Whispers

Subject: Re: Whispers Thu Jun 18, 2009 6:48 am

The preparations complete, Caillie stood with her back to Sabine. "Ye can delay it no longer, Wench," as she broke the silence. "Th' time has come. Give me th' potion."

Sabine turns to look at her, then goes to fetch the warm towel from the hearth, taking it to her. "Here, you need to dry off, and while you do I will mix up the poison."

Issotta was outside the door now, with Kate. Both had a look of steel resolve on their faces and Issotta tapped on the door gently. Silently, the Dragonmaster of Avalon stayed within the shadows outside the chambers. He stood there, crimson gaze upon the Lady of the Lake and the Bard. Stealth was always a good skill to have. She felt Drach near and looked over to him with relief that she did not outwardly show and then turned to Katie, raising her brows and opening the door to march in with very little ceremony. No sense lingering at this point.

Aly had finally gotten the missive Sabine had sent her, telling her of what was to occur. The Admiral had been awaiting everyone in the Hall, down from the Queens chamber, but as she watched the others enter, she moved to where they stood.

The warmth of the towel steeled her nerves. She must not waver now. "Hurry. I ha' played your game."

With that Sabine goes to pour a cup of water and mix in the dried powder. "Remember it will be done as I say or this goes into the fire."

"Ye too shall die...an' soon, M'lady," she hissed as she slipped the gown of green over her head and let it fall gently, clinging to her form.

"Sit on the edge of the bed, so that it will be easier to lie down while it works. I know I will die." quietly

Meanwhile.. beyond the veil... something that should have long been in the grave watched... biding it's time.

Uncrossing his arms, DrachenFyre removes himself from the shadows, stepping behind the Bard and entering the room. Almost immediately, he feels the waves of darkness, a permeable evil covering him like a damp blanket . Aly gave Drach a nod, and stood outside the door. Drach returned her nod.

Murmuring softly, "Sabine....we have come." Watching from a distance and awaiting Caillie to enter in her gown: The bard's eyes flicker to Caillie, to Sabine, to the fire, her lip curling slightly at the magical effluvium she could sense clearly now.

Caillie sensed voices and her ire surfaced quickly. Her heart raced as she sensed those that would attempt to foil her ploy. "Give it to me!!," she screamed.

"Here, drink and be done with your plan."

Aly touched the wound at her side, feeling the pull of pure evil, trying to overtake her as well. She grimaced because of it. Staving off the need to growl at the shroud of evil in the atmosphere, Drach glanced about, his gaze affixed on the form of the Queen .

Watching and listening to the little tableau before her, Issotta steeled herself against that same sensation she had experienced last time she was in the room with that evil. Drach stood nearest to Issotta, towering form at his position: protector of the Lady and those who he considers friends .

"Ye ha' all come tae gloat, nae doubt," she spoke as the crowd gathered.

"Caillean, daughter of Avalon!" Issotta's voice rang through the room. "We have all come to share in your great transition." This was not altogether untrue, she thought....for a transition she would have one way or another. "We will all be glad to have this over with." Her heart was breaking, because she knew it must sound hard to Caillie who did not know the true purpose of this visit.

Caillie's hand froze, the cup midway to her lips. Tears streamed down her face as she held the cup before her. Damn it...she hesitated. Drink, you fool...her thoughts screamed.

"Well drink it down, this is what you wish is it nae?" Sabine, standing beside Caillie where she sits on the bed, glances back over her shoulder toward the others.

Caillie sneered at Issotta. "An' ye, O Holy One, will nae doubt laugh th' loudest".

Sabine looks back to Caillie. "Well are you going to drink or nae, or have you lost your nerve?" Sabine feels as if she is dead inside having to decieve Caillie in this. How could Caillie ever trust her again.

"I shall see ye all in Hell!," as she took the cup and downed its contents. She hung her head, waiting for the kiss of death to overtake her.

Issotta waited for the mild sedative effect of the herbs she knew that Sabine had used, to take effect. Drach sniffed the air and sniffed again. He casts his glance, surreptitiously, this way and that.

The creatures sensed a change in the dynamic of his plans, and it showed in a change in the atmosphere.... as a stale small and a claustrophobic feeling settled over those in the room .

Aly stood at the doorway, in case she would be needed. The very air in this part of the castle was ominous at best and it pulled at her deep within her being.

"Lie down Caillie.."

Subject: Re: Whispers Thu Jun 18, 2009 6:50 am

((Almost done! Bear with me a bit longer! Elle? Can you rise to the challenge and pick up where this takes off? LOL))

Subject: Re: Whispers Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:40 pm

Her eyes widened as she stared at them all. "Dear Goddess," she screamed. "Meldrum...Meldrum!! Wha' ha I done?"

Sabine reaches to take Caillie in her arms to hold her.

Kate's eyes narrowed slightly, feeling the air tighten about her. "It's going to be all right, Caillean." asking Drach with her thoughts to open the window casement slightly, as if it could somehow help the oppression in the room.

It was so thick Aly could taste the sour stench of it.

