Redemption(Closed RP)

[Lady Elestirne]

For all those curious this is taking place directly after the events in Decision and Deception and is intended to be a mini-story only. I don't mean to exclude anyone but most of those who will be involved have already been notified. If I think someone else can also contribute I will extend an invite.

Elestirne was quiet as they rode back to Mittelmarch. Her eyes were dark as she thought of how Tsukasa had come upon her last night in the gardens, and the look of wonder and curiousity that he had not quite been able to mask. She was sure he must have heard her song and followed it to find her and her swords glowing. Of the council she knew nothing but it seemed at least that, even if they did blame her,they were not going to do anything. Forgive yourself child. The whisper came out of nowhere. You have done nothing that deserves blame.

Elestirne flinched, but the whisper was gone as quickly as it had come. Her silver eyes turned yet darker as she thought on how Authnor and the rest of her elves would react on seeing her and her injuries, as well as how the city and her friends had fared during the attack that must have happened while she was a captive. Something occurred to her and she voiced it softly; the musical tones of her voice laced with faint ironic sarcasm.

"In the stories that your kind seems so fond of, this would be the part where the-what do you call her?- the 'damsel in distress', would thank her brave saviours for rescuing her from the clutches of the evil that held her." An odd, strained smile briefly touched Elestirne's lips but it was there only an instant and did not reach her eyes.

"And certainly I do owe you both some thanks. But drawing people out of Mittelmarch to come after me was exactly what Telamon was after. That, and getting me out of the way. I was bait. And it worked. Olore would have come anyway, but none of the rest of you needed to get involved-nor risk yourselves for me. I would rather you all had stayed here, where you were most needed, and helped defend Mittelmarch. You all ought to have left me to Telamon, to toy with as he would." Her brilliant silver eyes clouded and bitterness laced her melodic voice. "None of you should have taken the bait and come after me. I knew he could not do me any permanent harm."

When demons turn to angels. Olore intervened sharply. I would have come after you regardless. I was not about to leave you to the like of Telamon again-regardless of whether you knew he could/would not kill you. And you know Storm better than that, to think he would let it go either. Tsukasa's choice to come was his own.

To that, Elestirne answered nothing. With a small, resigned sigh, she bowed her head slightly;star-dusted midnight hair sweeping forward to frame, then hide her face. There seemed to be a faint bitterness and sadness to her posture.

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa rode quietly on his way back to Mittelmarch. His mind was focused on the events that just expired. Though he did not know Tatsumura his thought continued to come back to him. The sacrifice that he made was something he wonder if he would be able to do. It was a very honorable death and one that his ancestors would be proud of. He could tell that it took its toll on both Lady Elestirne and the one known as Storm. Then there was the event of Lady Elestirne glowing.
She is more than she appears but it is not my place to ask her about it.

Tsukasa continue to think on these things on his way back to Mittelmarch.

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne's apprehension grew the closer they came to Mittelmarch. Over and over the words of the star-goddess echoed in her mind, as well as Aegruth's out of the mists of years past. Blessed, cursed and blood-stained all at once,she mused broodingly. As if it weren't enough that I was prophecied and destined to be Queen. or that I am the last of my line. I never asked for or wanted any of it, and I did not want to have to kill Telamon, nor endanger the lives of others by their coming after me...

Olore's ears flicked. In regards to Telamon, you did the only thing you could have done. Had you not stopped him, he would have continued to be a threat. Mittelmarch thanks and honors you for that deed. He was fallen Elestirne, and beyond any redemption or healing. He made his choice. As did Tatsumura. Let the guilt go. You have done this land and your friends a great service and they will never forget it. Now you must do yourself a favor and stop running from and denying the other part of your lineage.

Elestirne flinched reflectively. "I just want to go back home,"she murmured softly. "We have been here long enough."

We shall see Elestirne, was the calm answer. I do not think the land is ready to let you go yet. I sense you might be needed still.

She said nothing to that, falling back into her thoughts and an uneasy half-sleep. Olore snorted after a time, drawing her attention back. We have been seen. It looked like one of you elves. Doubtless they shall be awaiting us.

"Lovely." Elestirne murmured; failing to keep the faint, bitter sarcasm out of her voice.

