under it. Various fruits and vegetables were cut into various shapes, making it seem as if the bird was surrounded by a literal edible pond filled with all forms of fauna and flowers.<br/><br/>Crypt then stepped past the three companions and unrolled what appeared to be some sort of carpet made of a black silk decorated with many white dots, as if representing the night sky. His duties done he turned about and stepped into a nearby corner, offering a polite nod in the direction of the three.<br/><br/><br/>The lights suddenly dimmed as The midnight king's voice sounded out from a nearby hall. It progressively became louder as he approached the dining hall with Akane close by. The King however was talking of the coming of winter when they arrived in the dining hall, his earlier sales pitch to the lamia left behind in the entryway, so certain was he that he would have the dancer as a permanent addition to his home by the dawn. "Ah, evening my wonderous family and friends." He announced in warm tones as he stepped aside to allow Akane entry. "This sunday evening we have quite the event...as I have invited Akane to join us this evening for dance and a dinner. I truly hope you will all enjoy this as much as I know I will."<br/><br/>Turning about he motioned to Aleine. "Additionally I would like to formally welcome a new addition to our growing home...this is Aleine of the moon, The daughter of the moon to be precise...and my new apprentice. Please be kind to her and help her feel more at ease here."<br/><br/><br/>Suddenly there was the sound of many hands politely clapping in addition to whispered welcomes. Figures suddenly seemed to brighten into Aleine's view where before there had been no one. Softly glowing humanoid figures stepped out of the shadows, all dressed in differing formal attire from all kinds of locations as they gave her a polite ethereal greeting. They appeared to all be ghosts of some form, yet none of them were morbid or frightening in appearance, looking almost "Healthy" in a way...and certainly not tortured souls.<br/><br/>With this it became apparent who helped run the house in the background, and why she had not seen so many servants aside from Crypt.<br/><br/><br/>A clearing of the king's throat caused the room to slowly quiet, then he turned his attention to Akane and gave her a nod before sitting down. Raising his hand the candles dimmed, casting shadows across the room and making an almost romantic atmosphere. "Now...please, enjoy." he stated, motioning for Akane to begin her dancing and for the feast to commence.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Aliene took a seat with some difficulty. So used to modern clothing, like jeans, was she it was like wrestling a duvet cover glued to her waist just to scoop the dress behind her legs just so she could sit without missing the chair under the sea of fabric that was now her clothing. Squirming and wiggling in her chair to try and get comfortable, she was glad to see Crypt as he came through the door. "Crypt..." yet he passed them by as if he did not see them, wondering why he wasn't joining them for dinner.<br/><br/><br/>Cloche after cloche rang like bells as dish after dish was revealed, both amazing and disgusting her, not knowing what half if not most of what the dishes were called let alone wanting to know what some of them contained. Was that a fish eye in that soup? Did it just blink?! She didn't want to know feeling both sick and overwhelmed by all the food laid out before her that could no doubt feed hundreds, maybe even a thousand. Yet as she scanned the array of both mouth watering and stomach rolling dishes, it occurred to her that there was too much food even if the Midnight King and the snake lady joined them. They may have huge appetites but even if everyone had three helpings it wouldn't even get rid of a quarter of what was on the table. Though it was a long table with plates and cutlery laid out, she hadn't seen anyone else arrive or gather in the dinning room.<br/><br/><br/>What was going on?<br/><br/><br/>"Cry-" looking around in unease as the lights dimmed. Where was everyone?<br/><br/><br/>She shrank back in her chair as Akane entered, looking impossibly beautiful with liquid grace and ominous with her piercing gaze. But who was the Midnight King adressing? He made it sound like he was adressing a huge crowd, not four or five people.<br/><br/><br/>So when applause and the hushed sea of voices suddenly broke the deafening silence in the room she was a little alarmed when her eyes could not match the sounds to her surroundings. Until...<br/><br/><br/>"Ghosts..." she whispered, a little frightened at first with the way one of the figures happened to pass right through a chair to take a seat. But her fear soon turned to awe and fascination, watching these long dead beings from different times and cultures gather to be seated for the feast ahead. They looked so peaceful and glowing with happiness that it was a change from the tortured souls she'd come to see back home. As they all became opaque with definition to their features she watched as the chairs filled with more and more people, people she'd never seen in the house before. Now she knew why. Was everyone in this house dead or near to death?