The Love Of Pariahs - A Terrormoon Prequel (Closed for Amborsia Caress and Myself)

[Gothic Shujin]

The Love Of Pariahs - A Terrormoon Prequel (Closed for Ambrosia Caress and Myself)

(Dedicated to everyone who enjoyed the short-lived Original)



There once was a wizard, drawn to the darker side of magick... fascinated by the spells and summons forbidden to him, by his fellow spellcasters circle. He was ruled by his lust for more power... for evil rotes and spells... energies that would make him rival even the strongest magus.

Despite the wishes of his Circle... He performed, one day inside his tower, the most unholy ritual he could find... one given to him in his nightmeres. It was intended to summon a lesser demon, a Succubus that he might enslave, to teach him the arts of another plane of existence... however what happened was NOT what was expected.

For several days The Demoness raped and mutilated the wizard for what he attempted to do. She was far too powerfull for him, and used her power to sustain his life, far after it would have been put to an end... to prolong his suffering....

During the rape however, wich was very enjoyable for the Demoness, she actually became pregnant with his child. In her stomach a half man, half beast was now growing. The gestation for a Succubus was short and in moments she gave birth to a bastard child. Disgusted by the human side of it, yet unable to bring herself to dispose of her new son, the Demoness abandoned him withen the tower, returning to her plane of existence in a flash of magickal light....

The child was eventually found by the remaining members of the circle who owned what was left of the wizard's tower and after some investigation they realized that the baby was not a normal child, but something concieved from evil. In their foolishness they decided to raise the little boy untill another option presented itself. He was called "Uriel" after a stillborn son one of the Mages wives had given birth to years ago. Uriel was a very sick boy, despite an itense breathing problem and poor sight (due to the inability of his half demon eyes to adjust to their enviornment) he had a fairly normal childhood. All the children that lived nearby would tease and harass the boy. Being the only child in the wizard's tower... Uriel learned a great many tricks that served him in defending himself from the more malicious children. He was a very sad young man and hated his weakness... even though the mages grew to love him and treated him like their blood, he longed to leave the tower.

On one cold winter night... a spell concieved by one of Uriel's caretakers backfired. The boy's body was assaulted by an unseen force wich invaded his half demon, half human, body. For a week he layed in bed, paralyzed... unaware that his strength, sight, and body as a whole was being redesigned. When we awoke he looked upon the world with new eyes... he was more perceptive and able to effectively track the small lightning fast bugs dancing about the cealing. His strength was unreal, and he would cultivate it (along with his other newfound abilities) becoming a force to be reckoned with. Soon after he discovered he had an aversion to sunlight... and that during the day he was much weaker... also he had a craving for blood... a desire he learned to satiate as soon as possible after being unable to stop himself from killing a young lady whom he was "fooling around" with one pubescent afternoon. He drank her blood and it was blamed on a local vampire the wizards had been seeking. Never did he loose control over it again... nor did he ever tell anyone the truth.

With his strength and speed, Uriel adopted role of "gaurdian" to the tower and became its defender from hirophant druids and other heretics that wished to stop the experiments performed withen. He was so good at his new job, that Uriel was sent to destroy the venerable vampire "Morphune" who had been plaguing the tower's nearby forrest and caverns. He dispatched the Unholy undead but before returning home discovered its treasure... a vorpal intelligent blade... who said its name was "verdilith". This would be Uriel's first real friend and together their power only grew....

Uriel was forced to leave the tower when it was detroyed by a Mad Magus that was refused entrance one evening. The half breed defender slayed the intruder... but not after he razed the entire area... leaving only death and ashes in his wake. It was missunderstood to nearby towns, just what had happened, and Uriel was blamed for the atrocity. Taking Verdilith over his shoulder, he left the only place he ever knew and came to a town far away from it. It was here that the young man began to escape his past. He settled down with a local woman who worked in a bar, and soon enough she was pregnant with his child. It was the only taste of true happiness he had known... a beautifull woman who didnt care how he looked or what his past was...

A few years did he live like this... untill it became discovered who he really was and the villagers tried to run him out of town. Defending his wife and young child, Uriel was forced to kill several civilians but not before they fatally wounded his family in the exchange. In a rage he left the town in a pool of its own blood... stole a horse and fled south, where he heard one could get easily lost... He would never go by his true name again, it holds too much pain and is not safe anymore... now he calls himself "Critkill" a title that seems to fit his new personallity...


Fifteen years after the first calamity, yet before the plight of the Artifact...


Name: Critikill
Age: Unknown (apparent age 28)
Sex: male
hair: long and straight to middle of back, black
eye Color: purple
height: 6"
weight: 240
Build: Muscular


The sun beat down on the soft dirt walkway, mercilessly. It would of been a beautifull morning if it were not so hot. An unusually bundled up, dark figure trotted into the bounty town of Fulton on horseback... a place known for its many "blades for hire". It was a very dense town, heavy with a population of killers and skilled prostitues. It was rumored that this was once the place where the hero had defeated evil... all that time ago... but that was just a rumor... and happy memories didnt live too long here...The large armored figure stepped off the dark horse with purple and black armor, near the ourskirt of town. A long and straight black hair cascaded under the concealing full helm he wore and down his skull armored shoulders. His cumbersome armor didnt appear to slow him down too much as he walked to the town's disclaimer sign. He blinked his tired red eyes, hidden deep in the darkness of his helm. He had been riding all morning... and daytime was always hell for Critikill.

