Shattered Shields

[Kuros]

***Silver Shield Camp - Kuros' Tent - Dusk***

"Are the preparations ready?" Kuros asked and turned his head back to regard the knight standing behind him.
"Yes, Lord." The silver armored man replied keeping his head bowed slightly when he addressed the Lord. "Your letter to the Lords in town has been sent and received regarding your attendance at the ball."
"Excellent." The Dark Lord nodded at the man. "I will leave the duties of running the camp to you this time. I do believe it is your turn." He turned to face the mirror and looked himself over to make sure his attire was without flaw.
"Yes, Lord. Of course." The knight did not argue. "What of the Ambassador, the Lady Lithillia?"

The question gave Kuros pause. The kamael has been the hottest topic in the camp. The men were already comfortable around her to the point where they even spoke of her in his presence, just like this knight here. Truth be told, Lithillia has seemed to bond well with his soldiers, the tension that hung in the air when she first arrived was nothing more than a distant memory, or that is how it seemed anyway. The soldiers accepted her, he....accepted her, after all was it not the idea to bring her into his fold when this was all done and over with? Kuros' expression showed nothing of the impact the knight's question had on him. "What of the Ambassador?" He spoke in a calm and collected tone as if the question had little meaning for him.

"Are you not taking her with you?" Again Kuros paused at the next question. Why would his own knights even suggest such a thing. "You are going in there as a Lord, would it not be better to be accompanied by a woman? A Kamael one no less?"
Kuros narrowed his eyes when he looked into the mirror, while it was true the kamael was on his mind from time to time he did not go as far as this. "The kamael," He spoke as he imitated the knight's tone. "Is a warrior, she is a killing machine as I am sure you have noticed, not a lady of the courts. She would do better here, training among the soldiers for the next battle to come. Furthermore, I don't intend to indulge myself with any pleasantries, this is strictly business, I do not need anyone slowing me down."
"As you wish my Lord, forgive my insolence, I should never have spoken." The knight seemed to bow even lower, clearly he was ashamed.

"Nonsense, you spoke your mind knight, that is all." Kuros grabbed a hold of a brush and started combing his long golden hair which hung in front of him over his shoulder. He did need to look presentable after all. "Under different circumstances such an idea wouldn't have been that bad, but as I said this is business and the Lords seem to be up to something. I must know what it is." He finished combing through his hair and brought them back to hang naturally at his back once more.
"I understand Lord."
"So why her?" Kuros asked while fixing the cuffs of his overcoat. "Why suggest the kamael?"
The knight behind him shifted uncomfortably.
"It's alright, speak your mind." Kuros spoke in a relaxed tone. "You and the men gathered here are among my best, you have proven that on more than once occasion, so I shall allow you to have more liberty."
"Very well then my Lord. It's just that the Lady Lithillia is..."
"Beautiful?" Kuros turned to face the man and arched a brow.
The knight's cheeks flushed, but whether it was because of the way they spoke about the kamael or the fact that he was caught showing any signs of emotion regarding such matters was unknown. "Yes my Lord. She would have been a perfect match to be by your side in such an event."

"Only in appearance, knight." Kuros warned. "You will find that this pretty little rose has thorns." The Dark Lord reached over to a chair and grabbed his belt to fasten it around his waist. "She is off limits to everyone. I do not want any incidents that would stain our name among her people or anyone else for that matter, is that understood?"
"Yes, Lord." The knight replied.
"Good, then you are dismissed. Have the stable master ready my horse. I will be leaving shortly."
"As you wish my Lord." The silver armored man bowed once more and turned to leave.

When this was all done and over with Kuros picked up his ceremonial blade and fastened it to his belt before once more turning to the mirror to look himself over. His formal wear consisted of a white frilled shirt at the chest, a black overcoat with golden cuffs and buttons that matched his hair. A set of black pants and leather boots with golden straps and a pair of white gloves which he just finished putting on. Perfect. He smiled when he was pleased with his appearance.

Things would have been different....if you found me beautiful. The familiar voice that he heard all too well echoed though his thoughts and in the reflection of the mirror he imagined the kamael woman standing by his side. Why? His thoughts would have answered back. He closed his eyes then and pushed the image out. It was silly, he couldn't allow himself such a...luxury, even if his soldiers did behind his back. He had to be strong and level headed. He could not allow emotion to cloud his judgment to make the same mistakes he made in the past. He had to see this through alone.

[lithillia]

"Lord Dachande.."
Lithillia had moved aside the flap of the tent and with a few quick steps she was standing half behind him looking into his mirror. Her voice sounded like it carried a well prepared question, a request lingered in the way she had said his name, but as soon as she saw the reflection of him she did not complete her sentence.
She had not seen him dress like this before, and she took in the details of how he looked. The clothing looking exquisite, and showed of his body very differently to how the armor did. She pursed her lips, and a display of something resembling surprise played in her eyes.

The kamael looked then around the tent, seeing if she had interrupted some kind of meeting. Was there someone else in here with them?
No she saw no one else, so she returned her gaze to meet with the reflection of him again. "Are you going somewhere?" The white wing folded a bit tighter onto her back, for not to take up more space in the tent than necessary, and perhaps for to try and collect her self a bit.
Pull your self together.

"I did not mean to interrupt anything, I can return later." Even if she said this, she did not move an inch, waiting to hear what he had to say if he had anything to share with her, if not then she would leave him to his... preparations.
Preprations for what?

She sighed inside of her mind. Was he really healed enough for to leave the camp? Ought he not to just rest for a bit longer to make sure?
What? What are you on about woman?
She did not know the answer to that, nothing other than it would be logic for him to spend more time growing strong. He was a human after all.
Her self had healed up long time ago, it did not take many days before she was fit enough to resume training. Her wing stronger than ever and could even push her harder and higher up in the air than before.

