SUMMER

Angkar: Wet season. Precipitation is common during the late afternoon and evening hours. Vegetation grows significantly during the summer, but flooding is a danger due to the monsoons that ravage the country. The rainforest sees evenly distributed rainfall throughout the season.

Ashoka: Desert: Extremely hot and dry. Violent, heavy downpours following long dryspells. Jungle: Hot and humid with frequent, violent rainstorms.

Morrim: Relatively hot and dry, but with a chance of thunderstorms from time to time. The heat may cause forest fires.

Soto: Hot and humid, tree cover is dense while ground growth is restricted. Thunderstorms see the most amount of rainfall during the season, and it can be very windy. On occasion, there are flash floods that can destroy homes and farms built on flood plains.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

March 30th, 2018 As you might have noticed, Elenlond has changed hands and is now under new management! If you have any questions, please direct them to DaringRaven! As for the rest of the announcements, including a season change, you can find them over here at the following link!

January 16, 2018 As you might have noticed, Elenlond has a new skin, all thanks to Mel! Don't forget to check out the new OTMs as well!

December 2, 2017 Winter has settled on Elenlond, bringing sleep for some and new life for others.

September 26, 2017 With the belated arrival of autumn come some interesting developments: new OTMs, a Town Crier and the release of the Elly Awards winners!

July 14, 2017 After a bit of forum clean-up, Elly Awards season has arrived! Head on over to make your nominations!

May 31, 2017 Summer has arrived and so has activity check! That's not all though – we also have some new OTMs for you and some staff changes!


WHAT IS ELENLOND?

Elenlond is an original free-form medieval fantasy RPG set on the continent of Soare and the Scattered Isles, which are located to the south in the Sea of Diverging Waters. The four chief nations of the western side of the world—Ashoka in northern Soare, Soto in western Soare, Morrim in eastern Soare, and Angkar, the largest of the Scattered Isles—continue to experience growth and prosperity since the fall of the Mianorite gods, although power struggles within the countries—or outside of them—continue to ensue.


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    Home is Where You Make It; Andromalius
    Topic Started: Nov 12 2011, 12:21 AM (460 Views)
    Kenna
    Member Avatar
    Former Queen of Angkar

    In retrospect, coming to Eldahar may not have been the best idea. Kenna had avoided smaller towns simply because with fewer people a person could become more memorable. Better to become lost in a crowd. But as Kenna attempted to find someone who would take her Angkaran gold in exchange for a place to stay - no question asked - she began to worry. How did one approach someone about a place? In the past, Kenna had simply made a place for herself. Now she had a small child in tow.

    It took a few hours of wandering the city before she found a place that was suitable. It wasn't far from the marketplace; easy enough for Elina to be able to tag along with Kenna once she was a little older and Kenna hoped she would be able to begin her potions and powders business as soon as possible with enough of the foot traffic that went by their humble home. She'd managed to get enough gold from the Angkar treasury to keep them comfortable for a few months but Kenna hoped she wouldn't have to use much of it for too much longer.

    The home she found wasn't much of one. She had to assume the owner was just pleased to find a tenant - and that meant little to no questions asked. Although much of Eldahar had undergone significant renovations, the interior of the two-story shop left something to be desired. Kenna knew she'd have her work cut out for her clearing out the cob webs and sweeping away the dust from the downstairs area that would serve as her business and the upstairs which would become the living quarters. Currently there was only the small, straw mattress Kenna had purchased in the market and two blankets she had placed in the corner.

    The "upper rooms" were really more of an upper room. Kenna would have to design some way to divide the room. As soon as Elina became a little older they would both appreciate some privacy. Was she really thinking of staying long enough for that to happen? For Elina to complain about not having a place of her own to escape to? Kenna knew she had little choice. Angkar would never be an option so long as Razarod was on the throne. She had spent enough time in both Morrim and Soto for Razarod to search for her there. Ashoka would be lower on the list. By that time Kenna hoped to make a name for herself as something other than a single mother of a child with dark hair that seemed to gleam navy in the sunlight.

