#tayaverse

[thepriceofburning]

They sat around the long table exchanging pleasant conversation in the dimly lit central room of their suite. Candlelight shifted shadows about in stuttering movement and the pop and crackle from the huge fireplace added the occasional cheerful note to the sound of conversation.

The double storey suite had six adjoining bedrooms; three upstairs and three downstairs. Across the hall was another similarly large but less extravagant suite that their “guard” was rooming in. Taya, Darien, and the faux ladies in waiting had claimed the downstairs quarters, while Alexa, Chanta, and Dani had happily settled upstairs.

Dinner was more comfortable than expected. With Darien at the head of the table, Chanta, Danaeal, and Meryarna on his left, Taya and Alexa on his right, and John at the other end, they had all managed to maintain a mostly meaningless conversation through the first two courses. But now that Mery had become more comfortable in their presence, it became clear that she was having a hard time not asking questions of a more personal nature.

As coffee was placed before the women, and brandy before the men, the conversation lapsed into silence that quickly grew uncomfortable. Taya almost sighed with relief when artistically displayed desserts were placed before them and Alexa exclaimed at its beauty. The echoes of agreement seemed to relieve the tension enough for Mery to put forth what had been on the tip of her tongue.

“I have to ask,” she said, choosing her words carefully, “is it common for men to have many wives in the South?”

A small, surreptitious grin passed between Taya and Dani. The four of them had been quietly communicating all night and had taken bets during the first course on how long it would take her to ask. Taya had won.

Darien lifted his hand and tilted it in a so-so gesture. “It’s an old tradition from before the divide. A man who had many wives was a man who had plenty. It would be foolhardy to have more than one could provide for. Especially when taken into consideration that many wives generally mean many children.” He idly fingered the brandy glass before him. “These days people prefer to measure their wealth in gold rather than wives, but it is not uncommon among the upper class. Particularly amongst the more traditional families.”

Mery smiled prettily. “Might I assume you are from one of those families?”

Darien's response was a charming smile as he raised his brandy glass in salute. In one smooth movement he emptied the glass and lowered it back to the table, the server quickly coming to refill it.

John’s voice, quiet yet commanding, rumbled from the other end of the table. “I can’t help but notice that your surname is particularly Northern. Not something I’d expect from traditional Southern loyalists.”

Taya felt the tension build palpably as John and Darien eyed off across the table. She wondered if he asked the question because he already suspected something was off or because it was just in his nature to do so. Either way, it had made Darien prickle.

She looked across the table to Chanta who was hiding a small smile behind her coffee cup as she sipped. Li se byen filè. I like him. Chanta’s heavily accented voice passed through the minds of all the Elites.

He is very sharp. Taya agreed.

Dani’s voice joined the conversation. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Darien squirm before. I’m quite enjoying this.

Alexa’s tinkling giggle was almost enough to break Taya’s composure. She chanced a sideways glance and saw Alexa daintily nibbling on cake and looking oblivious. Feeling Taya’s eyes on her she lifted her gaze and met Taya’s. Only centuries of knowledge knew that the tiny little crinkle in the corner of her eye was the shadow of a smile. Taya gave her a wink.

She was not at all surprised that Dani would get great satisfaction from Darien's discomfort though. When they had found her in Kingshead she had been branded a lunatic for telling anyone who would listen about the monsters among them. People thought that the loss of her husband and son in a horrific murder had broken her mind. After years of being called insane, learning of the Thyfa had made her both ecstatic and furious.

When she had joined them, she had already developed a strong ability as Air, and they had all been quite impressed. She had immediately been offered the position of Elite and told all that such a life would entail. She had spent half the day telling Darien what she thought of him for even suggesting that people should live such a life, and spent the next half telling him why she would accept anyway.

Needless to say, Dani and Darien were not the best of friends. They managed to be polite and respectful of each other, but their mutual and sometimes rather open dislike of each other made more than that impossible. Even so, she trusted him. Maybe even admired him. She smiled now not only because Darien was being challenged but because she trusted in his ability to rise to it. He would handle the situation as he did everything else - with cool confidence and that damned cocky attitude.

“That’s quite true,” Darien said finally. “It is a rather Northern name but the family has always been proud that they could be traced back to a time before the divide. Heritage and all that.” His mouth turned up in a smile that he directed at Mery. “Actually my mother was quite a progressive thinker, politically speaking. She always said that you don’t learn new things from following old ways, which is why she sent me North for schooling when I was younger. She wanted my eyes opened to new perspectives. I actually spent much of my youth in the High Forest with my nanny, my tutor and my guard, who was also my trainer.”

Mery’s face lit up with further questions, but John jumped in before she could ask them. “And did it? Give you a new perspective?”

Chanta’s fingers toyed with one of her hair beads. What do you think he is hoping to find out?

I don’t know, Taya replied curiously. She wondered if John even knew what he was poking at.

Darien's smile suddenly turned wolfish and she found herself waiting for his next words, as though some great drama was playing out before her. “Yes actually, it did,” he answered smoothly. “It gave me the eyes with which to see Taya.” His eye found her fondly and with a hint of challenge. “If not for my time away from the haughtiness of court I might never have seen her at all.”

Suddenly all eyes were on her and she exuded self-control, holding back the snarl she wanted to deliver Darien at that moment. She did her best to look like she was blushing while she silently cursed him.

“Why don’t you tell our hosts how we met, my dear?”

Either the other three women had decided to stay silent, or leave her out of the conversation, but they all now smiled openly, enjoying the show. A glance at Mery showed her with a bright and eager smile. A longer look at John showed him sitting almost lazily in his chair, eyes and mind sharp, but disarmingly relaxed.

At that moment the staff came to clear the dessert plates and refill coffee cups. Other people would have used the spare moments to make sure they had their story straight. Taya just wished they’d hurry up so she could get it over with. Playing princess was starting to grate on her.

A cool brush of fingers against her hand and she looked over to Alexa who gave her a bolstering smile. She returned a gentle one of her own. When the plates were cleared she took her place in the spotlight, focusing her tale on the most eager recipient - Mery.

“Honestly I was just a street kid that got lucky. I was orphaned fairly young and wound up on the streets doing odd jobs for money. Occasionally I would be able to get work at the big house where Darien’s mother lived. Helping in the kitchens or the gardens. Things like that. I’d heard she had a son but I’d never seen him before, not that I expected to, mind you. Orphans are hardly among the interests of a young duke.” She cast a sideways smile at Darien, who had the good sense to look a little worried at where the story was going.

“So one day,” she continued, “I went there to see if they had any jobs for me, and I hear these people fighting on the other side of the hedges. So I start shoving past people, running around the gardens trying to figure out where this ruckus was coming from. I was no stranger to the rougher side of life, and I was utterly convinced that someone needed help. Naturally, being the tough kid I was, the help was going to come from me.”

There was a brief moment of chuckling from around the table, and Taya shot Chanta a small mischievous smile. “So I come around the corner in the garden, and there I see this boy, a man really, screaming curses at this chicken while he’s trying to catch it. Meanwhile his trainer is standing on these empty chicken cages, banging them with a sword yelling, ‘Feint, boy! Feint!’”

Alexa could not contain her giggle and it immediately set off rolls of laughter. Taya didn’t dare look at Darien for fear that she would start crying from laughter, but she cast her eyes to John. Something in her stomach moved at the sight of the amused grin on his face.

Pulling herself back together, she continued with her tale. “Of course, I thought it was ridiculous that this nigh on man didn’t know how to catch a chicken. So I walked right in, snatched up a bird and handed it to him.”

This time John chuckled and the movement in her stomach became a complete roll. Her eyes couldn’t help but settle on his. “Naturally he declared it was unfair because the chicken hadn’t been expecting me.”

“Naturally,” he replied with a teasing grin. For just a moment his eyes seemed to capture her.

A faint, but decidedly masculine prod at her mind jolted her back to the telling. “So we spent all day chasing chickens and just being stupid and when the sun went down I realized I had no money, and nothing to eat. But Darien had shared his food with me so I figured I’d be alright, and went to trudge back to my hovel. Then he stopped me. I think it wasn’t until that moment that he realized I was wearing rags.”

She turned her eyes to Darien then and they were full of genuine gratitude and love. “He asked me if I needed a place to stay, and he took me in.”

The memory that played through her mind was little different than the one she had told. She had been 14 and he a grown man. She remembered the way he had helped her to her feet and cast a troubled eye over the two of them before he had asked if they had a safe place to stay that night. If not for Alexa’s thin and shivering form protectively tucked against her side, she would have told him they did and scurried away. But the idea of a real meal and a warm fire for Alexa had sold her on the idea, and if she could steal some stuff on the way out even better.

That night she had slept under a silken quilt, caving to Alexa’s begging requests that they stay until morning. Two and a bit centuries later, here they were. It had been a good life. “He’s been stuck with me ever since.”

The five of them shared a moment that was not seen, or heard, but felt. No matter what their differences or disagreements, they had become a family. First through Darien's care of Taya and Alexa, and then with the addition of Chanta and Dani. She loved them all deeply.

She locked her mind down hard as an unspoken sorrow threatened to rip through her.

Mery soaked it all up with glistening eyes and a wondrous smile. “That is beautiful.” She cast her eyes around the table. “How did the rest of you meet the Duke?”

Seeing her escape, Taya nominated the next victim. “We rescued Chanta from a life of service to the Sea God.”

Chanta, all too happy to regale Mery with tales from her days at the temple, firmly took her place as the center of attention. Taking a deep breath, Taya tried to shake off the emotions that had crept up on her. None of the others made a question of her sudden withdrawal, used to her carefully guarded emotions, and she was glad for it.

She looked down at the coffee cup that sat at her fingertips and wished it were brandy.

As though he read her mind, John’s hand, holding his brandy, reached out and gently touched the back of hers. Her eyebrow rose as fraction as she turned her eyes to him, and he raised his brandy glass in offering.

She hesitated at the open display of kindness. Surely he couldn’t read her so well.

He leaned forward with a soft smile and spoke quietly. “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone you’re made of down.” He tilted the glass a fraction. “Go ahead.”

She smiled at the statement. Made of down? It was probably the first time anyone in her whole life had judged her to be soft. She shook her head so slightly that it might have gone unnoticed had he not been watching her so intently.

She took the glass from him lightly and sipped, keeping his gaze the whole time, trying to learn something from the soft brown eyes.

When she handed the glass back, he took it casually and leaned back in his chair. Resuming the guise of the aloof predator, he did something she would never have expected. He winked at her.

Her stomach flipped again, and the faint smile on her face became mild confusion. Why was she reacting this way? Any other man would have earned her scorn with that gesture alone. Why not him?

Turning her eyes from him she shifted a little uncomfortably and tried to focus on the conversation, but for the next 30 minutes she heard nothing but the intense silence beside her as John observed the interaction.

Every now and then he shifted, or sipped from his glass, and she became acutely and uncomfortably aware of the distance between them. She started to wish there was a way she could excuse herself just to clear his presence from her being.

The moving of chairs across the polished hardwood made her aware that dinner had finally, and thankfully, ended. All standing they exchanged their good nights, Mery cheerfully, and John formally, and then they were gone. Taya suddenly felt like she’d been holding her breath.

When the carts loaded with dishes and trays were rolled out and the door closed, everyone visibly relaxed. Even Chanta looked strained after the daylong act. All except Darien, who seemed quite content and rolled his shoulders as he told them they would go over events in the morning. Taya watched with chagrin as he strolled into his room and closed the door behind him.

Kalten, the leader of her back up team, sat on the chair John had vacated and propped his hand on his knee. “Well, that was interesting.”

Taya shook her head slightly, knowing he’d seen the interaction between her and John that everyone else had missed. “More than a little.”

Alexa leaned her hip against the table. “The Commander is interesting.”

Taya slid a quieting glance to Kalten who carefully kept his features neutral. “Yes, he is. Now get me the hell out of this dress.”

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

Firmly out of earshot of the suite and it’s contingent Mery slipped her hand into the crook of John's arm. “So what do you think of them?” She asked in excited tones.

John frowned a little. “I don’t know yet.”

Mery’s hazel eyes lost a touch of their sparkle. “I sense some concern there.”

They passed the guards at the end of the hall with a nod. “Something is not right with them, Mery. You didn’t notice anything that seemed off?”

Her brows lowered as she thought. “I don’t think so. What do you mean exactly?”

He couldn’t help but smile at her innocent acceptance of their guests, and his eyes looked down at her with affection. “As a whole they make a perfect picture, correct?” When she nodded uncertainly he continued. “Now consider them each individually. Alexa, for example. She is not anywhere near as shy or stupid as she pretends to be. She hardly said a single word over dinner, but I could practically feel her soaking up all the information and storing it. And Danaeal might be the image of a poised lady, but there is definitely dissention between her and Darien. There’s something not quite at ease there. Chanta on the other hand has a very familiar act. It’s the same as mine. Sit back, let people get comfortable with you, be ready to handle whatever gets thrown at you. But underneath under all that calm she’s a coiled snake. If I had to lay down money I’d say she’s every bit of a warrior.”

“And Taya?” Mery asked, when he didn’t add her to the list.

Something inside him expanded and contracted in the space of a heartbeat. He found it very uncomfortable. “She’s the bad girl, the playful seductress, the maiden in distress… None of them fit quite right though. Little pieces of herself keep slipping through.” He shook his head to clear her green eyes from his mind. “Now consider them as a group again. Four very different women, all playing very different roles. What’s the common thread?”

“Darien?” Mery ventured.

John nodded. “Yes, Darien. And he is slimy, Mery. Something about him feels wrong.”

They walked in silence a moment, John’s brows drawn down in concentration. Mery’s voice was tentative when she gently pulled him to a stop. “John, I can only imagine that women in their positions have expectations they must live up to, roles to play to gain acceptance. And,” she added slowly, “the Duke may be a little more dangerous than he would have us believe, but… none of that means they have some ulterior motive.”

John crossed his arms over his chest and regarded her with restrained admiration. “And what makes you think I was looking for one?”

She laughed lightly. “Because I know you. You’re always looking for the hidden bits.” Her smile turned a bit nervous and she clasped her hands in front of herself. “There is one thing you may not have taken into consideration with all your…” she waved a hand in the air, searching for the right word, “gauging.”

His eyes narrowed a little as he considered her sudden uncertainty. “What’s that?”

“You and Tayanara. Your energies. They seem to be synchronizing a lot.” She gave a self-conscious shrug. “It could be both of you trying to get a read on each other, but that kind of synchronicity usually means something a little more intimate.” She interlocked her fingers for a moment. “There’s a lot of meshing happening there.”

He let out a long breath as he regarded her. “Careful, Mery. Your inner romantic is showing.”

Mery’s face lit in a small and mischievous smile. “And said inner romantic might be just a touch interested in what you’ll have to say about Taya after you take her on a tour of the guard tomorrow. Especially considering it will just be the two of you.”

He shook his head and put his hand gently against the small of her back, moving her along with him. “She’s married to a Duke who is here to ‘foster peace between the people’” he said in mocking tones. “And she is definitely up to something. There’ll be no romances happening there.”

Mery looked up at him with adoring eyes, and slipped her arm around his waist. Such close physical contact was such a rare thing from Mery that it made his heart swell with warm love. “Never say never, John. Besides, if any woman has a weakness it’s a little romance.”

He considered in pensive silence, clear green eyes still at the forefront of his mind.

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

In a dark quiet room voices whispered from mind to mind.

He’s going to be trouble.

Isn’t that what we want?

Yes, but not like this. We want her focused, not distracted.

A small silence lapsed, and he took the moment to refill his glass, taking a long sip when he lifted it to his lips.

She’ll do what needs to be done, Darien, the voice whispered through his mind. I’ll see to it.

Knocking back the rest of his drink he smiled into the darkness. Patience was not a skill his beautiful Fire had mastered, but its lack could definitely be put to use.

The Merciless Fire was the name she earned among the Voro. The most feared and reviled of the Thyfa. She gave no quarter, showed no kindness, and took no time for deeper thought. Thinking was hesitation. Hesitation was death. Once she set her eyes on a target there was nothing else.

Oddly enough, he was looking forward to knowing what that felt like. It shocked him a little that his heart picked up pace at the thought. After all the time and effort she’d put into looking for him, he wondered how long it would be until she figured out he’d been under her nose all along.

[chaoticmultiplicity]

Troll Hunting

(Oldie but a goodie used as a brief introduction to the mains in TPOB)

The wind blew icy cold down the pass between the mountains, and struck the four women with freezing purpose. All but one shivered and hunkered down into their fur lined coats. She looked over the others with an indulgent smile, and finally buttoned her jacket.

“Beautiful weather.” Curls and puffs of hot air rose from her nose and mouth and joined those that rose from her general vicinity. “Do you think it will snow?” She asked the woman with short brown hair standing next to her.

Dani was torn between mild amusement and downright scorn. “Taya, only someone who runs a lifetime fever would think this is nice weather.” With a scowl she looked over the taller woman's lack of layers. “And if it snows, I'm making you walk back naked.”

Taya lifted a winged eyebrow, but wisely held her tongue. Instead she put her arm around the small blonde woman next to her and pulled her close to warm her. When Alexa looked up with with a grateful smile, Taya returned it in kind.

From next to Alexa, Chanta spoke through chattering teeth. “I know we're stalling, but I really want to get out of this wind.” She pulled the hood up higher over her tight thin braids. “Island girls are not supposed to get this cold.”

Taya took in Chanta’s gorgeous dark skin, and thought, not for the first time, that if she had Chanta’s complexion, she'd spend her life naked on a beach. As it was, her pale skin was always an alabaster white. She envied the tan of Alexa’s skin, and the olive complexion of Dani’s.

She pulled strands of long dark hair off her face when the wind picked it up. Taking a deep breath she focused on the dark maw that was entrance to the mine. “Alright. Let's go find us a troll.”

[chaoticmultiplicity]

Ret snorted as he watched Taya flip through the pages. "In a manner of speaking yes. It's alchemical formulas, runes, calculations, plotted projections. And those squiggly things in the margins are where I've noticed mistakes."

Taya's eyes pinned his with a look that was less than warm. "You want me to learn to read... Magician... And there's what? Grammatical errors?"

He shook his head with a small grin. "Nothing so simple. More like the spell that's supposed to make a toad glow will actually make it explode."

She continued to hold him with an icy green stare. "You do realize that I'm already quite prone to killing people on purpose without the added help of doing it on accident?"

Ret just shrugged and flipped the book back to the first page. "Then I hope you're as good as studying as you are at eviscerating. Get to it."

“Is this all written in code? How am I supposed to decipher this?”

[thepriceofburning]

As soon as she was out of the Commander's sight her face lost its innocence. Shit, she cursed silently to herself. What had she been thinking laying it on like that? Had she been thinking at all? Yes, she had. Far too much. Those warm brown eyes had sunk into her and she’d floundered. Worse yet, he’d seen right through it. She’d had him, she knew she did, and then she’d pushed it and raised his hackles.