She shifted the weight to rest on the other leg, almost impatiently and folded her hands on her back.
It had not been many minutes from when she had moved in to the tent and for her now to shift her position, but for her it had felt like longer period of time had passed.
Why is he leaving?

[Kuros]

"Lord Dachande.."

The image in the mirror quickly vanished only to be replaced by the real thing and Kuros' mouth parted slightly as if to gasp. His eyes fixed on the image, the words of his knight returning once more. Again he closed his eyes to clear his thoughts and opened them when he was ready to deal with her. What was she doing here? And why didn't he snap at her for coming in without knocking. Recently it has been a common practice for her to do that. He was going to remind her about that but then she pursed her lips and the expression on her face showed him that she was as much surprised to see him as he was to see her. She looked around there as if looking for something before those crimson orbs of hers that he got so accustomed to returned to gaze back at him. "Are you going somewhere?" Her white wing, and how Kuros found it easy to look at, folded tighter onto her back. "I did not mean to interrupt anyting, I can return later." Her voice caused him to shift his gaze from the wing onto her eyes once more before he slowly turned to face her completely.

"No, Lithillia, you are not interrupting." Kuros called her by her name which he rarely did, his voice was soft and polite when he answered her question. He didn't keep his usual mask of being calm and collected, without emotion almost. He smiled at the woman when he noted her shift her weight from one leg to the other and fold her hand back behind her. With each day that passed he found that he did not mind looking at her, and her gaze seemed to have less of an uncomfortable effect on him. She was changing it seemed, or was it that she was just opening up a bit more? Look but don't touch. Came the warning quickly and Kuros once more banished such pleasantries from his thoughts.
"And yes, I am going to town for a while, there is a Ball there, though my business is with the Lords." He paused as if considering the woman for a moment. "You should go there as well, take this time to enjoy yourself this night. You have more than earned it." What Kuros spoke was the truth. During his recovery period he read reports on how hard the kamael has trained and how much she participated in the camp activities. He couldn't help but smile when he saw the shock on one of his messenger's faces after he reported that the Kamael came to join in with the morning run through the forests with the rest of the troops. Then came the reports on how she joined the training sessions on how she shared her own battle tactics with the rest of the soldiers. All in all it would appear that she was one of them, even though she hasn't been formally initiated and then came the part about their entire secret, but he supposed that would have to wait.

[lithillia]

She tilted her head at his suggestion for her to go to the ball. She tried to imagine her self at such a thing, but she could not really remember what a ball was. Small clues started to drip down like there was a cloud above raining on her.
"There will be music...." she said, speaking as if she was lost in something far far away. "Dancing too...." Lith frowned as the images shown to her melted away before she could make sense of them. It had been like that lately. Her memories of things she had not been able to access seamed to reveal them self, but only to escape her again. It was frustrating for her, but took it as sign that she was getting better, getting back to normal.

The distant look seamed to refocus and placed onto him again. "You think I will have fun at such a thing?" It was not said with sarcasm or disdain, it was a genuine question. She played his words over again.
You have more than earned it.
So, he had already implied that it was some kind of reward, and rewards were meant to be positive and enjoyable. She changed her question quickly. "You think I will fit in at a ball?"
She felt insecure at once, it was an arena which she had no competence, at least, she could not remember having any real social skills. She turned away, she didn’t like to have anyone looking at her when she felt insecure, but lately it had been more rare for her to feel like that.

She had changed so much, moved away from her defensive stance when it came to the mediate world around her. She knew the camp, the faces, the routines... She could walk down the walkways making the streets in between the tents and not feel afraid or alert. She would even crack a joke every now and again, even let out her laughter, though it seamed to silence everyone else around when she did.
She lifted her hand to her now growing smile, still keeping her back to the man. "This reminds me..." She started with out letting him answering her insecurity. "If you think I have earned such a evening, don’t you think your men also have to deserve a night of... fun?" She turned when saying the last word, the smile was now under control, but it still lingered in her eyes. That was what she intended to bring up when she had come to him, and she did not mind if it was bold of her to suggest this. He was not her leader, even if the respect for him had increased lately, she did not suffer the system of their ranks.

Her thoughts drifted then when she again saw his clothing. Could she fit in on a ball? She had no clothes to wear, could she find something suitable? She did not think she had anything as fancy as he was wearing in her trunk of collected outfits, and if he was dressed up like that then the others would too.
She did not want to be looked down at for wearing something less appropriate, she liked to be admired.
The image of two people dancing filled her inward view, the woman was wearing a beautiful dress and the man in a suit similar to what Dachande was wearing. She grew more and more distant again, trying to make note of how they acted, how they placed their feet and kept their arms connected to the other.
They were kamaels she noticed, but the faces she could not make out that well, and a question haunted her. Was this a memory?
The male had the same silver white hair she had, and his feathers seamed also rimmed with the color. Lithillia's was the same, every time the sunlight hit her feathers they would shine a bit brighter, just like that.
The more she focused on the female, she found her more and more... familiar?

She shook her head clearing her mind when she realized he had been talking to her. "Sorry, what did you say?"

[Kuros]

Kuros observed the kamael as she spoke to him and went through her actions. In truth he didn’t know how she would fit in. The last time he took her with him it ended in disaster and his embarrassment. However, his suggestion was genuine, perhaps she would find someone she got along with. He knew that members of all races were going to be there, surely she would feel more comfortable around her own kind. He would have answered all of her questions but with each attempt he tried to make she cut him off. She never gave him the chance to say anything with the way she kept on changing subjects. First from her fears and insecurities about the event to suggesting he gave his men a night for fun.

Now that certainly caused the Dark Lord to arch his brow in slight amusement. He considered her words for a moment, he truly did but his men were already busy with their duties. They had to be ready for a marching order at any moment and perhaps that might be coming very soon. He had to make sure they were in perfect condition. “The men have worked and trained hard.” He began, “But they must remain vigilant and disciplined, they know their duty.” He walked away from the mirror to her side and then off to one of his chests where he took out a white gown. “This night is more about you.”

