Six Degrees of Separation

[Max452]

OOC: Get a Karma point if you guess what song the title is based off of. lol.

Daeron groggily awoke, not wanting to get up to do his duties as he found himself perfectly warm as he snuggled against Sachi. Ever since his fall out with Glory, Daeron had been staying with Sachiko, not wanting to bother himself with a chance of running into his sister; it hurt too much. The young man decided not to even bother with family anymore. They didn't mean anything if they didn't trust him, didn't listen to him, and especially didn't love him. All he needed was Sachi. She made him feel like he was someone special; made him feel loved. And she would listen to his thoughts and opinions, as he would her. They valued one another and that was all that mattered to Daeron. He wrapped his arms around Sachi a bit more, settling himself deeper into the pillow. Five more minutes wouldn't hurt anyone...

***
There bond is getting stronger, milady. Sachiko seems to be growing soft; she left a few people alive in the last village she attacked; Tyrant and Morna had to finish their assignment. Dearon is becoming a sore influence on your pet. Lycus expressed his concern as he gazed out around him, his invisibility spell ever intact. I also noticed that young Gloriann's attention has been anything but her best since the Ancient attack a few weeks ago. I feel that Daeron is influencing both of them whether he intends to or not. May I suggest that we eliminate him from both of them? Lycus asked, placing his input in before something harmful could befall Katriana.

I agree, with the elf-kin. Your protege and that blood-queen are not themselves. Would you like me to eat the annoying nobody? Vanilor asked as he joined in on the conversation, his nostrils letting loose black tendrils of steam.

[Tismri]

Sachiko stirred slightly and snuggled closer to Daeron, glad he made it a habit to stay with her now. He balanced her, brought her stablity. His presence, his...love...allowed her to believe that perhaps there were some people in the world who didn't deserve to die. Any time he caused her pain, she knew it was unintentional, or even an aggresive physical sign of his love for her. They couldn't help it sometimes, she knew.
He was also there for her, when her bloodlust grew beyond what she could handle, he was willing and able to take the pain she gave him. She was somehow able to stop herself from killing him every time, remembering clearly who he was to her.
She was glad he no longer brought up his sister, the idea he'd had that they might all get along. Even when she spotted the girl from a distance, Sachi still felt the blood in her veins boil, her heart pound furiously as images of tormenting the runt who dared attack her danced through her mind. She restrained herself for Daeron's sake. She would do anything for him. Anything.
Sachiko stretched for a moment, then relaxed against her lover again, her blue eyes opening to gaze at him with a smile. Just waking up with him in the morning was enough to send her body burning again.
"Wake up, sleepyhead," she told him putting her lips to his. "We have things to do today.
~~~~~
Glory furiously cast the same spell she had been practicing since before dawn. It wasn't right, wasn't perfect, wasn't what Katriana would want. She needed to get it right. But everytime she relaxed enough to concentrate on it, her brother's hurt expression would come back to mind. Maybe she should have given him a chance. She didn't know what he saw in Sachiko; the girl in the red dress seemed more like an inhuman monster to her. But, was it worth losing her only family here?
He made his choice, she would tell herself over and over. He'd chosen Sachiko over her. There was nothing either of them could do about that until he changed his mind somehow.
In that one moment that these thoughts came to mind just before she cast the spell, her entire body would tense and she would lose focus, resulting in the spell's continual misperformance. Finally, after hours of practice, Glory finally gave up and just performed a number of more simple spells.
~~~~~
Katriana's mind was preoccupied, and as always, Lycus was in unison with her thoughts. He seemed to be constantly thinking along the same lines as she, and he would wisely give a solution to whatever problem weighted her mind.
Sachiko was no longer herself. Katriana knew this. Everyone in the army knew this. They saw it in the girl's more relaxed state, the way she could interact with the others without trying to harm them in some way. A few seemed to even almost trust her. This was a problem for Katriana. She had taken Sachiko because of what she was: a bloodthirsty being who could trick innocents and kill without mercy. As Lycus pointed out, mercy seemed to be not so foreign a concept to her anymore.
And then there was Gloriann. The young Rider had originally shown so much potential, so much possiblity. Katriana had even forseen the girl one day following in her footsteps in taking spirits to make her more powerful, because another Shade Rider and a true apprentice. But now she was...distracted, to put it mildly. Her concentration was broken and she was distraught by something.
It all returned to that one boy, that mere pawn, Daeron. When Sachiko had brought him back, she praised him as a great new follower, one who would be completely devoted to their cause and a powerful person. Katriana saw just another sword, another mage, like thousands of others. The only thing special about him, she later discovered, was that he was Gloriann's brother.
And therein lay her problem. He affected both Glory and Sachi beyond normal reasoning. He was a nexus, around which both girls revolved. He was intimately involved in both their lives.
He must be dealt with, she agreed with both Lycus and Vanilor. However, I think if you simply devoured him, dear Van, it would not solve our problem. I can see his death having the opposite of our desired effect. No...to fix this problem, we require something with a bit more subtlety. She considered for a few moments in silence. If he were to hurt her, I can clearly see Sachiko retaliating, and falling back into her normal ways. It must be something deeply personal, though. Something that will rip her straight to her emotional core. As for Gloriann... She continued to think. Lycus, have you any suggestions? The Shade Rider often referred to her silent guardian for advice.

