Prisoner of Lies

[chaoskeeper]

ooc: the title can be taken in a number of ways... I don't mean to offend anyone with it

bic:

Another successful exit completed. This time Xander landed in the heart of the Earth realm, Borran’s very own designated kingdom. Morning was breaking here; the sun shown its majesty through a narrow window near the ceiling of a thick stone wall. Opposite the wall, Shade found iron bars with a few mats behind them. The cells remained empty for now – no need for prison cells of military barracks in time of peace. Xander felt right at home in the Earthen dungeons. It was dark, dank, and he knew the torture chambers were just down the hall. Darkness and death is his; the sun is obviously not his favorite, only the shadows it creates.

As an assassin trained in the arts of night and stealth, Xander Shade worked quickly with the minimum amount of sound. Jinx remained draped over his right shoulder while the tall man worked. He found the cell keys hanging near the dungeon entrance and opened a cell in the middle of the line-up. Carefully he laid Wind’s overzealous spy on the mat in the confined space. With a certain amount of haste and force, the copying feit used the very powers he has been duplicating from his continuous contact with ‘Keria’. Great precision accompanied his finely tuned fingers of his marked right arm through her esophagus to open and clean her lungs. Xander honestly did not hope to keep her alive for long, only long enough for the Master of Soil to see the betrayer of peace.

With that task currently out of the way and a pile of dirt muck and lung gunk lying in the dark corner as a result of the cleaning, he stood. Gazing around at his surroundings, Shade searched for anything useful. Soon he heard footsteps in the stairwell – most probably a soldier making his rounds.

His voice echoed boomingly between the stone walls and empty spaces as Xander called the soldier to the cell. The tall spy was exiting and locking Jinx’s cell when a very young human – probably and rookie- came answering his call. With strength and command, not to mention the overwhelming presence his calm form possesses in the current setting, Xander Shade, assassin of shadows, ordered,

Summon Satazian, Master of Soil, here to me. This is an urgent situation we have on our hands her… we have an enemy spy in our midst. Go!

The young soldier jumped to his feet and back up the stairs to find Master Satazian. Of course he did not know Xander Shade, but nor did he know everyone within and out of military ranks. Still, would that trivial information be of any importance now? No! Not with a spy on their hands!

ooc: sorry Jinx... I just can't break Xander's character... good luck to you.

[.::~*D.i.S.a.S.t.E.r*~::.]

<sup>The dark wraith gently floated to the surface of this mortal realm which held so much distate in the black servants heart. Expressionless and vacant his eyes trained hard on the pin-point speck that was his window into reality. Yet for now, he basked in the endless darkness that was his homeland. Evil lurked heavily about him and the chaos was indeed something of unfathomable proportions. No mortal could dare set foot within such a domain without fear of being devoured by malignant jaws. Gabe held no such fear. He was near the second most powerful entity within the black abyss, and was the keeper and most trusted servant of the overpowering lords of this chaos. For years he'd remained dormant unneeded and uncalled upon. His services useless in a time of peace, but now a disturbance had rippled through his plane of existance and it had awoken him with two different callings, one more prominant than the others.

For you see, Gabriel's race was an evil breed. Dark and nurtured--some even go as far as to say "created by"--the Dark Lords, commonly known as the Feits. There were few feits left, and those that did exist had taken up a life of minute existance, not venturing far from their secluded lands and keeping mostly to themselves. Besides, a true dark lord, travelling through the darkness of his world was not uncommon, and would not cause a disturbance of any kind. However, new energies had passed through recently over the course of several years. But time in the darkness is different than time on earth--and a century to the people of algaësia could barely span as an hour within the dark dimension of the shadows. Nonetheless, this new ripple had sparked new life in the undead creation that was the Dream-Wraith, Gabe--for something was passing through that normally should not. It was identified as a human resonance. A spiritual trace, barely audible but enough to cause unrest among the dark inhabitants. Such humanoid prey would never be allowed to enter and exit the dark abyss, for evil is always hungry--yet the intruder remained untouched due to the lordly diety that ruled within it's soul. A half-breed empowered with the gifts of a dark lord. An uncommon creation and new enough to evoke the curiousity of one such servant. Gabe.

He had served the dark lords before, during the wars. His powers serve the evil dieties well, for his manipulitive strength allowed them power over their enemies and followers, for they ruled on fear. Yet the age of peace had left the dream-wraiths useless and they had been discarded back into the darkness where many and most had fallen into deep slumber, a state of stasis where they would await the calling of a master feit when their skills were once again needed.

Therefore, Gabe had been revived at both the calling of the dark lord within the unknown Xander--though even to him the calling was probably subconscious... for inwardly it seemed this individual was wishing to spark chaos once more, and such a desire was enough to summon the feit's natural right to have a dream-wraith at his beck and call. Yet on the other side of things, Gabrial--the evil soldier--had been sent to investigate and perhaps eradicate this human threat. For a human entity was welcomed only as prey or slave to this dark hellish world. However, Gabriel knew if this was indeed as he suspected--a half breed crossed between a feited father and a human mother, then eradication would not be a plausible option especially if the dark lord within the individuals soul was the dominant portion, which Gabe assumed it was-- the shadows would have consumed him if it was any other way.

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

Slowly the dark dungeons began to materialize around him and the ominous spirit leaked out in gentle black strands of ebony silk. Tendrils of mist that came without sound and without scent. Only site could see them, but even that was hindered by the mornings shadows. The sunlight flickered across his growing black cloud, and immediately he recoiled from it with a startled hiss--releasing the silent stealth and making his entry known to the two figures left within this dungeon room. He recoiled slightly back into the shadows that was his door to his homeland, for Gabe had forgotten the searing light of the sun that was so disdainful to the wraith's existance. Sunlight would not kill him, but the warm pleasant rays went against the very fibers of Gabriel's existance. He stayed out of it when he could.

Nonetheless he had come with a purpose, to investigate this Xander--and understand why he was being called by the demon within the man. So gingerly he continued through the black gate and entered this forsaken realm of day. He skirted the sun and took refuge within a dark shadowy corner. HIs image surpessed as a ghostly figure cloaked in black, hooded and faceless, with ominous grey and black tendrils misting and smoking about his illusioned body. He would not take physical form until the situation had been controlled, he would not risk death to himself by making himself vulnerable. At least not until this Xander proved unthreatening.

Crossing his arms, his cold presence seemed to draw the little warmth that the sun bathed into the cells. For there was nothing peaceful, or comforting about the wraith's appearance. If anything his very image seemed to draw the life and color out of the already dreary walls. Glancing around, Gabe did approve of the scenery, but his attention was now fully on Xander. His voice echoed out, an old language--dark and forboding. Ominous and dangerous echoed agaisnt the shivering grey stone. It's double edged tone demanding yet services--ready to bow and bend should the might of the dark lord within this man's soul come forth to reprimand a questioning wraith's insolence. Yet again, if the boy was only half of a dark power, was Gabriel really at any risk at all? Would a half breed have the power to control the wraith's malignant evil and demonic power and servitude? Obviously soon we shall all see...

"Nome voi stessi, intruso dell'oscurità." his words rang ominously clear and deep.

Gabe had no idea that perhaps, this half-breed did not understand the ancient language.

ooc: CK -- I've PMed you a translation of the phrase. I have now revealled my full plan to promise. She approves. ^_^ mwahaha!

however, Xander if you are completely against it and don't like my intrusion or the linking to Xander's feited subconscious, please let me know... I'll take back both the post and the character. I'm not out to make enemies, just plot.</sup>

[chaoskeeper]

The boy amused the malicious assassin who chuckled at the speed at which the private left. Eagerly he wondered from which the speed came. Fear? Urgency? Or the call of duty? Xander sneered at the thought of proper responsibility and duty to a nation. This man belonged no where coming and going as he pleased stopping in no particular place and not caring in which territory his feet trekked – except when of course his schemes required exact placement.

Shoving the thought harshly to the back of his mind, the killer followed his feet wrapped in black cloth to the cold stone wall. A beam of light shone through a window above his head seemingly capping the darkness with an unwanted roof. Part of the miscreant desired rest – have it known he has yet to sleep – while his other, darker, half merely craved to unleash all havoc and watch the chaos unfurl. However, the human was correct in wishing a time for respite. If the human became weak along with is flawed body, all plans would go awry. Therefore, Xander Shade tucked cell keys into his pocket and leaned back against walls of stone finally sliding to his butt.

