Trust point

[Tismri]

Glory gave a small smile to her brother as he seemed to accept her explanation. She was afraid he would protest, or worse, go into a rage and insist on throwing Seth out. At his promise to protect her, she felt her smile grow more.
"I know you will always protect me, Ron," she told him. When he asked his next question, Glory's dark eyes grew wide and she felt her face grow warm, certain it now matched her hair color.
"I...We...No...That's....not your business...but, well...no. Nothing more than an occasional...kiss..." She stared down at the sand, not believing she was having such a conversation with her brother.
~~~~~
Kat gave Tyrant an suspiciously raised eyebrow at his confession, quite surprised by his words.
"Nothing? Now that is indeed quite odd for you. Are you feeling ill today?" she smirked slightly, but stared after the girl, who was not lacking in any human charm or beauty. Picking the newcomer easily out of the crowd, Kat observed that she had actually picked up three more young men joining her entourage like lost puppies, each vying for her attention and favor. It might have been the girl's age that affected Tyrant's opinion, but Kat doubted it. Generally the Shade showed as little restraint now as he had in any of his lives, and nearly any available female was fair game for him.
Kat listened to the counsel of her companions in silence for several moments as she watched the suitors put a joint effort into raising a tent for Lysette while she watched on.
"I cannot help but think she is...familiar somehow. Although I know few people as young as she. Perhaps she resembles a parent I have forgotten." Still, the exact familiarity escaped the Shade Rider. Indeed, she must be watched closely, she commented to Lycus and Van. I get the distinct feeling that she has ulterior motives to joining our worthy cause.

[Max452]

Daeron held his mirth in as he watched his sister fluster about in response to his question. He was secretly glad that she hadn't done that with Seth; he would have had to kill him and then Glory would be mad. "Good." Daeron replied, "I would hate to have to kill him for making you do something you aren't ready for." He glanced over to the tent, where he knew Seth was. "That's a special thing, Glory," Daeron spoke again, his voice more reverent. "don't give it away to just anyone." He cleared his throat and then smiled at his sister. "Now, let me meet him properly." And get a good view of your living arrangements so I can make sure he isn't trying anything with you. Daeron added to himself as he gestured for Glory to let him inside the tent to meet Seth.

***
"Hmm." Was all Tyrant said as he watched Lysette. Another second passed and Tyrant just laughed. "Well, this will be a fun mystery to solve. I'm going to go and have some fun. I'll see you later Kat." Tyrant cooed out before disappearing amidst the sandy camp.

Perhaps we shall have her demonstrate her skills right away then, milady? Lycus proposed. You can learn a lot about a person when you either fight them or watch them fight.

Kat. Vanilor adjusted himself onto his haunches, placing him above his bond and Lycus. If she displeases you, I will get rid of her. Vanilor replied, feeling hungry. Send her to fight someone, then we can go hunting together; it's been awhile since we have flown. He told her as he nuzzled her affectionately. I miss when it was just us and the wind. Van confessed, missing the days in the castle where Kat would fly and read with him; it was so peaceful.

[Tismri]

Glory's face did not diminish in color as Daeron continued speaking, even after he turned more serious. She looked at him affectionately, glad to know that her big brother was looking out for her.
"I won't," she promised him. She lowered her gaze back down to the sand. "Seth isn't just anyone, either. He's...someone very special." She turned toward the tent and opened the flap that led to Seth's side of the tent, showing clearly how the tent was divided in half, hoping it would assure Daeron that nothing was going amiss in there.
"Seth," she called out, putting a hand on his shoulder out of habit to let him know where she stood--although with his new training she knew he really didn't need such gestures anymore. "Daeron wanted to meet you properly."
~~~~~
Katriana hardly paid any heed to Tyrant's impromtu leave, allowing the Shade to run about as he would provided he didn't go on a wanton killing spree. Though she had enough troops to spare, she would have preferred to use the bulk of them as cannon fodder for when the actual battle began. And she lost enough already what with Sachiko's recent listless rampage. It was not the response Kat had expected of the girl when she was deprived of Daeron. Still, a relentless, delirious killer was more useful to her than a compassionate weakling.
That is an excellent idea, Lycus, she told him. No real reason to delay. She glanced at a nearby minion who stood ready to serve her every whim.
"Fetch for me Lysette and...Dominic," she commanded, taking but a moment to consider. The page bowed, seemingly terrified by Vanilor's unexpected movement, and ran off to find the two. Katriana stood and affectionately rubbed Van's snout, giving a pleased sigh.
"Yes, a flight and a hunt would be very enjoyable," she agreed with him. The old part of her, the part that was the true Kat, missed the simple times she once had with this dragon, the easy yet binding attachment between them. Their bond became much more complex once the spirits entered her, as each spirit vied for a share of her power that was shared with him. It was no longer just the two of them. Their private bond now had to be shared with many other beings, a power that at once delighted and revolted her.
"It has been far too long since you showed this fallen world proof that you are the true ruler of the skies, my dear one."

