A captive of a war not yet begun

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

[glow=maroon,3,300]The shallow soldier cared for nothing but the prize he had for his lord. A simple maiden it seemed, but beyond beauty or intelligence. Her radiance was vast and had intrigued all of the men, to a point of spiritual upliftment. Each felt twitchy, and it seemed that the binding around their waists were tempted to fall. But none commited such an act. None had the will, for the woman they had captured - though radiant and intoxicating in her appearance was venomous and deadly. Her strike so well pointed and hurtful, that the men could not even gather a courage to strick back her insolence. Plus they feared any possible anger from their lord, they knew how he was a womanizer, though they had seen no company woman leached to his side. However, this was not the point.

The maiden blessed to Heiseph was pushed roughly into the room, where Kaji was known to retire, to rest... it was his quarter, though not the personal kind. They knew that he would want to meet a captive; atleast they hoped he would. They shivered slightly at the thought of him dissaproving... but this was a time of near war was it not? If it currently wasn't - it was getting there. They would soil no such prize.

Thus the military quarters would surve as her prison. The chains and leather bind around her wrists were pulled roughly upon each step, and any cries or infuriated glares, that she may have passed umong them were both ignored and laughed at. The soldiers like a challange... though not in a good respecting way... but these were soldiers. Only a few had morals, some were perhaps mostly those who were just trying to keep food on the table. The pay for the military was good nowadays.

The other end of the bindings were placed, tied upon the hard, thick, iron ring that was within one portion of the wall. she was kept on a loose lease for now, for they found it amusing - how she might snarl and snap. If she was scared... she wasn't showing it. But before they were tempted any more, they exited the room. The heralds were to alert Kaji of his visitor/captive when he returned from his venture. And thus, the enchantress unknowingly called, Ivalia was left in silence, to contemplate her sudden situation.[/glow]

ooc: okay, that's the scenerio. sorry promise - but I just had to pick on u first, lol... it was too tempting. LOL - besides what kind of disaster mod would I be if I didn't pick on all in a fair fashion.

[Blaze]

Ascending to the third level of the city, the level where both the military headquarters and his personal quarters resided, the fire mage finally returned home after the morning’s excursion into the outskirts of the area. To his subtle disappointment however he was alone back in the normal world he lives in; for now, there is no adventure… none at least that he knows of upon entering the stronghold. His plans were to return to his chambers he used for militant strategies and purposes and write down a brief report concerning his impressions of the fiery Peira and the assumingly trusting Lunlie. He even debated with himself whether to write a letter to Peira apologizing for concealing his identity from her until they had entered the city. Unfortunately, these plans were forced to the back of his mind.

Once he opened the doors of the military’s bastion, he was welcomed with another report from a messenger of a different leader. It would seem Lord MeRyk has brought the Lord of Fire a gift.

“Lord Hito”, excuse me, a young man called to him approaching in an unnecessary hasty manner. He wore the standard uniform and the insignia of a second lieutenant. Kaji has seen him around before and so his face was not unfamiliar however his expression seemed a bit on the troubled side. The man met with his lord and walked with him to the main corridors. Lord of Fire Kaji Hito addressed the man by his rank and the soldier continued his report, “Lord Hito, Lord MeRyk of an outlying village has left you a gift, as he calls it in, your chambers. A courier arrived early while you were out and dropped… well… the gift off. We put it in your room for you to deal with upon your return. Ah… sir?”

Yes?

“The gift…” Kaji opened the door to his chamber; his eyes went solemn as well as surprised. “It’s a woman,” the second lieutenant finished his statement in a wary tone hoping the Fire Lord would not be too furious; his hoped he would not kill the messenger as the saying goes.

MeRyk’s gift?

“Yes, sir. He ordered a unit to retrieve her and I believe they are still there… at least none have returned yet beside himself. We were told of nothing else, sir.”

Very well then. Tell him I want to see him once he returns to the city if he has left. Send a herald into the city to find him and bring him to me. I will address his choice in prizes and his decisions of leadership personally. Dismissed.

“Yes, sir.” With a bow to his lord, the soldier exited the room with his orders and walked down the hallway towards the seers’ room.

For a moment, Kaji listened to the footsteps gradually fade into the distant. All that remained from the sound was the echo off the cold stone walls of the halls lit by torches. He closed the door locking the latch to be sure he was not disturbed. Bringing his left hand to his mouth, he stroked his chin pondering the fate of MeRyk’s men. He did not at all like the fact he had left them there no matter the circumstances. A leader does not abandon nor does he ever sacrifice the men he commands. It was a sacrilege against honor in Kaji’s mind. The Fire Lord gazed upon the woman bound in his room. He knew nothing of her and with times tense and intentions unknown, he could not trust her or the sense of innocence surrounding her. Casually he walked to his desk and draped his cloak over his chair and hung his leather pack on the back of the chair. Kaji Hito left his sword in its usual daily spot by his side.

The military leader stared at his desk covered in documents concerning past, current, as well as future battles. He organized his thoughts and gathered himself once again and sighed. Kaji broke away from his desk covered with his life and turned to address the newly encountered situation concerning the strange woman. Yes he was a known womanizer however that was in his mind and he never yet moved pass the level of flirtations both verbal and physical. Never has he intruded and pushed himself on a female. The Lord of Fire hated to witness the mistreatment of the fairer sex no matter her allegiance. Looking her over, he attempted to judge where she heralded from. He noticed her fine, seducing form. Hito forced his eyes from her body and to her face. She did not possess the features of the elves nor did she seem entirely human. Her features were fairer than that of the human race. Moving himself closer for a more enlightening look, Kaji Hito towered over the woman on the floor. The man crouched down supporting himself entirely on his toes with his butt resting lightly on his heels. He looked into her enchanting eyes and saw pain and more importantly anger. These men definitely have angered her, but regrettably, her wrath may in all probability be released to attack their lord. Kaji kept his calm, confident composure and placed a gentle character in his unique orange eyes. A faint grin crossed his face and his lips divided for him to speak.

Please, my fair lady, tell me… where are you from and what circumstances have brought you here? What have you done to insult this nation of fire or anger the man who brought you here?

He asked these questions in tender tone hoping to gain some positive ground in her mind. The Fire Lord decided he needed to hear the woman’s voice before even considering untying her bindings. He watched her as he waited for a response, peaceful or otherwise threatening; it did not matter to him for she was in his quarters, not the other way around. Kaji Hito had a reputation for being merciless when enraged, always calculating. Though he also was kind and warm, especially towards the women of the world. In addition, Lord Hito owned a great compassion and will to protect his nation and its people. If this woman posed a threat to the Fire nation, he would deal with her accordingly and if she did not, it is assumed he will have to deal with her any way considering she is a ‘gift’ in his chambers and it is no other’s responsibility to handle her. She is his visitor… and his prisoner. He intended to contend with her consequently.

[Promise Broken]

<sup>The men had taken her so suddenly, that she had not even known she was caught until her hands were bound and her power fiercely taken away from her. It enraged her to think of such a fate as hers, a fate so similiar to the one that had befallen her mother. The only different thus far was that the perpertrators were of fire. Not surprising, since Earth and Fire were like brothers within the divine. She had fought them in her journy here, and had struck at them like a captive snack held behind a wall of glass. The venom dripped from her tongue and the fire lashed out at all through her feirce auburn eyes. Hell raged in her face, and she was wound tight. For awhile she remained alone within the room, and she did nothing to struggle against the bindings. They were not frail, they were so tightly and expertly bound. Plus it was not the wall that would bend either to the will of a seductress. But the fire was not gone and the rage still hung in the waiting for the one whom they called master. The one that led them about like dogs and strays. There was a fear in her about what her fate was to be, but she wouldn't fall so easily into a fear trap. She would not give them any advantage by letting her know that she was worried for her life and emotional state of balance. However soon the silence was shut down by the entrance of a man; clad in a military outfit he was not completely unatractive and she did not find him repulsive -- however the current situation made her seem to stiffen and raise her shoulders high like a proud dog on the wrong end of the gun, who has outlived its usefullness but has medals to show for past honors. The anger flared in her eyes and her wrists twisted within their bindings, as she absentmindedly tried to free herself.

At first he seemed to ignore her, which spurred her harder like a whip to the horse's hide. Her anger fretting about her eyes freely and murderously. Indeed, murder... she was capable of it, and with her current mistreatment she would hold no shame in committing it. She had done no wrong, and had been minding her own business. Hell, she hadn't even been trespassing. And so with hot words she replied after contemplating a vow a silence, just to spite this nation.

"The only words I offer to you are that I loathe Pyran and Borran with a passionate anger and malice, and can only wish and hope that they be struck down in their immortality." The words came out of her mouth like liquid fire and seemed to lash directly and fiercely toward this lord. Pain was in her heart and body after being brutally stolen, shoved, and bound like a steer. If anyone desired to be chained and tied it was her captor -- for what ill had she done. She didn't even admit her innocence, for she beleived no matter what she said, the same result would occur.

However, her mind did not think before she spoke them, and suddenly she realized what she had said... and in the split second after her words she winced slightly, bracing her body against any blows he might toss towards her. She had forgotten his position and his loyalties and had not contemplated the fierce words. Drawing the little magic she had she illuded herself slowly... trying to. Trying to make her hair just a little straighter, trying to make her body just a little less slender. But she didn't have the energy. So much had been spent on fighting in her journey here that her mind and body alike were weak in essence. But her rage was not. No she was still very angery.

However, she had not completely forgotten his stance over her, and feared being struck. But she still glared at him, her eyes burning into his even as her body stiffend in expectancy of his anger....

... defiant to the end.</sup>

[Blaze]

Ah… He rolled her words over in his mind for a moment before continuing; You must be of water then, a woman born under Heiseph’s grace. Water is the only reasonable answer. The wind feeds fire and reshapes earth while earth contains water and water and fire have been struggling with each other for years. Fire and heat evaporate water but water in turn destroys fire. Kaji spoke in a charming, confident tone with a knowledgeable grin upon his face. He looked her over not touching her however; he did not need to fall into a trap laid by her. Perhaps his web laid by words would coax the woman out of hiding.

Through the window, sunlight poured into the room filling it to capacity and reflecting the beauty off the décor. It seemed to want to augment the grandeur of the chambers of fire. Crystals reflecting colors and fabrics absorbing heat, it seemed the perfect room for soldiers to relax setting the maps and documents on the tabletop. Subtly, the Fire Lord’s eyes shown in the sun’s rays and his hair gleamed more red than black. He looked at her and pondered the world and its happenings and fate. Soon though he came back from his mind’s wanderings and his consciousness took him back to the woman in front of him.

The Lord of Fire stood straight before carrying on to address his visitor. However, earth and water play like siblings with each other and the other two, wind and fire. The four elemental siblings act as checks and balances in the world… He paused to listen to himself as he went into a philosophical discussion. Hito turned away form the woman for the moment and shook his head. … but that is for the Redeemer to decided once he surfaces, Turning back to face her, he once again addressed the fate of the female of water. Hito crouched down to her level to convey not a sense of domination but of equality before he spoke in a gentle voice. Anyway… you need not fear me, milady, if you prove innocent. I do not intend to spill the innocent blood of a fairer creature of the world today. Kaji shifted his head to look into her eyes, still without touching her. Please tell me what happened. His tone became sterner than before but still tender. He did not wish to frighten her but instead gain her trust.

Still squatting down near her, he waited for some reply. Then he decided to take another approach for some other information. I also wish to know your name. Please trust me with that. I, after all, did not order your capture, nor do I wish to think of you as a prisoner but as a visitor in my home and that task would prove easier if I could address you by your proper name. You can trust my intentions, I assure you. Believe me.

I will get to the bottom of this, he thought to himself. Whether it be her insults or his actions, they will be dealt with.

[Promise Broken]

<sup>Trust him?

Of course, it is so easy to give ones trust now-adays. The irony of the lies, so easily hidden and concieved as immoral truths. She couldn't trust him even if she wanted to, but she deftly wanted to harm him, hurt him, cause him pain, demoralize him, anything to satisfy the lust within her heart for him... and for all. The world was against her this day... and she was so devoted to her misery and sorrow that her pride refused to proclaim her innocence still and all she wanted to do was defy him in every way shape and form. She would not relent... and would fight and struggle until death did take her. Like a sheep to the slaughter she was at his mercy, but she would give him no satisfaction of admitting it openly, or giving to his demands.

Her name? "Atalopai." she decieved cunningly and expertly. Her face, showing no signs of the lie. Though it was the adopted name she had taken in rememberance of her mother, her name was Ivalia... but again, she was out to defy him completely and utterly.