Sitting more of less relaxed, the man brought his hands to meet his right foot above his center of gravity. Here he began the tedious process of cleaning the burn which had sizzled over his heel. This is the aftermath of having too much fun with a three-headed beast and not paying attention to ‘allies’ he tended to. Carefully he pealed the dark fabric melted to his flesh attempting to avoid taking skin with it. This attention lasted until his foot was bare and bathed in the cooling shadows. Blood surfaced yet it did not overflow its bounds. Shade had done a fair enough job for one who preferred to shed than dam the red life liquid.

As he finished, Xander listened to the silence surrounding him. Jinx’s breath came to his ears as a faint pattern… but something did not sit right with this assassin of shadows. Somehow the dank air seemed thick with another presence. Who is it? The Soil Master? No. Couldn’t be. I would have heard him enter. Tilting his head crowned in black up, Shade of shadows looked in the cell in front of him – only Lady ‘Keira’ lied there.

Slowly Xander Shade stood. Silver eyes carefully scanned the area. Despite the rising sun, the dungeons seemed darker. He did not like it. Of course he liked the dark – it was homey and the shadows danced – but it was the thought of someone making their approach without his knowledge he did not in the least bit enjoy. Shade takes great pleasure from a challenge however the devious plotter always makes sure to give himself some advantage. Unfortunately, this new presence possessed his favorite next to his shadow abilities, surprise.

Adrenaline surged as he searched for the intruder’s form. Who could possibly sneak up on him? Finally his eyes rested upon Gabe’s ‘form’. Xander’s entire body relaxed. It was a shadow. How could he fear a shadow? That’s ridiculous and plain unheard of in the feit halfling’s world. A cocky smirk slinked across his face nearly into the burn upon his cheek. His head dropped to the floor and he sighed as he chuckled at himself. He thought it funny how one adrenaline rush could mess with his mind.

Just then, this ‘shadow’s’ booming and foreboding voice quelled the man’s laughter.

Xander Shade looked once again at the shadowy figure this time with stern expression. Black eyebrows furrowed and his mouth opened wide. In this situation, the assassin made sure he was heard.

“How dare you call me un intruso!? Chi voi pensano siete, ombra, per comandarmi tale questo?”

In a moment, he clamed to a point. He remained angry and frustrated, but his cocky persona surfaced a little. His expression softened as one eyebrow rose higher than the other.

“Nessun essere su questo aereo vivente conosce il mio nome in modo da dicami come è credete che abbia dato tali cose voi.”

He paused to think. Xander had a feeling Soil Master Satazian would arrive soon – no leader would pass up issues concerning a spy. The man decided he could not have Sata see this thing; it could prove a reason for the Master of Soil to not trust the unknown assassin of shadows.

“Permesso.” The order came as if from the Dark Lord himself. “… o pellame voi stessi. Non ho bisogno della vostra presenza che avvita sui miei programmi. Posso trattare con voi dopo che mi sia occupato di questo.”

Silver orbs kept on the intruder. Xander honestly did not think any of the conversation. Since his childhood, he had never known what he exactly is, nor has he understood the full extent of his dark powers. The assassin has gotten to where he is in control merely by ‘playing’ as he likes to call all the killing and fighting.

Shade was quite intrigued by the new being, but at the present time, he was more interested in seeing his chaos pull through than interview a shadow.

ooc: no... it's cool... very cool... I'm not out to make enemies either... maybe in the plot but not with the players... everything's good. ;D *thumbs up*

[.::~*D.i.S.a.S.t.E.r*~::.]

ooc: ok *big sigh* I'm going to kill something, so hopefully I can get through this message first.

CK -- it's not your fault, I'm not pissed at you...

I'M PISSED AT THE DAMN COMPUTER!!!!!!!

*foams at mouth*

I HAD A FRICKIN' POST TYPED UP, ALREAD TO GO... AND THE RUTTIN' TRANSLATER SITE WENT SCREWY!!!

*chucks pencil at monitor, fights urge to throw computer out of second story bedroom window*

GUESS WHAT IT DOES NEXT!!?? IT TALKS ABOUT SOME STUPID PROBLEM, AND HOW IT HAS TO CLOSE SO... NEAR PANIC I FRICKIN' COPY MY POST.

TO RUTTIN' BAD!! NO GOOD, THE WHOLE DAMN EXPLORER SHUTS OFF, AND MY POST WENT ALONG WITH IT.

IF YOU CAN'T TELL I'M GENUINELY PISSED OFF, AND READY TO K.I.L.L. SOMETHING. AS IT IS, I'VE RESISTED USING LESS THAN APPROPRIATE TERMS, THOUGH I BELIEVE THEY WOULD BETTER EXPRESS MY RAGE!!

*calms self, reasonably--eye still twiches*

So, CK, I'm apologizing for not having a post up know, don't know when I'll have another one, since my muse for writing as totally been destroyed, and I don't feel like going through that long tedious process of writing my post... ALL FRICKIN' OVER AGAIN!!!!!!

*breathe's heavily--sigh*

Ok, I better go now. ttyl

[.::~*D.i.S.a.S.t.E.r*~::.]

Gabriel watched, expressionless to the world. Of course, if he had a face to show, it would have shown with vile satisfaction as the second most powerful figure in the shadow realm observed the half-breed's discomfort as the cold, ominous form of the wraith filled into the main hallway. Gabe was, however, not amused by the incompetant's sudden relaxation and gentle laughter. As if Gabe was no threat!
Now the wraith was a cold dark presence and incapable of human emotions, but all beings have a measure pride. Thus, the little that Gabriel did possess was slightly wounded, throwing the dark entity into a fouler mood than he had started with. Yet, he did feel a sense of corrupt pleasure as his words quickly silenced the intruder's chukling.

The smikr that his unseen face portrayed was short lived, however, as the crossbreed's retort echoed loudly and forcefully between the dark pair. The stern expression could not be missed, but Gabe was undaunted;only maigc could dent this other worldly creature... and fear was not an expression that Gabe was succesptable to. There were few predetors in his world that could prey upon him... so his fearful tendencies had waned over the timeless centuries. Nonetheless, if Gabriel could have frowned he would have, and even without a face, his dissaproval of Xander's tone seemed apparant even so... it was a noxious emotion that filled the small confines of the hall. Gabriel felt no need to comply or feel he had done wrong. Whether Xander knew it or not, a part of the hubrid was not supposed to enter the shadow realm, much less unharmed.
However, Gabe did not put the young man's words in their proper place, but endured the frustrated vocolization with a blank black stare. Though he did note a slight change in initial tone, the words still held fierce meaning and there was a suttle subconscious pull to bend and heel at the mortal's beck and call, yet Gabe was not terribly aware of it. He was here to get answers and enact punishment, if needed; he was not here to grovel.

Cruelly he bellowed in retort, as if he had not heard the harsh tone of Xander's words. Gabriels vocals filtered into the corners of the dungeons and dragged the warmth out of the air. The prison became a tomb, and life seemed to wither away, for it was now Gabriel's turn to demand, and his words were more potent--fullblooded.

"Le vostre parole li denunciano…"

"Non conti così pesante sul vostro arrogance, può venire venirli a mancare alla fine."

With the cryptic monologue given with such cold emotionless venom, Gabriel's apparative form began to disintrigrate into the stone. Yet he did not leave. He was only partially compelled by the youth's words, and thus he did not feel obligated in the least to retreat completely back into the abyss. Thus, though his ghostly form could not be seen, the room remains dark, cold, and grey. Life seemed absent, for Grabriels presence in the dark corners and the crevices of the stone brought along with it the dark dreary atmosphere of the shadow realm--a place the living feared and did not venture.

Here he waited, to see what Xander's desired PLAN truly was.

[chaoskeeper]

Silver unblinking eyes watched the wraith with stern expression not breaking their hold upon the shadowy intruder even as it dissolved into the cold stone wall. His head dropped back to his feet, one of which was both bard and burned, as he thought briefly on the apparition’s words. Xander turned back to Jinx’s cell. Though she had introduced herself as Lady Keria, the trained man knew there was more than that – her power would gradually begin to return to her with enough rest. However, that did not matter at the moment. Shade was in complete control of his current pawns, but the direction taken would depend wholly upon Master Satazian’s abilities to resist or trust.

Xander listened to her breathe. The darker half eagerly awaited to pounced upon her feeble life force and strangle her last breath from those fragile organs called lungs and to suffocate her precious heart ceasing it to beat its steady drum. Oh how the feit within Shade thirsts for death by its own hands. Luckily for the woman, the man who stared upon her form was not only feit, but human, though a devious human he is.