[Max452]

Seth felt Glory and Daeron approached before they had even entered the tent. The blind Rider was seated at his desk, cleaning his weapons when he sensed Glory beside him. He felt her hand on his shoulder and turned his head up toward her, a smile on his face. "I would like that." He reached his hand over his chest to touch Glory's hand. He rubbed it gently with his thumb before releasing her and standing up. He easily pinpointed Daeron from the energy he emitted, although, he could tell, that Daeron was hiding most of it. "A pleasure to meet you, Daeron. Glory has spoken much about you." Seth held out his hand for Daeron.

~~~
For a brief second, Daeron's eyes quickly observed Seth's appearance. He could tell that Seth was a very trained Rider. He was quite muscular, but not bulky, and held a humble, but powerful aura about him. He was a good match for Glory. "Aye, and you Rider Seth." Daeron gripped Seth's hand and the two men shook before parting. "What has brought you to the Shade Army?" Daeron asked, wanting to know what Seth's views were; he didn't want to have to kill him if his loyalities were with Katriana.

"Is that not obvious?" Seth asked, taking Glory's hand gently into his own. "My place is by your sister's side."
"You mistake my question, Seth. I was referring to Katriana; why do you follow her?" Daeron asked, sounding curious, but really digging for Seth's feelings.
"I know what you're asking, Daeron. My response is the same. However, I'll just elaborate that Katriana and I have an understanding with one another." He smiled politely, not revealing the conversation he had with Katriana the moment he had arrived with Glory. They had a private conversation, truly private, as Seth had unknowingly pointed out Lycus' existance. Seth had shared with Katriana his story of journeying across Aegleasia as he trained for Glory, and with this story, he had told the Shade Rider that he knew of her origins and understood the true reason that she was doing all of this. Granted, he knew he was probably going to be killed on the spot for being so bold with the Shade, but, he had pressed forward as he only wanted her to understand the reason why he was here. His mind reflected back to his own words.

So, now that you know that I understand your motivations of your campaign. I now, wish you to understand mine. The only reason you are not dead this moment is because I have not determined how closely you have tied yourself to Glory; whether she dies the moment I kill you, I am unsure. I have no desire to serve you. I serve Glory. I love Glory, just as you loved your King, perhaps even more. Know this, Rider Katriana. if you dare harm Glory in any way, I will make you regret it, just as you are making the world regret the death of Galbatorix. I am here for her, and her alone. As long as you do not harm her and allow her to have her own, free mind, you have my blade and Hyperion's teeth. Seth stepped closer to the Shade and bowed, respectfully to her. Thank you for your time, Rider Katriana. I am glad that we now have an understanding of one another.

Seth was very lucky he had managed to get out of that conversation unscathed as he did. He never told Glory the extent of his conversation with Katriana, as he did not want her to worry. Nevertheless, he did not keep it a secret from his love either; he merely omitted some things. Whether Katriana would kill him for his boldness was still unsure; Seth was ever watchful and grateful for Master Sidhion's training as it enabled him to be far more ready against any attack against those that he loved.

"An understanding?" Dearon asked, his voice curious, but his expression neutral.

"Yes." Seth replied and then turned to Glory. "It's almost time for your magic lesson; we best start heading over there if we are to be on time." Seth replied before turning his blind gaze toward Daeron. "You're welcomed to watch; I'm sure Glory would love to show you how much she's improved since you've gone." Seth replied warmly, wanting to strengthen the family bond.

"I'll like that." He glanced over to Glory. "Is it okay if I come with Sachi? Or would it be best to wait?" Daeron asked his sister.

***
A few minutes after being summoned, Dominic appeared in front of Katriana. The assassin gave his Queen a humble bow. "You requested for me, Rider Katriana - what bidding do you request of me?" Dominic asked respectfully. The young man was ever obedient to Katriana, especially since his Master had been killed. His last words to Dominic: Obey Katriana, my apprentice. Build up her dream, and you will build mine. Remember all that I have taught and allow no deviations and distractions.