She swore again as she blindly followed the path the other three women had taken before her. If anyone noticed she didn’t belong there, they didn’t say anything. It certainly looked as if she knew where she was going.

She turned over options in her mind as she followed the map Chanta was providing her. The Commander could be utilized, but she would have to be careful with him. For reasons she couldn’t define there was something about him that rattled her, and that was not a good position to work from. No, she needed someone a little more benign.

She looked up as she entered a large room and realized they were in some sort of art gallery. The walls were covered in painting, drawings, and tapestries. Sculptures sat on marble pedestals in various places around the room. She eyed a marble carving of a naked woman as she walked past and had to admit that the detail was exquisite.

The small group stood in a half circle facing a massive tapestry admiring the detail. Two of the Thyfa had taken up flanking positions by the door she had come through, securing the exit as per their training. Two more stood just a short distance from the group. Tower guards stood inconspicuously at every door.

“Tayanara,” Darien called, having noticed she had rejoined them. Grudgingly she put on her noble smile and joined the group. She was going to be playing at princess for the rest of the day.

With a polite smile she sidled up to Darien who looked every inch the disgruntled husband. With half an ear she listened to Mery’s recounting of the tale behind the tapestry and considered the woman critically.

Her smile was easy, but a little shy, and her eyes were bright and intelligent. Taya found the spray of freckles across her skin quite pretty. Feeling eyes on her, Mery turned to meet her gaze, and they studied each other quietly for a moment. Something in the way the witch looked at her made her feel like she was seeing more than the physical. A moment later she gave a blushing nod and turned her attention back to the group at large.

Unsure, Taya thought, but she has spine. Mery laughed prettily at something Alexa said and it was a sound full of warmth. Generous, kind, a caring soul, and probably quite stubborn when push came to shove, Taya surmised. That, she could use.

With a gentle suggestion and a motion of her hand Meryarna moved them on to the next part of the tour. Dani stepped up to keep her attention, and Darien and Taya fell back a few steps. When he offered his arm she clasped her hand around it lightly.

“Did you manage to make any headway with the Commander?” Darien asked quietly.

“Depends what you mean by headway,” she grumbled. “If by headway you mean making me even more convinced that Alexa should have been the hook, then yes.”

He gave her an unexpected smile. “She doesn’t have the grit.”

Taya narrowed her eyes. “What you mean is she’s too polished to pass as a street kid who made it lucky with a Duke and therefore would not garner as much interest or sympathy as I would, due to my lack of manners.”

“That about sums it up,” he delivered with a grin.

She tilted her head slightly as she walked beside him. “You are in an unusually good mood.”

There was a hint of something just a little malevolent when he spoke. “Perhaps having people bow and scrape and cater to my every whim appeals to me.”

Her mouth scrunched into a disapproving little twist and he laughed out loud at her expression. Three pairs of familiar eyes, and one unfamiliar, turned to look at them in mild curiosity. Taya pretended not to notice and Darien gave them all a dazzling smile. When they turned back and continued with their conversations, Taya shook her head at his audacity.

“Back to the point. Will the Commander be a problem?” He asked in more serious tones.

She breathed a small sigh. “I think he’ll be amenable… to a point.” Darien raised an eyebrow in question. “He’s got amazingly sharp gut instinct and he is definitely no fool. If we push it, chances are he’ll have it pegged that we’re not who we say we are pretty fast.” She paused for a moment. “What we need is a way around him. Someone who knows The Towers as well as he does, but whose latches are a little easier to flip.”

He cast her a sideways glance. “I take it you have someone in mind?”

She lifted her chin in the direction of the redhead leading the group. “Actually I do.”

He gave a small hum of approval. “I was thinking the same thing. See what you can get from her. I’ll have Alexa befriend the magic users, Dani on the staff, and Chanta on the townsfolk. The faster we can figure out what the Voro are looking for here and how to get it first, the better.”

Taya let her mind wander the surroundings as they were led through a large archway, the ever present tower guards standing like statues on either side. There was static against her skin and the smell of the air noticeably shifted and she realized that they must have entered the Second Reach. Mery began to tell the group about the various experimentations happening currently.

“You know,” Taya said in hushed tones, “with all the reports we’ve received of how the Voro seem to be gathering here, I expected this place to be crawling. I haven’t sensed one yet, Darien.”

Mery led them into a room that smelled so strongly of peppermint it almost made Taya’s eyes water and briefly introduced an elderly witch who began a rambling speech about the properties of the plant.

“Do you find that surprising?” He said with just a hint of disappointment. Taya’s impassive expression spoke volumes. “This place is full of magic users, Taya. I imagine that they would be quite easily detected if they couldn’t effectively hide it. Not to mention the Wolf Knights are a larger but less informed variation of the Thyfa. I’m sure the Commander is aware of the existence of the Voro, even though it’s doubtful he has any idea that they are actually a threat to his Towers at present.” There was just the hint of a sneer in his voice with the last statement.

“But,” he continued as the others patiently listened to the peppermint lecture, “they would be taking a huge risk sending any of their own in here. One gets caught and the Commander might get an idea that there’s something going on and do something to try and stop it. They wouldn’t send anyone in but their best. If they do have people in The Towers I’d say that they are using something like a barrier that would stop others sensing their differing energy levels. A dam let’s say.” A group of mages entered the room then, chattering among themselves and Darien cast a look in their direction. “And with so many people around, all they’d have to do is become a part of the crowd.”

Taya nodded on a breath. “I just wish we could catch one in here. If we could make one squeal-”

“What?” Darien asked sharply. “We could make all the Voro in the area aware of our presence and invite them to kill us? The reason we are performing this ridiculous act is so they don’t know they’re being watched, Taya. With as many Voro as there are in the area as soon as they knew we were here everyone would be in danger.” He shook his head with a lowered brow. “You should know better.”

Of their own accord her eyes found Alexa and she considered what would happen if the Voro learned her face or her name. They’d never stop hunting her.

“Okay,” she replied, “no torturing. So what? We just wait and see what happens?”

“Patience is a skill you’ve yet to acquire,” he said drily. “Yes, we wait. And while we do we learn every entrance and exit, every weak spot and malleable point. Then when we figure out what the Voro are after, it’s a simple matter of getting it before they do.”

Meryarna thanked the peppermint witch and asked them all to follow her in bright tones. Taya and Darien held back and watched as the other four women walked together, the conversation bouncing back and forth between them. It seemed they had quite an affinity for each other.

“I take it you have a plan to explain our extended visit?” she asked quietly, mindful of the way her voice carried in the hall they were in. When his only response was a lifted eyebrow, as if to say “of course”, she followed with the next thought. “Dani still thinks we should tell the Commander what is going on here.”

He glanced sideways at her. “Dani can howl all she wants but we all know she will not do a thing without your approval. Just remind her that our way saves lives and keep her contained.”

Taya gave a small nod of acknowledgement even if she disapproved of his tone towards her sister and went along easily as he drew her forward so that they could join the conversation. Other than polite smiles and nods, she offered nothing in the way of talk. Instead she drew inward and ordered her thoughts.

She felt his press against her mind and was a little surprised at it. They rarely, if ever, communicated in this intimate manner. She lowered her barrier.

You never told me how it happened. His deep, rich voice passed through her mind.

Outwardly her demeanor never changed but she passed the feeling of confusion along with her words. How what happened?

A charming smile lit his face as he replied to a question asked by Mery. How you got lucky with a Duke.

Taya pressed her lips together to contain the grin. Do you want the bar room version, or the dining table one?

She felt the sudden rise of his interest as he considered the possibilities. I remember the bar room version very well. But I wouldn’t mind rehashing the details.

She bounced her shoulder against his, causing him to side step a fraction and they both kept moving forward with heads held high without outwardly acknowledging the bump. Inwardly a mental grin passed between them and she set her mind to work on creating a dining table story of how she had met the Duke.

~Copyright C.J. Staunton Tag list - @stuffylana @atheona-darkclaw

[thepriceofburning]

Her hearing filtered back to her first. As was her habit she let her brain pick through the sounds around her before she opened her eyes. It was better to know what you were dealing with before anyone knew you were awake.

She could hear two voices, both instantly recognizable as Alexa and Darien. For her own reassurance she sent her mind out to Alexa's. It was the barest mental touch, hardly more than the brush of hair against skin, but she felt the touch in return, and forced her eyes to open. Blinking them into focus she saw Alexa lay a gentle hand on Darien's arm and nod in her direction.

She let herself absorb the comfort of her latest room as they made their way towards her. All the dark woods, rich dark colors, and soft pillows and rugs were much more to her liking than the very spare accommodations of the last few places. Her fingers moved lightly over the silk quilt that lay over her and traced the stitches that connected the patterned squares. The quilt was her piece of comfort. Something she'd had with her since the first night she and Alexa had been taken in at the age of 14. No matter where they went, the quilt was rolled up and put into its own bag.

She was drawn from her thoughts by the touch of Alexa's cool hand against her warm one, and the gentle kiss that was placed on her forehead sent a surge of tender emotion through her. It was with veiled effort that she held back a sigh of contentment. Such moments happened far too infrequently and tended not to last long.

Maybe it was the toll of her wounds or the drugs they had given her, but she felt herself pulled back into memories.

The girl had changed a lot in the 14 years since they'd met, just a few days before Alexa had told her about the pond hidden behind her house. Her blonde hair had always been tightly and intricately braided in those few days, now it hung loose in waves and curls that fell down to her waist, and always smelled like jasmine. Her depthless blue eyes could go from soft and dreamy to sharply focused, or flirtatious mischief with the slightest motivation. Her body, now firm and toned, and with the curves of a woman, still held the stature her thirteen-year-old body had predicted, but even at 5'4”, she was a demon with a short sword. Her voice was still the same though, soft and caressing, with the sweet rounded accent all people from the southern coast seemed to possess.

Through it all - her eyes, her smile, and her gently tanned skin - shone her heart, so bright and gentle that it drew people like moths to flame. She was cute, bubbly, and kind and people couldn’t help but adore her. Naturally, male adoration often meant they wanted to fuck her. Those unfortunate few usually found themselves toe to toe with an unforgiving and immovable force that went by the name of Tayanara DeVandall. Alexa had affectionately given her the nickname of Vandal after a succession of bar fights, which ended in the destruction of a certain Mayor's son’s nose.

Taya was almost the polar opposite of Alexa. Even her voice, though they’d lived together for more than half their lives, seemed a mix of many accents, rather than of one. Her father had taught her to speak Zilekan, his native tongue, from birth. As a successful merchant and politician he had always been very fond of stating that all young ladies should know the language of their neighbors. For the first 10 years of her life she had taken lessons in piano, and the languages of Taghadhia, and Noiyan as a matter of course. At the age of 27 she spoke all three languages and the common tongue of Faeidon fluently, and the lilts and inflections had made their way into her speech.

But they were physically opposite too. She stood an even 6 feet, with long black hair that tended to curl at the ends and around her face. Her body was ridged and rippled with hard earned muscle. Her sea green eyes could go from icy disinterest to raging with fire in an instant. She was as mean as a wounded bear when riled and would happily bite the head off of anyone who pushed their luck with Alexa, her ky klere, her bright heart. Most people would back off once they figured out they weren't going to intimidate her, and those that didn't... Well she was more than happy to teach them how to successfully get their teeth knocked out.

A slight, but distinctly male prod at her mind brought her attention back to the present and the man beside her bed. As she took him in she had the odd thought that if he had been a weapon he would be a jewel hilted dagger. And not the kind that was just for show either.

He was well dressed, with the eloquence of Southern aristocracy, and possessed a mind sharper than any she had ever known. His thick brown hair was a little on the long side, which he kept that way purely for the satisfaction of his 'female interests'. His pensive brown eyes were so dark they were almost black. And right now they were burrowing into hers, assessing. He didn't push at her mind as he could have though, he knew she would resent the intrusion and he respected her need for privacy.

She knew he was waiting for her to gather her wits before he began to ask her questions, but she suddenly had one of her own. “How did you get me out?”

Alexa looked a little surprised at the question. “You don't remember?” Taya shook her head. “I called for the backup team, but you passed out before they arrived and I was worried you were losing too much blood so, I gave you some from one of the Voro.”

Blood. It always came back to the blood.

“I managed to fill a bottle before we left, and we've been giving it to you in small doses until now,” Alexa continued. “Now that you're awake and we know you're not going to die on us, we can give you a heftier dose.”

Her calm voice may have surprised Taya if not for the currents she knew were hidden under it. Taya couldn't keep the grimace off her face at the thought of drinking the blood though. It was necessary, but it made her stomach churn.

Darien's voice, deep and smooth, sounded from her other side. “Why don’t you tell me what happened?”

Alexa opened her mouth to speak, but with one sharp glance from Darien she was effectively silenced. Taya knew that Alexa had probably already told him all of it but he wanted to hear Taya's version anyway. It was his way. Always prodding and asking questions.

Taya had learned very early on not to answer the way you thought you should. He always knew what the truth of the matter was. Always. Ever since the first day they had met, when she was a 14-year-old pickpocket, running around town with a blonde girl in clothes just a step above rags.

“We met minimal resistance, then moved in on the Cor. There was a pet there that attacked Alexa and she hesitated,” she answered, letting the shiver come over her and pass. “I covered her, but the female had just fed and the bitch got the upper hand on me. Alexa threw a massive chunk of ice at it and then she killed it.”

Darien nodded briefly, apparently having received the answer he was looking for. “Well, wounds aside, you did well. However many were left had fled before the backup team arrived, which means this area is officially cleared.” He looked hard at Alexa and then back at Taya. “I’m proud of you both.”

He said it without emotional inflection or gentle touch but both women accepted the praise as though it had been offered that way. Darien only wasted flowery words on people he considered inconsequential. With those he considered to be within his inner circle such things were deemed unnecessary. Such a simple sentence from him held the value of gold.

“Get well quickly,” he said, and with gentle hands picked up the golden sun pendant that was attached to the leather cord around Taya's neck. “The Thyfa need you back out there.”

He laid the pendant back against her skin with a small quirk of his mouth and a lingering gaze. And then he was gone, striding off in the direction of whatever he would conquer next. If her eyes lingered on the sight of him as he left, it was only because... Well, she couldn't think of a reason not to.

Taya returned her focus to Alexa who was still gripping her hand, and seemed to be studying the silk quilt with concerted effort.

“I'm sorry,” came her soft voice, as she slowly lifted her eyes to Taya's. “If I hadn't hesitated-”

Taya's grip tightened and she felt the strain in her shoulder.  She ignored the pain and held Alexa's eyes. “If you hadn't hesitated, you wouldn't be you. It's easy for me to forget that there are people in there, but you don't. Don't ever be sorry for that.” Alexa's face brightened a little, enough to make them both feel better. It was a shame she had to ruin it with what she would ask next. “Did we get any out alive?”

Alexa's eyes dropped again, and she shook her head sadly. “No. No one was even alive when we got there except for the pet, and we couldn't have saved him even if we wanted to.”

Taya watched with sympathy as Alexa's eyes went far away. She was probably lingering on the fact that she had had to kill him, wishing there was some way she could have saved him.

“It's not right,” Alexa said, suddenly vehement.

“Darling, you couldn't have saved him,” she offered in comfort.

Blue eyes focused on her again. “Not the pet, Taya. The whole thing. None of it is right.”

Alarmed by the bold statement, Taya moved to sit up and bit back a curse as her shoulders painfully reminded her of her wounds.

Spurred into immediate action, Alexa was there, helping her sit with a hand behind her back and a pillow shoved into the space behind her. Then, remembering something, Alexa dashed across the room and Taya heard the rattle of cups and bottles. When she returned she offered Taya a crystal glass full of something that looked like thick wine, and waited for her to accept it before she sat on the edge of the bed.

Taya took a sniff of the drink and scrunched her nose up in disgust. Blood and wine. At least the wine would make it go down easier. With an unhappy sigh and gritted teeth at the use of her arm, she brought the drink to her lips and drank it down as quickly as possible.

She let her head fall back as she drew air into her lungs and felt the rush of the Voro curse work its way through her. For an instant everything sharpened in her mind, then swam back, sickeningly, to what it usually was. She felt Alexa in her mind, like a light stroking against her thoughts and she was surprised at the strength of the connection. On a hunch she looked down to Alexa's hand and saw the strip of cloth she'd wound around her palm.

The blonde noticed the direction of her gaze and gave an apologetic shrug. “I thought it was best for us to make another exchange while you were already being disgusted.”

Taya raised an eyebrow, not sure if she should be grateful or not. “You know, an exchange goes both ways.” It was more of a question than a statement.

Alexa gave her a brief smile. “I took some of yours after we had you back here so I could monitor you. I didn't want the curse to send you over the edge once we started dosing you.”

They had both begun taking the Voro blood years ago, at Darien's urging. He had told them after a particularly gruesome battle that in a time when the Thyfa were much stronger, they had occasionally consumed Voro blood to boost their strength and stamina. He had confided in them that he himself had been consuming it for years.

The next time they had cleared an Umbra they had carefully and with more than a little disgust filled a small vial of Voro blood for each of them. That night they had consumed a few glasses of port and then downed the vials. The results were immediate and effective. They had become stronger, faster, and their inherent magical abilities had increased almost alarmingly. They had also noticed that along with all the extra power and extra sensory abilities it had also increased their ability to heal. Voro blood had become as much of a tool as their weapons.

Thus they had become the Elite, a rank that in later years would earn them much hatred from the Voro. It had been a step in the right direction.

Then one day Alexa had been injured badly and Taya, afraid for her life and not having any Voro blood available, had given Alexa her own in desperation. It had an added, not altogether unpleasant, side effect.

Around the time she and Alexa had taken to life on the streets Taya had discovered that she had an inherent ability to amplify her feelings. She had gotten so good at communicating with Alexa in this manner that it was almost as good as speech. But after she had given her blood to Alexa, Alexa had not only started picking up her emotions, but her thoughts, and even her pain. More than that, Taya had also started getting faint impressions of Alexa’s mind.

Darien had seemed very interested in the development and so had asked that Alexa also share her blood with Taya. It had opened a whole new level of communication. And it was terrifying. For Taya, who had been picking and choosing what emotions to share for years, having them all laid out bare for someone else to see had been mortifying.

Especially on the day that she had looked up and seen her sweet, bright Alexa standing in a ray of sunlight, smiling and chatting amiably with a hawker in the market. The world had faded out in that moment and all Taya could see was the woman she knew she would love for the rest of her life.

Alexa’s gaze had slid to hers, a curious look on her face, and Taya had simply frozen, unable to even guess what would happen next. Alexa had walked over to her with a warm smile and, standing on her toes, had placed a warm kiss on Taya's lips. When she had stepped back  with eyes full of her heart, she had whispered to Taya’s mind, I love you too. It had been just that simple.

Shortly after that Darien had insisted they also share blood with him and at least one member of their back up team. That, more than anything else, had pushed both the women to learn to block their minds and thoughts from others - a skill they called ‘building the fortress’. It has also taught them to ‘push’.

