A journey, a test of ones spirit (what started Whispers)

"He isn't mine to give you."

"Then your healer will remain with me." Shrugging as if it meant nothing.

BJ looked at them both, then speaks quietly. "Will ye release Blu if I agree? Release her to live?"

"I think it best to find out what exactly it means to do with you, BJ. We don't take a devil's bargain without knowing the whole story, I think."

He had put the seed of the idea in the Lich's thoughts last time he was here, he was not surprised at the request.

"I will do as the Lady asked and let you speak with her."

"Oh, I do not think so. A whole person, just for a conversation with the healer?"

Blu shrugged and turns away from the door. Her face was averted and showed a angry sneer. "It is what you said." Then lifted her head with a sniff, her nostrils flaring when she felt the presense of another.

BJ looked at Issotta. "I do not care...as long as it frees Blu." Quietly. "As ye said, I am not yours to give...but I agree to the exchange."

"A poor bargain, if you ask me." She bit her lower lip and had a look around. She turned to look at BJ, considering quietly.

Aly came up the tower steps, knowing where Blu was, having been there many times already. She came upon the converstaion, not exactly sure what she had heard.

Issotta smiled grimly at Aly. "Well met, Admiral."

Blu's skin had begun to tingle in anticipation and on the inside she was seething with excitement but on the outside she remained calm. "Ahh, you bring reenforcements?"

Quietly, to Aly. "Sister..."

Aly nodded to the Lady of the Lake. "How do we fair thus, lady?"

"BJ is about to tell me he wants to trade himself for just the opportunity to have a word with Blu. No promise of releasing her. I call it a bad deal. "

Aly gave her brother a look. "I think there will be no such deal." Looks to the shell of her sister.

BJ looked to both of them, speaks quietly. "It is not your choice to make." Moves closer to the door...speaking softly. "Domina?"

"As official Senior Officer, 'TIS m' decision, an' I ha' made 't. There will be NO trade."

Turns to look at Aly. "To hell with your *official* position."

"Ye may say wha' ye will Sest, but I WILL ha' ye take ta th' dungeon if ye balk m' authority on this. " Looks to the guards that she brought with her, along with the two that guarded Blu's *chamber*.

((Oh oh))

Issotta had a look at Aly, with appreciation for her no-nonsense approach to this mess. Arguments would not serve anyone.

It was fun feeding off of their fear. Those red eyes narrowed a bit as she looked to the elf. "Your *Domina* truly wishes to speak with you..Sestaren."

Turns back to the door...again quietly. "Domina?" Swallows his fear, his anger...looking to the creature. "May I speak with her?" Ignoring Aly for the moment...watching what was Blu carefully.

"If Blu wishes to speak wi' him, she will do so, throogh this door."

"Be the man, Sestaren, you do not need to listen to these women." The voice shifted subtly then. "Come here, Sest."

Hearing Blu's tone...her inflection in the last words. "Domina?" A step closer to the door.

"That is right. I am right here. I want to touch you. I need you." Her hands gripped the bars showing the heat of her fingertips, sparks flashing as the iron glowed red and hot.

Aly looks at a guard to move closer to Bj, and take in custody should he try to get to close.

BJ stepped a little bit closer...well aware of the men by the door...a look to them, and they can see the fire in his own eyes, warning them. Weaponless, but not defenseless. "Domina...ye must fight."

"Sest..one moor step an' I will ha' ye arrested. Ye'll do her or us ana guid dead, or in th' dungeon. She only baits ye, canna ye no' see tha'?

The creature tilted her head a moment, her eyes flashed a deep blue and then was gone. "You are not afraid of me, are you, Sest?" Softly, with that same inflection of Blu's voice. "Your sister and mine has always ran roughshod over you, making decisions that should have been yours, remember?"

Looks at the creature, his heart heavy. "No...I am not afraid of Blu. William...has a right to be feared...and I will not lie when I say I am afraid."

"Let me out, Sest, I want to go home and be with you and the children. Please?"

"THA" isna Blu speakin' ta ye." Aly ignores the creature totally, knowing the baiting that is taking place and will not fall into it. "If ye canna tell th' difference between th' one you love an' tha' thing who speaks throogh her, then ye nev'r knew her a'tall."

Quietly. "I cannot take ye home as ye are."

Nods, now knowing that Bj is not taking the bait.

Issotta turned to Aly quietly, while the creature played with the all too willing BJ. "Can the healer be restrained? Iron shackles or something?"

Leans closer to Issotta. "Only if one c'n do 't tha' is fire-proof." Shows the still red burns marks on her own hands and arms from the last encounter with Blu.

"The creature is still working with a very mortal body and so it has those constraints. Fire, too, has its limitations."

There was a smile twitching upon her face as she stepped up to the door and placed her palms on the wood. Noone was able to see that the wood smoldered. Her pale face was inches from his. "Fight him, Sest, for me."

"I would, Domina...if he would release the bond he has upon ye."

"I am right here! Do something now! Help me!" Her voice was losing some of the soft sound of Blu's and rising. Her whole body quivered. Her hands grasped the bars upon the small window. "Let-me-out." A hissing growl emerging with the emphasized words.

Quietly. "I cannot help ye...if ye do not help ye." Feeling the heat emanating from her...but does not flinch, does not step back.

Issotta was thinking of practical issues and went and whisper spoke to a guard and he hurried away to take the orders she and Aly had to give. She turns to one guard whispering to him what she needs, and to take one other with her, bringing at least six more men with him back with what she requested.

She noticed what they did, oh yes. Her hands heating the bars as her heart pounded frantically. "Sest! They will hurt me. Do you want that?"

Keeping Blu's attentions, hearing them moving behind him. "I will not let them hurt ye, Domina. But the Lich...must be destroyed, removed...to keep ye safe."