He watched her shake her head and look back at him. “Sorry, what did you say?”

“I said this night is more about you, Lithillia. You’ve been doing good things here and so I figured you could use some time to relax.” He walked up to her form and handed her the gown. “Here, I think this would suit you well, Lady.”

[lithillia]

More about me than what?
Lithillia noticed the white fabric hanging over his arm, and the red eyes darted back up to his, expressing a mix between the feelings of doubt and curiousness. She could easily lift her arm up and touch the gown now that he was right in front of her. Again she tilted her head to the side, and let her fingers brush over it carefully.
"How come you have this in your possession?"
She sent him a quick glance with her red eyes when she asked the question, but turned her attention quickly back down at the dress. It seamed to be flawless, and she grew even more curious to how it looked like. Lithillia grabbed a hold of it with both her hands and took it from him holding it up and looked it over.

She could have purred of happiness when she got confirmed just how exquisite it was, but kept her self calm and collected. She was better than to winch like a over excited school girl, so she just smiled and nodded.
"It is very nice, thank you." She folded it over her arm, waiting for him to tell her how he got it.

[Kuros]

Kuros looked at the Kamael and studied her reactions. He waited patiently for her to examine the fabric and get the feel of it. The question she asked him on why he had such an item in his possession gave him pause. Truthfully he did not expect her to ask about it, he thought she would simply accept it without question as a gift. When she accepted his gift and looked over it he turned and walked to the side of the tent where the mirror was and just stared into it as if lost in thought. The first image formed itself as he relived what one could call a happy moment of his past. It was a gorgeous day that time, it was midsummer and the castle grounds bloomed with a multitude of flowers of various colors. It was like a paradise.

“Do you like it?” Kuros spoke to the dark haired priestess as she spun around in the white gown she just put on. She stopped and her dark brown eyes gazed upon his green crystalline orbs.

“I love it!” She replied in a girlish tone and lifted the skirt up before running to him.

He felt her arms wrap around the fabric of his shirt and they both fell back into the flowerbed beneath them. Kuros smiled at her, his gaze never leaving hers while they lay there together. “I love you.” He finally broke the silence and watched her lips curl to form a smile when he told her this.

“I love you too, my beloved knight.” She would reply and lean in to press her lips against his softly. It was a gentle kiss at first, almost like testing the waters. “Tell me we could be like this forever.” She would say again.

Kuros would chuckle then but the serious look in her eyes would quickly silence him. He too dropped his act and smiled at her. “Is this a marriage proposal your holiness?” She looked away from him for a moment, the dark strands of silky hair slipping off her shoulder to hang in front of her as she did so.

“And if it is?” Her voice held a tone uncertainty, almost as if she were afraid to ask the question, but Kuros’ hand reached out to cup her chin and turn her face so he could see it.

“Then I accept. It would be an honor to have you as my bride and wife. It is something that I’ve wanted for a while now.” Her eyes would soften then as the knight spoke those words and she leaned in. “I’m glad my love. I wanted this too.” Her lips were once more upon his but this time the kiss was fierce and he would wrap his arms around her before allowing himself to enjoy the moment of passion that came after.

The memory crumbled suddenly, it broke away like pieces of burned paper and scattered into the winds. In the black void that remained he saw an all too familiar pair of red glowing eyes and the blood stained sword held by a clawed, black armored hand. There is no such thing. The sharp tone burned like white hot fire and Kuros was forced to turn away from the mirror, it is then that he realized the Kamael was speaking to him. There was a long pause as the Dark Lord shook what was left of the memories away. He once more put on the mask of his calm and collected self before nodding to her and smiling when she thanked him. “I think it will suit you well.” He said once more before stepping away from the mirror to gain distance. She was still waiting for his reply on the dress though.

“As for the dress…” Kuros began while keeping his gaze on the white fabric. He could almost see the blood on it. “It belonged to someone who was once dear to me.” He closed the distance between himself and the Kamael. His hand reaching for it as if to brush through the fabric one last time. “But she is gone now.” His voice sounded hollow and absent. “I think you would find more use for this than I would anyway.” He looked up at her and smiled. Whatever expression he had on his face was once more replaced by a pleasant smile.

[lithillia]

She had not see him this... emotional? She was not sure though, he could just have been lost in thought, held back for a moment by the memory that was hidden to her, but she understood enough now to not ask any further.
"Then I will take good care of it. Thank you for this." The air around them seamed as if thick with unsaid things, and the time seamed to slow down for a moment. Lithillia shifted slightly when he was done touching the fabric, returning his smile to go with her words.
Her eyes slowly looked over him again.
"You seam just about ready to leave. I am sure I would just slow you down if you were to wait..." The time started to speed back up, and she cleared both throat and mind.
"I insist that you don’t miss out on any of the fun, you should just go a head as planned. And..." Lithillia bit her lip softy, considering something before completing her sentence. " … I guess I may see you there."

So she had decided then, to go? A chill shot down her spine and it felt misplaced. How was it that she felt so scared by such a thing, when she could dive head first into battle with out a worry. And how was it that she felt so scared but also so willing to go?

Her wing relaxed a bit, before being pulled back into the nervous hold. Why were she still lingering in his tent? She ought to have left by now.

"I will go now then, and..." She had already said she might see him there, so she made a bit of a pause before she added. " … thank you again."