The man inhabited by perhaps evil itself reminded himself of the purpose of her capture. War was upon the nations. They merely needed a push from outside hands to unleash the very chaos kept quiet within their borders. The siblings needed provoking and who better to help war along but a man without loyalties and without a nation?

Words by the strange presence reclaimed a place in Xander’s mind. A wise man would heed such words, but Shade, calculating and arrogant, merely shrugged them off. He knew his skill and he knew he has yet not reached his full potential in power. Xander could not believe he would be a candidate for capture; he was too suspicious for that planning far in advance and playing his had in particular fashion. Besides, his abilities have proved to be far superior to any being on the mortal plane. They had no hopes to succeed in capturing him. His escape plans are always available and can not be stopped.

As he thought upon this, Xander Shade awaited the thump of boots upon stone stairs echoing into the dungeons. None came for what seemed a long time of silence with only their breaths and heart beats to fill the dead space.

An unfamiliar sound finally made its presence heard.

ooc: my color has unfortunately been lost...

[.::W:I:T:H:E:R:E:D::.]

The hallow sound of hard leather soles reverberated within the cold, dank darkness of the prison cells. The silence was broken, and the chill of the grey stone seemed to sink into his skin and numb the very fibers of his nature.
A thick tense contour fitted itself into his body structure as a chill swept through his nerves and made him shudder. The shudder itself was not distasteful, nor repulsive. In fact it bordered upon alleviation, and for a moment he seemed to lose himself in the shadows of the descending stairs.

Luckily, the moment soon past and his stern expression only deepened as he turned the corner and exited the narrow descension. His stern and virulent silver eyes blazed coldly with hidden vigor and a certain frustration. Those metallic pools observed the form of a man, younger than the great Satazian and apparently more at ease in these cold dark corridors.
Briefly sweeping the vacinity, his eyes laid heavily upon the form of a doused woman, her stature clumped and clotted, apparently still alive, for warmth still steam from her form in the breath's she took. Even Sata noticed the thin clouds that eminated from his breath as the warm dioxide condensed into moisturous waves. Was that the spy? He was readily willing to safetly assume, as he had been summoned here to tend to such business and she was the only one located in the cell.

Standing stiffly at the beginning of the isle, Satazian;s fixated vividly upon the unknown Xander. Though he appeared the soldier of Earth, something repelled Sata--something growled within him. Something did not trust this man, and something did not like him.

Yet this was a serious matter, and personal assumptions and opinions of persona should not hinder or interfere with reason.
"Are you the one who called?" Sata began--a serious and grave expression written in his eyes, "Is she the spy?"

He pointed towards Jinx, opening up the air for conversation.

[hellsdaughter]

o.o.c.- sooooooo are things up and going again???

[chaoskeeper]

Listening with harsh intensity, the body tightened. And so we begin. The thought echoed in the mind with sweet satisfaction. Head turned to find the leader Satazian to his left. Shifting his weight, he turned his body to now face the Master of Soil.

Xander, unnamed and still unknown in Algaësia, bowed to Master Satazian. While his face hid from that other peering set of silver orbs, the Halfling smirked in anticipation of the scene’s progression. He was excited. The assassin whose hands are coated with the responsibility of many victims’ split blood was thrilled to the point where he had to consciously clam his body – its pulse, adrenaline, breathing. Shade succeeded to do so quickly and subtly subdue everything to appear normal before Earth’s lord as he straightened from his formal bow.

The man looked confidently into Sata’s silver eyes.

“Yes, sire.” Another nod of a black-crowned head followed to acknowledge the first question. “And, yes, she is the spy of Wind.”

He stepped back with a gesture towards the imprisoned woman to make room for the lord by the locked door. Xander thought intensely about it.

Why am I so excited? It’s not just because he’s a lord. It cannot be. What is it? ... Those eyes… Who is he really?

His skin on his back prickled slightly beneath the sleeveless black shirt.

There’s something… strange… about this Master of Soil.

ooc: FINALS!!!!!!!

[.::W:I:T:H:E:R:E:D::.]

<sup>The affirmation of her crime came swifty, and Satazian of Earth took in the soldier's respectful guestures, but did not acknowledge them. He was known as the brisk stern man, dark and mysterious, yet light hearted from different angles of observances. He didn't openly express such hindering emotions, but they were there, behind the stiff wall that had been built by his previous isolation. He'd come to power now, and exact details were clouded in his years, and of little importance to him at this point. He's was more powerful than many could rightfully assume, though rarely did he ever use whatever powers he did possess; for to use them, would produce an opportunity for the other part of his nature to take hold and reign, something that could not end well for the nation. He knew this, and yet he kept it hidden, locked it away so as to remain sane and humane.

But down here, down here in the cold dank blank, where winter's chill seemed to leach into the stone and fester, only to produce a lifeless air that hung condemeningly about the trio.

Glancing towards the woman of expionage, Sata scowled in her general direction, and without looking to observe the soldier, crept towards her observantly as he voiced, "... and you are sure of this?"

A drawn out pause filled the breath between his lungs, as he gravely looked about the situation. This was an undesirable event, dare it be true. He turned suddenly upon the unknown Xander, catching but another glimpse of those simlliarly silver eyes--recognizing nothing yet, of any importance to his conscience. Yet subconsciously, he didn't like the man--wrath boiling in the back of his heart towards him, as if this supposedly honest soldier threatened his "territory" of sorts. Yet, again I repeat, Sata made no ascertion to the feelings, and cascarded what ever remained of it aside for the moment.

His scowl now direction fully upon the subbordinate, Satazian, Master of Soil, advanced in tone and demanded, subtly but forcefully, "What proof is there of her guilt? I dare say we cannot afford and misunderstanding while war lies tilting in the balance."
The words droned with a dark edge, Sata--in his humanity--prefered the sky and stars, to the closed quarters of this dark dungeon hall. And in his mercy... to accuse an innocent was unforigivable, and on more shallow standards... he truly could not afford Wind at his heels while he chastized Fire. As it were, he feared their alliance being their close proximity, and thus... he begged for the healer to remain till he returned for a simliar reason.
Water could make a strong ally, especially now that all four nations were beginning to boil within their borders. Sata knew, it would not be long before the gates of neutrality could hold no more.</sup>

[hellsdaughter]

In the depths of darkness and uncontrollable nightmares Jinx felt a difference. For some mighty time now she had been running in circles of her mind. What she was running from was a mystery but she couldn’t let it catch her; couldn’t let permanent sleep cover her eyes with the endless sands. She hopelessly ran and ran for something, anything. Just as she had started to give up hope on ever finding her way out of the coma like state, there was something. The black that covered everything she knew as the world let up only to a fog. She couldn’t near see, but it was enough to know she was still alive and fighting for something. What more dragged her out of the coma Xander had induced, yet not giving her any of the abilities the potion he waved under her nose specifically suppressed, was the voices. She couldn’t do any of the basic functions her body normally produced and her vitals were still low, but as her body stopped it “allergic reaction” and gained use to the potion, she was dragged to a certain point of awareness around her.

"What proof is there of her guilt? I dare say we cannot afford and misunderstanding while war lies tilting in the balance."

That voice! Jinx wanted to leap up and run from it, but at the same time it was giving her hope. The voice was stern as if holding a position of authority. The voice itself was almost familiar, like she had heard it somewhere. Being a spy though you hear many voices and some after time seem to blur together. No! This one is different. There is power behind the voice. Massive power ordinary benders and sorcerers couldn’t dream to attain. Yet, who does that leave for it to be? Jinx only wanted to chance to open her eyes to peer at the man before her and possibly venture a look at the man who had dared to take her prisoner. What was there to take her prisoner for? Yes she had been in the act of almost spying of the fire territory, but she had not fully committed the deed. To have a convincing case of spying her captor would need a lot more than her lying to the woman in the desert to prove anything. Humans these days lie about everything from their name to what race they are, yet Jinx had not seen them being held captive for spying. Could the captor have been running on a hunch and hoped others would see his way? Either way, collective thoughts, assumptions, and hunches didn’t ride well in an honest court. Question was, would she be given fair trial? Or would she be guilty till proven innocent? If she ever got out though, her captor should watch his back.

Hell has no fury like a woman’s scorn.

