Amdir; Hope Based on Reason

[Naucoaran]

Zariach lay pinned to the ground, his face throbbing and his back starting to burn. He made a muffled squeak before tapping out. The flames relented and the foot was removed. Auzidor offered a hand to the prone demon, who reluctantly took it. After the two moved off of the ring, a couple of others took their places and began to spar, though it seemed the two demons stole the show. The two walked off to nurse their wounds, both a little grudgingly mad at the other. if he ruined my face, so help me... He thought angrily.

Normally fine wouldn't hurt a demon as grievously as it had, but Auzy was a special kind of fire caller. He could generate it and dish it out like none he ever knew. Likewise, Auzy was starting to worry about the chill in his limbs, down to his very soul, that wouldn't go away. Zariach made the first move to speak. "It'll go away in a few days. The chill." he said as Auzidor continues to flex his fingers numbly. He nodded roughly at him.

"Your chin might take a little longer." He said as he plopped down on a bench. Zariach felt a pit in his stomach open as he suddenly reached in a small pocket with one hand while gently fingered his chin with the other. There was a raw pain when he touched it, then a sharp sting. His fingers came away wet from the fluid of a weeping blister. He cringed at it as his little mirror came up to inspect the wound. There were a few blisters bubbling up to form a mountain range along the edge of his chin, the skin surrounding the wound was red and raw.

At first he started to feel hopeless, waves of nausea washing over him as he thought about his flawless face, now ruined. He was about to lash out at the demon next to him when a male pixie fluttered up to them. He was dressed in a green tunic that almost looked like it had been put together with leafs. The pants were of the same fashion along with leather hide shoes. He wore wire rimmed glasses on a long nose with a hook it in that made it resemble a tree root with a knob in it. Behind the glasses was a pair of rich brown eyes surrounded by olive skin and thick messy brown hair with some twigs stuck inside it, probably intentionally.

"’Scuse me, I couldn't help but notice." he fidgeted a little when the demons said nothing. "Well, uhm, I saw how you got hurt back there." he gestured to Zariachs face.

"Yeah, so? What do you want?" Zariach said a little viciously. The pixie jumped back a little and then continued.

"Well, as you can guess I'm not one for a fight, but I am really good with healing." He said lightly, then gestured to the patchwork rawhide pouch that was riding on his him, the strap wrapped up around one shoulder. He opened it up and rummaged through it, producing a red herb with white around its edges. "This," he said, holding it up for inspection. "will help that." He said as he pointed at the burn. "Along with me imbuing it with some extra powers." he continued. "It's a fairly common plant found out in the forest, the healers here actually use it quite often to treat injuries. But I can make it a little better, if I augment it with my powers." Zariach looked at the herb, then back at the little pixie, and then snatched the herb.

"So how do I use it? Do you want me to eat it or something?"

The pixie gasped then shook his head, making his glasses slide down his nose. He pushed them back up then quickly explain "Oh heavens no. I'll get a handful more, and grind it up with some water to make a salve. Then you just apply it to the affected area."

Zariach thought about it for a second, then handed the herb back and said "do it."

"What about me?" Auzzy said. "I feel cold, hollow inside." He said lightly, and then involuntarily shivered.

"Hmm, a puzzle. A puzzle!" The pixie said empathetically. "I think I know what to do!" His hands disappeared into his satchel again, then reappeared a moment later with a blue herb with a strong smell to it. "Another one of the native flora of our forest, it's a horologists dream in there!" he declared. "Just grind this up, and then boil it in water for a little while. Tea, you know? Then drink the tea, make sure to drink it all. After that, lie down, and put the pulp of the leaves on any part of your body that still feels like that." He handed Auzzy a handful of the leaves then turned back to Zarich.

"Those where quite some things you made there! The tea is supposed to restore your spirits, raise your abilities. Those were negative plane avatars, right? If my assumptions were correct then when they attacked, they were sucking your soul. The tea should do the trick though...I hope." He flashed a big smile, trying to appear like he was positive in his work. "The salve will take me some time; I can get it to you tonight though! I just need to know where to find you." Zariach sighed but knew he had to do something about his face. After telling the pixie where to find him that night, he began to flutter off.

Auzzy called for him to wait before he got away. "What did you say your name was?"

"Oh, I didn’t, but its Silvarius. Silvarius Moone" The two nodded at each other, and then Silvarius fluttered off to work on the salve.

[Bessain]

Later that afternoon, Silvarius met the two demons in Auzidor's dorm. Ithron had not returned yet, so Auzzy didn't think to ask if the elf minded company. He probably wouldn't have asked if the elf was around anyway.

Silvarius pranced into the room, looking overly pleased with himself. Part of Auzidor hoped that the strange pixie did not take this encounter as a sign of friendship. He found Silvarius's demeanor slightly annoying.

Zarich was lying on Ithron's bed staring into his mirror and rubbing gently at his own chin. His clothes were still singed and a little dirty from his previous roll in the dirt. This didn't bother Auzidor at all. He simply removed his shirt and sulked around the room half naked. Auzzy moved over to his sad little bedframe while the pixie fussed over Zarich.

Auzidor shook his head and turned his attention back to his broken metal bed frame. It was time to fix it. There was no way he was sharing a bed with Ithron again. It was a wonder that Zarich hadn't asked about what had taken place here the night before.

Taking the end of the supports, Auzzy brought each side up to the headboard.

"Fast and hot, not bright. Fast and..."he muttered to himself with his eyes closed, envisioning the kind of flame he would need for this job.

When he finally looked up, Auzidor brought his face a foot away from the supports and summoned heat beyond his normal capacitiy. Blowing steadily on the intended area, he began to weld the metal pieces back together.

Auzidor was not used to emanating this kind of heat. It was a chore, and it took all of his concentration.

He did not notice Silvarius watching him intently, as he bent over the bed frame. When the pixie made a nervous little show of himself, skittering back and forth from Zarich to Auzidor, the preoccupied demon did not even flinch. It wasn't until Silvarius softly slid his hand down the demon's shoulder, did Auzzy finally jump.

He coughed smoke and spun angrily on the pixie, wondering if the little parasite had any idea how difficult that flame was to keep up. "What?" he growled menacingly.

"Uh... Here's your tea!"

Auzidor muttered his thanks and took the cup from the little pixie.

The liquid inside the cup smelled so sweet it was revolting. Auzidor almost did not want to drink it, but Silvarius had gone through some trouble to make it...

He tried not to breathe as he drank.

[Naucoaran]

As Auzidor continued to drink his tea, Zariach was busy applying the salve onto his chin. The cream was cool to the touch, and tingled when he smeared it on the wound. "This container isn't very large." he said to the pixie. Apparently after first impressions, he quickly became quite active. And annoying. "How long will it be till I need another batch?" He asked after he finally caught Silvarius' attention. The pixie smiled wistfully and sat on the edge of the bed.