As for his manipulative play with words, she be coaxed no one, because she had now taken an oath of defiance... she would not fail to come out. If she revealed herself it would be by the dragging of struggle, not by the persuasion of ill kind words... the falsity of them lay heavy in her heart.

Though there was as much a possibility that what he said was really true, and that he could be trusted... Ivalia would not admit that he had any good in him. If you were suddenly stolen from chaos, then bound and chained, leashed like a dog, and treated like a disposable object, you would be furious as well...

And so, Ivalia -- the coiled, cornered snake -- lay against the wall, chained to it as the bonds dug into her wrists. For now she refused to make eye contact, for when she did it would be to drag him into her mind, to drag her into his captivity. To make him fall in false love, then pull the floor out from under him once she was clear of his danger. Even as he mind prophecised it, she began to anticipate it, and the huntress within her began to observe him as the prey... perhaps she could reverse the tide of ill fortune.

More words? They dragged her back to the present and made her refocus on the current moment.

What happened?

... again she remained in silence, defiant to the end.</sup>

[Blaze]

The hardened soldier hung his head down in response to her silent defiance to answer and look at him. He thought about his options concerning how to handle this new woman in his life. Lord of Fire Hito could have her killed and out of his hair; he shook that option from his mind knowing how unethical it would prove considering she is the victim here not the Fire nation under his command. Mage could also merely hide her in his quarters, but it would be rude to confine such a beauty. The man could set her free… no the nation would think him weak or traitorous. He could not just leave her tied up in this state; she could be hungry and if he would, she will not trust him because he is not trusting her by leaving her bound. Then he heard it – her voice. Kaji turned his head up to find the source of this beautiful sound. Atalopai… he pondered the name she had given him.

Closing his orange eyes as he stood using his hands to brace himself upon his knees to show he, though powerful is still mortal. Slowly he paced making his way stepping around the woman. As Hito did this he spoke again in a welcoming, charming voice.

Atalopai… very nice. I believe I know why you do not use the common tongue to introduce your name; it would scare away any potential allies… would it not? The Lord of Fire knew the ancient language of the elder years and he knew of that certain elfin family, however that information was not required at the moment. He continued in a calm tongue, However, do not worry for I do not fear thee. But do not mistake that lack of fear as insolence. I do not underestimate your skills what ever they prove to be; I do wish to witness their splendor.

After silencing his tongue, he found himself behind the woman of the elfin kindred. He crouched down on his hunches and lightly stroked the fair flesh of her arm. Fire mage and lord Kaji Hito led his gentle fingers to her bound hands. Then, he drew his attention to the bounds holding her down. Tenderly he pulled the ropes of their knots so as to not tighten them around her wrist but free her from their bondage. He did the same with the ties around her delicate ankles. Following his finishing there, her moved from behind her to his desk.

Kaji walked not guarding his back practically inviting her to attack if she so desired. He wanted to gain her confidence in his being by showing her he did trust her enough to leave himself vulnerable. Arriving at the wooden furnishing, he bent slightly to remove another bottle of liquor from a bucket of ice beside his desk. From a shelf nearby, he retrieved two fine glasses from his small collection; he placed both glasses on the tabletop and opened the bottle letting loose a fury of bubbles onto the floor. The man delicately began to pour each being in the room a glass. As the mage did so, he addressed his visitor once again.

Join me, would you? He looked up from the wine back at the woman and gestured for her to near him. Please, come… I would have you speak. Kaji smiled before returning to finish pouring the dark red liquid from its home in the brown-green bottle. He hoped she would join him and not threaten him and perhaps begin to trust the Fire Lord.

[Ivalia]

<sup>Her trust was not forth-coming, nor was it predestined in any near future. She had been bent on revenge for a good term of her years, and it would not know be silenced, especially when she had every right intention to be angered. This excused added even more coals to the already, heated fire. The burning rage of passionate vengence lay thick in her eyes, and the way her face contorted into a grimace, that was of radiant, yet furious, beauty.

She was one of Heiseph's greatest masterpieces, and like any artist deception was her art. And now she was out to create her finest work ever.

His words were strange, they were tricky as if each syllable held a hidden meaning. She galred at him, the venom laced with sarcasm and unapreciated humor. It seemed he knew her tongue, or atleast he implied that he might. He might only know a shadow of the dialect, but there almost seemed to be a cloud that hung over his face that spoke and seemed to show a scant trace of recognition pass before his eyes, as if 'atalopai' was familiar. The possiblity of such a recognition put her on edge, but she quickly discarded the perception as mere illusion. Besides, history was written and recorded, so it was possible that he knew of the chaotic incident between Earth and Water. But whatever reason it was, she doubted he had enough information to pin-point her exact skills, though again his next few words riddled her with anxiety at the fact that he might now her secret.

Her Secret.

She had nearly forgotten about it in her beaten state, and though tired... her womanly tricks and traits still held power even without her illusionary skills. She was a captivating beauty, a flawless peice of perfection that no man could truly resist for long... unless they knew her craft -- and she'd sacrificed many things to keep that treasure a secret, none knew but herself.

She wondered how noticable a shift in her demeenor would be noticed. She knew that if she suddenly turned coy, chances were good that he would notice, but she was still bound... and though these contemplating thoughts raged through her thinking process, there was a certain fault in these plans. She could not play the temptress when she tied and bound.

It was with this thought that she watched him walk over her and move behind her. Her heart skipped its rythmic pattern and her breath caught within her breast. Her body subconsciously shifted away from him, and once more the fear illuminated her eyes for a second of what he would do in an area where she could not see him.

His flesh touched her arm and she stiffened, noticably. Fear lodging itself in her throat as she felt his hand run down the back of her arm to the bound hands. She was curious as to his intentions, as well as she was worried. She knew she was still a human. She was mortal in her divinity, but her age would continue on forever.... however, currently that didn't make her any less vulnerable and her situation was beginning to dawn on her. She had a personality that would remain defiant to the end, and her species was anything but forgiving. She had contradicting thoughts... cooperation or defiance. Neither seemed to have a good outcome for her. She feared trickery, and thus remained hesitant to assist him or even proclaim the little innocence she had.

However, his hands did not bite, they did not harm, but they released. The coils around her wrist fell limp and immediately with amazing reactionary speed she jerked them out and away, holding them close to her body as she rubbed the red skin around her hand where the rope's course hide had begun to bury into the flesh.

She watched him warily, but with less hostility as he undid her ankles. And yet she did not wait upon reaching her freedom. As soon as she was free of him she fled to the other side of the room, the fear in her eyes gone, the rage had returned and now she was contemplating her present plans.

Attack was her first responce, like the cornered viper, her fangs were eager to seek his flesh, but she knew better. Man was a powerful structure and far more built than woman, besides she was hardly a fighter... she was the perfect image of an illusionary temptress. She was perfection in her form, with the large curve produced by the way her waist sloped into her slender hips. Her skin, flawless and unscarred, with a light copper glow. Her ebony hair, falling in beautiful waves seemed to float upon her face, irresistably framing her porceline features and the dark, full red lips.

The anger still danced in her eyes, but she decided to use his release to her advantage, and let a hint of forgiveness and small touch of trust to linger in the dark amber pearls of her eyes. She had made her descision, if she continued to decieve and fight against him, then his patience could run out and death could be her fate.

She would allow him to beleive she was beginning to trust, and she would try to turn the cards in her favor. Ivalia was after all an enchantress, why not use her gifts.




As he sat down behind his desk, she regarded him warily as he poured the wine. He was strange, he was so cool, so unriled. It bothered her, and made her ineasy -- not to mention his play with words, it took a great effort for her to comprehend there true meaning.

Suddenly, he invited her to join him, and for a second she faltered -- portraying the reluctance to let him have his way. The defiance still thick in her eyes.

But in the end, she warily made her way to his desk, she did not openly show her trust, but let it dance slowly in her face, to help form the illusion that she was slowly coming around. If she came too fast, he may become alerted to the change, and the effect would lose it's valor, and her secret would be found. She'd take it slow... she had not had a victim in a fairly long time... and though this new plan was not for her own satisfaction -- in truth it was for her safety. She had no allies here, she needed to be carefull.

When she reached his desk, her face still held an evident frown, even as she took the second glass. Leaning her hip upon the fixture, she cocked her waist and sat sideways to him, one leg partially prop upon the side of the desk. Stil regarded him with wary eyes, distrust, and rage... she continued to allow the false trust to linger deep within the orbs.

Unfortunately she could not truly trust him... she knew him not, and though his intentions did seem to be more cooperative and passicve - Ivalia could not take the risk that it was all just a lie to get her to talk, or to seduce her in the end.

She took cautious sips, and tasted the wine and its smell for signs of intoxication - if she felt any hint of change in her body, she would lose all respect, abandon her plans of seduction, and attempt to flee. She was in a precarious situation, and she was bent of finding freedom from it: one way....

... or another.</sup>

[Blaze]

Now from behind his grand, wooden desk, the clever fire mage watched her with calculating eyes masked in charm. His orange orbs did not let leave the magnificent beauty they now beheld in full view. The sight would have been breath-taking to most men, however the Fire Lord’s breath remained to be caught by her; he was too encompassed by the chess game they became locked into the awe-inspiring sunlit room. Soon though, the brilliant celestial orb would set from the sky leaving the nation and the couple to rely on torches and candles – leaving them to rely on their strength, their fire. Kaji watched as she moved warily towards his desk. Then as she propped herself flirtatiously upon his desk top. This change in demeanor intrigued him and yet it also warned him of her hidden dangers.

Soon though, she once again switched personalities – from flirtatious to cautious this time. She was beginning to play her own game Lord Hito concluded. He decided he needed to remain on his toes around this particular woman. However, the Lord of Fire could not help but laugh slightly at the woman of water when she tested the wine for drugs and foul play. The man took in a calming breath and spoke once more to his visitor in his usual charming tones.

Fear not of poisons nor drugs from me, woman. After all, the poisons of the world are control by Water themselves. They after all have the alliance of two skills healers versed in herbs and plants and with that versed in the natural toxins of the world.

He paused for a moment to allow the thought to sink into her mind before continuing his game. Kaji needed her to know he too was versed in the intelligence of the world and knowledgeable in the crafts of game playing.

Anyway, should I not be the one fearing you. A snake of unknown poisons is the most deadly and dangerous of them all in this world. I should let you know I feel as though you play with me and my heart. Is that your intent, milady? If not, I ask you to tell me otherwise.

As the Lord of Fire waited for her reply, he carefully swirled his red wine and sipped it in noble style before it disappeared into the caverns of his stomach. In elegant fashion, the Lord lifted the bottle from its home and popped its cork. Still listening for an explanation, he gestured with the bottle in his strong hands to the elfin woman.

Can I top your glass off?

Afterwards, he filled his glass halfway and put the delicate glass container back in the ice bucket. Kaji listened and continued.

Back to the poisons and blemishes of the world, each nation possesses its strengths and weaknesses and water does have its poisons. Not all water is pure. There is good therefore there must be evil in a nation. Ying and yang. There are no good guys and bad guys amongst the nations merely within them.

He stopped to look up into her eyes before yet again continuing his word game.

I too have my villains and foes both from outside and within my very nation. It is the truth which comes with a leadership position. If you ever see your Mistress, you should remind her of that truth.

Kaji Hito smiled in a wise manner and looked sincerely for her eyes. Never before had he seen one with such a flowing beauty. Then again he had never had a water lady of the elfin tribes in his presence.

Lord of Fire Hito watched her and listened hoping to coax her to talk enough to hear about the happenings leading to her arrest. Occasionally, he sipped his dark red liquid, but his full attention remained on her form. The form she so casually positioned in an enticing manner to provoke his more masculine of traits.

[Promise Broken]

<sup>Ivalia sipped from the class, making sure the arrangement of her body upon his desk was very flirtatious and tempting. She made no effort to hide the delicate curves of her hips and upper torso. The fragile glow that eminated from her skin glimmered dimly with copper light as she lifted the glass to her lips.

she tossed him a sideways glance as he noticed her inspection of the drink. Her brow furrowed slightly at all his assumptions, his perceptiveness was growing irritating, but she vowed not to show it. Refusing to smile, she let her hand descend and set the glass upon the desk top.