With a slight flick of Drach's finger, the latch on the window unhinges and cracks slightly. ~ It's something else, d'akima ~ he thought to her , ~ Caution. ~

"Caillie you must remain calm or your body will fight the effects of the powder." Tears begin to stream down her cheeks as she continues to hold Caillie tightly as if trying to protect her.

Her hands went to her temples as the pain pounded incessantly. "Be gone! Let me die!"

Issotta turned to Kate. "It is getting stronger, Lady.....weave us a songspell, I pray you, and do not stop until we are done."

Kate nodded once, drawing a full breath despite the oppressive air, well trained for it, and keeping all within in her thoughts as she half-sang, half-chanted.

The voices becoming a blur, Caillie heard Sabine's instructions. She must lie down. This must work!

"That's it Caillie, relax...lie down an' put your head on the pillow."

There was a sharp pain now in her side. Thankfully the Gods had given her the strength she would need to fight it. The Queen was more important... then it would be Blu.

Issotta cast a worried glance to Drach and moved over to Caillean's bedside. "You will grow tired now, Ashea. You will grow weary. Listen to Kate's song and sleep....."

The sound of the Bard's voice was sweet. ~Wrap thee in care and bind thee with love.. Protection from pain surround like a glove.. May the brightest of blessings surround thee this night.. The hand of the Goddess keep thee in light.~

Caillie's hand reached up to touch Issotta's cheek. "Forgive me, Sister."

Issotta kneeled at her side. "There is nothing to forgive, sweet, " stroking her hair and watching the eyelids of the Queen grow heavier as the herbs began to overtake her very mortal body.

Kate repeats the refrain, allowing herself to drop into a trance, drawing her power from a deep wellspring within. ~Wrap thee in care and bind thee with love.. Protection from pain surround like a glove.. May the brightest of blessings surround thee this night.. The hand of the Goddess keep thee in light.~

As Kate's song filled the room, the love was pure and it relieved her, a few moments, from the feeling of suffocation in their space. Sabine knelt beside Caillie's bed, opposite Issotta , taking one of her hands in her own, holding tightly to her friend.

A corner of the room seemed to darken, and the temperature dropped several degrees.

The hairs on the back of Drach's neck stand on end.

"Drach? " feeling a notable shift in the room's temperature. She did not even know what to ask of him, except that he protect them now, and keep Kate singing.

Caillie's eyes opened wide as a chill overtook her. "Away....Away wi' ye!"

*Once more the refrain, loud enough to be heard by all, sending the power to touch them each, offering peace, energy, protection, seeking Caillean*

The song was enchanting indeed, and it caused Aly to feel the touch of the Gods, ebbing away the pain in her side.

Sabine stroked Caillie's hand, hoping to help her relax as the powder begins to take effect.

~Wrap thee in care and bind thee with love.. Protection from pain surround like a glove.. May the brightest of blessings surround thee this night.. The hand of the Goddess keep thee in light.~ Her voice drops to an audible whisper, the song weaving protection around the Queen as she continues to repeat it softly.

A crimson iridescence forms around Drach's pupils and Aly looked quickly around the room for the source of the chill. Another sniff in the air as Drach looks around the room and his senses detect the sinister aura from the corner. Aly nods to Drach, knowing what he knows. In his mind's eye, he sees the dark tendrils of energy, unfurling and licking at the ground.

Caillie's mind raced but her body would not obey. HE was here and was calling her. It was time to go...she MUST go.

Sabine leaned to kiss Caillie's hand, then rested her cheek on Caillie's hand.

"Very good......very good, Cailliean," drawing a chair up beside the bed and taking her own hand, binding it with black cord to Caillean's own hand. Looking up at those gathered, "If she comes awake, restrain her. If I fall down, pick me up. I am going to the Otherworld now, to find Caillie there. Do not allow me to let go of her hand." She then climbed into the bed beside Caillie and wrapped up next to her as if they were little maidens.

Sabine looks to Issotta and nods, but knows the others understand far more than she.

*the song weaving the shield spell, expanding and strengthening with each repetition, surrounding first Caillean, then Sabine, and Issotta, growing, swirling constantly to prevent weak spots*

"I canna tooch her. He will find her throogh me, but I will fight him as necessara ta bring th' Queen back ta us," Aly assured her.

"So it is said...so it shall be done." Her own eyes fluttered shut as she heard Drach's reassuring promise and the sound of Kate's song.

Caillean felt the touch of her sister but could not respond. How sweet her scent, how soft her touch.

Subject: Re: Whispers Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:43 pm

A terrible expenditure of necromantic power from beyond reached out over the leagues... and something tangible seemed to congeal in the dark corner... a shape... mayhaps a trick of the eyes.

Issotta's free hand twined in Caillie's hair like a child as she slipped into deep trance.

Suddenly she arched her back and screamed, "Take me! Take meeeeeee! "I am ready, O Wise One. Lead me tae yer Way!"

Aly's eyes of yellow narrow on that image. "Hauld fast ladies...he approaches."

Issotta wished now that she had forced some of the root she brought down the Queen's throat to keep her still but the herbs Sabine had given would have to do. It was but a short inner journey as Issotta left her body, walked the cavern to the Otherworld and there, hunted for the shade of Caillean.