"Oh, no no no. This is plenty! One more treatment of this in six hours and you'll be as good as new!" he exclaimed with a triumphant smile. He was apparently very prideful of his abilities. "People always seem to underestimate the power of plants. Did you know that there is a plant that can cure almost any ailment with the right application, and boosted by healing powers? Not many people knew that but I learned it when I read a book in the library. There's all kinds of books in there you know. They teach about all the known and usual powers that have been recorded, plus there's always new books coming out with new powers in them!"

It was around this time that Zariach seemed to tune out the pixie, despite his high tone and fast pace. For such a small race, they are always so talkative. Auzzy finished his tea during the stream of words coming out of Silvarius. Pinching the pulp up out of his cup he mashed a little of it over his arms and then relaxed on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. "Alright, well, I'm going to leave and let you recuperate." Zariach said to Auzzy as he stood up and headed for the door.

"Oh great! I'll come too, maybe we could go hunt some herbs, I need to get some more for my supplies." The departing demon only sighed at the pixie and kept walking. After he followed him out, Silvarius shouted down the hall. "The forest is the other way! Zariach! Oh, okay I see, yeah, maybe next time then!" He called after the departing figure. The pixie ho-hummed a few seconds longer before unfolding his wings and sped his way out into the woods.

Zariach made it to his room just fine, and after locking himself away he decided a well needed nap would help speed him on his way to recovery. If the salve worked as good as the pixie promised, he might even be able to show himself again the next day.

[Gwyn]

Just before arriving at his Herbology class Ithron was called aside by Professor Nénharma who didn’t look too pleased.

“What is this you’re wearing?” the professor asked sounding a little urked.

“This is our traditional tunic as you well know.” Ithron replied guessing at what was coming.

“This tunic you wear you may wear in your rooms, but not outside of them. You will now wear your white tunic, robes and bear your staff; as you well know.” The professor smiled and put his hand on Ithron’s shoulder. “You do not wish to set yourself apart from your friends and all the others; I understand this. But you must understand that you have been set apart from them, but rest assured your friends will always remain your friends. Who would not want a wizard as a friend? I know it will be difficult at first but both you and your friends will grow accustom to the new reality.”

“Will I still be taking classes as before or has that changed also?” Ithron asked.

“Yes many of them but the Headmaster and I shall be instructing you each morning, from sunrise to the morning gong, starting today.”

The professor and Ithron made their way to the Headmasters private rooms where Ithron was supplied with his white robes and staff. This area was closed to all but a few and many ancient artefacts bedecked the room and a corridor beyond. At the end of the corridor was a heavy wooden door carved with many scenes of old. When the door opened he was led into a circular chamber lit only by torch light. There in a ceremony as old as the Order, he was blessed, and welcomed into the Heren Istarion. The Headmaster sat on a raised dais dressed in wizard white. There were also several sages present in golden robes from all the nations of Avalon, but for the nation of men. These men would play a significant role in Ithron’s training. His first formal day of instruction came in the form of counsel from each of the sages and the Headmaster.

It was well into the afternoon before Ithron left the circular building which he has always thought of as the Headmaster’s quarters, but they were much more than that. There he had rooms of his own. The rooms were his to do with as he chose but the expectation was that he would use them to advance his knowledge, meditation and to welcome guests. He had private sleeping quarters there but he chose to remain in his dorm room; to which he was counselled against. He was sure he would have raised some eyebrows if he had made known his opinion of always wearing white. He saw no reason why he could not go about in something somewhat formal rather than white robes. An apprentice does not wear the clothing of the master. A wizard does not wander the wilds dressed in formal white; this would be the strength of his argument.

After what seemed to be endless bowing he made it to his dorm room but not before running into Silvarius. The twittering, talkative pixy seemed even more nervous than usual and bowed after every sentence. So it was that when Ithron returned to his dorm room he was up on all the goings on of the two demons. Auzidor didn’t give him a second look when he walked in. After laying his cloak and staff across the bed he walked over to
Auzidor’s bed and held up the corner which Auzidor was welding.

“Idiot,” Auzidor lmuttered to himself, “He’ll get his nice new tunic dirty.”

“I’ll worry about my tunic, you make sure those welds hold better than the original.” It wasn’t until Auzidor looked up at him that Ithron realised he had understood and replied to the demons mutterings. This he liked. If he understood Auzidor he likely now could understand the native tongues of Amdir.

“Let me congratulate you. I’ve never known anyone to be able to do the damage you did to Zariach. He’s been quite full of himself for decades. Considers himself to quite a ladies’ man. I don’t claim to understand the demon social habits for engaging in procreating but you should see his aura light up when he’s around the women of your race. Silvarius told me what he’s treating you for. He knows his herbs better than most and he’s a good healer, in spite of his nervous nature. Pixies can be like that though, you’ll get use to it.”

Ithron kicked Auzidor’s bed; it seemed to be good and solid. In spite of Auzidor’s silence he helped him arrange the bedding. Auzidor bounced on his bed and seemed satisfied. He sat with his back against the wall and his legs brought up to his chest. Ithron sat on the edge of his bed and studied Auzidor for a moment. He wanted to reach out to him with his mind but thought better of it.

“Auzidor...last night when our hands touched I saw flashes of the human realm and of your life there. It wasn’t intentional; actually, I don’t know how it happened or if it happened to you. It’s quite different here and it can be difficult to adjust; you wouldn’t be the first to find it challenging. I guess I’m asking how it’s been for you over the last month? And what’s it really like in the realm of men. I saw many things, many different things I don’t understand. You see, I plan to go through the mists... one day soon.

[Bessain]

Auzidor really didn't understand everything Ithron was talking about. He was still trying to get over the fact that Ithron could understand his native tongue. Magic was an odd thing. Auzzy had a little too much of it lately to appreciate the complexity of his roommate's gift.

Soul stealing minions and mind reading elves, Auzidor thought to himself. He was really used to being the only special one, having lived in the human world for so long.

The demon thought for a moment. While he was still a little bitter about a handful of things that had occurred recently in his life, he was not going to rudely ignore Ithron. Auzzy was well aware that he could be quite the grumpy bastard sometimes.

"Well," started Auzidor testing to see if Ithron really could understand native tongues. He choose to use the demon language because it was easier to express himself here than in english. "I don't recall seeing or knowing much about you just by... touching did you say? Odd. Anyway, I guess I'm doing alright here. It's different.

Auzzy decided that his insecurites while at the school were not up for viewing by Ithron. He tried to subtly scoot away from the elf, afraid that his roommate might see them all if they were to accidently make any physical contact.

"Men are a strange race. One of the more materialistic and prejudice." he let the last word slip out as a growl. " I spent more time observing them, as opposed to among them. Actually I think I quite prefer that pixie whats-his-name."

Ithron's expression remind passive for the whole conversation, but Auzzy noticed that he seemed less pleased with the news that humans were stupid and cruel. The demon could not understand how the elf could harbor a love for a race he'd seldom encountered. Maybe it was an elf thing? Auzidor hoped the ellon had a better reason.

"You know, if you're really that interested, we can take a quick road trip this weekend. It's not like the lakes that hard to cross."

[Gwyn]

A dark smile crossed Ithron’s face.