[Kuros]

What are you doing? The question caused him to tear his gaze from the spot where Lithillia was once standing and turn away. Kuros walked toward the chest where the gown once rested and closed it to keep himself from answering the question.
What ARE you doing? The part of him that made him ruthless and remained responsible for his continued survival since his fall asked again, this time more forcefully. Again the Dark Lord walked to another place, this time to stand over the mirror once more to look himself over. The image showed the young handsome human, his features flawless just like in the old days, but then the image melted away, replaced by black armor, red gleaming eyes and a blood stained sword. You are growing soft, do you not remember how this all ended before?
Kuros did not answer his own question, but he did remember, it was his hand that killed the priestess that was to be with him after all. Even after everything they shared she still wouldn't join him. Instead she chose to remain faithful and loyal to that harlot and her church and continue to live the pathetic lie like the rest of his kin.
Yes, she was a traitor, she was weak like all the rest, but you freed her from that. This was the excuse for the killing, even if a part of him was killed with her that day when his blade struck her down.
You are alone little Dark Lord, do you think this weapon of the Giants would follow you? Do you think she would even spare a moment of her time to support a failed creation of Gran Kain? A being that was nothing more than a weakling slave of those who created her? Get a grip she toys with you, you must be ruthless, take all and give none in return....or perish like the rest. The warning was stern enough, and despite what he thought about Lithillia he did grit his teeth and turn away from the mirror. A part of him dreaded her now that he knew what she was. So what now? Is she an enemy too then? Would she follow in the footsteps of her masters and bring the world back to the way it was before the fall of the Giants? While he was glad the Kamael were fighting against Shilen, he still had to wonder what would happen after. What would Lithillia do with him?

Kuros' thoughts went back to the rumors of the Giant within Ye Sagira and the Kamael soldiers that immediately took over after the ruins were taken by the Coalition Army. Was this the first step as well? He brought his hand to rub his temples when the question hit him. The conflicting emotions that stirred in him threatened to tear him apart. The paranoia, bitterness and....something else that he could not place. He narrowed his eyes then, his face contorting in anger. Enough! He shouted out in his mind to silence everything else as he tightened his white gloved hand to form a fist. He was in control, everything he did was his will alone and he would not fall to anyone despite what he did. He would not be ruled by fear, for he was fear itself and he would strike into the hearts of all that crossed him. "I will see all that I've planned and prepared for through." The vowed vocally. "None shall stop me." The last statement held an edge of icy steel and determination, he fully meant what he said. Kuros turned from the mirror then and walked out through the tent flap. He had a meeting to to attend to, it was time to find out what the other game pieces on the chess board were up to.

***Talking Island Town Square***

Kuros walked through the town center casually and at ease like a proper lord should be. He kept his eyes forward and only greeting those who took the time to do so. Most moved out of his way though and he didn't mind, while he always played up the ever charming Commander Stormblade routine when he dealt with the public today was just not a time for this. He marveled that the entire town was alive with festivities, members of all races were present and enjoying eachother's companies ever since the alliance was formed. It was almost as if his world came to be just for this one night, but he knew the truth behind this all. It was temporary he realized, only because they all face a common threat, Shilen. What would happen after she was destroyed? Would old barriers return? Would they war among themselves for power and superiority? He could certainly see the zealots of the Church of Einhasad look for the next target after Shilen, the remaining Dark Elves, the Kamael, perhaps himself even. He knew all too well the bounties the Church had out for him, though it has been so long since he showed his face, have they forgotten? Nobody here seems to have recognized him, even when he played he facade of Lord Stormblade among the people and showed his face without hiding behind the mask or in his case the helm of a Dark Lord. He looked up suddenly and the building he was looking for came into view. He could already see the Lords and Ladies of all races accumulate at the entrance. Good, things haven't started yet. Kuros quickened his pace and when he reached the gate guards he flashed the Silver Shield emblem.
"Lord Stormblade, of the Silver Shield." He spoke as he stood before the guardsman.
"My Lord, I am honored by your presence. I've heard so much about the Shield." The guard tipped his head slightly to acknowledge the station Kuros held. "They are expecting you, go on in."
Kuros smiled nodding at the man and tipped his head in return to be courteous. He knew that as a Lord he had no reason to acknowledge these men, but in the eyes of all, appearances were everything. He would win them over the other Lords. The doors opened before him and the young Lord stepped through.

[lithillia]

The coach pulled up in front of the place the ball was held, and Lith allowed the driver help her down.
She had decided that she did not want to ruin the dress by riding, and one of the soldiers at the camp had offered to drive her to and back from the event. He promised to come and get her when she sent for him, and asked her to enjoy her self at this fabulous ball.
She offered him a smile, and tried at the same time to convince her self that she would enjoy this, though she could feel butterflies flutter about in her belly.

She moved over the ground, almost like she was floating over it and not walking. Her shoes was completely hidden under the flowing gown, and she wore it with absolute perfection. She had even done her hair differently this evening, and let it flow freely down her back to show of the full length of it. Her so usually wild bangs where held back and kept in check by a silver hair clip, so none of her facial features were hidden. Her lips were naturally looking, but she had slightly painted them for the occasion. Her blush were all natural, and made her look not so pale like she normally would. Around her slender neck hung a necklace, silver like her hair, and the gem onyx and emerald, the green color standing in deep contrast to her red eyes. She had bought it that one day at the market, the day she had first came to town to meet Kekropus.

She lifted up the skirt so she could move up the stairs. She was glad to see that there was only a few more who made their trail up and into the large doors, it had already begun, and it meant she could sneak in and mingle with the rest with out having to many awkward events happening. Right now she felt a genuine fear of being seen, though she already knew she was gorgeous, she just wanted to observe everything from a silent corner until she could better understand what this was all about. She nodded and smiled to the two guards that she was approaching, and one of them returned it tiredly and held up a hand to gesture for her to stop.