Aly stepped close to her brother. "May I speak wi' ye ov'r there prithee?"

Quietly, to Blu. "A moment...Domina...and I shall return." A nod to Aly, and moves to follow her.

It was not long before men came with bucket after bucket after bucket of water, cool and clean, from the well outside.

It was then that she came up on tiptoes and flinched. A deep soulsearing pain sliced through her and she hissed. Backing away from the door. "You lie."

A slight turn, his voice, quiet, almost sad. "Have I ever lied to ye before?"

She laughed. "Think about that, BJ."

Softly. "I do...every night."

Aly awaits her brother, to reply to Blu.

Then turns, moving to Aly.

The men were still coming with the buckets and walked closer, but still safely away from, the cell bars.

Suddenly Blu paced in a circle, round and round and round, her arms held out away from her body, spitting flames. It was not long til she was walking the walls, so rushed that she was almost a blur. That silky pure white hair flowing behind her.

Whispers in his ear. "Put yeer leathers on, we ha' ta shackle her, an' we WILL be burned. There is no other way feer 't. Th' water is ta help doose her, so we dinna ha' ta hurt her, an' lesson oor own pain, ye ken?"

Nods to her...and takes the gloves from his pouch, putting them on.

The man came in, finally, with the shackles, and lay them aside. Issotta was glad to see them; the talking was a waste and she was not a patient woman.

The guards all put on leather gloves gauntlets, as well as Aly putting her own on.

The guards wanted to pick up the water, already, but so long as the cell door was shut, there was no sense wasting the water just yet.

"I don't care how otherworldly that fire is....if I see a spark, I want it doused. I want a bucket full right in her face if she even looks at us funny." Issotta was tugging on leathers and binding up her hair.

The guards all nod and ready themselves, while Aly braided her own hair.

BJ had his own long hair already tied back, kept in place with the panther-tie.

Aly reaches for one bucket of water, and orders that when one is emptied, one better replace it and damned quickly, then dumps the bucket of water on herself, drenching every part that she can. [b]Then took up the shackles, both wrist and ankle.

"There is no kind of fire that can withstand water and that's just a fact of life. We need at least one man....it can be BJ, to help us restrain her. The rest of them can be on bucket patrol, yes?"

BJ would not let any of the others touch her...and steps up to the front.

"All right, BJ. I go with you and so will Aly. The men will keep us from burning, your beloved will be very...very soggy when this is over, but she will be still." She took a deep breath. "So, who has a key?"

Blu had begun to spin by now. Frustration and aggitation showing in her movements. The flames shooting out and dripping down the walls til it disappeared in puffs of smoke. This would be a hell of a fight.

Aly looked to the guards. "Ye heard her...doose when we say." Then with one hand, she grabs another bucket and dowses Bj with it. "I ha' th' key."

Shakes his head slightly, getting the water out of his eyes.

Issotta smiled grimly. "Well, here we go......" Letting Aly unlock the cell.

"One moment...she c'n shift, an' I c'n assure ye she will. Panther will be lethal."

BJ looks to Aly. "I will deal with Panther, should she come."

"BJ, remember....a few bruises will not kill her, but this creature will. Do not stint to do what you must, aye?"

Looks to Issotta. "I have never struck her, and I will be damned if I do it now...but I will restrain her as I must."

"WE will deal wi' 't Sest..we ere in this tagether, aye?"

Aly looked to them both. "I will strike her if I must an' be damned feer 't later."

Issotta looked back. "Well, I'm not afraid to. Get her down, get her down fast and keep her there." She almost chuckled, thinking how men think women are so fragile that they can't take a bump or bruise. It was almost funny.

BJ looked to Aly, seeing the strain she is under...and then to Issotta, who has dealt already with a healing. Quietly. "So be it."

Aly stuck the key in the lock, looking to the guards, then to Bj and Issotta. "Here we go." Pushes the door open to let them in.

Blu heard that click and spun faster and faster, a blur as she climbed the walls and, when that door opened fire was slung in all directions. The hot glow hit the walls and door and the ceiling. Her fingertips dripping with blue flame. The air became stiffling, hot and humid. Low growls followed her quick footsteps. She did not even stop when the door was opened. And they came into the fray.

Issotta didn't even have to motion for the guards to douse Blu, they came forth and threw a couple of buckets towards her as she spun. Steam and Blu hissed as her one side was drenched, the fire doused there but still flared from the other side.

Aly stepped forward, moving quickly into the room and toward Blu. Getting hit with water as well, steaming as it does so.

Her eyes flashed and she launched herself off the wall at them. Shifting in midair and knocking into BJ. Water dripping from panther's fur. Growling as claws sliced across his chest and she went for his throat.

BJ caught her jaws in his hands as he went down beneath her weight, landing hard on the floor. The pain he pushed away, fighting to keep her from attacking him.

Issotta had moved aside, watching BJ take the hit. Her hair was already plastered to her head, waiting, pausing for BJ to roll the panther under him, if he can. Wondering suddenly if the shackles would even work if she was shifted. Perhaps the chains themselves would be the tool to use. She moved around the other side of Blu...a cornered animal is NEVER a GOOD thing.

Aly also got drenched, but it would help, as she had to move quickly and run into Blu knocking her off Bj as quickly as possible.

A hot large paw swatted at him as she was knocked off of him, the claws left deep groves across his neck and then she was pushing up with claws in his belly and legs. A moment later and that big sleek head flung around so large razor-sharp teeth bit at Aly, snapping those large jaws.

With Aly's strike, BJ managed to roll over and away from the panther, but not far enough or quick enough as those claws ripped at him.

The floor was slick with the water and they were all drenched, but the guards kept their vigil of bucket soaking.

Her tail swung out and caught Aly's leg and then swung back barely missing Issotta.

