3. INTO THE KINGDOM OF THE ROHIRRIM

Brianna watched all unfold before her through half-closed eye lids, not letting on to any of them that she'd seen and heard all. She did not know about Verin nor did she know anything of Jalisa, only that something had just happened between Tiphereth and Jin as well as Jalisa and Augustine.

Staying where she was, sitting against the stone wall as the great dragon took care of the wights and the golem, she was amazed at seeing such a creature as well as confused and concerned with what had just transpired between her friends.

When Augustine agreed with Jalisa to have a rest and meditate to soothe his tired mind, she herself pretended to be resting. She knew that when Lac arrived, she would have to let him know what she'd seen and heard, but privately. Whatever had turned Tiphereth and Jalisa against them, she did not know and wanted no part of for it would appear that she was the only one who had not become a target of sorts.

All these thoughts and more scrambled through Brianna's mind and she pretended to be resting and not having seen what she had. Once Augustine was settled, she continued to watch and listen, waiting for Lac to arrive.

The Fey's act had been less than subtle and Verin cursed himself for his own impetuousness. The bard had his uses, but the Faerie-kind were far better at using their charms to lure and deceive rather than manipulate the mind. Thankfully the Dragoness had remedied the situation and the sorcerer breathed easy one more. The three Rohirrim were inconsequential in this matter, they understood very little of Elves, Fey and druids and basically ignored the strange displays that carried on behind them. They were far more concerned with the Dragon that had perched itself upon the giant cliff that hung over the keep. Verin was most pleased with Jalisa's quick thinking, and the fact remained that he had very little influence over her actions at that time. She acted of her own accordance and served him well. 'Perhaps she deserved a reward for her good behaviour?', he considered then he laughed. Was he really such a benevolent master? He thought not, still it was prudent to reinforce desired responses in dogs, so why not a Dragon?

Oh, if Jalisa could know his mind how she would spit at him! The thought of this caused Verin to laugh aloud once more. It felt good to laugh, he hadn't done so for such a long time. A pity he could not have acquired these bound servants long ago.

Turning eastward, Verin stared in the night sky debating whether or not to press on. There was no need to push himself, he could stay well ahead of the companions and they would for sure choose to rest and nurse their wounds this night. His presence for now, remained a secret and so his minions could maintain their roles, but little did he suspect that there was one that had watched with a curious eye, the events that had played out at the top of the tower. Verin had overlooked the Dunedain woman, raised of Rohan. She as yet knew not what to make of what had transpired. The exchanges she had witnessed could easily be taken out of context and so for now, Brianna was not a threat, thus remaining virtually unknown to the sorcerer's extended senses. Time would tell, though, just how much of what the woman had seen would begin to make sense.


As Tiphereth regained control of his mind, he glanced over his shoulder to see Jalisa dealing in her own way with the wary druid. Immediately he recognized the technique. As a practitioner of mysticism the bard knew well the power of exacting one's will over another, but unfortunately it was something that his kind did not excel at. He had studied the art of 'mental domination' for years, but the Phaerie simply cannot bend the will of another unless their mind has first been swayed by other means. He could charm those whose wills had been made vulnerable by greed, lust or other vices, but not one who was assertive and certainly not the druid, nor any other of the companions for that matter.

He was surprised to see the druid simply vanish as he struck his pale staff into the ground and wondered where he could have gone? The powerful incantor was difficult to sense. His aura blended into the plants and earthen elements about him and while he was in a state of meditation, the bard had just as soon try seek out the essence of a stone upon a mountain.

Tiphereth felt some guilt of what he had done to, Jin. Even though his dark master had spurred him, part of what guided the Deithir was his own nature. It was far better than the alternative, but for some reason, Verin did not want his sister dead... at least not yet. He seemed to be waiting for something and would not share the reason with his slaves.

The Deithir took one last look at the Drowess, then dismissed her from his thoughts. The kiss had reminded him of Sapphryn, the love of his life. Would he see her again? The bard did not think so. He had his reasons for giving into the control of Verin, but the Dragoness was right. He was weak. He had relinquished. Not that he would admit it, to her especially. He did not know why but for some reason, Jalisa got his back up. There was probably some history that the 'Nmance' before him had with Dragons, and whatever it was it had gone badly. He closed his eyes and tried to remember, but for now the door to those memories was closed. So much of who he was once upon a time, was a mystery, even to him. The other lives he had lived were like closed books upon a shelf and to know them one had to start at the beginning of each, but Tiphereth did not want to immerse himself in what was. He feared that his own being would drown in the depths of the many other existences within him and so he held on tight to the life he had.

When Jalisa strolled back to the Deithir's side he held out his hand to her and said, "All is well here."

He looked around to make sure none of the others could see them, and obscured by the ballista, held fast to, Jalisa's arm and leapt off the tower. They were plummeting, but then the Deithir's power of flight slowed their fall and allowed him to direct their descent and glide over the keep to land lightly upon the far eastern wall.

Tiphereth breathed easier. The deception took its toll on him and every so often he needed to be alone, but in this case he decided to bring the one who was now his partner until, Verin's demise or he released them of his own free will. Neither was going to happen anytime soon, so the bard figured he should become more accustomed with this disguised, Black Dragon, or at least learn to tolerate her abrasive nature.

Jalisa glanced down at the offered hand. Even as her eyes slid back to the Deithir’s, she was already reaching for the hand. If his actions of leaving the tower surprised her, she didn’t show it nor would he sense it. As the air from the free fall rushed past her for those few moments, Jalisa remembered what it was like to take wing and fly. She missed that. The freedom of being able to drift high on wind currents and roll through the sky before diving so fast it almost took her breath away only to break the fall at the last moment by spreading her wings and allowing the wind currents to slow her descent then land gracefully.

Or snatch an unsuspecting prey from the ground in claws adorned with razor sharp talons.

As the bards power took over and slowed their fall, guiding them to the far wall she saw how he seemed to breathe easier. Smirking, Jalisa leaned in closer and spoke softly to him.

”Tis not easy, is it, Fey? To deceive those who had welcomed you into their fold and treated you as one of their own.”

Tilting her head slightly she narrowed her eyes as she studied him.