"This is the place guys...," his ethereal and demonic voice spoke to Verdilith, his sword and Abyss, his horse... only mentally "lets get to bed...im exhausted."

"Oh so NOW we can rest...nevermind that ive been bitching for a whetstone since yesterday, i guess what YOU want is all that matt-" Verdilith was silenced mentally by its master...

"Silence!... when i get some rest... ill take care of you... you know the rules."

Together the three of them headed to town... appearing as a robed traveller and his mare, seeking refuge.

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

Nyx

~ Her golden eyes were spitting fire within their gaze, if pure hate could be conveyed with just a look, then that was what was pouring from her eyes, pure, smooth, intense, flowing, HATE. She could not voice her feelings, her hatred, her disgust, her fear, the gag that had been stuffed between her soft lips silenced that. All that could be heard was the muffled groans of what surely would have been cursing and screams if indeed they could be heard.

There were too many of them, 6, maybe 7 in all, including their... "Leader". Just the thought of that, "Man", made her blood boil with rage and hate, fear and loathing. And to think at one time, not all that long ago in the grand scheme of things, she called him friend, sat next to him while they learned their trades, their heritage. Now, now all he was, was the enemy, who had slaughtered her entire family, who had betrayed her people. Her Father, her mate, and worse, her son, all lost to this man, this mermaid, this Nyairling's betrayal, greed, power.

Nyx screamed, but this time the sound was easily heard, as she sat bolt upright in her bed, eyes wide and staring, breathing ragged, heart pounding. She had the dream again, the nightmare, and it was always the same thing, in one form or another. Her, and ....... him.... She shook her head, trying to regain her composure, trying to calm down, to ease her rapidly beating heart.

Water.. she needed water, she needed to immerse, even if only for a moment. The sun was bright, the hour early, the heat hot, when she left her room to make her way to the nearby open sea...

Nyairlings were water born people, commonly called mermaids. Able to walk land, breath air. But born to the oceans and seas of this world, born to live beneath the waves. Nyx was also a Nyairling, born to the Healer of her people. Her captor, who in her nightmares, stared into her eyes, she staring back, pouring forth all her hatred and despair, was also, needless to say, a Nyairling, the son of the Holy One of her people. Nyairlings had no, ruler, like on land, where Kings and Barons, Countess and Queens ruled. Nyairlings deferred to the guidance of the Healer, and the Holy One, who fostered, guided, comforted, the body and the soul, the flesh and the spirit.

Nyxxianna Solstice, daughter of the Great Healer, Nyxor Solstice, it was her destiny, her heritage, to become the next Healer, to help guide her people for the years to come, teach them, keep them safe, healthy and happy. It was her life, one that she accepted willingly.

She was learning alongside the Holy One's Son, Verin, Verin Mados, for it was his journey, his destiny, to administer to the faith, the love, the soul, the spirit of his people, alongside the Healer. At one time, they were.... friends.

Verin and his Father, the Elder Holy One, betrayed her people, the peaceful Nyairlings. They used their magic, magic reserved only for the Holy One, magic that is destined to be administered only for the protection of the others, and never, never against another living water born, to summon the nightmares of hell. The most horrible of beasts, demons, serpents, were churned forth by the chants, the spells, the power of Verin and his father. The attack was unexpected, horrifying, and deadly. Nyxxianna had just turned 21 seasons old. She had only just been mated, and given birth to her son, his name had been Ssrig, a name meaning... love.

The water, their home, their life, their love, now flowed red with their blood.

Nyxxianna managed to escape, one of the few that did, with her son. But not before she attacked the Holy One, in a rage, screaming about betrayal, Nyx strangled him with her own bare hands. Her father dead, her mate dead, her son gravely wounded, Nyx swam thru the blood tainted water, until she was far from the carnage, far from the horror, far from the death.

She was all alone.

But the horror was not over for the young Nyairling. Despite her training, her prayers, her tears, her son, Ssrig, died in her arms. Nyx returned him to the sea in which he was born, placing her son in the spiritual arms of his father.

Alone, empty, Nyx wandered for what felt like an eternity, staying as close to water as she could, but always remaining on land except when needing to immerse for brief moments of time. She knew there were others like her, others of her kind, but she had no desire to intermingle, the memories, of life, love, her son, and the horror, too fresh. Her heart was torn, her soul scarred, there would be no peace for her.

As the colder months approached, Nyx knew she had to find a place to winter. Again, the very idea of returning to the water only sickened her. She would remain on land, close to the water she once loved, but never would she return to it, never. The blood of her family, her people, stained that water, she could not bring herself to live within it again.