Since then, the assassin had done his best and killed all that he was sent out to kill, with one mistake: that of not succeeding in killing Joshua Aramis. Dom was still annoyed that Elijah had gotten that kill. He would not fail Katriana again. Especially since that day.

[Tismri]

Glory was nearly holding her breath during the meeting between her brother and significant other. Daeron's questioning of him made her feel uncomfortable, not because of the questions themselves but Seth's rather evasive answers. She still wasn't exactly sure what the conversation was between him and Katriana, but he had somehow convinced her to allow him to remain. The thought that the Shade Rider could command him killed terrified her. But now...it was as if things were starting over. Everything continued as normal with Katriana, but Seth's constant presence helped Glory keep her sanity.
She squeezed Seth's hand when he mentioned that it was time for her magic lesson. She remembered being wonderstruck when he explained to her how he could watch her practice like no one else could. To see the energy she was manipulating...She often wondered what it would be like to be blind.
She hesitated for a few moments when Daeron mentioned inviting Sachiko. Truth be told, the girl still terrified her. But she knew that Daeron wasn't going to give an inch, and Glory decided that she didn't want him to. She was willing to give Sachiko a chance, especially since she didn't want her brother to judge her relationship with Seth.
"Okay," she agreed after a few moments. "She can come. I...hope I get to know her better." She exited the tent, still holding Seth's hand. "We'll be out past the dunes to the west," she told him. "Not a lot of people really want to see what I'm trying to do." The magic she performed was highly dangerous, and often terrifying to behold. She hoped she wouldn't scare Daeron or Sachiko off with it.
~~~~~
Katriana was pleased by Dominic's swift response to her call. He was ever prompt, and she knew he was eternally loyal to her. He was raised that way, having been brought up by the remnents of the Black Hand. She'd called his mentor under her command a year or so after her transformation as a Shade, and was pleased with his young apprentice. There was still the occasional lack of performance from him, like the time he allowed Aramis to slip his grasp. But he had paid for that transgression in full.
She smiled at her servant, very nearly purring. "Ah, Dom, yes," she told him. "It has occurred to me that I have not seen a demonstration of your abilities as of late. With your recent, ah...shall we say, lack of success..." She gazed at him intently for several long moments, "I find I wish to see if your skills have at all diminished since your mentor's death." She glanced up to see her newest follower approaching at a lazy pace, one male escorting her by the arm while the rest followed some paces behind with jealous expressions. Lysette released her companion and approached.
"You called for me, my lady?" she asked, her tone seemingly respectful, but there was a hint of irritation buried inside. She did not appreciate being called back so soon, having expected to received at least a little bit of settling time before being summoned again.
"Yes, I have. Lysette, meet your sparring partner. Dominic, you and Lysette are both going to demonstrate your abilities to me. You know the rules. Lysette, anything and everything goes in this battle. The only rule is, you may not kill him. Understand?" Lys gave a slight smirk at the statement and bowed her head.
"Maim him as much as I wish, but don't kill him? Yes, I can do that." She turned to face this Dominic. Immediately, her eyes brightened. He was a fine specimen...tall, dark hair, but keenly bright blue eyes. Muscled, well-toned, but not overly large. He looked like he could be fun to play with...maybe later...She licked her lips slightly and gave him a very sultry stare.
"Oh my...you seem like a very well trained person indeed. Think maybe you could go easy on me?" She gave him a quick wink and flashed a smile.
"Begin whenever you are ready," Katriana said, returning to her seat by Vanilor, where she keenly watched the proceedings.
As soon as she was given the okay, Lysette had a dart out in an instant and sent it flying toward Dominic's heart, counting on him attempting to dodge so that it might wound his shoulder or chest.