    "Elina... welcome home." Kenna set the squirming child down to toddle across the dusty floor. "Do not put that in your mouth, child!" She quickly grabbed the, she looked at the object in her hand, the, uh... dirt (she hoped) from Elina's chubby grasp. "First item on the agenda: sweep."
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    Andromalius
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    Cries could be heard in the rolling nimbus clouds over the cacophonous thunderclaps. Mad shrieking it was, echoing in the storm above the thick, lush jungle canopy, like a wanton spirit or a broken deity. A fastly-fading break in the lower atmosphere revealed a small black dot being belched from the clouds. Only when it expanded, Ahrimann stretching his wings, could the shape of a dragon be discerned. The cover of night fell when they'd made it to the other side of the cell. The Banshee on the dragon's back howled for a last time as they tore away from sparks of electricity, and into the still air of the desert flatlands.

    Dispelling everything came with a magical display of blue and violet like a halo around his body. He took in a deep breath, closed his eyes, and spread his arms to the wind where he rode standing on Ahrimann's spine. His knees were bent and absorbing the force of flight changes, and he tapped on the power of his own ability to levitate in order to give the in-between extra padding. When his eyes flashed open, a broad smile split his face, and he exhaled all at once. “That was fantastic! Are you alright?”

    His mount was not so resilient. He batted his wings awkwardly where their edges had been scorched, and lines of smoke were trailing off his bones as if he'd been fried. He'd not been hit directly with any lightning, but the vapors had carried the charge out far enough to catch his tail. Thus, as a response, he gave a roar which died quickly, resounding in pain. Of course, Ahrimann couldn't speak like a person without the proper throat equipment, which only happened in his transfigured state.

    But, Andromalius knew him enough to know that sound. His smile faded, yet lingered on at half its width. He could not hide his excitement from what they'd just torn through together. Still, if he'd known the beast wouldn't come out unscathed, he wouldn't have suggested it. He just followed orders, never questioning, never concerned about his own health, like a good pet.

    “Say something next time if you...” If he, what? Thought he might be in danger? Thought he might not make it without sacrifice? That was the game they played. It was practically the meaning of their unnatural existence, and it was the twins who chose to make themselves useful. If they wanted to feel something like validation, then they would have to bare through the pain.

    Without regret, the sorcerer knelt and took a more conventional sitting position, simply staring at the crown of the back of the beast's head. “You will have to deal with it until we get there, my friend. If you go back to Death now, your body will not begin to heal until you return.”

    So the flight to Eldahar was a rough one, nearly resulting in several crashes. Eventually, though, the sand grew fine, gathered in dunes, and he told his friend it was time to descend. The dragon's wings beat hard several times before the ground, but before reaching it, Ahrimann plummeted. It was not high enough to further injure him, and his master took to the air to handle his own more graceful landing. He groaned loudly with his skull in the dust, then made some effort to shift around and transform. He just became smaller and smaller, until his bones unhinges and solidified into something thick and fleshy. Then, he laid crumpled on his stomach with a blackened backside.

    “Gods, that's worse than I thought.” Andromalius' words remained remorseful. “Put some clothes on. We still have some walking to do.” He reached his hand into the satchel slung over his neck, and drew out some dark, gauze garments.

    Hours later, the pair stole away into the capital city of Ashoka, claiming they'd been attacked by bandits. The sorcerer, of course, had assumed a disguise: the visage of a dark-haired man in his pime that he'd seen in one of the inns of Madrid. He kept his companion's face hooded, and from where he was half bent over Andromalius' shoulders, his nightmarish features were overlooked (this time). Regardless, the guards had been well trained and loaded with tricky questions. Not to mention, there were more of them. Orion – or was it Sophia? - had been busy.

    The warm sensation he'd been following since he'd left Madrid was now very strong, and welcoming. Kenna was a different kind of woman than Sophia or Sphynx, and the relationship he had with her might have been the polar opposite, too. Their meeting had nearly been a rough one, but the former Queen had withheld her attack, listened to his words, and understood them enough to slowly open her heart to this pitiful old ghost. To this day, he fondly considered her to have the most gentle and genuine embrace he'd ever had the privilege to know. It was no wonder, at the time, that some great king had scarfed her up.

    Last they'd met, for her sake, Razarod and he came to a fragile understanding. In exchange for dismissing The Banshee King for his crimes against Elenlond, the King of Angkar would know his location if he were to step foot in the country. Yes, and stay away from his wife and child. That part was covered after Kenna had gone.