She settled, not by choice, but more by neccessity, in the town called, Fulton. It was teaming with the refuse of society, the evil, the criminals, killers and whores, theives and rapists. Fulton was not a place one would want to call home, but, it was near the water, which Nyx needed, and, one could easily get lost on Fulton, lost within the trash that over ran the city. And Nyx, wanted, needed, to be lost in her despair.

She kept to herself, she did not ask questions, and thankfully, none were asked of her.

She used what little coin she had to secure herself a room at the closest Inn/Tavern to the water for the bulk of the cold season. She felt better when she could hear the water, especially when sleeping and this was perfect for her. It was next to the stables, and along with the water, the sounds of the animals would ease her mind. An added bonus was the large watering basin out back of the stable that she could use for bathing, or more importantly, to immerse herself in when needed, this Inn providing only the most basic of bathing chambers, the stable basin was ideal for Nyx. The locals, if one could call them that, seemed to want to leave her alone as much as she wanted to be left alone. Altho she did have to find work, something, to give her enough coin to survive the winter. She found that at the very same Tavern, the one place where the these folk, especially these folk, mostly men of course, gathered to eat, drink, gamble, or fight. And in this particular Tavern, sex was involved too, but, thank the heavens above, Nyx did not have to get involved with that. The Tavern keeper had a couple of girls for just that... particular service. Perhaps it sounded crude, but Nyx was surprised to find it was all rather accepted. There was money to be made, and she was sure that all the Taverns had the same.. arrangements ... Fulton tended to see alot of travelers both by land and the nearby sea, not to mention the particular... ilk... of those travelors... The girls at the Tavern were perfect for what was needed. Nyx, would only have to serve the whiskey, ale, beer, whatever was called for drink wise, which suited her fine.

All was quiet, for many days, even weeks, the cold slowly passing, the cold and her own despair. Nyx began to calm down, she began to smile again, even in a place like this, altho not often. Usually it was in reaction to the antics of the men, who had clearly drank too much, most of the time. She had to endure the occassional pinch of her ass, or a drunk who desired a "little kiss for the road"... but all in all, Nyx could actually smile, at least once in awhile.

She had no idea that this town, which attracted the worst of the worst, both criminal and bounty hunter alike, would attract the one person who had caused her such horrific pain, who had slaughtered her people, who had killed her son, in the name of power, who, was hunting the beautiful Nyairling, intent on revenge for the death of his Father.

She also had no idea, that she would soon be meeting someone who, effectively, would change her life, and give her the will, the desire, the need, to live again... Someone who would show her love... again..

She blinked as the nightmare ripped her from her sleep. She had worked late the night prior and was exhausted, but sleep would not revisit her this morning. It was bright and hot, and Nyx desperately needed water. She always did after these horrible nightmares.

Making her way from the back door of the Inn, she paused to let her eyes roam the streets. It was always prudent to know whom was in the area, especially in Fulton. It was still early, and not many residents roamed the streets in this town, this early, but instead, the usual caravans, gypsies, plying their trade. A bit further toward the edge of town, were the Her eyes lit upon a cloaked figure, and a horse, her sensative eyes saw, a midnight black horse. She already was heated, she could only imagine how warm that figure must be, bundled under his cloak. "Perhaps he is a leper" she thought to herself. She could help with that, her healer mind kicking in, but no, no here, no now, not anymore. She turned her back and headed toward the water, that is until a voice in her head stopped her cold..

"Oh so NOW we can rest...nevermind that ive been bitching for a whetstone since yesterday, i guess what YOU want is all that matt-"

What the??? Rest? Whetstone? She quickly looked around her, but saw no one near. That was strange, that voice was as clear as the day was. And who would bitch for a whetstone? She shook her head, thinking that the nightmares were beginning to invade her daylight thoughts, not a good thing... not a good thing at all... ~

Nyxxianna (Nyx)

Name: Nyx (her given name is Nyxxianna Solstice, but she no longer claims that name, she goes simply by.. Nyx)

Age: Unknown, but she looks to be 23 seasons or so

Sex: female

Hair: A cascading mane of the darkest shadows, highlights of sunlight dancing within.

Eyes: gold

Skin: pale, fair, smooth, soft as the finest silk

Height: 5'4" tall on her feet, Close to 6 feet long in the water, tail and all...

Weight: 110 pounds

Build: slender, lithe

 

[Gothic Shujin]

He strode into town, with Abyss' chain in hand, the pitch black nightmere horse in tow. Verdilith had been silent since they had entered the town's borders... the intelligent blade most likely fell asleep... thats the thing about the mind of a weapon... its very difficult to keep its attention.

The arid warm earth crunched and sizzled beneath Critikill's large, black silver boots. He kept just to the side of the main road... staying out of the way of passing caravans and cell carriages, carrying their prisoners and bountys towards the exchange office or hunter guilds. It was a grim vision... and The unholy one pulled his hood out more, tucking his evil helm further inside... attempting to further concealing his threatening appearance and nature.