[Max452]

Daeron nodded to Glory, watching the two lovers exit the tent with hidden curiousity. Seth was hiding something and that did not please Daeron. However, he could tell that Seth was indeed here for Glory and that he loved her. He would keep a special eye on Seth. Done thinking, the young Family member ran off to go and find Sachi.

***
Seth walked with Glory toward their usual destination. He could hear some crowd gathering near Katriana. Another fight, perhaps. Seth thought to himself as he counted the steps it took to their spot. "That didn't go too bad." Seth commented about his meeting with Daeron. He smiled at Glory as they walked along. Seth could feel the sand beneath him slush and he was glad that he could sense the energy around him now, or it would have been a bit frustrating to walk on the ever changing sand.

***
Dominic glanced over at Lysette, analyzing her appearance and weapons. She had a wide assortment of knives and daggers. This would be an interesting fight; she seemed to be a hand to hand fighter. "Yes, I understand, Lady Katriana." Dom replied as Katriana explained the rules. He turned his attention back to Lysette, his face expressionless as he try to deduce her behavior in accordance on how she would fight. "My Lady has asked me to fight you, not baby you." Dominic replied to Lysette's comment on going easy. "I will refrain from killing you." He told her as he walked into the center to fight her.

Soon enough, Katriana gave the command and Lysette had sprung into action while Dominic watched her; an assassin must observe his prey for weaknesses and exploit it. He narrowed his eyes as he spotted a thin dart coming his way. Not one to make useless moves, Dominic gripped his scimitar with his left sword hand and unleashed it just in time. A light twang was heard as the dart was deflected by Dom's sword as he unsheathed it. Not wasting any time, the assassin moved quickly and silently toward Lysette's left side, intending to slash in an upward strike toward her ribs to give her a nice clean surface cut since he was forbidden to kill. The move already in his mind, Dom moved to act, knowing the moment he finished his strike, he would turn around so he was behind her, intending to touch the right pulse on her neck, a silent indication that she would have been "dead" if he was truly intending to kill her. He moved quickly to do just that.

[Tismri]

Sachiko sat next to the oasis, splashing the water lightly. There was a smile on her face, and she noticed how very alone she was at the moment. Every time she saw someone, they would almost immediately turn around and walk away. Not that she could blame them. They couldn't know if she was suddenly going to decide to kill someone. Really, she wasn't sure if such a mood would strike her again sometime soon.
Still, she smiled. Daeron had come back to her...and he loved her still. It was as if those long weeks without him had never happened. She could still remember the pain she'd felt without him, though. It echoed in her mind; she needed him. If she were to lose him again, she would not be able to live.
~~~~~
Glory glanced over at the crowd gathered by Katriana. The Shade Rider often called for such fights for her followers to demonstrate their abilities to her. Glory thought it also entertained her, to watch as people hurt each other. The idea now repulsed her, but she remembered when her thoughts practically mimicked the ideals of her liege. Whenever she thought of the person she had become, Glory felt at once sickened and terrified. How could she allow someone to have that much control over her? The thought made her afraid.
She stopped thinking of that and turned to Seth. She smiled at his statement.
"It could have gone worse," she agreed as she followed the familiar steps to the place where she practiced. "I'm glad he's not angry with me anymore...although he has every right to be. I said some pretty terrible things to him during our fight."
~~~~~
Lysette watched carefully as Dominic blocked her dart with a sword and moved to her side. He was as lithe and silent as a stalking cat. Expecting a strike, Lys quickly pulled a dagger and held it to her side, just in time to block the attack at her side, which she leaned away from. She spun on one foot as he tried to move behind her and had a shiv in her other hand now, aimed at his heart. The blade was too small to penetrate that deeply, as they were more often used for slicing veins. But she could have just as easily pulled a larger weapon and killed him. She looked at him curiously.
"This is supposed to be a fight, not a dance," she informed him. His movements were more suited for assassination and dueling. It would have worked had she not been expecting his attack. She wondered briefly if that was the only style of attack he knew. If so, she felt his experience would be sorely lacking.
She gave him another smile. "But if you really want, we could dance later." With that said, she lifted her leg and thrust her foot toward him in an attempt to kick him away.

[Max452]

Daeron's unheard footsteps followed the path to the oasis, where he had left Sachiko by herself. He felt extremely happy to have fixed his relationships with his loved ones, though his face was calm, as he spotted Sachi. A devious thought came to his mind and he immersed himself into the shadows, wanting to sneak on his lover. As he drew closer he snuck up behind her, gripping around her waist. "Missed you." He whispered in her ear.

***
"Don't let your mind linger too much on the past, Glory." Seth advised. He beamed down at her. "He didn't look too upset and its good between you both now. I'm more worried about how Sachiko will act once she arrives." Seth had heard the stories and screams to know that Sachi was dangerous, but if Glory seemed okay with it, and if Daeron could keep her calm, then he too will accept her. They reached the dunes and Seth tilted his head at Glory, a smirk playing on his lips. "What do you want to practice today?" He asked her, sliding himself over to her to steal a kiss.

***
Dominic was annoyed that Lysette blocked and escaped his grasp, but his emotions were masked by a calm face. He skirted away from her blade to avoid penetration. He stared at her with an analytical gaze, trying to figure her out. He said nothing to her flirtations finding it as a distraction to participate. He blocked her kick by bringing his leg up and his arm down. The force of the kick was lessen this way. Once the leg had connected, Dominic used his free palm to.push himself away, but not before using his sword to hack at her shoulder.