”There was more to what you did than act as a conduit for the Drow just now. Something happened between you and the Drowess while you were together beneath the earth. And now you feel guilty……but only because of the fact you used the spell as an opportunity to act upon your own urges.”

As she stood there looking at the Deithir, things were beginning to make a little more sense to her now and she smiled knowingly. A strange sensation settled over the bard then and he would know it was Jalisa causing it. It felt as though he had suddenly been covered by an unseen object that blotted out the outside orld and it wsa just he and the Dragoness. When he looked to her he would see her eyes were glowing red. Her voice slipped easily into his mind.

~He cannot hear us right now and I will only be able to do this a very short period of time before he become suspicious. Mind yourself around her, Tiphereth. When Verin realizes there is more to your actions he will use that against you. Take my word; you do not want him to use you in that capacity. It will cut deeper than any weapon ever could.~

The strange sensation lifted and Jalisa’s eyes returned to the strange sapphire color she normally sported in this form. He would hear no sarcasm in her tone and her normal abrasive nature softened. He would know she was speaking from experience and not from some handed down knowledge.

Knowing the bard needed some breathing room, she walked a few feet away from him then cast her eyes towards the cliff where Loki had landed and was surveying the area. Knowing he sensed her, she was not surprised when his golden eyes found her standing among the rubble. With a slight nod, she acknowledged him then turned to look back at the bard before she glanced around.

It was time to start assessing the damage and loss of life. It looked as if the Keep would be a total loss and from what she could see, there was no sign of the Rohirrim warriors who had started fighting the Gorrinvul with them.

Jin thought she saw Lac’Nala in the middle of the fray below. As she saw the tides turn with the dragon’s help, she wasted no time. Turning, she ran across the tower to retrieve her crossbow then dashed down the steps of the tower and burst through the door below. Smoke, flame, and ash filled the air and she felt it burn her eyes as she made her way over rubble, fallen Gorrinvul, and splintered wood seeking the Ranger.

A few straggling Gorrinvul tried to stop her but her crossbow quickly dispatched them as they exploded into black oozing pieces. Tears stung her eyes as the burning from the smoke and ash pained them but she merely blinked them away.

As she grew closer to the riders from Edoras shouts of warning rose up and they thought she was one of the enemy. After all, she was covered in Gorrinvul blood, she smelled to high heaven and she was running towards them looking rather threateningly. If this were the old Jin, she would have killed as many as she could in her search for Lac’Nala but that Jin was dead. Now, as the warriors tried to stop her, the crossbow she carried was replaced by her twin scimitars and she deflected their blows, twisting, turning, darting and diving around them.

”Lac’Nala!”

Her voiced raised over the sound of the new, smaller battle that was taking place. And while Jin fought her best, the sheer volume of warriors outnumbered her greatly and quickly overpowered her. She could have cast a spell but in doing so she would have hurt or even killed some of the warriors so she stayed her hand.

Finally held in the tight grasp of two rather large warriors who each had a hold of one of her arms, and it was all they could do to keep a hold of her, they weren’t sure what to make of her. Streaks of white hair could be seen through the dirt and they could see her skin color was quite dark, but not rotted and decaying. Her eyes darted to all of them as she tried to find where Lac’Nala was.

”Where is the Ranger Lac’Nala? Is he with you? Is he safe?”

The hold the warriors had upon her was painful but Jin ignored that pain as she frantically looked around for the Ranger. Her heart began to sink when she couldn’t see him in the faces that swam before her.

”Lac'Nala vel'klar ph'dos!?”

As the sun rose, Lac'Nala hacked his way thru the remaining Gorrinvul and the smoldering remains of the Golem, looked up and saw Loki, wings spread on the cliff above. a look of awe and relief upon his face. He raised his sword in salute andbowed his head in respect thought to himself ... "Once more my trusted friend you have come to my aide."
As the Rohirrian began to show fear and dread, Lac yelled ...... "FEAR NOT HE IS A FRIEND AND ALLIE FROM ORON_D_NAAR!"

It was then that Lac saw a group of warriors struggeling with a blood smeared form as they approached. He looked upon Jin, raised his sword point up in front of his face in salute, smiled and said "Release her before she causes you more harm than all the minions of hades. This is Priestess Ssinjin a true and trusted friend." He then sheathed his sword, stepping forward towards her with open arms.

As soon as Jin heard Lac’s voice, she ceased struggling long enough to pin point his location. When he emerged from the throng of warriors and saluted her, letting the others know she was not the enemy, she renewed her efforts to get free of their grasp, still refraining from using her magic.

The warriors looked at Lac’Nala then back at the she cat that was still struggling in their grasp. Release her? Thinking the Ranger was biting off more than he could chew, the warriors reluctantly released the Drowess. As soon as she was free of their iron clad grasp she bolted towards Lac’Nala and jumped into his open arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding him close.

Fresh tears stung her eyes but they were not caused by the smock and ash that filled the air. Burying her face against his neck, she inhaled his scent and closed her eyes as she let his presence engulf her. Her voice whispered softly against his skin.

”I feared I had lost you to these foul beasts. My heart has known no greater joy than it does right this very instant. Thank the gods for bringing you safely back to me.”

As Lac held Jin close he whispered in her ear "Istityn daotheldsar mayyis hameldaastriraetor weleldlonlon taeor starevaeth yirosune arraeeth arthalayinavayesta astrasata wisestalonlon. Taehalorunegolhamtirsil orfae yinoruthae hilanvoresta nayethavalkestrun lonevfortir moryir haleldaartraytil othril brinrayastraimnel." .......Lac then lifted her chin and kissed her deeply upon the lips then said "In starevaeth yaossauthu halathvineth maeevatar mayyis panrinossatorethacuratynothray arthnardil farraeestimnayda sarisanelcuretha cirhiemistlisdayhuroroldae Liroskarisa"

The kiss reached to the core of Jin and she was more than happy to return the kiss. It was the first time their lips had met in such a way and she felt the way it affected her. But in the back of her mind, she felt as though it were different from another kiss she had recently experienced but for the life of her, she couldn’t recall why. This kiss was filled with love and the other kiss was filled with…..lust. Or so that was the impression she was getting. But without knowing what caused the feeling, she dismissed it. Lac’Nala was back and for the most part, unharmed.