Sure enough the group had no sooner reached and halted at the center fountain than did they see a group of elves led by Authnor hastening towards them. Olore had just enough time to kneel and let Elestirne slip off his back before the elves reached them. Swiftly, he stepped forward;placing himself squarely between the anxious elves and their pale queen and pinning his ears back slightly.

Softly, Knight-Commander, he warned. Elestirne is alive and returned to you as promised-but she is weak and sorely wounded yet from the battle to get free. She needs rest. Overwhelming her will do more harm than good Authnor.

The elven knight's expression filled with outrage before he schooled his face into a tightly controlled mask. He darted a quick glance to Elestirne-taking in her injuries and obvious weariness-then back to Olore. "And what of Telamon?" He literally spat the name, not noticing Elestirne's flinch.

Dead, Olore answered. Your queen killed him. But do not press her for details now.

Authnor's jaw worked angrily, but he nodded after a long moment. "We will go back to the inn then, so my queen can rest. As she has deserved." With a few words, he dismissed the other elves, who left reluctantly. Turning back to Olore and the others, he offered quietly, almost humbly. "Thank you. Thank you for bringing her back safely."

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa bowed to Authnor. If the elf caught the look in his eyes he would have seen the great sorrow that his soul was bearing.

"It was a honor to be able to bring her back safely. I must leave and take care of some stuff. If you need my services once again I will be at Cedric's Inn."

He bowed once more to Authnor and than to Lady Elestirne. He then left for the inn.

[Lady Elestirne]

"They did as their natures compelled them." Elestirne's voice was soft, and still held faint bitterness. "Though I still think it would have been better if they had stayed to aid Mittelmarch, rather than risked themselves to come after me. In any case though, Telamon is dead and it no longer matters. And for their deed Tsukasa shall be welcome always in my realm, as Storm already is, should he ever desire to visit." She returned Tsukasa's bow with a faint nod as he and Storm drifted off, and raised a hand to forestall Authnor as he started to speak; then pressed it gingerly against her bandaged ribs.

"No Authnor. Do not press me. I know what you would ask, what you want to hear. Iwill tell you, but not yet. Follow Tsukasa, if you would-I never got a chance to express my thanks and would like to. To him and Storm both. There is something I must do first though. Olore and I will rejoin you later."

Authnor started to say something yet again, then thought better of it. He gave her a long look before nodding and bowing, then left. Elestirne lingered a moment then-Olore at her side-made for the library.

Only moments later the two stood before the doors. After exchanging a glance, the silver stallion nosed them open and led the way inside. There were a few patrons present, and none could help but to look up as the two halted in the middle of the room. Both seemed to shimmer softly, yet noticibly, in the dim light. After a moment, Elestirne spoke a single name. Her melodic voice echoed sweetly and clearly, but was noticibly shaded with pain and weariness.

"Helvaryn."

[Lady Elestirne]

After leaving Elestirne, Authnor was sorely tempted to turn around and follow her. But he knew it would be inviting trouble from Olore to do so, if not from Elestirne as well. Just thinking about her, and how pale and injured she had been, set his blood to boiling. Whatever she had undergone at the fiend's hands before the others had gotten to her must have been horrible indeed. And Olore had said that she had killed Telamon. He could not imagine how, but clearly it had taken an immense toll on her. He resolved then and there not to let anyone bother or badger her when she returned until after she had had the chance to rest.

Then there had been that troubling note of sorrowful bitterness he had detected in her voice, beneath the weariness and pain. He had never heard anything like it in her voice before and it boded ill to him. There had to be someone who could help him understand it. Olore was out of the question, and Storm had seemed oddly distant and distracted. But...there was Tsukasa. He had to know something.

Moments later, Authnor had entered the inn. He picked Tsukasa out easily. The man's distinctive style of dress easily marked him from the other patrons. Authnor made his way over, but did not sit. "Tsukasa, may we speak?" He did not wait for the answer, but continued on. "I would have you tell of your journey, your efforts to free my Queen, and what happened in the battle with Telamon. I would hear all of it, if you would grant me the courtesy. Besides her obvious-and grave-physical wounds, something seems wrong with my lady, to be bothering her. She seems at once bitter and saddened by something. You traveled with her, and you were there when I was...forbidden to go." The warrior's face darkened briefly. "I would have you tell me what you know or suspect, and tell me what happened so that I may-perhaps-have answers to this puzzle."