Pushing was an ability inherent to the Voro and one they had to cultivate when they discovered that the members of the backup team who they exchanged their blood with, could not pick up the thoughts of the Elite unless they were quite literally shoved into their minds. Trying it on other people they had not exchanged with proved utterly useless though she was fairly certain Darien was capable of pushing people and had been doing so for quite some time. Like any skill, the more you used it, the better you got at it.

The downside was that the mind connection had to continuously be reinvigorated or the ability to pass thoughts was unreliable. In short they had to exchange blood at least once every two weeks to maintain its strength. Just a few drops were all that was required, which was far better than the upkeep they had to endure with the Voro blood. One vial a week, bottled fresh from the source and no more than a day old.

The things we do for the ones we love.

Her gaze lingered over Alexa who was watching her patiently, waiting for her to gather her thoughts before she pushed on with the subject at hand.

"Alright," Taya said, bringing her thoughts back to the point. "Tell me what you're thinking."

"Well, I've just been mulling it over, Taya. This wasn't a group of strays, this was an established Umbra. Reports have this one located here for years but look at the state it was in. Umbra’s are supposed to be organized, protected and adhere to certain rules. Here we only encountered 2 guards, both of them were untrained and of the 6 we killed at least half of them were smoked on opium."

Taya nodded as she thought back. "Actually I'm pretty sure all of them had been hitting it".

"Right!" she exclaimed. "And you know how they feel about that stuff. It makes them sloppy so it's a big no-no." She began to lift a finger with each statement. "Pretty much no guards. The place was a wreck. Everyone's smoked and the Master was the guy with the pet!"

Taya couldn't quite hide her smile at Alexa's outrage, as though she took offense to the fact   that they hadn't been harder to kill. "Really?"

"Yes!" came a fierce response. "But do you know what troubles me the most, Taya? They had no feeding supply." Her voice now took on an air of concern. "None. Not a single human anywhere in the place fit for it besides the pet. Of course I could be wrong, considering the state the body was in when she was done but I think the one the female was feeding on was very sick when she took him. He smelled awful. Voro don't feed on the sick unless they have to Taya. They don't get the rush from it. So why was she?"

The smile was gone from Taya's face now. “When you said no one survived, I figured you meant they were poisoned or too far gone.” Her brows drew together as she processed the information. “No respectable Umbra Master would allow that. The Potens would be pissed if he found out there wasn’t going to be a feast if he dropped by. They always have someone locked up somewhere. A good host feeds his guests,” she said mockingly.

Alexa leaned forward, her entire being focused on Taya. “No Umbra Master would allow it. Respectable or not. Like you said, the Potens would be pissed and when the Potens gets pissed Umbra’s get claimed and handed over to better Masters. The only thing Voro want more than blood is power. You break the rules, the Potens hears about it and his enforcers remove the problem. Not to mention all of them are eager to snitch, because if you can knock the guy out who's above you, it's far easier to take his place.” She paused, her eyes as sharp as her mind. “So why isn't the Potens removing Masters like this one? More to the point, why hasn't he done anything about any of the Umbra’s in this area? None of them have been much better.”

Taya closed her eyes and tipped her head back so it rested on the headboard. She let thoughts run unhindered through her mind. Images, ideas, memories, all whirled through her thoughts as she picked out the ones that might hold significance and gave them a closer look. A piece of the puzzle was missing.

The Potens was the highest power among the Voro. He set the rules, made the standards. If any of the Umbra’s didn’t conform to the Potens’ regulations he would swiftly and mercilessly make sure that the offense was not repeated. It was how he retained power. Alexa was right. Something was off.

“You're right about the Umbra’s in this area,” Taya said, mostly to give voice to her thoughts. “The four before this one were headed the same way. There was almost no secrecy about that one back in Warshal. That's Voro rule number one. Stay in the shadows. The Potens would have had them all eliminated for that.” A chill began to form in Taya's gut. “Is it possible he doesn’t know?”

Alexa gave an uncertain shrug. “The one way that happens is if the Umbra’s are not communicating with each other. And we both know that’s not likely. You stop being visible and others start wondering what you’re up to. It’s the fastest way to draw attention to yourself. But it seems like all these Umbra,” she swept her hand out in an encompassing gesture, “are completely unconcerned that the Potens will find out.”

“Maybe the power has shifted," Taya said. Alexa's brow creased, not quite understanding. “If the Potens has been replaced or a competitor has risen then the whole order of things could have been thrown off and everyone’s struggling for a higher place up the ladder. If that’s the case it would make sense that little pockets like this one are defecting in an effort to wrestle some of their own power out of the situation.”

As she finished the thought, another one struck her, and the chill she had felt earlier settled onto a tight ball in her center. “Of course it is possible that the Potens is simply ignoring these defectors and letting us wipe them out for him once they draw attention to themselves.” She shook her head in disbelief. “Which would further encourage other Umbra to get back in line and fall under the protection of the Potens.”

Alexa's eyes widened a fraction. “Do you really think so?”

Taya shrugged, remembering the state of her shoulders too late. She hissed through her teeth. “If it's the former, he won't stay in power long. He'll be overthrown by someone smarter and stronger.” She paused a moment. “If it's the latter, which I get a really bad feeling it might be, then we have a problem. The last thing we need is a Potens who knows how to use us on the field.”

Alexa's eyes went off into the distance, and Taya studied her features for a moment before asking, “You haven't spoken to Darien about this have you?” She couldn't stop the slight edge of accusation from her voice.

The blonde shook her head, looking slightly ashamed. “I almost did when we got back here, but…” she shook her head again, a subconscious sign of the battle her own thoughts were waging, “Darien knows everything, Taya. He's the one that finds the Umbra’s. He's the one with all the information. We know he has contacts within the Voro. I figured if it was something serious he would have told us.” Serious blue eyes settled on hers. “Why keep it from us?”

“You don't trust him?” Taya asked, a little surprised.

A quiet sigh left her. “It’s not that I don't trust him, Taya. I do. With our lives. But I don't like the way he keeps things from us.” She lifted her hands and let them drop. “I almost feel like it’s a test or something.”

Taya nodded, understanding her feelings. “Considering that he has neglected to even mention it I have to agree. I don't like the thought of him keeping something like this from us.” She reached her hand out to touch Alexa's knee, grateful the pain had already lessened. She gave her a soft smile. “I'm glad you told me though. I feel stupid for not thinking of it myself.”

Alexa's face lit up like sunlight, and Taya felt the familiar tug at her heart. She couldn't have stopped the smile that lit her own face if she wanted to. An unvoiced communication passed between them, not with thoughts, but with loving smiles and gentle touches.

“I'm glad you're ok, Vandal,” came Alexa's voice, back to it's usually quiet tone.

“I'd never leave you, ky klere,” Taya returned softly.

Her heart tripped and tumbled as Alexa leaned forward, her lips so close to Taya's she could feel the shiver of cool breath across her hot skin. “I know,” she whispered, and her lips softly, tantalizingly, brushed against Taya's.

Before she could get her hands into the long golden strands that slid across her, Alexa had pulled away. Taya grinned at the twinkle in her eyes. Her bright, bubbly Alexa had returned.

“Get better quickly,” Alexa said in mischievous tones. “We need you out there.” With a saucy smile she turned and headed for the door.

Taya grinned like a fool. “You better watch it, cheri. You'll start a fire you can't put out.”

“A girl can hope,” she threw over her shoulder, and left Taya drooling at the cocky sway of her hips.

Tag list - (let me know if you want to be added) @stuffylana

[thepriceofburning]

Year 335 of the Era of Unity

John Estep stood high on a balcony that ran the entire length of the entrance courtyard to the Towers. From here he could see his men in their positions upon the defensive walls, and the people who shuffled through the massive gates into the giant paved area called the First Yard, below. A small dark starkling cried the hour from its roost upon one of the guard towers and a dozen echoing calls replied.

As Delta Commander of the Wolf Knights, The Towers were his responsibility. One might assume that a place so packed with mages, witches, wizards, sorceresses, and shadow beings, might not need protection from an outside source. What most didn't realize was that such people frequently needed protection from themselves. This wasn't simply a military post, but a political one, with the factions often clashing. As an “unenlightened”, as those without magic were commonly and rudely called, his job was more often than not mediation.

He was quite sure many of the inhabitants of the Towers had illnesses of the mind, ranging from racing thoughts, to mood swings, to the egomaniacal tendencies most commonly shown in wizards lording over lowly witches. Grand Wizard of the Third Reach, Istarn - by far the most self-inflated wizard in residence - was a constant and particular thorn in his side. What with the Third Reach being particularly concerned with matters of warfare, he was a thorn best dealt with tactfully.

Each of the five towers that gave the enormous structure its name was a designated Reach, and each Reach dealt with a different area of study. The First Reach, which was the first tower a person entered when they visited The Towers, was dedicated to Personal Enlightenment, Philosophy, and Expression Through Art. To his simple understanding this meant a lot of praying, meditating, thinking, and decorating every available surface.

The Second Reach was dedicated to Healing and the Prevention of Diseases, though he would swear that sometimes the fumes in there were more dangerous to a person's health than not. They did have quite a nice distillery, though.

The Third Reach, being the School of Warfare and Mechanics was by far the most dangerous place in the towers to go wandering about in. Those “enlightened” that lived and worked there were the shadiest, sly, and most untrusting people one could find. The Wolf Knights were garrisoned on the first two floors of the Third and tried to stay out from under toe as much as possible. Even so, the occasional bang could be heard echoing down the halls followed by loud and inventive cursing.

The Fourth Reach held its specialty in Botany and Environmental Studies, and to his opinion drew the best kind of people. Generally calm, quiet, and intelligent, and yet always going somewhere, John sometimes thought of them as the human equivalent of squirrels. They were always borrowing bits of research from other Reaches and bringing it back to their own studies to apply it to their work.

The Fourth was also where most of the resident shadow beings made their beds. The starklings, being no more sentient than birds of prey, were kept in the large aviary in the Fourth Yard, but the imps, sprites, and other beings of inhuman nature could be found all through the tower. Sometimes in odd and unexpected places.

The Fifth Reach was by far his favorite of the towers. Its dedication being Astrology, Astronomy, and Weather, the Fifth was never boring, though he had expected it to be so when he had first taken his position here. Since then he had witnessed a flash flood, a whirlwind, and a perpetual lightning storm all within the confines of that tower. The rooftop observatory had seen quite a bit of his time too. Aside from the almost constant static feeling in there, he quite enjoyed wandering its halls and chatting with its occupants. Even those who tried to tell him what his year had in store based on his time and place of birth.

All in all The Towers were a place of great power, and unfortunately for him, it also made it a stop for many politicians. One could hardly be considered for any position of knowledge or power if they hadn't visited the largest center of enlightened learning in North Sappheo.

Today he was expecting another politician, though unlike most, this visitor was coming from below the divide. He would be the first visitor from the South the Towers had seen since before Sappheo had split. However, just like all the others, he would welcome them, assign them guards for their stay, and send them off with whichever member of the First had drawn the short straw to be liaison. Or whoever volunteered for the task.

They would wander The Towers, looking haughty and nodding their heads while they pretended to have a clue. Then as always, they would sit down to dinner with him, apprise him of a few problems only they could solve, or criticize his management of the place. Within the next day or two, they'd be on their way, never to be seen or heard from again.

He braced his arms on the stone wall and looked over the First Yard with shrewd brown eyes. Enlightened and townspeople milled around stalls, browsing each other's wares in the small market set against the wall west of the gates. It ended in a building called The Healer's Hut, where people came to buy medicines and cures and have their ailments examined. Some would be sent to the recovery section of the First for the setting of bones or the stitching of wounds, fewer would be sent to the Second for further examination.

On the east side were the stables and the large paddock, which served the Wolf Knights’ couriers and scouts, and visiting dignitaries. Just beyond the fenced in area and encompassing the entire east corner was the Prayer Garden. Here there were lovely stone benches and walled flower beds, which surrounded a large tree. The leaves of this unique flora turned from green to purple as they aged, and fell in the colors of sunsets. An altar was positioned beneath the tree and people came to leave small offerings to their Gods of choice. Many came to simply sit beneath the outstretched limbs of the tree and pray or contemplate as sunset leaves fell around them, or sit and chat to one of the members of the First who offered an unbiased ear and friendly countenance.

The sound of giggling children could be heard where he stood on the wall, and he knew that it was most likely due to one of the helpful little sprites being playful, or an imp starting an impromptu game of tag. Sometimes even one of the big, lumbering, stony faced, Batu could be found in the garden looking terribly somber while children climbed its long limbs and stout body.

Tucked in the crook created at the join of the First and Fifth Reach was the goods store, and the administration building. At the store a person could pick up anything from jewelry, to herbs, to books. John would have bet money that the most popular items in the store were the small sticks that produced candle like flame when held correctly. But, with each Reach needing to provide a certain amount of sellable goods per quarter, the wares often varied greatly, and many people came just to see what was available.

The administration building served to answer inquiries regarding gaining entrance as a student, and to match people who needed particular services with those enlightened that could provide them. The flow of messages into and out of the building and the constant frazzled state of its workers had earned it the title of “the cuckoos nest”.

The wind kicked up a little, bringing the cold of autumn along his skin, and for a small inexplicable moment, he felt a warning in the chill. Instinct had his muscles tensing before he forcibly relaxed, and ran his hand over long, dirty blonde hair, a few strands already trying to work loose from the ponytail. These meetings always made him tense. He had plenty of patience, but if anything pushed it, it was pompous politicians who wanted to tell him how to do his job.

A soft pair of footsteps approached him from the doors that opened onto the balcony where he now stood, and he was relieved that he recognized the sound of them. Sending a smile over his shoulder as she approached, he very sincerely hoped that the redheaded witch was going to be his liaison for this dignitary.

She returned his smile with a sunny one of her own, the freckles over her nose seeming to make it all the more cheerful. “Good morning, Commander.” The wind danced through long tendrils of dense red hair and carried the faint scent of lavender and lilies along with it. “Ready for our guests?”

The tumble and roll of her thick rural accent was like a balm to his soul. “Mery, if you pulled the liaison straw today I will be considerably more ready.” He said with barely disguised hope.

Her light laugh danced out as she resettled the lace shawl that lay around her shoulders. “Then I suppose it's a good thing I volunteered.” She grinned up at him from under her lashes. “I couldn't sit back and watch you suffer so. Besides, this might be the only time in my whole life I ever get to meet a Duke.”

He gave her a smile of gratitude and affection and they settled into a comfortable silence as they waited for the Duke and his escort to arrive. Frankly, he wasn’t surprised that Mery had volunteered for today's tour. Since the divide such titles and birthrights had been abolished in the North. Lordly titles no longer existed in their part of the world, and even though it had been possible to pass between the divide for near two centuries, great pains had been taken to keep their politics separate. Until recently.

He was amused at Mery’s enthusiasm though. Mery was shy, and quiet, and sweet, and more than a little unsure of herself. Having grown up on a small farm with her grandmother he thought that sometimes she was overwhelmed by life in The Towers. She spent most of her days intensely focused on earning her credentials in aura reading and spiritual healing, but he knew that deep down inside she wished for a life of excitement and adventure, and a visiting Duke was too good to pass up.

Her red hair, twisted and tied at the base of her head to fall loose and full, danced over the shoulder of her blue dress. It was one of her best, fit snugly to the waist and flared into ankle length skirts that were embroidered around the edges with little green flowers.

Her hazel eyes seemed to soak in the light of the morning sun, and the smattering of freckles across her face clustered together across her nose. John thought, not for the first time, that she was a woman made for sunlit days and warm laughter, and he absolutely adored her.

Not many people knew the things Mery had suffered in her early years, or that underneath her kind eyes and caring smile there were wounds. When he thought about them he wished there was a way to undo them, to ensure that only peace and happiness remained, but he knew it wasn’t possible. Instead he did his best to keep her safe and happy, and in return she offered him friendship and support that he truly valued.

The glint of sunlight caught his thoughts and his watchful brown eyes turned in that direction. Standing in the center of the Yard, watching the people milling around was a woman with long black hair, pinned up at the sides, that seemed to shine in the sun.

She wore a fitted brown bodice over a deep red blouse that he guessed to be made of silk. Her skirts were a deep chocolate brown, like the bodice, with little to no decoration. Around her neck she wore a pendant of some sort which had caused the reflection, though at this distance he couldn’t tell what it was.

There was nothing about the woman that should have kept his attention as she began to wander about, yet he found himself watching her. He found himself wondering who she was, where she had come from, and why she was there.

As if she sensed his eyes on her she lifted her head and her gaze found his immediately. He couldn’t have said what color those eyes were, but her hair had fallen loose from the pins and curled around her face, framing her features. She had a strong jaw and her cheekbones were high under large eyes, just slightly turned up at the end. Her nose was long and straight, and led his gaze to  a long firm mouth. Her eyebrows reminded him of bird’s wings, thick towards the center and thinning to a fine line along the curve and swoop of her brow. It was the kind of face that spoke of strength, probably quite often drawn to seriousness. But there was a softness there too, some kind of secret gentleness begging to be found. He found her captivating.

They stayed, eyes locked for a moment, before her features relaxed into a smile, and then a grin. His own mouth turned upwards as the strong face took on features of mischief. She tilted her head slightly and lifted an eyebrow, almost as if in silent challenge.

Mery’s hand on his arm caught his attention. “I think they’re here.”

He looked toward the gate and saw the crowd beginning to step away from the area by the gate - a sure sign of a large party approaching. He flicked his eyes back down to the raven-haired woman again, but to his dismay she was gone. Perhaps he would see her again, but for now he had work to do.

He straightened as the guard positioned on the gate blew the signal that meant “official visitor” and with a hand on the small of Mery’s back, motioned her to go before him. With her in the lead they hurried down the steps and only slightly out of breath, arrived at the door to the Great Hall, just as the party came to a halt.

In the lead were four guards, armed to the teeth and mounted on imposing warhorses, which had been brushed to a shine. Behind came the noble collection. The Duke rode proud and relaxed, leading three women who also rode with the confidence of those who had spent many hours in the saddle.

John could tell by their clothes and bearing that these were not just maids. Judging by what he knew, these were the Duke's wives. It was a concept that most Northerners found outlandish if not atrocious, but it wasn’t his place to judge.

Behind the wives came the ladies in waiting. Four women in similar dresses, who smiled and whispered quietly amongst themselves. Behind that came two more mounted guards, and a small wagon carrying provisions driven by two more. Four more men made up the rear guard.

All in all that made a contingent of 20, though he was sure that the paperwork he had received from the Sovereign Minister had stated that 21 could be expected. He wondered briefly what had happened to the last man.

The guards dismounted first, followed by the Duke and his wives, and the ladies in waiting who were offered helping hands by the guards. When all had found their feet the Duke stepped forward and John took his cue. He didn’t need to check to know that his own Tower Guard has taken up ceremonial position on the walls or flanking the stairs. His most trusted man, Galen, would have seen to it.