She did not reply to his remark about water's poisons, nor did she seemed to show any care for the reasoning he portrayed. However, he was inching closer and closer to a portion of Ivalia that the enchantress could not allow. It was as if he was trying to feel her out, find her secrets, and hord them as his own. If he did not step carefully, Ivalia would lock herself away once more, and all this progress that the Lord might think he has made would all decline back to stage one. His mention about how she was playing with his heart, hit a little too close to the truth and Ivalia immediately placed herself into a sharp defense. Drawing herself up she released the glass from her fingers, and placed one arm upon the wood. Using the arm as a support she leaned in, closer to him... taunting in some aspects. Getting close enough so that he could smell the fragrant oils of ginger seed and rose, and the small hint of cinnamon, that lingered upon her well cared for skin. The smooth copper glow doing nothing to hide itself. With a small amount of her illusionary powers, she surrounded her image with a softer glow, like a haze that might appear within a hot day -- making it seem like it was just them, and they were seperated from the rest of the world.

It was a small unnoticable change in the atmosphere, and could not easily be discerned as anything but her enchanting glamour and beauty. Many men accepted it as such, and saw it as nothing more than her captivating beauty, her heavenly charm.

Howver, though the movement seemed intimate and seemed to be building the moment for a kiss, her face portrayed anything but kindness. There was no coy appearance in her eyes, no flirtatious grin in her lips, and no smile at all upon her visage. In truth, anger flickered across the surface, and a serious and dangerous glint crossed over her eyes.

Slowly her mouth parted and a whisper floated between the - now decreased - space between them.

"If I was after your heart, you would know it." the words dripped coldly with a toxious gas to it, like venom from the fangs of the snake.

She was well named.

She withdrew from him, scolding herself for her bold move. sometimes her pride overtook her reasoning, and she regretted her choice of reaction. What if he rebelled against the defiance she showed? She tossed it aside, if he retaliated she would take it without a sound.

She stared blankly at the wall in front of her and did not even look back to him; casting the emotion away and forming a new blank slate. Her eyes occasionaly looked down to her hands in her lap, but her silence grew thick around her and between them. It would almost seem that she was hoping to drop the subject and move on.

She shook her head, when he offered her more whine. She'd lost her taste for it now, and wasn't in the mood. She was growing anxious, especially with the sun that she knew would soon be dying. The darkness in unknown lands made her uneasy. Wasn't it fair that she should be worried, that she should be defensive? Didn't she have a right to react the way she had? Yes.

she was then vaguelly aware that he was speaking again. Still refusing to look at him, she listened carefully -- picking through his words with the utmost care.

when he was done she rolled her eyes, and made no effort to hide the motion. His play with words was amusing, but sometimes she just didn't understand why he bothered and tried so hard.

"You talk as if I care that the region of Water would have good and evil. Do you believe that I am ignorant to such a fact? Did I say that Water was the grandest? Did I say that it was the purest? I did not."

She paused as she gathered a breath.

"I am not impressed by your clever wordplay. Indeed, I mentioned my hate for both Pyran and Borran, but there is reason behind ever ounce of that hateful passion."

She paused and turned to look at him, her dark amber eyes locking with his own as she allowed the irration she was truly feeling to breach her emotional hull. Let him see it, let him see it all... She was tired of this game.

"You asked why I was brought here, and now I tell you this..."

She did not even try to mask the venomous tone that dripped dangerously from every word she uttered. Her striking enchanting eyes, and enticing delicate bodice mingling with her frustration and anger to create a beautiful image of prowess and elegant magnificance -- like that of a thunderstorm.

"... I do not know."</sup>

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

<sup>The young lad was definately nervous. Here he was -- a young lad of earth -- within a nation of fire. Though Borran and Pyran were brothers, there had definately been some heat within the words of his Lord, Satazian. The Ruler of Soil had a situation to clear up and a meeting to plan with Lord Kaji. Satazian was not a man known for incompetance. And the young lad of fifteen knew the cunning master was devious. He was a generous and patient ruler. Tysin knew he did not want to entangle himself in the ill of his Lord. But what man did? There was rumor that Satazian was not like any other. Immortal and wise -- though many of the humans, a mortal race, did not live through their years long enough to prove their prediction. But it was now well-believed that the Master of Soil had lived beyond his years, and had a large amount of experience beneath his skin. He was not a man to entangle with, and Tysin was nervous about being here... in fear of what his message beheld.

What did Sata want Kaji to know? Tysin hoped his own life would not be forfeit of a cause of war.

He was being guided -- unarmed and in a plain white tunic and breeches -- by two tall strange guards. One of which had dark copper skin and blazing yellow eyes, which of course glared coldly at Tysin's back the entire way towards Kaji's chamber. The guard in front of him looked resonably humanoid -- and Tysin began to wonder if those of Fire were really all that different from those of Earth. So far, this was his first excursion outside of Earth's safe haven's and into unallied territory.

They reached a large oak door -- Tysin assumed to be the entrance to Kaji's chambers. He thought he heard voices within the room, but he tried not to listen. He didn't want to be assumed as a spy.

the front guard rapped heavily on the door - and talked through the wood in a subservient manner.

"Excuse me, Lord Kaji? There is a message to be sent to you. He is from Earth, and has deemed his message important."

And so all went still -- the threesome waiting for a reply from the Lord within. Tysin was definately the most nervous and anxious of the three, undoubtably, and his fingers gently went over the paper curled in his pocket.

"Master, what is it you feel this Lord must know?
He wondered to himself, his pale skin standing out in the dreary hall of the torchlit tunnel. A bead of sweat forming on his brow, as his heartbeat quickened. He felt rather alone and helpless at this particular moment.</sup>

[Blaze]

The air in the grand quarters was thick with tension between the two beings of magic, of water and of fire. Sunlight glowing with a hint of red enhanced the characteristics possessed by fire reflecting off the stately tiled ceiling. The Lord of Fire did not allow his orange eyes to leave her majestic form. Watching carefully, Kaji Hito mentally prepared himself for her next moves.

However she turned the mood unexpectedly forcing their figurative chess game to turn tide. Still the tension thick in the crimson tinted air did not lift. Kaji remained composed and still as her face, obviously filled with anger, came closer to his. The situation as a whole proved a temptation beyond others for the spirited, charming lord.

~~ Swiftly, the man gripped her shoulders and pulled her across the desk top. The lord supported her head with one hand while the other braced her lower body right above her hips. With his own knee under her slender figure bracing his own form, Kaji leaned over the woman’s shape. Kissing her chest and moving up her neck and to her face, his handsome lips found her own; eyes closed. She in turn wrapped her arms around him - one around his finely structured shoulders, the other placed its hand just right to play with his severely dark red hair - and reciprocated the gesture. They made beautiful music together, fire and water. If only the opposite sides of the union did not exist. Water and fire unite to create land – lava and waves – while water and fire remain forever at opposite ends of the spectrum destined to struggle against one another for all time. It would be a forbidden relationship. ~~

With a casual blink, he brought the woman’s face, now basically in his own, back into conscious view. However during his fantasizing, the lord’s expression had not changed in composure. Kaji listened intently to her words filled with another sort of venom known to the world of Algaesia – that of a woman’s feelings; a cornered woman was no different. However this woman still had certain freedoms, after all she was talking out against the master of the lands she was stranger to, yet he did not feel the need to strike back against her for her insolence. In his mind, Kaji Hito retorted back at the woman’s comment that she was not after his heart. You may not be after mine, but I am certainly after yours… and the beautifully spirited young woman who comes with it.

Once Ivalia had finished her reply to his analysis of the purity of the sibling nations, the Lord of Fire waited for her to finish seeing that she seemed to be preparing another portion to her speech. He listened absorbedly to her tart opinion of his word games and could not help but grin; she was definitely a spirited one unlike how he had pictured the women of Water. Then, finally, she answered the question he had started with from what seemed times so long ago. The woman had done nothing to bring her to his chambers which meant his own man, MeRyk, one of the higher ranking officers of his military, is entirely at fault for the mess the Fire Lord now found himself in.

Standing up from his lushly cushioned chair, he supported himself with both hands on his wooden desk and leaned in closer to the gorgeous woman’s ear.

That is all I wanted to hear, he whispered into her almost human-looking ears. Afterwards, his voice took on a more flirtatious tone. But that does not mean we need to stop there… I like this game. If you would like, we could conti…

A rap on the door interrupted his sweet, pleasant, inviting line of words. One of his guards voice continued through the oak frame. The lord hung his head as he let a large sigh escape. Kaji had decided on tending to other businesses of the state once his business here with the woman came to a close, however it seemed the world and its issues had come to him bringing him back to the reality of his position.

Fire Lord Kaji Hito stood fully and before turning to the decorated door he addressed the woman on his desk again.

Excuse me for a moment.

He turned and strode to the door with his uniform and cape following behind his powerful form. Midway between his desk and the door to the hall, Kaji paused for a moment.

If you could, please remove yourself from my desktop.

The lord attempted to be as gentle and kind as he could with his request. Then he continued to the door.

Time to clean up this mess, he thought as he opened up his chambers. But the present moment puzzled him. Should it not be Water at my door? What is it which brings Earth here? The dark haired man saw a young, paler-skinned boy between his men upon opening the wooden barrier. Orange eyes of the Lord of Fire looked on at the darkening scene as he stood in the doorway. He did not wish for the men to see his visitor in full view and have them get the wrong impression though rumors of his habits did indeed spread. Looking down, Kaji noticed the fear in the lonely boy’s eyes. Of course he would be frightened. This is Fire while he is of Earth. Lord Hito smiled politely at the lad hoping to calm him slightly and perhaps allow him to speak more easily under the circumstances. With a facial expression looking so friendly and casual, his thoughts still remained all business.

So, boy… what is your name and what is your message and your master’s business with me?

Kaji Hito had regained his usual collected composure; his mind locked in analysis, planning mode.

The sun set; it no longer beamed through the lord’s window into the hall. Exactly on cue, the torches of the hall intensified in magnitude to compensate for the lack in light. Hito felt the power grow. Flame and reflections of the glossy stone and marbled walls created lighting which emphasized the red in Kaji’s short hair. He stood proud knowing the power he felt around him was controlled by one on this plane called Algaesia, himself, and his master Pyran.

ooc: I know there's a bit of powerplaying in the third paragraph but its all in his head so I thought it would be okay... tell me if not and I will fix it.

[Promise Broken]

<sup>He tolerated her sharp words with hardly more than a blank and comprehensive stare. He didn't even frown, and not a flicker of anger canvassed his eyes... atleast none that she could read. His unreactional expression mocked her and her frown only deepened as her hurt pride rebounded back to her. The snake within her heart coiling back to strike again -- still cautious of the foot that could threaten to crush its head. She stared back at the wall after her speech and again returned to a refusal to look upon him. His constant coolness made her uncomfortable. She didn't know what to expect from this man. Many others, from experience, she knew would have lashed out at her by now and ordered her to silence her tongue. But this man did no such thing...

She found him unpredictable... and easy enough to vent her anguish. She shuddered as a few moments passed on in silence. She could feel his eyes upon her, and a cold shiver raced up her spine... What is he thinking? she wondered to herself -- almost afraid to imagine. She had yet to give herself to a man willingly. She had yet to feel love, and until now she had yet to feel like she was not in control.

He almost seemed resilient to her taunts, her flirtatious invitations, and her tempting curvacious body. Perhaps not completely... but...

Wait. He was talking again...

Her mood snapped back and forth between sharp anger to uncertain calmness. Sometimes she seemed the snake, sometimes the prey. She was confused within herself, and was finding flight a more plausible option. She didn't want to stay here... it was beginning to dawn on her that she was alone. Fire's bosom lay all around her, and she was within the heart of it. There was no savior for her here.

Her eyes met his as he talked, but it was not as angry as before, but was more questioning, accusing, unforgiving, and... a minute amount of fear.

"That is all I wanted to hear..."
She narrowed her eyes slightly and looked at him in disbeleif. Though she couldn't be completely sure she would assume that it was he who ordered her brought to him. Maybe she was wrong... but she still couldn't really allow herself to believe that that was all he wanted. Was he going to let her go now? She doubted it, she was a prisioner and there had to be some reason why she had been brought here. Why...? she still didn't know, but she assumed she would soon find out. She still had no trust within him... but amazingly enough she began to assume that if he had not injured her or sought retribution for her words and venom then he would not take up the habit now. So... perhaps it was what the lord wanted, but she was beginning to relax. Though she still didn't like him at all... and still had a minute amount of willingness to cooperate she allowed herself to sigh after his first portion of his phrase.

The next part took her completely by surprise, well that which he managed to say... He was cut off by a knock at the door. With this new interruption she stiffened slightly as he stood and excused himself.