Sabine stiffens then blinks then shakes her head as if possibly seeing something in the shadows, but it couldn't be.

Feral, yellow orbs soon stared out from the blackness, accompanied by the stench of rotting flesh and an unearthly growling gurgle.

"Douw-woud" Drach summons a portion of his power, conjuring it into his open palm. It appears as a sphere of yellow light, swirling with power. "Come, beast! Face the Dragonmaster! Are you afraid to face your better?" raising a pointed eyebrow in taunt.

Her mind called out to him. "I am here. Cannae ye see me? I am ready tae do yer bidding."

The trees of the Otherworld were so old, the forest so thick and she called out from this astral place, Caillean....and her spirit voice echoed back to her.

*the song continued, over and over, the shield extending behind and beyond her, insulating the room, concentrating mostly on the bed, touching on the others*

Aly gave Drach a look, knowing she could not combine her powers to his, til she, herself would be free of the taint, but she would give him what strength she had.

From the depths of the blackness stepped forth what was once Argus Tal... now no more than an eviscerated corrupted corpse.. mindless and hungering for the flesh of the living.

What happened in the physical world was totally lost to Issotta, as she wandered in the next, between life and death, looking for the shade of Caillean.

Drach linked...only once. "Argus?" and his eyebrow went up again.

Aly whispered. "Bluidy hell."

Inhuman black claws reached out as the ghoulish apparition leapt forth with the intent of clawing Issotta's throat out.

"He is a ghool Drach, dinna let him bite er scrath ye."

The sphere of energy leapt from Drach's palm and he followed behind it . Aly followed him.

Her arms felt like lead yet she fought to raise them.

The forest was too thick and she called out for Caillean again, and again...and then finally cried out "Ashea!!" into the forest of spirit.

Eyes wide, as she sees the apparition. She stands and quickly lies over both the Queen and Issotta.

"Dinna let go o' them Sabine!"

The blast of energy scorched long dead flesh, and the beast was tossed clear of it's target, thrashing about as it tried to regain it's footing.

"Nae" She felt suffocated...there was no air. She could not breath. Perhaps death was now at hand.

Aly took out her cutlass and moved toward the thing. Taking it's head was the only way... then burning the rest.

As she entered a clearing in the ancient forest of the otherworld she saw, in brief glimmers, the green clad form of her dear one, her Caillean.

Deep within the trance, Kate knew only the stirrings of power, the darkly evil pool in the corner, her chanting strengthening again, coming sure and faster than before.

He placed himself between Arghoul and Issotta

Sabine felt terror and fear, but nothing would move her from Caillie and Issotta.

Ashea...she heard it clearly. Ashea...as th' Mother had named her. Her thoughts spun...which way to turn?!

Aly put herself nearest to Sabine to protect her.

He prepped another spell. Energy coursed through his massive arms.

"His head needs ta leave his body Drach...tis th' onla way o' 't."

Nods to Aly, minutely, concentration still etched in his face.

She could hear the song of Kate, even between worlds, and she reached a spectral hand toward the spirit of Caillean and cried to her 'Ashea I have come for you'

Yellowing, hateful eyes darted to Aly, and the thing coiled back and leapt at the half elf, it's oozing claws extended to try to rend flesh from bone.

ALY!

Cutlass in hand , she arced hard, hoping to sever the head on one stroke.

In her mind she twirled...first to call of death...then to the call of Ashea.

Seeing that horrible vision coming toward them and Aly, she tightens her hold on Caillie and Issotta, then buries her face to keep from looking at it.

The pain........Dear Goddess....the pain!

In spirit, Issotta ran to Caillean and stood before her, taking both of her shoulders in her hands. "I am here. We will make you free. We will make you whole....."

Subject: Re: Whispers Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:46 pm

And so the creature was felled as it's head was severed from it's body... spewing forth a fine mist of black ichor which spattered over all that were near.

Aly knew she hit something as spatters of liquid flew from the ghoul.

*chanting, extending her personal power to Issotta, love toward Caillean, and calm to Sabine, offering to Drach and Aly should they need it*

"Drach burn 't, send 't back ta Hades where twas made." She looked herself over to make sure there were no cuts or scratches.

"Ye must go, Sister...Go! My fate is sealed. Save yerself."

Sabine feels something splatter them but will not lift her head to see what it was.

As she examined the shade of the Queen in the half-light, she saw growing, glowing in the darkness, a cord.....black and yet flaming, from Caillie's heart to some dark place beyond her vision. "No, Caillean.....I shall not go."

*so caught up she did not notice ichor splattering her boots and pants*

Issotta placed her hands on the cord that bound Caillean to some dark place and as soon as she touched it, her astral body crumpled to the earth of the Otherworld in spasms of pain and terror.

Apparently, the destruction of the ghoul was part of that creature's nefarious plan as the black tarry droplets began to sink into the skin of any that were spattered....

"Dragon Rage Incineration!" :: cocking his arms back, palms pointed towards each other, he summons the power into a fireball. The energy explodes and a firewheel spins towards the body, catching its rotting flesh ablaze with dragonly power ::

Her scream was bloodcurdling. Her hand reached towards Issotta...then she drew it back.