Knowing the protocol, John bowed his head deeply with a hand over his heart, and delivered his welcoming speech. With a voice loud enough to reach the crowd of townsfolk watching the exchange and with an accent that spoke of the rough side of the Capital he began. “I am Delta Commander John Estep, of the Order of the Wolf Knights. It is with our Sovereign Minister’s blessing that I have the honor of welcoming His Lordship, Duke Darien Deyrndraig, of the Southern province of Gyrissa.”

Murmurs of excitement and a quiet applause ran through the crowd.

With a reciprocating bow, and an equally loud voice the Duke gave the expected response. “We are honored to receive the hospitality of North Sappheo and of The Towers, Delta Commander. It is our greatest wish that this visit will harbor greater understanding between our lands.”

This time the round of applause was much louder and for a moment John felt that he should give a stage bow for the crowd, but he kept his back straight and his face still until the murmurs died down. John descended the steps as the Duke approached for a quieter exchange.

John offered a hand in friendly greeting, and it was readily accepted. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Your Lordship.”

“Likewise, Commander,” came the easy reply. The Duke stepped back and motioned the three women forward. “May I introduce my wives?”

The first was a petite blonde, with sparkling blue eyes, sun tanned skin, and long curling hair that seemed too wild to be tamed in any severe manner. Her nose was what he would describe as cute, and her rosebud lips were turned into a shy smile. The soft blue of her velvet dress was clasped about the waist with a silver chain. It was cut simply and elegantly, but the voluminous sleeves and skirts brought to mind images of children turning circles in the sunlight. She carried the distinct impression of mischief about her, and he resisted the urge to smile as the Duke introduced her. “Lady Alexa Jordin.”

After a brief curtsey and bow delivered with a dazzling smile, she stepped back, and the second wife took her place.

This one was of average height, with creamy skin and straight brown hair cut at the shoulders. Her eyes were a soft grey, and her nose was thin and just little long, but seemed made to fit her angular face. Her thin lips were set in a polite smile but something about her seemed more inclined to a thoughtful frown. Her dress, in the current fashion of corsets and folds upon folds of skirts, was a stormy grey satin fringed in white lace and complimented her straight, thin frame. His first impression was of a woman he could have long intelligent discussions with.

“Lady Danaeal Ynari.” The Duke announced, and they exchanged the expected curtsey and bow.

She stepped back and the next wife stepped forward. Slightly taller than the previous woman, she was nothing short of an exotic beauty. Her skin was the color of rich dark coffee and her long dark hair was twisted into hundreds of tiny ropes, accented by unique beads here and there. Her eyes were a brown so dark they were almost black, and were angled in an almost catlike manner. Her dress was of a thick woven material in a pattern of forest green and gold that flowed loosely and left one arm exposed. She approached him with a smile that was somehow reminiscent of a doting grandmother. She had the presence of a nurturer, a carer, someone who people told their troubles to on instinct.

“Lady Chanta Abarro.” The Duke introduced, but instead of the expected curtsey, the Lady kissed her fingers, then touched her forehead and her chest, and inclined her head. John gave the formal bow, but found himself curious about her homeland and customs.

John opened his mouth to announce his honor at meeting them all when the Duke raised a finger. “A moment, please,” he said long-suffering impatience. “We seem to be missing somebody.”

The twenty first guest, John surmised as the Duke leaned over to say a word in a guard's ear. He sincerely hoped there wasn’t going to be a problem this early in the visit, but he would handle whatever got thrown his way.

The guard nodded and turned to attend his task, but stopped before he hit three strides, and stood aside for the woman approaching them. To John’s combined pleasure and dismay it was the woman he had seen from the balcony.

“I’m sorry,” she said, laying a hand on the Duke's arm, “I got distracted.” Her eyes settled on John and a small grin appeared in her lips. “Hello.”

Up close he could see that her eyes were a brilliant shade of green, and her ears did not only have the regular piercing women seemed to favor, but there was also a bar that joined two piercings high up the fold of her right ear, and the tiniest stud in the little bump that preceded her left ear. He could also see, sneaking above her collar on her left, what looked like a burn scar marring her light olive complexion.

Before John could answer her greeting, the Duke spoke up. “Allow me to present my most troublesome wife, Lady Tayanara DeVandall.”

Again breaking protocol she offered her hand, and he was pleasantly surprised by her strong grip and slightly worried by its feverish temperature. “It’s a pleasure my Lady. I’m Delta Commander John Estep. I’m afraid you missed my welcome speech.”

A shock seemed to ripple through the surrounding people at his teasing tone, and he reigned himself in. Joking with one of the four wives of the Duke of Gyrissa was not a good way to start the visit.

Stepping back he motioned forward his saving grace, and she stepped forward with a graceful curtsy. “This is Meryarna Marek, witch of the First, and she will be acting as your liaison during your stay.” He then motioned to a presence close behind him, who stepped forward and bowed deeply. “And this is my second in command, Warrior-in-Lead Galen Glenn.”

Mery mercifully stepped forward and took control of the situation. “Please call me Mery. It is an honor to serve as your liaison.”

She exchanged polite greetings with all of them, and instructed the Duke to have his head guard make the appropriate arrangements with Galen concerning guard duty. After asking if the ladies in waiting would like to set up the chambers, she instructed them to stay with Galen also, who would see them to where they needed to be.

John stepped aside as she invited the noble quintuplet, and the guards that would remain with them, to begin their tour. When they were past, he closed his eyes and let out a deep breath, then ran a hand over his hair. He knew better than to step outside of the accepted pleasantries.

“Excuse me, Commander?” came a velvety voice. He swore silently as he realized one of the wives had stayed behind. “Or should I call you Delta Commander?” Lady Tayanara asked.

He gave her a polite smile. “Commander is fine, Lady Tayanara.”

Her smile was more than a little flirtatious. “Then you’ll call me Taya.” When he gave a nod her smile faded into something more serious. “I was hoping I might have a moment of your time before you are off to your other duties.”

He turned his gaze to the small group of people entering the Towers and lingered as Duke Deyrndraig stopped, noticing the troublesome wife had once again left the pack. He turned then, and saw her standing next to him. The Duke’s brown eyes pinned him, and he felt it like the point of a knife against his skin. His skin prickled, not in fear, but as it did in the moment before the first blow was struck - in anticipation of the fight.

His own eyes turned hard and cold, but knowing this was not the fight for him, he gave a nod of acquiescence that seemed to placate the Duke’s nerves. Deyrndraig looked at Taya with something like an admonishment and turned to join the group again.

Forcing himself back to level heading after the exchange, John turned back to Taya and caught her raised eyebrow before she collected herself. She gave him an impish smile and a shrug. “I’ll catch up.”

It was only with great effort that he didn’t sigh as he motioned her to a bench that sat along the rise of the stone steps. This woman was going to be trouble.

“What can I do for you?” he asked once she was seated.

She seemed to take a moment to choose her words, and she regarded him seriously. “Truth be told, I didn’t get distracted.” Her eyes lifted to the guards on the wall. “I wanted to check your security.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, he raised his eyebrows curiously. “Why is that?”

She breathed a sigh and dropped her eyes to the hands in her lap. “Where we come from there is a political battle raging at the moment. Darien’s title is one others would happily claim upon his demise.” She looked at him again, and he read the concern there, and felt it palpably. “Living in the South has become dangerous for us, so he’s brought us here in an attempt to remove us from the situation.”

John considered for a moment then took a seat on the bench beside her. “I’m going to guess that getting to him was too hard, and they started to come after his wives?”

Taya nodded. “Exactly. Which is why I fought against Darien’s idea of bringing us here the whole way.” Seeing John’s confusion she raised a hand in the direction her husband had gone. “He is in far more danger here than he ever was back at home. Back there we knew every face, every name, every secret entrance and secluded corridor. Here, we know nothing.” She studied his face for a moment before continuing. “I wanted to be sure your guard detail would be enough to keep my family safe.”

He simply looked at her for a moment, feeling the roll of emotions that seemed to come off her in waves, trying to put all the pieces of her into one complete image. Regal in bearing, but not in demeanor. Mischievous and maybe even callous when it came to rules and protocol, but the way she talked about protecting her family made it obvious to him that she was more lioness than kitten.

His eyes caught on the pendant hanging around her neck, and he realized that it was what had reflected the sun to him up on the balcony. The golden sun hung on a braided cord of fine leather, and he found it a little odd to find leather on a Lady, but thinking back he could swear all the other wives had worn the same thing around their necks.

As an afterthought he realized that Taya was wearing quite a lot of leather. Her bodice, her boots, her decorative bracelets, and the thin belt and pouches she wore were all of high quality leather. More pieces of the puzzle that was the woman before him.

On a thought he asked, “Is your husband aware that you’re checking on his security?”

A silent laugh bubbled up from her. “Crows, no. And if he finds out he’ll probably be mad at me, though he shouldn’t really be surprised. This is the kind of thing that happens when you marry a street kid,” she said with a lopsided smile.

He smiled with surprise. “You were a street kid?”

This time she let out a chuckle. “Yes I was. An orphan even. I can pass for a Lady most of the time but,” she shrugged, “once in awhile the streets come out in me.”

She said it not with shame, but with pride. As a badge of merit. I survived, the statement seemed to say, and I will keep surviving. He realized that there were a lot of things he wanted to know about this woman.

“I guess that brings us back to our original question,” he said, unfolding his arms and bracing them on his knees. “What can I do for you?”

She dropped her eyes a little, as though embarrassed to ask. “I was hoping you could show me around and tell me what you have in place. I’m sure that between your men and ours it will be fine, but for my own peace of mind, I’d appreciate it.” She touched a hand to his arm. “I know you’re probably too busy right now, but if you could fit me in tomorrow?”

He could feel the warmth of her hand through his clothes and he suddenly realized that the emotions he was receiving were disingenuous. There was concern yes, but not for her family, and certainly not fear. There was something subtle underneath it. Something coercive. Manipulative.

He searched her eyes for a moment, but saw no falters there. She was going to be a hard nut to crack. With a nod he stood, helping her to her feet with a hand. “Tomorrow I’ll take you around and show you what we have in place. Until then I assure you that every precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of your family.”

His sudden stiffness seemed to drive her to compensate. With a sweet smile she leaned up to place a kiss on his cheek. Two thoughts immediately crossed his mind. The first was that the press of her lips was so warm it was almost scalding. The second was that she had perfected sweet and innocent to the point that it screamed of falsity.

When she pulled back his eyes bored into hers, so that for a moment they both seemed stuck there, trying to gauge each other's thoughts. Something in him seemed to be reaching inside her and neither seemed willing or able to stop it.

Realizing her hand was still in his, she pulled it gently from his grasp. “Thank you, Commander,” she said with an unsure smile.

Something about that one move made his stomach clench and heart pick up pace. He’d unseated her. But it wasn’t that he’d caught her in a falsehood that caused that feeling inside him, it was the sensation of almost seeing her. The real her.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Why do I get the feeling you’re going to be trouble for me?”

She reached up and rubbed at her left shoulder in what he sensed was an unconscious movement. With just a hint of a grin she stepped away. “They’ll be waiting for me,” she said, and with one last look, she turned and walked away.

He folded his arms again as he watched her go. Lady Tayanara was far more than she seemed, and he intended to find out exactly what she was up to.

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added)- @stuffylana @atheona-darkclaw

[thepriceofburning]

*Sexual content warning*

Taya woke up on a ragged, sobbing breath, echoing visages of a clawed, fanged monster, and a small blonde girl beating at her conscious.

She pulled breath in and out of her lungs, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart, but she couldn't stop the intrusive memories that pushed their way to the forefront of her mind. Throwing the bed covers off herself, she sat up and pulled the small flame from the lamp next to her bed and sent it around the room to light the candles littered throughout.

Once the room was flickering with light, she turned her eyes up the wooden beams of the ceiling, picking out the pictures and patterns that had become familiar to her during her stay there. Her hand lifted and grasped the golden sun that hung around her neck. She was Thyfa Elite. She did not have to fear the monsters anymore, and she’d never let any of them get their claws on Alexa.

She forced a deep breath in and out of her lungs as her usual self-assurance settled back into place. She sent her mind out to Alexa's needing to reassure herself, and the connection came quickly and easily. Alexa's mind reached out to hers in return and offered her images and thoughts. She was on reconnaissance. Darien has asked her to go along with the new guy and teach him a few things.

Taya breathed a sigh of relief and let her gaze drop to her bare feet. Recon was pretty safe. It was mostly eavesdropping, pickpocketing, and bribing, and she knew Darien would not risk Alexa unnecessarily. There were certainly no nightmare monsters, and she was definitely not a defenseless 13-year-old.

A few generations before Taya's birth the Voro had started to reemerge under a new leader. One who had breathed renewed respect into the title of Potens. A title carried by all those who had claimed power as the head of the Voro, with each new one claiming a new totem. The last one had been Potens Grypites, which Taya understood to mean “Mighty Gryphon”, but the new one had publicly claimed no totem. That alone made her uneasy.

The new resurgence of the Voro had put a strain on the small number of Thyfa, and their numbers had had to grow to compensate. The Thyfa were, at their core, monster killers. When shadow beings became a problem, it was the Thyfa who silently and effectively removed it, never asking for reward or praise. They got in, did their job, and got out. People feared them as much as they respected them, and thus the name was only spoken in whispers.

Over the years since then many had been brought into the secret world of the Thyfa and taught to fight, to track, to sense, to hide, to kill. But of the new Thyfa, none had been deemed worthy enough of the title of Elite. Until Darien had found Taya and Alexa in an alley one day and made it his mission to make them the best. It was because they were the best that the Voro became their niche, the two of them having hunted little else.

Even before they had begun consuming the blood, they had been the prodigies, determined to use what they had to help the world. They were the best fighters; they were faster, quieter, and more efficient. They were both gifted with magic that could be used offensively. When combined with their natural affinity for each other and their ability to work as a cohesive team, they were practically destined for the title of Elite. Consuming the blood had only cemented it further.

Even though her stomach protested at the thought, the blood definitely had its advantages.

Her gaze took in her right shoulder. What by all reasoning should have looked like shredded meat was now a wide red scab. Moving her shoulder forward so she could check the back where the worst damage had been done, she saw the wounds there were a little deeper, a little angrier, but when she rolled her shoulders the pain was tolerable. Her skin felt tight around the rapidly healing gouges, but it was far better than the alternative. Her left shoulder looked much the same except that it was laid on a canvas of melted skin.

Yes, Voro blood definitely had its advantages.

She stood up and stretched her arms to the ceiling, looking almost catlike in the act. Darien would be waiting. It didn't take much thought for her to figure out his reasons for sending Alexa out tonight. He wanted her to himself for a while.

She smiled a little as she walked her already naked body towards the tub of cool clean water that awaited her, most likely at Darien's behest. She wondered what others thought of the relationship the three of them had sometimes. Over time the relationship between herself and Alexa had turned from companionship, to friendship, to love, and now lovers, but she never felt she had a claim to the woman. Yes, she was protective, and maybe a touch possessive, but if Alexa showed interest in another person, Taya was content to let her do whatever made her happy, just as Alexa seemed to understand that Taya's needs were often and meaningless. She might share her body with other women, but only with Alexa did she share her heart.

Her relationship with Darien was at the same time more and less complicated than what she had with Alexa. She and Darien shared friendship, mutual respect, and basic lust. Generally Taya preferred female affections, but the man knew how to stir secret appetites, and one on one commitment was something neither of them wanted, nor expected. So, when Darien wanted time with her, he did subtle things like make sure Alexa was busy for the night, and she was more than happy to take the hint.

She slipped into the tub, and released a moan of pleasure as the cold water embraced her. The feeling of the water as it covered her pale skin was almost erotic, and she sank down into it as it rose over tightly muscled legs, firm midsection, and soft breasts. Scooting her body forward a little, she lets her aching shoulders sink beneath the water too.

By the time she got out, the water would be warm. Her skin was always hot, a constant heat emanating from some magic within her that was part of her ability to manipulate fire. It had been that way since the first time she had used the magic. People who didn't know her would say her skin was feverish, and it was a large part of why she didn't like being touched. For some reason if a person thought you had a fever they wanted to put their hands all over you or looked at you like you would give them the plague... But because she was always hot, the cold water was like a soothing balm to her. It relaxed her more than a hot bath ever could.

Darien said that she and Alexa were Elementals. Not like a mage or a witch, who could manipulate what was around them, and not like wizards and sorceresses who could conjure things. Taya and Alexa had mastery of only one element. Fire and water, respectively. Though over time she and Alexa had begun to suspect that their base elements also had more human embellishments. Taya’s ability to project emotions through voice and music was one. Alexa’s seemingly instinctual understanding of healing was another.

After the ice trick Alexa had pulled in the Umbra, Taya had to wonder what the limit on their ability was.

She washed slowly, taking her time to enjoy the feel of the water and the smell of the soap as she spread it across her skin. By the time she was ready to dunk her head under the water steam was beginning to rise off the surface of the water, and for the first time she realized it must be a chilly night.

Her eyes flicked to the fireplace, briefly wondering if she should light it. With a shrug she decided there was no point. She wouldn't feel the cold unless there were icicles getting ready to form on her nose, and she quite liked the gentle flickering of candlelight.

She slipped her head under the water, then washed her hair with gently scented oil that carried the spicy fragrance of cinnamon and the earthy tones of sandalwood. She slipped beneath the water again and ran her fingers through long tresses of dark hair.

She forced herself from the bath then, knowing Darien would get impatient if he was left waiting for too long. She didn't bother to grab for the towel, but took the brush instead and ran it through her hair as her body heat dried up any drops of water that had not yet sluiced off her.

From a drawer containing many pairs of similar, if not identical pants, she pulled a pair at random, and from the drawer above it a loose silk blouse the color of emeralds. She picked up the hardened leather bodice that had been placed on top of the drawers and noticed that the shoulder straps and some of the boning had been replaced since it had been damaged so badly in the attack. She smiled, knowing that would have been Alexa's doing and decided she would leave it, and her boots, behind. It was nice to just be comfortable every now and then.

Not bothering to knock on his door when she reached it, she turned the handle and entered quietly, closing it the same way. He didn’t hear her enter, and she took the opportunity to study him for a moment.

He stood directly across from her, on the wide 4th floor balcony, looking not toward the lights of the city but off into the darkness in the north. The glow of lit sconces sent flickers and shadows dancing, but the moonlight was a consistent silver glow on his thick brown hair, and was swallowed up by his dark brown eyes. The neatly trimmed and styled goatee and moustache that covered his jaw amplified the strong angles of his face, and she could feel the hairs under her fingers from memory. In his lighter moments he had said it made him look more dashing. He was right. Darien was very much the cultured rogue.

By the set of his jaw and the hard line of his mouth she could tell he was deep in thought. Most likely about something unpleasant given the feral gleam in his eyes.

He was cocky, arrogant, and could be downright superior. He had the mind of a tactician and a politician. He exuded a confident strength that was undeniable and wore authority like a fine cloak made of the kind of material one longed to touch. His grin could cause a woman to lose her sense of decency, and his cold-eyed glare had been known to make men quiver. He was focused and driven and she'd be outright lying if she said she didn't think those things made him incredibly sexy.