“I think you misunderstand my intentions. I don’t know if you know the all the details of our last attempt to reach out to the humans. One detail they likely didn’t make widely known is that they kidnapped five of our people. Professor Nénharma tried to negotiate with them but it was a fruitless attempt. They wanted information on metallurgical development techniques and the development of telepathy. We learned why this information was desired and refused their requests.”

Ithron’s temper flared, he smashed his fist down on the window sill.

“So the bastards took hostages!” He shouted. “One of them is a relative.” Ithron stood and looked out of the window across the lake. “He was like a brother to me.” Rage burned in his eyes. “We went in peace and this is what they did! The council of Sages refused to bargain with them. Two elves, a demon, a faery and a pixie they took by force. How they manage to prevent each race from using their powers is unthinkable.” Ithron took a moment and calmed himself before continuing.

“You’re not the first Auzidor to think that crossing through the mists is as easy as walking through a door. If we set out to cross the lake all we’ll do is arrive on the far shore. Crossing through the mists is not a simple matter. As far as I know only the Headmaster and Professor Nénharma are able to call the mists. I should be able to find out how it’s done but it will all take some time. My ascension to the ranks of the Istar was not foreseen but it does not simply embody me with all the skills I need. I have to learn more about the mists and myself before I can venture to the realm of men and face their hostility. I know very little of them and I hope you and the human Katie will be willing to give me the information I need to pass as a human.” Ithron turned and faced Auzidor.

“I’m sorry Auzidor I’ve spoken far too freely. Maybe our fates are crossed; maybe not, stranger things have happened. I know all this only because of my relationship to Professor Nénharma so please don’t talk about this to anyone. I feel you’re destined to be a part of this but the choice is yours. Say nothing to no one, if my intentions were known it would close the last door of hope for the hostages.” Ithron flung his robe on and took his staff. “Think on what I’ve said. If you want nothing to do with this venture at least tell me what you can about men. Now I need to find Taera.”

Ithron walked out the door and called out to Taera’s mind. As he waited for her reply he wondered why he’d been so candid with Auzidor. He basically knew nothing about him. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed that Auzidor’s aura was glowing stronger than before.

He must think I’m insane. Ithron thought to himself as he closed the door. He must think I’m crazy.

[Bessain]

Crazy Bastard thought Auzidor, when Ithron had finally left the room. Though he did make insanity sound fun for a minute there.

Their encounter served as a small testament to how comfortable Auzidor had actually become here. Here in this strange world he had recently rejoined, Ithron was his biggest problem. As opposed to his past troubles, Ithron paled in comparison and was welcomed with open arms. Auzidor ran a hand through his hair and sighed. While he loved his share of mischief, the young demon much preferred Amdir to the human world.