:: turns around, almost instantly ::

Ashly was sitting with the King when the scream was heard. She looked quickly to the door connecting the rooms then back to the King.

"Caillie...shhshhh...tis all right" whispers softly.

In the world of men, Issotta's body twitched while her spirit form screamed and writhed in horror at the visions that came before her eyes at connection with what could only be the sorcery that bound Caillean to the creature.

Meanwhile, the shell was once Argus was immolated in the dragon-flames.

Aly turns also, seeing that the acrid fetid liquid had splattered over most.

Mel lifted from his bed on both elbows. "Get me tae Caillie NOW", he spoke to Ashly.

His body, a reflex action, ignites with his own power, skin becoming alight with energy and purging whatever against his skin and clothing .

Caillie flailed as she struggled for breath. "Let me die!"

Issotta released the cord and stood, looking at Caillean with eyes full of terror and resignation. "It is too strong for me, Caillean, this spell." she observed the cord binding Caillean's heart, as it flamed.

Sabine tightens her hold on Caillie and Issotta, keeping her body on top of the two to protect them as best she can.

She took the closest cloth and began to wipe Sabine of it, motioning for Drach to do that same. "Tis poison ta most humans."

Ashly knew that the King would have it no other way and felt perhaps it was best. She came to his side after calling a guard to help as well. She began to help him rise. "Aye m'lord. I think it best." Her own curiosity and worry filling her.

Aly would NOT touch Issotta, Caillie nor Katie out of fear the direct contact would let William in and have them.

"D'akima...!" He moves to her, examining her and removing a monogrammed kerchief. He starts to wipe the ichor off .

She took one step back from Caillean. "The Priestess cannot save you. The Goddess can." She drooped her otherworldly head to her chest and in slow sync with the song of Kate's which filtered into this plane, she invoked a Goddess which would be able to break the spell but would certainly wipe her strength from her in doing so. Still, she called her. " Nemain, Maeve, Macha....triple face of battle feared, which make thee terrible and dear...swift be thy flight....." She felt a moment's fear of her own as she released her body to the utter possession of the three beings which made The Morrigan::

She felt afire with the flames lapping at her feet. The burning was suffocating her.

DrachenFyre removes a glove and takes Issotta's arm, willing his strength to her .

He fought through the pain as he rose to sitting then, with Ashly and the guard's help. He moved his feet tho his legs barely kept him up. He made it to the doorway of her chambers.

The Duchess shudders as she feels them wipe away whatever had sprayed on her. Thankfully Aly was protected at the moment by Ares and Artemis, but she tried at wiping the black droplets from her.

The darkness in the corner abated as the gate drifted closed

"Wait!", she screamed to HIM. "I am here. I am coming!"

"Careful, move slowly and keep a firm 'old o' 'im." Ashly warned the guard as she moved with the King to the door. Reaching out to open the connecting door.

The Admiral watches all corners of the room, feeling the oppressive air receding.

*chanting furiously, her Otherself alight with the power she was giving out, a diffferent, burning power glowing along her pantlegs and boots, not yet touching her skin*

Subject: Re: Whispers Thu Jun 18, 2009 3:05 pm

"Caillie, please...come back tae us.." whispers closer to her ear.

Meldrum leaned against the doorway as the door opened. He was appalled at what he saw. "Get me tae 'er", he spoke softly to Ashly.

"Aye Mel, boot move slowly" She assisted him nodding to the guard in instruction.

He nodded then moved over to where everyone was gathered. His steps slow and deliberate. Finally he kneeled next to her.

Turns as the door opens, seeing the pain clearly etched on the Kings face.

Her body stilled. Fear overtook her as she saw the shadow of the Goddesses.

Removing his gloves, he spoke into them. A spell of protection...a spell of positive energy. Walking over to Aly, he holds them out to her. " Quickly, Aly. Put them on. Clean them off. We must hurry whilst we still have time."

Nods and does as he asks quickly.

Finally raises her head slightly without loosening her hold on the two, realizing she herself is trembling, feeling something on her cheek that had been cover partially by her hair, tries to wipe it away on the sheet.

Ashly was stunned at the sight before her as she looked from one to another.

*sensing another pair of spirits entering the room, pure to the foulness in the corner, her subconscious mind extending the protection over them, an archipelligo of power touching them*

Issotta's own consciousness was relegated to the back of the body, for the Dark Queen now held that astral shell. Her eyes hardened and her mouth turned to a firm line as she looked at the form of the Queen Caillean.

"Away!", she screamed to them. "Leave me be. I know th' TRUE Goddess!," her words hissed loudly.

The Morrigan looked at Caillean impatiently. "The true Goddess?"

"Tis nae ye," she spat.

She knew as ill as she was herself, she did not have much power, but what she have, she would glady give for her Queen and her sister after.

Walking around Caillean and examining the flaming cord that bound the woman to some outer darkness, she spoke. "Well, your other Goddess is about to abandon you," touching the cord, and pulling her hand back rapidly with a hiss.

"Never! I will see ye in Hell!"