<br/><br/><br/>But the main question on her mind was, how did ghosts eat? Clearly they were there to enjoy themselves, so how? Or were others coming?<br/><br/><br/>Exotic music started, drawing Aliene's attention. Akane stood silhouetted in golden shadows, as her hips fluidly swayed to the beat of the drums, eliciting gentle chimes from the golden charms dangling from her silk clothing. Her movements were hypnotic to watch, so fluid, so smooth, so strangely calming and wonderful. The lamia's face was devoid of anger, threats and cold violence as she just enjoyed the feel of the music, dancing to it with such carefree grace. It was like the snake was charming the snake charmer instead, finding herself admiring the lamia's beauty in the way that, in that moment, there was a purity to her moves, her features, revealing a serene yet joyous youth to her. It was hard to think that the very same snake was ready to dismember and devour her if given the chance.<br/><br/><br/>Akane was by no means a professional, she had no routine, no nothing. She just felt the music and danced with it, moved with it, because dancing was not meant to be a set movement. It was meant to be felt, to be explored and enjoyed. So she danced the way she desired, using a couple of light crystals and a little bit of magic to add a little more entertainment into the mix. Still boggled was she as to why the Midnight King asked her to dance for him when there were proper entertainers out there. But it was a good bonus of money for very little effort on her part.<br/><br/><br/>Clapping erupted around the room, even Aliene was smiling and clapping to the success of the lamia's dance.<br/><br/><br/>That was when the mask of cold fury slipped back onto Akane's face as she pegged Aliene with a blood hungry stare that reminded her of the women she truly was.<br/><br/><br/>Akane bowed at the applause, feeling ill at having had to entertain the filthy human sitting at the table. Afterwards friends and family were encouraged to help themselves and dig in before the food got cold.<br/><br/><br/>Slithering her way around the table to seek a chair furthest from the human child, she shifted into a more appropriate human sized form to take a seat. Except the only available seat was one situated right across from Aliene, putting both into a silent stare down.<br/><br/><br/>Aliene went cold as she stared at the lamia across the table from her, curling her fingers into her dress. But Aliene couldn't take the intensity and buckled, looking away to focus on any of the meals in front of her. Reaching for a warm and fluffy bread roll and spooning some meat stew into the bowl in front of her, she tried to concentrate on eating, even though she felt sick to her stomach. "Crypt this is delicious, thank you. How did you manage to make all of this in such a short amount of time?" Wanting to at least include the butler in the feast somehow instead of watching him stand to the side in the shadows as everyone else enjoyed looking so lonely.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 18px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0080ff">PAGE 4</span></span><br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>The applause quickly faded as the music began, signalling the start of Akane's performance. Soon the elegant music began to even drown out the quiet whispers of the lamia's captive audience as they watched her dance.<br/><br/><br/>The ghosts would reach out and take helpings onto thier plates, however when they pulled thier hands back from the food a ethereal portion would settle on thier plates, leaving much of the food untouched.<br/><br/>Crypt finally stepped over to her as she spoke to him, leaning down next to her with his head tilted her way and his arms behind his back. After she had finished he stepped back and handed her that paper of his.<br/><br/><br/>I do only a fraction of the cooking. many of these spirits here are indebted to the king...so they serve him for a time. He does not speak of it, but much of what he does deals with the desires and unfinished businesses of the unquiet dead. now, do not be bashful...please enjoy more than just the bread. Leftovers go to a nearby orphanage for nonhumans... a place I imagine you will be visiting at a later date.<br/><br/><br/>The midnight king cleared his throat as he turned and motioned to Akane. "very well done my dear... now, do you wish to stay the night? Im certain crypt would be happy to ensure you are accommodated."