She was watching him walk away when he turned back to her. His request seemed more of an order, and there was a flicker of demand within the words. It was different than the soft and gentle request he had beckoned from her earlier. The words, "If you could, please remove yourself from my desktop." were not as easy to ignore and defy. Something within them demanded an importance and she decided to obliged.

Stubbornly she glared in his direction and mumbled the words, "Bite me..." under her breath in an inaudible tone as she stood and walked away from his desk. She turned her back on him with a flounce of her figure and refused to look at him again. However there was a certain familiarity about the guesture -- like something a friend would do to another friend. Now, Ivalia found Kaji no friend... but the tension within the air had certainly laxed... she was no completely against him anymore. Perhaps he really did mean her no harm if she was innocent, but she didn't know for sure and so she could not completely relax.

She put him out of her mind and decided to ignore whatever situation was forming before him. His business was not her concern... and she did not want herself to be troubled by any of Fire's business.

Moving off to the side of the room, she want to the window where the sun had once filtered through. Now she could just barely make out the dying red light of the sunset against the mountains. All those cold stones and mountains blocked her escape and seperated her from her homeland and trapped her within this strange alien terrain, that was not native to a delicate like her. She found herself wishing to be home, even under the constant disaproval of the elves, she never had to feel such uncertainty. She felt utterly helpless here under the mercy of Kaji... though she be damned if she let him no how defenseless she truly felt. However, she still wished to return home and hopefully forget about this unfortunate turn of events.

In her heart and mind she knew she would never be free of it. This confrontation would always be a memory ; whether it would develope into a painful or pleasant one... well that was based on future events.

"... But that does not mean we need to stop there… I like this game. If you would like, we could conti…"

The words suddenly came back to her as she watched the last evidence of yesterday dissapear. What did he intend? What did those words mean. She couldn't help but smile somewhat - very similiar to his own grin when she had mentioned how she unimpressed by his wordplay. So... maybe her effects were getting to him. Perhaps slowly... but just maybe she still had a few cards left in her hand. Surely they were just lustful words... men were incapable of true love. That was what had been bred into her by her mother, and it was a notion she had easily adopted once she had taken up her -- what some would call -- whorish occupation. Though let it be clear, she had never given herself to any man. She merely did what she did because it was part of her being, and she took pleasure in seeing the heartbroken faces of men.

She shrugged, for some reason, seducing this man and hurting him either financial or physicall, was not very appealing. She couldn't explain to herself why... but she justed... well... wasn't.

She shrugged once more and continued to stare out the window at the black night before her... there was no leaving tonight. Hopefully there were no hidden intentions within the firelit room within the mountain of Fire.</sup>

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

<sup>Briar didn't say a thing, and in fact remained silent as he drew the written letter from his breeches fold. His hands were shaking and his breath came in short silent gasps. Of course he was not frightened... he was close as he could get to terrified. Here, before him stood a man that could murder him and make him dissapear within moments. And no one lay near who would raise a finger to stop it. Of course, old mothers and dying fathers fed stories to young children to keep them from wandering away to far, or questioning the distability of the four nations. You think Briar had been spared from such stories? Nye. He feared the fire lord, a hell of a lot right now. Especially as he went over in his mind the message which Satazian had sent with him. The note was anything but friendly - and in fact, Briar believed it might actually sound as a challange.

Swallowing his fear, he extended his arm and handed the folded parchment to Kaji. Sata had sometimes told him the best words to speak in certain difficult situations was silence. Never be fooled by words, so never give the opportunity to be fooled. Silence... sounded good right about now.

The note read in scribbled print:

I have witnessed the ruin of a battelfield within the nuetral lands not far from my borders. I am bothered by the event and by the fact that three of your fire dragons now lay slain within the Shephard's Fields. Your men also lay dead there. I also witnessed a three - headed canine flee, still alive from the battle-scene. The only survivors of the bloodshed, was a young woman and child of Earth. From what my men could discern from the ruins, there were no others of earthen allegience. Being as it seems there was a small army up against my two citizens, I have difficulty believing them to be at fault for this. As it is... I do not understand how they survived. However, I am willing to admit that this may be a misunderstood situation -- perhaps even the fault of the two survivors. But until I can assess their story -- which is clinically impossible at the moment since they lay so deep in comatism and so far from health -- I cannot be sure.

I would like to arrange a meeting with you, Kaji Hito -- Lord of Fire. Deny and I will assume guilt. I am willing to meet within nuetral bounds -- say... The Valley of Stones? ... at noon-time?... at the next opportune moment for yourself?

I will come with an small accompany of men, but this meeting is not for war. This is for conversation, not fighting. I hope to see you there, Lord Kaji.

Also, if my messenger does not return alive, there will be no forgiveness.

Master of Soil,
Satazian.

Briar cowered off to the side. Of course that last sentence only comforted him a tad -- and like before... he hoped it was taken as the challange which it sounded.</sup>

[Blaze]

The sun set behind him and the torches grew in intensity; this was definitely the Fire nation and nothing anyone could say would change any being’s mind on the notion. Fire Lord Kaji Hito gazed down upon the shaking boy’s figure as he held out a message from his master. His orange eyes displayed the glinting power of fire and its lord. Hito smirked at the obvious power he had over the boy – it was still a surprise to the lord that he, a former lowly soldier, had been chosen as the hand of Pyran in this realm; it was a comforting thought though a responsible job.

Reaching down to the boy, Kaji received the letter with two common friendly words: Thank you.

Carefully unfolding the parchment, the handsome Kaji Hito turned back into the room quickly glancing at the elf woman. Finding her off to the side staring out the window, the lord was satisfied and gestured for the boy of Earth and his two guards to enter his quarters.

From behind the lad, the two men of fire looked into the room and too found the woman in the corner… untied? Neither thought much of it. There was no bed in the room and she was in the opposite corner of his desk where it seemed he was just recently sitting – two glasses remained on the desktop. To them it seemed the two people were merely discussing topics which were none of their business. Anyway, even if more than talk had occurred, it was truly none of their business. She was a gift to her from Lord MeRyk though according to Lieutenant Vantor, the Fire Lord was not too happy about the situation and vague, if nothing, response as to the reason for the ‘gift’. Soon their minds reminded them of duty and both Sergeant Asan and Major Narcma shifted their eyes to their lord and leader who had walked to his desk.

As he strode to the wooden fixture covered with documents and maps, Lord Kaji Hito read carefully the message from Satazian, Master of Soil. His brow furrowed as he read of the situation. This was one thing he despised about the Fire Lord job – being blamed for an occurrence he had nothing to do with, but since he is Lord of Fire, it is technically his responsibility to handle.

Soon, Hito finished and placed the paper on his desk with the other political documents. Leaning back in his cushioned black chair, the lord contemplated over the message and the assumed challenge. Sure… a meeting would be quite beneficial. I too need to know more of this situation considering I haven’t received any report concerning the battle nor this woman in my room. Could these be connected in any way? The Lord of Fire leaning forward again and laid his right arm on the letter while the other moved to his sculpted face in a wondering gesture. He reread the request and considered the location. The Valley of Stone was not an appropriate meeting ground; the Shephard’s Fields itself would be more suitable however in a separate part from the location of the battle as to promote cooler think and placid discussion. Besides, if a fight would break loose, grasses will burn while stones do not.

In a moment, the man of fire shifted to retrieve parchment for his own correspondence back to the Master of Soil, his brother in a sense. Removing a pen from its well, the Lord of Fire Kaji Hito began to write.

Master of Soil Satazian,

I accept your invitation for a meeting of civilized leaders. Understand I am sorry for the condition your citizens are presently in and I understand you must be as busy as I have found myself currently with the two girls’ health. Therefore I will send more correspondence in two weeks from now so that both of us may have the time to prepare our groups for a passive meeting of diplomatic discussion so they may too understand no war is wished between the Fire and Earth nations.

In addition to your messenger returning alive I will send with him a potent medicine my men use to revitalize their strength and replenish their energy for your injured young women.

You will hear from me again soon and I too look forward to seeing you.

Lord of Fire Kaji Hito

Upon finishing his reply, Lord Hito replaced the pen and reread his own writing looking for any holes to fill and information he missed, at least the information he did not mean to miss. There. I accept your challenge. Satisfied with it, Kaji once again smiled and folded and sealed the parchment meant for the leader of Earth. He stood confident and turned to his men.

Extending his arm to the lad, he passed the dispatch to Earth’s messenger. Afterwards, he addressed the men behind him. Sergeant Asan, fetch some of the kreknot root from the healers’ ward for this young man to return with to his master. Then escort him safely back to his ride and through the city. Major Narcma, remain here. I have another task for you. Both soldiers bowed their heads accepting their orders. Asan waited for the boy before leaving for the infirmary and Narcma stood awaiting his orders.

Kaji smiled kindly to the boy assuring no ill will towards his being.

[Promise Broken]

<sup>Ivalia continued to stare out the window with little or no real emotion upon her face. If anything could be determined from the gaze it was a look of loss. In truth she didn't have a clue as to what her future held. At one point she had had a vague idea, but with this sudden turn of events she was stuck at a certain foggy crossroad in which the path split in a thousand different directions -- all of which she could not see to the end. She was blind and walking through a mist that this strange cold man had created. He was so cool --shudders ran through her blood, and she shivered gently-- it unnerved her very soul and bothered her deeply. She had no idea how he would react to what she did. She had no idea what effect her tricks would have on him. Obviously her little charm of illusion hadn't been overlooked by him, he must had put it together that she was not completely harmless. She tossed a sidelong glance at him -- quickly looking away before he could catch her stare-- what was it about this man? It was almost as if there was a specific weekness about him that he merely concealed behind a sturdy wall.

She sighed evidently as she heard the footfalls of three new arrivals. She turned her head to observe a small young boy, obviously frightened, and two guards. Her eyes locked with one of the men, the one whom Kaji would call Narcma. She stared unblinkingly, her eyes portraying a certain fury and disgust, before she turned --rolling her eyes-- to look back out the water. However, after she stood looking out at a seemingly endless black horizon she looked sideways at the guards, they were intent on watching Kaji, she looked to the fire lord, he was busy writing a letter. She then looked more fully at the boy, her head movement was suttle, so as not to be made noticable. But the boy was still looking at her. She met his gaze, and smiled slightly. He was not of fire. Hope spurred within her chest, as she pondered what this visit was truly about. Was the boy in trouble? Was he... was he a messanger? Her heart leaped with the possibility. If he was of another nation... maybe water? She doubted it, he looked human. Earth then?

It was very likely. Of course there was always the chance that the boy was just a trouble maker from the streets and Kaji was writing a letter to his mum. However, her spirit and desperateness wanted to believe the lad was a messanger from earth.

Her mind danced back to the image of the battle, she had only seen the arrival of the three dragons and manly assault before she was whisked away in a wall of fire. What had become of Ethida and Kyoko? Could it be that earth was out for vengence. She couldn't help but smirk at the thought of someone after Kaji. Even after all his possible kindness, she still took a certain joy in watching him fall to some sort of demise. Her eyes still held the young boy.

Soundlessly she mouthed, "Ivalia" to the boy. She expressed it and pronounced the formation of her mouth so that he fully comprehended the name. She then quickly snatched her attention away and looked back out the window with that seeming look of loss. Perhaps the boy would somehow send on the name... perhaps there was hope yet for her safe escape. What did she have to lose?

Other than her life.

Soon she heard Kaji exchange a few words, and her mind wondered why the Lord would want one of his guards to remain.</sup>

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

<sup>The boy stiffly released the letter from Satazian and in a tense manner he shuffled his feet into the room as the two gaurds on either side of him did the same. His eyes looked instinctevly around the dorm - perhaps he was subconsiously looking for an escape or a place to hide. Animal instincts could never be fully vanguished... especially and difficult situations, when his own life was at an unpredictable risk. Though the room was lit by a torch the corners were a bit dim, but there was overall not much to look at.... well except for a beautifully crafted fair maiden over by one of the dark windows. Indeed night had fallen - another terror to reflect upon. A night ride home... joy, joy. Suddenly her face turned to look at him. He had been observing her curvatious hour glass figure and the way the small of her back seemed to bend delicately into the folds of her lower dress, and of course how could he ignore the tassles that hung from her head like a waterfall of black water, so waving and shiny... it was a lustrious shade of black obsidian. However, the face was beyond beauty could compare and the smile that soon was directed to him could be hardly ignore... he was enthralled and held captive by her eyes. Those peircing amber eyes - they seemed to speak to his soul and he found himself love-struck. Damn him... he was only 15, and already daydreaming of a warm bed for two. But it was naturally for men to feel such thoughts - especially those who were into puberty. Men were more sight sexual, while females were touch sexual... but whatever. As a young inexperienced male the charm of the unknown enchantress had him at her complete mercy. Those damn eyes. Unwittingly he found himself playing a part between Kaji and the maiden's silly games... she mouthed her name and he was far from forgetting. Her effect on him left him dizzy and the tension seemed to lax from his body.