I'm better off here anyway Auzidor told himself... though there wasn't one part of him that believed it.

~~~

For the next couple days, Auzzy laid pretty low. He went through his classes in silence, he spoke only when spoken to, and even when he was out partying with Zarich at some local hotspot, he kept to himself. The idea of stirring up a little mischief burned in his mind. He cursed Ithron, and growled mentally everytime they made eye contact.

That afternoon, Auzidor sat in a corner of the spa, while out partying with Zarich and the other demons. He watched Zarich in a chicken fight match with a younger demon, Kaelin, and his significant other perched atop his shoulders.

[Naucoaran]

While Auzidor sat and stewed in the corner, Zariach was having quite a nice time. A feisty and quite perky demon woman was straddling his head and he got to be in a fight, albeit a playful one. The demon that perched on Zariach's shoulders had a rather slender from, which was good for him in two ways. One: his physique was not that bulky, and she was a light load. Two: she was quite easier on the eyes than some of the more thuggish demon women.

He recalled that she was a bit of a thief, her abilities having something to do with illusion, or invisibility, or something akin to that nature. Hoping that her nimble fingers and natural dexterity would help in a game that was as much balance as strength, he had picked her to have the pleasure to sit near-naked on his shoulders. He quite enjoyed her company, more than he expected at least. She had a sharp wit and clever tongue. She was also quite alluring. It's almost like she’s a female version of me. He thought as she twisted to the side and parried a slap with her arm, then returned a quick hit of her own. He made a note to explore just how much like him she was later.

Their opponents were luckily quite thin, also. The two were a proclaimed couple, something Zariach found a little amusing in demons, and even had abilities that complimented each other. He knew they were both magic users, though as to what they could do he wasn't sure. Nothing more than initiates he was sure, they were quite young and inexperienced. The demon atop Zariachs shoulders, Nephzalla, spat out a nice taunt to the other woman about how her blood was that of the lower demons, causing her eyes to grow wide in anger and lean forward, hungry to tear at Neph's face. Zariach saw the opportunity, and took a step back. Kaelin became overbalanced by the sudden lunge, and stumbled forward.

Nephzalla reached out and drug the other demon down into the spa waters. With their opponents beaten, Neph pushed up with her hands on Zariach's shoulders, then twisted around and slid down his side. "Well congratulations to you, sir." she said languidly in his ear. She looked him up and down and flashed a mischievous smile. "I'm sure I could think up a suitable prize for you, come by my dorm later on tonight to get it." She started to move away then, but scratched her fingernails down his shoulder and back before she got too far. Zariach watched her go until she disappeared into a small crowd of her friends.

"By the Pits, Auzy!" he shouted suddenly. The demon shook out of his withdrawn stupor for a moment. "What's wrong with you? You’ve been more reclusive than normal." he grabbed two glasses of a frothy drink that may have been a little alcoholic. Handing one to the demon, he drank of his own before prompting him to spill his guts. If he didn't, he might just have to get him drunk to find out.

[Bessain]

Auzidor gave a snort of pure derision and said nothing. He downed his drink and decided that if he was going to talk, he was not going to remember it. Ithron could rot in hell... or better yet, the human world. Auzzy was not going to go back... or so he told himself. Zarich would only make things worse. He always did. In the time Auzzy had known the demon, he came to discover that Zarich was not one to cause trouble out of natural malcontent, or some perverse desire of his heart. He just liked games.

Zarich merely laughed at his friend and poured him a second drink.

~

Later on that evening, Zarich and young Kaelin escorted Auzzy back to his dorm. The idiot could hardly stand on his own. Zarich wore a satisfied look on his face, having obtained bits and pieces of new information on Ithron. He figured that whatever happened, he could either black mail the elf, or find someway to get in on the plot if need be.

When they reached the school grounds, they were forced to gag Auzy. As if to harbor some mental handicap, the two demons found that their colleauge was a loud drunk; given to fits of random profanity. It was odd for a demon his age. Most used alchoholic drinks as a pick-me-up... though they were usually imbibed outside of depression.

Deftly avoiding the hallway patrol, the trio made it safely into the dormitories.

[Naucoaran]

After tossing the drunken Auzy on his bunk Zariach sat down on the other bed. The demon wearily rubbed his face. "You sir, are a horrible drunk." He said with a smile as he glanced to Auzy. The other demon was sitting back up and rocking side to side as if a stiff wind was blowing by. He then promptly made a derogatory comment about Zariach's mother.

"Indeed!" He agreed. "She was a horrible beast, tried to sell me once, I took her finger off." He said flippantly, idly examining his manicured finger nails. "I still can't imagine why she would have wanted to get rid of me." Auzidor had a moment of sobriety as he stared at Zariach, he staring back at the other. They both erupted in laughter after a few moments. "Well I suppose everyone has their faults." He concluded.

"I think it's time I've left." Kaelin said quietly as he headed for the door. "I've helped return him to his room, now its time I find some company of the fairer side of our kind for the night." He smiled at the end, a wistful glaze covering his eyes.

"Oh get out you love-struck whelp, go find some pleasure with the same woman as you've had for the past months. Such a boring routine." Zariach said with a mock yawn. Kaelin sneered at the cold-natured Zariach, then chuckled and left the room.

"What was it you were saying about Ithron? He's planning an escape? What's more is you plan to follow him? What tragedy, I've invested so much in you to let you run off on some fools errand." Zariach said as he turned back to Auzidor. They could speak more openly now with the third gone from the room.

"But I haven’t planned on doing anything about it yet. I don't even know if I'll go wi-"

"A shame that you've decided to go I said, and since you are my protégé, I refuse to let you go. Alone that is, I shall accompany you. I haven’t enjoyed a foray into the human lands in some time. They have such erotic women."

"I prefer the men." Auzidor said suddenly as he let out a very uncharacteristic titter then fell backwards.

"How intriguing. I of course had some suspicions, but no proof. I was almost ready to start some rumors to see how you would react. I'm sure you and Ithron have shared some sheets when the night has been chilly, yes? I'm sure your powers can do wonders to make the bed hot for you both." He ended with a lewd wink at the semi-conscious demon.

"No! That would be strange. Plus elves are too thin; I'd break him in half!" He said with an impish grin and howled with laughter.

"Ah, so you prefer one of better blood, someone of our resilient kind." Zariach said as he struck a pose, and then laughed wildly. "Well my friend, I am not available, I am afraid I like to be the one doing the sticking, as it were." he said lightly. "You are free to fantasize though, during those cold winter nights, it's quite flattering."

"Likely I'd break you in half too!" Auzidor said with a bawdy laugh. Zariach clutched his chest as if wounded.

"Shurly your barbed words are from the poison in your belly, not your mind." he said in mock desperation.

[Erin]

Taera had been aware of Ithron calling to her throughout most of the evening. She could tell from the emotion he attached to the calling that he was growing somewhat desperate in finding her, as it became progressively more difficult to think, she decided it would be best to talk to someone, despite the lateness of the hour.

Ithron?, she answered back.

FINALLY! Where have you been all day? I’ve been calling you for hours!

I’m surprised your uncle hasn’t informed you what’s happening… but I would rather tell you face to face.

Is it at all possible that this could wait until the morning? It’s rather late, and you know the consequences of late night wanderings.

I’ll be gone by morning.

Earlier that same day, Taera had been called to Professor Nénharma’s office. In truth, she was actually quite nervous, despite having known the Professor for as long as she had known Ithron. When she entered his office he said nothing, but only held forth a letter addressed to her, in what she recognized to be her brother’s handwriting.

“I’m so sorry.”

The letter didn’t specify why Taera was to leave the school, other than that there had been a tragedy in the family, and her brother hadn’t even specified which family member. The next morning, she was to wait at the edge of the forest on the shore of the lake, where her brother would meet her at dawn. She told only Katie and Ithron she would be leaving; Taera didn’t want to risk having word spread, especially to Zarich, who would probably celebrate her permanent absence.

At dawn the next morning, with Ithron and Katie, she made her way to the edge of the lake, towards two silhouettes at the edge of the forest. The quiet group stopped at the docks, for final farewells. Hugs were exchanged, well wishes, safe travels and the promise to keep in touch. Ithron and Katie stayed at the docks, watching as Taera slowly made her way towards the edge of the forest. She shook hands with Professor Nénharma, who was waiting with her brother, and as the two fairies rose, she raised her hand in a final farewell to her two friends.