As the kiss was reluctantly broken, she heard his words and she blinked in complete awestruck shock. Daring to glance at the large dragon perched atop the cliff; she blinked then looked back to Lac again.

”This massive creature is your friend? Oh thank the gods. I was afraid we were going to be his next meal.”

Her eyes held his gaze and a small smile slipped across her features. Her hand reached up and she touched his cheek, lovingly tracing a small cut.

”We were beginning to think your mission was unsuccessful. I am glad to see that is not the case. Had it not been for you, the riders from Edoras, and your large friend there, we would have fallen to the might of the Gorrinvul.”

Knowing there was still a great deal that had to be done, she reluctantly stepped away from him. Now would come the difficult task of cleaning everything up and taking count of the toll this battle had cost the Rohirrim people.

In the total darkness Augustine began to clear his head, the druid sat in a cool passage just beyond the ancient iron grate that lead to the back of the keep. Augustine reached into his robes and retrieved the small silver Pharie lantern given to him by Tiphereth. It glowed a bright silver/blue in the passage stretching the druids shadow unnaturally long down the empty passageway.

Augustine crossed his legs and folded his hands in his heavy robes, his eyes closed and he began to rest. The druid only needed 20 or so minutes to right his mind and to remember his magic, the small amount of rest would go along way, the druids of his sect had trained themselves to do this for generations. Initially the druids at Columba had needed to read from their spell books to replenish their power but over time they memorized the tomes and the connection was strong in their minds.

Augustine always thought of his old home and his druid brothers when he took part in meditation, it calmed his emotions and kept the memory of the departed alive, the druid would never forget about the monastery, the other druids and the old dusty books there that held so much power. As long as he carried these things in his heart and mind their power would never die, this was the secret and the true power of the druids at Columba and Augustine was the last to have it.

Augustine opened his eyes and stood slowly after a short time, his mind was clear and the druid quickly filled it with thoughts of his friends. Why had the Pharie acted so brash at the tower above? The kiss and the magic that passed between the Pharie and the drowess was more than sparks of lust, it was an act of control. Augustine could find no reason why Tiphereth would need to use his formidable fey magic to seduce the drowess, she would most likely be open to the idea of a 'union' between she and the Pharie. It was part of the drow nature to wear your dark desires on your sleeve and Ssinjin did not fear any 'man', she welcomed these sort of 'challenges'. She had even given Augustine a few words of invite and desire in the past, and all the druid ever had done was admire her with his eyes.

Augustine thought of the strange mixing of magics that was occurring above him, his friend the Pharie was not himself, and the razor sharp Drowess seemed somewhat influenced. The only common factor seemed to be the dark haired woman Jalisa, she was more than met the eye and surely she was hiding her ability with magics, and maybe a dark allegiance.

Augustine spoke the words to cause the small silver lantern to go dim and put it safely back into his robes, he tapped the hard cold floor once with his staff and in an instant appeared next to Brianna.

The warrior woman was a little startled as the druid appeared he held his hand up to comfort her.
"Hello Brianna, how does your side feel?"

Brianna watched from beneath her lashes as Tiphereth took Jalisa's hand and left the tower, to where she did not know nor did she think it prudent to stand and find out. Something deep inside told her to stay put for now and keep feigning restfulness. Something was amiss here and she was beginning to no longer trust Tiphereth. She had never truly gotten around to trusting Jalisa and after what had transpired between her and the druid, she didn't trust her al all. She stayed where she was when Jin ran past her, knowing that the drowess was going to search for Lac'Nala and hoping that her friend found him well and unharmed.

When Augustine appeared next to her after he'd disappeared, she smiled at him and his question for her well-being.

"Much better, Augustine. My thanks to you and your thoughtfulness. I feel, though, that you and I should find Lac with much haste." Her voice dropped to a whisper as she stood, speaking so that only he would hear her words. "Something is amiss with Tiphereth and Jalisa and I do not like it. I know that Tiphereth did something to Jin with his kiss and I feel that it is not good for her or any of us."

Stepping back, she didn't wait for the druid to respond, instead she took his hand in hers to lead him down the stairs of the tower and into the charred remains of the Gorrinvul and the Golem. She was more intent on finding Jin and Lac'Nal to make sure that they were unharmed when she looked up and again saw the dragon atop the ruins. She watched as the great beast turned to look upon her and the druid and found herself bowing her head to him in respect. Something from deep within her told her that this was not a creature to fear so long as she did not pose a threat to those he cared for.

Stepping through the muck of black ooze, she slipped, catching herself before she went face first into the foul smelling mess. Her side still pained her and she grimaced, but was grateful for whatever the druid had done caused her wound to hold and not reopen. She smiled at Augustine then moved on, spotting Jin and Lac'Nal about 15 yards ahead of them, surrounded by Rohirrim warriors. She stopped then, turning to Augustine before moving ahead.

"Augustine, we must let Lac know what has transpired but I fear he will be angry with Jin for Tiphereth's misdeed. Perhaps we should simply watch the Deither and Jalisa for now.....see what transpires. What are your thoughts?"

Augustine smiled at Brianna, she was a gracious and complex woman, Augustine let some of his magic drift to her, it searched her being for any sign of magical influence. Finding none the druid withdrew his power.

"I am happy to help Brianna, your wounds were serious and I feared that your life was at an end, those of my sect are sworn to preserve life."

Augustine looked out onto the battlefield, many of the Gorrinvul still fought the brave Rohirrim. The great dragon was ruining the numbers of the undead berserkers with his fiery breath and Augustine was grateful.

"I think I speak for all of us when I say that I am glad the green wyrm is own our side."
The druid was somewhat relieved to hear that Brianna suspected something as well, she also saw the changes in Tiphereth and Jin. Augustine felt less alone and a lot less paranoid.
"I have felt the same things, I fear that their minds are not their own, someone or something has bound them with some dark magic. When we get close I shall try to use my powers to make sure of it, but when i do whomever is binding them shall know of my attempts. It could be very dangerous."