"Why again, are we even here?"

"I had thought you were asleep... a pitty."

"Well i WOULD of slept... if it had not been for all the damn noise... you still havent answered my question...," Verdilith was about as anti-social as its master... a quality that Critikill found suprisingly annoying... not complimentary.

"We are here, cause my feet have brought us here... we have business in this town, and we need to conclude that business if we are to eat tonight... or have you forgotten that your little 'incident' last night cost us all our copper...," it was good that the conversation was entirely in their minds. Otherwise the Dark Paladin would be thought of as Mad... and it would draw unwanted attention.

"we lost that bet because you didnt wield me correctly... its as simple as that.""Your ridiculous...it was YOUR job to focus your energy so i could split the magick stone in half... all i needed do was swing straight, wich i did... no amount of strength would h-"

Suddenly a Tavern came into view... "Wanderlust" the sign above the door read. The bar/Inn was close to the edge of town, on the shore, and next to a stable wich Critkill thought that was a good convienance... even though he would never leave Abyss in such a place. He approached the door to the establishment...

"somethings wrong... someone heard me"

"What are you babbling about... no one but I can hear you, fool."

"Thats whats odd... im certain... someone heard me, perhaps even us... unleash me."

"Your loosing what mind you have l-," something stood out suddenly. Not an image... but a feeling. It was drawing him somewhere... it was hard to resist, and the ache in Critkill's bones were putting up a good fight. One of the Tavern's beds were also calling to him.

Loosing the battle with his reason, The Darkone proceeded along the side of the Inn, between it and the tall stable, drawn by the same thing that was worrying Verdilith. There between the two buildings towards the back of them he saw a vision...

The girl had long straight raven dark tresses, framing her beautifull pale face. She had the most unique eyes he had ever seen, and they shone as two little suns. Difficult to tear his gaze from her face, he admired the young woman... who couldnt be a day over 22... and her body, the slender thin form, covered by a nightgown of sorts that clung to her like a second skin... revealing nearly all. She was amazing... and it was decided that the only beauty that could of possibly matched hers was that of his-

"Its a demon! kill it kill it!"

"Shut up! we are half demon you fool!"

He carefully approached her... perhaps she knew if this tavern was any good... "Good morning, m'lady...," he hoped his hauntingly chilling voice would not scare her.

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

"Good morning, m'lady...,"

~ Nyx closed her golden eyes, as the voice, ever so gently curled about her mind. A voice that to her, was nothing short of the most beautiful of harmonies, of music, lyrics that soothed her soul. She stopped in mid step, frozen in time. She had heard a sound, so very similiar before, when she had been young, listening to the raging thunder that rumbled over the seas. Deep, chilling, haunting, yet to her, beautiful, a sound that she cherished. His voice carried that same sound.

So silent had been His step, His and that of His horse, that Nyx had not heard, nor sensed Him approaching. "You could have warned me You were coming near" she scolded, not the cloaked figure, but His... sword.. her golden pools alighting upon His weapon first, for a brief moment. Nyx hated weapons, but she realized that it had been the weapon she had heard, deep in her mind. How did she know this? Well for one, the voice was entirely different than the figure who greeted her. Secondly, the horse nor the figure would bitch about a whetstone of all things. Lastly, Nyx, having been deep in her lessons as a Healer, alongside the Holy One's son, learned that many... things... possessed personality. Some were Demonic, others Angelic, and still others mostly Benign... One merely had to open one's mind to hear them speak.

Her eyes then met those of the horse, a stunningly magnificent creature. It was in those eyes that she searched out the character of the cloaked One who spoke to her. If one sees fear or pain, within the eyes of the horse, the rider is to be feared, for he is cruel. If one sees comfort and trust, then the same is seen in the rider.

Nyx saw... love... and it was that glimmer, that made her pause, and take a breath. The depth of love was like none she had ever seen, not since............ She forced the memory from her mind. Now was not the time.

It was that essence, that glimmer, within the animal's gaze, that allowed Nyx to answer instead of ignore.

"Good Morning, Sir... " her voice was soft, as a butterfly wing fluttering on a breeze. "What brings One such as You, to a town such as this?" Her golden gaze now looked to the darkness that hid His face, beneath the cloak's hood. Her sensative eyes caught a glimpse of violet, swirling in those shadows.. "and my name is Nyx" she finished with.

One such as He, from just the delving into the horse's eyes, Nyx already knew this Traveler was unlike most of the... men, if one dared called them that, whom visited the town of Fulton. ~

 

[Gothic Shujin]

"You could have warned me You were coming near"

"Argh! I knew it! Shes a demon... she can hear me... kill her, quick!," Critikill could sense the jealousy withen Verdilith...

How could this woman... this lovely creature hear...let alone, understand that wich his intelligent blade spoke. Never had the dark paladin heard of such a thing... he had assumed it was a bond shared only by master and artifact. He would have to discover the nature of this girl's connection with Verdilith... it could pose a potential problem later, if the young woman ended up working for the town gaurd or something of that ilk...