[Max452]

Daeron smiled when he felt a Sachi's lips on his. "I don't want to." He mumbled after he kissed her back sleepily. "I like it right here." He buried his head against her neck, holding her closer. "It's nice and warm...and I can do this..." His lips lazily began to kiss her neck, hoping to distract her from getting up, as she was usually the one that forced him up.

***
Lycus listened intently to Katriana's viewpoint and thoughts, taking it all in so he could help her devise the best solution to their predicament. He too, agreed that killing the boy would cause more problems and in the end, might break the bond that Katriana desired from both girls. Lycus pondered on the question posed to him. After a moment of thoughtful contemplation, Lycus thought of a solution. Gloriann yearns for perfection, for power, much like yourself, if I may say, milday. Lycus began his explanation. Make her see that Daeron is weighing her down from her goals. He has no special ability; merely an average magican that is just that...average. For both young girls, I believe, it would most efficient if you replace yourself as the emotional bond that Daeron is to them. For Gloriann, be the family and perfection she desires, manipulate her to forget, as you have been with her Mother. Make Daeron seem worthless in her eyes, while lifting yourself as a God in her eyes at the same time.

As for Sachiko, well, if we manipulate the boy to break her heart, I think she would go on a rampage by in the long run, she may be convinced by Daeron that we are at fault, no, rather, make young Daeron see Sachiko as she really is: a monster that uses others to get what she wants. Make him believe she is selfish and manipulate as others have belived her to be. When you do that, Sachiko will be heartbroken and you can swoop in to clean up the mess. Become her foundation in being stable by giving her something to take away her pain: send her off on more missions so that she can release her torment on those around her. Soon enough, she will begin to associate those feelings of relief with your presence, and then, a bond will be created. She will trust your word and your word only and Daeron will not return to convince her otherwise and ruin your bonds. Once you have replaced Daeron as their bond, they will not care when you kill him. This is my counsel, milday - if it pleases you.

[Tismri]