[Tismri]

Sachi nearly jumped when she felt a pair of arms encircle her, and had she not recognized the feel of them, he would have been dead in an instant. She refused to put herself in a position like the one that caused Daeron to flee. But she knew who it was, even as he whispered to her. A smile crept over her face as she stroked his arms gently.
"Not nearly as much as I missed you," she assured him. She leaned her head back and leaned against him. "How did things go with her?" she asked. She couldn't help but seethe slightly; every time Gloriann came to her mind, Sachi found her blood boiling again, their words echoing in her mind. She very much still wanted to kill the girl, and only refrained for his sake.
~~~~~
Glory took in Seth's comforting words with a smile, glad that he was there to assure her that everything was all right. However, her lips pressed together at his mention of Sachiko.
"I still don't really know what Daeron sees in her," she admitted. "All I've ever seen of her is a bloodthristy killer. But...if he says she has a heart...then I'll trust his judgement." As they arrived to her training location, Glory took a moment to think on what she would practice today, when she noticed Seth's smirk as he moved closer.
"Oh, I don't know," she told him, smiling, "A little of this and a little of that, I suppose." She met his kiss, feeling positively enraptured. She was so happy that Seth still loved her, and was there for her through everything.
~~~~~
Lysette did not attempt to conceal her pout when Dom refused to flirt back with her. He seemed overly focused on this fight, as if it meant something to him. It was nothing short of entertainment for her, truth be told.
Once he blocked her kick, Lys kept her eyes trained on his sword. She had her shiv sheathed in an instant, even as the blade started to swing toward her shoulder. She spun away from it, using the momentum given to her from his push away to perform a brief handstand and bring her feet back to the ground, shifting them around with a spray of sand to bring herself back to facing him, ready and waiting for his next move.

[Max452]

Daeron was half surprised that Sachi didn't attack him, but said nothing as he figured that their bond with one another was growing. He smiled to himself as Sachi asked her question. "It went better than I had hoped, actually. I'm glad we'd talked; it cleared the air and she's willing to accept our relationship." He told her as held her against him. "She's actually training right now and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me to watch? I'm a bit eager to see how she's progressed since I was away." He confided to Sachiko. "What do you say? It could be a nice stepping stone for both of you to perhaps tolerate one another? I don't expect the tension to leave right away, but I was hoping to at least have you two would mildly get along. Oh, and her lover will be there as well, and I would enjoy having an extra pair of eyes on him, should he be inappropriate with my sister." Daeron confessed as he parted himself from Sachi gently.

***
"Just a little?" Seth could not contain the ever growing smirk that had appeared on his lips as he felt Glory met his kiss. It seemed she was getting more comfortable with this display of affection. He kissed her eagerly, but parted when air was needed. He leaned his forehead down to connect with her own. "I'm not sure what Daeron "sees"," Seth said, his voice sarcastically playful, "but I can tell that he speaks from his heart when in regards to Sachiko. It's a rare gift to recognize the true heart of a person; I think he has it. And who knows, Sachiko might surprise you. I mean, you can never judge a person solely on what they do; you can't forget their heart." Seth explained his reasoning before detaching himself from Glory. "I never forgot yours." Seth added as he stepped back from Glory, giving her space to practice her magic. "What role shall you have me to play, today, Glory? Bystander or particpator?" Seth asked.

***
Trained eyes watched as Lysette manuevered herself away. Dominic, wanting to prove himself to Katriana, pressed himself forward, not allowing Lysette to breath. He charged straight at her, sword raised at his side, intending to slice her from the waist up, however, as he charged, he angled his body downward. Using the momentum from his charge, Dom quickly changed positions, bolting passed Lysette instead of right at her, having feigned this attack in hopes to perform something else. "Deloi." He had whispered right as he had first charged at her, intending to encase her feet in hardened earth. His quick side step changed directions again as he intended to assault her from the back, then the side; changing his direction randomly and quickly.

[Tismri]