"Dont be foolish... shes obviously peacfull... we are mercenaries... not murderers...," He took a slow step towards the woman...

"Good Morning, Sir... What brings One such as You, to a town such as this?...and my name is Nyx," she spoke as an angel... full of light and compassion... the sound of bells and warmth wrapped inside the shell of language...

Keeping his glowing eyes on her, The dark one bowed, in the fashion of an older knight greeting a young maiden. Normally it was common for him to take her hand and kiss the back of it... but he refrained from such ceremony. It wasnt his style... besides he hand not kissed a woman since his wife.

"Good morning to you as well, Im here on buisness, M'lady...It's a pleasure to meet you."

Her name was Nyx... it was one he had never heard before... and he had heard many. Critkill found himself rather fond of it... and her. He felt as though they were interrupting something... he was about to tell her his name, when a wave of social apprehension assulted him. He wasnt used to talking to people politely... like he had when his life was "normal", anymore. It bothered him. Best to get to the point...

"May i ask you how is it that you can hear when my sword speaks to me? I have been the only one for many years that can understand him..."

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

~ Nyx studied the Man, still unable to clearly see His face, but those eyes, those became clearer by the moment. She had never seen anything like those eyes, except perhaps that lights that sometimes shone in the Northern sky on a clear night, a myriad of color, a splash of stunning, yet haunting beauty.

She had heard a good portion of the, exchange, between He and the weapon He carried. She had to open her mind to listen. She was not one to eavesdrop, and could just as easily not hear the conversation as well, if that was what she wished.

"Good morning to you as well, Im here on buisness, M'lady...It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure, Sir, is mine. I would hope Your business here is truely not murder, but instead a sword for hire. If it were my time to go back to the sea, I am sure You would have already seen to it." She smiled, her way of telling Him she understood what He was, that she was not afraid. Death no longer frightened Nyx, sometimes, she wished for it. Often, she dreamed of it.

"Please, do not see me as a threat, either to Your Master or Yourself. I am harmless and will cease to hear You, I promise" she gently assured the Sword, the words quietly escaping her lips. "And I am not a Demon, I am nothing more than a Nyairling, a Mermaid"

Now why had she told Him that? That tended to be a closely guarded secret of hers, yet out the words came, tumbling forth. It was not that Nyairlings were threats to anyone. And often they ventured into towns near the water, to visit and gather any needed items that the sea could not supply. Healers especially were known to frequent many towns and villages and range rather far inland. But the fact was, her kind was often hunted, and it was best to keep what she was, a secret, yet she had simply told this Man, and His Sword, as if she were having a conversation about something no more important than the local weather..

"May i ask you how is it that you can hear when my sword speaks to me? I have been the only one for many years that can understand him..."

"Sir... One only need to open one's mind to hear the... rantings.. of many things around them. From a flower praying for sunshine, to the whisper of the wind to a cloud. Many weapons, enchanted, possessed, angelic, demonic, speak. Often a bond is needed for one to hear, but often, no matter the bond, no matter if the weapon, the armor, is screaming, the person just does not hear. I find that mortals, humans, are the worse of the lot. They hear very little. I open my mind, and hear the song of many things around me, as well as the.. complaining of certain weapons, who desire nothing more than a good whetstone. I may be able to provide that, Sir. I do not carry a weapon. The whetstone I have once sharpened the spear of my mate. He is gone now, but I would like to see the stone put to good use. It is hard to find a quality one these days."

She paused, again wondering why she was saying so much, to a perfect stranger. She then looked once more at the Man's steed, midnight black, and the most beautiful animal she had ever seen. Within those eyes, she knew, the love she saw, again allowing her to let her own guard down, and speak freely.

"May I ask Your name?"

 

[Gothic Shujin]

"The pleasure, Sir, is mine. I would hope Your business here is truely not murder, but instead a sword for hire. If it were my time to go back to the sea, I am sure You would have already seen to it," She spoke gently... like the voice of a mother,a lover and a sister, through one pair of lips.

Her smile was warm, and for some reason to him... unexpected... as he could feel the cold exuding off her body... much as his own. Her body needed something... and yet he didnt know what or how he knew this. He focused on a small bead of perspiration, that began to trail its way down her slender neck... nestling in the crack of her collarbone, then rolling off into a sprint between her breasts and out of view... though it was hot... and she sweating, he could tell she did not fear him.

That fact unsettled him. Perhaps she had a hidden power he could not sense... Critikill did not like the unknown, as it often commanded caution.

"Please, do not see me as a threat, either to Your Master or Yourself. I am harmless and will cease to hear You, I promise... And I am not a Demon, I am nothing more than a Nyairling, a Mermaid"

She had such a melodious voice... pleasant and soothing, like an ocean breeze or a nightime sonnet. He beleived she was what she told them she was... but there was something behind her eyes... something that troubled her, that he wondered about. She told him that the ability to hear Verdilith came naturally to her, perhaps it was a skill all her people possesed, and then offered him a whetstone... apparently the demon blade was correct. She HAD heard them.