However, when she turned back away from him the spell was broken and he was left with only her image and the memory of her smile to go upon... however, her name - Ivalia. He would never forget. It didn't sound fiery... more or less... it sounded... he looked at the wall a moment as he tried to find the right correlation. Several minutes passed and nothing came to mind. He couldn't come up with what the word origins were. He mentally shrugged and was vaguely conscious when Kaji handed him the note. He was thrust back into reality and again tensed and felt the fear creep back into his legs and heart. He was more than happy to leave when the time finally came.

After a quick journey to the healer's ward and a gruff and forcefull fairwell... Sahe was off. He was going off down the back, a lantern in his hand, one hand on the reins when the words came to him again.

It sounded elvish!

Triumphant in that aspect he focused his attention more solely on the dangers of the road and escaped quickly into the night... heading back across the mountainside on a long journey back to his homeland.</sup>

[Blaze]

As soon as the earthen messenger disappeared into the hall following Asan, the Fire Lord returned to his desk for another parchment and another letter. He sat down again finding the ink pen in his relatively strong hand. His right hand took control of the work while his left braced a head heavy with slight fatigue. Dark, deep red hair draped gracefully around his head to subtly cover the vision of his orange eyes from the other two in the room.

Flickering torch light played with the shadows of the room and illuminated the scene from interesting angles. Some details hid while others took full advantage of it to extenuate their brilliance in décor and grandeur.

This current letter seemed to require the same, if not more, thought than the previous. He wrote wholly focused on his words making him oblivious to the unusual worried expression Major Narcma displayed for his lord and the possibly dangerous woman in the corner; Kaji did not wish to insult a woman, ally, and possibly a friend. With caution and great thought, The Lord of Fire and more importantly, Kaji Hito wrote his letter.

Finished with the body of the message, he replaced the pen back in its well and picked up the beige, rough paper with both hands meant for working – in diplomatic and war related matters. Lord of Fire Hito reread the request before signing eloquently, but not too flamboyantly, under his title. Afterwards, he folded the parchment in three sealing the letter with his wax insignia.

Very good, he said softly satisfied with its message. Lord Hito stood and extended his arm to give the letter to the Major, who promptly took it off his hands. Give this to Lieutenant Vantor to take into the city. It is for a woman who he will find in one of the inns on the first level. Her name is Peira. She is young with long crimson hair. Tell Vantor to not underestimate her and he is not to engage her in any sense of the word. He may return home to his family after he has delivered the message.

The guard bowed in understanding and acceptance of his duty. Vantor lived on that level and would return home soon so it would be no problem for the young lieutenant. The Fire Lord’s description and directions proved clear and to the point filled with authority and some urgency. Quickly, Narcma turned and left down the hall to catch the home-bound soldier. The door shut.

After his matters of business were done for the night, Kaji turned his attention back to the elfin woman in the corner and the nighttime air drifting through the open window. Gracefully the charming man retrieved the two wine glasses from his desktop after refilling them half-way. He approached the woman casually with a friendly impression upon his face so as to not scare her like a cornered fire fox. Calmly he offered her glass.

Here you go. You can relax; I do not wish to harm you.

Kaji Hito paused to take a drink of the savory red wine from his own glass. Gazing into the darkness, the lord pondered peace, future, and the current night. He turned back to face fair Ivalia before he put forward his proposal.

We should be going. Military barracks are not a place for an enchanting woman such as yourself at night.

He had meant nothing by the word ‘enchanting’ except that she is beautiful however if the woman thinks something else of it, such as a reference to her power, it is up to her.

I have personal quarters just outside this facility where, I believe, you could be more comfortable. I promise none will bring you harm; I will make sure of it.

Placing his empty wine glass on a small table with an elaborate statue representing Pyran, Kaji Hito allowed the placid nature of his proposal to settle in her mind. He gathered up his cloak and bag while thinking of where he could find a jacket for the visiting maiden. Finally after his moment of pondering, he offered the lady his hand with a genuine charming, benevolent smile.

Shall we go?

ooc: Peira my messenger will be there soon... sorry for the wait

[Promise Broken]

<sup>Ivalia watched the boy leave and then observed the man Kaji invited to stay behind. She tried to quell a beating heart, but all was not fully well within the fair maiden's mind. She was nervous beyond most reason, but of course like any snake backed within a corner she had not become a snivelling twit to beg for mercy. If he had any intent to do her harm, she knew there was little she could do to prevent it. Her meager powers dwelt only within the mind and very slightly within water manipulation, but that which was physical was hardly enough to do anything but ward off rain and water plants, while her powers of enchantment and illusion... if he ever managed to determine the reality and look past what she wished him to see... then she would be ineffective. Her beauty was enough to taunt any man, and the way her curves stood out apart from her dainty frame was enough to woe any hardened soldier. And yet Kaji seemed slightly resiliant to her works. He did not openly throw himself upon her... nor did he give any forcefull hint that he was really affected. Of course, she had doubted that he was completely unaffected, and she would not convince herself otherwise. She had a pride as well... and it was one that would not accept that a man could not be charmed by her enchanting magics.

Fiery disposition turned to look at him as he addressed her. Amazingly enough she was actually comfortable here, where there was no bed to tempt this man... but then again...

Nope. He was not to be trusted... until she could be sure she had a will over him and not the other way around. She would not play the fool and fall into tricky traps played by him. This was her card, and it was her life he was gambling with.

She chuckled as she remembered how she had flirted with him for just a moment back when he offered the first glass of wine. She had been testing then to see if her effects held true. It had surprised her to see that he --though still slightly affected it seemed-- was not completely enthralled in the false goddess' beauty. What was stranger yet, was that this resiliant quality was somewhat attractive to her.

Clearing her throat, she pulled herself back to the present and looked away from him with a shake of her head. Her eyes sought the inky blackness of the night, though she could see nothing past the lighted interior of her prison. Her expression had soften since she first glanced at him... and it was almost sad--partially defeated. Was the venomous Ivalia really accepting this unknown path forced upon her? Was she really going to relent and follow without word or rebuke? She told herself no, and tried to gather up the peices of a personality he might have broken. Even though she was riled by him emotionally--she could not be fully angered by him. Just something about him... was well...like she said before... attractive.

His voice suddenly continued to ring through her head and she turned to look at him again. The face she expressed was emotionless and blank as if unsure what emotion she should give. How should she react now that the playing field had evolved so drastically? But his calm, and confident face erupted a mountain of fire within her soul and again the old Ivalia returned with rebound. She still wasn't fully there--the old snake, but the sarcasm and soft anger was similiar to how she had come to him.

"I'm not really interested..." she began softly and a little hotly. However, she mulled over it a moment or two and then finally consented.

Moving to his side she finished her sentence, "... however, I don't really have a choice do I?"

The defeated air around the words came out before she could stop them, and to cover up the willingness to go and sound of accepted fate, she briskly added with a frown and sharp words, "But don't exected to sleep accompanied!" she roared in an indignant manner before storming past him with little to no regard for his offered arm. She was not his lady--nor his captive. Though she had partially accepted her twist of fate and what may come of her... she was still defiant to him. Something about him both riled and compelled her. Something was straining inside of her and she couldn't identify the feeling. It made her heart tingle inside her bosom and her mind flit strangely off topic.</sup>

[Blaze]

The Fire Lord watched hopefully as his current visitor pondered the offer and perhaps even her uncertain fate. He had no plans in hurting her; she had claimed innocence after all and so he had no reason for punishment. However, then there was the thought of MeRyk. Had he plotted this all to put Kaji Hito into trouble with the other nations or had he done it to merely throw the lord off balance having a beautiful woman in his chambers? Either way, he did not enjoy the fact Master MeRyk had not reported yet.

Suddenly the silence was broken and Kaji was thrown from his raging thoughts back to the current situation at hand. He listened with an attentive ear awaiting her choice. Upon her initial decline, the Fire Lord began his acceptance.

Very we…,

Unexpectedly, she interrupted him with her, what he thought, unneeded question. Kaji was just about to address that remark as well when another brisk comment cut through the air. The lord smiled accompanied by a suppressed chuckle at the lady’s frankness and open venom towards a thus far charming and benevolent man whose room she just happened to herself. He watched her pass fierily by ignoring his offered hand in escort only with bright eyes despite the time of day.

With eager haste, Lord of Fire Hito approached from behind. In a gentleman manner, Kaji wrapped the woman, who he still assumed to be of water, in his long fire military overcoat.

For easier passage through the streets, was his soft, whispered explanation. Pulling his visitor closer to his fine figure with a strong arm, Kaji Hito attempted to create the illusion of him traveling with a casual guest rather than a captive unbound. Local men and women watched them, with a sort of questioning respect. Still they truly thought nothing of the Fire Lord’s company. Often it was he had another with him, whether they be officers of the military discussing plans or citizens requests assistance in their villages and homes. Therefore, a woman accompanying their lord was nothing to fret about.

As for choices, you must always understand there is a choice in everything you do even with the more difficult decisions life may deal. And of course I do not expect a sleeping partner tonight. There may be certain rumors roaming about the rugged streets however I would much prefer to get to know you… and your name if you would like. A nice little chat would be the perfect thing, but at a time that suits you of course.

Kaji’s mannerisms during his part of the conversation displayed a friendly appeal with his cocking of his head and shrugging of his strong shoulders. His voice rang out in the warm air of the city as he escorted her to his personal home. He spoke with smooth tones and charming accents to the fair woman. Kaji did not wish to frighten her more than he presumed she was currently. With tender sounds, the handsome Kaji Hito attempted to coax the venomous vixen into a state of calm and comfort. It was the only path he peered to get her to open… or close further. Either way, he was too stubborn to submit to her withdrawn attitude.

Keeping an open ear for the woman Atalopia, Fire Lord Kaji Hito traversed the city with a welcoming stride and air about him. Soon, too soon for the lord’s preferences, vision of his home came into view. The walk was slow however as he had stated, the two buildings were close neighbors. As the couple approached his home, the young man named Kaji desired to hear her angelic voice again despite its toxic taste.

[Promise Broken]

<sup>As she stormed past him she suddenly felt a weight upon her shoulders and an arm around her back. Before she could object she found herself draped in the linen of his cloak, and masquerading as one of his own people--a creature of fire. How oxonomous. She was of water, not fire... the irony was enough to make her smile - though she refused to enlighten him with a reason for the light expression.
However, his touch was another matter entirely. She would wear his petti coat, but need he hold onto her like she would run away? Where would she flee too? The twon was completely encased in stone and held no sky, and the streets were crowded and narrow in areas - she didn't have any idea where the entrance to the outside gates was located, so logically to run would be folly. Her head ran momentarily with these thoughts until she felt him draw her closer to his musclular build. She tensed noticably, but did not make any remark as she sidled beside him down the busy market streets, past a few lone venders and pedestrians. In this world she knew she was unwanted, and perhaps -- if these people knew her true origin they would more than likely hate her with conditioned hatred, passed down through the generations. Therefore, during their walk she pretended to be facinated by the many items on the vendor's carts, and tried her hardest not to make any civil eye-contact. Yes, at this moment - the mighty Ivalia felt vulnerable and even small.

When they reached his abode, there was a soft expression of relief also accompanied with a waried look of aprehension. What lay behind those adobe walls? Almost instinctively, she wanted to avert back to her previous disposition--release her womanly talents of manipulation and flee from him and his home with Kaji none the wiser--left in a stupor after her time with him. AS she looked up towards his face, she was tempted to try, but again she was reminded of his clear and calm disposition when she attempted her magics on him back at his militant quarters. Perhaps she would try it slowly... to gain a trust and give none or little sign that anything was amyss. And still, even as she thought about it... she couldn't really find the motivation to carry out such a plan. Her muse just wasn't there. She put it to the back of her mind as she dropped her gaze from his face. He hadn't really done anything wrong to her, on the contrary he had been quiet generous, but Ivalia still feared a trap. Why would he be so kind to a foreigner? She supposed she would soon find out, or not... maybe he was just that kind of gentlemen -- defend the weak and protect the innocent. What a cliqchue, but she wondered if perhaps that was his personality.