Aly's yellowed eyes looked deep in the panthers reddened orbs, as her arse hit the slick floor.

BJ wrestled with the large vicious cat and finally managed to wrap his arms around her, tucking his head and chest against her chest and belly, and holding on for dear life.

(THIS was SO much fun to play!)

Panther suddenly managed to reverse their positions, rolling over the floor, again and again. The slick black fur turned the blue-black with the water they rolled through. Claws were wickedly extended and swiping, raking more wounds upon the Elf.

Issotta saw that its legs had to be contained as quickly as possible, and she went to the animal's side and stepped on its chest, to at least get it closer to the floor, and more leverage against those paws. [b]She hunkered down at its side, moving to get out of BJ's way and grappled for the paws of the creature. This animal was powerful...so powerful. Issotta was out of breath, trying to help.

Teeth sank into the Elf's leg that held her then a growl grunt escaped as her chest was pinned down, then Panther was biting and clawing whatever flesh she could.

BJ was fighting to keep the claws away from his face, and a muffled cry as she bit him.

Aly was in pain as she had hit her side when she took the fall, but she needed to get Blu's front paws in those chains and she came around to get them on as fast as she could. Aly got back up and went to Blu while Bj held her, trying to get the chains on her back ankles. She had to duck, and move for Blu, in this form she was more lethal than anything she knew.

Panther flung it's massive head around and sank it's razor sharp teeth into the closest reachable flesh..the Admiral's. Shaking it's head to leave another gastly wound.

Thanks be to the Goddess that Aly was getting those chains on...Issotta cried out, but did not move when she felt the sharpness of something, claw maybe, tear at her flesh. She muttered invocations that came automatically, not knowing if any God or Goddess even heard, but it kept her arms from shaking. She started to groan softly, and she looked at Aly who was making good progress.

She had to duck, and move for Blu, in this form she was more lethal than anything she knew.

BJ muttered a curse, and grapples again with Blu, the smell of wet cat not the best thing. Manuvering around, putting the big cat in a chokehold and hanging on.

Ohhh those teeth connected with a hand and then a shoulder, slicing a deep cut near Aly's elbow. She fought, fought hard. She let out a yelp as teeth cut into flesh, and Aly punched Blu in the face hard out of instinct. Finally clamping those shackles onto the Panther.

The huge head was flung to the side when she hit but a tooth caught on her knuckle as she did so. She tore at the flesh but only managed to hook the knuckle before letting go. There was less flame now that the creature was busy with other things, but the men kept on flinging that water like it was some kind of torrential downpour. She was shackled but the claws remained out and lethally sharp.

Noone, except BJ, would know if it was the water thrown or tears in his eyes as he slowly tightened his hold.

Aly looped the chain in midair and it wrapped tightly around Blu's front paws, so Aly could pull the chain tighter and Blu couldn' lash out with them. "Son o' an' Orc!" Shakes her hand where the tooth severed her finger almost to the bone. "This dren brings siblin' rivalry ta a new level!" Sticks her finger in her mouth as she found a hook on the wall to secure the front paw chains too. Blood was mixed with the water on the now slick floor, turning it into a red ponding affect.

She saw Aly land a good, solid blow on the face of the giant cat being and saw her getting those chains on and added her hands to holding the Panther, thinking...it would not be long now. She held the paws as much longer as she could, feeling the fight of the animal slow down as Aly roped those chains up tight.

Aly came to wrap the back paws in a simial fashion, trying to watch for the strong back kicks of the animal. Then she took out a piece of strong leather thong, and made a slip not lassoo, putting it around the panthers muzzle so she could not bite again.

Panther suddenly shivered and went still, eerily still. The smell of blood was overpowering in the small cell and it dripped from a mouth that hung slack. Breaths were shallow as the eyes stared at the wall, a fading of red within them, then a soft oceanic blue, rimmed in red.

BJ did not release his hold, or loosen it...still feeling the strong pulse through the cat's neck.

Issotta touched the throat as well. "She lives....will she be a woman again now that she was subdued?" Looks to the two of them before preparing to release her, making sure she was held. "BJ, I think we are safe now, if Aly says we are ready. I suggest you bind up your wounds before we continue."

Aly stood and looked at the blood running down her arm from her slashed elbow. "She is boond as much as I think we c'n bind her."

Issotta looked down at the huge bite on her own leg, bleeding....it was numb. "I guess maybe all of us should take a moment?" The men had stopped heaving water, and now watched in a frightened kind of silence, it seemed.

BJ released the panther...and slowly stood. He cannot put full weight on the bitten leg, but the wounds are superficial.

Aly started ripping strips out of her own shirt, binding first Issotta's leg, then moves to BJ.

"Thank you, Aly."

Those on his chest the bleeding had slowed...raises a hand to Aly. "I am fine."

"As ye wish." wraps a piece around her elbow, tying it off with one hand and her teeth.

Was there a whisper of his name? *Sest..* There was no movement from the panther but the name was heard within his mind.

BJ heard his name...and looked to Blu...and dropped to his knees near her.

"Be careful Bj." Again sticks her finger in her mouth to try and stem the flow of blood. Aly was thankful she knew to bind her muzzle.

The panther still lay really still staring blank eyed at the wall. The tips of that wet shiny midnight fur was now white.

Issotta sat, preparing herself for an attempt at driving the lich out of this woman, this beautiful woman, who lay in another form before her. "Be with her, BJ. Reach out your love to her."

Raises his hand, acknowledging...but still watches Panther quietly.

Nothing moved, except the short shallow breaths but her soft voice could be heard by BJ. It was a voice that was frightened. *Do not let me go, Sest, I am afraid.*

Quietly. "I am here, Domina."