"Hmph... I dont trust her... shes hiding something... AND shes a mermaid, shed sell us out for a glass of water and a-"

"SILENCE! Why must you embaress me so!? Shes admitting that shes a Nyairling... a race that is sought after far and wide by hunters... and your telling me she cant be trusted... besides she can hear us, you are being far to rude to someone whom has done you no harm," He knew Nyx might of been listening to their mental talk... but felt it proper to talk to her with his voice... "I appoligize for my companion, Lady Nyx... he is... 'inexperienced' when it comes to dealing with people... i must admit... i cant blame him entirely... the two of us have been traveling alone for some time. He means no harm, nor as do I. While it is true i AM a Mercenary... ive not come here for murder...though id be lying to you if i said, that my plans included everyone in this town living to see tommorrow..." His words were grim but this girl's intention might be revealed in her reaction... "I could indeed use that whetstone of yours... my companion has... well, "devoured" my last one. If she could see his lips, she might of been pleased to see his handsome, pale face, smile.

"May I ask Your name?"

"Of course... where are my manners," he bowed again... deeply this time "I am Ur-," the sting of his former life twisted inside his heart... "I mean... My name is Critikill."

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

"Critikill" she repeated back to Him, letting His name easily roll of her tongue. It had not been lost on her that He had almost said something else, and as she peered into the darkness that shaded His face, His eyes swirling, a myriad of colors, she saw the same haunted look that flickered in her own eyes. No wonder she felt so... comfortable.. around this strange Man, this Mercenary. They obviously shared something in their lives, some tragic memory....

She had chosen to no longer listen to the Sword, knowing it made the Demonic Weapon uncomfortable, so she had simply closed a small part of her mind.

"I appoligize for my companion, Lady Nyx... he is... 'inexperienced' when it comes to dealing with people... i must admit... i cant blame him entirely... the two of us have been traveling alone for some time. He means no harm, nor as do I"

"No need to apologize, it is better to be cautious and wary. Even friends, trusted ones, can betray You..People You thought were..." she stopped, turning away, not wanting Him to see the emotion that crossed her features, that glowed in her eyes.

"While it is true i AM a Mercenary... ive not come here for murder...though id be lying to you if i said, that my plans included everyone in this town living to see tommorrow..."

His words indeed were chilling, and she felt the shiver race thru her. But this was Fulton, death was all around this town. Just because one did not see it all the time, did not mean it was not evident in the darkness of the next alley, or the next Tavern. But after what she had seen, what she had done with her own hands, in her rage, His words did not frighten her as they may have another, she remembering the look of love in the horse's eyes. That look was what spoke volumes to her, for beasts, animals such as that, did not lie...

"I imagine Your business would be as such, it does not surprise me, not here." she turned back to look at Him..."This Tavern and Inn is quite discreet, and quiet. I sense Your need to rest, You may stay in my room if You desire, You will find the whetstone there, set upon the small hearth of the fireplace. Sleep, You will be safe in my room, and once I return from my.... walk... I will tend to Your horse"

Nyx loved horses, the one land animal she truely missed when in the water. His was a gorgeous animal, and needed a rub down, some feed, and water. All of which she could provide while He slept. She was not quite sure why she offered her room, but sensed, He hunted someone, or something, and privacy could only be beneficial to Him... It also was not lost on her that He was weakened, being out in the blazing sun. She was not sure why, but could feel His energy draining. It must have been the healer in her... ~

 

[Gothic Shujin]

The strangest thing was how close he came to accepting Nyx's offer... but that would of been unlike him. Mentally shaking off his reverie... a kind of intoxicating effect, simply talking to her was having on him, he realized as was pondered a moment ago, that if this were some elaborate set-up... he would be walking right into it. If it WASNT and she simply was trying to be helpfull... well... he could at least stay in the same inn... that way they would be sure to run into each other.

"I imagine Your business would be as such, it does not surprise me, not here, This Tavern and Inn is quite discreet, and quiet. I sense Your need to rest, You may stay in my room if You desire, You will find the whetstone there, set upon the small hearth of the fireplace. Sleep, You will be safe in my room, and once I return from my.... walk... I will tend to Your horse"

"While i appretiate your kind gesture m'lady, on second thought... i must respectfully decline... i have the opinions of my comrade to consider and i never leave Abyss with anyone but myself. While i will need to reign him to a trough i wont be putting him in the stable with the others.... i dont mean to be rude, but i need to get inside, im rather parched... i look forward to meeting you again, perhaps tonight?" He lost himself towards then end... not even realizing what he had uttered untill it was said. Nevertheless... Critikill, Verdilith and Abyss headed back to the front of the Inn after the unholy one gave a final deep bow towards the mermaid.

He immediately regretted not taking her up on her offer... only because it would ensure a future meeting. This bothered him... what did he care?

The dark paladin entered the Inn after tying his nighmare to a reign pole near the trough.
"First smart move youve made all day..."