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

Tigron awoke, yet again in the healing center. He sat up on the bed thinking to himself...."What a fearsome battle that was between me and the liche. I am lucky to still be alive, if my ancestral tiger spirit had not joined me, I would not have been able to defeat the liche and also save my brother" Tigron pulls out the gemmed dagger of which he had sealed his brothers soul away from the liche, grasping it tight "Now I must find a way to bring you back to this world my brother. There is only one I barely know of who may have the ability to help me....although she does not know me well. I must find Lady Elestirne." Tigron stands up, grabs his gear, and heads for Cedric's Inn....." I sense Tsukasa is at the Inn. He was with her last time I saw them, maybe he will know where she is."

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa was sitting in his normal spot inside Cedric's Inn when he spotted Authnor. He was about to greet him when he started to requested to know what happen during the time that he was gone to rescue Lady Elestirne. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breathes. He than told Authnor everything that happened. He told him about the death of Tatsamura and how Lady Elestirne was forced to kill Telamon. He also told him about how she had a glow about her when fighting him. He paused for a moment.

"I know that this battle took more out of her then she wants everyone to know. Telamon tortured her so I know her body is weaker than normal. I also get a sense that she did not wanted to kill him. I did not pursue the matter with her cause neither the time nor place was right."

[Lady Elestirne]

The elven knight stood several long moments without speaking; looking at Tsukasa without seeming to see him. Several emotions flickered over his face-some recognizable, others not-before settling into a stony mask. His emerald eyes went hard and glittering;subtle fire dancing in their depths as one hand clenched reflexively around the hilt of his longsword. For a few more moments he stood silent as he simulstaneously fought to check his rising anger, and sort through what he had been told. Tsukasa's words had given him some answers, but new questions as well. Collecting himself, the tall elf lowered his head briefly.

"I am sorry to hear of the loss of Tatsumura," he said solemnly, keeping his voice even with effort. "A noble and honorable man,a worthy friend of my lady. May he find his way safely to his ancestors and gods, and be given a place of honor amongst them." It explains much of Storm's behaviour-Tatsumura was his lord after all, he thought to himself. And perhaps also my lady, though she is considerably harder to read... What is meant by her glowing and what the battle may have cost her I know not, but I think I know why she was reluctant to kill Telamon-and how she is feeling about the act..

"She did not want to kill Telamon because it is not her nature," Authnor said heavily. "If she killed him, it is either because he forced her hand or left her no choice. She would rather have avoided conflict. Telamon reminded her far too much of the first sorceror she had tangled with and had to kill, her father's killer.

"And she still feels great guilt and remorse for that act, even though she was more than justified, for that sorceror was an elf fallen to dark magic and evil ways. Much like Telamon himself fell. And among us, it is considered abhorrent for an elf to take another elf's life-except in defense of life, or at the height of need. Doubtless my queen was more than justified in killing Telamon, but she likely blames herself for doing so-for needing to do so-and for the loss of Tatsumura as well, if I know her at all. I believe she is still haunted by the memory of that first sorceror, though it was many years ago. If so, she may be bitter about having to kill another of her kind,and see it as a failure on her part. And if she was tortured by Telamon..." Authnor let the thought trail off grimly, with a faint shake of his head. "I sense something else may be at the root of this, but what it could be to upset her so, I know not."

He frowned a little. "I should go seek her out. Whether with Olore or no, I like not the idea of her wandering about, in light of her injuries and the turmoil she might be in for the ordeal she suffered,and the killing of the fiend. It is obvious the battle and her injuries have taken a great deal out of her. She should be resting. I should not have been so quick to let her out of my sight again so soon after you had brought her back safely to us.."

[storyteller]

Before Blood in the Streets...

The aged elf looks up from a scroll he was studying.

"You know usually I'd have to shoot someone who brought a horse into my library."

He stands up and rolls up the scroll and tucks it away on a shelf.

"What brings you here, your majesty?" he bows respectably.

"Please have a seat."

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne's silver eyes flickered dully as the aged elf appeared, but she offered no response to his attempt at humour. Olore shook out his mane-putting his ears half back-and stomped the floor. Elestirne laid her uninjured hand on his neck with an effort, and focused her gaze on Helvaryn. "Forgive us. We have little tolerance for humor right now. Is there somewhere private we can speak?"