Sachiko was happy for Daeron as he told her he had mended his relationship with his sister. She was glad he was able to put his life back together after it had been torn apart so severely before.
However, at the thought of Gloriann, Sachi frowned slightly and avoided Daeron's gaze. She felt the old, familiar blood haze gathering at the very edges of her mind, and all she could think of was how much she wanted to flay alive that little girl who had tried to hurt her.
"Don't...please don't ask more of me than I am able to give, Daeron," she told him. Her voice was soft, and she refused to meet his gaze. She knew if she did he would see it; that bloodlust in her eyes that would only ever be satisfied by the eviceration of his little sister.
~~~~~
Glory smiled, though she was panting as she parted from Seth. She was getting more comfortable with kissing him each time, but she was still very shy as she did so. A part of her longed for more, desiring to be closer to him...to spend the night on his side of the tent rather than her own. But a more dominant part of her knew she was not yet ready for that, no matter how much she wanted it. Still, the desire was hard to quell sometimes.
"I'm glad you never forgot me," she whispered to him softly. She reflected painfully on everything she had done while tricked by Katriana...everything she had forgotten. Though it was true that she was being tricked by the Shade Rider, at the same time Glory knew a part of her had made the choice, and it shamed her.
As they parted, she considered what she was going to practice today. "I think it best if you were just a bystander today," she told him. Though she was no longer tricked by Katriana, Glory still felt that desire for power and perfection inside her. She tried to avoid using the more dangerous magic she had been looking into before, but there were still some spells she wanted to get right. In particular, she wanted to work on creating a vacuum, a temporary pocket devoid of air and material. It was a very difficult spell, and she knew there had to be some way that it was easier. She just needed to discover exactly how.
~~~~~
Lys kept her eyes focused intently on her opponent's weapon, holding her own dagger ready to block it from every angle he approached her. She didn't even flinch as she felt the sand begin to encase her feet; she had spent several years training with magicians; she knew how they thought and how they worked. The spell would have been quite bothersome in a wetter climate, but it seemed a poor choice here in the desert. The sand was so dry that no particals stuck together, and so even with her feet wrapped inside it, the loose sand still on the ground allowed her some movement.
As Dom ran toward her Lysette was rather annoyed by his random attack pattern. It was hard to predict where his strike was going to eventually land. She only barely managed to block the blow to her side, and that was with her wrist, causing a deep cut in the joint. Pain laced up her arm as she gave Dominic a deathly glare.
"That wasn't nice," she informed him. She lifted her leg, the foot clumsy and heavy from being encased in stone, and swung it at him to kick him in the side from a backwards angle, intending to make him regret bringing magic into this battle. At the same time, she held her dagger out at the angle she predicted he would try to dodge, intending to trap him--and, if her foot connected, she would send him sprawling into her blade.

Katriana watched the fight unfurl before her with mild interest and a bored expresssion. It seemed the two were proving that they were capable of swift movements and dodging. It finally noticeably caught her attention with Lysette received a cut on her wrist. Kat's eyes shifted slightly with approval; at least the girl wasn't the sort to whine and quit at the tiniest amount of pain.

[Max452]

Daeron observed his lover quietly, noting her tense shoulders and the pleading voice that escaped her lips. He understood she held a bloodlust for his sister since the day those two fought. It was difficult to quell that bloodlust; he admired that she would for him. "I understand." He simply said and kissed her gently. "Thank you for doing your best; I won't forget it." He told her as he tugged her hand gently. "May I escort you to your next destination then?" His lips twitched into a small smile. "And then I shall meet you after Glory's training." He added as he waited upon her.

***
Seth feigned a disappointed sigh. "Fine, I'll watch this time." His lips curved into a smile at his words. "Let me know if you want me to step in though." He gave her a quick peck on her cheek before settling himself on his usual seat: a boulder that was off to the side, where a desert tree hovered above it, granting some reprieve from the harsh sun.

***
"That was me being nice." Dominic replied to Lysette as he watched her foot come up to strike him. Gracefully, almost like a monkey, Dom hopped onto her striking leg briefly, before flipping over it. However, he miscalculated the blade that was coming toward him; he felt the steel swipe across his abdomen as he flipped over to her other side. He hissed, but made no other comment as he felt his tunic grow wet from the flow freeing blood. "It seems it will be harder for me to refrain from not killing you." He replied, glancing at his now exposed, bleeding torso. He brought his blade low, skidding the tip lightly against the grained sand as he charged at her with uncharacteristic speed. He had been using obvious frontal attacks as Lady Katriana commanded him not to kill her, but he had not known that this woman was as skilled as she was. He would have to access his full potential now. Speeding toward her, Dom again, feigned an attack to her chest, but at the last moment, he dropped down. The momentum of his speed unceasing as his back scrapped against the dirt as he slipped under her, using his legs in a scissor like motion to trip her with one foot as the other would go and attack her head if she fell on time.