Becoming aware of her presence, he turned his eyes away from the horizon and set them on her. Fathomless and intense, his eyes seemed to consume her, taking all of her in inch by inch until her heart quickened and her breath came faster. For a moment she was almost afraid.

In a blink the predator was gone and a charming smile lit his face. Her entire being relaxed again and she smiled in return. When he held a hand out to her in invitation, she was drawn to him almost instinctively.

As soon as her fingers touched his he pulled her to him, and snaked a hand around her waist. He simply looked at her for a long intense moment, before he lowered his lips to hers. It was a sweet kiss, without the blazing passion that was usually between them, and she thrilled in the rare tenderness.

Using the hand that wasn't resting on her hip, he pushed her hair back over her shoulder to examine the wounds. “I see the blood has done its work.” The deep resonance of his voice warmed her, even as the idea of the blood chilled her.

“It always does,” she said on a long breath. Her eyes dropped to the small buttons of his shirt. Always the damn blood. She was tired of feeling like it ruled her life. She was human. It wasn't supposed to be that way for her.

His eyes narrowed a fraction and a finger under her chin brought her gaze back up to his. “Is there a problem?”

There was, and she knew it was going to irritate him. She slid from the circle of his arms and walked to the balcony railing. In a tense moment of silence she gazed out over the twinkling lights that were lanterns in windows and the warm glow of hearth fires.

“I can’t help but wonder at the lengths we go to sometimes, Darien. How far do we go before we are just like them? It seems like our lives are ruled by blood. They take from humans, we take from them... Are we really that much different?”

“Yes.” The reply was instant and spoken with absolute conviction. Large strong hands pulled her hair back behind her and let it fall in a sleek black waterfall down her back, before he pressed a gentle kiss to the scar that touched her neck and rested his hands on her hips as he stood close behind her.

They looked over the city together and his voice, low and strong, whispered past her. “We take the blood to protect all those people, Taya. All those people who don't even know the Voro exist, that the monsters are among them.” Her mind went back to an alleyway where two young girls looked like easy prey. “The Voro curse makes them stronger, faster, makes their senses sharper,” His voice seemed to wrap around her, bringing back memories of a terrified child. “They look just like us if they choose to. They are the perfect predator, and to them all those people are just prey. Even worse - cattle.

“We are the only ones who can protect them, Tayanara. The only ones who have a chance. But we are only human, with the senses and abilities of humans. Without their blood, we wouldn't have any chance at all.” He paused as he considered his next words. “It's a fine line, yes, but it's one we have to walk to protect them. We have to stop the Voro doing to other families what they did to yours and Alexa's.”

Suddenly the nightmare from earlier came back to her with alarming clarity. The monster and the little blonde girl. Not a nightmare. A memory.

Her hands tightened on the rail and her jaw clenched. Sucking in a shuddering breath, she forced herself to focus on the lights of a public house a few blocks away. He was right.

They would all walk the line. They would all do whatever was necessary to protect the people. She would do whatever was necessary to have her vengeance. And if she ever did fall on the wrong side of that thin line, it was an odd sort of comfort to know Darien would end her without hesitation.

She let out her doubts on a long sighing breath, and breathed in a deep lungful of cold night air.

Feeling the tension begin to leave her she leaned back against Darien and let him take her weight. He might play his cards close to his chest, but he did everything for the benefit of the Thyfa, and the people they protected.

“There is something I wanted to talk to you about tonight.” Anyone else would have missed the slight hesitation in his voice, but it didn't pass her unnoticed. She felt the gentle peace that had begun to fall over her vanish.

She turned from him, and leaned her backside against the rail. Her hackles were raised. “What is it?” she asked warily, as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Another hesitation. A shiver ran up her back. “We have many Thyfa now, Taya, but none on the level that you and Alexa are. You are my best, my Elite. But you are only two.” He turned and paced from her a few steps. “I've been considering adding a third, and last night's attack has made the decision.”

A third? Hadn't they just talked about fine lines? She didn’t want to pull another person into this mess.

Her brows drew downward. “No,” she breathed.

“Taya-”

“No,” she said again, this time with hard determination. “Being Elite is more than just being the best fighter, or the most powerful. Outside of you and our backup teams, we don't exist.” She threw her hands up in the air. “Fucking crows take me, Darien, we don’t even exist to the other Thyfa! We aren’t Taya and Alexa. We are just ‘the Elite’. We are nameless and faceless, and we have to be because we are the Voro's worst enemy. Anyone we so much as talk to could be in danger if they are traced back to us!” She swept a hand out to encompass all she was laying forth. “No home, no family, no friends, no life, no grave. We have given up our lives to do what we do, and I am fine with that, but I will not ask another person to make this sacrifice Darien. I won't.”

She pushed past him and into the bedroom, too aggravated to stay still. What was the point of fighting to save lives, if they were just going to ask others to give them away? Brown liquid sloshed into a glass and the bottle slammed back down. This was not the kind of night she’d been looking forward to.

"What if you had died?" Darien's voice stopped the glass halfway to her lips. "What if you had died and Alexa was left as the only Elite? Who would cover for her when she hesitated if you were dead? I'm the organizer, the politician, I'm not a fighter." He approached her slowly as his words began to sink in. "At the very least we would have to train another. Do you think Alexa will wait and do nothing until the new one is ready? Would you have me abolish the Elites?"

The glass found its way to her lips and she downed it in a bitter gulp. Scenario after scenario played through her mind. Alexa wouldn't wait. She would fight, but without a partner to back her up… Her chest rose and fell with heavy breaths.

Darien took another step towards her. "Taya, you're not the only one to have picked up the Voro's gauntlet. Do you know how many people in our current contingent have suffered at their hands? All of them. And now that the barrier between North and South is coming down, how long will it be before they gain a foothold up there? All of Sappheo is now open ground."

She didn't answer the first question because she honestly didn't know. She couldn’t have named any of the Thyfa outside her back up team. Her view was limited to the only people who were constant in her life and whoever she was tasked to kill that day. She didn't make friends, she didn't get to know people, and she didn't chat. The only people she allowed herself to care about were Darien and Alexa. She couldn’t afford to make friends. In their silent war people died far too often. She couldn't stop to mourn them.

But she could fight for them.

She poured herself another drink and threw it back again, clenching her jaw against the burn of it as it slid down her throat.

Darien leaned a hip against the sideboard as he watched her roll the idea around in her mind. Now that her immediate burst of anger had dimmed she could see the advantages. It wasn’t and couldn’t be in her hands alone. A long breath escaped her.

"Alright," she said with resignation. "But there will be conditions, Darien."

He nodded, offering no argument, nor did he reach out to touch or reassure. The inferno had died but her blood was still hot and he had no desire to be burned. Instead he took the glass from her and poured himself some of the brandy while he waited for her to voice her terms.

Her eyes were locked on reflected fractions of candlelight in the crystal decanter, and her mind was whirring. Could she really do this to someone? Who? Moments passed as her thoughts raced. She felt her anger rising again. Damn the Voro for putting her in this position. Damn Darien for putting her in this position.

The push against her mind was almost like the banging of a gong, a soundless vibration that echoed around her skull. On instinct she lifted her eyes to his. He wanted her out of her head, demanded her attention. He wanted her focus on him so she wouldn’t wind herself up. She knew it, and in that moment she hated him just a little bit for it.

No, she corrected herself, not him. The Voro.

For a moment he stood still and watched her as her emotions flickered and faded then voiced his thoughts. "The third will be another woman,” he ventured, “A sister if you will. With similar magical abilities, and with both you and Alexa training her."

Taya continued to look at him. Waiting. There was something else she wanted to hear from him, something she needed to restore a little of her faith.

"And you will tell her everything. Before we even start," his voice soothed. "The sacrifices, the blood, everything. And the decision whether or not to take this road will be hers."

She let go of the breath she hadn't known she was holding, and dropped her eyes, feeling a little guilty at her momentary doubt. Of course he would want an Elite to have full disclosure. Why she even thought for a moment that he wouldn't... She didn't know.

Darien was the good guy, the hero, the planner, the man who made it all happen. He was her friend, her family, her lover, her master, her mentor, and her savior. And she had treated him like an opponent.

Instantly her defenses fell and she gave him an apologetic smile and a small nod. "Alright."

With that the tension in the room passed and he hooked a finger in the belt loop of her pants and tugged. Lifting an eyebrow she let herself press against him. Chest to chest, she ran her hands up and over his shoulder as his arms circled her waist.

He looked at her for long moments. "You got lucky last night, you know. I could have lost you." His voice was rough, and his eyes hard, but the gentle brush of his mind against hers, like a reassuring touch, betrayed the hard exterior.

Her hands went to the back of his head and her fingers found his roguish locks. "But you didn't," she said with a small grin.

"Then I suppose I got lucky too."

She hummed her agreement as she pressed her mouth to his, and instantly passions came roaring to life. Fear, frustration, and anger - all were kindling on the bonfire. Hungry teeth nipped, fingers claimed. There was no soft and sweet here. Only hard desire and liquid heat.

There was no feeling but his hands and his mouth and the lapping of his tongue. His fingers gripping her thighs and hers digging into his shoulders. There was only the ebb and flow of his glorious form as he sent her higher and higher with every stroke.

When she went over the edge, for a blissful moment there was no concern in the world that could touch her.

When she came back she found herself slung across Darien’s frame, and very pleased at the rapid rise and fall of his chest. Smiling, she let her body relax into its normal rhythms, and savored the feeling of her body.

As she settled her mind began to drift. A thousand scattered thoughts her mind could not cling to, or make sense of, danced through the grip of understanding.

The sea. Her parents. A market stall. Alexa laughing…

Alexa..

The pond…

I saw…

The monster, dripping fangs and twisted claws. Laughing. Reaching. For her.

She woke with a gasp, and struggled to pull her mind back to wakefulness. Beside her Darien slept peacefully, an arm around her, unaware of her ragged breath. She knew that should have made her feel better, but suddenly his arms felt like a cage. She wanted out. Needed out. Her breathing flowed in and out just a little desperately as anxiety tried to claw its way up her throat.

She slipped from the bed silently and unnoticed, and lifted her eyes when the sun began to color the sky through the glass doors of the balcony. As she pulled on her clothes she tried to grasp the sudden feeling of unease within her, but it remained out of reach.

Confused at her own emotions, she took one more look at his sleeping form before she closed the door. Even in his sleep he looked tough. Then he mumbled something in his sleep, and she felt a gentle tug at her heart. Maybe she should just…

The monster loomed up again, and she shoved it aside along with any other thoughts she might have entertained.

Heart pounding, she shut the door and hurried down the hall to her room, suddenly eager to be away from the man and the nightmare that lingered in the room. Why did the beast persist in haunting her?

She reached her door, and hesitated with her hand on the knob. Changing her mind, she walked down to the next door and quietly stepped into the room. She smiled at Alexa’s splayed arms and legs and her usual sleeping position on her stomach.

Disturbing the blankets as little as possible, she lay on top of them, nudging Alexa’s arm out of the way, and using her arm as a pillow, curled up on her side. Taya’s gaze wandered Alexa’s sleeping face while she waited for her eyes to open, and her anxiety slipped into quiet contentment. Tag List (let me know if you want to be added)-  @stuffylana @atheona-darkclaw

[thepriceofburning]

Year 123 of the Era of Unity

They glided down the halls on silent feet, like shadows shifting in the moonlight. Unseen and unheard, they slid along the walls, heading for the heart of the Umbra, the chosen dwelling of a Voro clan. In the center, the mostly heavily defended room was the Cor. The place where the clan leaders lorded over their subordinates.

On opposite sides of the hall the two women stopped at an intersection and melted into the shadows the browning potted plants provided. Green eyes met blue and a silent communication passed between them. Hold. Her breath felt damp against the inside of the mask that covered her nose and mouth.

This part of the Umbra would be heavily guarded. The cross hall led off to private chambers to the left and right and straight ahead was the Cor - the cursed court. It surprised her that they had not met any guards yet, or encountered any security measures. She supposed they figured anyone stupid enough to venture in uninvited would easily be taken at this point, and then it was only a short trip to deliver them for dinner. Still, the arrogance irritated her.

She brought her mind into focus as the expected footsteps resonated from both ends of the hall. Two on patrol. Surely that couldn't be all. What kind of clan leader protected his Umbra with only two guards? Easier for her, she surmised with a mental shrug.

She once again looked at her partner in silent communication, who gave an affirmative nod and waited for the signal. They would wait until the guards were close and take them quickly, giving them no chance to warn the others.

With whispered breath they waited, hearts quickening as feet came closer. They kept their eyes on each other and let their ears tell them when the time was right. One of the first things a Thyfa learned in training was to never rely on sight when it came to the Voro. Their inherent ability to create illusions in a person's mind made it dangerous to do so.

Hearing footsteps approach what she considered ambush point, she took a glance down the hall on her partner’s side. She saw the guard, strolling, unhurried, even bored, towards them. Again, she had to wonder at their arrogance, though she began to wonder if it wasn’t sheer stupidity.

These Voro were not even vibrating at their highest frequency. When they did, their faces seemed to grow disproportionate, and their teeth and nails grew into feral vices. Even their shoulders seemed to become more obtrusive, as though the higher their vibration the less they could retain the semblance of humanity. But when the Voro were relaxed, at rest, or purposefully keeping their energy low, they looked like every other person in the world. Utterly human. The downside was that lowering their energy dulled their senses and abilities. Patrol guards were the last ones who should be so calm.

She resisted the urge to shake her head and eased back against the wall, ready to spring off it. She took her partner’s eye again and inhaled deeply.

The air seemed to shudder and still at the same time. Everything slowed. With the slightest nod they pounced, appearing from the shadows like wraiths. The motions were easy, practiced and precise. Grab, flip, slice. Two down. Hallway clear. Done with no more sound than the thud of bodies hitting the floor.

They waited in the silence for just a moment, making sure the kills had gone unnoticed. Quickly and efficiently, they pulled the dead weights into the shadows they had made their own, long dark streaks left on the floor behind them.

With a touch of one mind to the other, she waited for her partner to receive her. It took only a moment for the brush of minds to become open communication. She sent the order to extinguish the torches. Go dark. Better for them if they couldn't be seen. With the slightest hiss of steam, the immediate area was plunged into darkness, and the link was closed again.

A quirk of her lips showed her gratitude for barely a second before she moved off down the hall, knowing without doubt her partner was on the other side. It was why they were the best. Absolute trust, and knowledge that they would do whatever it took to protect one another.

At the end of the long corridor was the Cor, and when they encountered no further opposition, she became sure that stupidity was the cause. The other waved a hand at the torches as they approached them, snuffing them with condensed water.

They reached the door unopposed and took up position on either side of it. Though the hall they had just traversed was now dark, light spilled out from the open doorway. On either side of the door, just a step back from the splayed light, they were invisible. However, the second  they stepped out it would be another matter.

She took a moment to send a thought out to the leader of her backup team, the Crows. No walls had to be lowered there, her link with him was direct and unobstructed thanks to the enhanced mental abilities she possessed as an Elite and the blood link she had with him. We’re about to take the Cor. Stand ready. She knew Alexa would be doing the same with the leader of her own team, the Sharks.

Her hand tightened and relaxed on the long knife she held in her hand as she took stock of the situation. Smells and smoke wafted through the air, curling in the light and she let her brain sort them out. Tobacco smoke, incense, opium, sex, blood, death.

Fear, disgust and outrage fought to rise through her, but she swallowed them down. Blood and death were the fuel of these places. No matter what overlaid it, there was always blood and death underneath.

She felt the mind of the other reach out to touch hers, slightly alarmed at the rise in her emotions. With a mental swipe she pushed aside the unspoken question.

Concentrate.

She closed her eyes and let her hearing take over again, placing herself mentally in the room. On the right side of the room one of the Voro was pacing around his blood pet, telling him a story of glorious battle. She sneered silently at the creature that had traded a life of choices for the rush of Voro blood, and paid with inevitable death.

Blood poisoning, they called it. It happened when a person partook of blood so often that the curse it carried infected the host, making it increasingly difficult for the living body to sustain itself. There was only one treatment for blood poisoning. More blood. But more blood fed the infection. Once you had the poisoning your only choice was to make yourself a slave to the Voro and barter for time as a human, or let the curse take your body and die. If you were lucky someone would burn you, or cut you into little pieces, before you woke up as one of them.

Behind the pet and his master, tucked in the corner in a large mound of rugs and pillows, one of them feasted, uncaring of the mess her gorging was creating. Torn skin and splattered blood was of no consequence. To the left two sat, and one stood, surrounded by a cloud of opium smoke as they laughed quietly among themselves. Right on the other side of the wall her back was pressed against, one sat smoking a cigarette, watching it all as she was hearing it. If not for the shuffle of his clothes as he moved, and the long exhale of smoke, she would have missed him.

If she sent her hearing out further, to the rooms and chambers of the place, she knew she would hear the moans and halted breaths of the dying. Again her emotions threatened to rise.

Breathe.

She opened her eyes again, preparing herself to attack. A presence brushed against her mind and she opened herself to it. I guess we missed the party, the thought whispered through her mind, dripping with sarcasm.

Taya turned her fierce green eyes, to piercing blue. Somehow, I'll live. The small smile that passed between them was short lived. Every moment they wasted was a moment they could be detected.

Six in there, one pet, no humans in living condition. She sent the thought across and waited for acknowledgement. It came quickly and surely. With a rising heartbeat she issued the battle plans in images rather than words. Again she received a quick nod.

Alexa, she added, be careful with that female. She'll be at her strongest right now.

I'll be careful, Taya, came the return with just a hint of an eye roll.

Every time they did this, it was this moment that scared her the most. Six against two wasn't bad odds, all things considered. Makers knew they'd faced worse, but  every time they did this she risked Alexa. Sweet determined Alexa, who at the age of thirteen had decided that they would never be apart.

It was that thought which put the steel in her. The thought, that put the fire in her eyes. She would protect Alexa, her light, her heart, her compass, no matter the cost.

With a nod to go, they swept into the room. The one by the door was dead before he could find his feet, his blood spraying in a wide red arc as a long knife efficiently opened his throat.

A pulling motion brought the fire from the nearest lantern to her hand, shattering the glass panes that kept it contained. With directed will and the motion of her hand she pushed it toward to opium trio in a fan of flame. All three lit up like screaming pyres, her rage anchoring the heat in their skin. Alexa sliced under the arm of the one who had been proclaiming its prowess in battle. With an upward motion, it was cleanly opened from navel to breast, and it fell to the floor in a screaming rage, its face contorted into monstrous features. Fingers elongated into claws even as it fell, reaching for her in a desperate attempt, but she was already past him. Quick and fluid, she sliced across its back, disabling it completely, before she changed the grip on her sword and plunged it down, right below its skull, effectively decapitating him.