"Are you with anyone, Miss?"
Miss... no she didn’t like being called that, she was used to be called 'ambassador' or 'my lady'... not Miss.
The guard looked at her, apparently a bit sick after greeting all the Lords and Ladies, and did not feel to indulge to title her higher until it was proven she was worth it. She had not been the first kamael he had seen that day either, and it was not that her beauty had not made him impressed, he just was not bothered about indulging her with that either.
"No, technically I am not. You see..." She started to give the explanation about how Dachande had sort of invited her to come, but that they had came separate because she had to get ready for the ball. Spur of the moment thing, she would have said and laughed quaintly, but she was not offered the chance.
"I am sorry then Miss, it seams like you have come in vain. You see, there is a limit to how many that can attend to the ball, and it is mostly reserved for the higher class people and their guests to day..."
Lith felt her self barely able to contain the surprised, the absolute shocked look that threatened to reveal it self on her facial features. He was being rude, he was telling her she could not enter, and he was being rude about it.
"You must give me time to explain..." She said, and the good tone she had previously displayed was vanished with her good mood.
"You already gave me the answer I needed, I am sorry but I have to ask you to leave the premises."
She balled her ungloved fist and felt this absolute urge to punch the soldier in the face, but luckely something prevented her from doing just that.
"Lady Lithillia." The male voice came from further to the side, and it held the apparent sound that she had been looked for and just now found.
"I was waiting for you, but it seams I was at the wrong place, I am glad you could make it."

Her eyes had already found the owner of the voice, and a tall silver haired kamael came towards her with a big friendly grin on his face. She swore she had never seen him before in her life, and studied him as he came closer. His hair was kept half way short, and combed back to lie flat to his head. He was dressed similar to Dachande, but all in white as her self, and the suit was adorned with golden buttons. He was quite the sight, so it felt natural for her to return the smile and pretend that she recognized the man.
He was at her side and offered his arm to her, and with a swift elegant movement she had snaked hers around his and gave the soldier a content little glare.
"Was there a problem soldier?" The stranger kamael asked friendly.
"No Lord Vadkar, everything is in order."
"Exelent, let us head inside, shall we Lady Lithillia?"
The female gave him a nod and followed him over to and in through the doors.

Well inside she stopped, making the male also halt and he looked down at her.
"Who are you?" She asked with a hushed tone, not wanting to get caught in the lie that she had come to this place with this one.
"I am Lord Vadkar, I am pleased to finally meet you, Young Lady Lithillia."
"And how is it that you knew I would be there? Who I was?"
"We have a mutual friend you and I, and he made sure I was to know that if you so were to come, I had to make sure that you had no troubles getting in or feel dismay in any sort of way."
"Who?" she demanded, not liking any games that had her being the party that did not know what the rules was.
"Our Master Kekropus, Lithillia."
She could not keep this surprise hidden, and felt some butterflies start back up their dancing.
"Is he here?" She tried to find the familiar face among the many gathered there, but it was hopeless to find him if he so was.
"He is. Somewhere... Are you thirsty? I will go and get us drinks."
He was gone in the crowd before she could protest and tell him she did not drink. And for some loyal feeling towards the master, she stayed put and waited.

"Here you are, I am sure you will like this fine white wine." He said, when returning with two glasses of wine.
Lithillia looked at it, feeling the scent of the liquid hit her senses and found that more pleasing than the vile drink she had tasted in Dachande's tent. She carefully tasted it, knowing it was alcohol in it and how it could affect her.
"It is lovely, is it not?" Yes she had to agree that it was, and again she took his arm when he offered it and followed him through the mingling people, not recognizing any of the faces.

What was she doing here? What was the point of this? Have fun? How? She stole a glance up to the stranger, up at this Lord Vadkar, and she could not understand how Kekropus had known that she would come, or how she would be in need of help to get in. Was it all a coincidence?
They stopped, and she saw now that they now stood at the edge of what had to be the dance floor, she looked out at it, and it seamed mostly empty and there was no music playing, not yet anyway.
"I hope you dance." he said with a smile, and she stared up at him.
Was this how kamaels behaved? Courteous, friendly, helpful and kind?
"No... well I don’t know."
"If you don’t mind, if you do care to, I would like to have one dance."
"Look...." she started, trying to find a way of how to say this next thing in the same manner he was speaking to her. " … I don’t think I will dance. But there is several other ladies here that I am sure would love to have a dance with you." It did not come out as sophisticated as she would have wanted it to.
Again he smiled friendly. "Of course Lady Lithillia, I will respect your wishes."
Vadkar did not leave her side, it would not be right of him to do so, leaving her alone at this crowded place with no one to anchor her down. She felt glad for this, but she could not hinder her eyes to search for someone else. Someone she knew would be there... Somewhere among the other.

[Kuros]

***A few hours later***

Kuros leaned over the balcony overlooking the dance floor. His eyes scanned over the crowds to take in the atmosphere of the place and to study the behavior of this place where the races mingled together. He almost chuckled to himself at the entire scene. Not too long ago they would have all slit eachother's throats whether it was for their religious differences, political views or just to prove their superiority. Now however, they seemed to be happy, they had a common enemy, hey had a reason to coexist. How close such a sight resembled his own perfect world....almost. The difference was that this would not last if they weren't held together by a strong guiding force, a vision that would unite them all permanently.

It was the thoughts of such power that brought him to the results of the meeting he just attended. It seemed that the rumors were true for once, there was a Giant located deep within the Ye Sagira ruins, it was confirmed by the adventurers that delved into them. There was more however, this Giant, the one called Hermuncus offered to form an alliance with the other races for his freedom. He claimed to have the power that was stolen from Einhasad long ago during the War of The Giants. The surviving Lords from the other races seemed to be all too willing to take the offer, none of them considered the implications of such a deal. Could he blame them though? Shilen was coming and she would bring about the end of all life on this world, the risk of letting such a creature out from his prison was trivial compared to what was to come if the mad goddess was not stopped. It was after all only one Giant.