Augustine walked with Brianna, the dark haired woman was dragging him along with impressive strength.

"One more thing Brianna, I believe that Jalisa is a talented user of magic and for some reason she has kept this from us. I can think of no good reason for her to do so if we are all friends as we are to believe. it does not make any sense unless she is not a friend and has infiltrated our small group with designs to destroy us."

Augustine looked into the woman's dark and serious eyes, she clearly had thought much of this through as he had.

"The enemies of men and elves are not always easy to find Brianna, they are not all twisted creatures like the Huruks or Goblins, some wear pretty smiling faces and bide their time as they become a false friend."

Augustine continued to walk hand in hand with Brianna, he thought of his friend Lac'Nala, he would not enjoy hearing that something was rotten amongst their small band.

"For now let us welcome our friend back and thank him for his good deeds. If not for him we would drowning in the tide of endless Gorrinvul and all hope would be lost."

Augustine pulled on Brianna's hand and stopped her pace, pulling her close he was almost whispering to her.
"I will use my magic and turn it's eye upon Jalisa, we will soon know the truth."

Augustine had only finished speaking when a group of half a dozen Gorrinvul broke though the smoke and haze below the tower and rushed at Brianna and the druid.

Brianna found herself enjoying the feel of Augustine's hand in hers and she wondered about that. He was a druid after all and had probably taken a vow of celibacy. She decided that it was the simple contact of one she considered a friend during the time of battle that had her enjoying the physical contact.

When they stopped again, she listened intently to his words as well as the possibility of danger to himself.

"If there is anything I can do to aid you in this, please let me know and I will do whatever I can."

Brianna suddenly drew her sword and stepped in front of Augustine, ready to defend him and give him a chance to use whatever magicks would aide them. She blocked the blow of the first wight and turning full circle to come around and take it's head from it's shoulders, black blood spraying over her as she engaged the next one, her long hair flying around her as she sliced through the second one, almost cleaving him half. Brianna found herself in a rage, tired of these half dead creatures attacking them when again she felt the sting of a blade sliding through her side again, reopening the wound that Augustine had just healed a few hours before. A scream escaped her lips as the wight withdrew it's blade with a sickening suction sound as it slid free. Once more ignoring the pain, she swung around to decapitate the creature. Looking over at Augustine, she saw him reaching inside his pouch and throwing something at the feet of the Gorrinvul. She saw one rushing the druid and hurried to him, blocking the blow that would have cut the druid's body in half with her own sword, the contact of the two weapons vibrating through her whole body. She maneuvered herself beneath the large Gorrinvul's arms to cut his legs out from underneath him. He fell in front of Augustine, where Brianna took the wight's head. Her dark green eyes looked into Augustine's blue ones as she dropped to her knees, the decaying body of the gorrinvul in between them. Looking down, she saw the stain of her own blood once more staining her tunic.

"I am getting tired of being run through, Augustine and even more tired of the stench."

Augustine was ill prepared for the attack by the creatures, thankfully Brianna leapt to action quickly killing three of the Gorrinvul. Augustine watched as the fierce woman was wounded again in her side as she defended him. Three of the Gorrinvul still charged them, there were most likely more coming, Augustine pulled his sleeves back and held his ring out towards the creatures, the amber in the center of the ring glowed brightly, a single ray of the bright orange amber pulsed from the ring and struck the charging beasts.

The bolt of orange energy connected with the first Gorrinvul and traveled form it to the next and on to the next. The energy acted much like lightning in the way that it struck the creatures, when it struck them they stopped moving immediately as if frozen it time. The dark skinned creatures began to glow, orange like the amber in the ring. They remained stone still as they glowed, their claw like feet began to take root in the soil, in a matter of seconds the three creatures were transformed into three small trees. They retained a very humanoid look but they were now just a trio of pretty white barked trees, looking much like many of the ones that grew in the foothills of Rohan.

Augustine looked to the transformed things and then to his ring which he was still learning about, it's power was impressive and unpredictable.

"Let's keep moving Brianna, these things still infest this battleground, it is wise to get to Lac'Nala and the others with haste."

Augustine helped the woman stand straight, she was bleeding again from the same place she had been wounded before. He walked quickly with her, as he did so he let his healing pass from him to her and her wound would feel cool, the pain would diminish. It was not as easy to heal the wound a second time, his magic was moving a bit slower as his focus was split between her and the dangerous ground before them.

Augustine continued to push his magic to heal Brianna, his eyes were watching the ground as the two of them navigated through the smoke and stepped over puddles of black slime and unfortunate fallen Rohirrim. As they stepped over a few of the brave fallen horsemasters one of the bodies began to move and got up. Black spittle dripped from the chin of the dead man as he walked behind the woman and the druid. When he was close enough he howled and stabbed Augustine in the shoulder from behind, driving his ornate Rohirrim dagger deep into flesh.

Augustine yelped in pain and fell forward letting loose of Brianna. The white eyed man came at the both of them, he now had his polished sword in his hands it was black with the blood of the Gorrinvul he had destroyed before he was overcome by them.

The bard watched, Jalisa walk away, a thousand words dancing on the tip of his tongue, but he cast them away with a desperate chuckle. The Dragoness' words had struck him hard and he did not take kindly to being accused of such covetousness. He knew himself, but still, Jalisa has struck a cord and it forced the Deithir to look hard within himself. To simply say that he 'was not himself' was a weak statement, one that hardly accounted for all that had transpired between he and the Drowess, but realistically, what had occurred?

As, Tiphereth pondered, Jalisa's words he walked over to one of the heavy water barrels that were placed every fifteen paces or so to ward fire when necessary. He picked up the bucket and dipped into the cool dark water then slowly poured it over his face and through his long hair. The cold wet was refreshing and it he was glad to wash the Gorrinvul filth from his body. He continued to dowse himself until he was clean, the strolled over to the edge of the wall that over looked the inner bailey of the burning keep.