The pet, suddenly realizing his master's demise, and therefore his own, wailed so loudly it was almost ear splitting and then, with a feral growl born of madness, he attacked the woman who had killed his master. It was only her hesitation that allowed him to get close enough.

He may have given away his humanity, but he was not one of the Voro, just a poor, pitiful soul who had made a bad deal. He was no longer a man, not yet a monster. Part of Alexa’s mind struggled with the distinction. Even as he barreled into her, dragging her to the ground, there was some piece of her that still wanted to save him.

The female in the corner was dragged out of her gorging by the screams and smell of burning flesh, or perhaps the smell of Alexa's fresh blood as it seeped from her head where it had smacked against the floor. When she turned her eyes to the chaos they instantly focused on Alexa, trying desperately to remain conscious and fighting. Her sword was gone.

Taya saw the gleam in the female's eyes as she removed the head from a screaming, smoking, monstrosity. She saw it advance on Alexa in a sinister crouch even as she took off running towards it. She watched it leap off the floor towards its intended prey as she caught the flicker of a candle and pushed it with as much concentrated force as she could on the run. It wouldn't light her up like the others, but she only needed a second. Just a second to get there before...

On a tight breath she charged into the creature, barreling into its middle with her left shoulder and carrying the weight to her right. With the help of straining muscles and gravity, she rolled the beast under her and came up straddling its waist. She centered her weight on the bucking female's pelvis as she tried to hold it down long enough to end its miserable life, but she could do nothing about the clawing hands that ripped and tore at her skin.

She raised the knife over her head ready to bring it down through whatever was in the way, when, with a wild surge, the creature managed to unseat her, and with an inhuman strength she flipped Taya head over feet. She landed on the stone floor with a bone crunching thud that forced the air out of her lungs.

In an instant it was on her, claws stabbing deep in her shoulders as it lifted her and slammed her hard against the ground. The breath she couldn't catch turned into a gasp of white-hot pain.

The beast grinned at her with something akin to sexual greed and lunged for Taya's neck.

Taya slammed her head up with all the force she could muster, and felt a sick kind of satisfaction when she felt its nose crunch against her forehead. But the satisfaction was short lived, when instead of letting go the rabid female dug her claws in deeper, until Taya was sure that they must have been touching in the middle. She could feel her collarbone straining against the strength of the long fingers.

The world blurred and came horrifyingly back into focus as the bloody face descended on her again. She couldn't move. Couldn't breathe through the pain. She heard a strangled groan that sounded like it came from miles away, and she hoped Alexa had fought her way free.

The world blurred again. A memory shimmered.

What did you see?

I saw us. You and me.

Red-hot pain exploded through her as claws were ripped from her shoulders and the creature flung across the room as a block of ice the size of a small boulder slammed into its side. It had no time to gather its wits before Alexa was on it, and with a purposeful thrust, put her sword through its shattered nose.

Like the end of a lizard's tail, it twitched and then slumped.

No more than three minutes. That was all the time it had taken.

Taya tried to remember how to breathe as Alexa knelt on the ground beside her, wiping blood from her eyes.

"Hey," Alexa said, her voice quiet and concerned, "my backup team will be here soon. I sent out the call as soon as I saw you go down." Her cool fingers gently removed Taya’s mask and tossed it aside.

Taya managed a small smile as Alexa brushed the hair back from her face. "Good thinking,” she croaked. "My brain stopped functioning when you-" She gasped as a wave of pain went through her.

"Shh," the quiet voice soothed, "We handled it."

Taya turned her head to the side and her eyes caught sight of the melting globe of ice that lay beside an overturned chair.

"I didn't know you could do that."

"The ice?" Alexa said with a small smile. "Neither did I. I just knew I needed to hit her harder than water could manage."

A smile quirked the corner of Taya’s lips as she passed out, content in the knowledge that Alexa was, quite simply, amazing.

[thepriceofburning]

Year 109 of the Era of Unity

She sat by the pond, watching the still waters, as she had done every night since the girl had told her about the isolated little pond. Anyone who saw her sitting still as stone, by a pond at the edge of the woods, might have called her troubled. If they had happened to look close enough to see the scar of horribly burned skin that crept up the left side of her neck, they might have called her damaged.

Most would only see a girl sitting in the woods alone, far past the time that all young girls should be in bed and gaze upon her with pity. Others would consider her with scorn reserved only for the homeless, the poor, and the parentless.

She didn't care.

One of the other kids had said she was stupid for believing in fairytales at her age. "Thirteen year olds are too big to believe in that shit", she had said, but the girl didn't care about that either.

Her father had told her the story. It was one of many stories about the spirits of the woods and the wind. The fire spirits that spun in flame. And of the naiad. The water sprites. The ones who saw time in their waters, and would foretell the future to those they deemed worthy. One had only to sit by still waters long enough.

She had to believe, because she had to know. Her hand rubbed idly at the ugly scars on her shoulder. Her father was gone now, her mother with him. Her brothers and sister turned against her. It was just her now. Surprisingly, she found herself ok with that. They wouldn't approve of her plan anyway. They wouldn't help her. She knew it as surely as she knew the sun would rise. None of them could do what had to be done.

Her heart picked up a little as rising bubbles reached the surface and popped, the ripples reflecting shades of the moon. Her green eyes, always sharp, became even more focused, trying to see into the depths. She would never tell a soul how she prayed at that moment for just a glimmer.

The waters stilled. Nothing.

She made herself relax and breathe, and pulled a strand of black hair behind her ear as the breeze tossed it. She wondered if perhaps she should just concentrate on the water, if maybe a vision would appear if she looked hard enough.

Twisting herself onto all fours, she crawled to the very edge and looked into her reflection. She saw a dirty, starved version of herself there, but there were her father's green eyes, and her mother's mouth too. The scraggly reflection might be hers for now, but she vowed it wouldn't be so forever. One day she...

The crunch of footsteps caught her thoughts. Still as the water, she listened. Not heavy footsteps, like a man, or the careful steps of a woman. Definitely not someone sneaking. It sounded like a kid, forcing their way through the growth, and when she heard the whisper of her name she knew it to be so.

She didn't look up from the waters as the small blond girl broke through the trees to open ground. Her house was on the other side of the dense strip of woods, and Taya had told her that day that she had been visiting the pond, and would be again.

She knew Alexa would talk whether she was listening or not. Ever since the day they had run into each other on the street a little more than a week ago they had seen each other for lunch every day. The pretty blonde girl from the upper class family bringing baskets of food to share with the dirty street kid. For hours Taya had sat and listened as Alexa hopped and pranced around, endlessly rattling about anything that came to mind. Not usually having much to say, Taya didn’t mind.

But now she wanted silence and solitude. She wanted the naiads to choose this pond to visit tonight, and there was little doubt in Taya’s mind that Alexa’s endless chatter would make that an impossibility.

"What are you doing?" Alexa asked as she assumed the same position as her friend.

Frustrated green eyes turned to curious blue ones. "I’m looking for my future."

"Oh," said the other, simply. "Why?"

Taya pulled back from the edge and sat on her heels. She knew there would be no naiad now. "Because", she huffed, "my father told me that time flows like water, and the water spirits can swim up and down the stream of time. If I wait long enough I’ll meet one, and she can show me if I do it or not."

Alexa, now even more interested in the pond, leaned a little further over the edge. "Do what?" she asked, almost mesmerized by the ripples in her reflection.

Taya looked at her hard for a moment, trying to decide if she could tell the girl the truth. She liked her, sure, but she had learned far too young that like and trust were not the same thing. As she pondered, Alexa slowly leaned closer to water, until the tip of her nose almost touched it.

"Alexa," said Taya, suddenly troubled, "if you lean any further you're going to fall in." But the girl simply continued to stare into the rippling waters.

Rippling...

Taya crawled back over and looked in as she had before, and found the most curious thing had happened. There, from Alexa’s reflection, from the space right between her eyes and above her nose, came tiny circles of water, as though a steady drip came from her head.

Her heart began a steady pounding as she looked at Alexa’s face, then the water, then back again. Alexa looked pale, far away, and worried.

"Alexa?" she asked, but still she didn't seem to hear. "Lex!" she said harshly, trying to break the girls fascination. Still she gave no answer.

Now Taya was scared, and it was a feeling she didn't like. Not knowing what else to do she grabbed the smaller girl by the shoulders and yanked her around to face her. She opened her mouth to call out her name again, but stopped. Alexa was looking at her as though she was something she had never seen before.

"I saw you,” she said quietly. "I saw..."

"What? What did you see, Lex?" Though she'd meant to ask gently she couldn't stop the slight shake she gave the girl's shoulders.

Suddenly, almost frighteningly, her blue eyes pinned her with intense focus. For a long moment she simply stared, as though poring through Taya's every secret thought.

She climbed to her feet taking Taya with her. "I saw you and me,” she said finally. "We were older. And somewhere far from here." She hesitated a moment, then in hardly more than a whisper, and more than just a little sadly, she said, "And you were unstoppable."

Taya’s mouth worked without sound, trying to find words, but before they came Alexa stepped away and turned back to the woods. The fire lamps that lit the back of her parent’s house shimmered through the trees. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said quietly, and then she was gone.

Taya stood breathlessly, staring after the girl who was her age yet so much smaller, and a million questions ran through her head. But Alexa was already gone, and if her parents or any of the staff found either of them out in the woods there would be trouble.

Her shoulders slumped. "Tomorrow then,” she said to the empty air, and turned in the opposite direction Alexa had taken. Back to the streets of a bustling city, where no one knew her.

As her footsteps faded into the distance another pair of feet crunched across dry leaves and loose rubble by the pond. His clothes were that of a gentleman, and his smile one of a rake, but the pond, still lapping at the power of visions, saw the truth, and when he looked down he saw it too.

Swiping his cane along the surface of the water, he turned and disappeared silently into the woods. He didn't need the pond to show him what he already knew. That the demon inside him was grinning with glee, and the blood dripping from its reflected maw would be that of a little blond girl.

©C.J. Staunton

Picture credit to Valentina Kallias

[chaoticmultiplicity]

The Price of Burning: Prologue

Year 109 of the Era of Unity

She sat by the pond, watching the still waters, as she had done every night since the girl had told her about the isolated little pond. Anyone who saw her sitting still as stone, by a pond at the edge of the woods, might have called her troubled. If they had happened to look close enough to see the scar of horribly burned skin that crept up the left side of her neck, they might have called her damaged.

Most would only see a girl sitting in the woods alone, far past the time that all young girls should be in bed and gaze upon her with pity. Others would consider her with scorn reserved only for the homeless, the poor, and the parentless.

She didn't care.

One of the other kids had said she was stupid for believing in fairytales at her age. "Thirteen year olds are too big to believe in that shit", she had said, but the girl didn't care about that either.

Her father had told her the story. It was one of many stories about the spirits of the woods and the wind. The fire spirits that spun in flame. And of the naiad. The water sprites. The ones who saw time in their waters, and would foretell the future to those they deemed worthy. One had only to sit by still waters long enough.

She had to believe, because she had to know. Her hand rubbed idly at the ugly scars on her shoulder. Her father was gone now, her mother with him. Her brothers and sister turned against her. It was just her now. Surprisingly, she found herself ok with that. They wouldn't approve of her plan anyway. They wouldn't help her. She knew it as surely as she knew the sun would rise. None of them could do what had to be done.

Her heart picked up a little as rising bubbles reached the surface and popped, the ripples reflecting shades of the moon. Her green eyes, always sharp, became even more focused, trying to see into the depths. She would never tell a soul how she prayed at that moment for just a glimmer.

The waters stilled. Nothing.

She made herself relax and breathe, and pulled a strand of black hair behind her ear as the breeze tossed it. She wondered if perhaps she should just concentrate on the water, if maybe a vision would appear if she looked hard enough.

Twisting herself onto all fours, she crawled to the very edge and looked into her reflection. She saw a dirty, starved version of herself there, but there were her father's green eyes, and her mother's mouth too. The scraggly reflection might be hers for now, but she vowed it wouldn't be so forever. One day she...

The crunch of footsteps caught her thoughts. Still as the water, she listened. Not heavy footsteps, like a man, or the careful steps of a woman. Definitely not someone sneaking. It sounded like a kid, forcing their way through the growth, and when she heard the whisper of her name she knew it to be so.

She didn't look up from the waters as the small blond girl broke through the trees to open ground. Her house was on the other side of the dense strip of woods, and Taya had told her that day that she had been visiting the pond, and would be again.

She knew Alexa would talk whether she was listening or not. Ever since the day they had run into each other on the street a little more than a week ago they had seen each other for lunch every day. The pretty blonde girl from the upper class family bringing baskets of food to share with the dirty street kid. For hours Taya had sat and listened as Alexa hopped and pranced around, endlessly rattling about anything that came to mind. Not usually having much to say, Taya didn’t mind.

But now she wanted silence and solitude. She wanted the naiads to choose this pond to visit tonight, and there was little doubt in Taya’s mind that Alexa’s endless chatter would make that an impossibility.

"What are you doing?" Alexa asked as she assumed the same position as her friend.

Frustrated green eyes turned to curious blue ones. "I’m looking for my future."

"Oh," said the other, simply. "Why?"

Taya pulled back from the edge and sat on her heels. She knew there would be no naiad now. "Because", she huffed, "my father told me that time flows like water, and the water spirits can swim up and down the stream of time. If I wait long enough I’ll meet one, and she can show me if I do it or not."

Alexa, now even more interested in the pond, leaned a little further over the edge. "Do what?" she asked, almost mesmerized by the ripples in her reflection.

Taya looked at her hard for a moment, trying to decide if she could tell the girl the truth. She liked her, sure, but she had learned far too young that like and trust were not the same thing. As she pondered, Alexa slowly leaned closer to water, until the tip of her nose almost touched it.

"Alexa," said Taya, suddenly troubled, "if you lean any further you're going to fall in." But the girl simply continued to stare into the rippling waters.

Rippling...

Taya crawled back over and looked in as she had before, and found the most curious thing had happened. There, from Alexa’s reflection, from the space right between her eyes and above her nose, came tiny circles of water, as though a steady drip came from her head.

Her heart began a steady pounding as she looked at Alexa’s face, then the water, then back again. Alexa looked pale, far away, and worried.

"Alexa?" she asked, but still she didn't seem to hear. "Lex!" she said harshly, trying to break the girls fascination. Still she gave no answer.

Now Taya was scared, and it was a feeling she didn't like. Not knowing what else to do she grabbed the smaller girl by the shoulders and yanked her around to face her. She opened her mouth to call out her name again, but stopped. Alexa was looking at her as though she was something she had never seen before.

"I saw you,” she said quietly. "I saw..."

"What? What did you see, Lex?" Though she'd meant to ask gently she couldn't stop the slight shake she gave the girl's shoulders.

Suddenly, almost frighteningly, her blue eyes pinned her with intense focus. For a long moment she simply stared, as though poring through Taya's every secret thought.

She climbed to her feet taking Taya with her. "I saw you and me,” she said finally. "We were older. And somewhere far from here." She hesitated a moment, then in hardly more than a whisper, and more than just a little sadly, she said, "And you were unstoppable."

Taya’s mouth worked without sound, trying to find words, but before they came Alexa stepped away and turned back to the woods. The fire lamps that lit the back of her parent’s house shimmered through the trees. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said quietly, and then she was gone.

Taya stood breathlessly, staring after the girl who was her age yet so much smaller, and a million questions ran through her head. But Alexa was already gone, and if her parents or any of the staff found either of them out in the woods there would be trouble.

Her shoulders slumped. "Tomorrow then,” she said to the empty air, and turned in the opposite direction Alexa had taken. Back to the streets of a bustling city, where no one knew her.

As her footsteps faded into the distance another pair of feet crunched across dry leaves and loose rubble by the pond. His clothes were that of a gentleman, and his smile one of a rake, but the pond, still lapping at the power of visions, saw the truth, and when he looked down he saw it too.

Swiping his cane along the surface of the water, he turned and disappeared silently into the woods. He didn't need the pond to show him what he already knew. That the demon inside him was grinning with glee, and the blood dripping from its reflected maw would be that of a little blond girl.

[chaoticmultiplicity]

Troll Hunting

The wind blew icy cold down the pass between the mountains, and struck the four women with freezing purpose. All but one shivered and hunkered down into their fur lined coats. She looked over the others with an indulgent smile, and finally buttoned her jacket.

“Beautiful weather.” Curls and puffs of hot air rose from her nose and mouth and joined those that rose from her general vicinity. “Do you think it will snow?” She asked the woman with short brown hair standing next to her.

Dani was torn between mild amusement and downright scorn. “Taya, only someone who runs a lifetime fever would think this is nice weather.” With a scowl she looked over the taller woman's lack of layers. “And if it snows, I'm making you walk back naked.”

Taya lifted a winged eyebrow, but wisely held her tongue. Instead she put her arm around the small blonde woman next to her and pulled her close to warm her. When Alexa looked up with with a grateful smile, Taya returned it in kind.

From next to Alexa, Chanta spoke through chattering teeth. “I know we're stalling, but I really want to get out of this wind.” She pulled the hood up higher over her tight thin braids. “Island girls are not supposed to get this cold.”

Taya took in Chanta’s gorgeous dark skin, and thought, not for the first time, that if she had Chanta’s complexion, she'd spend her life naked on a beach. As it was, her pale skin was always an alabaster white. She envied the tan of Alexa’s skin, and the olive complexion of Dani’s.

She pulled strands of long dark hair off her face when the wind picked it up. Taking a deep breath she focused on the dark maw that was entrance to the mine. “Alright. Let's go find us a troll.”

[chaoticmultiplicity]

The Price of Burning: Chapter 3

Taya woke up on a ragged, sobbing breath, echoing visages of a clawed, fanged monster, and a small blonde girl beating at her conscious.

She pulled breath in and out of her lungs, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart, but she couldn't stop the intrusive memories that pushed their way to the forefront of her mind. Throwing the bed covers off herself, she sat up and pulled the small flame from the lamp next to her bed and sent it around the room to light the candles littered throughout.

Once the room was flickering with light, she turned her eyes up the wooden beams of the ceiling, picking out the pictures and patterns that had become familiar to her during her stay there. Her hand lifted and grasped the golden sun that hung around her neck. She was Thyfa Elite. She did not have to fear the monsters anymore, and she’d never let any of them get their claws on Alexa.

She forced a deep breath in and out of her lungs as her usual self-assurance settled back into place. She sent her mind out to Alexa's needing to reassure herself, and the connection came quickly and easily. Alexa's mind reached out to hers in return and offered her images and thoughts. She was on reconnaissance. Darien has asked her to go along with the new guy and teach him a few things.

Taya breathed a sigh of relief and let her gaze drop to her bare feet. Recon was pretty safe. It was mostly eavesdropping, pickpocketing, and bribing, and she knew Darien would not risk Alexa unnecessarily. There were certainly no nightmare monsters, and she was definitely not a defenseless 13-year-old.