This time, she wouldn’t get imprisoned after words, even if it took years to plan her revenge. She would be patient and wait for the right moment and then achieve the sweetness of his fresh blood dripping from her hands.

First… away from this dream state. And in the darkness of her mind, still tentative to the world, she ran to find the light.

[chaoskeeper]

Being a weapon-for-hire, Shade was accustomed to the behavior of lords whose ignorance might just lead to their own downfall if he had ever been employed to accomplish such an atrocity in the current society’s politics. Besides, the fact that the Master of Soil did not give this ‘soldier’ any recognition merely gave the Halfling a chance to question the leader’s hidden identity. He seemed cold and distant, like any leader of his caliber, and yet the shadows seemed to welcome him home. They danced between the two feits unknown in a buzzing confusion concerning the question of which subconscious lord they need follow. There had never been two dark lords… or two which had actually survived together in one time for long and so the shadows remained confused for the time Sata and Xander coexisted in one room. Xander’s keen eyes took notice to their wavering presence as well as the wraith’s still hidden presence, while the adrenaline rushing through his veins subdued the pains caused by the burn stretching across his face from his jaw to his ear and the one on his now tender heel. Additionally, the powerful demonic power sealed within his blood clawed at the half-human body for freedom more vigorously than before; usually, his depraved actions placated the beast but now even his cruel intentions did nothing to calm the evil.

The shadows… his eyes… Xander began to piece together the puzzle, but one piece remained hidden and spitefully secret. Answering mechanically “Yes, sir.” with the confirmation, Shade continued his quiet observation until a glance from Master Satazian – silver orbs into silver orbs – snapped Xander immediately back into attention.

He listened as a loyal subordinate should with the proper expression standing his ground firm. His response came with the appropriate timing and tone of an Earthen soldier.

“I understand that, sire. I too have lost friends and comrades in previous battles; and therefore, I cannot risk the safety of our nation. I found her near the edge of our lands, just inside the borders harassing a woman from one of the eastern villages. She was asking about the city and the military. I was about to intervene when she suddenly let loose a storm of power. She exhausted all her power, which is rooted in the manipulation of wind, making her capture possible. I had no choice but to detain her, sire. There is no other explanation for her actions other than the occupation of a spy or criminal.”

Xander stood silent after his explanation awaiting some response from the Soil Master. But soon a new presence entered within the range in the dungeons. It’s not the shadow… but… This may not prove favorable for the unnamed assassin; however, he possessed the skill to turn a majority of situations in his favor.

The unnamed man in Algaësia is Xander Shade, the assassin of darkness.

occ: I found my colors! ;D

[:x: Paradox :x:]

<sup>Harsh steps fluttered down the descension into the dank corridors of the prison. Harsh undertones stood out, and the demeenor of the atmosphere seemed darker than it aught. Heaven streams of cold air rushed up to escape from the lifeless grey of the dismal abyss, and Zerion smiled an unseen smirk as the rush heightened the pressure of his heart. Adrenaline course speedily through his veins as he picked up on the black hearted emotions inside the room. Without turning the corner, Zerion paused to collect the insolant brat he had dragged with him, and took in the atmospherice impressions. One was vague, confused, diluted--a jumbled mess of assumption, apprehension, and unknown. The other two were harder to read, darker, more malignant in true nature, but cunning and calm in essence.

It filled the mixed elf with a sense of excitement, as there was power in the air of different kinds--both noble and malicious. Being a Blood elf, and of demonic lineage, Zerion looked forward to turning that corner, and glaring upon the Lord... his target. How close... could he truly get? Was Sata's mind so easily intruded and manipulated... and what of the other two, he could here beyond the corner?

He turned, just in time to catch the words of a tall dark man, to whom the darkness seemed to cling--an allusion and misconception...? Zerion could nigh but shrug inwardly; there was no such thing as coincidence.

He glanced quickly to the woman, huddled in a corner, in a cell... sickly pale, and the source of the apprehension in the air. A smile twixt the ends of his mouth, but he quickly subdued them... as his muffled footsteps assumeably would draw the attention of the two standing men.

Noting, there similiarly colored eyes, the disguised Zerion shifted his gift, withdrawing it from the crowds above, to focus its sheer--yet diminishing--power on the men inside the room. The woman, he did not bother to hide his true image from, for she did not seem to be in any condition to do harm.

In a slightly rude, but innocent manner, Zerion opened his mouth and uttered words, that he had not truly contemplated or really desired to speak. His daring desires to arouse trouble and spite had betrayed him again. He seemed to attract and become trouble wherever he ventured.

"I dare say, is she the one whom the villagers have spoken of on the outskirts? I have arrived from one such venture, bearing similiar tales of harrasment, though I'd not given them much credit... So its true there is such an imposter about our lands. It is good to think she's been caught."

He found himself looking towards her, as any stupid and naive soldier might, but he quickly turned to look upon Sata, a master of the Earth and bearer of Godly power. The tension was thick within the room, and though, his mind was thrilled with sickly joy at possibly decieving the Lord, he forced himself to play the stupid soldier.

With a gruff shift of weight and feet, he cleared his throat and shoved the ruffian of a boy forward towards Sata.

"He's a scoundrel sir, Caught him in the stableyards trying to steel horses, even marked up a couple of men... might of killed em' too, if I hadn't of come. Though to bring him down here to hold, till I could get in touch with you and get orders. Fancy meeting you here, sire? Shall I stick him in the cell or the stocks?"

It was a ridiculous change of subject, but hopefully it would make the visage of Juris all the more convincing...

Quickly, in the brief moment of spare time, he looked towards the other man, the one whose dark demeenor was so attracting. Why had Zerion affirmed the man's accusation? Zerion had no proof, and he certainly had no alliance to the man. To be honest, he only did it in hopes of perhaps making the woman's--who could very well be innocent--life a little more miserable.

Was just the way of the twisted Zerion.</sup>

[mixedblood7]

ooc: I'll be back to post... just give me a little time. I am tired... the time will explain that.... and muse escapes me at the moment.

[mixedblood7]

Since his miserable defeat in the streets, the boy had followed without a word. He did not wish to provoke more pain from the Earthen soldier. However, the silence only lasted so long once they began their descent into the dungeons under the city. Sunlight abandoned him to the darkness as the shadow engulfed his head. The boy screamed in outright fear and struggled to return to the surface… even if it meant another encounter with those humans in the city and the soldier’s fist. He despised the pain, but currently fear controlled his scrawny body. Sukoshi struggled with all his childish might to escape from the disguised elf’s harsh grip from the top of the stairs to their bottom. Even as Zerion hesitated at a turn into the cell chamber, the fox child fought the soldier’s strength making more than a commotion which echoed like a trumpet in the barren hall.

Zerion turned pulling the frightened boy around with him; Sukoshi’s brown eyes now stared upon two men who stood with an omnipresence of sorts in the sinister room. Deep brown pools shrank making room for the white sea of eyes to fill. Eyes already wide, thin lips followed suit. The captivity, which is his mouth, opened letting loose the most terrified of screams. However, the noise was quickly subdued when he was shoved towards the Master of Soil and his company. He clumsily moved backwards nearly falling on his butt as a result and clamored regrettably back into Zerion’s muscular body.

With greater vigor, the fox Halfling battled to escape from the illusionist’s hold. Having trouble, Sukoshi became so frustrated his demonic nature once again took hold leading him to bite the soldier of questionable loyalties. From there, the fox flung himself unfortunately closer to the two men cloaked with an unusual darkness. Immediately upon regaining his balance on the prison’s floor, he scurried towards the only exit he knew. Instinctual animals carry the flight or fight reflex – this is a time for flight rather than fight for the skinny boy.

Unfortunately, against Sukoshi’s will, some force caught and stopped him just as he reached the bottom step.

ooc: hope I interpretted correctly... ;D
Also, sorry its short... not much to run on except fear here

[.::W:I:T:H:E:R:E:D::.]

<sup>Satazian, master of soil and ruler of the earthen realm, glared absently into the dark, straining accustomed eyes to observe the sickly woman. He felt distaste towards her as his mind moved the accusations against her over and over, trying to make condemnable protests against the supposed criminal. He could not make irrational decisions and he was still skeptical. Wind had long since remained a quiet part of Algaësia and he'd not seen a winged dragon bearing feathered apendages in the sky for many years--and he'd been through hundreds.
Skeptical, he doubted that they would suddenly spring up from the past to enact sudden and foolish intrusion upon a kingdom that had never really been associated with it. Certainly Fire and Water were closest to its borders and more worth aggression than earth.
Then again, if there was reason behind the "attack" then there was necessary caution and need to condemn the women placed before him. Her fate rested precariously within his grasp, and it was lucky for her that he was a fair lord--wise by years and experience of war and age. He'd seen the end of the age of war, and had continued to lead Earth with a strong hand through this neutrallity. He'd be damned if he saw it fall apart on him now, and he would not wish to be the one to start a war.