She followed silently as he led her to a secluded spot, then bade her sit. She shook her head faintly, and moved into better light, so that the librarion could better see her injuries. "I daren't sit. I come to inform you of events that have happened, so that you can record them accurately for the benifet of those who will wish to know what happened." Guessing that he may have been entirely unaware of her capture-though he had to have known of the lich's attack-she started with that, then paused. With an effort, she continued: telling of Telamon's torture and attempt to turn her to his side, of the one called Wulf's surprising-and failed-rescue attempt, of the sceptor and the power she had felt from it, of the mutual agreement struck between her and Banith-how he had freed her just as her would be rescuers had come to the city, Tatsumura's battle with-and defeat by- Telamon, and her own battle with and defeat of the fallen elf-to her great regret. As well as the troubling glimpse she had had of what may have been the Azoth Gate, and Telamon's still more troubling words regarding it.

As she neared the end of her recounting, she hesitated on the edge of also telling him the secret of her lineage and the curse of her past, but did not; fearful of it yet. It is for me to bear alone. Both the curse, and the truth of what I am-and will become. "If Telamon's words regarding the Gate are to be taken seriously, then danger seems likely to come to the land because of-or for-it. Banith holds the Sceptor as far as I know, but I do not know into whose care you gave the Gate. I would council them to guard it well however, in case trouble does come from it." With a start, Elestirne realized over an hour had passed. She had been here longer than she had intended. No doubt Authnor would be getting worried and start to search for her soon-if he wasn't already. If not him, others of her elves probally were.

Excusing herself courteously from Helvaryn, she wearily and slowly made for the Silvermoon with Olore at her side; guessing that to be where Authnor and her escort would be lodged. She would like nothing more than to be left in quiet to rest for a few hours...but knew she would not get it. Her elves would overwhelm her, and insist on properly treating and re-dressing her injuries, as she lacked even the energy to call her innate healing to work at beginning to mend them.

Predictably, the moment she and Olore entered she was overwhelmed by her anxious escort. Recognizing the drain they were having on her already sapped strength, Olore swiftly intervened and forced them to clear a space. Two led her upstairs to the room they had secured for her on Authnor's orders. She tolerated their presence only long enough for them to retreat and rebandage her wounds-and fix a proper sling and splint for her shattered wrist and hand-before making them leave and soon drifting tiredly into sleep.

[storyteller]

He wrote fast as the story unfolded. He scribed with much intrigue. "Telemachus finally dead..." He felt relief, but also pity. As they finished he wished the Queen safe journey and wondered what next excitement would come his way.

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

Tigron had been walking for quite a while now as he finally arrived at the Inn. He made sure he was well in order before going into the Inn. As Tigron enters, he proceeds to find a table out of the way where he could sit when he saw Tsukasa sitting in his usual spot. "Tsukasa, I am happy to see you again, in peace this time though....."

Tigron looks down at his dagger, remembering all that had transpired as he then told Tsukasa "I was wondering if you might know where Lady Elestirne is....I don't know if you knew this yet, but I was able to defeat the Lich, I stabbed his head with this dagger, sealing away giggles' soul inside the gem on its hilt. I believe she may be one, possibly the only one, who could restore him to his normal self prior to the lich. I must find her.."

Tigron awaited Tsukasa's response

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa listen to everything that Tigron told him. He gave a weak smile to Tigron.

"It is great that the lich is defeated and that Mittelmarch is safe once again. As for Lady Elestirne, I do not know where she is. I do believe that now is not the best time to be asking favors from her. There are things that happen while you were away. Things that changed everyone that were involved. I hope you understand that this is not meant as a strike against you honor."

Tsukasa closed his eyes for a moment in thought.

"I do believe that she stayed at the Silvermoon Inn the last time she was here. That might be where she is. I must strongly recommend that we wait till morning. In the mean time, I can use the company of another." He offers the other seat to Tigron. Tsukasa summoned a waitress for another cup. Once she came back with one, he picked up the bottle that was on the table. "May I pour you some sake?"

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

Tigron instantly replied "I would love to wait my friend, but I must find her as quickly as possible. The abilities I have used to contain Giles' soul in the dagger are unstable as I had not yet completely mastered my divine were-tiger abilities. I must find the silvermoon tavern at once....I would be grateful if you could come with me and tell me what all happened. Saving my brothers soul is the only purpose for me in life right now."