<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Aliene took the note, read it, before looking around. It was hard to believe that ghosts could be indebted to someone, wondering just how a ghost became indebted to someone in the first place. The after life was supposed to be a time of rest, of peace, to move on to bigger and better things, hopefully. Supposedly. Unlike home, she'd never seen so many ghost that looked so serene and at peace with themselves and their afterlives, like they held no worries or regrets. It made her wonder just what the Midnight King had done to have collected the loyalty of so many ghost. Despite his hospitality she didn't trust the Midnight King and his motives, not truly. Though she found it hard to trust anyone, to get close to anyone for absolute fear of getting hurt beyond repair. She'd already been hurt too much, still bleeding from wounds she still bore.<br/><br/><br/>"Orphanage...?" Looking at the sea of food and suddenly lost her appetite. She would never wish anyone to be in an orphanage, knew the struggles of never knowing where or when your next meal would be coming from, and suddenly didn't feel deserving of indulging in such luxury. She'd rather give her portion to the orphanage than eat it herself, but also knew it would be an insult not to try anything. Just swallowing the bread felt like a rock in her throat. It reminded her just how much she was kidding herself, dressing in fancy silks she didn't need and eating food she didn't deserve. She'd almost let Kanrou fool her. She wasn't this royalty everyone thought her of. She was a cursed reject that had blood on her hands.<br/><br/><br/>Akane looked up from glaring several holes into the human girls skull, delicately swallowing the meat on her fork. "Hmm? Why yes, I had better stay the night." This was more so due to the fact she didn't trust the human, but also because she would get to indulge her desires for Crypt.<br/><br/><br/>By the time the meal was over Aliene had barely eaten anything but had tried loads of different things to appease, pleased with most of the luxurious flavours even if she hadn't been able to stomach taking what tasters she had from the mouths of orphans. She was just pleased she was finally able to escape the food, the death glares and the dress once she hit the room given to her.<br/><br/><br/>Though Akane had been planning different ways to dismember, kill and eat the Human across from her, she knew she'd have to carefully read and inspect the contract given to her by the Midnight King before she signed anything. However, what she still couldn't believe was that she was even contemplating signing it for the sake of a human, just to keep Crypt for herself.<br/><br/><br/>Thankfully the night didn't end in bloodshed but both women retiring for the evening.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>the festivities continued for some time and the night went on. gradually the food cooled and the spirits within the room departed. some fading out, like mists in the night. while others slipped through walls and doorways, never once opening them.<br/><br/>Clapping his hands once the midnight king rose with a smile. "A delightful night, everyone. Thank you so much for your company, it was much appreciated." He gave a knowing glance to Akane before clearing his throat and turning about to Crypt. "The dishes and leftovers are not your duty tonight...instead, wont you please go and attend to our guest?" he inquired, motioning over to Akane.<br/><br/>Crypt blinked and turned to look to the lamia with his calm gaze. He then offered her a polite smile and turned to the midnight king, offering him a bow before turning about and making his way over to the lamia.<br/><br/>The midnight king was quiet for a moment, watching as crypt made his way over to the woman. He then tapped his lips in thought before loudly snapping his fingers and clearing his throat! the gesture causing Crypt and a few other servants to stop what they were doing and turn to look to the king. "Apologies...Almost forgot!" He purred out before motioning to Aliene. "Crypt, please tend to my apprentice for a moment. She has a to do list for tomorrow, and I would like you to see to it she knows and is prepared for what is to come." Casting a veiled smirk to Akane the king twisted about on his heels and turned to leave the room, pausing only for a moment to give Akari's shoulder a fatherly squeeze. "Visit whom you like dear, the house is yours. Papa will return to his studies for awhile more."<br/><br/>Crypt had almost been within reach of Akane before the king spoke. Turning to her, he gave her a polite bow of his own before turning about and heading over to Aliene's side. He feigned ignorance, but he knew full well what his master was doing...and personally was not pleased at being treated like a dangled treat to the lamia... knowing full well that breeding jealosey would not be in Aliene's best interest.<br/><br/>regardless, he stepped over to her and paused for a moment to adjust the tie on his tuxedo before stepping to Aliene and handing her the small paper.