He would need to verify the story.

Mouth parted to address Xander as silver eyes locked firmly upon him--something caught him, held him and threatened to break him. Those eyes reminded him of hidden emotions from the wars, and there was a familiarity about them. Bringing with it a chill, a feeling of sudden adrenaline filled him causing him to shift his weight into a more comfortable stance. It burned breifly within his veins before receeding, and Sata--denying of his true proportions failed to see the connection between Satazian, master of soil, and Xander, assassin of nowhere.

With the stray reaction passed--his face unwavered--Sata drew breath to continue and dismiss the soldier before him. However, something stopped him, and with a frustrated scowl he whirled about to face a new arrival--a tall gruff man that held a boy in his grasp. Hardly important compared to Xander's information.
He scowled, even as the new soldier affirmed the assassin's original proposal. So was the story true? It was unlikely that two soldiers would concoct lies, but it was still possible. He would still investigate it further with someone he trusted--for one could never be too sure. But atleast for now, it was enough to give him more assurance that this unknown Jinx was guilty.

Nonetheless, once the foolish new arrival was done with his interruptions, Sata bore into him with supreme fury. The incompetant militant was unwise to intrude on an already established conversation and Sata was highly irate--perhaps more so than he needed to be. Was this saying something?

"Hear now sir! Do not interrupt me again, else you shall be dismissed--perhaps permanently." He motioned towards a antechamber that opened to the left of the alley. "Place him down in one of the cells in that hallway. I shall turn to his case when I am finished."

His breath halted, and he stood proud, tall and ominous within the dark. His voice lined with serious dissaproval and disgruntled anger at the whole situation. Things were chaotic enough without all these sudden "criminals" popping up from the shallows of Saverin. And with a meeting with Fire in less than a week, Sata really could appreciate a moment of peace inside of Earth... just for once.
Amazingly enough, he did not appear terribly irate or irritated. True his eyes burned with it, and his voice expressed it in such foreboding strength, but his overall appearance, stature, and expression remained serious and cold--and did not break much from that visage.

Even now, as he observed the intruder more closely, his mind calmed from the sudden fires that were threatening to overtake it, and took a moment to notice something strange about this new arrival. He seemed odd, and something did not seem right about the man who stood before him. He just didn't... seem real... if that was even possible.

Relaxing a bit as he prepared himself to dismiss the two men, he suddenly demanded,

"Your names." he suddenly turned and fixed a steely glare upon Xander, "... starting with you."</sup>

[hellsdaughter]

Jinx wanted to scream. “I had nothing to do with harassment to villagers or anything of the such! Why, when I’m a spy would I dare to foil my cover with villagers when I had bigger things to do!” If only her words could have reached farther than the confines of her own head she would have set a thing or two straight. “I should have right to defend myself here. I should be able to speak for myself. Free me from this silence!” As her cold body lay there motionless a storm brewed inside her. If not able to speak soon, when she was able there’d be more than a small storm, but a gale to deal with. If any of them knew she could hear what was going on that she was gaining fury with every moment… “Ahhh!!!” She screamed out in her head. The raging storm inside was become so violent. The simple barriers of her mind could not hold in the power rising in her. The powers of hers that she had become so well to control in her life; they were now out of control and running on emotion. Any other time there would be need of controlled movement to bend her power around, but so loose and violent of emotions driving Jinx mad did they start to become their own master and fuel themselves on her emotions. Jinx was so out of her mind with fury that she could not sense her own power lacing the air with a violent intent. Yet, her body was motionless, innocent looking to the storm manifesting.“LET ME OUT OF THIS IMPRISONMENT!”

"Hear now sir! Do not interrupt me again; else you shall be dismissed--perhaps permanently."

“WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE?” Her body started to shiver at the cold intensity building.

o.o.c.- sorry it’s short, but there is little I can do until CK lets me speak my mind, lol… the fun that’ll be…

[chaoskeeper]

Listening carefully to the unwanted commotion echoing from the stairwell, the assassin attempted to identify whether the new arrival was a threat or advantage for him through sensing his powers. With the intruders having yet to appear before their eyes, he could deduce only that there were two distinct presences. One was young having a natural power which seemed still dormant while the other seemed hidden, more discreet. His mind warned him of a prowler in the mental states; he quickly worked to block this intrusive mental flow, but this is only because the assassin had not noticed the intrusion earlier – only the strengthening of the magic. As a result, this new illusionist had a slight hold on the Halfling’s perspective. Meanwhile, Shade did some investigating of his own even as he weaved his lie. From the blocks and walls on his mind, not to mention the attempt of manipulation of his own mind by this unknown magician, the weapon-for-hire could tell this individual was one trained to specialize in the mental skills and versions of magic. Also, from the hidden characteristics of his presence, he knew this person did not want to be identified… perhaps a being against Earth itself.

Then a foot step into the corridor sounded with an announcing strength.

Angling himself slightly with the Soil Master’s redirection of gaze, silver, almost ancient, orbs found the man with a boy in his grasp just as if he had not noticed their presence earlier. So there you are… Nice tricks… Let’s see what else you have up your sleeve, he thought to himself almost like a silent challenge to the soldier to try and foil him. But the challenge was never accepted. Instead, the unknown disguised man surprised the feit who was ready with a counter-comment by supporting his claim to her guilt. Motives are definitely hidden here. Very observant too. I must know who he is. Like a dark man concocting his schemes in the night, Xander considering his options in secret while the elf-in-hiding explained himself – a convenient thing considering it gave the Halfling his time to discreetly note and judge Zerion’s ‘form’ whether or not his newly proposed mental plans were viable.

That boy, on the other hand, was nothing but an annoyance and an interruption; his face displayed the disgust one would have towards a trivial matter as compared to the matter on one’s hands, in this case a spy. The boy had power, but it was natural and dormant, perhaps a demonic energy. Still, nevertheless, this boy was of no use or significance to Xander nor did he pose a threat to the confident Assassin of Shadows, especially since any child being dragged into the dungeons would kick and scream clawing their way to freedom. His reaction could not be blamed and therefore, there was truly nothing to be suspicious of in the dungeons due to the boy. As suspected, the deliverer of the Wind spy reacted not to the unknown fox demon child’s attempt at escape; he, as would be expected, ‘preoccupied’ with this international issue at hand.

Xander Shade almost grinned and maybe even might have chuckled had he not restrained himself like a good soldier would when Satazian ordered the new ‘soldier’ with especially stern words that no further interruptions would occur. Directions for the detainment of the child were given after which silence reclaimed its control of the murky pit beneath Earth’s main city. The younger half-feit wondered for a moment of the wraith. He would have to leave the dungeons soon after being dismissed by the Master of Soil – pretexts must be kept up for a plan to succeed after all. I am sure it will be able to find me once I leave… if I don’t happen to return today. Silver eyes wondered, but for the moment, to gaze upon Jinx’s sleeping form. He enjoyed the art of poisons and potion-making and took pride in their results and successes. It was a talent and he liked to keep all his talents, like his swords, polished, sharpened, and ready to go.

It was then when Satazian’s booming voice suddenly burst out from the silence demanding names. Jet black crowned head turned back to face the Master of Soil, his burn beaming a dull red in the thick poorly lit dungeon air. Promptly he answered with an accompanying nod of acknowledgement, “I am Sage, sir,” he began his introduction, “of a village east from here called Nesardia.” For some odd reason, Xander had thought it proper for Lord Satazian to know the name his mother had given him – his human name and the name he had left behind. Nesardia was also a name he had left behind; it is the small town in which he was born and raised for a brief period of time during his childhood. It was also strange to the assassin that he had indeed held onto these names despite their century-long dormancy. A slight bow of the head followed to indicate the end of his brief introduction – a sort of subordinate ‘I’m pleased to meet you’ type gesture.