"Shut up."

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

~ Nyx smiled to Him.. was she disappointed... alittle... but not because He declined her offer... Just the fact that He cared that much for His beast made her feel... well.. warm inside.. a feeling she had not had in a very long time. A feeling she thought she never would have again. She was disappointed because, like Him, she wanted a future meeting, even if she could not say why.

Nyx watched Him as He turned away, approaching the front of the Inn, before she herself turned back toward the water, which was only a few dozen feet away at this point. She felt that warmth still inside her, a soft radiating feeling.

She herself turned the corner, now out of sight of the front of the Inn, and the Man she had just met... she paused to see if indeed she were alone. The sound of waterbirds greeted her ears, and none sounded alarmed. She indeed was alone, at least for the moment. A moment was all she needed.

Her body met the water, and the change was fluid, as the water glided over her body, she willed the transformation to happen, that tingling feeling sliding over her body as the water embraced her. She felt alive again, but.. was that due to the water, or the Man she could not seem to get off her mind.... Nyx sliced thru the water.. deeper .. into the cooler depths and darkness. She would not linger for too long, for already she thought she could taste, feel, the blood of her people once more... It never took long once she was emersed.. even tho she was miles from where it all happened.. she could no longer call the water her home.. It was merely a place she went to rejuvenate herself. Water would never be home again.. and it was that thought that clouded her mind as she approached the shore again, this time a bit down from where she had entered.

Once back on land, and on her feet, she retrieved a cloak from a stash she kept at this particular location.. well hidden in the rocks. Wrapping the soft material around her still dripping body, she headed back toward the Inn... her mind turning back to that... Man... She hoped to see Him again... and realized, as she blushed, that she was attracted to Him... even tho she had only just met Him..

She had the balance of the day to herself.. her shift at the Inn did not begin until the sun went down, which was fine with her. Passing by His horse, she stopped and approached the animal. She checked the water trough, and he had plenty. She checked His feed bucket, again filled with fresh oats and veggies for the animal. Yes, the Man certainly did take care of His beast.. which spoke highly of Him, at least to Nyx..

"Your a beautiful animal" she said softly, showing her hand to the horse, so that he knew she meant no harm... and a few moments later she was running her fingers thru his gorgeous mane, humming tenderly to him.. feeling the animal relax... the relaxing sensation extended to Nyx.. by the time she left the horse, the hour was well after noon time... she wanted to nap before her shift, so back to her room she went...~

(to be continued...)

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

~ Just as the sun set, Nyx, already awake and dressed for work, appeared in the Tavern. She took a moment to speak to the Innkeeper, a kindly older man, whom Nyx had to admit, she liked. He reminded her of her own grandfather... She was glad that she had chosen this Inn, and not one of the others. Who knew what those *Innkeepers* were like. In a place like Fulton, finding a compassionate man was not an easy thing to do.

This night she was dressed in a long emerald green skirt and a ivory poet blouse, with a golden belt with soft bells about her waist. Each motion from her allowed the bells to sing out ever so sweetly... Her long dark hair pulled back and braided, golden eyes, for the first time in a long time, flickering with light.. the Innkeeper wondered what had seemed to make her so... happy... or at least not as cold as she had been.. Nyx wondered the same thing.. was it... Him???

She had taken the time, before starting work in the Tavern, to visit the horse once more, bringing him some fresh cool water and several sweet apples for a treat.. the animal gratefully enjoying.. eyes locking onto hers. She again felt the love, the compassion, the adoration the beast had for the Man... surely a reflection of what He felt for the Horse... Yes... tonight would be a good night.. and she hoped she would see Him as well...~

 

[Gothic Shujin]

Critikill's Business

After securing a room for the night, from the kindly innkeeper, the dark one seized his room key...slunk upstairs and deposited all his belongings save for his "bounty" gear...and then locked the room back up. He left the Inn hastily that night... and with a new unexplained vigor his feet found him travelling across town after a breif stop to pet the mane of abyss.

Verdilith was rather quiet...as Critikill liked it. The blade knew not to disturb its Master when he was on business.

Soon they were apon the residence, withen Fulton, wich the unholy paladin had business in... a large manor style home... wich seemed out of place in this desolate, brigandeer infested pile of shacks.... that passed for a town. Indeed the only reason for a non-bounty hunter to be in fulton was to either collect money.. pay off a dept... or die....

Critikill does not collect on the depts of others... nor did he owe anyone her money...

Beyond the tall iron gates and past the large hedge filled garden, the dark one made his way up ascending stone stairs to the manor's large wooden double doors. His cape enveloping him.... covering his intimidating armor like a volumenous... sentient cloak.. paying no attention to the direction the wind blew.

With his monotone manner and a ghoul's patience...he slowly knocked three times.

Several moments passed before the door creaked open...inside was a dark ante-chamber... an elgant hallway lay beyond, and he could see the large rendering of the lord of the house above an impressive mantle and fire place...