Remembering his words she paused a moment to mull over their meaning and a responce. If she had any say in the matter, she wouldn't speak to him at all. Yet something seemed compelled to answer his questions and respond to his comments. She couldn't help but shake her head subtly. When he metntioned the sleeping partner she chuckled and with a joking note--though still very serious--she stated one simple word.

"Good."

she was surprised at the own tone of voice that she so genuinly spoke. Was there humor to it? She was dropping her guard she could feel it already, she was becoming a little more comfortable with him, peice by peice. Perhaps it was the fact that he had been so understanding and so willing to cooperate with her demands. She silently cursed him and herself and let her smile fade away. Reverting back to silence, with her sheilds starting to fall she felt it was best not to say anything at all.

And so silence took the stands.</sup>

[Blaze]

She laughed!

The air’s tension seemed to thin once the unknown Ivalia chuckled and spoke one word in a seeming jocular tone. Yes, perhaps it was merely a work, but still she spoke. Perhaps all his efforts of charm and generosity were not all in vain with this young woman he found in his quarters. Kaji smiled welcomingly yet not too eagerly at the prospect she may be becoming comfortable with him.

As silence held hostage their conversation, Fire Lord Hito looked over his guest. She seemed less tense, yet not completely relaxed. Both beings, one of fire and one of water, possessed one visible similarity the flames of the night could not refuse. Lord of Fire and his visitor of water both were crowned with the sleek black hair of nighttime brilliance only Kaji’s red was definitely pulled from the black by his fire city surrounding them.

After he let pass a few moments in the silence, Kaji Hito decided to break the bondage and allow his voice to once more fly into the city’s night. His arm slid around her shoulders back to his side as he turned to face her. Gently the lord took Ivalia’s fair arm just above her wrist merely cradling her flesh between his fingers. The young fire mage did not desire for her to feel forced such as a slave would.

Let’s go inside.

With genuine and benevolent energy, Fire Lord Hito guided her through his home while explaining the architecture surrounding then and the locations of certain things such as the kitchen briefly as the couple passed through. A relaxed minute’s walk brought the pair of ironically opposite elements to their rooms. Kaji opened intricately decorated doors to a grandiose room fitted with a combination of marble’s strength and feather down soft comfort.

This will be yours for tonight…

His voice began strong and sure until another thought crossed the man’s mind. Orange eyes looked to the stone floor for but an instant before he gazed back to the elfin female. His next offer came in a voice quieter, less pronounced in tone.

… or for however long you would wish.

The guest chamber Kaji offered the venomous Atalopai had its furniture arranged with easy access in mind and yet in a tasteful manner. Standing the featured piece of furnishing, the bed, already made with pillows flush, welcomed its inhabitant with curtained style. A dresser, bookshelf, and closet sat along the walls surrounding the bed while a small nightstand accompanied its head. All were finely crafted of beautiful cherry wood with crystal knobs and polished stone tops. A window on the northern wall opened to a view of the homely court yard now lit by torches in a way most fire citizens would consider quite welcoming.

He paused for a minute to allow here to inspect her night’s lodgings. Then Lord Hito explained a bit more to make her stay perhaps more relaxing and easier.

A bath chamber is through that door to your left. Al water drawn will be warm for it flows from the mountain of fire itself. Anything you require can be provided immediately for you. My room is just across the hall if you need me.

Kaji Hito began to turn back into the hallway before he remembered his manners. He turned again to the elfin woman with a light expression spread upon his face.

Can I get anything for you before I myself retire to bed?

The tone used was serious and yet nearly innocent.

[Promise Broken]

<sup>Ivalia looked upwards to see the home before her. It's elegance was masked by the flickering torchlight of the caves, however her attention was soon gathered by his next motion--his arm descended from her fair form and returned to hang numbly by his side. It didn't demand and didn't prod. For a moment she was free from his touch, and she seemed to deflate just a small amount as the absense of his warmth left her desirably cold. She was not comfortable enough with him to wish for anything else but escape from him. Honestly, though she felt vulnerable... she still held that defiant thorn within her palm and she refused to drop it no matter how unbearable the pain became. She would never allow herself to fall for some unseen trickery. She wanted nothing more than to return home. At least there she knew what to expect from her people--here she still half expected to be poisoned or captured for permenant use. She couldn't help but shudder at the thought.

She was satisfied to bask within the welcomed silence, his words--so sly and warm could not reach her through the hollow shield of a silent vow. However, he obviously could not bare to hold his tongue under any circumstances and his voice shot out to her through the tense night air that remained clogged with cavern walls. She released a soft sigh as she took a large gulp of air. Placing her feet carefully--she guided her bodice into the threshold of his home--shedding his coat without his asking or his assistance. She wanted to be rid of it's weight and it's symbolism. She was not of fire, and it hurt her pride to consider herself such a creature. Letting it fall from her shoulders, it crumbled in upon itself as it landed gracefully upon the floor. Her slender arms were now once more revealed, as the delicate copper brown dress she wore faded just past her knees. The folded garments were thin, and it was only the several levels that kept her body covered and reasonably unrevealing in certain areas. The light color almost matched her beautifully tanned skin--forcing garment and flesh to meld in one elegant and enchanting pattern of beauty. She was not an enchantress for nothing. Her looks were everything to her, and what she did, who she was, and how she would be. conditioned hate brewed within her chest from stories given to her from the mouths of elders. Stories she had heard from the mouth of her own mother, had enstilled within her a general hate for deceiving men and their shallow minds. Love was a fickle game... and no one played fair. So why should she? She would rather break their hearts rather than let them break hers. It was a tangled web to weave, but she would attempt to do so. However, unlike most men, Kaji seemed to leave her merely a knotted mess which she needed to pause to take the time to untangle before she could progress. She predicted a slow cycle of seduction, if in the end she chose that path to take. A part of her reasoned, that if freedom could be acheived by doing so... then perhaps she had no other choice. For as long as she remained here her fate would still be in a constant state of flex. What would happen in the next moment, day, week, month, or year was a complete mystery to her.

Putting her mind to rest for the moment she listened to his interruptive comment. All hers? It was a nice thought but she couldn't really look at it as her own. She had a perfectly good home within the Silver city and a bed there that she desired to dwell within. It was nice that he was being so kind, but it made her slightly nervous. Inwardly she shrugged as another smile plagued her lips and she inwardly cursed.

No smiling! He will feed of you ill defense!

Yet, there the smile stayed for a moment or two before it began to fade with the moment. Curtly she opened her lips to release a short reply: "You forget, I am not homeless. I am no stray that needs a place to call home," soft, but still slightly venemous she added, "I intend to leave as soon as I may, and do not expect to recieve any form of reimbersment for your kindness. I didn't ask to be here."

She stopped her speech and looked away from him as she cought his eyes. No need to be capturing him now--see her eyes were ablaze with enchanting light... still ravanous for a victim. Quietly she quelled the beauty within and took a deep breath. She had almost asked when she could leave, but decided not to tempt him in responding to her remark. As it was... she expected some curt, smart-ass reply. She braced her pride for it.

He continued to speak.

Does he have an "off" switch? apparently not.

She heard his words before she acknowledged the room. Even though she had walked into its depths of her own accord, she had not really been so involved within her own mind and thoughts that her subconscious had merely followed the leading power. Now her eyes took in the view of a beautiful room that her taste actually found appealing. The dark russets and amber colors contrasted beautifully to her copper skin and black hair. Everything about her almost seemed to match with this warm scene of gentle fire. She grimaced at the thought--but her realization that her evident elfin elegance could never mingle with the fierce lumberings of the fire dwellers, placed a prideful calm within her restless mind.
His mention of the bath did catch her attention, but she didn't feel comfortable right now. She merely nodded a solemn acknowledgement and stepped forward into her room. A devious plan began to fall into planning within her mind as she wandered forward into the confines. Guilt was just as strong a weapon as beauty. Releasing some of her defiance she moved to the bed and rested herself upon its mattress with an air of defeat--like a wild bird caught and now caged for show. Her solemn expression deepened and she looked thoughtfully towards the apohlestry. Her overall demeenor now appeared of one who was perhaps a tad sorrowful that she was not in the comforts of her own home, and was now laying in a stranger's bed with an unknown tomorrow lurking around the corner. True the expression, the demeenor, the overall posture... was all a lie. But poor Kaji need not know that. She herself felt slightly guilty for acting as she was--but that was only if he truly was only being kind.

Yeah right.

Her eyes snapped to the doorway as Kaji began to leave, yet he stopped himself and turned back to her--asking if she needed anything else. Coldly, she shook her head--turning it to stare blankly into the shadows of the room. As if they would provide some form of escape.

All just a mask, just a ploy, just one face...
...or was there more to these strange emotions that she found coursing through her bosom. She was having a hard time identifying them, but she kept placing them to the back of her mind as alien emotions. She would deal with them later.</sup>

[Blaze]

Young Lord Hito watched the fair maiden within his midst with a great interest in her. Her curves, her body, her naturally and magically seductive form almost seemed to call to the weaker man within the Fire Realm’s leader. It was a huge temptation for Kaji Hito –- forbidden even. Rumors of his personal interests flowed about presently and so one must wonder of rumors spread if a beauty of Water would enter the picture, a woman of the opposite element! However these thoughts did not run their course in the lord’s mind. He had learned quickly to curb his habits and control his urges once he learned of his gifts from the mighty Pyran. Truth, he had long ago decided, would never be the basis of rumors. Also, as long as his private handlings did not pose threatening to his beloved nation, he was fine.

Deep in his musings, Kaji noticed, as he watched her, a smile found way to slightly brighten her face. Both as a lord of the land and as an individual man, the young fire mage smiled in return while he listened to her curt response to his generous offer. A small, light-hearted chuckle rose up from deep in his throat. With a moment to regain his composure, Lord Hito inhaled to address Ivalia’s venomous statement.

“Of course,” he agreed with a slight nod of his head. “But this will be your home for at least the night. It would not be proper gentleman manners to send off a fair maiden, such as you, during the heart of night. I can arrange for your departure trip back to water in the morning, if you so desire.”

As the youthful leader turned, he noticed a change in the unknown enchantress’ demeanor. Her apparent sorrow broke Kaji’s heart. The Lord of Fire was known as a cold and calculating man; however, this scene in front of him was not that of a battle field but of a beautiful woman who wished for the comfort of home. With a charming presence, Fire Lord Hito strode over to her alluring figure. He sat tenderly next to the elf-maiden staring at his defined hands which gripped near his knees. His uniform draped neatly over bed and sheets under his strong form -– at least the lower half of Fire’s uniform since his jacket lay unceremoniously in the hallway.

Without warning or invitation besides her posture, a friendly hand shifted from his muscular leg to her rather appealing limb before it rose to meet her delicate face. Gently the back of his fingers caressed the silky flesh of her cheek. Kindly, Kaji’s unusually soft orange eyes found her alluring amber orbs. And just like most acquaintances have found, the lord could not keep his smooth voice from escaping his lips.

“You are a beautiful creature, Lady Atalopia, and I hope I will one day be allowed to call you by your first name.” This first portion came in a softer tone almost with a tint of longing fashion intertwined in his confidence asking subtly for her name once again. However, this tone just as quickly disappeared as he continued right one to the next part including his promise to her in hopes of not burdening the young woman with orders or stresses. “I promise to return you home safely and you will remain safe as long as I have anything to do with it.”

Justice and innocence will also be factors in this matter as will.

Quietly he stayed by her side awaiting a response –- any retort or statement. Fire Lord Hito may possess home field advantage, but he remained alert nonetheless. In this world of magic and demons, anything could happen. Therefore Kaji’s eyes remained focused on her seemingly helpless façade while his other senses concentrated on the room and any changes occurring.