By the time, the Deither had crossed the width of the wall, his hair and clothes had already dried. Once more he considered calling upon the Aelaeydium. Unbeknownst to, Jalisa their power could free him of, Verin's control. It said a lot to the Deithir, that one as powerful as the Dragoness would honestly think him foolish enough to succumb to Verin's control without a way out. Freedom was a precious thing. He had not known it, in the true sense of the word, for longer than he could remember but still he would not exchange what he had to at the beckon call of a madman. His ways were easily misunderstood, however. He had always known this to be true, it was not possible to explain to those around him how he knew things, but he just did. He always had, not that he was correct, in fact it was more often just the opposite, but he did not know any other way. This heightened sense of the world around him, had made the path of becoming a bard and mystic and obvious one, but it hardly made him a prophet. There was so much to interpreting the visions that he rarely got them right, but from time to time they did offer exceptional guidance.

Currently the power of the Dragoness' talisman and Verin's control over him ensured that his gods could not see nor interfere with him. It was a sobering experience, one that he wanted to maintain for a while longer. He did feel for, Jalisa though. If he had known her heart then he would not have entwined her in this mess, but at the time he felt he was killing two birds with one stone. Keeping Verin close was a risk, but one that the bard felt was necessary. After all he was now literally a hand of their nemesis and so long as he could keep his wits about him he could thwart his plans. When the time was right he would strike, but before that could happen he required that a few more things fell into place. Until then there would be much guilt to swallow for the actions that he would commit, but such a sensation was a good thing for when it stopped, the Deithir was lost.

The matter of Jin still troubled him, but as his long sight peered through the smoke and flame and spied the two lovers in a passionate embrace he once more felt at ease. Seeing the Drowess in the arms of Lac'Nala was inspiring and heart warming. The fact, that Tiphereth could still feel such things put his mind at rest and reaffirmed that he was still doing service to his lord whom he had sworn fealty to. He had failed the ranger in so many ways, but he would put wrong to right in the end, but before that time he feared that demon he once was would rear his head. Already he could feel the blackness stirring within him and he wondered just how long he could suppress it.


To Jalisa's right, the door to the eastern tower creaked open and out stepped the Dwarf, followed by Sighere.

"I had a mind ye would still be alive." Othargren greeted then he looked further down the wall, "And ye as well ya leapin' sprite. 'Tis good to see the both of ya!"

The Dwarf then turned and placing his hands on his hips looked up at the great Dragon.

"You're right, master Sighere. That green toad does seem more impressive from down here."

Tiphereth gave the Dwarf a wave but said nothing, he was distracted by something else occurring down below. He had caught sight of the druid and Brianna. They had descended from the wall and had been set upon by a pack of surviving, Gorrinvul!

The bard wasted little time. He flew from the wall, and glided down into the bailey, landing in a flat run. For a moment he lost sight of his two companions, but as the smoke cleared for a moment he saw the white eyed, Rohirrim warrior advancing upon Augustine.

"Augustine!" Shouted the bard as he leaped high in the air.

As he flew over a collapsed wall, his sword-like spear emerged from his arm. He held at its base and as he flew over the undead Rohirrim warrior swung it like a great sword cleaving the creature's head in two.

Tiphereth landed and quickly ran to the side of the druid. He placed his gloved hand over the wound in his shoulder and applied pressure to slow the blood loss as his eyes darted about looking for more Gorrinvul or transformed, Rohirrim.

Easily steadying the druid, the strong Deithir helped him maneuver quickly over to Brianna.

"We must press on further into the keep. There we will find the ranger and sanctuary."

Loki looked down, leaped from the cliff, flapped his wings and climbed into the morning sky. He circled as he gained alttitude, then banked, barrel rolled and seemed to stand motionless upon one wing. The rolled onto his back and fell from the sky until he was but five hundred feet above the ground. Rolled again, stood on his tail and flapped his wings, then settled gentley to the ground. He walked over and laind down silently behind Lac'Nala resting his masive head upon crossed fore legs.
as Shape and his three wolf companions, with blood smeared faces, padded up beside the mighty dragon.

Jalisa heard the commotion and as Tiphereth moved to aid the Druid, she remained where she was. After all, she was to play the injured fighter part now that she was back out in the open. Looking back at the Dwarf, she grinned as she tilted her head and looked down at him.

”Well, Master Othargren, it’s good to see you survived this onslaught as well. And you too, Rohirrim. But it looks as if we are not free of the foul beasts yet. They still rise from the stench to try and kill us still.”

Looking up at Loki as he perched a top the cliff, she looked out over the battle field once more.

”I fear the only way to completely rid the land of these foul beasts is to move all of those who survived well out of the way and let the green cleanse the land in fire. Come, gentlemen, let’s see what the Ranger will have to say about that.”

It wasn’t easy making their way to the others and by the time they reached Lac’Nala and the others, Augustine was looking rather peaked. He was taking quite the loss of blood. Finally Jalisa knelt down next to him and the look in her blue eyes were full of concern. Leaning closer, she lowered her voice.

”If you still have your vial, you should use it. I will insure you are shielded from prying eyes so as not to start a riot.”

He would know her words were sincere. As she nodded before standing up, she glanced around and with a slight flick of her hand, Augustine would feel that same strange sensation Tiphereth felt when Jalisa cloaked them from Verin’s senses. The only thing different this time was the fact Augustine would have difficulty figuring out where it was coming from as the movement of her hand was no different than what one would normally see. Still, if he concentrated hard enough, he would locate the origin but in his weakened state, he would expend a lot of energy.

Turning to look at Lac’Nala, Jalisa relayed to him what she had suggested to the dwarf to see if he was in agreement. Knowing she had some knowledge the others weren’t privy to, she merely nodded to the Ranger to let him know this was the best course of action to take to insure nothing like what happened with Augustine happened again.

Jin saw what happened with Augustine as though she were watching it in slow motion. Even as she screamed to warn him, it was too late and she saw him fall forward as the dagger pierced his flesh. As Tiphereth moved to defend the Druid, Jin moved as quickly as she could through the mess to help the Deithir aid the Druid. When she drew closer to the bard, she felt a strange attraction to him and she drew up a few feet short and looked at him. It was powerful and she felt it to the center of her being. It was carnal and she had to fight the urge to rush forward and do all she could do to make their bodies as one.