[Giggles "Adguin"]

Time is not the same in our memories. We see the joy of being together with our loved ones as mere moments in our life. The ones that hurt the most seem to last for hours at a time. And the ones we regret haunt us for all our days.

Inside the dagger, all I could see was were my regrets. I saw how poorly I treated my people who were under my care. I saw the attitude I gave to my mother and father despite their best intentions. I saw my exile with my eldest brother to the Lands Between.

And finally, no matter how hard I tried to avoid it, i saw my Fall and my rise as The Lich.

I saw as both the Lich and as myself in those moments. Seeing and feeling the joy of killing to raise army, of slaughtering the young and old for sport, and of the cruelty unleashed on my bloodline and my former kingdom. However I also saw and remember how I held him back till he imprisoned me...... but they never lasted.

In these moments I prayed to the gods to just let my punishment into the hereafter commence, for none could ever find me redeemable.

"Don't pretend you feel regret at your actions.....or that you tried to stop me....for you are, as always....... nothing but a hindrence....."

Torment....the final curse of Giles the Lich King.......

[Tsukasa]

OCC: That was very well written Giggles. I enjoyed it.

Tsukasa picked up his glass and took a sip of the sake. He thought for a moment.

"I can tell that this is something that your truly believe can not wait till the morning. I will take you to the Silvermoon Inn even though I think it wise to wait till morning."

A look of concern was on his face as he stood up and slid his katana and wakizashi into place.

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

I smile temporarily overtook Tigron's face as he stood up "Thank you. I am indebted to you. Now let us go. Onward (OOC ONWAAARRRDDDD!!!!!! lol) to the Silvermoon tavern" with that Tigron headed out, closely following Tsukasa, thinking to himself, "Just a little longer my brother, you'll be back to yourself again." Tigron then realized that giggles would never be completely the same after being prisoner to the lich. "what torture you must have had to endure, brother. Watching helplessly as the lich slaughtered many innocent and defenseless people. I also feel torment for not being able to stop that lich sooner.....I feel responsible.......this is why I must save you, brother......I must do so to regain my fathers honor and when I do save you, I'll be able to help you join with our ancestral guardian spirit to awaken powers within you. Powers unable to be tainted by the lich."

[Lady Elestirne]

OCC: I quite agree. Well done Giggles

After leaving Tsukasa Authnor wandered the streets of the city until sunset;making certain that Elestirne was not about. Once certain she was nowhere to be found on the streets, he headed back for the Silvermoon Inn, where the rest of the escort was. Barely had he entered and sat down than did he learn that Lady Elestirne and Olore had beaten him back by some time-over an hour, perhaps two-and that she had been resting upstairs ever since,presumably asleep. The news brought a glimmer of relief to the knight's expression.

It quickly faded though as the others explained that they had tried to see and rebandage her wounds as best as they could, but none of them were healers and the best they had been able to manage was rig a better splint and sling for the shattered hand and wrist. Until either a healer from the force she had left here could look at and tend to her, or she regained enough energy to let her innate healing ease the pain, there was nothing else to be done.

Sipping at wine, Authnor gravely and calmly relayed to the escort all that he had learned from Tsukasa earlier;sitting unblinking through the predictable shock and anger that erupted at the revelations. Authnor paid scant attention to the conversations though. One eye on the door, one on the staircase, he brooded;hoping that-even if word of his lady's return had already spread(no thanks to him and the others)-no one came bothering her, or asking favors or the tale of Telamon's demise...

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

After a brief time of traveling Tsukasa and Tigron arrived at the Silvermoon Tavern. Tigron looked over at Tsukasa, "I would like to go in alone if you wouldn't mind. I'd be grateful. You don't have to wait for me here if you don't want to. I'd understand completely....you decide, but I must hurry in now."

With that Tigron quickly walks in. Upon entering, he notices how well kept the tavern is, looking around he notices that there are no dwarves here, mostly elves. "She has to be here. Her elf companions which I have fought alongside before are here. She would surely not be far off."

Tigron then proceeds to the closest elf, "Sir, My name is Tigron. I come here hoping for an acquaintance with an Elf known as Lady Elestirne. There is something I must ask of her, for I believe she is possibly the only one capable of helping me. Time is against me. I must be allowed to speak with her at once I beg of you."