    It seemed as though things in the castle didn't stay mended, however. Now here he was, in front of the door to her new property, with a half-conscious dragon-man draped over him (and making him look much smaller by comparison).

    “...Kenna.” He called softly with his supernatural tones. His words, though quiet, slipped right through the walls and made his presence known within. He was trying not to startle her. “May I come inside?”
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    Kenna
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    Former Queen of Angkar

    Sweat had broken out across her brow. Elina was curled up sleeping on the pallet in the corner, a blanket bunched under her head, the other covering her small form. At least Kenna wasn't having to watch her as closely now that she was sleeping.

    The first few hours in their new home had been busy for Kenna. She had spent most of her time pulling things away from Elina's mouth and sweeping away the dirt that found its way onto Elina's face. Once the little princess had fallen asleep Kenna had been able to double her efforts. She was pleased with the result. The upper room was clean and the downstairs floor was swept, counters and surfaces wiped, and cupboards emptied of whatever had been left and other things that had decided to take up residence.

    She had forgotten how much she hated spiders. Put that on the list of reasons why being a single woman wasn't so great. She shook her head. That kind of thinking would leave her weak. She wasn't weak - she would overcome. She'd done it before, she'd do it again. And this time it mattered more. This time she had Elina with her. If Kenna couldn't take care of herself she had no right to be taking care of her daughter. It wouldn't come to that, though. Kenna knew she would be more than able to care for her daughter's physical needs. The bond between daughter and mother was important and it was something that she would cherish and strengthen.

    Kenna had set aside her broom and cleaning cloth and gone to sit on the pallet next to Elina. Almost unconsciously her little daughter had rolled toward her. Kenna pulled the sleeping angel into her lap, pushing back the dark, wispy curls from her face. The rounded cheeks rested against her shoulder, Elina's warm breath brushing her neck. This was why Kenna hadn't been able to leave Elina behind. It was these moments. And moments like the one she'd experienced a few hours before, pulling a beetle from Elina's hand as it was being raised to her mouth. A smile broke out across her face. Elina was no dainty little girl. Kenna would have her hands full.

    She was about to start humming a lullabye when a familiar voice seemed to resonate through the walls. For just a moment, Kenna had thought she was hallucinating. He had left Elenlond, hadn't he? She'd had no idea where he had gone but after leaving Angkar the last time she'd seen him he'd just... disappeared.

    Kenna had known very few men in her life and that voice was unmistakable. Andromalius. She carefully laid Elina back down, tucking the blanket around her, and darted toward the stairs. When she looked back on this memory, Kenna would remember her looking much less like the dignified queen and much more like a lonely and scared young woman running after a former lover who had shown up on her doorstep.

    She was down the stairs and running toward the door before she really believed he was there. She opened the door and saw that the man before her had a very large man-shaped lump leaning on him.

    "Androma-" His name was cut short as she looked up at him. Except it wasn't him. She looked at the dark-skinned man outside her door and the large... she assumed he was a man... leaning heavily on him. "Who are you?" She almost sounded disappointed. And then it hit her. The connection she shared with him that had somehow been silenced until she looked upon him - even disguised as he was - flared to life. "Andromalius!"

    Despite the added weight of his companion, Kenna threw herself at Andromalius, her head nestling under his chin. "How did you find me?" She quickly pulled away and motioned him inside - he may only be here to have her help with the clearly injured man he supported. He hadn't even tried to contact her in the past several months. Friends talked every now and then, didn't they?
    Edited by Kenna, Nov 15 2011, 07:43 AM.
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    Andromalius
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    The door swung open. A warm smell like the musk of old wood and rich dirt accompanied the sight of her face, and he'd begun to smile. However, when the first three syllables of his name were uttered, his smile vanished. His jaw clenched, teeth grinding, as he frantically looked around to see if anyone else had been within ear shot. “For goodness sake, Kenna!” he whispered harshly, but to no avail. She repeated his name with excitement and threw herself into him, regardless of the fact he was already supporting a very heavy body. Ahrimann's eyes peeled open slightly and stared at the woman when he felt the jerk of her extra weight on the master. He was a good boy, though. He remained silent.