[Gwyn]

(A joint effort of Alex and Gwyddion)

It was the morning after Taera's sudden departure and the silence roared in Ithron's mind. Usually by this time of the morning Taera's thoughts would be bouncing about around his mind like a spinning top out of control. He would miss her dearly. Today of all days he could of use her encouragement and a word from her in his uncles ear would have been helpful.

This morning Ithron was in his private room. Most of the time he still slept in his dorm room but he hated having go everywhere in his white robes. The elves and faery would always stand aside dock their heads, the demons sneered and made rude gestures, unless Ithron was in the company of the high council demon or one of their sages, then they only sneered. It was all too much for Ithron. He could no longer join a group of friends without the conversation suddenly ending. He use to roughhouse, practise archery, sit outside doing homework with friends or plot revenge against someone; usually demons. All of this changed when his appearance changed.

Ithron attended the pre-sunrise class with the Sages on use of his staff, with his Uncle as always, watching. Afterwards he declined breakfast and waited patiently until the Headmaster and his Uncle had finished their meal, took leave of one another and went their separate ways. His Uncle made a bee line towards him, as Ithron had expected.

"You took no breakfast this morning."

"I was meditating my lord. Meditating on the roll of the Istar and the people they council. I made a point of read the scroll you spoke of at dinner last evening. I read it fully and found it enlightening." If Ithron was going to make his point, it was to be now with the weight of the scrolls author being used to make his point. The author being the current Headmaster.

An hour later Ithron appeared wearing a slightly off white tunic and pants. The tunic was decorated around the collar and considered more formal but it was not the white robes he had grown to dislike. This tunic had been on his bed when he had arrived back at the school but his Uncle Professor Nénharma had refused to allow Ithron to wear them. He was opposed to Ithron wearing anything but white robes. Now that had changed. The robes had become a barrier between him and those around him and he was finally able to shed them when he was outside of the Grand Hall, or formal occasions. He still bore his staff which was now more than a simple symbol of his position. Feeling a little smug and not watching where he was going he ran into the human girl Katie who likewise was not watching where she was going.

"Oh I'm sorry." He said as he grabbed hold of her arm to prevent her falling. He was terribly embarrassed, his face flushed and he was momentarily at a loss for words. "Are you all right?" He managed to stammer. "I'm terribly sorry, I was not watching where I was going." The instant she got her balance he quickly with drew his arm. He was horrified, he had actually grabbed the humans arm. And once again, he was lost for words, and it seemed as though several minutes had passed before the silence was broken.

"Hey, ah, don't worry about." Katie said awkwardly. "I wasn't really watching either."

Since Katie's arrival at Amdir, Ithron had been around occasionally at lunch and after class in the evening, but she really only saw him when Taera was around. It was apparent from the first week after her arrival that Taera and Ithron were close, but Katie could never quite shake off a feeling she got from Ithron - some kind of vibe that she was unsure of how to interpret. It was much like the feeling she would get from someone who was lying to her, but somehow, she knew this was different.

The two stared at each other in uncomfortable silence before Katie uttered a low sigh. "It's too quiet not having Taera around. I feel... empty. She would always be talking to me, you know, telepathically." It had only been since yesterday that her friend had left, but it was already clear how few people she was close enough to, to consider a friend. She smiled sadly at Ithron. "I know you're familiar with it; she would often start laughing, in a silent room, and would later explain it was something you said."

Hearing Katie mention Taera in such a personal way caught Ithron off guard. But why then should this be a surprise? He thought. Taera would of course been drawn to her, it is only natural. "This morning I woke to silence... Taera had not let me wake in silence for the last four years. Manadh has taken her from us, but one day manadh may choose to have her cross our paths again. Would you care to walk with me?"

"I'd grown so used to her consciousness always brushing against mine, that didn't notice it until her absence. And yeah, I'll walk with you, should we go through the gardens? I could use some air. What's "manadh"?" Katie asked, likely mispronouncing the foreign word.

"It's elvish, for what your race calls "fate"."

She nodded, understanding, better than most, what Ithron meant.

"Taera scolded me for what I am about to admit, but understand it was not without reason. I have avoided you since my return... but I have watched your development and spoken to my Uncle of you. When we last met I was not at my best. There is a term for it in elvish and loosely translated it means that my brains cooked... no... that my brains boiled I think. It is a very private time for young male elves going into manhood; something we do not permit others to see. I think you can understand why." Ithron could feel his cheeks blush but finally the barrier that stood between him and this human, one of his own making, had broken.

Not at his best indeed! "I completely understand. I was totally out of my comfort zone that first day, you know, with leaving behind my family and friends, and then seeing that spectacle you put on before I'd even met you!" Katie chuckled, smiling. "Well, let's just say that didn't leave the best impression on me until Taera explained a couple things to me. The first day I was here was certainly the most trying time I've ever experienced. I honestly wasn't so keen on getting to know you either, even though I knew in time, I would."

"Ah, you have foreseen it. Is it as you foresaw?"

"Well, The Sight is not an ability that is a straight forward as say, telepathy. When I foresee something, I am not necessarily seeing the form of events that will take place, but rather a version of events that may take place. There is nothing in the future that is set in stone, because of the many pathways awaiting us, based on the choices we will come make. So when I foresaw that you and I would eventually get to know each other, I did not see it exactly as it happened, but the version of events that I foresaw, carried the same outcome."

Ithron smiled. "You have indeed progressed very well in your time here. Sage Ivorwen is impressed with you and your devotion to your studies; though she would never tell you." It was now Katie's turn to blush.

A bell peel drifted across the gardens calling students to their morning classes. Katie and Ithron agreed to get together after the days classes were done. There was a lot more Ithron needed to know about the realm of men and Katie was the only one who knew the answers. He liked Katie and he would tell her of his plans. Whether or not she would agree to come was a unknown but he would not pressure her or any of the others.

He crossed paths with Auzidor and asked him if they could talk that evening in their dorm room. Ithron told him he would have more information about the demon that the humans had kidnapped and about the a demon who had chosen to stay behind and watch what the humans did with their captives. Aaug, the other demon, had just returned the day before and he had news of the others. Ithron was present when he brought the news and something he call a tabloid. It was unlike anything they had in Amdir but there was news of the captives.

[Bessain]

((A joint post by Bessain and Erbis. Who really needs to change his display name. Seriously. The spider is dead.))

The young demon sat in his dorm at a small desk, running through some of his school work. Part of him wondered why he even bothered. If Ithron had found someway out of this place, piled up book work would be pointless to try and finish. But Ithron hadn't specified any jailbreak plan, so there was no point in letting his grades fail. Every once and awhile he'd have to drop everything in order to stand up and pace around the room a little bit, just to try and ease his nerves. He'd be back at the desk before long, wondering when in the nine hells that Ithron was going to decide to show up.

A knock came at the door and Auzidor jumped up to answer it.

"Stand aside, boy,"Aaug demanded in the demon tongue, his voice enhanced his self proclaimed authoritative complex.

Auzidor's lips curled back into a snarl that revealed his canine teeth. "I did not ask you in," he retorted.

"True, but your elf master did. Now move." he shoved his way in and waited for Auzzy to shut the door.

Aaug was one of the older students, sporting a level of physical maturity that Auzidor had yet to achieve in his young life. Auzzy had to admit feeling a good bit of intimidation towards his elder, but refused to show it. His time at the school was fleeting and a good majority of the demon community loathed his visits. Aaug was useful in the school's employ though. Stealth was his gift, the ability to let only those he wished to be able to view him.