[Promise Broken]

<sup>All this time, Ivalia had believed that—though charming—Kaji could still be “playing” nice. There was nothing to say he truly meant what he was saying. Now Ivalia couldn’t come up with any reason why he would show her false kindness, but her natural mindset and conditioned hate refused to let her easily accept that Kaji truly was not trying to upset her, lure her, or harm her in future plans. Yet she couldn’t help but marvel at Kaji’s resilience. His personality never shifted and never swayed from the gentle charmer. This realization seeded a form of doubt, but Ivalia still didn’t feel inclined to trust him. The Lord of Fire was still an unknown to Ivalia, and she had no idea what was or was not his personality. Therefore, Ivalia had felt a need to remain defensive. She had been feeling a constant need to distance herself from him, and she had honestly felt that she needed to some how form a way to manipulate him so that she could construct a route back to freedom. Yet inside her mind, she knew that freedom would not be easily attained when trapped within the heart of the Fire Realm. Thus she had considered resorting to seduction—though for some odd reason, she had felt no motivation to tempt this mighty lord—and most currently guilt. Mostly she had just remained fiercely defiant and venomous.
However, the situation was quickly changing and Ivalia was soon going to find herself in a strange and perpetually dangerous situation.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Kaji began as Ivalia had expected. Some smooth words and a near retreat. However, the trailing end of his sentence placed both a startled sense of surprise and a fleeting twinge of guilt within her heart. Perhaps he truly was a gentleman and not just “acting” like one. This partially surprised her, for she couldn’t understand how men of power and wealth could ever find anything other than lust and selfish draw within their withered souls, and the promise of an ascertained tomorrow released a flurry of relief within her emotions—yet her outer expression did not flux even with the elation she felt inside herself. Yet along with her surprise and relief came a new emotion, that she cursed herself for possessing. Here she was, now feeling slightly guilty herself, for putting on this face, and playing out this ploy. If he truly was being a gentleman, did she have the right to lead him on in false pretense? Yes. She still could not be sure of anything… and she just couldn’t imagine a man’s heart holding anything but lust for her. Kindness was not something she had openly been shown by a male of any kind. Even the elves held bias thoughts against her, which left their hearts mildly cold to her as well. Besides she had the stories and facts of past experiences—she herself had been a terrible mistake—look what she had become? Was she really any better than those she hated? The realization seemed to eat slowly away at her insides, and Kaji was not aware of the sudden inner turmoil that flared rapidly and dangerously as he came nearer. Luckily, it was him who saved her, though I can’t say it was for his own good—quite the contrary.
Being lured in by her own savage accusations against herself, and her contradictory experiences and feelings, she was reveling within self judgment and she was becoming twisted about in unsure emotions. She kept teetering between tolerance and dislike, and just could not pinpoint the one that she could relate to Kaji. Now it seemed she couldn’t be sure. It was not as if he was just now showing her kindness—he had shown it to her all night—but it was only know that he showed a genuine care and not just charm for the maiden’s well-being. It seemed evident NOW that he did have the intentions to return her to her home. She didn’t really know what to think of him currently.
At first she didn’t even notice him as he sat down beside her, for her gaze still stared out against the wall—blankly glaring as her inner mind warred against each other. However, his gentle touch brought her back to reality, like a wave of cold water. Suddenly silence took her as she smoothly and slowly turned her head to gaze thoughtfully at his hand which perched for but a moment on her thigh. The moment, seemed like an eternity to her, and she could only pause and try to absorb the gesture. She didn’t know whether to accept his affection of kindness, or stab at him with unbeknown fury for touching her in a slightly intimate way. Yet before she could settle on a reaction, his hand slid up to her face. Where he stroked her cheek while uttering soft words. Now the trouble was upon her, and she was so cold—the silence welling around her like ice, drowning her in uncertainty. This was by far the worst moment of the entire night. She couldn’t grasp the situation no matter how hard she tried. She kept fumbling for feeling, but could find no hold on either acceptance or rejection. It provided only a blank stare towards the world—a stare that showed contemplation, and a slight uncertainty of how to react.

Yet finally, she found her voice and her mind. She felt anger once more—his true wishes were beginning to surface were they not? Who would dare to touch her in the first place? Surely, she had not given him the impression that she was accepting him in any shape and form, even if it was an acceptance that a captive shows a captor. He had no right… and immediately Ivalia felt as though all his words had been pressed forward to attain this moment of connection, when Ivalia appeared most vulnerable and most defeated. However, if this truly had been the Fire Lord’s intent, he was sadly mistaken, for it only fueled her fury. However, as emotion flooded back into her face, it did not appear angry, but softer and a little cautious. She had finally decided. She did not trust Kaji not to try to take advantage of her delicate form—compared to him, she was greatly out-weighed and overpowered. Thus she was going to use her magics of enchantment, if only to tip the scales of power, and put Kaji under her influence.
You see, we must understand, Ivalia didn’t have a clue as to whether or not Kaji was really sincere, and due to her upbringing… she found it easier to believe that he was not.

The moment was right. Her heart began to pound within her chest, as Kaji’s fingers stroked her cheek. They seemed so close—his face to hers, but Ivalia paused to let a lingering look of consideration and mock care flit across her eyes and expression—another ploy. This was her art of seduction, and while the outside saw gentle compassion, the inward emotions raging inside of her were not of love and arousal, but were in fact quite the opposite—rage and severe dislike.
His voice fluttered with flattering words, but the last sentence he spoke made her wonder again if he was truly sincere. But she had already made her decision; there was no turning back.

Her next motion was not completely out of the blue. Anyone could see it happening—given the lord’s smooth and charming words, his acts of care and concern, the room’s atmosphere, and the closeness of the two bodies. The kiss was not to be unexpected under such conditions. And a gentle thing it was: her shoulder’s leaning in slightly, her head moving towards him cautiously in a very slow and uncertain speed. It almost appeared—as she moved in for the contact—that she would stop and turn away at any moment. It was a delicate process, and Ivalia played it out so well, with an expression so gentle and serene, that no one could guess, unless they knew her secret, that she was not truly feeling the emotions she displayed.
However, as she got nearer, closer to the actual kiss—it had yet to be made, and she wondered if Kaji would or was already beginning to close the distance himself in acceptance of the loving gesture—her body began to react in a strange and unexpected way. Warmth rushed up from her stomach and filled her chest with a strange festering heat that began to race her heart and bring a gentle sweat to her palms. Her skin rippled with electricity and the whole world began to tilt from underneath her.

What the hell!

She was so utterly confounded by the flustering emotions that her rage overtook her and her eyes broke in surprise. Her face contorted in anguish and she broke away from Kaji. Whether she had landed the kiss or not, she couldn’t remember and didn’t care. Her life was spinning around her, and nothing was for certain any more. Her body and her emotions were no longer hers and she was diving away into sweet and blissful oblivion with no power to stop herself—thus the reasoning for her sudden actions.

She spun away from him, leaping to her feet and practically leaping to the other side of the room by a small wooden desk that was blank of any attributes. Her voice immediately rang out as she turned her back to him, refusing to face him, refusing to look at him.

“Get out! Just get out!” she spoke hurriedly; rage and confusion lining her words, making it waver and nearly brake. She was ready to enforce them again and again, if Kaji persisted towards her to ask her what was ill. She needed him out of her room, she couldn’t be near him right now—she didn’t understand what she was feeling, but she knew it was linked to him and she wanted nothing to do with it. She needed time to think, and think hard.</sup>

[Blaze]

Lord of Fire Kaji Hito watched the elf-maiden with compassionate golden-orange pools surprised the promise of a journey home did not encourage some reaction from this ‘visiting’ woman. He had expected a small smile of gratitude or relief at least. What was it that made her so cold and untrusting towards me? he wondered. Perhaps the simple fact he was Lord of all Fire in Algaësia? How was he to know it was not only him but all men?

Then finally, a change appeared – a bit cautious but still soft. Little did he know the truth inside. Still the Fire Lord did not allow his questions to affect his demeanor. Soon after, though, the slight change graduated to another side of the emotional spectrum from where their encounter began.

In a moment, all seemed both in motion and at a stand-still at the same time. Kaji noticed the closing distance between his and her face. The current scene could quickly turn to an international situation all on its own even ignoring the circumstances which brought Atalopia to Hito. This fact and its delicate details gave Fire Lord Hito his reason to look at all options a second time. As a gentleman, Kaji would never make the first physical move towards a woman – yes verbal, but never an excessively physical move. Also as a gentleman, however, this woman needs and is asking for comfort – or so she appears to the young lord- and Kaji could not just reject her. For all he knew, it could break her spirits more. Therefore, he actually allowed her closer while he too subtly subtracted from the distance. To the man of power, the contact seemed that of passion. With eyes closed, his head buzzed and his senses blurred. However, his mind fought to keep from drowning in her seductive magic.

Quickly, though, the momentary peace of the nightly scene broke when the elf’s controlled calm broke. Without ant time required, Lord Hito’s senses cleared and his strong magics reclaimed their control. Immediately he rose to his feet and looked in time to find her turn from him. Kaji raised his arms slightly with more words of security at the ready before she blatantly ordered him from her room. To this wish the charming lord quickly conceded. She obviously needed to be alone now for reasons unknown to the young man. Besides, he would not be far.

Before moving towards the door, Kaji Hito spoke coolly, “Of course,” with a short nod. Approaching the grand opening, the lord stopped just before exiting to address the fair maiden once more before retiring himself to bed.

“I will be in the room just across the hall if you require anything. If you awake in the morning and I have already left, one of the nursemaids will escort you back to my headquarters when ready. I hope you can find some comfort in my hospitality and the thought of returning home. Sleep well, Lady Atalopia, and good night.”

With this said with courteous voice and a proper bow to the lady executed in fine fashion, Fire Lord Kaji Hito left the room closing the heavy door quietly behind him.

ooc: sorry it's late... again... but hope you like it ;D

[Promise Broken]

<sup>Emotion welled beneath the stone wall that was her fortress. This sudden assault of alienating feelings left Ivalia cold and stunned. This had never happened to her before, and she was made sick by the strange new feelings. Was it simply because Kaji had shown no open aggression of possibly devious plots against her? She just didn't see him as a plausible target, and this frustrated her. It frustrated her to no end.

Rage boiled up to the surface of her calm, and she welcomed it... feeding off it's familiar energy. She knew this hateful passion, she'd lived it all her life, and if desiring the angry red fire was what kept her sane, and these new emotions at bay she was more than willing to accept them readily to the surface of her reality. Fire loomed dangerously within her eyes, and nothing seemed plausible but death to control the sustained rage that pulled her deeper and deeper into herself. This world she knew, this was the Ivalia that had lived for some many long years as an outcast among the elves and seductress of men. She would not fall beneath one man's kindness... she could not. All this time he was so gentle, charming, and generous--qualities that had never been shown to her in any true state from any man's lips. Lust did not seem to drive him, and this kindof man was one she had never before encountered. Was there really such human men that thought with something other than their manly attributes? Her reasoning tried to convince her, but experience and conditioned predjudice refused to buckle beneath this new experience. Men were men, and always would be...
But the declaration was shaking and unsound, there was doubt routed firmly inside of each syllable and guilt began to weigh heavily on her heart. Damn this man. His kindness had saved him and his genuine sincerity seemed too valid for her to rebuke it completely as a ploy to get into her bed. She suddenly realized that she could not seduce him, her pride and her own damn morals--yes, Ivalia is not a terrible person through and through--didn't seem to want to allow it. She just could not find any pleasure or satisfaction in Kaji's embarressment and emotional demise. There was no attraction to such a con.

She sighed, feeling a damn break and the anger rush away--though some residual stress remained and bubbled mildly upon the surface of her eyes. Her breath came deep and stready as clenched hands relinquished their viscious holds, and the indentations of her nails burned red against the skin of her pale palms. The red marks receded slowly, but not before she realized that Kaji was still with her. He had not spoken much and in the past few moments she had fallen so deeply into herself that she had near forgotten about the shared atmosphere. Her body tensed, and rage once again began to fluster upon her face. He needed to go, and go quickly. She had grown some respect for him currently, now that she beginning to believe that he truly might be sincere in his words and actions--however, it was a fragile care, and could be easily shattered if he did not choose his words and actions wisely in the next few moments.

She had ordered him out, and she was sticking to that order. She did not turn to face, him did not turn to look at him, but listened to an eerie silence as dead air filtered into the room. Her eyes only glared at the wall, but softened with some releif when he heard his compliant answer: “Of course,” ...

He was so smooth with those words, they held no surprise or any tone other than that which he had used all night. Anger once again rushed to the skin upon her face, and in the light the flushed appearance and raging opticals could not have been ignored, but she hid her expressions from him by refusing to turn. Yet, this was a new kind of anger, not one without just cause. Plus it was more irritation than anything. Even after her move--so to say--he still showed no change apparently. At least not now after they had broken it off, surely during her seductive moment, he had not been to rejecting, but now that she heard those words she wondered if he had truly been under her spell--for though he hadn't seemed reluctant to ignore her gestures of false passion, he hadn't rushed upon her, or quickly closed the distance--it had been a timid touch; it had been something Ivalia had never before experience and it rose up from the ashes of her soul something new, a rebirth of long since dead emotion. She'd explore it further in her dreams and in her time alone, but her mind truly began to wonder: perhaps this man was not driven by lust, but deeper emotions, an actual heart even.