<br/><br/>I shall be your caretaker for the evening, and inform you of your to do list for the morrow. I shall bring you some calming tea's and incense for tonight...and will answer any questions your familiar cannot.<br/><br/>With that, both he and Kenrou followed Aliene up the stairs to her room. Neither of the boys touched her, but both were clearly close enough to catch her should she fall. It seemed both knew she was inexpierenced in the attire she wore.<br/><br/>However, Crypt stopped after opening the door for her, while Kenrou was quick to follow her inside after the door shut. "You would make a perfect portrait in that, my queen." Kenrou spoke out, referring to her attire as he adjusted one of the large mirrors so she could better see herself before stepping back. "...Truthfully I would rather see you in garb more native to my own lands...but you do certainly look like a rose dressed in that." he motioned to her before chuckling. "The shoes though are a bit...impractical for my tastes. I imagine they are less comfortable too." he then shifted to his smaller form, and sat down on his knees on a puffy pillow nearby. now looking more like a samurai waiting on his lord, he spoke again. "Try to enjoy times like these...they do not last forever, and I imagine things will heat up soon for you...so you had best be prepared." He began before tapping his swords. "I will protect you however I can... but I doubt the midnight king will let me do as much as I would like. The flower that blooms in the face of adversity is beautiful indeed...and there is little doubt that the king's tasks will be as simple as getting snacks."<br/><br/>Suddenly crypt's signature knock sounded out from behind the door. after a carefully paced pause it opened, and the fae stepped inside.<br/><br/>Crypt carried with him a silver tray, and upon it lay a warm mug of fresh chamomile tea, the signature scent of which was quickly discernible as he approached the bed.<br/><br/>However, also on the tray was a variety of other items. A single purple candle lay unlit next to a assortment of tiny bottles filled with what appeared to be oils.<br/><br/>Offering her a small saucer of mint leaves and the tea he then placed the tray down on a nearby table and adjusted his smooth gloves...his ever present paper next to the tea he freshly made.<br/><br/>The tea and the mints are fresh. I harvested them and cleaned them moments ago for your enjoyment. Now, could I interest you in a message? I am trained in physical therapy as well as many different spa treatments and methods for relaxation. I shall remain here till you dismiss me for this evening, mistress.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ffff00"><b>Moonflower3</b></span></span><br/><br/>Aliene was just glad the night was over with the room growing quiet as the ghost departed, having already started to feel the pull of sleep over half an hour ago. Not to mention only half and hour into the dinner and she'd been ready to rip her damn dress off, it had itched so much and dug into places that she didn't think possible, she had to stop herself from squirming, scratching or adjusting. Which was why as soon as the Midnight King began saying goodnight to everyone she was the first to get up and go for the door to leave, without looking too rude of course.<br/><br/>She flinched upon her mention, looking back over her shoulder at a lamia ready to break her bones, a cold chill scraping down her spine. Besides she didn't like the casual mention of having to prepare for tomorrow. Preparing by the King's standards could mean preparing not to die in this next lesson, or lessons. She could have protested, but knew she would never win the argument, so instead decided to get out of the dining room as fast as possible and to the bedroom, before anything else happened to make matters worse.<br/><br/>She knew what he was doing, she knew it was a ploy, she knew he was playing games with her, showing her what she could have and just how easily it could get taken away. All just so she would be pushed into signing the contract. Coiling tighter as the human left, she hissed in frustration, making more than one ghostly servant wary of being near her despite their already deceased state. Slithering away in a huff she snatched up the contract and made her way to the guest room, with her proper clothing to begin reading it through to check for any loop holes, tricks, catches. The annoying thing was, the more she read on she could not find anything untoward. It was suspicious even for the Midnight King. What was he up to and why?<br/><br/>Hikari beamed and gave her Papa a peck on the cheek, wishing him good luck and sweet dreams. "Do not overwork yourself," she told him, watching him leave. Though in truth she didn't really know who she wanted to visit, if she wanted to visit anyone. Maybe a night time flight before bed would be good. Leaving herself she made her way up to her room with the excitement of a chick, shucking off her fine formal to change into her usual attire, before diving out her window for a casual fly, especially under a beautiful night sky.