Daeron's lips on her neck cause the fire to blaze within Sachi. Her heart beat faster as she returned the gesture, her lips brushing the side of his neck and down to his shoulder, and soon her teeth sank into him again. She gave a light groan that intertwined with a giggle.
"How do you do this to me?" she asked him. She sat back to look at him, her sapphire gaze full of both wonder and curiousity. "You make me feel complete, like I have been missing something in my life. I never even realized it before I met you." She leaned into him again. "You are a part of me...and I you. Forever..." She breathed the last word against his ear before closing her lips over his again, her fingernails digging into his arm for a moment. Then she backed away and laughed. "Come on you, stop trying to distract me. We have to get up now. You better be glad you're so cute, or I might hurt you for hindering me like this."
~~~~~
Katriana carefully considered Lycus' suggestions, considering it from all angles. As with every plan for manipulating the emotions of others, there was always the chance it could backfire on them. There were sometimes unpredictable ways people may react. But her guardian's suggestion was sound.
I am glad you have such a strong mind and will, Lycus, she commented to him, pleased. Were it not for your oaths of loyalty to me, I would likely have to kill you. A smirk crossed the Shade's face for a moment. I can set to work on Gloriann well enough. She must only speak with me more; the girl already worships me. A bit more of a push and I can relinquish her of any and all familial ties. But how do you suggest I go about tearing apart Sachiko and Daeron? He is already fully aware of her bloody deeds, and that does not repulse him. Rather, it seems to draw them even closer together. How will I go about changing his opinion of her?

[Trinn]

OOC: I was told to join. So here I am! haha

Nethia wandered somewhat aimlessly, Nefrox's Indigo mass beside her. His mace like tail trailed along the ground, digging a deep trench. He didn't seem to care. The camp was sprawled out everywhere in the desert, and what damage Nefrox's tail managed, was easily erased by sand a day later. Nethia mused now about the war. She and Nefrox had wreaked havoc themselves, slaying stupid humans in villages here and there. Nefrox didn't like the work. He spared lives, when Nethia would have preferred taking them. Human's didn't really deserve to live, herself included.

At first, of course, the killing had bothered her. Always before there had been reasons. Survival, for one. Now, it seemed much more random. It was killing for killing's sake. At least, that's what Nethia was beginning to believe, no matter Kat's message of freedom. Would there ever truly be freedom? In a sick way, death was the only freedom. Nethia was giving her victims what she may never have.

After a while, she found Glory in a practice field, going through spells it looked like. Nethia lifted a hand in greeting to the girl who had been her teacher. After months and months of practice, Nethia was able to use magic rather fluently. There was always room for improvement though.

[Max452]

OOC: Yay! Time to get the deceitful plot going!

Hearing her words, Daeron stopped what he was doing (not minding the treatment he was getting from his lover) and stared at Sachi, eyes wide. "You mean that?" He didn't get his answer though, as his lips reached Sachi's in an instant. He surfaced for breath and after the pleasant mugginess disappeared from his mind, his thoughts returned to what she had said moments ago. "Wait," he cried out when she backed away, his features playful, but his words serious, "did you mean that?" He asked her, feeling more happy than he had these past few days than he ever had before. "Forever?" The idea may had sounded impossible, but to Daeron, it gave him hope that he wouldn't be alone anymore, that someone really did love him, wanted to be with him...forever.

***
I am pleased that you find me helpful, milady. I serve only to do your bidding. Lycus replied, humble that Katriana had complimented him. He was grateful that she valued him, as he desired to please her and to repay her for saving him those 16 years ago. He would give his life for her, oaths or not; she was, despite popular belief, a kind person. He had seen it on many occassions, and not only when it served her. Granted, it was mostly with Vanilor, but it meant something greatly; that she loved something...that she had a heart. Of course, Lycus would never mention this to anyone, as he knew, that was perhaps, Katriana's greatest weakness.