Supported by an army created to fight the gods. A darker part of him added. It was enough to give him pause and contemplate that matters as well. The Kamael, they were still an enigma, their true purpose hasn't been revealed yet. Nornil spoke of an uncertain future when he delved into the ruins of their homeland but what kind of future she was talking about he wasn't sure. His thoughts turned to Kekropus and Lithillia, what plans did the Hierarch have for him? and why was he interested in him? Was Lithillia a way for the Hierarch to spy on him? Of the many factions on Talking Island the Silver Shield were mostly a self sufficient force that didn't really answer to anyone. Kuros sighed, he liked the Elder Kamael, he respected him. After all the winged being treated him with nothing but respect, and he spoke of Lithillia almost as if she were a gift to him when he asked him to take care of her.
Be vigilant in all and skeptical of all. Again the dark voice in his mind spoke in caution. She saved my life. He would have countered.
Only after she almost took it and do not forget, it was the Silver Knight she saved, not YOU. His own counter was turned against him by the dark voice. Kuros narrowed his eyes, he did not like the way his thoughts were going. He wanted Lithillia to be loyal to him, he wanted all the Kamael to be what they claimed to be, free spirited and unbound by the gods, they would have thrived in his world as as he and the others who followed him would.

"Excuse me?" The voice was feminine and very pleasant to the ears Kuros found. He turned and the first thing that caught his eye was the gorgeous single white wing followed by the Kamael's beautiful crimson eyes and then the rest of her features.
"Lord Stormblade is it?" She asked and tilted her head to the side with mild amusement in her eyes. Her cheeks flushed slightly, a hint that she caught the young Lord staring.

Kuros got a grip on himself immediately and straightened. "Yes, my Lady?" The lord bowed politely to the winged female as he spoke and waited for her name.
"Chardice." She replied pleasantly to him and felt her eyes on him. She was trying to read him no doubt.
"Lady Chardice then." Kuros would speak in polite tones before straightening and examining the kamael himself. This one was beautiful, she definitely took care of herself. She seemed to be more ladylike than Lithillia as well, but that is something Kuros never truly cared about. "To what honor am I graced with your presence, my Lady?"
The kamael giggled slightly. "You are as much a charmer as you are a fighter on the battlefield my Lord." She spoke offering him another smile after the complement, "I noticed you came alone."
Kuros shifted his gaze slightly to the side unsure if he liked where this was going. "Yes, my Lady." He replied keeping his tone even and collected.
"I see." The young Lord shifted his gaze to her once more when she spoke the simple phrase. "You and your men contributed quite a bit to the taking of the Ruins. The townsfolk speak of the courage and valor of the Silver Shield." She began and took a few steps closer to him. Kuros tilted his head to the side, but other than that he kept silent for fear of letting his mask down. "I would personally like to thank you on behalf of my people on helping us secure the ruins. The site is very important to my kin."

"You are most certainly welcome Lady Chardice. The Silver Shield protects." Kuros bowed to the woman once more and recited the motto that his mercenaries were well known for. Inside though he felt a stab of uncertainty. Her words once more reminded him of the meeting and the way things were going, he barely registered her hand on his.
"Would the Lord honor me with a dance?" The sweet voice shattered any thoughts he would have at this moment as it demanded his attention on her again.
"My lady...I..." Kuros wanted to protest, in truth he should have left the moment the meeting was over, for this very reason.
"I insist my Lord." She would giggle again and speak in the polite tones. Before he knew it the Kamael lead him by the hand down the stairs. As she did the crowds parted before them and she would return their gestures with a smile. "I hope my Lord is as skilled at the dance as he is with his blades." She teased him and slowly lead him to the dance floor.

[lithillia]

Lithillia nodded idly to the conversation that Vadkar had with her, but her mind was else where and her gaze still searched the crowds. It was by accident that she saw him, the movements of the ones in the staircase made her eyes draw to the left and she saw him then. She smiled automatic, happy to have been so lucky to spot him among the strangers.

The smile on her face melted and was as if washed away by a new feeling and her eyes darted from Dachande to the female kamael leading him by the hand.

Her?

Everything grew quiet, the sounds around her was not even muffled, they were gone, and for a moment she lifted her hand to her chest to feel for the object that had to cause the pain she felt there. Her eyes could not let go the kamael girl, recognizing her from days earlier when she had come to Kekropus for council. Her hair, silver bright, bounced around her in perfect curls as she turned her head to smile back at Dachande, the bronze tone to the skin was even more vibrant to day making Lithilla feel ash gray. The single wing were held high and pride, and the shimmer of gold that rimmed the feathers made Lith feel sick with envy.

And yes, I am going to town for a while, there is a Ball there, though my business is with the Lords.
His words echoed in her mind. Business with the lords? She asked her self. Oh she understood very well now, he had meant to come here for to meet... that... one.
Again her chest felt pierced, as if she was run through by a glowing hot poker. Or a half dull sword thrust through her flesh making this bleeding hole. She felt her self gasp for air.
"Are you alright Lady Lithillia?" Vedkar looked down at her, with a worry that extended so far to taint his words.

She was not sure, but she felt her eyes meet with Dachandes for a moment, and right after she broke the contact.
She felt betrayed somehow, why had it to be her? Could he not keep to one of those plain looking human females?

She understood so much that the Silver Knight was a very serious man, someone who valued honor and duty first of all. But why did he have to choose that one for to dance with, when he had sort of invited her to the ball.
Had he done it out of pity? Hoped she would be busy with others all night to not notice that he was having his own private fun?

Vedkar tried to look over at what ever had caused the young kamael to react the way she did, the hurt look on her face had to have a cause, but she had looked away before he could follow the stare. Lithillia swallowed once, trying to make sense of these surprisingly strong feelings and handed the barely touched wine to Vedkar again.
"I need some air." she said, and her voice held the warning that she would be going alone.
"Very well. I will be here when you return."
She nodded at this and walked away in such a speed that folk parted a way for her.