Grabbing Caillean by the hair, "You are already there! Be silent, little girl!" shoving her away.

Drach nods and moves to the window, latching it closed

Undeterred, the being from beyond still tried to hold onto Caillean's consciousness as otherworldly powers began to intervene.

*the chanting wavering for a split second at the Feel of The Morrigan before strengthening again, as though Her presence spurred it higher, stronger*

Aly moves toward Issotta, laying a gloved hand on her foot, giving her a boost of whatever power she had left.

Mel reached out to take Caillie's hand. "Caillie love, I'm 'ere"

The chord stretched out into the distance, and flared at the touch..... another tendril snaking out to try to connect with Issotta. It recoiled, though, given the Avalon priestess was channeling the goddess.

Ashly felt the babe begin to move constantly within her. She pushed the thought as she continued to stay by the King's side and observed the Queen.

Her resolve wavered as fear filled her being. Meldrum? Issotta? She twirled in confusion.

In the back of her own thoughts, Issotta recoiled with fear at the closeness to the cord, but she had no control anymore.

He looked to each of those around her, his eyes filled with pain at seeing his wife like this. "C'n nothin' be done?

" Mel, what can be done is bein' done m'lord boot the Queen must want tae come back." Ashly had finally pieced together what was going on about the room.

Mel looked back to Caillie again. "Caillie, ye must list'n tae those who love ye. Come back tae us milove".

"Caillie, your love is here, he is holding your hand, come back to him" whispers once more against Caillie's ear, hoping she can hear the words.

Aly felt that ripple of evil and almost recoiled her hand, if not for the protected gloves and the fact that her own heart was pure and true and she gave that to Issotta and Caillie.

Nemain of the triad took pity on the Queen and touched her hair gently, "You are suffering. We would free you from your pain. We would make you whole again and give you back to your husband. But....you must consent, child of the Grove. Look at me, and tell me you want to be free."

She glared at Morrigan as her eyes moved to Nemain. "Ye wish tae trick me. I know yer kind."

Her own eyes flickered from that feral yellow to her own beautiful emerald green, and back again.

Laughing heartily, "Oh, you do? "

Purity of the Light...guide me. Protect those this night. :: holds out his arms, Drach summoned more of his power into a shield that travels his body and starts to surround the room, sparkles of rainbow light offering protection.

"Caillie please come back...please I need you as much as your beloved does...I need you my friend" whispers softly.

"But of course you do....you are like us, as all women are. Cruel, Kind, Powerful...Helpless...all at once. Consent, Child and have your life again."

"Ladies...it might be prudent...to hurry..." beneath strain as he sought to maintain cohesion of the Light Shield.

Her eyes fluttered and darted this way and that. She was confused. So many voices. So many choices. She knew not which way to turn. Her hand reached up. She felt nothing. "Sister?"

Mel brought himself up onto her bed, leaned over to her and kissed her softly. "Come back tae us milove".

Ashly reached to check the rate of the Queen's heart at her wrist. Her watch constantly going between the King and Queen.

She peered out into the darkness, into which the cord spun, and sensed decay and horror. She looked back to Caillean. "You will not see the priestess again until you are free. I have taken her...she has given herself to me, to save you. And I will protect her, like I will protect you if you let me."

*chants softly, swiftly, the protective spell touching Meldrum and Aisling with the calm also surrounding Sabine, continuing the protection around the Queen and Issotta-now-Morrigan*

Voices, voices....calling...calling.

Sabine remains lying across both Issotta and Caillie, holding tightly to them both, her arms trembling from clenching so tightly.

She turned to see HIM...yet he had faded. "Where are ye?" she screamed. "Do nae leave me...!"

Ashly did not reach to monitor Issotta's heart rate for something told her not to touch Issotta. Her eyes looked back to Aly and Drach.

The horror he felt when he kissed her permeated his entire body and he recoiled from her only slightly, He'd seen many a battle and many horrors in his life but none like this.

Aly felt the pull of the evil receding a little more.

"Your people love you." and the face of triad was now Queen Maeve. "Your husband loves you. I have had lovers, may lovers. .....yours is loyal."

She turned back to the promise of freedom.

"M' darlin' wife. If ye are tae be in this much pain, bring me wi' ye an' we shall depart t'geth'r. 'Bu' if ye wish tae be free o' this evil, come wi' us now."

"Kneel child, kneel and consign yourself to me and I will make you free."drawing forth a shining sword which flashed even in the half light.

Her breath caught as she saw the Queen before her. Maeve. She lowered her head.

"See how he calls you? Your Meldrum? He cannot rule without you. Kneel."

She saw love before her. She heard love around her...and slowly she knelt.

Ashly looked back to the King and then to Caille.

Aly's gaze wandered over to Drach watching the strain of holding the magic for them.

Something seems to burn on her cheek, she moves her head just enough to swipe at it with a shoulder.

Resting her left hand on Caillie's head, "This is going to hurt......prepare yourself....."

She fell to her knees as sobbing overtook her.

*sensing a change on the bed, she finds a reserve of strength she did not know from where, strengthening once more around them*

Fighting off exhaustion, he was determined to stay with Caillie through this, however it turned out.