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor heard the door open and saw someone slip in, a man. Behind him, the elf thought he glimpsed someone that could only be Tsukasa, but he couldn't be entirely sure. His lady's name being spoken caught his ear and he swiftly turned his attention to the speaker. It was the stranger that had entered. He had approached one of the escort,and was speaking to him. Authnor saw now that the stranger had some tiger-like features and frowned a little. He had glimpsed this one first during the battle with the bandits and undead, and again, later, when the lich's forces had attacked the city. There was something...otherwordly about him. What would bring him here, and what business could he possibly want with Elestirne? His expression darkened perceptibly as he heard the rest of the stranger's words.

Rising, Authnor set his drink down. The expressions of the rest of the escort varied from puzzlement and curiousity to slight frowns at the inquiry. When they caught sight of Authnor's dark look they understood, and made no move to slow him or stop the coming confrontation.

With a few short strides, he had come up unnoticed behind the stranger and, with a look, dismissed the elf of the escort he had approached.

"And just what business do you have with my lady-queen?" the tall elven knight demanded in tones of heavy suspicion. His emerald eyes were hard and glittering. Remembering his surroundings and station he tried to keep his tone cordial, but sarcasm colored his next words.

"Perhaps you are unaware, but she was captured nearly two weeks ago by Telamon and held prisoner by him while the lich attacked this city. A group set out to free and recover her-and succeeded-but in the attempt one of the group was lost, and she was forced to fight and kill the demon that was Telamon; becoming sorely injured as a result. She has only very recently returned to the city and is resting from the ordeal-as she more than deserves. I'll not disturb my queen's much-needed rest unless convinced it is absolutely worth it."

Authnor crossed his arms slightly. "And she has done more than enough for the land and its people at present by slaying Telamon. She should not be bothered by a request to do yet more. What in the name of the gods is so important that I should wake her on your behalf? And because you ask me to is not sufficient. I'll not wake her just because someone wants to speak to her. You can wait for morning." The flame-haired knight eyed the stranger,waiting.

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa was quiet during their trip to the Silvermoon Inn. When they arrived he listen to the request to go in and make the request alone.

"My friend, I will allow you to make your request to Lady Elestirne-dono on your own, but I believe it to be wise to have someone there that has earned their trust." He gave Tigron a stern look that told him that this is not something that he would back down on. He followed into the inn.

After they stepped into the inn, Tsukasa decided to stand behind Tigron and give him the space he wanted to ask for the audience with Lady Elestirne. When Authnor started to rebuke Tigron, Tsukasa stepped forward. He looked over to Tigron.

"Authnor-sama main concern is for the safety of Lady Elestirne-dono. If we are completely honest with him, he might be more understanding of your situation. Please allow me to talk to him."

He then turned his attention to Authnor.

"Authnor-sama, Tigron-san is a honorable warrior and his reason for wanting to see Lady Elestirne-dono are noble and pure. The reason for his request is that his brother has fallen victim to the lich. He has lost his body, but Tigron-san was able to attach his soul to a gem within his dagger. The magic that was used is highly unstable though. He believes that Lady Elestirne-dono might be able to restore a human body to him."

With that Tsukasa bowed low to Authnor.

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor's emerald eyes flickered to Tsukasa as the other spoke up and came forward. He hadn't noticed him entering, but then again, all his attention had been focused on rebuking the stranger. His arms remained crossed and his expression stern, but some of the fire in his eyes died as he heard the human warrior out. A ripple of startled surprise flickered over his stony expression as Tsukasa bowed low to him after finishing.

"Tsukasa you know my lady-queen's condition. You saw her injuries and know far better than me what she may have endured while in the claws of that...fiend" The elf spat the word. "I thought you realized how badly she needs her rest,and her peace." The warrior's eyes flickered to Tigron briefly. "Many people no doubt suffered or were hurt by the lich or his minions. That does not give them right to come to my lady begging for healing when she is so sorely injured from her own ordeal. My queen's healing powers are great yes-and justly renowned-but she needs rest. Furthermore, she is no mage. I do not understand how this...Tigron believes she can help him-and is the only one who can. Nor do I see how this is important enough to justify tearing her from much needed-and deserved-rest."