Finally forcing herself to fight that urge, she walked to Augustine’s other side and help get the Druid to safety. As they approached Lac’Nala, Jin glanced at the Ranger then cast her eyes away. She didn’t want him to see what she was feeling right now and as soon as Augustine was sit down comfortably, she quickly put some space between her and Tiphereth.

What just happened? Why was she still trembling? And why was the urge to come together with him so strong? Daring to glance at the bard, she swallowed then looked away. She’d never felt like this with him before. Or at least, this insatiable need, anyway. They had jested with each other plenty but it was always done in such a way they both knew it was harmless words. This was different. This was…..primal.

Finally she looked to Lac’Nala and smiled as she pushed this sensation away, burying it deep within her to hopefully never come to the surface again. Her heart belonged to the Ranger. There was no doubt of that.

Lac nodded his agreement with Jalisa's suggestion and told th others to move deeper within the keep. He thenturned to Loki and said softly "Natorki nomeno thaczil di nomenoi vial rekisixi loki sia thurirl" (TRANSLATION = clean this land of these vial creatures Loki my friend)

After Lac, his arm around Ssinin's waist, the wounded and the others had made their way into the ruins of the keep, Loki rose and leapt into the air, circling he climbed the rolled gentley and dove spreading his wings a mear fifty feet above the vrond bathing the battle field in fire. burning the remaing Gorrinvul and bodies of the infected Rohirian's to a cinder, cleansing the land of the vial beast once and for all.

The dagger was deep in the druid's flesh, Augustine was not used to such pain, the druid found himself unable to stand up. Augustine turned to Brianna, he was only partly done healing her but now his magic pulled away from her as he dealt with the pain of the infected Rohirrim's strike.

"We must get to the others..." He said through clenched teeth.

Smoke was everywhere and Augustine could see nothing in the gray haze, for all he knew a mass of Gorrinvul and transformed horsemasters was closing in. Augustine feared that they would be slaughtered in the smoke and turned into white eyed devils.

Augustine realized that his staff was out of his hands, it was on the ground a few steps in front of him as the druid crawled over to retrieve it he heard Tiphereth cry his name. The Pharie emerged from the smoke gliding to the undead Rohirrim, destroying the creature with one mighty swing of his spear. Tiphereth helped the druid to his feet and the two of them moved to Brianna. Jin followed shortly after the Pharie and she too helped to get everyone moving.

"She has been hurt as well..." Augustine winced as the four of them moved to the keep.

inside Augustine was able to sit, Jalisa came to him and suggested using the vial, although the druid had his doubts about her she was correct, it was the best course of action. Augustine pulled the small bottle from his cloak, it glowed a bright purple/blue in the gloomy passage.

"You first Lady Rodraven." Augustine said with a weak smile.

As he held the bottle the druid could feel more magics mixing in the air, it was easy to sense but not particularly easy to identify. To the druid it was like being in a crowded room wherein everyone is speaking at the same time but being unable to tell who is saying what exactly. The druid let his power drift around the room, his magic seemed dulled as if it was unable to connect with the other power that was at use here.

Maybe his wound was more distracting than he thought or maybe someone was isolating his power. Augustine was ignorant of Jalisa's efforts to shield his powerful artifact (the nymph's vial) and his magic from Verin, he perceived the shielding as a threat and wondered what the endgame was.

Augustine turned his attention back to Brianna.
"Drink Brianna and your healing is assured."

Augustine offered her the vial once more and turned to speak to Tiphereth.
"My thanks to you friend, I could not have made it on my own..."

Even now the Pharie watched Ssinjin like the wolf watches after a rabbit, and her eyes lingered on him too. What had transpired between them in the passages of Underdark? The druid wondered if the choices they had made could be undone or forgiven. The druid knew little of lust and sex but he knew well that the Drow and Phariekind took these matters very seriously. Tiphereth in particular knew the dangers of giving over to his strongest of desires, when the flood was loosed there would be no refuge from the deep waters.

Brianna had felt Augustine jerk when the newly turned Rohirrim buried his dagger deep within the druid's shoulder and tried to cushion his fall with her own body, feeling her partially healed wound open again. When Tiphereth arrived and felled the new Gorrinvul, she had never been happier to see the Deither even though she no longer trusted him. Doing her best to aide him and Jinn to get herself and the wounded druid to the keep, she hid the fresh blood seeping from her wound with her hand. Once Augustine was settled, she moved away so that Jalisa could hopefully help him.

Feeling guilt over him being injured when she was the warrior, she shook her head at his offer to partake of the vial first.

"No, Augustine. Your wound is more severe and should be seen to immediately. Once you are well again, I will take what you offer."

Brianna turned away from him, letting him know that it was not open for discussion. She leaned up against the wall of the keep, about a dozen or so feet from where Augustine sat. What she'd witnessed pass between the Deither and Jin bothered her, but she kept her thoughts to herself and her face blank. She trusted Augustine and would work on her patience in order for him to see what he could determine, but it would not be easy. She had great respect for Lac'Nal and worried that whatever had happened would cause him great pain. She could only hope that the love between Lac and Jin would overcome whatever darkness was at work.

Looking down at her wound, she saw the blood seeping through her fingers and kept her back turned to the others. She wanted to make sure that this time, Augustine healed himself first. She would live and was used to pain, but she sensed that the gentle man was not and it bothered her to think of him suffering.

The survivors gathered in the keep, which was carved out of the mountain itself. They found sanctuary from the cleansing flames of Loki's breath deep within the rooms carved out of solid rock.

The raging fire radiated through the narrow windows sculpted out of the mountain wall that protected the great hall in which they gathered casting long flickering rays across the floor. Silhouetted before the fiery slits the Deithir's tall form loomed over Lac'Nala and the Drowess. Tiphereth's tongue caressed one of his slightly elongated incisors while his black, arcane eyes settled upon, Jin. He seemed to be transfixed upon her but one could hardly tell otherwise where he was truly looking, but he in fact saw nothing. Tiphereth's mind was locked in a dream or more appropriately a nightmare. Verin was now in command. What the Phaerie felt, he felt. What the Phaerie saw, he saw.