<br/><br/>Aliene tripped up the stairs a couple of times in her haste, the weight of the dress hard to keep aloft so she didn't trip. Once in the room she could finally breath, only just realizing how tense she had been at the dinner. Stiffening she glared at her own reflection, seeing nothing but an imposter. This wasn't her, this wasn't something she wanted or who she wanted to be. She was a fraud, staying here pretending to be royalty, pretending to be an apprentice, pretending to think that she deserved everything given to her so far. "Stop it Kanrou. This isn't me," gesturing to the dress she was wearing, to the way she looked. "Stop trying to turn me into something I'm not. I'm not regal, I'm not elegant, I'm not something special. I don't like wearing fancy clothes. I am just me. So stop trying to turn me into this perfect image of a queen. You may not like it," she yanked the dress off, letting it pool at her feet leaving her in a silk type slip that hit her knees. "but this is who I am, a simple, reject of a foster kid, who just wants to learn control, to be able to make a slice of happiness for herself and be left alone." With watery eyes she turned to look at Kanrou, brows furrowed in anger. "I have had nothing but, pain, heart ache, abuse and worse thrown at me my whole life. So what makes what is to come any different, it's my fault for momentarily believing in this false hope, this false happiness. You can't ask me to change so drastically, so why not just accept who and what I am, and focus on teaching me control as promised," she told him, turning away, wiping at her eyes as she made her way to the bathroom to change.<br/><br/>She came back out in some sleep wear Kanrou had obviously bought earlier today, just as Crypt knocked and stepped inside.<br/><br/>Right now she didn't want Crypt to tend to her, her mind turned to dark and depressing thoughts. She just wanted to be left alone, as evidence of how dark the room had gotten despite the fire and lights, as if her power was trying to suck all the light out of the room.<br/><br/>Sitting on the bed she looked up at Crypt after reading the paper, shaking her head. "No thank you. I'm fine. I'm just really tired. I'll finish the tea you bought though. If you want, just leave the to do list on the bedside table and I'll read it in a few minutes. You can go tend to more important things," she told him, cupping the tea in her hands, turning her back to the both of them to stare out the window. Next to her bed and up at the night sky, taking small sips. It was her way of saying end of conversation, she didn't want to interact anymore. Go away. Uncaring of any protests, she was no longer interested.<br/><br/>Akane signed the contract before going to sleep.<br/><br/>Hikari came back from her relaxing flight to nestle down for the evening.<br/><br/>Aliene fell asleep soon after finishing her cup of tea.<br/><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 22px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#ff0000"><b>EVILGRANDMASTER</b></span></span><br/><br/>Morning came for Aliene in the form of a small pink nose booping her own and a few warm purrs. The black cloudtail had deemed her pillow to be his at that moment, and apparently had the urge to cuddle. Leaning forewards the beast nuzzled her a bit before snuggling up to her hair and curling up, continuing to purr in a pleased manner.<br/><br/>Next to her bed rested a glass of frosty water, and next to that was Kenrou's own form. He had chosen to take his frost fae form to not intrude upon her, but it was as if he had not moved at all from her room during the night. He sat in a meditative pose, sitting on his knees while his armor and weapons lay neatly before him. For once however, he was shirtless. Exposing a form that was far more athletic and honed than what had shown when he had his equipment donned.<br/><br/>He appeared to be sleeping by all accounts. his eyes closed calmly as he remained in this posture, his breathing even and calm. Were it not for the size he was about as large as her index finger in his current form, he would almost appear regal.<br/><br/>Akane's morning began in a more social manner however. Enchanted stones at the base of her sprawling bed began to heat up more, waking her with warmth.<br/><br/>however, were it not for her improved senses another detail might have been missed. With utmost quiet and care her door had slipped open as Crypt stepped within. His calm blue gaze taking in her supposedly sleeping form before he turned and looked down to a small list in his hands. It was clear it was not the first time he had read it, but none the less it caused an eyebrow of his to raise. After a moment however he reached behind the door and lifted up a small basket filled with what could only be gifts and products for pampering as he began to neatly place them on her dresser.