Pride and anger are the key, milady. It is a funny thing, really. I have seen many of your men have it; it fuels them in this war, and especially in young Daeron. The boy has much anger in his heart...all you have to do is plant the seeds and watch his anger grow into hate. Lycus began speaking again, as he watched Nethia and Nefrox head toward Glory. May I suggest planting the seeds of doubt into Daeron's heart? Have Tyrant "carelessly" mention how good Sachiko is in her acting, especially toward young men. Perhaps even have him allude to some other things; he's quite creative and experienced in the matter, I believe...or his Spirits are. Daeron is quite possessive of Sachiko - he will begin to question her motives, and questions will turn into doubt. All you have to do then, is merely thrust upon Sachiko, a male you care not of, and well, have Daeron stumble upon them in a compromising position. He'll go into a rage, the young male will be dead - by Sachiko's or Daeron's hand; it doesn't matter - and soon, you will find Sachiko distraught and young Daeron very angry. That is one way of approach, milady." Lycus advised as he glanced around them, making sure no one would harm his Mistress. Another is bewitching Sachiko into believing she is with Daeron, when she is not. Either way, Daeron will never trust her again. He thought once more upon Gloriann and Daeron. If it is not too much, milady. Perhaps you will also have Morna or Nethia implant some comments about Daeron's lack of worth to Gloriann. An outside opinion may increase loyalty to you as well. He added, wondering if his Mistress was pleased with his advice.

[Tismri]

Sachiko smiled as Daeron asked her to confirm what she had just told him. She gently placed her hand against the side of his face, staring into the depth of his eyes. Her lover...the first and only person to see her as something besides a monster. He had come to mean everything to her.
"Yes, Daeron," she told him, brushing her fingers through his hair. "Forever. I love you." She was tempted to linger, to express her love for him as she had many nights before. But the sun was getting higher in the sky, and she knew they could not be lazy today. She leaned in for one more kiss before finally getting out of bed to dress. "I love you, even if you keep me distracted." She giggled at him, her smile seemingly stuck on her face.
~~~~~
Katriana listened to the proposals Lycus presented to her, trusting in his sound judgement. A smirk crossed her face when he brought up Tyrant's creativity.
You are quite perceptive about the Shade, she mentioned to him. Indeed, he would be the best choice to stir up such doubts in the boy. I knew two of his former spirits personally before he became what he is. A small amount of disgust crossed her mind at the thought of Tyr and Remus. Both were as unsavory as humans as they remained in the form of the Shade Tyrant. Kat considered among her many pawns an individual to sacrifice for the sake of retaining Sachiko's loyalty. One crossed her mind who seemed to almost be eyeing the girl occasionally, one she had brought back with her on a recruiting mission, before she'd found Daeron. He, like all the others, had been terrified of the girl upon discovering her true nature, but now that she seemed to be loosening up, Kat had seen them even speaking to each other at times. It wouldn't be impossible to put them in a compromising situation.
"Tyrant," she called out, her voice calm as she leaned lazily against Vanilor. "Come here. I have a rather special mission for you."
~~~~~
"Istlari," Glory said, somewhat amusing herself by imagining that the scraggly tree she just set on fire was Tyrant. Doing so helped to calm her, at least for the moment. She turned her focus to the sand beneath her. "Deloi, risa. Kveykva." She gently formed the sand she lifted into the shape of a rose, and the lightning then struck it, forming it into glass that shape. Then she noticed Nethia approaching.
"Greetings," she said softly. Nethia was perhaps the closest thing to a friend she had here. She'd been teaching her how to use magic, and to her delight Nethia seemed to progress fairly quickly. Glory tried to smile at her, but her concern over the broken relationship with her brother still shrouded her mind often.

[Trinn]

Nefrox spread his wings, fanning them as he stretched out to lay alongside Glory and Nethia, taking his ease in the desert sand. Nethia eyed him, thinking she would have to polish his scales soon, to keep their indigo beauty from fading under the desert sun and sand.But her main concern now was Glory. The girl seemed rather upset. Nethia didn't concern herself with having human friends, yet Glory was the exception. "What's the matter, young master?" she asked, settling her back against Nefrox's warm side and crossing her arms over her chest. Her black hair she had twisted into a long braid down her back, to keep from feeling like she was suffocating in this place.

[Max452]

Daeron's face formed a large grin at Sachi's words. "I love you too." He smirked and proceeded to get out of bed and dress. Once done, he held his hand out for Sachi so they could exit the tent together. "Ready?" He smiled at her, feeling ever happy with her, though in the back of his mind he was sad that he couldn't have the love of his family.

***
I speak only what I see, milady. Lycus commented at his perception. When will you ever allow me to kill Tyrant? Lycus added, hearing the disgust in his Mistress' voice. You know I would be happy to give his heart to you. He withheld a snarl when said Shade appeared before Katriana.