*It is warm here, Sest. And beautiful. But, I do not want to be alone.* Panther twitched as saliva and blood leaked from the slack mouth. But, the soft words penetrated his mind.

"Domina...ye are not alone..."

"Aly? Does this woman serve or worship any particular Gods?"

Blu was more a sister to her than her own blood sisters had ever been, and she loved her beyond any mere blood bond. "..I believe she is a Christian."

"Oh! Oh.....I should have brought a priest. She needs the evil driven out. They are good at that. However, I can do it too. Their Blessed Mother is not unknown to me."

Nods to the Lady of the lake. "I nev'r feared feer one moment tha' ye wooldna know her lady."

Listening to them behind him...but his gaze and his thoughts are on Blu. "Domina...if ever ye held me dear...ye must fight this thing within."

Issotta went and grabbed her parcel of things; a stone to keep her grounded, herbs to burn, but no, no, after all the fire in here, she was in no mood for more smoke. She marked her own brow with a blend of oil and
marked the brow of the beautiful, graceful cat as well. Made a circle of sea salt around the wounded cat, and her loved ones; a barrier from any more incursions of evil from the outside.

Aly was pale now and not only did her side ache, but she was weakening from her own affliction as well as the new blood loss. She stood her ground and would NOT leave or waver till Blu was healed.

Panther flinched once and then as the oil was marked upon her brow she slowly faded from Panther to Lady, shackled and still. The snow white hair draped over her body, her face partially hidden. Not only William but the Spectres had effected her.

Issotta's eyes twitched slightly, sending something uncomfortable emanating as the woman came into view. She began to chant softly, weaving spells, weaving enchantments, and binding them around with a light at once white and golden.

Wherever Blu was, suddenly changed. The landscape becoming black and dead. Creatures surrounded her. And, then William stood before her, in his handsome fake form and smiled. "It is time."

*He is here, Sest." Those words drifted in BJ's head.

((this story is just as good, second time around. ::popcorn in hand:: Smile

)

Softly. "Domina...I know."

Aly looked down at her beloved friend..her sister of choice. "Blu...please dinna leave me. I need ye." The last came out as a whisper, but it was heard nonetheless.

Then a nudge of words were heard within Aly's head as well as BJ's. *I am tired.*

"Aye...but ye cannot rest just yet, Domina...I need ye to stay with me."

Aly took Bj's hand, then kneels down amongst the bloody water, and lays her other hand on Blu's ankle. "Fight wi' us Blu. we ere here an' willna let ye go."

Squeezes Aly's hand a moment...and lays his other hand upon Blu's shoulder.

Issotta would push the light through Blu, pushing out the darkness and at the same time, keep it from attaching itself to BJ, herself or Aly.

Aly sent whatever magic she had to spare too, but kept a mental picture of Blu being back and well with them.

BJ leaned near her...whispering softly to Blu...the words meaning little, but the sound of his voice an anchor.Quietly, knowing she liked to hear his first tongue... "Mihi domina...mihi amar."

The Liche reached out a hand, a very human hand and smiled again with warmth and charm. "Come, M' Lady. You belong to me."

Blu's form tossed her head back and forth. Her breaths becoming more and more shallow and faint. * I want to stay here with my family.*

"Yes, BJ..Aly....keep calling to her. Keep her consciousness rooted to this world. Do not let her go."

Aly could feel the evil in the air around them..it wanted not only to keep Blu, but wanted to snare Aly again as well, knowing how weak she was physically, but she used her inner strength, and love she had for her brother and for her beloved Blu. "Blu I need ye...we ALL need ye. I canna be here .an' live well wi'oot ye."

Issotta chanted longer now, sending the light of pure love through her hand which she now placed on Blu's forehead, sending it into her spirit. It was dangerous, but she turned her receptive hand to Blu's brow and tugged, tugged at the dark energy field, trying to draw it out physically. It hurt her...just like it had with Caillie, it hurt her to touch it. She gasped softly and kept pulling.

Aly felt the charge of Issotta and tried to help it along as best she could.

She could feel Aly's strength holding her up slightly when she wavered from the pain.

Blu's form curled tighter into the fetal position as in her other world she backed away from the liche. Feeling as if she was being pulled away.

Murmurs softly, leaning closer now. "Remember me Domina, remember our times together. Remember the children who need ye...the ones who love ye. Remember the young man ye taught how to love, to care...to feel."

Pain swept through her as well. She could hear BJ's voice and her sister's and the chanting of Issotta. Her eyes went to gaze at William, uncertain.

Issotta spoke directly to the creature now. "You cannot have her. She is loved here....her God calls her back"

The liche grinned to Issotta, showing his real self to her. "She will say she loves me, ask her." Again holding out his hand to Blu but keeping his dead gaze on Issotta. "Come, Midnyt, tell her and let us be free."

She responded from her trance state, "I am not interested in what she has to say. We are getting her and you are letting her go."

Aly was starting to shake from the exertion, it was taking from her, pushing her strength into Issotta and Blu.

The use of her given name brought the image of the one that used it, that little smirk that often graced Helg's lips was there and raised her own. The words tripped from her lips...*I love you.* The image began to warp like a blur upon a blur, the Mage's image fading til it was BJ and then William grinning instead. Blu looked frantically from Issotta to William and then back to the Lady. She was wavering. "No!"

"You are no match for love....you are no match for her. She is more powerful than you are." She sent more light into Blu, but it would be a battle of wits with this creature.

Aly knew that Blu could now feel the REAL love that was being sent to her from them, the Admiral could feel it in her, seeping in, and taking a hold.

Quietly. "Remember the Child who's birth-day comes, Domina. Come home with me Domina...to celebrate his birth."

Standing there in that other world. "Sest. You kissed me in the garden." It was odd that that is what she remembered at a time like this but there it was.