Verin had not thought such control was possible until he recalled a passage of ancient lore that reminded him of the fact that the words demon, god and fey were once interchangeable. They were all inherently the same in the sense that as they could possess a physical being, so too could they be manipulated, like djinni.

The sensation was intoxicating. The raw power of the Deithir was far greater than he had anticipated. "You were clever to hide this from me," He commented within Tiphereth's dreaming prison.

Tiphereth's heart sunk. Now that Verin had learned his secret he was even more dangerous and his own chance of escape was all the more lesser.

Verin turned and slowly walked along the raised walkway before the window looking down upon the companions and the Rohirrim survivors, enjoying his anonymity. His control of the bard disguised not only his form but his influence as well. Even the troublesome druid would be blinded to his presence and so he took a moment before his timely departure to gaze upon his enemies. This paltry handful of heroes alone stood against, Morgoth. Fools! How they diluted themselves thinking that they alone could illuminate his darkness. The god would wipe them from the face of Middle Earth! Even Loki was insignificant compared to His power, but they would play the part. Their demise would eventually allow him to challenge the Dark Lord himself, then all would cower before him, and his sister would suffer an eternity of torture at his hand.

The longer Verin's mind lingered in Tiphereth's body the more he began to learn of the strange creature. There was so much hidden beneath the surface. He was in fact old. Very old, but he was more a collection of lives, a long string of entities which were him and at the same time not him. Verin was confused and also intrigued, he and Tiphereth would have to speak about this more, but for now his exploration would have to wait. The sorcerer, could not maintain the control for very long, and it was time for him to relinquish bard's control of his body.

Though he himself could not know such a sensation, Tiphereth thought the experience of being controlled by Verin must feel a lot like drowning. When his master finally released him, he broke through the surface of the water that was his own body and physically gasped. Thankfully he was turned away from all onlookers at the time, and quickly composed himself before he turned around.

Strangely the first person his eyes fell upon was, Jin. Something yet lingered on inside of him that seemed to draw him toward her. He knew well the sensation and rejected it but Verin's will had planted a dark seed in his heart and it had begun to take root. Tiphereth could feel the life again once more creeping into his soul and for a moment he could hear the lamentations upon the wind, crying, "Woe is the Wind. The Wind of Sorrows comes!"

Sorrelwind closed his eyes and forced the memories away from his turbulent mind. When he next opened them they found the druid's kindly face. He was studying him, but the bard hardly blamed, Augustine for being curious even suspicious. His behavior could hardly go unnoticed while his foolish puppet master took unnecessary risks and burdened him so, but for now he was completely free of Verin's control. He still could not countermand his master's agenda, but while the Drow rested his presence dissipated.

The Deithir gracefully descended from the raised walkway and landed near the druid and Brianna. She had just drunk the magical elixir after, Augustine and already both of them were looking much healthier.

"I am pleased that you are both well." Said Tiphereth, placing a hand on both of their shoulders.

The Deithir offered a slight smile, which for him could be considered to be broad. His black eyes turned lavender in the lantern light by which the two Humans sat and they seemed to twinkle happily. He knew they were both good people. People worth protecting, but unfortunately to ensure the safety of such demanded sacrifice, not that he considered himself a martyr in anyway. The path he chose was as much motivated by selfishness as it was selflessness, a contradiction in terms, but Tiphereth had been at odds with himself for some time now.

"The Dragon purges the land of the vile, Gorrinvul. We should rejoice in this moment, for they are few for people such as we!"

Augustine drank from the vial, a single drop would do the trick, the nymph's magic was eternal and this vial held water from a grotto that no other eyes other than his Jin's and Lac'Nala's had ever seen. For a short moment the druid thought of the nymph, a beautiful and lonely creature, no one but he had spoken to her and no one but he heard her plead with him to stay and be her companion. She was sad to see him leave but gifted him with the vial and Augustine had never forgotten her.

Augustine studied the Pharie as he glided near to he and Brianna, the druid wondered how many of his kind remained, like the elemental nymph they surely lived very long lives. How long had it been since Tiphereth had set his eyes on his own kind? What might seem like a season for him might be a lifetime to humankind.

The lantern over Augustine and Brianna's shoulders lit the Pharie's black eyes and they looked purple in the light. Augustine thought that his friend seemed less troubled a smile even showed itself on the Deither's pale face.

Augustine turned to Brianna who had stubbornly turned away from the druid to force him to drink first from the small glowing bottle.
"I am good as new thanks be to nymphs and their gifts." The druid said.
"Please Brianna, no more of your stubbornness, drink and be well."

The pain in his shoulder was fading, Augustine flexed his arm, it was a little stiff but it no longer hurt.
The druid walked the few short paces to where Brianna was and put the bottle in her hand and closed it in his.
"You fought bravely, I have never known a woman to fight as you do. Now rest and heal as our dragon friend puts an end to all this horror."

As the druid spoke the flames of Loki could be seen from the small ports in the side of the mountain keep. The dragon's power was awesome, his breath lit up portions of the keep's passages and rooms even through the small openings in the keep.

The Pharie's shadow stretched long across Augustine as another volley of Loki's breath scorched the battlefield outside. Augustine walked to his friend and put a friendly hand on his shoulder.

"Are you wounded or ill my friend?, you are welcome to drink from the vial. It's contents never subtract, it is always full when needed and all are welcome to share in it's healing."

Augustine's magic searched the Pharie as he spoke but Augustine could find nothing amiss, not that the druid could fully understand and read the Fey's raw energy and power but all seemed to the druid to be in balance and that was one thing the druid was good at reading. There was no doubt that Tiphereth would know of his 'examination' but he hoped his friend would take it as concern for his well being and not an act of suspicion.

Augustine left his hand on the Pharie's shoulder for a moment longer as he contemplated his words.
"You are wise my friend, we should always remember this day and this victory."

Tiphereth shook his head lightheartedly at Brianna's obstinacy. The trait could test one's patience but one that had no doubt attributed to the woman's survival thus far. Her deep green eyes, dark as the Forests of Perpetual night looked upon him with mixed emotions, and rightly so. He would not begrudge the warrior woman her suspicions, nor would he blame the druid for simply doing what it was in his nature to do.