    Andromalius grunted at the amount of physical exertion demanded of him, then struggled to say, “Erm... Yes. I hope the bastard's dead. Let's go inside. Now.” Was she mad, saying his name aloud in the middle of Eldahar!? Did she even recall that he was likely the most hated soul in all of the western lands?! If Sophia caught wind of his presence, he would be unable to do all he'd come to do. Worse yet – what would Orion do? And what if he found out about Kenna and Elina?

    His feet were like solid metal with all the added weight, but he managed to shuffle forward, nudging Kenna back inside one baby step at a time until they were beyond the threshold. The big lug over his shoulders started to shift. With teamwork, Ahrimann sloughed off to sit along the wall. He didn't dare rest his back against it, for fear of the flaring pain.

    “As long as you have the brand, I can find you,” Andromalius explained in a hurried grumble. “Don't ever say my name aloud like that in public again. Not until my throat is safe from the ones who want to sever it.” It had only taken until his arms were free for him to wrap the both of them around her waist. He kicked the door shut behind him, and then allowed his disguise to melt away. His hair bleached out until it was the familiar snow white, taking mere moments to extend all the way back down to his waist. His skin color faded the same, and like a dream, his face changed back to those chiseled, angular features which always made him look so severe.

    “I don't mean to be short with you, but it is very dangerous for me to be here. That aside,” his hands spread out against her back, and he finally let himself enjoy her warmth as he bent his head over her shoulder and poked the side of her head with the tip of his nose. The Banshee then planted a sweet kiss on her cheek and brought a hand up to brush her bangs away from her face. “It is good to see you too. I've missed you.”
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    Kenna
    Member Avatar
    Former Queen of Angkar

    Embarrassment flashed across her face - she hadn't been thinking. Of course it wasn't safe for him to be in Eldahar. She watched him carefully set his companion on the floor and nearly melted into his embrace. She turned her face to meet his kiss. It seemed strange that his touch would be so comforting. Hadn't her involvement with him been a reason that she was no longer married? At the moment, she really didn't care. Not about him being in her new home, anyway.

    His voice had a bit too loud for the sleeping child upstairs. "Shh! You'll wake Elina and you'll be the one pulling beetles and dirt out of her mouth and chasing her up and down those stairs!" The fatigue in her voice was apparent. She'd barely taken time to rest since leaving Angkar and now, when she finally thought she was going to have a moment to herself, there was a lump of very large man on her floor obviously in some pain. Was she going to be responsible for nursing him back to health?

    It wasn't that she was upset Andromalius had shown up at her door. A large part of her was elated. She was just tired. "Where have you been? After you left Ildri I never saw you again. You just... disappeared. And then I heard you really were gone and never coming back. Razarod didn't... he didn't threaten you, did he? I'd be surprised you'd actually cow to any threat he made against you." Her hand found its way into his hair. She was fascinated by the snowy-white hue of it. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ahrimann. "Oh, gods. I... does he need help? Is he alright?"
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    Andromalius
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    “Ah, no thank you,” he lowered his voice and grinned, giddy, at the prospect of chasing the little one down. As far as he knew though, Elina found comfort in his soothing tones. At least, when he used to steal away and peek in on her crib late at night, it seemed to be her general reaction to his presence. Perhaps it also had something to do with Kenna's brand. Maybe the child could recognize the signature of his aura. It would be interesting.

    “It's been less than a year for you, my dear. Hardly any time has passed.” Yet, her excitement now and apparent concern before was adorable. He tilted his head a bit to accommodate the fingers she wove into his long mane. “No, Razarod didn't threaten me,” he stifled a laugh, but his eyes glittered with amusement. “...As if he could have. He put an enchantment on my lance to track me, but I let him.”

    Kenna was quickly jumping from one thing to the next. He didn't have time to give her any proper answers until she asked about Ahrimann. Here, Andromalius turned his head to look down at the beast, still huddled in his cloak and hesitant to touch the wall. Gradually, the Banshee unwound his arms from the former Queen and gingerly stepped aside to his creature. He kneeled on one leg and bent forward to unravel the dragon's hood and reveal him to their hostess. The burning embers that were the dragon's eyes rose, completely alert, to meet her's. Such a garish-looking thing could only belong to the Banshee King. He was quite terrifying, even though he passively slumped to the side with injuries.