Soon the sound of receded footsteps wavered upon the air, and gently began to leave. More words filtered to her, but they held no tone different than before. He was willingly leaving, not trying to console her or continue the moment that she had started. He was apparently very willing to leave her. She respected his descision and thought it wise. Unknown to her, he was slowly breaking apart a shell that had been intact so long; for never before had she met a man such as Kaji, and though it was not enough to erase years of habit and personality, Ivalia was beginning to soften--though she was barely admitting it to herself.

Now, if Ivalia knew that he was acting as he was, partially out of pity. She would have been hurt, offended, and insulted--her pride wounded by his condescending inner thoughts, but she was ignorant to the workings of his inner mind, and did not even consider him to be strong enough to resist her compelling appearances and attractive spells.

Nonetheless, he spoke a gentle speech... just before he left. Ivalia did not turn, did not even flinch or remove her gaze from the spot upon the wall that she had glared so demonically hard into for the past few minutes. A scowl came across her eyes, but it was more to herself than to him, cursing the inner tourmoil that raged within her heart. She didn't know what she wanted... she truly didn't--and it was taking the will of one man to make her realize this? It was disheartening to consider.

Soon, she was alone, with only the dying tone of his voice within her head to remind her of his presence. She felt weak very suddenly without his presence to haunt her. In some minute ways, she felt freed--whether it be from his spell or her own inner choas she couldn't be sure. She sighed and finally turned around, defeated in many aspects. She just didn't know... didn't ruttin' know.

She collapsed onto the bed, not sure about anything... mostly riled by those strange emotions that still left her skin hot and her head revolving around thoughts based upon the Lord of Fire. It angered her, and added sorrow to her eyes as moisture glossed the dark russet amber orbs: after that emotional break, she couldn't be sure exactly what constructed her personality anymore. Those emotions went against everything she'd been taught, everything that she had learned about shallow men, and everything that made her who she was--the enchantress. She could not feel kindness, compassion... love-- ! -- for men. It went against who she was, and placed her in eventual sleep through a veil of a gentle silent tears.




ooc: done.</sup>

[Blaze]

Upon entrance into his own grand chambers, the young lord closed his door behind him, but he did not latch the lock. Rarely did he ever lock his door – in case of emergencies and this night, late night visitors. He took up he usual routine at the normal pace only this night, he carried with him a ponderous gaze. The nightly routine was so ingrained into his body, it left his mind the room to wander and wonder about the day. Kaji thought it fortunate he had experienced the pleasure of meeting three unique women in this single past day.

Memories continued to flow while the lord’s physical form moved about the large room. The nearly automatic routine began as his black sleeveless under shirt fell to the floor. Al muscles in his torso and arms relaxed as soon as freedom from the fire-proofed cloth was had. Oxygen surrounding his being almost revitalizing the fire in the nation’s slowly wearying lord. Next to be left behind upon the floor was a pair of heavy boots near an intricately decorated wardrobe. Bare foot, Kaji meandered into a nearby room – a smaller room where one of Feuer-Bohrung’s many springs poured casually into a pool in its center. Steam filled the small space. It wafts and wraps around the young fire mage. Warmth hugs the man’s sculpted body adding to his comfort and calm state. A running mind continues on wandering.

Returning to the cave and the morning sun, he reinvestigated the ‘intruder.’ Lunlie seemed the trusting and yet remained hidden about much of herself. She fretted over his visual of her weapons and cursed herself for the slip. Then came a misconception and an arrow.

Exiting the warm mists, Kaji approached his desk and pulled the chair out dropping himself nonchalantly into it. He casually grabbed his ink well and pen as well as a small leather-bound book – his journal. Quickly, yet legibly, the man wrote a few thoughts and notes to record the day. A few words to describe the people he met and a couple ideas to help his nation in the war. After rereading and adding to the day’s events. He replaced both book and pen and retrieved a plain glass and gin bottle from the desk’s corner. The lord poured about a fourth glass and swirled the rustic liquor.

Fired by the later introduced Peira, Kaji instinctly incinerated the flying projectile to defend Lunlie. He quelled a brawl between bandits while learning their differences and a fire fox left. The conversation filling their walk back to the city proved pleasurable for him and the spirited Peira sparked his interest while nothing held his tongue. An introduction, then a parting.

A final trickle ran down the glass leaving but a few beads behind. Lord Hito stared past the wall while placing the glass back upon the wooden surface. The crackle of a fire in the room was the only sound currently and Kaji turned to watch it dance. This fire has never known the cool because of its lord who always kept it live with both magical and physical fuel while feeding off its spark as well. After a moment of fiery bliss and serenity, he moved to his bed. One final article of clothing draped over the bed’s foot. Slipping into bed, Kaji only half covered himself allowing the night air wafting in from the window open to the city to blow around his upper body. His fire flickered to his right while the glass reflected its light to his left, but neither had the young man’s eyes. Orange pools stared at the ceiling above and again past it into the space behind. With one hand sandwiched between head and pillow, the thoughts, memories raged forward.

Returning home, the Lord of Fire was welcomed by a ‘gift’ from MeRyk and the business continued. The spirited and venomous viper remained tight-lipped and closed in general. Lady Atalopia claimed innocence and yet she used magic. He had wondered about her and his own urges.

A whisper escaped to the ceiling, “So that is her power.”

He still has not received a report and his frustration mounted as his composure held firm. Kaji spoke, she replied with few words, he offered drink, she suspected, he suggested a room for the night, she reluctantly accepted. Lord Hito became aware of all in the room – the tense international sense and opposing calm. His head buzzed and the passionate kiss and her allure. She broke and his mind automatically cleared. The night finally ended.

The stare softened as his eyes glazed. That messenger… Worked hands searched for the blankets. A meeting… with Satazian… He tugged pulling at the sheets. Why was she so cold?... Next muscle movement came as a slow closing and opening of eyelids. Trusting Lunlie… spirited Peira… fiery Atalopia… what was her name?... a nervous… very nervous messenger… Kaji began falling. I’m going to be very busy… Eyes finally shut for the night.

Kaji walked out onto an open field in his military uniform. Searching the surrounding area, he found nothing and no one – no fire, no allies – nothing. Suddenly, standing in this barren land, a roaring filled the Fire Lord’s ears. He turned up. A tidal wave loomed over head. A dust storm raged from behind. Both fueled by the changing winds of war.

<<...::...::...::...>>

As usual, he awoke with the sun. Being Lord of Fire, Kaji could feel its close warmth rising though the mountain shielded this section of the city. He rose with a small amount of sweat beaded upon his brow – not uncommon. Since being bestowed with the great Fire God’s powers, he has led a very hectic lifestyle and his subconscious reflected upon it often.

In a quicker manner than the night’s routine, Kaji Hito readied himself for the day. Wiping his brow, adorning his uniform, reclaiming his sword from its nightly home beside his bed. Finally before leaving the room, he drank one shot of liquor – he had never acquired a liking for the bitter taste of coffee.

Just outside his door, the man looked across the hall to Ivalia’s room. He wondered if she slept well and whether she was up or not. Probably not. The sun had just risen and he had left her maybe a mere five hours ago. Kaji decided not to disturb her and the Lord of Fire left to attend certain business, but not before telling a nursemaid, Hildi, to escort their visitor to him when she was ready.

ooc: so... much... muse

[Promise Broken]

<sup>Ivalia awoke while the dark still ruled, but felt no motivation to lift herself from the bed. The nightly chill had swept into her bones, as she had fallen asleep above the covers and still fully clothed.
Sighing inwardly, she turned her head and burried her beautiful visage in the sanctuary of the cloth and pillow. Her body was so tired, so feeble and weak. Her emotioned had berated her through the night in an array of terrifying dreams... all of which were haunting and forwarning of a horrible end.She couldn't escape those many fates she lived in her sleep, and even now in reality they seemed plausible and real...

She couldn't stay here anylonger. And not just here, in the Lord's house. She needed to return home, where the safety of her own nation would surround her. True, the elves were not particularly fond of her, but they were accepting and would never cause ill to encompass her. However, she still questioned whether or not she was even missed. Had they noticed her dissappearance, were they concerned? Most likely not. More chance than not, they'd think she left, or maybe even commited a form of treason with Earth--how untrue both of those stories were.
She needed to get home, her time to linger was over... and Kaji had already assured her that she was no prisoner.

Kaji... Lord Hito...

She wanted to forget him. His kindness, though suspicious had saved him last night and would probably give him a form of immunity in days to come. She couldn't stand the thought, for she accepted herself as the enchantress that she was... and to think that any man was beyond her threatened to shatter her system of living and send her into a tumble as it had last night. She couldn't go through that emotional turmoil again and therefore, she put in her mind to leave.
She had no intent to see Kaji again before she left, and now that the daylight was upon the world she did not fear departing alone. She'd take the risk. Besides, as an intelligent woman, she knew her general geography and could easily follow the fields of green illuminated in the distances beyond the Rocky slopes of Fire's Mountains.

So with gentle acceptance of the plan--and no thought to the possible reprecussions, she fell back into a fitful sleep atop the covers... awaiting the morning and the dawn when Kaji would be vacant and preocupied with other important matters.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Waking several hours after sunrise, she blinked into the blinding sun that poured through her window. Fall was approaching and the chill of winter hung dryly in the air. She wasn't bother however, and quickly raised herself with a sleepy air. The sound of life was extinct within the large household, but the gentle shufflings of a nursemaid coming down the hall.
The gentle rustle of cloth stopped at her door, and Ivalia moved quickly--springing forth with a surge of adrenline.
Her lithe and graceful momentum carried her swiftly to the cut-off section of the room where the bath was located. And just as she settled herself behind the shades she heard the grind of a lock and the squeak of rusted hinges.

"Milady...?"

The gently voice was thick with age and Ivalia imagined the proportions of a short statured stocky, middle aged woman standing in the doorway. Though some would consider the stereotypical mentality slander... Ivalia looked at it in more a jealous and wishful demeenor. How simple life would be as such a woman... the sheer uncomplicatedness of the ideals were attractive to the stricken maiden of water, but such simplicities seemed out of reach especially now.

"I'm not decent... I'll be out shortly." Ivalia said softly but stiffly from behind the visual barrier.

She held her breath, wondering if the woman would truly leave the room... Ivalia begged her to. She couldn't go to Kaji and this nursemaid would certainly lead her there.
Luckily, the woman seemed willing to oblige and the closing of a door and rustle of steps down the hall assured her that indeed she had left.

Standing and moving back into the openness of the room, Ivalia suddenly felt at a loss. She had a little bit more time before the maiden came back again, but she had no plan from here. At least she didn't until she remembered the window.

It was true that the doors and hallways eventually led back into the heart of the mountain, where the main city was caved out. However, this window... it permitted sunlight... and quickly Ivalia lifted her skirts and shifted over to the sill.
As she looked out she saw the treeline of the forests, and beyond that the flat plains... she knew the Realm of Water was just past the borders of the Shephard's fields, and though Ivalia couldn't see the landmarks of her people, she knew they were there.

She could wait no longer. Placing her palms against the glass, she searched for a point of thin weekness, but found none. Then running her delicate and sensitive fingers along the bottom ring of the circular windowpane. There was no latch. Sighing back in brittle defeat, she looked out beyond the clouds, were freedom flaunted itself... teasing her.
Supposedly she wasn't a prisoner, but in many aspects she still felt as one.
Suddenly the clouds shifted, and the sun poured furiously into the small pane again, blinding Ivalia for a few seconds, but not before the glint of raw silver caught her eye.

Using one hand to sheild the mid-morning sun, she fumbled along the top edge of the window.... her fingers soon finding an anomaly along the smooth surface of the woodwork--a tiny catch, small enough so as not to stand out or befuddle the theme of decor within the room.
with a vitorious smile, she flicked the small metal catch and lowered the pane. Fresh breezy air rushed into her, and she welcomed it as she slipped her body through the escape hole she had made after she had scribbled a breif note for the Lord--leaving it haphazardly upon the coverings of the bed.

It read:
Your hospitality has been greatly apreciated. However, I must depart of my own terms. My frailty and helplessness has been abandoned, and I hope our paths are fortunate enough not to intertwine in the future.

...I hope our paths are fortunate enough not to intertwine in the future...
It is unfortunate that such words will be set undeniably in stone--by way of life... not everyone survives.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Silently and with careful haster, Ivalia began to navigate the slope of the mountain, using her agility and grace to avoid many a disaster.
Using her manipulative allusions to mask her visual in the direct vision of anyone who should glance her way... she continued to navigate. Unaware of the fact that the wildsides of the mountains are far less kind than the heavily travelled roads.</sup>