The offer of the Nymph's water in lieu of his recent behavior was a kindly gesture, one that Tiphereth was most grateful for. He smiled and bowed to the offer but he could not accept it.

"It is just water, my friend." Explained the Fey with a smile, and the druid knew then that the Nymph's magical elixir would not have no effect on her own kind.

The logic was sound. The mystical water drew its power from the realm of the Faerie, a timeless and one might imagine a 'thoughtless' plane that spanned all the worlds of Gladsheim. It harbored the Lesser Fey and Greater Elemental-kind that could not comprehend the liner concept of time, but those that evolved beyond their limits, the Greater Fey, were forced to push their realm into that of physical plane. To stay within the realm of Faerie would doom a self-aware and creative being to madness, or they would once more fade into the timeless existence natural to the lesser of their kind.

"I thank you, though." Said Tiphereth to assure he made no offense.

The Phaerie then stood, silently for a moment staring at the shimmering vial as if he could something within its waters that others could not. In fact was not what he saw, but what he heard. It sung to him. The lament of the Nymph's cried their tale and told the Deithir of her beautiful grotto.

So many of their kind were bound to islands where the Faerie realm touched the Physical. Once the two worlds over lapped and coexisted, but now the beliefs of the Humans and their gods forced away the old world. To travel beyond meant enduring a chaotic and hostile world, that Tiphereth knew well, but he was more than Faerie alone and could adapt. Others of his kind were not so fortunate, like the Nymph bound to her grotto until she inevitably faded. It was a fate, that all of their kind feared. It meant to fall back into the Faerie realm and once more become of the Lesser. It meant losing all that they were, all their wisdom and knowledge being lost in the eternal frivolous dance of the Faerie.

Tiphereth placed his hand over the druid's hand that rested upon his shoulder.

"She waits for you." Said Tiphereth as if reciting unseen words written in the water. "Her tears sing of you my friend, perhaps one day your paths may cross again."

Her tears lingered in the magical water. If ever the druid had pondered such a thing, the Phaerie verified those suspicions. They spoke to him and their tale revealed much of the secret grotto where the nymph dwelled. He knew well the loneliness that haunted their kind and why the phantasms of their realm eventually lured them back. Tiphereth actually began to feel guilty that he alone was exempt from this curse but even he in time would fade, perhaps even sooner than he imagined.

Verin withdrew from his vantage point, his mind was weary from wielding his magic and he felt the touch of his own master coming over him. Verin was growing used to the darkness of Morgoth, when his new master and lord spoke to him the Drow was in awe of the dark lord's power and his hunger for more. It had not been long since the Drow sorcerer had renounced and abandoned the puny spider queen, Verin was happy with this decision and felt protected from Lolth's wrath in the thick endless darkness of Morgoth.

As the drow sat the blinding darkness came to be all around him, he blinked into it but there was nothing to see. With the darkness came a great cold, the drow were not terribly susceptible to the cold, after all they lived in the ground, but this cold was something much different.

The dark and the cold spoke of another dimension, an alien and hostile one in which the Drow's new god had once dwelt. Verin did not fear much in this world but he feared such a world where gods like his dwelt, the drow forced his fear from his mind as this darkness addressed him.

"I am pleased to see that the Fey and the Dragoness bear our marks now Verin. Make sure that it remains so. There can be no failure, the rest are but insects to be destroyed, beings of no consequence. The dragon will play her part you will make sure of this and the Fey will come to know me and suffer."

Verin kept his eyes open but again there was nothing to see it was as if the drow was floating in the depths of the darkest part of the sea. The cold bit at Verin but the drow dared not shiver.

"It will be so Jabbuk(master)..." Verin said.

Soon the darkness withdrew like a fog, the stars were overhead again and the true night was warm. Verin thought of the two masked apparitions that tried to claim him for their mistress Lolth after he killed Lunazul and in that moment was somewhat grateful to be a subject of Morgoth.

Verin's new god had no designs for the druid, the half elf prince or his traitorous sister and Verin was pleased to think that he would only please the darkness of Morgoth by killing them off. Ssinjin especially would suffer, if given the chance to wield the power of Morgoth Verin would stretch her punishment to an eternity.

Verin was learning much about the fey as his mind studied the Pharie's, the Fey's form was a fine place to use as a vessel for Morgoth's dark power and consciousness and Verin wondered if the dark god aimed to use the creature in such a way. God, Demon, Fey-did these words not mean the same thing in dimensions beyond this one? Did they not once mean the same thing in a age before this one?

Morgoth made it's demands but did not share it's full and dark plans, they were not fully revealed to Verin but the drow sorcerer saw much and was making plans of his own.

Brianna smiled at the druid as his hands covered hers, the vial held in her hands. She was still guilt-ridden over the fact this gentle man had been wounded due to her unattentiveness. Even though she'd been wounded herself when he'd been stabbed, it still was no excuse in her mind for her to have allowed it to happen. She was the warrior and he the wise man. Even though his words touched her heart, she still lowered her eyes to him, letting him know that she still took the blame for his wounds.

She took her small sip from the vial and after handing it back to Augustine, she turned and walked a short distance away from the small group, her thoughts wandering to what had changed Tiphereth and Jalisa as well as the small signals she was picking up on between Jin and the Deither. This disturbed her most of all, but she would trust in Augustine to do what he could to find out what had happened to their friend and new companion.

She looked to Lac and Jin and then over to the other Rohirrim warriors that had come with Lac to give them aide. She was grateful for them but still burned with the loss of her whole village and adoptive parents. She wondered if the king's niece had hidden her identy and followed them. She'd heard the stories of the willful woman through the years and how she kept her uncle and brother on their toes. At the same time, she envied the princess for she was a true lady, something Brianna knew she would never be. She sighed, mentally berating herself for the direction of her thoughts. This was not the time to be envious of another. Their battle had just begun and she was a warrior first. Besides, she didn't know how to be a lady and it was too late to learn now. Smiling, she thought how she'd like to meet this niece to the king then her thoughts turned back to their present problem with Tiphereth and Jalisa and she stared into nothingness as she fell deep in thought.