Her knuckles whitened as they clutched the skirts, holding them up so her feet could place them self safely onto the ground. The tall doors came to view, and she was glad there was not many others down here.
How could it be that he had invited her if he had not meant what he had said? Did he think she would enjoy her self surrounded by strangers? Was she a fool for thinking he would want to spend his time with her?
Her mind stopped the trail. Had she expected him to? Had she hoped for it?
Lithillia shook her head and hurried out the door and started moving down the stairs, but then suddenly she was held back by a stronger arm. Fingers locked around her overarm, and she turned around and hissed at the person responsible for hindering her escape.
"I want to be left alone!"

"Child, I just wanted to say hello and welcome, but you raced past me with out as much as a passing glance. Forgive me for stopping you this way."
Kekropus? Her mind only was able to whisper the name, and the girl stared up into her masters face.
"No," she half croaked. "Forgive me."
Seeing him made her want to bow down, but also just lean into him for comfort. This feeling that tormented her felt new and it confused her. Dachande was just her... Friend? And if he preferred that other, what was it to her to care?
"Leaving so soon? Are you not having a good time?" The voice of Kekropus was deep and friendly, at the same time as he demanded answers.
"No, no I was." Could she lie to him? Say she felt tired? Would she tell him of her surprisingly new feelings, that were tearing her apart? Perhaps he could help her make sense of them?
She was being envious of the female kamael, her beauty was so far greater, and she was apparently not the only one who thought so.
"I am just..." She tried to go for the lie, she did not want to owe up to the fact she was leaving because of a other female kamael. She did not want to tell him that she felt like a lesser kamael because she was not the prettiest around. She could even tell how small she would have to seam in the masters eyes if she did.

Being what she was, was not easy. A kamael with no memory of who she was, and only small bits of information of how she came to even be existing. She was godless, once hidden from all races and perhaps even hidden from the gods them self.
She gazed up at the elder, remembering how he had been mentioned by Nornil in the caves. She had not yet read the book, and she did not think that this was the right time to ask him about what he knew about all this.

"Did something happen, young Lithillia." She could not hide her feelings from revealing them self in her eyes at the question. She shrugged to try and regain some feeling of self control.
"You know, not everything is how they might seam at first glance..."
Wait, did he know? Or was he just speaking out of his experience?
Lithillia shrugged again, feeling ever more so as a child in his presence.
"Do not be so hasty to judge, that will only cause hardship. One must value time and use it to gather the truth of things. If we do not we are nothing more than blind and ignorant beings." He placed a heavy hand onto her shoulder, gripping it slightly to show his support.
"But that will be your decision, if you want to stay or leave the ball behind."
She cast a glance over her shoulder, looking down the stairs before returning her eyes to the elder.
"I will stay, and find the truth of things."
He nodded to this. "Perhaps you would indulge me with a dance later, what say you young Lithillia?"
"I would love to, thank you Master Kekropus."
The other kamael smiled then and placed a hand onto her back, guiding her back inside.

Lithillias hands were clutching the fabric once again, lifting the skirts up as she walked. She tried to make sense of her reaction, and she figured out it was envy. She envied the female kamael. Envied her beauty that could make /any/ man want to dance with her.

[Kuros]

“Is something wrong my Lord?” The question caused Kuros to snap his focus back to Chardice. “No Lady Chardice.” He replied and focused once more on the dance, he didn’t want to offend the lady after all.

“You are tense.” She pointed out and gave his hand a slight squeeze. “You should try to relax more. I may be a kamael but I don’t bite.” Chardice smiled and teased him with her sweet voice. For everything that he read about this race he found her as exactly as the others described them. Polite, majestic and friendly, yet he remembered all too well what they were capable of through Lithillia.

Kuros nodded and smiled at her and tried to focus, but every time he did all he saw was Lithillia and the look on her face when she saw him. Her behavior confused him, it was as if this dance he was having bothered her. She left shortly after and he lost her. A part of him wanted to go after her and see what the problem was, she was after all assigned to him as an ambassador by the Hierarch and he did not want to strain the relations between the Shield and the kamael. His more logical side however warned him to finish the dance with the Lady Chardice, she too was a representative of her people by extension and he could not afford to seem rude. He would deal with the ambassador later he decided, yet as he thought on his course of action he felt a pang of what? Guilt? Get a grip on yourself! His stern inner voice warned him. Don’t fall apart now.

The music picked up a bit and their movements became more aggressive. Kuros stepped in and then to the side before maneuvering the kamael to spin around him so that she rested her back against his chest with his arm around her. The move took some effort on both dancing partners, Kuros with keeping enough distance so he didn’t get a face full of wing and then Chardice who had to make sure she was able to move through the opening in his arm without hitting him. In the end the sequence was executed perfectly.

“From the way you move, it would appear that you have spent a lot of time around my kin.” Chardice spoke and chuckled lightly while she took the moment to rest against him.

“Thank you, my Lady.” Kuros replied. “But truth be told..” He reversed the spin then and executed the next part of the dance where she would be back to facing him. “This is the first time I have danced like this with a Kamael.”

“Truly?” The kamael looked at him and smiled softly. “Then you adapt well.”

This time it was the young Lord’s turn to chuckle. “Haven’t you heard?” He returned the smile with one of his own. “It’s what humans are well known for.” He was rewarded with her laughter and she stepped in closer to him when the final slow segment of the music played. They shared the moment in silence and played the song out to the end. When everything was finished he bowed to her and she returned a courtesy as was the custom. They thanked each other for the time and she once more told him of her appreciation of what the Shield did at the ruins, then they went their separate way and Kuros found himself alone once more. Not wanting to feel out of place he made his way towards the exit. He accomplished what he came for, he no longer had a purpose here.

[lithillia]

Lithillia walked back in to the big hall where the ball was held, Kekropus kept their conversation going while guiding her inside with his hand on her back.
Slowly the female kamael felt the calm come back to her, though her mind were still trying to make sense of the way she had reacted just a few minutes earlier.