Authnor looked between Tsukasa and the stranger called Tigron, waiting for the answer, and prudently shifting slightly so that he blocked the stairs.

[Page Tigron Ciryandil]

Tigron spoke, with vigor in his voice "My brother wasn't just a victim of the lich, he was the victim of the lich. He was the vessel the lich directly enslaved in the beginning that caused all of the events that followed. I witnessed it. this I request isn't a normal healing situation. In order to save my brother, I had to seal his soul inside my dagger, as Tsukasa has said."

"I understand that Lady Elestirne is weak from her endeavors, but this is about more than one person. I will not allow my brother to be lost. I was charged with watching over him a while ago. After the lich enslaved him, the lich killed all of my family. My brother is the only one left other than myself. The magic I have used to seal his soul to the dagger is unstable and if the seal breaks before I find a way to get him into a body, he'll be lost forever."

"If you refuse me a meeting with Elestirne, I cannot just sit here till tomorrow and wait. My brother may not have a tomorrow. If I must fight you for an opportunity to speak with her, I will, although I really do not want this. " With that a blue fire consumes tigron as he transforms into the divine full white were-tiger. the fire dissipates and Tigron stares Authnor down.

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor's eyes flared hot with rekindled anger, sparking dangerously as he went taut with outrage and indignation. The tall elf did not flinch as the one called Tigron changed himself to a tiger. Consumed with outrage at the challenge and arrogance of the strange mortal-and the disrespect he had shown his beloved queen-Authnor dropped all pretense of politeness and let his hand fall to and clasp the hilt of his longsword. He was aware,vaguely,of the escort muttering amongst themselves angrily in their own tongue at Tigron's words. His own came in a growl as the proud, flame-haired knight met the other's stare with his own, unflinching one.

"The lich was your brother?!" Authnor spat in disgust. "Then my queen's injuries and suffering can be blamed on him! I am certain he and Telamon were working together. What other reason would the demon have for capturing her shortly before the lich decided to attack? She killed one of his main minions after all-and prevented him from turning Sir Nichtmar to his side! If the lich is your brother, he is no friend to my lady!" Authnor's eyes narrowed. "And I do not let disrespect to my queen slip! Nor threats of violence! I have told you once: you will not disturb my queen without my approval and consent. And I do not give it! Not to help a lich! And I will defend my queen and her right to rest from her trials! Now I warn you: Begone!" The fierce elf began to draw his sword in preparation.

ENOUGH! The command crackled angrily out of nowhere. There came a silver flare of light and Olore materialized between the two would-be-combatants. The magnificent being verily radiated anger; his customarily soft silver glow now a flickering silver-white glare limning his entire form; and his ears flat back, nostrils flared. He tossed his head and stomped the floor; his depthless sapphire eyes flaring angrily. A white flame leaped up where the hoof connected,but did not damage the floor.

Enough of this! Authnor, Knight-Protector, I thought better of you than this. For shame! Your arguing would have woke your queen already if I had not placed a sound-shield around her room when we arrived here-for ensured peace and quiet. Cannot you not see through the unsightly mantle of 'lich' to see the one of 'victim', and the genuine concern of a brother turning to the only hope he knows of to try to save the last of his family? Tigron is not of evil weal. Nor is the soul he seeks to help and preserve. Have done with this senselessness and get you upstairs. Wake your queen. Let her judge Tigron's words and case herself. Only she has right to decide to give help to this man or no. Not you. I should not have had to intercede between you two. The elegant silver stallion shot both Authnor and Tigron clearly disdainful looks, and disappeared in a second silver flare.

Authnor gaped for an instant at the spot the mystical stallion had been;stinging from the scathing rebuke. Only a few other times in their acqaintence had he seen Olore that irritated and realized it would be far wiser to do as ordered, then refuse and tempt the stallion's wrath. Grudgingly, he sheathed his half-drawn sword and took his hand from the hilt.

"Honored Olore is quite right," the knight conceded bitterly at length; giving Tigron a hard look. "I have no choice but to do as ordered and wake her, against my better judgement. But if this meeting taxes her too much, she goes back to her rest and you will wait for morning before bothering her again." To Tsukasa, somewhat more gently. "I will be back." And at that, the fierce, flame-haired knight mounted the stairs to the upper level;reluctance in every step.