Auzidor had a mind to burn down the room to see if his outline of flames would give him away. But Ithron apparently had business with this demon so he concentrated on keeping his temper in check.

It was starting to get late into the morning, and Zariach had a slight change in personality in that he felt a little bad for poor Auzidor. He had imbibed in quite a bit of the drink the night before. Zariach was even willing to admit that it may have been his fault, if you could say anyone was at fault at all. “I suppose I could check on the whelp. See how much of my charms I have to use on him to get back in his good graces.” He mused to himself as he wandered down the hallway to Auzidor’s room.

A quick rap on the door sounded before Zariach let himself in to see Auzzy staring daggers at Aaug, who stood with his typical puffed out chest. “I see you’re in a fine mood, Aaug, your chest is nearly as swelled as your ego. Over-compensating much?” He said lightly before strolling over to Auzidors side. “I hope I am not intruding on anything, do you need a few minutes to finish up?” he continued with a smirk as he put his hands on his hips.

Aaug seemed to go a little red, but it was hardly from embarrassment. He nearly struck Zariach then, but held back. Zariach gave a small defeated sigh. He always got so close to goading the demon into attacking first. It was not his style though, Aaug fought best against an unknowing target, or one with its back turned at least. “Auzidor,” he said as he turned to address the younger demon. “I see you are on your feet then; that’s good. I assume that he is here for a reason, no? A sad blow it would be to my heart if you sought to replace me with this…one here.” He said with a glance over at Aaug. He wasn’t biting of course, for the other demon had gotten control of himself and seemed ready for the jibes this time.

"Ithron wants him," Auzzy replied. He almost immediately regretted using that phrase around Zarich, as his demon friend grinned a little at it.

"Drop the smile or I'll make you," Aaug growled, his fists clenched at his sides.

Auzidor snorted flames in his anger and brought himself up to full height as he did so. "I think its time you left. The elf can escort you back if he really wants you here."

"Now is that anyway to treat someone bearing gifts for his hosts. Even if they are elf loving scum." Aaug pulled out a rolled up newspaper from his back pocket and waved it around.

"For someone who hates elves so much, your generosity is astounding."

"The forest dancer and I have an accord. One copy goes to the headmaster, the second goes to him."

"And what was his end?" Auzzy pried.

"That's not part of the deal."

"So leave the paper here and be damned!"

Aaug chuckled cruelly. Either the elf takes it or no one does.

Zariach sighed and folded his arms across his chest. “For one who despises the elf, you sure do have some loyalties to him. Does he give you a nice scratch on the neck and a biscuit for being such a good dog?”

Aaug growled and took a step forward. “I reserve the papers for him and only him because you do not have anything to offer me like he does.”

“Likely a warm bed on a cold night.” Zariach said with a chuckle as he nudged Auzidor in the ribs with an elbow. “And I thought he was so proud to be one of us. I guess the smooth creamy skin of an elf is too tempting for our friend here. I hold no discontent over it though; I would likely be drawn to the skin of the elf kind too, were it that they were better at the act itself. They take it too seriously to be any fun.”

This sent Aaug over the edge, finally, and he promptly disappeared to start an attack. Zariach was waiting for this, however, and called on his own powers. He sucked in the powers from the shadows, and amplified them. The room went black, a magical darkness that light couldn’t penetrate. “What are we to do? You can’t see me, and I can’t see you!” He taunted with a light cackle.

It was at this moment the door opened again and they all heard a slight feminine gasp, then a throat being cleared rather harshly. Zariach promptly restored the light and stood innocently next to Auzidor. Aaug stood on the other side of the room, facing a wall.

Ithron stood in the doorway with Katy at his side. “I invited her because she could provide valuable insight on the humans. Am I interrupting anything?”

“Ah, excellent timing my…friend.” Zariach greeted. “I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure.” He said as he extended a hand to Katy.” He took hers and kissed the top of her hand lightly.

“You should not be charmed,” Ithron warned her. “And should not welcome any advances from him.” He added as he glared at the demon.

"I do not remember inviting you, Zarich." Ithron glanced over at Auzidor, who shrugged in reply.

"Katie!" greeted Auzidor, thankful for a change in topic. The demon pulled up his desk chair for her and parked it next to the bedside where he was sitting. It wasn't often that he got to see her outside of their sociology class, and focusing on making the girl comfortable would take his mind off punching Aaug's face in.

"Here is your souveigneer. I trust I will see you later." Aaug said with sneer as he handed the paper over to Ithron.

"I'll be in town all week. I look forward to seeing you two again." he finished, eyeing Auzzy and Zarich. Aaug gave Ithron a nod before promptly leaving the room.

[Gwyn]

Ithron watched Aaug go out the door and then promptly locked it with a move of his staff. Aaug's mannerisms, taunting and ego revolted him, but the demon was loyal and good at providing information. He laid his staff aside and spread the paper out over the table. He flipped through the pages for a couple of minutes without a word. He did not lift his gaze from the paper when he spoke.

"Your presence Zarich was not requested. You have as usual put your nose in where it doesn't belong. A tiresome trait loathed by even your own kind; or so I've been told. But then your view of Aaug is no doubt shared by his view of you. If you remain I must warn you. What we are to discuss is between us..., and us, alone. You should also know that the face and hair you love to preen may suffer beyond what the soft skinned elves, as you call us, can heal. Make your choice now. You may regret the results." Ithron said nothing further. Zarich issue a low growl and showed his fangs but he remained.

"Ah there it is." Ithron said breaking his silence. "Here." he said pointing at a story on the fourteenth page. "They have tried to hide this, but humans have a insatiable desire for information about one another. It is a unquenchable lust for gossip and powers that may well lead them to their own destruction one day. This is to our benefit though we don't have a great deal of time. They avoid identifying the our people as who they really are and call them mere detainees of interest. " He finally looked up from the paper. "Now I can tell you fully why I have asked you here." He carefully closed the paper, moved it to one side and then sat on the table.

"Katie, Zarich, you likely know the story of those who went to the human realm over year ago better than I, and you also would know what precipitated our departure. What is not widely known is that the humans took captives. There are five that we know of. Two elves, two demons and a faery. There may be humans and demons who came forth to join us that were also taken. Humans such as yourself Katie, and demons as yourselves who finally found answers and acceptance with honour." Ithron slid off the table and stood by the window looking out over the lake.

"Aaug has been travelling for me between the two worlds, watching and waiting. Because of his abilities, has been monitoring the situation and entering military facilities, unseen of course. From the information he has provided in the last several months it is apparent they have been trying to extract information from the captives or to lure them into cooperating. They have been trying to duplicate the gifts, or powers the gifted of our races to use. They desire them to use them against other human nations or as a defence, which they say is their ultimate goal. To this point they have not met with success either way." He turns and his eyes rest on the others and finally gets to the crux of the matter.

"Since my return I have employed Aaug. I have opened a secondary gate for him on numerous occasions in complete secrecy. He has been able to identify these detainees of interest as the five that did not return. I am hoping that with your help and knowledge of the humans and their society that we will be able to rescue them all if we can. The news paper tells us that the captives will be moved but the date is not yet set. I have asked you here to ask for your help. I mean to go to the human realm and I would like to ask you to accompany me, and help. I know I ask a great deal of you and I'm aware that you may not want to return to your former homeland. I have others I can ask to go with me but you are my first choice. If we require more help there are relatives of some of the captives who would be happy to get the chance but they don't have your knowledge nor are they all gifted. A dozen elves and demons would rather stand out in the crowd. But with the gifts we have we wouldn't need to have numbers on our side. Aaug is one who will be joining me. You need not decide anything here and now. Think it through for a few days and weigh the risks, but whatever you decide, I must ask you once again to say nothing of what has or may be discussed here."

Ithron sat on his bed and waited for the questions, the criticisms, and of course the sarcasm.

[Bessain]