"Be ye alright m'king?" Ashly could see he was weakened.

He nodded back to Ashly but she knew he would not last much longer. Blood had begun seeping through his bandages and staining the sheets.

Then, taking the blade in both hands, she cried aloud a great word of power and swung the blade down. It howled as it ripped through the fiery cord of sorcery binding Caillean to the dark master.

She closed her eyes tightly praying for the freedom she so wanted.
"Argggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" She felt to the ground as her knees crumpled.

Aly sensed the acute pain as the evil was rent from Caillie.
Saying her own prayers as well as the rosary, she feels a hard shudder beneath her where Caillie lies.

The sword clattered to the ground and dissolved as the Morrigan triad left Issotta's body and all that was left to the priestess was agony

*the pain resonating through the spirit world, her physical hands clenching tightly in response, chanting unfalteringly*

Ashly, surprised by the Queen's outcry, reached once again to make sure her heart was not in danger of stopping.

She could not grasp Caillie fast enough before she was slammed back into her own body on the bed, feeling Caillie's consciousness returning, also, to her own racked form.

and... with a release of energy... the bond was severed.

Issotta sat up rapidly in the bed, gasping and gasping for air, and trembling with the force that was released and a nausea from the power of the creature which was not destoyed, but only banished for a time.

The pall in the room passed.. save for the acrid smell of burning, decayed flesh from what was once Argus.

Caille? Caille?

He crawled farther upon the bed until he was able to lie across his wife, his head upon her stomach, trying to hold her down from the pain. "Och, Caillie lass, come back tae us".

She gasped for breath, her heart racing. She struggled to open her eyes.

Dry heaves shook Issotta's body at the smell of the decaying and burning flesh. "Drach!! " ::she gasped, barely able to get out any word at all.

As Sabine was atop Issotta , she is almost throw off the bed as Issotta sits up, feeling Caillie stirring as well she slowly if gradually moves away.

She knew not where she was. Was she dead or alive?

Subject: Re: Whispers Thu Jun 18, 2009 3:06 pm

Feeling the snap of the dark tendril from this room, Drach allowed his concentration to falter and the Light Shield. He was, immediately, at Issotta's side. "Issotta?" :: places a hand on her cheek. " Are you all right?" Reaching up her arms, to be picked up. He lifts her up.

Issotta put her head on his chest and just lying there, quite exhausted and very sick.

Ashly realized the King now was bleeding from his wound but knew he needed to know Caille would live.

Her eyes opened as she called out..."Meldrum? Sister?"

Aly let go and fell to the floor, what strength she had possessed gone.

"I am 'ere milove. Right 'ere wi' ye".

"Dear Goddess........" Her tears of joy flooding down her face.

Sabine slips off the bed, reaching for a cloth to wipe at the burning on her cheek as she goes to help Aly.

Katie was bringing the chant to a close with a final refrain, sending it to the Goddess as a prayer and thanks

Finally he collapsed, she would live and it looked like the evil had been ripped from her.

"Aly, lets get you into a chair...

"Sabine, water for Caille please." She was moving then to Aly who now had collapsed. "Drach, Issotta...is she alright?" Passing by him then bending down to Aly.

Exhausted...but she'll be fine...~ I pray... ~ :: he thought ::

Her hand reached up as she touched the jaw of her beloved.

The Bard sang once more...~Wrap thee in care and bind thee with love... Protection from pain surround like a glove.. May the brightest of blessings surround thee this night.. The hand of the Goddess keep thee in light~

Ashly looked to the guard who had been dumbfoundedly standing by the door and motioned to get the King back to his bed.

The effects of the potion still lingered as she struggled to consciousness.

Rousing herself slightly:: "I am all right......::climbing down from her perch in Drach's arms"

The bleeding was quite prominent now, staining Caillie's gown as well as the bedsheets.

Turns Aly over to Ashly, then goes to pour a fresh cup of water for Caillie and take it to Caillie. "Here love, drink this...tis cool water"
"Aly, lets get you into a chair...

"I'm fine, thank ye all. Th' Queen?"

Ash could feel the faint heartbeat of Aly and looked back to Drach. "I do nae think sae. I shall 'ave her taken tae a room down the hall sae I might see."

Issotta moved to kiss Caillean on the head before she has Drach take her to her chambers for a good solid rest:.

"Shhhhh Aly. The queen be alive lass."

"I am free...." Afraid to say it too loudly she knew she was rid of HIM.

"Caillean, dear" ::smiling at her through tearful eyes:: "You are free indeed."

"I AM free!!" her voice grew stronger as her tears mixed with joy.

Hugging her tightly,: "Let your people take care of you.....make your husband rest, and you rest too."

Drach looks over at the queen and places a hand upon her forehead, smiling, softly .

"Free", as he slipped again into unconsciousness.

Helps Caillie to lift up to drink the water, then moves to take some clean cloths and slips them inside the King's shirt, pressing against the wound to help quell the bleeding.

Nods and smiles. "Guid. Tis all I wanted.

Backs off as she sees the King faint:: The King!

Meldrum....my Beloved!"