Turning his head to find the yet unnamed Zerion, Xander wondered at the man’s identity once again. I am curious though of your name, illusionist. He watched and waiting allowing the silence of the shadows to settle back into the atmosphere.

ooc: hey there, this is really getting interesting... by the way, you will apparently have to take care of your 'ticket' on your own, Zerion... haha ;D

[:x: Paradox :x:]

ooc: sorry, guys. No its been awhile, but my muse for this character has been on kind of a down low. As it is, I have to get back in the swing of things.

POST COMING SOON

[:x: Paradox :x:]

<sup>Zerion forced himself to cringe, as in all respects he was only minutely daunted by Satazian’s stern words. In truth, Zerion was reckless enough that fear did not set in as readily as it should have. It put the rampant blood elf in a strange position of adrenaline and perhaps stupidity, but there was such little excitement in “normal” life that Zerion could truly not reject a new challenge.
As it were, the boy did not wish to be here. Zerion didn’t care why, and was half willing to let the boy run up the stairs to freedom—since his usefulness had ended. However, he supposed that it would be in his best interest to intercede, and thus with a lightning’s reflex, a strong arm whipped out to grip the scalp of the young whelp. Long fingers laced themselves through the brown locks and pulled back viciously as his other arm sought the shoulder to better halt the youth.

In one fluid motion, he heeded Sata’s regard and dragged the urchin to the nearest cell in that designated hallway. Roughly, and without care, he tossed Sukoshi as best he could into the dreary abyss—slamming the door readily behind him. Nuisance alleviated, he moved back to the main scene only to find Sata’s wrath once again firmly planted upon him.

It was time to release a name, and his keen hearing could only briefly recall the other soldier’s. Sage…? Zerion perceived a certain confusion behind the name, though he could not discern the origin of it nor the reason. He only assumed it was not his name at all… and this left the conniving elf to other thoughts.
Like himself, was “Sage” not in reckoning of all truths? Was he less than the noble expectations of an earthen soldier?
Curiosity plagued him, but he held the doubts and curiosities in check as he placed his eyes downcast—as any a feared and subservient soldier would.

”I am Officer Juris from the outer rim. Renold Juris, sir.

There was nothing left to be said. In all respects the job was done, the job was easy. He had only to be dismissed to complete his strange and unusual goal. At least now he could say he could do it. He could get close to Satazian, given the right conditions; he could be near the lord undiscovered. Surely that was saying something and could be put to plain use if he should ever find the desire to aid in concoctions of war. He forced down a smile.

As for the unknown Xander… Zerion was addictively interested, though not respecting. He never respected anyone unless they showed a power worthy of his acknowledgement—or if he liked their personality. Satazian was one of the only leaders he regarded, for Sata was truly a force to be reckoned with. Zerion would surely never want to directly face this powerful Lord, but a conniving rat in the background was a fine place to be—he felt confident there.

Suddenly he was dragged from his thoughts as something caught his attention—a stir in the still dungeon air. It was a wild sense, a chaotic sense… that came from the woman and fogged the emotions in the room. She was in distress—if only Zerion cared. Presently, he thought it merely an unfortunate nuisance. He sighed and forced a frown to his face, so that Officer Juris would seem uncomfortable or “worried” about the scenario, though Zerion was far from fazed. Windy tantrums could be tolerated, as it was not strong enough at this point to do any real harm in the dismal scene of the dungeon halls.</sup>

[mixedblood7]

Amidst the screaming tantrum of a child, Sukoshi only paused enough to hear the Soil Master’s authoritative words. He did not understand them to their full potency; however, with Satazian’s firm and obviously angered tones, the fox boy understood his situation too well. Master Satazian’s gesture from his scrawny form to a nearby cage was proof enough of the child’s misfortune. Sukoshi followed the sturdy gesture to the dark imprisonment which would turn into his future ‘home’; he immediately continued with a relentless onslaught of screaming, scratching, and struggling. Upon breaking free, the fox sprinted for the stairwell.

More screams cut through the air as pain shot down from his scalp giving the wild boy a sensation as if it cut through his tiny body. His skinny body fell quickly into the path chosen by Zerion’s strength. Dragged upon the rough stone floor of these earthen dungeons, Sukoshi fell harshly upon his tender rump. However, unlike a human child who would most probably waste the time to nurse said rump, the fox child sprang immediately from the cell-floor to the door only to have it slam him in the face sending him back to the coarse ground.

After taking a moment to recover from a stunned state, the demonic power within him took Sukoshi over, but not in the complete sense. Leaping towards the barred walls protecting those outside from whatever happens to rage within the cell, he clung to them with all four limps holding him firmly to the bars screaming at the disguised Zerion to let him free. He shouted incoherent phrases such as “Nothing I do!” and “Me! Free me!” as well as simple words; the most prominent of which was “please.” His communicational skills would leave something to be desired, but for a child who learned to speak through merely listening to other village children try to communication with their parents and elders, one cannot ask for more without offering proper instruction. When he found his desperate plea fell upon three sets of deaf ears, for he had not even noticed the captured woman in his frenzied haste, the demon retreated once again leaving the boy sad, scared, and alone. His pleas degraded into broken phrases consisting of solely please’s and nothing’s. Sliding to the dirt a thud his final sound, he was wholly broken, wholly defeated.

Quietly, the boy removed himself from the scene. He crawled away from what little light the underground dungeons had to offer into a darker corner than the wilds of his recent past had even dared to present the lone child. Disheartened, Sukoshi curled up hugging his knees to his chest under an old wooden bench which was bolted to the wall. It seemed the closest substitute to a cavern home this cage could possibly offer to the defeated fox; that thought being his only present comfort.

ooc: I'm not exactly sure.... I just need to get back into the posting/Sukoshi swing

[.::W:I:T:H:E:R:E:D::.]

<sup>Satazian, master of soil, continued to glare savagely around the room with a stern gaze. He dissaproved of the comotion, the added players, and overall dark disturbance of the air around him. It was a dank feeling, a heavy feeling, one he didn't not like, but neither did he hate it. It left him in an excited state that he was unused to, but it did not unsettle him.

His eyes snapped suddenly to the boy, even as he awaited Xander's name. The street urchin, was of little importance at this point, and if it would befit a leader, Sata would have dismissed the issue entirely. But he could not do so, without shurking other minor responcibilities. He would address the boy's case last--placing far down beneath his other priorities. Generally, he was a very patient and understand man, but today was not his usual. He found himself short and responsive, easilly annoyed and frustrated with the chaos that he saw rapidly blossoming around him. It had begun with Fire's unprovoked attack--wait, must not jump to conclusions--and now had only worsened with the news of a probably spy. Sata would have no accused innocents in his nation, as he did not want to be responsible between a declared war of Earth and Wind. If it could be avoided, he would deter the inevitable. Xander's story would need to be investigated, or the soldier itself... in order to fully make the story plausible--as the woman's testimony could not be viable, granted she was in no condition to converse.

The soldier's name sprung finally into the air, and Satazian turned swiftly back to him, his attention locked on him as "sage" became savagely imprinted within his mind. It was an unfamiliar name, but this did not settle his apprehension, and he glared cooly now to "Juris" who had successfully deposited the supposed "riffraff" in one of the hallway cells. He waited expectantly, his eyes cold, as if the humanity had fled from them... reflecting a different personality, though indominant. Juris' stupidity and intrusive manner had struck a chord with Sata's patience and it was beginning to show. Sage had done everything right by standard form, but Satazian just didn't like him--for reasons he didn't fully know. Call it a "feeling..."

Sata, too recorded Juris in his mind, then waved a brisk hand with a nod, "Dismissed." the tone was hard, but calm.

He looked back to Xander, then wandered smoothely towards the jail-cell. He was fully aware of the growing gale, but he ignored the swirly winds, as they dare not touch him. The impurities marked deep in his soul did not permit it to do so. The wind was a pure and innocent freedom that was repulsed by what he truly was beneath the humanitarian outer skin he'd created the hide the monster that did not befit his personality. His powers lurked within the ancient entity that marked his soul... but it would never be dominant in his life--though it seemed ready to rear it's ugly head now and again... at times such as this.

He observed Jinx now, through the bars. Aware of her every breath, alert to her every sound. And for several minutes he did nothing but observe. Finally, he turned to "Sage"--glancing towards the steps to be assured that the ignorant officer Juris had departed. Then with a stern, commanding voice, Sata uttered several orders.

"I want you to leave whatever meds you must with the healer's above. Then, you may take you're leave. I shall handle the matter from here. Thank you for your loyalty and apprehension." Sata uttered with a serious sincerity.