Ithron noticed Zariach's lack of surprise at his news, but said nothing. Once or twice he glanced at Auzidor looking for answers, but his demon roommate kept a blank expression that either stated that he wasn't in the room mentally, or was simply not Zariach's informant.

In reality, Auzzy purposely wore a clueless expression to hide his elation. While he had suffered great emotional pain in the human world, part of him felt the need to regress while at school. It had been his pain. Something he could own up to. The minute he had joined the world of his friends in Amdir, Auzidor felt that part of him go missing. It was welcome at first, till he noticed the emptiness in his soul. Nothing had replaced his strife, and so the demon boy felt the loss rub raw at his nerves.

Returning, even if only for a rescue mission, would not fix his life. But Auzzy felt his list of options fall shorter by the day.

"What of the headmaster?" Auzidor asked, avoiding the question he wanted to ask the most.

"Leave my uncle to me... though if you can, avoid him at all costs. He has his ways of spotting trouble before it occurs."

"And why on earth would we be trouble to him?" Zariach asked, knowing the answer, but eager to annoy the elf.

Ithron ignored the demon, refusing to dignify him with an reply. He turned to Katie and exaggerated the movement by putting his back to Zariach. "I am told you have come very far with your foresight, though I do not know your measure of control. If you can, I'd like you to keep an eye on Professor Nenharma. It would be a frustrating thing indeed if he came even a few steps ahead of us, and I have worked far too long for this venture."

It was then that Auzidor had to wonder at Ithron's motives. Was one of the captured elves a relative perhaps? Something drove the ellon, Auzzy just wasn't sure what that was.

"What exactly do you expect to go up against?" Zariach shoved his way back into the conversation. "Odd that we are your first choice."

"I did not choose you."

The demon dismissed the comment with a wave, as if he knew Ithron to be lying. After all, who wouldn't choose him? "Your weapons interest me. Katie keeps her eyes on the enemy, while Auzzy warms your bed. I hear its cold out this time of year."

"Auzidor and Katie are gifted even among their respective races. But more importantly, they are trustworthy and can accomplish more than the shadow puppets you summon when in danger."

Auzzy snickered at this. Glad to hear that he wasn't the only one who thought Zariach's affinity to darkness a silly practice. His demeanor turned somber, when Ithron avoided Zariach's initail question.

Auzzy cleared his throat casually to break up the elf and demon who sat scowling at each other. "When do we leave?"

[Gwyn]

"We leave fairly soon, our time is short. I chose to say nothing to you until I had news of the others. I waited as long as I could not wanting to place any burden on you while you were in training. Do not forget that it is not incumbent that you leave Amdir with me, it is only a request."

"What if one or both of us don't want any part of this?" Katie asked appearing somewhat hesitant about going. "I had friends there and people who knew me. What if I was recognised? The authorities know I came here and it is likely others know."

"There is always a chance of that happening Katie, but it is not likely. If Aaug and I are the only two we will still go. Our combined powers, and Aaug's knowledge of the other world, will still give us a reasonable chance of success." Ithron sounded conciliatory. He closed his eyes and the next thing Katie was aware of was Ithron's voice in her mind.

"Katie. Amdir is entirely different from the world you left and when anyone arrives here from your world they begin to change. Humans age at a slower rate and as a result you live longer. Your physical appearance changes somewhat and the two combined usually make it less likely that you will be recognised. This effect Amdir has on humans is not common knowledge. We have had very few humans arrive for hundreds of years until the events of a few years ago. We do not speak of this openly. I understand that early on some humans have sought to return to their world and use this change for questionable purposes. I have lived for seven hundred years and have only learned of this in my recent studies. To my eyes you have not changed, but I see you daily and would not notice the change taking place. I now ask you to keep this truth to yourself."

Ithron opened his eyes and continued as though there was no break in the conversation.

"Aaug has informed me that I will need to change my appearance. Specifically my eyes and ears, he said they will draw undesired attention. I can hide my ears but my eyes I cannot change. For that I will rely on enchantment when necessary. He will also be providing me with human clothing. Bearing in mind that I cannot leave my staff behind, Aaug has said he will make me appear as a monk. A man of faith of some sort, making it not so odd to see a staff. He will return as soon as he has been able to find the date and time of the transfer. We will attempt to free them while this transfer is taking place. He leaves again tonight, and if he returns tomorrow with a date, we will leave tomorrow. As I said, our time is short. When the time does come you will need nothing but the clothing you wear. Aaug has a, "out of the way, quiet cottage", as he calls it, for us to stay in with food and clothing for everyone. It seems we still have loyal friends who have not forgotten us, and are willing to shelter us even though it is a risk to do so." He shifted his gaze to Zariach.

"There you are Zariach you know all. Now all you need to do is convince me that you will be a asset and not a liability. Otherwise, I will cause you to forget this conversation and turn you over to several ladies and men of your race who would keep you in a state of ecstasy for several days. And when the trance they put you in finally breaks you'll find.... that I'll keep that to myself."

----------

Ithron's mind was not centred on his meditation and the rustle of robes was enough to bring him back.

"Yes Uncle, you wish to see me?"

"Have you spoken to Aaug today?"

"Yes." Ithron rose and stood facing him. "I spoke briefly with him in the dorm room, earlier today. Why do you ask?"

"He has been seen along the ancient way several times in the past two months. That way is closed, do you know what he has been doing there?"

"I'm sorry, I don't. There are other paths that lead to the elven realms in the west or Mount Thoron. It is not in his nature to seek out elves or the mount. Is he attempting the cross the threshold?"

"You could answer that best Ithron. I know the anger you harboured as young ellon toward the humans and what occurred. I know also that, as a young ellon, you took those paths in hopes of finding the ancient way. I would have thought that as a mature ellon, and in your position, you would have been able to release that anger and not allow it to fester. We made several attempts but we could not help them and you cannot help them now Ithron. It is folly to try. The risk to you and those who aid you in this is far too great. I will say no more of it." Ithron bowed as his Uncle left the room.

Two days later during the lunch hour a very edgy Aaug returned. He had clearly travelled hard and smelled of stale alcohol. In spite of his appearance and smell he sought out Ithron and found him reading in his private room. If Ithron was surprised by his appearance he didn't let on.

"We must leave tonight." He hissed under his breath. "We are expected so there must be no delays."

"We leave tonight then, at nine." Ithron replied.

"What of the others?" Aaug asked.

"Leave them to me."

"And that leech Zariach?" he spat.

"Leave him to me."

[Bessain]

Auzzy had spotted Aaug on one other occasion the night after Ithron had informed everyone of his plan. Thankfully the older demon had ignored Auzidor. This left the youth to believe that his quarrel was mainly with Zariach. Which was fine with Auzzy no matter what anyone said about his love of a good fight. There were other things to worry about now.

The young demon had not yet seen through his first term at the school, and already he felt the affects. His guard was down most days due to a lack of random predation. Even his skill in combat had gone soft.

Safety is a curse, Auzzy decided. It breeds a lazy man.

The morning after Ithron's announcement, Auzzy set right into training. He shunned the after-hours activity of the demon community and made the school gym his new home. This also meant that visits from Zariach were fewer in quantity, but Auzidor found that he liked the silence. He challenged any willing who walked through the doors, and even sent his victims to Silvanus when the heat in their wounds would not dissipate with regular salves.

Auzzy needed no physical teacher to show him how to train, but he discovered one lesson by watching Ithron in his morning meditation. He waited till his dorm room was empty and set up a dozen candles lined along the desks and shelves. Normally to achieve a flame, the demon either had to be physically touching an object, or he had to project. Projecting took travel time though, and Auzzy's fighting style demanded speed.

He sat an arms length away from one candle and concentrated on the wick. As an elemental he could sense flammability and Auzzy used that skill now. It took a few hours of staring at the candle to finally get the thing to smoke, and a few hours more before he was able to close his eyes and will the wax soaked thread to ignite. He sat crosslegged on his bed, absolutely exhausted. Auzidor had to feel a little disgusted with himself. It had taken him half a day to create heat. That was absolutely unacceptable!