"You called for me, Kat?" Tyrant smiled sweetly. Too sweetly. "And what mission would that be?" He eyed her seductively. "I would be happy to please you in any way."

I'll kill him. Lycus unconsciouly slipped out to Kat. He was very good at holding his temper, but the Shade was always pushing it further with Kat.

At the same time Lycus made his comment, Vanilor snarled dangerously at the Shade. If not for Kat sitting against him, he would have snapped his jaws on the shade, tearing him apart.

***
Elijah stood within the Sanctuary, happy to be home for the time being as he gave his report. Though crazed whenever around the Shade Rider and her troops, Elijah adopted back into his usual self with his Family. "She is getting stronger each day; Gloriann and Sundavar is ever growing closer to her and young Daeron is not fairing any better. Our dear Sister Marola will not be pleased that her children are being seduced by such a monster." Elijah declared his opinion.

[Tismri]

Katriana couldn't help the smirk that formed on her face. Lycus and Van were so protective of her over this nothing of a Shade.
He is quite useful to me still, she told them. Her brows knit together briefly. Besides, I had to make a deal to get him in the first place. Through her mind flash briefly the woman who had been involved in both her and Tyrant's creation. Her obligation was the only reason she still tolerated that Shade.
"I know you would do anything to please me, dear Tyrant," she said. The fire of her eyes flared for a moment. She still despised him, no matter what promises she made. "Your mission has to do with helping my sweet little Sachi. I am sure you have noticed, she is not well." Kat felt a bit angry when she thought of the girl leaving her missions incomplete, leaving others to clean up her mess. "What I need of you is to convince Marola's boy that she is not what she seems, and that she is simply using him as she uses everyone." She met Tyrant's eyes, her gaze flaming brightly in her dark expression. "I need Sachiko back to what she was meant to be; do not kill the boy. Instead show him what she really is." The Shade Rider settled back into her comfortable position as she spotted Daeron and Sachiko approaching, hand in hand.
~~~~~
Sachiko took Daeron's hand as he offered it to her, leaving her spotless tent. She felt so content with him, so happy that she was sure nothing could ruin it. After so many years of only knowing joy in the slaughter of others, to feel so content with another human was a pleasant experience.
Before long, they were standing before Katriana. Sachi gave a little curtsy to her mistress, still smiling. She noticed Tyrant standing nearby, which was odd. Tyrant never really bothered her. She taught him a lesson a long time ago, that Katriana had to personally intervene to keep Tyrant from killing her in response.
"Ah, good morning Sachiko, and Daeron," Katriana greeted them, a gentle smile on her face. "Sachi, I have nothing for you today. I think you might still be tired from your latest mission. Daeron, you and Tyrant are to leave for a skirmish. There is a town boardering Surda and the Beors. They have been spying on us, and sending reports to the dwarves, where Nasuada and her allies gathered." A cruel smile formed on her lips. "Give them something to report."
~~~~~
Glory stared down at the glass rose in her hands, still hot from being freshly made but not intolerable. She sighed at Nethia's question.
"It's nothing really," she said. "My brother and I just had a...falling out recently." She glanced at her friend for a moment. Nethia had no family, and cared little for anyone else. Glory wondered what she would think. "I feel as if he's rejected me--his own sister, his only relative here--for Sachiko of all people! That girl is crazy! Who knows what she's going to do to him..." She turned away and stared down at the sand. That was all it was, all her anger was about. She was worried for him, and what might happen if he stayed with Sachiko.

[Max452]

Tyr's grin grew more devious at each word Katriana uttered to him. "Ah, I think I shall enjoy this mission immensely, dear Kat. I am honored that you thought of me for such a thing." He flashed her a brillant smile. "It will be my pleasure." He bowed to her. Of course, he was a bit disappointed that he couldn't kill Daeron, but the thought of causing both he and Sachiko pain (especially Daeron as he was the son of Marola), was going to be worth it. His gaze turned to the said couple and he swiped away his knowing grin before they stood beside him.

***
Daeron made a mental frown at the thought of being on a mission with Tyrant. Based on everyone's comments and his own observation, the Shade was an uttered nuisance and an annoying womanizer. He was always up to something, was Daeron's conclusion. However, he did not voice his complaints to Katriana. "Yes, Katriana, I'll show them." Daeron promised, a flash of anger in his eyes, but it turned into irritation as Tyrant suddenly appeared beside him, gripping his shoulders in a one side hug.