[Tismri]

Sachiko met Daeron's gaze as he told her he understood. She was glad he didn't pressure her; it was just one of the many reasons why she loved him. She gave him a slight smile as he took her hand.
"Thank you," she told him. She wondered if he realized just how much she had to struggle to not kill Gloriann; every time the thought crossed her mind, Sachi felt herself almost fall into a daze where the only thing on her mind was murder. Whenever that happened, she had to envision him to keep from attacking Glory. It worked, but it still left her feeling the need to harm something, so she usually attacked the closest thing.
As they walked together, Sachi wanting to go stand near Katriana as usual, she reflected on herself, her constant need for blood that was never satisfied completely. Even when she was with Daeron, drawing his blood had just as much to do with her bloody habits as it did with her passion.
She frowned momentarily. Everyone she ever knew was afraid of her; everyone except Pluto and Kat. And they had good reason to be. But Daeron...he wasn't. She couldn't even tell why. Even after she had joyously slaughtered his friends and relentlessly tortured him, he somehow fell in love with her.
"Daeron," she asked hesitantly. "Why...do you love me?" she asked. "I do nothing but hurt you over and over. I laugh and relish in the pain of others. You could have chosen someone much more worth your while, someone who would keep you comfortable and happy."
~~~~~
Glory gave a small smile at Seth's disappointment. She enjoyed practicing magic with him, but she often felt she couldn't try anything too powerful without risking hurting him.
"Maybe I'll try something with you later," she told him, returning his peck before he went to sit in the shade. She turned and faced the desert, searching for something to test her power with. She would need something that breathed air to show her whether or not her spell was working. She glanced up at the tree Seth was sitting beneath and spotted a bird.
"Fethrblaka, blaka eom iet lam," she called to it. The bird lit onto her hand, and she spoke to it carefully in the ancient language, explaining how she needed its help, but it would be in danger. She spoke to it gently, trying to keep it calm. Surprisingly, it seemed willing to assist her in spite of the danger. She thanked it and set it on the ground near her. She thought carefully over the various ways she had tried this before, ways that had failed her or brought her too close to death. None of them would work, but there had to be an easier way.
"Vindr," she said, manipulating the air around the bird. Moving it all would take a lot out of her, but she tried various ways, using just the one word. The bird became frightened on a number of occasions, and she quickly reset the world back to its natural state and let the creature calm down before trying again.
After a while of trying, Glory was exhausted and more than a little exasperated as she thanked the bird and let it fly away. She felt she'd made no progress whatsoever as she went to sit next to Seth.
"It's no use," she complained to him, "I can't do it without killing myself in the process."
~~~~~
Lys gave an almost demented smile for a moment upon feeling her blade carve through flesh. It was a most satisfying sensation, and she felt a just repayment for the wound she'd just received. Then she relaxed back into her concentration as she kept her gaze fixated on her opponent as he charge her. His attack seemed too predictable, so she knew exactly what he was not going to try. She watched as he dropped to the ground, her eyes watching his kicking legs. It was too late to move her one foot out of the way, but she shifted her momentum enough that she wouldn't fall the way he intended for her to go. She fell onto him and reached to grab his hand and pin it down to keep him from doing anything funny like stab her through the stomach. At the same time with her other hand, she moved to put her cold steel blade against his neck, hoping to signify herself as the victor.

[Max452]

Daeron stopped in his tracks as he heard Sachi's degrading words about herself. He allowed himself a moment, just a small moment, for his true emotions to appear on his face: love. "What makes you think that you're not worth my while? That you don't make me feel comfortable or happy?" He posed her own words back at her. "You, the very first person to truly see me?" He turned to face her completely. "I love you because you see more than me then I ever have, or anyone else for that matter. I love you because of the way your eyes soften and light up when you lock with mine, how you regret causing me pain (though I quite enjoy that), and the smile that is reserve only for me. I love you," he stepped closer to her, eyes shining, "because you love me for me." He stated with his utmost love for her. "I see your heart, Sachi, and it takes my breath away every time, so don't think that you're not worth my while, because by whatever Gods out there, you complete me." He knew he probably sounded like a sap, but it was the truth. He gave her a quick, but passionate kiss before sensing people coming toward them. He pulled away, his eyes a bit regretful, as he donned an indifferent mask. "Come, best not keep Lady Katriana waiting." Daeron replied quietly as the passerbys glanced at the couple, a glint of uncertainty and fear in their eyes, especially at Sachiko. Daeron glared right on back; killer intent seeping out from him, causing the small group to hurry away. Seemingly satisfied, he urged Sachi onward.

***
Seth channeled the energy around him, focusing on Glory and her progression with magic. He knew what she was trying to do, but the Blind Rider was still uneasy as he watched the specks of energy leave her body. He felt her collaspe next to him and gave her a reassuring smile. "You're too hard on yourself, Glory." Seth told her as his blank eyes turned toward her. He had seen the energy pool around the area in which she was trying to void the air, making it look wildly unstable thus forcing Glory to use more energy to sustain it. "You're concentrating on a too large of a space, Glory." He stated his observation. "It's unstable for your to control such a large pocket - what are you thinking about when you perform that spell?" Seth asked, trying to brainstorm with her and getting a sense of her motivation and meaning behind that spell; after all, the energy was to bend to the user's will, but how can it if the user was unsure of what he or she wanted?