    “He'll be alright. If it displeases you to see him this way, then by all means, do what you will, but it's also good for his constitution to endure it.” The master placed his hand to the creature's cheek as a sort of reassurance that he would be fine. The dragon made a beastly whimper. “Let me introduce you. This is my traveling companion, my mount, and my summon. In fact, you may have met before. His name is Ahrimann. Ahrimann, this is Kenna, the nice lady.

    The dragon struggled a bit to nod his head at her, but succeeded all the same, “...S-Salutations.” He, too, kept his deep, gravely voice down for the sleeping babe upstairs.
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    Kenna
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    Former Queen of Angkar

    "I didn't think so." She nodded, smugly, to herself. "She will probably wake within the hour. You can say hello then." She was really quite proud of her little daughter. The little spitfire that was a perfect blend of herself and her father - the good parts, anyway. Razarod would always hold a place in her heart as the father of her child. No romantically. Never again. And she would do her best to keep herself from becoming romantically attached to any other man, as well.

    Her fingers combed through his hair as he pulled away from her. Her first inclination was to be afraid. But then if Andromalius had brought him in, supporting his weight, Kenna was probably safe enough - especially with the banshee standing between her and the creature.

    "Well met, Ahrimann..." She looked at Andromalius and quirked an eyebrow. "Is that how you speak of me? The 'nice lady?' Is that all I can muster in a person's eye?" It didn't matter, however. For the time being, she had to nice. Nice enough not to draw negative attention. She had to disappear. Of course, with the banshee king with her, that may be more difficult. That brought questions to her mind.

    "Why are you in Eldahar, Andromalius?" She wouldn't think he'd come just to see her.
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    Andromalius
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    “His comprehension is limited,” the phantom explained from over his shoulder. She would just be able to make out his startling blue eyes from beneath his dark lashes, yet his nose and mouth remained obscured by the cape of black gauze fabric, and his hair tended to hide the rest. Clean, but windblown was its state, laying down his back like a blanket instead of a sheer veil. “Not quite that limited, but it amuses me to pretend he's an imbecile.”

    “It's a dominance thing,” Ahrimann piped up to explain, proving himself not as utterly incompetent.

    “It is that...” When the sorcerer rose and turned, he was wearing a wide, wicked grin. How shameless. “It's easiest to identify you as the nice one, though. The other ladies he may or may not have heard about are not.” Andromalius usually attracted only one type. Kenna wasn't it.

    “Anyways, beyond coming to see you, I wanted to examine Ashoka's military status,” he'd begun to look around finally. Her home was barren. “I put Orion on his throne. I consider it a responsibility to know what he's been up to. Honestly, I don't trust him not to be stirring something up. I received the news about...” His attention slowly stopped on the woman's face, and his gaze softened considerably. She'd only been a short distance away, but he went to eliminate most of it. Here, towering before her, he laid a hand on her shoulder. “How are you holding up? You know if you need anything, you can let me know.”
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    Kenna
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    Former Queen of Angkar

    Kenna's mouth quirked in a half smile, watching the two interact. Boys will be boys. Her smile changed a bit and her visage became thoughtful. Andromalius was anything but a boy. Her former travels with him had shown her at least that much. She quickly turned away to cover a blush that seemed to creep up her neck. Really, I'm embarrassed? She attributed it to not having seen him since... well, since she stood between him and Razarod back at the palace.

    Or perhaps because the last time she had fled from Razarod she'd run right into his arms. And then his bed. Anyway. She shook her head and turned back toward Andromalius.