However, though very few could guess, the master of soil was far from truly thankful. He had his suspicions, and his doubts. Wind had never seemed to be a vital part in the world's wars, but it could very well be that this girl is a vigilanty of sorts. In such a case, Sata would much rather return her to her nation with demands that she be proberly punished by her own government for attempting to destroy the peace between nations. If it was a government plot, she would go no where, and suffer possible death or enslavement. If she was innocent, nothing would be done--and she would simply be released back into her own domain, and forgotten. Sage on the other hand, would be found and punished for his false accusations--tried for serious crimes meant to provoke conflict.

It was a confusing process of thoughts, with many possibilities open for argument. Tis' why it was so important for Sata to encourage that all was well, leaving only him and those he included to ponder over the chances. The story would need to be affirmed--by more than just a stupid soldier from the outer rim.

Looking one final time at Sage, Sata commanded again, in case the hint had not been taken.
"Dismissed."</sup>

[hellsdaughter]

Some where in her essence, Jinx could feel eyes on her. But it wasn’t the normal stare that came from common folk; no it was a stare that struck her hard. This stare commanded power… and fear. His stare seemed to burn over her flesh making her want to run from her skin. Her body slowed and her power drained empty from the sudden change of emotion. No one commanded so much fear from me so as to silence me… not even my father. The beginnings of her gale slowed and soft winds wrapped themselves around her. The winds acted like a barrier from him. No longer was Jinx fighting to be released any time soon for she couldn’t help but feel she would be forced to face him. A chill slowly rolled over her body as she felt him look away.

"I want you to leave whatever meds you must with the healer's above. Then, you may take you're leave. I shall handle the matter from here. Thank you for your loyalty and apprehension."

Jinx felt the double sided blade near her. She knew that once the questioning started she could lie or tell the truth. The one side provided the chance of the truth being found and put to death for lies, and the other severe punishment or death. Either way the out come like bitter. For the first time since she was a child she could feel herself mentally cring and pull into a ball. She was afraid for the first time in decades of a male.Airos help me!

O.O.C.- sorry its short again.

[chaoskeeper]

Xander hesitated a moment before turning back to the infamous Soil Master. Juris, eh? Has to be a lie. All the noise coming from the child truly began to annoy the shadow assassin; he wanted nothing more than to silence the foolish whelp so he could concentrate with absolute focus upon his mischievous goals no matter how close he was to achieving them. Shade had learned quite quickly that the game is never over until it is over. Tides turn. Winds change. People realize.

Zerion had done well to catch the shadow assassin’s attention. The once known Sage was truly intrigued by the disguised elf, though he knew not of what or who this Juris truly is; he watch the soldier even as Juris’s attention drifted from the main scene to that blasted – and unfortunate – Wind woman. Xander determined from the puzzled look in his eyes that the unknown Zerion was not caught by the mere fact of rising winds but by something on another level. This man must be skilled mentally to some capacity Xander Shade determined. Within the moment, he decided to investigate into this personality further – it could turn for his advantage ultimately.

Quietly he watched as the scene began to disperse with a word, but before Zerion had a chance to escape back to the surface, ‘Sage’ grabbed for just above the soldier’s elbow.

“Officer, I would like to speak with you about the supply route under your jurisdiction. It seems the villages in the outer rim have been having trouble?” Xander looked back towards the Soil Master finding him approaching Jinx’s dark cell. A moment of thought passed, the weapon-for-hire casually reached his hand up to Zerion’s shoulder. With a firm slap on the shoulder, he turned back to gaze directly into the soldier’s eyes. “I will catch up with you back on the surface. Alright?” His tone could have passed for friendly; however, his silver eyes spoke of a cold, more commanding personality. Shade thought the elf’s disguise was quite ironic. Though he was trained in many arts, Xander Shade determined it could take a child to figure something was out of place. He glanced back at the small Sukoshi curled into the corner. …One not threatened with prison… Despite his flaw in this talent, Zerion could make a valuable asset for the secretive man. With a final firm squeeze to insure his point, the Halfling dismissed the assumed illusionist.

Once again, Satazian’s strong voice commanded the atmosphere. ‘Sage’ turned to listen with a superficial respect. Xander was washed over by both satisfaction and relief as the orders reached his ears. This meant he now had time to escape before Jinx awoke. His future was unclear and uncertain tipping on the balance of many things. Would Master Satazian even believe Jinx’s story? Who would he be more likely to believe? An alleged spy of Wind? Or an alleged citizen of Earth? For how long could he escape ultimate shadow? What will Storm do when she hears his name and his nation? Shade quickly pushed the thought from his mind. Why would he be thinking of her anyway? They had only just met. After finally shaking the thoughts from his current mind-set, Xander brought himself back to addressing Master Satazian of Soil.

“Yes, sire. However, excuse me asking, but would you like a written report from me being that I am not a registered soldier, merely a free-lanced warrior?”

Xander fell quiet believing he had chose the correct words. After all, no current record holds his name and he would not wish the Soil Master to become suspicious of the absence. Shade awaited the response and the final word and quietly retraced what would have been his steps had he entered the dungeons like any other human back up the stairs. However, before surfacing back on the surface of Saverin, Xander Shade, Halfling and assassin, hesitated sensing for the wraith. Before long, he decided it would be best the just continue forward. That shadow would find him again if it wanted; it would not dare do so in public and so Xander did move forward. This would also prevent Sata from questioning his hesitation.

Hence, Xander’s casual and calculating exit from the dungeons final arrives. The door opens. The sun rushes down stairs. Shade squints against the sun’s strength searching for Juris. There he is.

ooc: Wow. I liked that. No stopping the muse. ;D

Hey Disaster. I have not forgotten you. PM coming your way. Same to you, HD. Just want to check something.

[:x: Paradox :x:]

<sup>Zerion nodded subserviently to the lord’s dismissal and turned to leave without a seconds haste. His goal had been met—the lad he’d condemned…? Zerion didn’t care enough to worry over it. Sukoshi was a forgotten past.

However, as he turned about to head back up the dismal grey stairs, something came from behind him—a curiosity which he felt long before he noticed the hand of Sage. Swiftly, he turned about, removing his arm from Sage’s path—the gesture nonchalant and well practiced, subtle in its reasoning. No one was to touch him—he could not allow it. They would feel what their eyes did not see, and the black elf could not chance the acknowledgement.

Regarding Xander curiously, it was the state of mind and emotion that lingered around him which intrigued the un-devoted elf—a state of presence that kept the elf from directing a stern and distancing voice and hand into the situation. Normally, he did not associate well with others—keeping to himself, made it easy for him to indulge in his sinful pleasure and deceptive games. Zerion was a gambler, and lived for challenges of all kinds. Only his strange, deranged humor could keep him so light hearted and easy to converse with.

Yet, though he paused to listen to Sage—evading the man’s first grasp—he was not to be so lucky in the next. The unknown assassin soon planted a firm slap upon his shoulder and Zerion unfortunately flinched, half lost within a desire to move away from the movement, but compelled to remain rooted else appear suspicious and foolish. Anyone to assume that the hesitation was an act of fear or apprehension were foolish; Zerion was the nightmare… not a victim of it.

He did not speak, did not move. He listened to Xander’s words curious, but cautious. The man impersonated a loyal servant of Satazian, and though Zerion suspected otherwise, he had no proof except his own intuitions. Could he afford to remain within the vicinity to indulge in his curiosity and converse with this strange new acquaintance? His reason told him, he had the interest, but not the time. He was holding an illusion over the strong in mind and several others abroad. It would not last much longer and already he could feel its tendrils slipping away from its victims. He could not wait in the city, and he did not have the time to imply a negative answer. So—mute and expressionless—the “loyal Juris” abandoned the stranger in the stairs and returned to the light of day, where he subtly began to seclude himself to the shadows—pondering Xander’s interest but bearing no intention to make the man’s wishes easy.

Zerion was not one to follow orders, and something within Sage’s eyes reflected a commanding sternness that was the epitome of that which Zerion struggled against. He didn’t like to obey. He lived by and for himself—in a world that was and his alone. No… Sage was not who he portrayed; Zerion felt strongly about this—and a feeling of deception seemed to follow the silver eyed stranger, just as it lingered about the elf. It was time to shed the skin he acquired and wait this out. If Sage truly wanted to speak of routes in the outer rim, he would not meet with the conniving Zerion. Yet, if there were a stronger, more devious plot at hand—perhaps Zerion would humor Xander and meet him abroad.