A few generations before Taya's birth the Voro had started to reemerge under a new leader. One who had breathed renewed respect into the title of Potens. A title carried by all those who had claimed power as the head of the Voro, with each new one claiming a new totem. The last one had been Potens Grypites, which Taya understood to mean “Mighty Gryphon”, but the new one had publicly claimed no totem. That alone made her uneasy.

The new resurgence of the Voro had put a strain on the small number of Thyfa, and their numbers had had to grow to compensate. The Thyfa were, at their core, monster killers. When shadow beings became a problem, it was the Thyfa who silently and effectively removed it, never asking for reward or praise. They got in, did their job, and got out. People feared them as much as they respected them, and thus the name was only spoken in whispers.

Over the years since then many had been brought into the secret world of the Thyfa and taught to fight, to track, to sense, to hide, to kill. But of the new Thyfa, none had been deemed worthy enough of the title of Elite. Until Darien had found Taya and Alexa in an alley one day and made it his mission to make them the best. It was because they were the best that the Voro became their niche, the two of them having hunted little else.

Even before they had begun consuming the blood, they had been the prodigies, determined to use what they had to help the world. They were the best fighters; they were faster, quieter, and more efficient. They were both gifted with magic that could be used offensively. When combined with their natural affinity for each other and their ability to work as a cohesive team, they were practically destined for the title of Elite. Consuming the blood had only cemented it further.

Even though her stomach protested at the thought, the blood definitely had its advantages.

Her gaze took in her right shoulder. What by all reasoning should have looked like shredded meat was now a wide red scab. Moving her shoulder forward so she could check the back where the worst damage had been done, she saw the wounds there were a little deeper, a little angrier, but when she rolled her shoulders the pain was tolerable. Her skin felt tight around the rapidly healing gouges, but it was far better than the alternative. Her left shoulder looked much the same except that it was laid on a canvas of melted skin.

Yes, Voro blood definitely had its advantages.

She stood up and stretched her arms to the ceiling, looking almost catlike in the act. Darien would be waiting. It didn't take much thought for her to figure out his reasons for sending Alexa out tonight. He wanted her to himself for a while.

She smiled a little as she walked her already naked body towards the tub of cool clean water that awaited her, most likely at Darien's behest. She wondered what others thought of the relationship the three of them had sometimes. Over time the relationship between herself and Alexa had turned from companionship, to friendship, to love, and now lovers, but she never felt she had a claim to the woman. Yes, she was protective, and maybe a touch possessive, but if Alexa showed interest in another person, Taya was content to let her do whatever made her happy, just as Alexa seemed to understand that Taya's needs were often and meaningless. She might share her body with other women, but only with Alexa did she share her heart.

Her relationship with Darien was at the same time more and less complicated than what she had with Alexa. She and Darien shared friendship, mutual respect, and basic lust. Generally Taya preferred female affections, but the man knew how to stir secret appetites, and one on one commitment was something neither of them wanted, nor expected. So, when Darien wanted time with her, he did subtle things like make sure Alexa was busy for the night, and she was more than happy to take the hint.

She slipped into the tub, and released a moan of pleasure as the cold water embraced her. The feeling of the water as it covered her pale skin was almost erotic, and she sank down into it as it rose over tightly muscled legs, firm midsection, and soft breasts. Scooting her body forward a little, she lets her aching shoulders sink beneath the water too.

By the time she got out, the water would be warm. Her skin was always hot, a constant heat emanating from some magic within her that was part of her ability to manipulate fire. It had been that way since the first time she had used the magic. People who didn't know her would say her skin was feverish, and it was a large part of why she didn't like being touched. For some reason if a person thought you had a fever they wanted to put their hands all over you or looked at you like you would give them the plague... But because she was always hot, the cold water was like a soothing balm to her. It relaxed her more than a hot bath ever could.

Darien said that she and Alexa were Elementals. Not like a mage or a witch, who could manipulate what was around them, and not like wizards and sorceresses who could conjure things. Taya and Alexa had mastery of only one element. Fire and water, respectively. Though over time she and Alexa had begun to suspect that their base elements also had more human embellishments. Taya’s ability to project emotions through voice and music was one. Alexa’s seemingly instinctual understanding of healing was another.

After the ice trick Alexa had pulled in the Umbra, Taya had to wonder what the limit on their ability was.

She washed slowly, taking her time to enjoy the feel of the water and the smell of the soap as she spread it across her skin. By the time she was ready to dunk her head under the water steam was beginning to rise off the surface of the water, and for the first time she realized it must be a chilly night.

Her eyes flicked to the fireplace, briefly wondering if she should light it. With a shrug she decided there was no point. She wouldn't feel the cold unless there were icicles getting ready to form on her nose, and she quite liked the gentle flickering of candlelight.

She slipped her head under the water, then washed her hair with gently scented oil that carried the spicy fragrance of cinnamon and the earthy tones of sandalwood. She slipped beneath the water again and ran her fingers through long tresses of dark hair.

She forced herself from the bath then, knowing Darien would get impatient if he was left waiting for too long. She didn't bother to grab for the towel, but took the brush instead and ran it through her hair as her body heat dried up any drops of water that had not yet sluiced off her.

From a drawer containing many pairs of similar, if not identical pants, she pulled a pair at random, and from the drawer above it a loose silk blouse the color of emeralds. She picked up the hardened leather bodice that had been placed on top of the drawers and noticed that the shoulder straps and some of the boning had been replaced since it had been damaged so badly in the attack. She smiled, knowing that would have been Alexa's doing and decided she would leave it, and her boots, behind. It was nice to just be comfortable every now and then.

Not bothering to knock on his door when she reached it, she turned the handle and entered quietly, closing it the same way. He didn’t hear her enter, and she took the opportunity to study him for a moment.

He stood directly across from her, on the wide 4th floor balcony, looking not toward the lights of the city but off into the darkness in the north. The glow of lit sconces sent flickers and shadows dancing, but the moonlight was a consistent silver glow on his thick brown hair, and was swallowed up by his dark brown eyes. The neatly trimmed and styled goatee and moustache that covered his jaw amplified the strong angles of his face, and she could feel the hairs under her fingers from memory. In his lighter moments he had said it made him look more dashing. He was right. Darien was very much the cultured rogue.

By the set of his jaw and the hard line of his mouth she could tell he was deep in thought. Most likely about something unpleasant given the feral gleam in his eyes.

He was cocky, arrogant, and could be downright superior. He had the mind of a tactician and a politician. He exuded a confident strength that was undeniable and wore authority like a fine cloak made of the kind of material one longed to touch. His grin could cause a woman to lose her sense of decency, and his cold-eyed glare had been known to make men quiver. He was focused and driven and she'd be outright lying if she said she didn't think those things made him incredibly sexy.

Becoming aware of her presence, he turned his eyes away from the horizon and set them on her. Fathomless and intense, his eyes seemed to consume her, taking all of her in inch by inch until her heart quickened and her breath came faster. For a moment she was almost afraid.

In a blink the predator was gone and a charming smile lit his face. Her entire being relaxed again and she smiled in return. When he held a hand out to her in invitation, she was drawn to him almost instinctively.

As soon as her fingers touched his he pulled her to him, and snaked a hand around her waist. He simply looked at her for a long intense moment, before he lowered his lips to hers. It was a sweet kiss, without the blazing passion that was usually between them, and she thrilled in the rare tenderness.

Using the hand that wasn't resting on her hip, he pushed her hair back over her shoulder to examine the wounds. “I see the blood has done its work.” The deep resonance of his voice warmed her, even as the idea of the blood chilled her.

“It always does,” she said on a long breath. Her eyes dropped to the small buttons of his shirt. Always the damn blood. She was tired of feeling like it ruled her life. She was human. It wasn't supposed to be that way for her.

His eyes narrowed a fraction and a finger under her chin brought her gaze back up to his. “Is there a problem?”

There was, and she knew it was going to irritate him. She slid from the circle of his arms and walked to the balcony railing. In a tense moment of silence she gazed out over the twinkling lights that were lanterns in windows and the warm glow of hearth fires.

“I can’t help but wonder at the lengths we go to sometimes, Darien. How far do we go before we are just like them? It seems like our lives are ruled by blood. They take from humans, we take from them... Are we really that much different?”

“Yes.” The reply was instant and spoken with absolute conviction. Large strong hands pulled her hair back behind her and let it fall in a sleek black waterfall down her back, before he pressed a gentle kiss to the scar that touched her neck and rested his hands on her hips as he stood close behind her.

They looked over the city together and his voice, low and strong, whispered past her. “We take the blood to protect all those people, Taya. All those people who don't even know the Voro exist, that the monsters are among them.” Her mind went back to an alleyway where two young girls looked like easy prey. “The Voro curse makes them stronger, faster, makes their senses sharper,” His voice seemed to wrap around her, bringing back memories of a terrified child. “They look just like us if they choose to. They are the perfect predator, and to them all those people are just prey. Even worse - cattle.

“We are the only ones who can protect them, Tayanara. The only ones who have a chance. But we are only human, with the senses and abilities of humans. Without their blood, we wouldn't have any chance at all.” He paused as he considered his next words. “It's a fine line, yes, but it's one we have to walk to protect them. We have to stop the Voro doing to other families what they did to yours and Alexa's.”

Suddenly the nightmare from earlier came back to her with alarming clarity. The monster and the little blonde girl. Not a nightmare. A memory.

Her hands tightened on the rail and her jaw clenched. Sucking in a shuddering breath, she forced herself to focus on the lights of a public house a few blocks away. He was right.

They would all walk the line. They would all do whatever was necessary to protect the people. She would do whatever was necessary to have her vengeance. And if she ever did fall on the wrong side of that thin line, it was an odd sort of comfort to know Darien would end her without hesitation.

She let out her doubts on a long sighing breath, and breathed in a deep lungful of cold night air.

Feeling the tension begin to leave her she leaned back against Darien and let him take her weight. He might play his cards close to his chest, but he did everything for the benefit of the Thyfa, and the people they protected.

“There is something I wanted to talk to you about tonight.” Anyone else would have missed the slight hesitation in his voice, but it didn't pass her unnoticed. She felt the gentle peace that had begun to fall over her vanish.

She turned from him, and leaned her backside against the rail. Her hackles were raised. “What is it?” she asked warily, as she crossed her arms over her chest.

Another hesitation. A shiver ran up her back. “We have many Thyfa now, Taya, but none on the level that you and Alexa are. You are my best, my Elite. But you are only two.” He turned and paced from her a few steps. “I've been considering adding a third, and last night's attack has made the decision.”

A third? Hadn't they just talked about fine lines? She didn’t want to pull another person into this mess.

Her brows drew downward. “No,” she breathed.

“Taya-”

“No,” she said again, this time with hard determination. “Being Elite is more than just being the best fighter, or the most powerful. Outside of you and our backup teams, we don't exist.” She threw her hands up in the air. “Fucking crows take me, Darien, we don’t even exist to the other Thyfa! We aren’t Taya and Alexa. We are just ‘the Elite’. We are nameless and faceless, and we have to be because we are the Voro's worst enemy. Anyone we so much as talk to could be in danger if they are traced back to us!” She swept a hand out to encompass all she was laying forth. “No home, no family, no friends, no life, no grave. We have given up our lives to do what we do, and I am fine with that, but I will not ask another person to make this sacrifice Darien. I won't.”

She pushed past him and into the bedroom, too aggravated to stay still. What was the point of fighting to save lives, if they were just going to ask others to give them away? Brown liquid sloshed into a glass and the bottle slammed back down. This was not the kind of night she’d been looking forward to.

"What if you had died?" Darien's voice stopped the glass halfway to her lips. "What if you had died and Alexa was left as the only Elite? Who would cover for her when she hesitated if you were dead? I'm the organizer, the politician, I'm not a fighter." He approached her slowly as his words began to sink in. "At the very least we would have to train another. Do you think Alexa will wait and do nothing until the new one is ready? Would you have me abolish the Elites?"

The glass found its way to her lips and she downed it in a bitter gulp. Scenario after scenario played through her mind. Alexa wouldn't wait. She would fight, but without a partner to back her up… Her chest rose and fell with heavy breaths.

Darien took another step towards her. "Taya, you're not the only one to have picked up the Voro's gauntlet. Do you know how many people in our current contingent have suffered at their hands? All of them. And now that the barrier between North and South is coming down, how long will it be before they gain a foothold up there? All of Sappheo is now open ground."

She didn't answer the first question because she honestly didn't know. She couldn’t have named any of the Thyfa outside her back up team. Her view was limited to the only people who were constant in her life and whoever she was tasked to kill that day. She didn't make friends, she didn't get to know people, and she didn't chat. The only people she allowed herself to care about were Darien and Alexa. She couldn’t afford to make friends. In their silent war people died far too often. She couldn't stop to mourn them.

But she could fight for them.

She poured herself another drink and threw it back again, clenching her jaw against the burn of it as it slid down her throat.

Darien leaned a hip against the sideboard as he watched her roll the idea around in her mind. Now that her immediate burst of anger had dimmed she could see the advantages. It wasn’t and couldn’t be in her hands alone. A long breath escaped her.

"Alright," she said with resignation. "But there will be conditions, Darien."

He nodded, offering no argument, nor did he reach out to touch or reassure. The inferno had died but her blood was still hot and he had no desire to be burned. Instead he took the glass from her and poured himself some of the brandy while he waited for her to voice her terms.

Her eyes were locked on reflected fractions of candlelight in the crystal decanter, and her mind was whirring. Could she really do this to someone? Who? Moments passed as her thoughts raced. She felt her anger rising again. Damn the Voro for putting her in this position. Damn Darien for putting her in this position.

The push against her mind was almost like the banging of a gong, a soundless vibration that echoed around her skull. On instinct she lifted her eyes to his. He wanted her out of her head, demanded her attention. He wanted her focus on him so she wouldn’t wind herself up. She knew it, and in that moment she hated him just a little bit for it.

No, she corrected herself, not him. The Voro.

For a moment he stood still and watched her as her emotions flickered and faded then voiced his thoughts. "The third will be another woman,” he ventured, “A sister if you will. With similar magical abilities, and with both you and Alexa training her."

Taya continued to look at him. Waiting. There was something else she wanted to hear from him, something she needed to restore a little of her faith.

"And you will tell her everything. Before we even start," his voice soothed. "The sacrifices, the blood, everything. And the decision whether or not to take this road will be hers."

She let go of the breath she hadn't known she was holding, and dropped her eyes, feeling a little guilty at her momentary doubt. Of course he would want an Elite to have full disclosure. Why she even thought for a moment that he wouldn't... She didn't know.

Darien was the good guy, the hero, the planner, the man who made it all happen. He was her friend, her family, her lover, her master, her mentor, and her savior. And she had treated him like an opponent.

Instantly her defenses fell and she gave him an apologetic smile and a small nod. "Alright."

With that the tension in the room passed and he hooked a finger in the belt loop of her pants and tugged. Lifting an eyebrow she let herself press against him. Chest to chest, she ran her hands up and over his shoulder as his arms circled her waist.

He looked at her for long moments. "You got lucky last night, you know. I could have lost you." His voice was rough, and his eyes hard, but the gentle brush of his mind against hers, like a reassuring touch, betrayed the hard exterior.

Her hands went to the back of his head and her fingers found his roguish locks. "But you didn't," she said with a small grin.

"Then I guess I got lucky too."

She hummed her agreement as she pressed her mouth to his, and instantly passions came roaring to life. Fear, frustration, and anger - all were kindling on the bonfire. Hungry teeth nipped, fingers claimed. There was no soft and sweet here. Only hard desire and liquid heat.

There was no feeling but his hands and his mouth and the lapping of his tongue. His fingers gripping her thighs and hers digging into his shoulders. There was only the ebb and flow of his glorious form as he sent her higher and higher with every stroke.

When she went over the edge, for a blissful moment there was no concern in the world that could touch her.

When she came back she found herself slung across Darien’s frame, and very pleased at the rapid rise and fall of his chest. Smiling, she let her body relax into its normal rhythms, and savored the feeling of her body.

As she settled her mind began to drift. A thousand scattered thoughts her mind could not cling to, or make sense of, danced through the grip of understanding.

The sea. Her parents. A market stall. Alexa laughing...

Alexa..

The pond...

I saw...

The monster, dripping fangs and twisted claws. Laughing. Reaching. For her.

She woke with a gasp, and struggled to pull her mind back to wakefulness. Beside her Darien slept peacefully, an arm around her, unaware of her ragged breath. She knew that should have made her feel better, but suddenly his arms felt like a cage. She wanted out. Needed out. Her breathing flowed in and out just a little desperately as anxiety tried to claw its way up her throat.

She slipped from the bed silently and unnoticed, and lifted her eyes when the sun began to color the sky through the glass doors of the balcony. As she pulled on her clothes she tried to grasp the sudden feeling of unease within her, but it remained out of reach.

Confused at her own emotions, she took one more look at his sleeping form before she closed the door. Even in his sleep he looked tough. Then he mumbled something in his sleep, and she felt a gentle tug at her heart. Maybe she should just...

The monster loomed up again, and she shoved it aside along with any other thoughts she might have entertained.

Heart pounding, she shut the door and hurried down the hall to her room, suddenly eager to be away from the man and the nightmare that lingered in the room. Why did the beast persist in haunting her?

She reached her door, and hesitated with her hand on the knob. Changing her mind, she walked down to the next door and quietly stepped into the room. She smiled at Alexa’s splayed arms and legs and her usual sleeping position on her stomach.

Disturbing the blankets as little as possible, she lay on top of them, nudging Alexa’s arm out of the way, and using her arm as a pillow, curled up on her side. Taya’s gaze wandered Alexa’s sleeping face while she waited for her eyes to open, and her anxiety slipped into quiet contentment. START FROM THE BEGINNING

[chaoticmultiplicity]

The Price of Burning: Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Her hearing filtered back to her first. As was her habit she let her brain pick through the sounds around her before she opened her eyes. It was better to know what you were dealing with before anyone knew you were awake.

She could hear two voices, both instantly recognizable as Alexa and Darien. For her own reassurance she sent her mind out to Alexa's. It was the barest mental touch, hardly more than the brush of hair against skin, but she felt the touch in return, and forced her eyes to open. Blinking them into focus she saw Alexa lay a gentle hand on Darien's arm and nod in her direction.

She let herself absorb the comfort of her latest room as they made their way towards her. All the dark woods, rich dark colors, and soft pillows and rugs were much more to her liking than the very spare accommodations of the last few places. Her fingers moved lightly over the silk quilt that lay over her and traced the stitches that connected the patterned squares. The quilt was her piece of comfort. Something she'd had with her since the first night she and Alexa had been taken in at the age of 14. No matter where they went, the quilt was rolled up and put into its own bag.

She was drawn from her thoughts by the touch of Alexa's cool hand against her warm one, and the gentle kiss that was placed on her forehead sent a surge of tender emotion through her. It was with veiled effort that she held back a sigh of contentment. Such moments happened far too infrequently and tended not to last long.

Maybe it was the toll of her wounds or the drugs they had given her, but she felt herself pulled back into memories.