    His face was soft, concerned. Confusion flitted across her face. "I'm... fine... Razarod and I - we fought. A lot. This last time we just decided that it would be better if I was no longer his queen. But hell if I let him keep my daughter. He would be too busy to really spend time with her. Elina would have been raised by her nursemaids..." She glanced toward the stairs. "We're just trying to keep Razarod from finding us." His face was suspicious. Something told her she didn't want to know why. "But news? What news? Sphy-" She stopped, best to not let anyone know who was helping her. Even though she trusted Andromalius, the fewer who knew, the better for Sphynx's position. "I was told I needed to lie low for a time. I doubt I'll hear much news in the coming months. Perhaps you could be my ears for me?" She grinned. If Andromalius agreed to to gather news for her, he would have to come visit every now and then.
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    Andromalius
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    True enough, boys didn't become kings of their own accord. He lost his innocence long, long ago, shortly after his birth within a filthy Sotoan brothel room. Some may say he never had it to begin with – born a pariah, cursed to live forever as a stain on the world. One may even go so far as to believe it was destiny since the beginning. The people of Elenlond questioned his vile disposition. Those who could not comprehend his struggle were wastes of space. Those who dallied in denial of the dark side of Soare, to him, served the same purpose as cattle. Those who reveled in its twisted beauty, however, and appreciated it the way Kenna appreciated him, were to be revered. So he doted on her, and continued to show her more sympathy on the subject of her late ex-husband than he would any others.

    However, something was terribly amiss. Her verbal tense, in reference to Razarod, was incorrect. She spoke as though he still sat on his throne in Angkar, alive and safe. His growing concern that perhaps she was ignorant showed on his face through his widened eyes. Kenna read his expression accurately, and he bowed his head gravely. He didn't want to be the one to tell her. It wasn't right. He was the 'other man'...

    “I don't want to be your eyes and ears. I don't want to be your dark messenger. Alas, it seems I must.” Andromalius sighed heavily and lifted his eyes once more. His hands - long, chilly things – reached out to entwine themselves within the pretty archer's. He held them firmly, and she would know the gravity of his following words.

    “Kenna... Razarod is dead.” His brows sank and turned his face into a subtle frown. “...A skilled assassin, so I'm told. There was a body in a coffin, a funeral, and... a new King: someone named Hemlock. Gods! I didn't know you didn't know.”

    But, she had to know. If anyone in creation had a right to it, she did, and in retrospect, it was fortunate she left when she did. Kenna and Elina were out of harm's way. They'd already been planning a life without Razarod. This, at least, was a blessing.
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    Kenna
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    Former Queen of Angkar

    At first, Kenna thought he was going to refuse her. That he just didn't want to be in anyone's service - even if it was just the a request of a friend that he fulfilled. And then he took her hands. She had seen something like this happen before. Her father had stood before her mother many years ago, his eyes holding more than the banshee's did now - they'd held intense grief. Andromalius only seemed concerned, his fingers entwined with hers as though he were prepared to support her if she fell. Why would she fall? She was free. She'd escaped and she would never let anyone find her.

    And then the earth dropped out from beneath her feet. "D-dead?" Her knees felt weak. She so desperately wanted to sink to the floor and look up and discover that Andromalius was just the man Razarod had said he was - evil - and this was only some sick joke. But it wasn't a joke. "How can he be dead? He is king - he has guards! People to protect him! He could have protected himself better than some of his guards could have..."

    She pulled her hands away from his and backed against a wall. "I should never have... maybe if I had..." She was muttering quietly to herself. What ifs and maybes flew through her mind like a swarm of locusts. She'd become pale. If Razarod was dead would someone come for... Her eyes met his.

    "Is Elina safe? Oh gods, please tell me she'll be safe." Her gaze darted to the stairs to where she knew her daughter was sleeping soundly.
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    Andromalius
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    It was done. He felt a wash of relief. Whatever weight had been placed on him was fading away. When Kenna began to react, there was a chilly prickling, like needles, at the base of his spine. The Banshee was familiar to the sensation, now drawing on his adrenaline the same way it happened when he was excited. A warmth within his lower abdomen dynamically contrasted the chill, and he had to turn his face away to hide the pleasure he'd received from watching the woman back up against the wall. At his sides, his hands squeezed into fists. He had to fight it. Giving in to that demon now would surely warp the poor woman for the rest of her life. And if Elina woke up... No, he couldn't.

    Andromalius tried to focus all of his attention on the continuation of the conversation, but he kept his head turned, his hair acting as a curtain to hide his evil away.

    “That's what I figured,” his tone of voice had become low and hollow. She might confuse it for sadness on her behalf, but it was merely him wrestling with this terrible inner monster, the one that wanted to revel in her misery. “But the news came from two unrelated, reliable sources. In addition, the new reign of this Hemlock character is irrefutable.”