Softly. "Aye...the day I admitted my love for ye...And that love has never died...has never gone away. Ye should see the Amarylis and Narcissus bloom, Domina...in the garden."

While she had a chance, Issotta studied the appearance of the creature. He was almost hypnotic, powerful, seductive, in that way that death calls, the way that you could almost fall into the night sky. She blinked it away. "All is well, my beautiful one" she said to Blu, "go home now to your people. Go home to your family. Go back to the one who would die for you." Issotta smiled encouragingly. "I will show you the way home..."

"I hurt you." Looking to Issotta and back to the Liche. The words were directed to BJ. She felt as if she were being tugged in two directions..torn apart.

Quietly. "No...even through it all."

"Roses are not my favorites." Turning to William. She knew the pull that that attractiveness had, but it was not real. She took a step towards him. Then hesitated. Looking back to Issotta.

"Domina...I know your favorites...come home and I will show ye." Speaking softly in her ear.

The Liche had that parody of a grin as he looked to Issotta, satisfied that she had said what he said she would then he smiled and wiggled his hand towards Blu. *Yes..come home to me."

Keeping his voice to anchor her. "Domina...come see the lilacs."

She pressed her fingertips to her temple feeling the pounding there. "Aye, lilacs."

Slight nod as he speaks. "Domina...The children want to see ye...they miss ye...as I miss ye."

"Blu come back so Bj can show ye th' beautiful blooms, an' ye c' see how much Niki has grown..."

Issotta could see the Liche in her trance state and went to stand between it and Blu, ignoring the creature.

Blu's head snapped up. "What are you doing?"

William sneered and then dropped a bony hand on Issotta's shoulder. "That was not a smart idea." Breathing into her ear. His breath was hot and sensual, but underneath was that stench of death.

Issotta whirled on him. "Take your hands from me, filth." Her eyes flashed out with the power of a warrior Goddess. "Now we have talked about this long enough. She goes back with me. You are letting her go. And when I find you....when I find you, you are done."

Aly could feel William try his tricks, and pushed more of her own waning strength toward her. "I think no' William." Said in her head to the Liche. Aly let Blu's ankle go for the merest of seconds, but her foot took its place, as she laid her other hand on Issotta.

Issotta felt strength infuse her and it felt like the spirit of Aly. She glared at the creature. "See, I am not afraid of you. Neither are these others who come to take this woman back."

Aly smiled to Issotta, and glared at the fleshy liche. "Be gone. Ye 'fve nothin' left ta take here."

BJ kept hold of Blu...seeking to anchor her in the real. "Domina...ye should come see the tree." Softly, in her ear. "Come home with me, Domina...come home to one who loves ye."

The facade fell away as like sand from a body, leaving only the bones and scraggly flesh and a evil grin. "Another day...Lady." The red glowing eyes stared at Aly, the words an omen for that one. The bones clacked as he nodded. Then his bony hand shot out and went through and straight into Blu's form, grasping a hold of her heart.

Issotta turned back to Blu with a gasp as she saw what he had done, then quickly, forcibly roused herself and felt herself back in her body again. She took up her ritual dagger from her belt. "BJ! You are willing to bleed for this woman? Hurry man, she will die! Answer me...."

Blu's body jerked hard and the other gasped and her legs gave way as the bony hand twisted. Squeezing her heart. Her prone form jerked and jerked wildly upon that wet bloody floor. A horrible sounding screach, a scream filled their minds, filled the room, even though her limp form jerked and writhed, then slowly began to still. Labored breaths struggled to be drawn.

BJ jerked as he held her shuddering body, he looked to Issotta. "Do it, hurry!"

Issotta did not wait any longer, imagining there could only be one answer. She snatched his hand into her own and slashed it with her dagger, bringing forth a red swelling of blood. She then reached over, slashed Blu's palm and slammed their hands together, mixing the blood. "Blood and bone....your spirit to hers. Hers, to live or die, BJ, bring her home!"

BJ grasped Blu's hand...holding it tight. For once Bj raised his voice, commanding. "Come to me, Domina!"

Aly now laid her hand on Bj's shoulder, hoping she had some left to give him to pull Blu back, and oust the damned evil from her.

The Liche howled as Blu arched high off the floor, her chest was bloody as he fought to take her heart. His bony hand was suddenly sucked out from Blu's body, clacking and dripping blood before the whole of the Liche collapsed in a swirl of dust. It's howling voice drifting away. *This isn't over, I will be back!*

Issotta felt the exact moment that Blu slammed back into her body....it would hurt her, and was sorry for that much.

Aly felt it too and winced, but knew there was nothing for it. Sent Blu pure love.

A sharp intake of breath and a cry escaped as blue eyes suddenly popped open. Her whole body struggled to get away from the pain. Writhing on the cold, hard, bloody and wet floor. Her hand pressed to her chest and the intense ache there, at first she pushed at BJ then, a hard shudder shot through her and her eyes grasp the sight of him. Tears flowed then. No evil was felt.

Softly. "Mihi Domina..."

((tbc))

She fought to hold his gaze, but hold it she would. "Sest...?"

Quietly. "Domina...aye."

"Aly? Is she alright? And, the Lady Issotta, she was here?" She was groggy and confused and hurting.

Nods. "Aye."

Aly smiled at Blu, feeling no evil, letting her hand drop from Bj's shoulder. Aly was ill, and weak, and in so much pain, she was numb from it, when she again smiled. "Aye...tis I indeed.

Issotta was weak and nauseated herself. She was no good at battling this undead thing...it was beyond her experience. She murmured a prayer to her Goddess for at least the strength to make it to a safe bed. Standing up and limped off, out of the cell, to sink down on a bench. This thing was not done. It would take others and she was not enough to destroy it finally. She put her hands over her face and just rested a moment.