He waited for the servant behind the door, an attractive serving wench, to bid him enter before crossing the threshold of the building. Once inside he wasted no words...passing her as if she did not exist...a chill dug deep in the mortal girls bones... one she would never fully warm up from...

Up a flight of stairs and into a large den...did Critikill find his charge...

Sitting in a large throne style seat..behind a humoungous ornate oak desk was a small, balding, venerable man... with more years and sins than the half-demon knight.

"Your late... it goes against your reputation...i must say i am not impressed, thus far, demon"

"I was detained....," he could feel Verdilith's disgust at the emphasis on the old man's last word.

"So its true...there IS NOTHING you wont do for money," the hideous troll off a midget laughed out loud..victoriously...

Critikills eyes merely flashed a bit withen his helm....

"So then i take it she did not give you trouble...?"

"No trouble at all."

"Impressive...my wife was once a member of the circle of nine...im very impressed a rookie as yourself was able to slay her... come here...collect what is yours..."

"yes well... she was...very strong...but i am stronger...im ALWAYS stronger... little man."

The wealthy prude cackled again..amused... "indeed, indeed...it matters not now... so how much did we agree on... 3'000 gold..4'000? come now...i m so excited i must celebrate..take your money and leave."

"Yes well...there is a problem with that..."

The old crow's eyebrow raised... "eh? what problem you fool!?"

Verdilith smiled an evil grinless smile...

"You see.... your wife paid me 5'000."

************************************

The small old man's blood wiped off Verdilith easily enough as Critikill crossed the street to meet a cloaked women inside a darkened carriage. He held out his hand... and inside his was another one... a small wrinkled thing..with an enourmous ruby ring on its index finger...

The woman smiled triumphantly... and handed the dark one his payment...

"You know where to find me if you need me again?," he asked...

"No, dread knight...i do not."

"Exaclty," he replied...as he headed off towards the inn...with enough money to buy the damn place....and a heart full of expectation...to see someone there... whom he had been thinking of all night.

As he travelled across town again... the sun finnally set...and his bones...became feebler... his muscles weakening...and his energies...draining....

 

[AmbrosiaCaress]

~ The Tavern was a fairly busy place, as most taverns were in a place such as this. One could get everything one needed there, food, drink, sex, gambling... and this Tavern was no different. Nyx was known here now, having been here for the better part of a season. Most thought her a little odd, and very quiet, except when a hand found itself touching the wrong place on the girl. She would wheel around and in no uncertain terms tell the man that she... was not for sale, and then, as sweet as pie, she would direct him to one who could.... help... him in that area. Some of the regulars wondered if Nyx ever loved, and Nyx began to wonder that herself. The horror, the memory seeming to prevent her for even considering the idea.... that is... until now...

He had filled her mind since the moment she had laid her golden hued gaze upon Him.

Even now, as she was called to every corner of the Tavern, it was a busy night, many of the day workers had gotten paid, she could only think of Him, Critikill, the Man with the swirling eyes, eyes that reflected a rainbow of color, eyes that held a memory that danced along the edges, a memory she was sure perhaps mirrored her own. It was His eyes, His voice, and His inner.... strength.... that attracted Nyx. She sensed something about Him, altho she knew not what, that drew her in, and it was a sensation that she.... desired.

She watched the patrons, her eyes always going to the door when it opened to admit another into the bustling Tavern. She was watching for Him, even if she tried to fool herself into thinking otherwise. She even took a moment of time to search for the Sword, within her mind, would she hear Him speaking with His weapon? But she heard nothing, and that silence was disheartening. The longer the night went on, and she did not see Him, the more she found her spirits falling. And, for the first time in a long time, she found her mind wandering, thinking of Him, wishing He were there, His name echoing in her mind... Critikill.........

She missed him..... when he entered...

No, not Critikill. Had He entered she would have felt His presence, already the bond between them was forming. No, it was not Critikill that stepped into the Tavern at that moment, it was Verin. Verin Mados, a fellow Nyairling, and the One, along with his Father, who had destroyed all that Nyx loved. Her people, her family, her life. And.... whose Father she herself had killed with her own bare hands in a fit of rage and despair. Verin Mados, who had spent the better part of his life, since that horror filled, fateful night, searching for Nyxianna Solstice... searching for her for one reason and one reason only, to torture and kill her with his own hands, and collect the bounty that often accompanied the capture and death of a rare species. Humans were vicious creatures. In their quest for dominance, they often reward for the killing of other species. Verin looked, and acted human, and his soul purpose at this time in his life, was to kill Nyx, and to be rewarded for it would only make it sweeter.

He had not expected to find her there. He had tracked her close by, but had no expected that this particular Tavern would be the jackpot. He himself had only chosen it because of it's proximity to the water, just as Nyx had. He and his men, several thugs, thieves and even another killer, stepped into the establishment, and Verin froze. He saw her almost immediately. He knew that face, that form, those eyes, even tho they were not looking at him, anywhere. He pulled back into the shadows, pulling his men with him...

"That's her" He whispered, an evil smile creeping across his features. ~