***
Though quick his opponent was, Dominc was quicker and had seen her manuevers with an annoyed expression. He had seen it all, and yet, he allowed his sword hand to be pinned down. Why? That question would torment him later as he felt her weight upon him, pinning him further as the cold steel threatned to pierce his skin. He felt his body flush from the contact but pushed those alien feelings aside as he recounted his training.

Despite his predicament, he instinctively had acted during that whole process and his free left hand had found itself on her abdomen, a soft green glow illuminating around it as he had managed to muttered a spell through their scuffle; a spell that would have boiled the target's blood and other liquids from the inside, instantly killing them. The hand glowed dangerously as he subconsciously controlled it, not allowing the deadly spell to pierce Lysette - Dominic knew the rules - but enough to let her know that he would not have died alone if this was a real battle. It was also a silent promise to his Lady: he would get the job done, whatever the price. He stared up at Lysette, his expression appearing cold and indifferent to those afar, but up close, a small sparkle appeared in his eyes, that even, Dominic was unaware of. That Why question would definitely appear in his mind later that day.

[Tismri]

Sachi didn't meet Daeron's eyes as he stopped and turned to her. His words were not unexpected, but to hear them made her heart burn just a bit more. Still, something in her hesitated to believe him. She'd heard and seen nothing of herself besides what she knew was true, and that was her desire and instinct to hurt others. For him to see something beyond that seemed impossible, yet she knew the facts he stated. Seeing him always made her feel happy, and she knew it reflected in her expression, in both her eyes and her smile; and if that sinking feeling in her stomach that she felt every time she hurt him was truly regret, then he was right about that as well.
His kiss washed away any lingering doubts that he truly loved her, although she still felt as if she didn't deserve it. He could have chosen anyone, some girl who wouldn't cause him pain, a girl who could take care of him and make sure he always feels safe. She knew nothing except causing pain. Briefly, the thought crossed her mind that she hoped he would never want children, because she had no idea how to keep from harming even those.
She gave him a smile as he pulled away, tightening her grip on his hand a little.
"Whatever you see in my heart, I'm sure it must just be a reflection of yours," she told him. "I never had any of that before I met you." She looked at him seriously for another moment. "I love you," she told him, understanding just a little more what exactly those words meant.
~~~~~
Gloriann frowned slightly as Seth tried to reassure her. This spell was just too difficult, it seemed to her. She bit her bottom lip when he mentioned that she was working with too large a space.
"A small space wouldn't be worth the effort," she told him. "If I was trying to use it in battle, I'd need a large space to work with." There was a problem with Glory's thinking that she didn't realize. She was thinking that in order for the spell to work, she would have to encompass her enemy entirely in the void space.
She thought over Seth's question for a moment or two, her dark eyes narrowing as she thought over the answer.
"All I'm thinking about is how much I want the spell to work," she admitted to him. "I want to master it...get it perfectly right. And I guess I'm not used to it taking this long to work. Most of the time, spells come effortlessly to me."
~~~~~
Lysette narrowed her eyes slightly when she felt Dominic's hand resting against her stomach, feeling the spell just barely touching her. She knew he was holding back, for the exact same reason she was. They simply were not allowed to kill each other at this moment. Her lips curved into a sultry smile as she, for the briefest moment, pushed her body just a little more heavily against his, allowing him to feel her every curve.
"Looks like a draw to me," she told him, and then lowered her voice to where only he could hear, "We should settle this round later, don't you think?" She winked at him before sitting up and sheathing her weapon. She didn't miss that sparkle in his eyes, hidden within his emotionless face. She had him baited, she knew. He wasn't as easy as most men were, but now he had to be feeling his more primal instincts. And that was exactly what she wanted.

Katriana watched as the fight before her reached its close, an obvious draw. In a real battle, both of them would be dead now, Dom from the blade and Lysette from the magical attack. It crossed her mind for a moment that Dominic had been just a little careless toward the end, allowing himself to fall for the trap. But exactly how much should she expect from the man? He simply proved to her that he was indeed human.
"Thank you for that impressive display," she told them both. "It has been a while since I have seen a battle between two so evenly matched. And you have both sufficiently proven your skills to me; I am satisfied." She waved her hand slightly in dismissal, and her eyes drifted to another area of the camp. Her expression darkened dangerously for a moment.
It seems Sachiko and Daeron have made up for their past "misunderstandings," she commented to Lycus, seeing the two of them coming her way, hand in hand, pausing for a moment to converse and even share a kiss. They seemed almost even more open about their relationship than they had before.