Quietly. "Domina, I will be right back." Rises...and moves to Issotta. "Lady?"

Blu could still feel her, although faintly now. "She needs..care."

She rubbed her face and stood again, turning to see how they were doing. She entered and knelt beside Blu. "I am fine..." it was a lie, but her privilege to tell it. She smiled at Aly. "You were absolutely incredible with those chains, M'lady."

Aly Looks at Blu. "Tis ye?

Weakly Blu took ahold of Issotta's hand. "Thank you." To her sister. "I am pretty sure it is me."

Aly smiled in return and takes Issotta's hand too. "Twas ye who were strong milady."

Issotta touched Blu's cheek gently. "You must rest now....promise me. BJ and Aly will watch over you. Your body has been punished too much these last weeks. Now you must heal yourself so you can heal others again, as you used to do."

"I promise." Closing her eyes again.

Aly smiled at her sister so glad to have her back, and leans to hug her, and whispers. "I love ye so much."

She was too weak to hug her back but she did whisper. "And I love you too."

BJ watches Issotta quietly, not believing her. "Have ye someone to see ye home?"

She smiled at BJ. "I have my horse. He knows the way...and I have a warm bed in a castle suite waiting for me. Caillie's maids will be all the help I need."

BJ nodded to Issotta...and then leaned close to her, a soft whisper. "My thanks, milady...and my debt."

"Make sure she has guards with her." Blu whispered to whomever was listening.

She knew if she didn't get up now, she wouldn't, so she pushed herself up to her feet. She smiled at BJ as she rose from the floor. "It was your love..yours and Aly's that brought her home." She gathered her knife and limped out.

Aly leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes. "M' deepest thanks Milady." She nodded to a guard to follow and help in anyway they could, to see her safely where she wanted to be.

"Good night, dear ones..." her voice came out in a murmur as she and an unseen guard made their way out.

Her eyes still remained closed, she was just too weak and tired to open them. Once again, she looked old, her white hair a stark contrast as it laid spread in the water and blood. "I want to go home. Can we go home?"

Quietly. "I will not forget." Then watches her leave...and moves back to Blu. "Go home?"

Aly looked at the remaining guards, then to Blu and Bj. "Tis time I went an' took care o' these woonds. I love ye both an' will see ye soon."

Nods to Aly, quietly. "Aye." And then looks to Blu. "Domina...I will take ye home."

"We love you too, please be careful. Make sure guards are with her too, Sest."

"Aye." Then she stepped out into the corridor, and almost collapsed, but caught herself on the wall, glaring at the guards, daring them to say a word. A few seconds, and she was off and walking, her personal guard staying close behind her, in case she needed them, as they departed the tower. She would see to her own wounds, and try to get some rest, but it wouldn't be long now...and she knew it.

BJ nodded to the guards then looked to Blu, and watches her quietly...his gaze moving carefully over her.

"I cannot move." Whispered. She still laid on her side, aching and bound.

Kneels carefully in the mess of water and blood...and begins to release her bonds, remembering another time he did so...and a tear came to his eye, unnoticed. Starting with her hands...releasing them carefully...holding each one gently as he took them from the shackles. Then moving to her feet, releasing them as well.

"Are you alright?" Finally she opened her eyes, they were back to being blue, a little weary and bloodshot but blue.

Nods slowly...quietly. "I will heal."

She drew in a deep breath and sighed before closing her eyes again. Laying there quietly, but shivering a bit.

Quietly. "Can...ye stand?"

It would be later that she even attempted to sort out the last weeks, if she even could. Her answer was a simple. "No."

Nods, and then kneels beside her. "Put your arms about my neck, Domina."

They shook as she lifted them. They were not very secure around his neck when they settled.

Soft hiss, his injuries stung...but lifts her easily...holding her close as he stands.

She was aware of the blood on him and the wounds that lay beneath his torn shirt. Her head came to rest against him and she whispered. "I am sorry. I am so sorry."

Holds her. "Ye were not responsible." Not holding her accountable for her actions as the other.

"I felt you, Sest. Heard you. Thank you...again for my life." Whispering still. Tears welled and then slipped down.

Taking her out the door...and back toward the front entrance...away from the wards. Gathering his things at the door, and taking her out. The moment they are away from the wards...calls the mists to take them home.

Once they left the Tower, her body seemed to relax and she slept in his arms. A beginning of a healing sleep.

It was not over. Aly would next be tended. William..the Liche, escaped...again.

Life given back...

Bry had been up long that night ... thinking about the past, thinking about the future, about the children. He knew, instinctively still, that she had returned from ... the other place she had been.

It was late, Blu knew this, but had been hoping she might be able to still catch Eoin, her need to do something for Aly was pressing on her.

It was always difficult these days ... to be in the same places with her and yet have to be .. distant. To no longer share that closeness. But there were things that needed to be discussed. And he needed to tell her about their child.

Quietly she had asked about where Eoin might be but, as she thought, he had retired. There was a heavy sigh and then she walked into the Hall. Since her own healing, she still looked aged and especially with that snow white silky hair but, she walked a little straighter now. Pride was something that did not age. And, even though she had been knocked down lately, she kept getting back up and moving on.

Aisling had entered the room from the kitchen, carrying a small plate and a glass of whiskey.

Blu's thoughts were troubled and it was a moment before she realized anyone was here.

"Hullo..." sipped her drink.

The changes in her were still quite drastic, something that she still was dealing with. "Good evening." Quietly.

"Nae ta be rude... but who are ye?"

Bry slowly shuffled over leaning on his crookshank halfstave.

"Blu..Blu Helg.. I mean MacDraven. Who are you?"

Noticed Bryan, and motioned towards him with her thumb. "His new apprentice."

Blu swung her head around and then closed her eyes a moment. "Hello Helg." Again quietly.