"That's the spirit! You and I are going to have a lot of fun! Maybe you can even prove that you're not useless!" Tyrant cackled and bounced away from Daeron's fist. "Meet me in 10 minutes at the end of camp! The faster we go, the faster a message is sent!" Tyrant laughed again before disappearing.

"I hate that thing..." Daeron muttered to Sachi before bowing at Katriana. "Thank you, Katriana." He thanked her for this mission and with Sachi, headed back to her tent to gather his supplies.

***
Elijah stood before his fellow brother, having explained Gloriann and Daeron's involvement to him. "What would you have me do, Brother? Shall I kill them before The Shade has a chance to enact her plan, or shall I leave them be to see what potential they have?" Eli asked, wondering if he was even capable of annhilating Marola's children; that would be a hard mission, as his Sister would stop at nothing to kill him for harming her family, Family or not.

OOC: I want to use Dominc, but don't know how or what mission he could do. Any ideas, guys?

[Tismri]

OOC: Hmm...I'm not sure. Maybe come talk to Glory and Nethia? :/

Kat felt genuinely amused by Tyrant's antics toward Daeron. That Shade could be a master at making people feel uncomfortable, and he seemed to have embraced his new assignment with open arms. She had a feeling, after she reminded him of the boy's mother, that he would take to this mission vigorously. She recalled well the whole scandal between Tyr and Marola.
Add his hatred toward Einar, and Tyr likely had enough enemies for every living creature in Alagaesia, she thought with amusement.
"Very well," she told everyone, "Get to it, before I grow impatient."

Sachiko glared at Tyrant when he embraced Daeron; she didn't like how friendly the Shade was being. That was completely out of character.
"Tyrant," she called in a friendly voice. "Don't let anything hurt Daeron. If you do, I'm going to cut off your nose and rip out your entrails...again." She giggled then--Shades were fun to hurt because as long as you didn't mess with their hearts, you didn't have to worry about them dying too quickly. She'd caught Tyrant completely unawares the first time, she recalled. Of course he didn't know what she was capable of. No one ever did. That's why Kat liked her.
As she was walking back with Daeron to their tent, she stared up at him. She knew he was more than capable to taking care of himself on a mission, but she was worried, because he was still going to put himself in harm's way. When they were back in their tent, Sachi gave him a tight hug.
"Take care of yourself, Daeron," she said. She gazed into his eyes and despite her concern, a humored smile crossed her face. "After all, I'm the only one allowed to hurt you."
~~~~~
Lucien sat back and closed his eyes as Elijah gave his report. He had personally sent this slayer to the Shade's encampment, to keep an eye on her. Normally, the family wouldn't concern themselves with such things, and would even look among this army for potential new brothers or sisters. However, the Speakers all agreed that the Shade posed a unique danger to them. She was more powerful than anything that had lived in this land, and more dangerous as well. The only exception of races they invited to their Family was Shades, for they could never be trusted to obey the tenants, and would prove exceptionally difficult to kill in retribution.
The Speaker leaned forward as he thought over the news Elijah had just given him. Indeed, Marola would be most unhappy to hear of what had happened to her children. Lucien had been keeping an eye on all of them since their birth, knowing very well how much they meant to his dear sister. After all, he knew Marola better than nearly any other living creature. He had been the key in shaping her, and was unsurprised by how she had turned out. And she was still proving to be a valuable asset to the Family, fufilling her executions flawlessly as she always had. Though her family still did not know it, she remained a precise and deadly assassin. Lucien was even still thinking of her; he was getting on in years. She was a prime candidate to replace him as Speaker someday soon.
"Do not kill them," Lucien told Elijah after only a short moment's consideration. "The last thing any of us wants is to turn Marola against us. She could wreak considerable havoc upon this Family, and kill an untold number of our brethern before we stop her. And she would, as well. Nothing means more to her than her children, no matter where they are.
"No...Rather, keep an eye on them. Look for ways to interfere with Gloriann's indoctrination. Otherwise, I fear she will be lost completely to Katriana's influence. As for Daeron..." Lucien thought for a few more moments. "Keep an even closer watch on him. Assess his attitude, his feelings. Observe his skills. Because the way you describe him, I am half-inclined to extend an invitation to him to join our Family. However, I want to be certain before we commit to anything."