He got up to take a break and a small drink of water, but before long he was back to work. He repeated the single-candle exercise a few more times to gain a hold on this new technique. Speed was everything. Before long he tried the candles that lay farther away from him on the book shelves, then added different combinations to the game. Two candles went up, then extinguished. Then four. Followed by multiples of three.

No matter how much progress he made, his technique was still so slow. It angered Auzzy and he ground his teeth in frustration.

Before he could continue his mad frenzy, Zariach walked through the door.

Auzidor quickly extinguished the candles in the room and stood.

Zariach raised an eyebrow at Auzzy's spaztic movements. "Usually you put a sock on the handle so no one will disturb your room during... 'you' time. Remember that."

Auzzy rolled his eyes and forced himself to calm his breathing. "What do you want?"

"No need to get angry. You were caught. Thats that. Be a man and live up to it."

"Zariach."

"Ithron has informed me that we're off tonight. But he still doesn't trust me. Couldn't possibly understand why. He's probably on his way now to tell you. But unfortunately, I need you to come with me. Apparently Ithron still requires a test of my already flawless character."

[Naucoaran]

"I don't really see why I even need to prove anything to him, my exploits should be enough to satisfy anyone." Zariach said as they walked down the hall. "He insisted that I prove that I could "pull my own weight" like I was some babbling infant that couldn't defend myself." he continued, mimicking Ithron's speech inflections as best he could. "I gave him you, didn't I? A fine thing I did, taking you under my wing, if I say so myself." he glanced back at Auzidor, noticing that the other demon apparently had stopped listening a long time ago. Zariach snorted and continued down the hallway.

After many a turn and what seemed like back tracking, Auzy finally outlasted his patience and snapped "Just where are you taking us anyways? We've passed this wing three times already."

"Just a precaution, my young friend. A good way to make sure no one is following you is to go no where in particular, and see if you notice anyone going the same way each turn. If you haven’t been watching, we have no one following us." He said as he slipped into the shadows and walked deeper into the hidden areas of the school.

"You still didn't answer my question, Zariach." Auzy said in a low voice, glancing about as they went through the darker areas to the more secluded cloisters.

"To call upon my connections, my fiery friend. Not all who I have laid foundations with are as...rich in moral character as you. I know who to call on to get things done." He said with a backwards glance to look at Auzy, offering a sly smile. "And oh how she gets things done." Auzidor rolled his eyes.

"Ah, there you are my dear Nyshaka." Zariach said as he walked over to a female demon resting against the wall in the shadows. Auzy almost didnt see her till Zariach said something and even then she had to move into the light for him to really focus on her.

"What do I owe this...pleasure?" She said a little playfully, and then looked Auzy over. "You know I don't do doubles." Zariach put his hands on his hips and tilted his head slightly, giving a smile. She looked Auzidor over once more. "Well...I do like to break rules, even my own, sometimes..." She conceded with a snicker.

"So I remember, but I'm not here for that occasion." Nyshaka pouted, folding her arms under her breasts, working her arms to push them up to seem larger and more prominent.

"What do you want then? What favor does Zariach come calling for from poor, lonely, Nyshaka." She said as she walked closer, moving fluidly, her hips subtly swaying with each stride.

"One you'll take pleasure from, if in different ways." he assured. "I'll be in need of quite the distraction tonight, particularly for the headmaster and other undesirables. I trust your work will be up to my expectations?"

"When have they not been?" she said silkily with that same smile that Zariach always seemed to wear, too. Zariach then unfolded some plans and ideas he wished accomplished, being careful as always never to reveal why he needed it done. "I accept, this sounds fun. You know my payment. No hurry to get it to me, I enjoy the wait sometimes." She said with a wink, then disappeared into the shadows once more.

Zariach sighed then led Auzy back out into the populated areas of the school. "I trust her, as much as you can trust my contacts." He said the second part as an afterthought. "She'll get the job done, and we should have little to no resistance to leaving tonight. Once we are discovered it will be too late to do anything to stop us, at any rate. Let’s go find the elf and present my "carrying my own weight" to him." Zariach said, mimicking Ithron once more as they headed off together.

[Bessain]

Auzidor wasn't quite certain why Zariach had needed his presence on this little Sunday stroll and he tried hard not to question it. Delving into the mind of that one was better left to the elves. In the end he decided that he was probably only there as a reminder that there was a task at hand, and that fun with Nyshaka would have to wait.

"So what exactly are they supposed to do?" Auzzy asked as they trotted back down the path to the school.

"Irrelevant!" Zariach cackled teasingly.

"How? I'm the only reason you're in on this too!"

"It doesnt matter what they do, as long as they do it, Auzzy! The idea is to be nowhere around when Nyshaka acts."

"...You have no idea how this is going down, do you?" Auzidor sighed.

"Not a clue."

~

That night an older student of the demon race slipped silently into the dinning hall. Lanored was one of many elementals at the school, but few could imitate him. He pressed his hands against the main doors and started smoothing the stone wall into the door frame until there was no longer a door left, but a solid stone wall. He stood back and admired his work; the girls would be pleased.

"Finished?" came a whisper from the kitchen entrance.

Lanored stepped into the dim light and nodded at his counterpart. The other demon signaled to someone behind him and by some magic, food and drink began to levitate its way into the hall. Lanored smiled, then turned his back on the on-going preparations. He trotted over to the eastern wall and willed the stone along the open cut windows to bar themselves shut. The headmaster was going to have a hell of a time getting through here. He'd make sure of that.

The older demon held no fantasies about preventing the staff from crashing tonights get-together, and so he made preparatons for an escape route. It would involve removing a section of the western wall and it was likely that some of those who would attend tonight would be caught anyway... but that was the fun of it all.

[Erin]

My appearance has changed? Katie thought peering into her mirror. She knew little of the magic at work in this land, and even though Ithron had said that she probably looked different, staring at herself in the mirror didn't give her the reassurance she had hoped for. The one thing she thought would definitely give her away in the human realm were her eyes - icy blue was certainly not a common colour.

Ithron really hadn't left much room to make the decision about whether or not to go. She was the groups' best bet for a guide and "advisor" so to speak, of humans. It was only very reluctantly that she agreed to go.

With the news of their rapid departure in the next few hours, Katie made up her mind. There was no way she would go back resembling her old self. Time may be slower in this land, but that didn't stop her hair from growing. The pixie which had agreed to trim her mop the first time had shown her a variety of potions that when bolstered with magic, could permanently change hair colour, including the roots. Heaving a sigh, she wandered out of her room, and across the grounds to see a blue haired pixie on the edge of the wood.

***

Two hours later, an unrecognisable student crossed the grounds back toward the school. Vita had worked wonders. Not only was she able to change Katie's hair, but also her eye colour. Her long black hair had been cut just to the base of her neck, and it had been changed from black to blonde - quite radical, but Vita was also able to modify her eyebrows to match. And her eyes... this had been more difficult. Katie had to assisted the pixie in finding the ingredients necessary to make the cordial that would darken her eyes. This was the first task they carried out, to let the mixture boil for an hour, and Vita modified her hair while they waited.

Katie smiled to herself as she made her way to Ithron's quarters. She figured it was better to show him now rather than when they left. As she raised her hand to knock, but the door opened before she got the chance, and Ithron stood before her in what appeared to be the monk's robes. Apparently they were being adjusted in preparation for their departure.

"I sensed you comi - Katie?!"

"Hey Ithron."

She instantly felt his consciousness brush against hers.

"So it is you. Forgive me, I had to ensure it was you."

He stepped aside to allow her into the room.

"I know what you said a couple nights ago, Ithron," she said as she stepped inside, "but I just couldn't risk someone recognising me. Especially with my eyes. Anyways, I figured it was best to pop in before we leave rather than surprising everyone later."

(OOC: It's choppy and probably badly written, but I had free time and figured I'd do something productive. Also, new pic up in Katie's bio.)