First, he needed to reach the alley.
Coming upon it, it was a secluded niche behind an old abandoned tavern—tortured by fire weeks ago. The wall behind it, was also scorched and black, the stone tormented by debris and ash. The rubble provided a simple escape, and Zerion now allowed himself a little comfort. He released “juris” and became Zerion once again. The silver haired, pale-eyed elf leaned against the darkness, his black attire blending with the contours of the wood—the shadows cloaking the light of his hair, making it seem only as a glimmer from the sun. He watched the street across, waiting for Xander. He would perceive what he would then, then and only then would he decide to be curious or rude. He was not above leaving.</sup>

[mixedblood7]

ooc:

OK... there is really not much for Sukoshi to do so rather than racking my brain for some muse on nothing, I am just going to wait until someone interacts with him again.

bic:

Quietly, the young fox whimpers. He cries silently to himself sulking in his defeat. Sukoshi did not understand why they hurt him... why they had treated him this way... why he was now stuck in this cage. The kit remained curled under the wooden bench burying his face deeper in his arms and behind his knees. Trying to fade away into a world of his own, Sukoshi hid. He was sadly very alone... and a very confused little boy.

ooc: It is something... more than I expected... but ok... on with the main scene... take it away!

[hellsdaughter]

o.o.c.- so whose's turn is it now?

[.::W:I:T:H:E:R:E:D::.]

mine... I believe. Don't worry, post coming soon.

[.::W:I:T:H:E:R:E:D::.]

Sata glared suddenly and quite fiercely in Sage's direction, as if to demand why the officer had anything left to say. However, his visage laxed as Sage brought up a valid point.

Sata nodded his head, his eyes remaining stern, and insisted with a wave of his hand that Xander now take his leave. Sata was through with him for now. Though he planned to enlist the help of his friend and military informer to help him affirm the new information that was given to him. There was little he could truly do. He did not want to send one of his officers to wind unless it was his only choice. Therefore, he found himself leaning more and more towards Sage. Perhaps a few eyes on the soldier would help prove the soldier's credability. Sata didn't much care for Juris either, though he knew not entirely why. However, Juris had done little more than bring in a vagabond.

Thinking of which...

Sata glanced behind him towards the hallway, of which the boy was located. A meager thing, Sata really didn't have the time to deal with him. If it was a major issue... he might have... he shook his head, unwilling to think about the topic till it was necessary. It was at the bottom of his priorities. Meanwhile, he moved his gaze back to Jinx, but not before gazing past the stairwell, satisfied to see that both soldier's had left, he now moved up the stairs to the healer's dorm--presently empty--of which Xander was commanded to leave the necessary medicades.

Summoning a meager healer--young and not as experienced, but the closest one to call-- the two set to work on reviving Jinx. Her windy terrors had calmed, though Sata was uneffected in the first place. So the young lad made quick work, then vanished upon the stairs.

Sata settled outside her cell, awaiting her revival. All the while his face was stern, contemplative, and ready for assault should she feel necessary to become hostile. She was still confined, and Sata had given her a sirum designed to effect the part of her system that controlled her magic. It would not eliminate the effect, should she dare to retaliate, but it would mute the dangerous aspects of her assaults.

Sata felt a dark satisfaction rise within his throat, an aftermath of his mingling with Xander. The irony of the situation left the lord blind to the truth, but the ancient forces that brewed within his soul knew full well of what should have rightfully transpired. Two Dark Lords could not reside in the same vacinity. Territories must be respected. Fortunately, neither Xander nor Sata were fully those feits. Neither one was truly aware of the other. However, Sata could not resist the sadistic satisfaction that briefly rose within his eyes. This woman was rightfully at his mercy, and he wondered if he aught to show her any--if she were truly the culprit of this situation. Her life was in his hands.

Yet, his morality still controled his personality, and Sata was neither dark--even if he was a touch stern--or sadistic. He truthfully would like nothing more than to proclaim her innocence and send her out on her way. War hung in the balance, he knew it and could feel it. It was waiting like a hungry dog for someone to make a mistake, and Sata was bent on not becoming that one. He was over 700 years old. He'd seen hell and walked through it, leading a nation behind him. He would neither fall nor be blamed for breaking a peace he played a part in establishing. No, if he had anything to say about it, this peace would remain... lest his hand be forced. And there were still several factors that could soon sway his opinion.
Kaji flashed across his mind, moving him on to a new contemplative nature as he wondered over Kaji's intent. If the man was just too incompatent to contain his own forces, or mungering for war... Sata didn't know for sure...

Something stirred within the cell, Sata turned his attention briskly back to the task at hand.

[hellsdaughter]

It has been a long time since Jinx has been so deep in darkness. So long ago was it that she had been imprisoned by the warriors of the fire nation, and laid months in darkness. That imprisonment took months to break down her ward of safety; it took months for her to feel the dark enemies laying in wait to consume her soul. This time, Jinx was open to it; she felt the tips of darkness upon her. All those years ago, some hundreds of years ago, she had lain in the darkest hole in fire territory. There was no light, no soft breeze, there was only darkness.

Time seems so irrelevant here… nothing but silence and my thoughts to hold me… the soft sound of something similar to wind scraping ground echoed in her head. There is nothing here but me. Right? The walls that blocked the paranormal seemed to slowly fall and as they did the sound grew louder, but the power of the sounded didn’t seem to increase. As they grew louder they seemed to take on a sense of living… and death. There is nothing there. My powers echo back from the walls to me. There is nothing there… nothing that owns a living world shape. I hear it, can sense little power, sense a half like life dwindling there, but I can not touch it with any other of my senses. I see nothing. I smell nothing. I… I taste death, and… and the coldness of it. It didn’t take long for fear to take seed in Jinx. Never in her life had she experienced something that was so out of place in the living world. As her fear increased dread of the thing coming to her took the ideas in her head running. As she thought more and more it seemed that death was starting to seep into her bones. As despair took hold of her the power of the creature seemed to grow, as if it was her hopelessness that fed it. Evil… leave me be… The coldness seemed to come closer to her, to wrap itself around her. You are evil… my father was evil… and… and evil can be fought… Though the words weak in her head the coldness wavered. The coldness was taking heed of her. You can be fought… and I will fight you off… As her confidence grew and more power came to her words the coldness drew away in fear. Jinx new it was not enough. She took a stand. She took voice to her words and put will to it. When it seemed it had no place to go; trapped by the walls, it seemed to disappear into nothing; gone.

It had been that day… it was that day that was the decision of her dying in the cell or escaping. It was a week later she rose from her imprisonment, killing as many guards as possible, and showing the darkness she’d fight both it and the fire nation off. It was now as what she could only assume as a healer gave her limp body liquids, potions no doubt, did she feel a small sense of comfort protect her from the evil being sharing her cell with her now. With what ever she had she’d fight for her freedom, weather it be a physical battle or a battle of words. No man, no fire being, and certainly not this being of darkness would take her.

Slowly the fog of the poison from her first attacker started to wear off. Coming so very slowly to rest her back against the nearest wall for support, Jinx took in as much as she could that was hidden from her before. Opening her eyes slowly, the dark cell of a prison came to view. Taking in all she could of the working of the cell and resources she’d have, if it came to being physical. Then she for the first time let her gaze fall on the man. He was tall and muscular to be sure, and most definitely had the creeping of darkness over him that defied the light. Jinx’s thin yet tall frame, for a woman at lest, look up at him from the floor. Her wild and free black hair framed her soft face, but made the fierceness and fighting will in her raging yellow eyes stand out more. Never taking her eyes off the man now, she slowly tested her body by pushing it to stand and lean against the wall. Weakly she accomplished her goal. A male, handsome as he is, I know he is evil… Her mind was bracing herself against him. Mildly aware of her appearance, she straightened her garments so as to do something with her hands. It was quick that she noticed her long sword and throwing knives missing.
The fact that their meeting was in the dark hold of a prison, Jinx didn’t feel she had to offer her politeness to him as she would of in any other circumstance. Weakly and very softly Jinx spoke to the man, “Well this is quite a way to meet you, but to what do I owe myself the arrival in a prison may I ask.” Coldness laced off her tongue, and fight lit to her eyes. “And it would be quite nice to know who you might be.” Once she had his name she would reference him in her head from the hundreds of years of life and families she has met in her time. Maybe then she would give her name, or a name she would accept to be called for the moment. Raising her chin in his direction, she stood as tall as her five feet and eight inches would make her.