Ashly had to smile until she saw the amount of blood coming from the King. She instructed another guard to help with Aly to a room down the hall and then followed the guard that carried Mel back to his bed.

Backing away and almost bumping into Kate, who she embraced warmly:: "You grounded me, Kate, lest I lose myself altogether."

Catches the King as he faints, his weight taking her thin form to the floor, but she manages to hold pressure to that wound in his chest.

Her heart sank and her joy fleeting as she watched her husband be taken away. "Dear Goddess...wha' ha' I done."

"M'queen, I promise, I shall see tae 'im. I shall come tae ye quickly wit' news"

Katie lifts her eyes slowly to look at the bed, then embracing Issotta, lending support

Casting a worried gaze to Meldrum, "Ashly will help him Caillie."

Sabine, a moment please? ::she was now crossing into the Kings room on the heels of the Guard and the King.

Issotta's own legs could not stand much longer. She was no longer seventeen and ripe for invoking the powerful ones. She needed a bed. Drach would take her. "See to your strength, Caillean that you are able to nurse your husband when he needs you."

Esme coming into the King's chamber moves quickly to help Ashly as she takes in the scene of the King being returned to bed.

"Come, d'akima. To Avalon." He leans over to lift her into his arms.

Looking around the room and turning to Drach with a small nod, and deciding to just let him carry her altogether, through the sky, home.

Aly looks over to the King, then the Queen, putting her hands over her eyes, in a tired fashion.

"Esmelda, quickly, 'elp tae see tae these bandages!"

"Bless ye all." ::softly:: "Now go...please." she turned her eyes to avoid theirs. "Each o' ye must rest an' recover. Aly, Dear....."

Manages to get to her feet, slips into a chair beside Caillie's bed, taking her hand.

Whispering a prayer for the King as his people worked on him and Issotta was carried away.

Smiles to the Queen. "Welcome back Caillie." Leans on the chair to rise, just a little shakey, but still on her own.

Her face drawn. "There is hope, Aly. Ye must ne give up hope. Please.
We shall help tae save ye an' Blu...I swear it."

Esme quickly rips open the King's shirt, and starts to add fresh cloths to press against the wound, as she does, the emeralds about her neck begin to glow as her energy flows into the King to stem the flow of blood.

"Katie, Dear...." giving her a tired smile.

*leans against the wall again for awhile, looking at nothing, then drawing what little energy she had left to look up* Yes, Majesty?

"An' my Dearest Sabine. Bless ye all."

His wound had opened again from the exertion getting onto the bed.

Lost to all that had occurred, she slipped into a deep sleep, the first in many, many moons.

*smiles slightly* Goddess Bless you as well.

"I shall 'ave tae close this wound once again. IFn' ye will subside the bleedin' and I shall get m'pouch tae sew it."

Sabine sits beside Caillie holding her hand, her face drawn and pale, a small round reddish looking burn on that scared cheek. "Welcome back Caillie love"

Makes her way to the door, looks over at the Queen one more time, then exits the chamber, taking a deep breath

Ash and Esmelda continued to work on the king for a few hours to come to see him sleep peacefully.

He also slipped into the darkness, but his breathing was easier, knowing his Caillie was safe from the evil that had possessed her.

Subject: Re: Whispers Thu Jun 18, 2009 3:15 pm

Caillie stood tentatively at the doorway to Mel's private chamber. After several fitful nights, she knew she could not put off the inevitiable. She must face her beloved. Not knowing was more than she could bear. Once the servants saw her appear, they bowed and silently left the King and Queen alone.

Mel was lying on the bed. Ashly had finally taken to her own within the Healer's Tower to rest before her next journey. She left the acolytes with him to make sure nothing untoward happened. He had thought about what had happened over the past few days and was convinced, after the other night, that it was not Caillie's actions were not her fault.

She stood, holding a single rose in her hand as she approached very cautiously. "M'love?" She kept her distance, not coming too close in case he feared her.

He was sick of resting and would have loved nothing more than to get up and ride IceWynde for miles and miles. His wife's voice was suddenly in his ears and he opened his eyes to see her standing there, looking very tired but still the most stunning woman he'd ever laid eyes. "Caillie my love. Come sit wi' me". He raised a hand to her as he leaned up on one elbow to sit.

Still, she hesitated, not moving closer. "Please, Meldrum, tell me how ye are. They will only say ye are better. I ha' tae see wi' my own eyes."
She lowered her eyes. Finally she held out the red rose. "Tis fer ye," she said simply.

"See? Why, there be nothin' special tae see. I've seen worse wi' a flea bite. Now come an' sit b'side me". He really tried to keep her from seeing the wounds inflicted. He would rather she not be subjected to it. He held out his hand and smiled lovingly as she approached with the rose. "M'favorite, as ye ha' always known. Thank ye milove".

She had all she could do to keep from fainting at the sight of him. Dear Goddess, she had almost killed the man she adored! How could he ever forgive her? "It means eternal love. Oh Meldrum!" she leaned against the edge of the bed for support. "Do ye know how deep my love is fer ye?"