"Once the ministry stops sitting on the paperwork, anyway. Evening Blu."

"He is a good teacher." Staring at that familiar face.

Nodded. "I keep hearin' tha', but until paperwork is finished I've learned nothin' but how to complete chores faster."

Smiles a bit, showing more of those wrinkles upon her face. "I am sure you will get there, Helg is known to be a very patient man."

He took in her new appearance, nodding slightly to himself, reconciling it against his memories. Life force depletion, the mental analysis returned.

She was at a loss for words as she saw him looking. Shaking her head slightly. "A bit different, eh, Helg?" Softly.

"On the outside."

"Does the great wizard know of where to find a cup of the fountain of youth?" Teasing a bit sadly.

"Mmmm ... oh sure, but it would do little good."

Blu gave him a small smile and moved to the sideboard, her mouth suddenly dry.

"It is not ... true aging which has afflicted you, but a draining of a portion of your very life force."

"Too far gone, am I?"

"A different sort of ailment."

"No getting that back, I am sure."

He exhales slowly. "In theory it can be remedied, but it generally involves the intercession of a powerful divine agent...or the sacrifice of another's life force to replace your own."

Pouring a glass full of water. "There already was too many sacrifices on my behalf. It is very strange to wake up one morning and be thirty-two and the next be.." Crinkling a once dark brow. "I do not even know how old I am now."

Shakes his head. "You're still technically 32."

"Mathematics, Helg? You always were good with that."

Aisling watched the two of them a moment, when it finally clicked why her name was familiar. Muttering quietly to herself. "I should leave." Shifts uncomfortably, finishes off her whiskey and stands. "Bryan, I'll leave the two of ye alone."

Blu turned to her, then she just looked away. "Good to meet you."

"Aye." Nods, and quickly ducks out the door leading to the Gardens.

He nodded to Aisling then looked back to Blu. "Malachi is showing signs of mage-gift."

She blinked and then stiffened. "What?"

Simply nods in affirmation.

"What signs? He is too young!"

"Subtle ones right now...slight telekinetic 'nudges' - nothing strong enough to do more than rattle a bottle ...Very minor colour changes in his toys."

Takes a deep breath. "And, what do we do about this?"

"For now, we just keep a sharper eye on him. If his gift continues to develop in strength, then we will need to consider additional steps."

"Like what?"

"We teach him..at a level he can understand. As he grows older, more capable of understanding fine differences, we expand on it. It is not all magical training - some of it is the same kind of things you'd teach any child - don't throw rocks at people / don't set other kids boots on fire, that sort of thing."

Tilts her head and offers a small smile. "We..going to do this together?"

"I don't think we have a choice, really. Not if we want him, any of the children really, to come through this well." Offers a wry smile. "There is ... another concern. Rowann is beginning to .. fill out." His cheeks flush a bit. "And I know next to nothing about how to handle everything that comes with that."

"The children will do well, Helg, it is in them to do so." Softly. "That is not a problem...I will talk to her and help her with the first..um things to do."

He nods slightly.

"You always were so cute when you blushed." Smiles. "She's a good and smart young girl. Proud, you should be of her."

"I am." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Helg...I..I'm..sorry about so many things." Clearing her throat against the lump that formed there. "Is there anything I should specifically look for? Anything I should be concerned about and call you? I was going to have Rowann..send a message..as I did not know how else to contact you..in case..I don't know..in case we needed to get ahold of you."

Nods slowly. "If you are in ... the home, find a steady pool of water. Concentrate on seeing my face in it ... when the image is firm in your mind, speak."

Nods softly. "I will do that. It is so hard, Helg...I miss you."

Bry nods slightly. "It ... is difficult. But it wasn't working out ... despite our efforts."

Nods. "I am sorry I hurt you, I never wanted to do that." Softly.

"Neither of us wanted to do that to the other...But we both did."

"I miss your love and I miss your body.." Chuckles softly and sadly. "But I truly miss my friend."

Nods gently. "I miss my friend too."

"There is no repairing that, is there?"

"I don't know yet. I'd like to say we could be, again. I think that's a question we can't fairly answer right now."

"Well, it is a step back to that friendship if we can speak without yelling..isn't it?" Smiles softly.

He reaches up to stroke his chin a moment as if pondering something.

Reaches to gently touch that chin a moment, then drops her hand. "I know that look. What are you thinking?"

"Ye know that I will yet live for a long long time..."

Nods. "Aye, and I won't. Especially now."

"I could give you back what you have lost ... from my own stores."

Blinks. "You would do that?"

He nodded slowly.

"Would that..hurt you?"

"You have suffered a far greater loss."

She stepped closer and looked into his eyes. "Would it hurt you?"

"Somewhat."

"How?"

"How would it hurt, or how would I do it?"

"Both." She did not want him hurt anymore, especially by herself.

"It would be like a part of myself was torn away. But the difference is that I am choosing to give it up... think of it as a clean, even cut as opposed to being grabbed and torn away."

"But..you would heal?"

He shook his head slightly. "The effects would not be as drastic as they ... have been for you... but it is still essentially giving from a well that only holds so much water."

Remembering a time..he had been so torn apart. "I do not want you hurt anymore, Helg." Softly.

"Then let me help you."

A long moment she held his gaze then looked to his hands. "Help me then."

He nodded gently, reaching out to her shoulder with a hand. His robes swirled about them, as they always did just before they would go elsewhere by magic..They reappeared in his tower, in a chamber she had not seen before. The floor was polished obsidian, and two large circles carved into the floor have been filled with pure silver. He gently squeezed her shoulder, then stepped away toward one wall, gathering up some items in his arms and bringing them over to a table nearby.

It took her a moment before she opened her eyes, this mode of transportation always gave her the whirlies. Her eyes traveled over him and then down to the floor and those silver circles, where her reflection gazed back. "You have been busy."