    Is Elina safe, she asked. Only then did he dare return his gaze to Kenna. Oh, how wolfish and feral it was... He couldn't hide its severity. All he could do was keep his distance until she calmed down and his urge abated. Ahrimann was staring at his master from beside the door, like a watchful parent and proper bodyguard – ready to move against him if he threatened his relationship with someone he knew his master to cherish. It was part of his duty, one he took very seriously.

    “I don't know,” Andromalius said at last, honestly. “Obviously, if it was an assassin, then there are political implications. All signs point to Hemlock. Even more concerning: I was told that Orion and he are on good terms, for such a short career. I have been trying to piece together just who orchestrated this scheme... Elina has pure, royal blood, so she still has a right to contest Hemlock for the throne. He may or may not seek her out, depending on whether or not he considers her a valid threat. It's all part of the reason I'm in Eldahar.”

    “I have not been back for long, and I have yet to go to Angkar. When I do, I wholly intend to pay Hemlock a visit and squeeze him for all he's worth. Kenna. As long as you remember to use the brand, I will be a mere summons away. Nothing will happen to her as long as I'm around for ...whatever you can't handle, yourself. I will always fight for you and your daughter.”
    Edited by Andromalius, Nov 22 2011, 12:44 PM.
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    Kenna
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    Former Queen of Angkar

    He'd turned from her. She didn't speculate as to what that meant - she was too busy trying to decide if this were her fault? The logical part of her brain said no. If anything, she'd probably saved her own life and the life of her daughter. And yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe another pair of eyes would have alerted Razarod to the danger. Maybe if she had pushed through her own anger and done all she could to save the remnants of their marriage it might have saved Razarod as a monarch.

    She didn't even notice him turning back to her. Kenna's gaze was still locked on the stairs as though listening for someone who could have snuck in the upper window to kidnap or kill Elina. Oh, certainly, the chances of that were slim. Only two people knew she was here in Eldahar - one of them was standing in front of her and the other was the high inquisitor. Kenna felt safe enough if she were able to keep her identity a secret from anyone else.

    She pulled her eyes from the stairway to Andromalius and nearly gasped. His face was... she couldn't describe it, but it wasn't filled with remorse for having to break the bad news. If she could have, she would have backed up farther. He seemed to be holding himself away from her, though. She took a breath and focused on his words.

    "If he's behind Razarod's death and took the throne himself, I can't imagine he would leave a potential threat to his reign - even if it that threat is a small, female child..." Kenna was aware of the world and how it worked. It was very rare for a woman to come into a place of power without following after a man. "Should I even be in Eldahar if Orion is a supporter of this Hemlock?" It didn't escape Kenna's notice that the new ruler of Angkar shared a name with a poison.

    But if Andromalius promised to protect them, then Kenna knew they would be safe. It was then that she was able to relax. As long as he was somewhere, she could call on him and he would keep Elina safe. She sighed and slumped down the wall, sitting against it. "As long as my little one is safe... I couldn't... I won't - I don't think I could go on if something happened to Elina, Andromalius." Her eyes rose to his. "If you ever break this promise and Elina is harmed because of it..." She stopped, knowing no threat would ever succeed in frightening Andromalius. Even the thought that he would stand by and let Elina be hurt infuriated her. "I would never forgive you."

    It was unfair of her, she knew, to put Elina's life in his hands this way. But the only other man she'd known who would lay down his life for Elina - the girl's father - was now dead. As much as Kenna wished she would be enough to protect Elina from everything, she knew it was impossible. And Andromalius had just promised to fight for them. She would rest on that thought.

    She had to think of something else, though. To not dwell on Razarod's death or the danger that could be lurking outside her door. "Do you want to see her? It's nearly time for her to wake. Or I could find you something to drink. I don't have much, we've only just arrived. Perhaps you need rest," her gaze darted to Ahrimann almost unconsciously, "before a little one begins running around again."

    And just like that, she pulled on her mask of hospitality. It had worked many times past to keep her from weeping and it would work for her again. Some day, though, she would have to take Elina back to Angkar to pay their respects to the man who was responsible for their life in Elenlond.
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