The girl had changed a lot in the 14 years since they'd met, just a few days before Alexa had told her about the pond hidden behind her house. Her blonde hair had always been tightly and intricately braided in those few days, now it hung loose in waves and curls that fell down to her waist, and always smelled like jasmine. Her depthless blue eyes could go from soft and dreamy to sharply focused, or flirtatious mischief with the slightest motivation. Her body, now firm and toned, and with the curves of a woman, still held the stature her thirteen-year-old body had predicted, but even at 5'4”, she was a demon with a short sword. Her voice was still the same though, soft and caressing, with the sweet rounded accent all people from the southern coast seemed to possess.

Through it all - her eyes, her smile, and her gently tanned skin - shone her heart, so bright and gentle that it drew people like moths to flame. She was cute, bubbly, and kind and people couldn’t help but adore her. Naturally, male adoration often meant they wanted to fuck her. Those unfortunate few usually found themselves toe to toe with an unforgiving and immovable force that went by the name of Tayanara DeVandall. Alexa had affectionately given her the nickname of Vandal after a succession of bar fights, which ended in the destruction of a certain Mayor's son’s nose.

Taya was almost the polar opposite of Alexa. Even her voice, though they’d lived together for more than half their lives, seemed a mix of many accents, rather than of one. Her father had taught her to speak Zilekan, his native tongue, from birth. As a successful merchant and politician he had always been very fond of stating that all young ladies should know the language of their neighbors. For the first 10 years of her life she had taken lessons in piano, and the languages of Taghadhia, and Noiyan as a matter of course. At the age of 27 she spoke all three languages and the common tongue of Faeidon fluently, and the lilts and inflections had made their way into her speech.

But they were physically opposite too. She stood an even 6 feet, with long black hair that tended to curl at the ends and around her face. Her body was ridged and rippled with hard earned muscle. Her sea green eyes could go from icy disinterest to raging with fire in an instant. She was as mean as a wounded bear when riled and would happily bite the head off of anyone who pushed their luck with Alexa, her ky klere, her bright heart. Most people would back off once they figured out they weren't going to intimidate her, and those that didn't... Well she was more than happy to teach them how to successfully get their teeth knocked out.

A slight, but distinctly male prod at her mind brought her attention back to the present and the man beside her bed. As she took him in she had the odd thought that if he had been a weapon he would be a jewel hilted dagger. And not the kind that was just for show either.

He was well dressed, with the eloquence of Southern aristocracy, and possessed a mind sharper than any she had ever known. His thick brown hair was a little on the long side, which he kept that way purely for the satisfaction of his 'female interests'. His pensive brown eyes were so dark they were almost black. And right now they were burrowing into hers, assessing. He didn't push at her mind as he could have though, he knew she would resent the intrusion and he respected her need for privacy.

She knew he was waiting for her to gather her wits before he began to ask her questions, but she suddenly had one of her own. “How did you get me out?”

Alexa looked a little surprised at the question. “You don't remember?” Taya shook her head. “I called for the backup team, but you passed out before they arrived and I was worried you were losing too much blood so, I gave you some from one of the Voro.”

Blood. It always came back to the blood.

“I managed to fill a bottle before we left, and we've been giving it to you in small doses until now,” Alexa continued. “Now that you're awake and we know you're not going to die on us, we can give you a heftier dose.”

Her calm voice may have surprised Taya if not for the currents she knew were hidden under it. Taya couldn't keep the grimace off her face at the thought of drinking the blood though. It was necessary, but it made her stomach churn.

Darien's voice, deep and smooth, sounded from her other side. “Why don’t you tell me what happened?”

Alexa opened her mouth to speak, but with one sharp glance from Darien she was effectively silenced. Taya knew that Alexa had probably already told him all of it but he wanted to hear Taya's version anyway. It was his way. Always prodding and asking questions.

Taya had learned very early on not to answer the way you thought you should. He always knew what the truth of the matter was. Always. Ever since the first day they had met, when she was a 14-year-old pickpocket, running around town with a blonde girl in clothes just a step above rags.

“We met minimal resistance, then moved in on the Cor. There was a pet there that attacked Alexa and she hesitated,” she answered, letting the shiver come over her and pass. “I covered her, but the female had just fed and the bitch got the upper hand on me. Alexa threw a massive chunk of ice at it and then she killed it.”

Darien nodded briefly, apparently having received the answer he was looking for. “Well, wounds aside, you did well. However many were left had fled before the backup team arrived, which means this area is officially cleared.” He looked hard at Alexa and then back at Taya. “I’m proud of you both.”

He said it without emotional inflection or gentle touch but both women accepted the praise as though it had been offered that way. Darien only wasted flowery words on people he considered inconsequential. With those he considered to be within his inner circle such things were deemed unnecessary. Such a simple sentence from him held the value of gold.

“Get well quickly,” he said, and with gentle hands picked up the golden sun pendant that was attached to the leather cord around Taya's neck. “The Thyfa need you back out there.”

He laid the pendant back against her skin with a small quirk of his mouth and a lingering gaze. And then he was gone, striding off in the direction of whatever he would conquer next. If her eyes lingered on the sight of him as he left, it was only because... Well, she couldn't think of a reason not to.

Taya returned her focus to Alexa who was still gripping her hand, and seemed to be studying the silk quilt with concerted effort.

“I'm sorry,” came her soft voice, as she slowly lifted her eyes to Taya's. “If I hadn't hesitated-”

Taya's grip tightened and she felt the strain in her shoulder.  She ignored the pain and held Alexa's eyes. “If you hadn't hesitated, you wouldn't be you. It's easy for me to forget that there are people in there, but you don't. Don't ever be sorry for that.” Alexa's face brightened a little, enough to make them both feel better. It was a shame she had to ruin it with what she would ask next. “Did we get any out alive?”

Alexa's eyes dropped again, and she shook her head sadly. “No. No one was even alive when we got there except for the pet, and we couldn't have saved him even if we wanted to.”

Taya watched with sympathy as Alexa's eyes went far away. She was probably lingering on the fact that she had had to kill him, wishing there was some way she could have saved him.

“It's not right,” Alexa said, suddenly vehement.

“Darling, you couldn't have saved him,” she offered in comfort.

Blue eyes focused on her again. “Not the pet, Taya. The whole thing. None of it is right.”

Alarmed by the bold statement, Taya moved to sit up and bit back a curse as her shoulders painfully reminded her of her wounds.

Spurred into immediate action, Alexa was there, helping her sit with a hand behind her back and a pillow shoved into the space behind her. Then, remembering something, Alexa dashed across the room and Taya heard the rattle of cups and bottles. When she returned she offered Taya a crystal glass full of something that looked like thick wine, and waited for her to accept it before she sat on the edge of the bed.

Taya took a sniff of the drink and scrunched her nose up in disgust. Blood and wine. At least the wine would make it go down easier. With an unhappy sigh and gritted teeth at the use of her arm, she brought the drink to her lips and drank it down as quickly as possible.

She let her head fall back as she drew air into her lungs and felt the rush of the Voro curse work its way through her. For an instant everything sharpened in her mind, then swam back, sickeningly, to what it usually was. She felt Alexa in her mind, like a light stroking against her thoughts and she was surprised at the strength of the connection. On a hunch she looked down to Alexa's hand and saw the strip of cloth she'd wound around her palm.

The blonde noticed the direction of her gaze and gave an apologetic shrug. “I thought it was best for us to make another exchange while you were already being disgusted.”

Taya raised an eyebrow, not sure if she should be grateful or not. “You know, an exchange goes both ways.” It was more of a question than a statement.

Alexa gave her a brief smile. “I took some of yours after we had you back here so I could monitor you. I didn't want the curse to send you over the edge once we started dosing you.”

They had both begun taking the Voro blood years ago, at Darien's urging. He had told them after a particularly gruesome battle that in a time when the Thyfa were much stronger, they had occasionally consumed Voro blood to boost their strength and stamina. He had confided in them that he himself had been consuming it for years.

The next time they had cleared an Umbra they had carefully and with more than a little disgust filled a small vial of Voro blood for each of them. That night they had consumed a few glasses of port and then downed the vials. The results were immediate and effective. They had become stronger, faster, and their inherent magical abilities had increased almost alarmingly. They had also noticed that along with all the extra power and extra sensory abilities it had also increased their ability to heal. Voro blood had become as much of a tool as their weapons.

Thus they had become the Elite, a rank that in later years would earn them much hatred from the Voro. It had been a step in the right direction.

Then one day Alexa had been injured badly and Taya, afraid for her life and not having any Voro blood available, had given Alexa her own in desperation. It had an added, not altogether unpleasant, side effect.

Around the time she and Alexa had taken to life on the streets Taya had discovered that she had an inherent ability to amplify her feelings. She had gotten so good at communicating with Alexa in this manner that it was almost as good as speech. But after she had given her blood to Alexa, Alexa had not only started picking up her emotions, but her thoughts, and even her pain. More than that, Taya had also started getting faint impressions of Alexa’s mind.

Darien had seemed very interested in the development and so had asked that Alexa also share her blood with Taya. It had opened a whole new level of communication. And it was terrifying. For Taya, who had been picking and choosing what emotions to share for years, having them all laid out bare for someone else to see had been mortifying.

Especially on the day that she had looked up and seen her sweet, bright Alexa standing in a ray of sunlight, smiling and chatting amiably with a hawker in the market. The world had faded out in that moment and all Taya could see was the woman she knew she would love for the rest of her life.

Alexa’s gaze had slid to hers, a curious look on her face, and Taya had simply frozen, unable to even guess what would happen next. Alexa had walked over to her with a warm smile and, standing on her toes, had placed a warm kiss on Taya's lips. When she had stepped back  with eyes full of her heart, she had whispered to Taya’s mind, I love you too. It had been just that simple.

Shortly after that Darien had insisted they also share blood with him and at least one member of their back up team. That, more than anything else, had pushed both the women to learn to block their minds and thoughts from others - a skill they called ‘building the fortress’. It has also taught them to ‘push’.

Pushing was an ability inherent to the Voro and one they had to cultivate when they discovered that the members of the backup team who they exchanged their blood with, could not pick up the thoughts of the Elite unless they were quite literally shoved into their minds. Trying it on other people they had not exchanged with proved utterly useless though she was fairly certain Darien was capable of pushing people and had been doing so for quite some time. Like any skill, the more you used it, the better you got at it.

The downside was that the mind connection had to continuously be reinvigorated or the ability to pass thoughts was unreliable. In short they had to exchange blood at least once every two weeks to maintain its strength. Just a few drops were all that was required, which was far better than the upkeep they had to endure with the Voro blood. One vial a week, bottled fresh from the source and no more than a day old.

The things we do for the ones we love, she thought.

Her gaze lingered over Alexa who was watching her patiently, waiting for her to gather her thoughts before she pushed on with the subject at hand.

"Alright," Taya said, bringing her thoughts back to the point. "Tell me what you're thinking."

"Well, I've just been mulling it over, Taya. This wasn't a group of strays, this was an established Umbra. Reports have this one located here for years but look at the state it was in. Umbra’s are supposed to be organized, protected and adhere to certain rules. Here we only encountered 2 guards, both of them were untrained and of the 6 we killed at least half of them were smoked on opium."

Taya nodded as she thought back. "Actually I'm pretty sure all of them had been hitting it".

"Right!" she exclaimed. "And you know how they feel about that stuff. It makes them sloppy so it's a big no-no." She began to lift a finger with each statement. "Pretty much no guards. The place was a wreck. Everyone's smoked and the Master was the guy with the pet!"

Taya couldn't quite hide her smile at Alexa's outrage, as though she took offense to the fact   that they hadn't been harder to kill. "Really?"

"Yes!" came a fierce response. "But do you know what troubles me the most, Taya? They had no feeding supply." Her voice now took on an air of concern. "None. Not a single human anywhere in the place fit for it besides the pet. Of course I could be wrong, considering the state the body was in when she was done but I think the one the female was feeding on was very sick when she took him. He smelled awful. Voro don't feed on the sick unless they have to Taya. They don't get the rush from it. So why was she?"

The smile was gone from Taya's face now. “When you said no one survived, I figured you meant they were poisoned or too far gone.” Her brows drew together as she processed the information. “No respectable Umbra Master would allow that. The Potens would be pissed if he found out there wasn’t going to be a feast if he dropped by. They always have someone locked up somewhere. A good host feeds his guests,” she said mockingly.

Alexa leaned forward, her entire being focused on Taya. “No Umbra Master would allow it. Respectable or not. Like you said, the Potens would be pissed and when the Potens gets pissed Umbra’s get claimed and handed over to better Masters. The only thing Voro want more than blood is power. You break the rules, the Potens hears about it and his enforcers remove the problem. Not to mention all of them are eager to snitch, because if you can knock the guy out who's above you, it's far easier to take his place.” She paused, her eyes as sharp as her mind. “So why isn't the Potens removing Masters like this one? More to the point, why hasn't he done anything about any of the Umbra’s in this area? None of them have been much better.”

Taya closed her eyes and tipped her head back so it rested on the headboard. She let thoughts run unhindered through her mind. Images, ideas, memories, all whirled through her thoughts as she picked out the ones that might hold significance and gave them a closer look. A piece of the puzzle was missing.

The Potens was the highest power among the Voro. He set the rules, made the standards. If any of the Umbra’s didn’t conform to the Potens’ regulations he would swiftly and mercilessly make sure that the offense was not repeated. It was how he retained power. Alexa was right. Something was off.

“You're right about the Umbra’s in this area,” Taya said, mostly to give voice to her thoughts. “The four before this one were headed the same way. There was almost no secrecy about that one back in Warshal. That's Voro rule number one. Stay in the shadows. The Potens would have had them all eliminated for that.” A chill began to form in Taya's gut. “Is it possible he doesn’t know?”

Alexa gave an uncertain shrug. “The one way that happens is if the Umbra’s are not communicating with each other. And we both know that’s not likely. You stop being visible and others start wondering what you’re up to. It’s the fastest way to draw attention to yourself. But it seems like all these Umbra,” she swept her hand out in an encompassing gesture, “are completely unconcerned that the Potens will find out.”

“Maybe the power has shifted," Taya said. Alexa's brow creased, not quite understanding. “If the Potens has been replaced or a competitor has risen then the whole order of things could have been thrown off and everyone’s struggling for a higher place up the ladder. If that’s the case it would make sense that little pockets like this one are defecting in an effort to wrestle some of their own power out of the situation.”

As she finished the thought, another one struck her, and the chill she had felt earlier settled onto a tight ball in her center. “Of course it is possible that the Potens is simply ignoring these defectors and letting us wipe them out for him once they draw attention to themselves.” She shook her head in disbelief. “Which would further encourage other Umbra to get back in line and fall under the protection of the Potens.”

Alexa's eyes widened a fraction. “Do you really think so?”

Taya shrugged, remembering the state of her shoulders too late. She hissed through her teeth. “If it's the former, he won't stay in power long. He'll be overthrown by someone smarter and stronger.” She paused a moment. “If it's the latter, which I get a really bad feeling it might be, then we have a problem. The last thing we need is a Potens who knows how to use us on the field.”

Alexa's eyes went off into the distance, and Taya studied her features for a moment before asking, “You haven't spoken to Darien about this have you?” She couldn't stop the slight edge of accusation from her voice.

The blonde shook her head, looking slightly ashamed. “I almost did when we got back here, but…” she shook her head again, a subconscious sign of the battle her own thoughts were waging, “Darien knows everything, Taya. He's the one that finds the Umbra’s. He's the one with all the information. We know he has contacts within the Voro. I figured if it was something serious he would have told us.” Serious blue eyes settled on hers. “Why keep it from us?”

“You don't trust him?” Taya asked, a little surprised.

A quiet sigh left her. “It’s not that I don't trust him, Taya. I do. With our lives. But I don't like the way he keeps things from us.” She lifted her hands and let them drop. “I almost feel like it’s a test or something.”

Taya nodded, understanding her feelings. “Considering that he has neglected to even mention it I have to agree. I don't like the thought of him keeping something like this from us.” She reached her hand out to touch Alexa's knee, grateful the pain had already lessened. She gave her a soft smile. “I'm glad you told me though. I feel stupid for not thinking of it myself.”

Alexa's face lit up like sunlight, and Taya felt the familiar tug at her heart. She couldn't have stopped the smile that lit her own face if she wanted to. An unvoiced communication passed between them, not with thoughts, but with loving smiles and gentle touches.

“I'm glad you're ok, Vandal,” came Alexa's voice, back to it's usually quiet tone.

“I'd never leave you, ky klere,” Taya returned softly.

Her heart tripped and tumbled as Alexa leaned forward, her lips so close to Taya's she could feel the shiver of cool breath across her hot skin. “I know,” she whispered, and her lips softly, tantalizingly, brushed against Taya's.

Before she could get her hands into the long golden strands that slid across her, Alexa had pulled away. Taya grinned at the twinkle in her eyes. Her bright, bubbly Alexa had returned.

“Get better quickly,” Alexa said in mischievous tones. “We need you out there.” With a saucy smile she turned and headed for the door.

Taya grinned like a fool. “You better watch it, cheri. You'll start a fire you can't put out.”

“A girl can hope,” she threw over her shoulder, and left Taya drooling at the cocky sway of her hips. READ FROM THE BEGINNING

[chaoticmultiplicity]

Character Intro - Taya DeVandall

Name - Tayanara “Taya” DeVandall

Species/type - Human (with an extended lifespan)

Hair color - Black

Eye color - Green

Weight - 165lbs

Height - 6’

Build - Muscular

Age - 248

Clothing - Leather and silk. Despises dresses and skirts. Figure hugging clothes are preferred because they don’t get in the way.

Personal Items - She wears a sun pendant and a silver bracelet always. Other than that her constant companion is at least one knife.

Likes - Drinking, fucking, swearing, and people who don’t BS her.

Dislikes - Just about everybody. Cruelty of any sort.

Family - Taya’s family were all either killed or dispersed when when she was a child. She has a made a family of her friends since then.

Personality type - Taya is commanding and demanding. She is very much the leader and has no problems using her fists to prove a point. She also has a huge capacity for love and compassion.

Quirks - Taya has had just about every kind of piercing you can think of at one time or another, though she usually only keeps the stud in her nose and the one in her tragus at all times. Story So Far - Read it here

[chaoticmultiplicity]

He turned back to Taya as alarm bells went off in his head. He knew very well she had a weakness for blondes and if this was the princess they were in more trouble than even the shadows beasts could provide.

"You're right," he said with a grimace, "this is a bad idea. Even if we make it there we'll get beheaded because you fucked the princess."

[chaoticmultiplicity]

Soooo...

After careful consideration I have decided to change the ending of @thepriceofburning which means completely scrapping a few chapters and rewriting the rest.

ANXIETY.

But I feel like it's a good choice and will carry the story along to *suspenseful music* BOOK 2!

For those of you who are curious check out the first few chapters on @thepriceofburning and let me know if you'd like to be added to the tag list.