He knew instinctively that she was no longer "possessed" by whatever evil it was that drove her to this. Maybe it was the lack of presence felt when the liche left her. Regardless, his love was so deep for this woman that nothing she could do would ever stop him from loving her. "Caillie, m' love. I know this, tha' I am in love wi' ye an' always shall be." He rolled up to the sitting position finally and shoved himself back in the bed toward the headboard to give her room and patted the bed for her to sit. "Now come sit an' tell me how YE are".

"I do nae understand it. I may NEVER understand wha' was done tae me. I am nae certain, however, I can live wi' myself for nearly taking yer life. I wish nae tae hear trite words o' reassurance, Meldrum. Yet...," she faltered, "I know nae wha' I wish ye tae say...other than ye forgive me. If ye wish me tae leave this Kingdom an' yer life, ye ha' only tae say so."

She moved a bit closer, still not sitting where he indicated.

He reached up and stroked the side of her cheek lovingly. "Fergive? If 'tis fergiveness ye seek, ye ha' it. Bu' if 'tis m'love ye wish, ye ha' tha' ferev'r. Nothin' ye could dae or ha' done would 'er change tha', milove. If ye ha' any plans tae leave th' realm, wait........ I'll need tae pack an' gae wi' ye."

She closed her eyes as a soft smile formed on her lips.

"Dae ye ha' ANY idea o' th' torture ye've put m'through th' past weeks?"

The smile faded quickly as she avoided his eyes. "Nae," she replied softly. "Was I dreadful?"

"I've nae ha' a kiss from ye, nor a 'ug nor any affection in sae long......Dreadful? AYE!" He smirked at her. "Dreadful indeed."

She carefully placed one hip on the bed, trying not to disturb him. "Are ye in pain, love? Will ye heal good as new? An' will our subjects call for me head on a silver platter?"

"Milove, as long as ye still love me, an' will be stayin' b'side me, I'm alREADY g'd as new." He chuckled at that comment. "Nae love. I'm sure th' word wi' spread tha' ye've been cured o' wha'er t'was tha' ail'd ye."

She reached for his hand and brought it to her lips. "I love ye more than life itself, my darling...an' I ha' prayed fer nothing bu' yer forgiveness. How do we know it will never come back?" Her eyes grew wide with fright. "An' wha' o' th' children? I understand they ha' both fled in fear o' their mother."

He leaned forward to take her hand in his, pain was evident tho he tried to mask it with a smile. "Ye shall nae need tae pray fer tha' any long'r love. Ye ha' it. As fer th' childr'n, I dinnae know why they left bu' I'm sure t'was nae b'cause of ye. They're young still an' spreadin' their wings. We ha' Aid'n out lookin' fer Sio now an' Byron wi' turn up. I may gae out an' track 'im m'self it 'tis necessary."

"I should say not!" He was unable to fool her with his attempt to mask his pain. "It appears it will be quite some time before ye are up an' about. I shall make certain o' it!"

He leaned toward her and softly whispered in her ear, "I love ye Caillie gal. Ye c'n dae nothin' tae sway tha'. Fergive me fer nae seein' wha' t'was tha' was affectin' ye." He drew back slightly and grinned at her outburst. "E'en YE cannae keep yer King down love."

Then a slow impish look crossed her face. "There are definite 'accomplishments' tha' must first be performed before I turn ye over tae tha' steed o' yers. Only THEN will I be convinced."

"I'm lookin' forward tae 'fulfillin' m'obligations in ord'r tae get outside. As fer it returnin'? I'd say we scar'd it off, at least fer now an' Bry an' oth'rs shall set wards tha' wi' keep it away."

"Oh Meldrum...I do love ye SO! I pray it so." She sighed heavily and and stood. "I wish nae tae tire ye, my darling. I promise tae return later wi' some hot tea."

He snagged her hand and pulled her toward him, tea was definitely NOT what he wanted right now. "Feel free tae tire me, m'love."

"Och! Ye ha' nae changed a bit!" and she leaned to kiss him with all the passion in her heart.

The End

Subject: Re: Whispers Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:39 pm

((Yes, this was an outstanding story and hopefully Elle can bring the rest of it to the boards. Great job editing, Karen!!! I know it was a pain but it was well worth it!))

Subject: Re: Whispers Fri Jun 19, 2009 2:36 am

(hell yeah it was!)

Subject: Re: Whispers Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:43 am

I really enjoyed it and loved that it involved so many Solurians. Very cool. And a Liche. I mean.. You can't go wrong with a Liche.

Subject: Re: Whispers Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:30 am

I enjoyed it too and remembered so much about it. It all started with a story I called *A Journey, a test of ones spirit.* Annnd, I actually found that story on a disk annnd if you all would like I can repost the beginning of what Karen just reposted as Whispers.

I also have found the healing of Aly and of Blu in the aftermath of what William had done. It never fails to amaze me how long we all have been doing this and being able to see how we all have changed, I mean with our writings and such. We all are very talented and I feel blessed to know all of you.

I miss my Blu and Helg...so rereading all the logs I have for them has been fun. And, since I wrote the story as Blu, I am going to repost it as she too. Ok, so look for it...*A Journey, a test of ones spirit.*

Thanks for reading,
Elle

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