"Often .. too often. But this chamber ... was made some time ago." He set a bowl upon the table and began to decant liquids into the bowl one by one ... the mixture began to bubble and froth slightly, though it did not spill over the lip.

"Ah, I was not aware."

In a pestle, he ground up some herbs. He removed a small bit of bone, grinding this also to powder. The whole of this he stirred into the bubbling liquid, which began to sparkle and glow faintly a pale whitish-green.

"Do you need any help?" Knowing he did not, but she wanted, needed to offer.

"Actually, if you could take this bowl and pour some of it so it flows into the farther silver circle, that would save me some time. Just be careful not to splash any on your bare skin."

Nods and carefully walks over to take the bowl.

He retrieved a second bowl, decanting four different liquids into the bowl at each of the cardinal points, so they swirled together like a miniature whirlpool.

It hurt her some as she had to grasp one side with just her fingertips, but she kept ahold and carefully knealt down and began to pour it in.

To this mixture, he added two ground nightshade caps, and the fibers at the core of a mandrake root. Crushed garlic and boiled ginseng were added one by one, creating a heady odour in the air. Several strands of woven spider silk were stirred in next with a thin glass rod, then two pinches of sulphur.

Smiling a moment as that brought another gentle memory to her mind.

Finally a bit of powdered black pearl ... as the last flecks entered the solution, he transferred the liquid to a pair of leathery bladders.

Rising slowly when she was done, she brought the bowl back. "That is done. Do you think I might have made a fair wizard?"

He nodded slowly. "Perhaps. It is hard to say, to look at you through unbiased eyes. Now," handing her one of the bladders, "step into that circle without touching the edge, sit down, and drink this mixture slowly."

Watching him work with a slight bit of awe as she always felt when she watched him. "Drink it?"

He nodded in reply to her query. "It will prepare you for the ritual." He takes the other bladder, walking toward the near circle.

Shuffling over to the circle before looking to him. "I forgot to ask..is this going to hurt?" Refering to herself.

"It will feel .. somewhat uncomfortable for a time ... as if you'd eaten far too much."

"And.." Stepping into the circle. "When this is over..will anything I do help you feel better?"

"Live."

"Helg?" Softly. Her eyes brimming.

"Take chances, risks. Don't shelter yourself too much ... there is a greater danger in that. Oh, yes .. lie down when you're done drinking." Steps into the first circle.

"You..will...be alright?"

"I will." He sat himself down carefully, then lifted his bladder full of the mixture, waiting then.

Lifting the bladder she once more looked to him and then whispered. "I will always love you, Helg, and I will always care." Then she drank. Making a face as she did so. When she was finished she carefully laid down with her arms tucked to her sides. Those snow white locks were a stark contrast against the obsidian floor.

He drained his once she was finished, then lay himself down and began to chant ... within her circle the potion did its work, unhinging her life force from its normal tight grip on her body ... the potion poured into the protective circle kept it from departing entirely. He began to chant quietly as he felt the potion he had drank begin to do the same thing; only in his case there was no protective circle to contain his lifeforce.

The breath that she drew in was a deep gasp as her eyes closed.

His echoing chants reflected off the obsidian walls ... seeming to pound in both their ears... forming a channel in the air...

Her fingers she tried to keep open but they slowly curled, that drumming, pounding in her ears matched the beat of her heart.

Through this channel his departing lifeforce began to flow, crossing, sparking where it touched the protective barrier surrounding her circle as it pours inward .. it cycles into her body ... feeling partly like she was being unindated with water, and partly as if her body was being stretched to accomodate something which wasn't there before..His frame bucked upward a moment, then slumped to the floor once more - only his continued chanting to indicate he was still well.

It was an odd feeling, to be sure, as if she was rolling upon a wave, it was not painful but there was certainly discomfort.

Tightness along her whole frame, as her body regained most, though not all, of its prior form .. there would be some marks that the process could not entirely repair. She could feel strength returning to her extremities, at the same time, a series of sensations, hunger, heat, all the many needs which diminish somewhat with age hitting her at once...

Her head rolled from side to side as a moan escaped her lips and at the same moment she arched her back and sucked in another deep breath.

Then, suddenly ... the sense of overload stopped. The final effect of the potion activated .. severing for an instant all magic in both of them ... the barrier kept the excess lifeforce, grounding it into the only available recepticle - her body. At the same time, the life essence stopped flowing out of Bry's body. He gasped several times, sucking in air hard... watching Blu, for whom the final effects would take longer to subside as her body adapted to having "more" life energy in it once more.

The rapid breaths she had begun to breath had her lungs aching, her eyes popped open then closed tightly. Groaning softly when her whole body shuddered over and over again. It was overwhelming as the sensations, so magnified, shot through her. Again her eyes popped open and she called out his name.

He murmured quietly ... muting the lights in the room somewhat.

She did not know what to do...too many sensations all at once, too many to relieve at once. "Helg?" Trying desperately to calm her breaths and her still pounding heart. It scared her to feel so much at once and to feel so out of control.

For now, there was little more he could do - he could barely move ... she had lost more than he'd realized. He was going to need some rest ... and he came to the realization in that moment he was more or less trapped in a room with a woman who was, in a literal sense, high on life (force). There was a faint tinny sound as the liquid in the circle she lay in slowly drained away through cunningly designed openings which had unblocked themselves when the ritual ended.

She sat up as if something had shoved her. Then..she rose as if she were a siren risen from the sea, those oceanic blues darkened as she tilted her head and licked those ruby lips. Pushing back her raven locks. Breathlessly she said his name. "Helg..."

Gulped silently, recognizing something familiar in that tone.

» A test of blades and Spirit.
» Whispers
» The Perilous Journey of Simian Sam