She would have to talk with Dachande about this. What she would say she was unsure of, but she had to find out something that could bring clarity to her confused mind. During this, it was hard for her to focus on where she was walking, but soon she saw someone come down towards them, and she lifted her head to make sure she was not on a colliding course. Right then when her eyes recognized the figure, she felt something rise to her cheek and her face grew warm at the sight.
There he was, Dachande. Was he coming after her or... was he in fact leaving already?
"Kekropus... Will you excuse me for a moment?"
The elder kamael followed her eyes to the silver shield knight, and nodded. "Go young one, I will be inside waiting for you."
Lithillia thanked him and made her way over to meet Dachande, trying to intercept his path.

Kuros made his way past the crowds, expertly dodging and weaving around them as to not get stopped for idle talk. As he made his way he did wonder where Lithillia was. The look on her face still bothered him to some degree, though he did not know why. In truth he hoped she would enjoy herself here, or at least have a chance to mingle with her own kind. He was so sure she would welcome the distraction as opposed to being stuck with a bunch of humans.
And to keep her closer to you? The dark voice suggested and that gave him pause right in the middle of his steps. He never really thought of it that way, was this what it was all about? Kuros shook his head to get the thought out, it sounded so silly.

He continued to make his way up the stairs only to find the familiar winged form approaching from the distance. Lithillia. His mind would call out her name as he quickly recognized her in the gown.
Again the dark lord paused in his steps and he found himself staring as she approached. Her long silver hair hung their full length with the bangs that normally covered her face kept in check by silver hair clips. Her fully exposed face had a certain blush to it and it was further defined by her tinted red lips, it was something he did not notice before. The neck was fully exposed and her shoulders were bare to show the soft milky skin of hers. The silver necklace hung there and the onyx and emerald gem gleamed in the light, a deep contrast to her red eyes. Her majestic wing was neatly tucked away behind her.

He watched Lithillia move over the ground, almost like she was floating over it. Her shoes were completely hidden but the movements were executed with perfection. She was beautiful, and for the first time the thought really struck him home. It wasn't just saying it anymore, he realized that he truly found her attractive and now he was staring.

"There you are." she said trying to sound casual and relaxed, but she noticed that her words betrayed the fact that she had been looking for him. "I did not think I would see you here. I mean.... Away from the dance floor."
The memory of him dancing with that other kamael made the back of her mind hiss, and a lump in her chest chewed away on her confidence. She tried to ignored that as best as she could and gave him one of her usual stares. Her eyes would be piercingly as she tried to give him all her attention at the same time as she tried to puzzle the confusing bits in her mind.

Kuros barely registered the words, he barely noticed that she came right up to him, that's how lost he seemed to be in the kamael's appearance and then the piercing gaze she gave him. She drew him in like a siren's call.
In truth he did not expect any of this, sure he gave her the gown but he wasn't expecting to find such beauty. The gown looked better on the kamael than it did on it's original owner even.

The human blinked and tore his gaze away from her a bit. He felt a chill down his spine, he shouldn't be feeling like this. "I had not intended to go to the dance floor, I was caught off guard by one of your kin." He spoke in a plain tone, or at least tried to except that the kamael was still looking at him with her piercing gaze. The moment was so intense that he could almost feel her out, it was as if she only saw him and everything around was darkness. "I had very little choice without sounding rude."

Your kin... Her thoughts repeated after him, trying to taste the tone of his voice. Was he saying it in a negative way? Her kin? She looked at him trying to decipher the meaning of it, seeing if he was unhappy about it, or even annoyed.
"I see...." She replied shortly after and her eyes stared down for a short minute. She moved her one hand over the skirt of the dress unfolding a slight crease, while trying to figure out something to say that didn’t regard her kind or the dance floor.
She felt held back. No not held back. Lost...

From how she had came to know her self, she was not the one to lower her gaze and pat out folds on her dress. This seamed so odd, it was like she was outside of her own body looking down at this strange kamael that looked just like her.
"...Are you leaving then?"

Kuros gave her an inquisitive glance. He watched her very carefully, studying every movement she made, every gesture and expression on her face. He tried to read the kamael as he got a rather odd feeling that there was something up with her, though he couldn't figure it out either.
Or maybe he did and he didn't want to admit it to himself for fear that he could be wrong?

"The meeting is over between the Lords, so yes, I was my intention to leave." He paused when she looked down. "...is something wrong Lithillia?" He called by her name, for some reason he skipped the title she had and made the conversation more personal as opposed to professional.

"No. Nothing is wrong." She answered quickly. "I was under the impression you thought this event would be fun, and now I wonder if you never had planned to take part in that fun..."
She was again looking up at him, slowly leveling her eyes with his when he had called her by the name, and she blinked a few times.
"I guess I was wrong... And I will go back to Kekropus... and my kin."
Was she just going to let him go like that? What else were she going to do? Ask him to stay? To stay with her there?

The way she looked at him made his eyes soften. She looked so lost so...small? And the way she questioned him about the ball. It was as if she was hoping he would partake in the festivities.
He paused for a moment as he analyzed her words. Did it truly seem like it? He did attend such things before in the past but that was....then. Had he truly died that much?

"Lithillia...." He began, unsure how to handle this situation.
In the old days he would have been all over the kamael, sure such beauty would have caught his eye and he would have acted upon it. So what stopped him now? "..are you not enjoying yourself here?"

The kamael looked down again. No she was not having fun. Not really. So far its been crowded with people talking about things she found uninteresting, that she could not remember, and it just seamed so fake.
Was everyone so happy as they seamed? Smiling, dancing and talking?

She had to stay, she had promised Kekropus to dance... But the only one she knew here beside the elder, was this human.
"I find my self on unfamiliar grounds Dachande. I know how to move amongst soldiers... but not regular people. I don’t know how to enjoy this."
There it was, at least she had been honest.
Her hand moved up to her face by old habit to move her bangs out of her face, but there was no hair to put away so she let her hand drop down and fold with the other in front.

"I see." Kuros spoke after he heard the kamael girl out. He realized that he did make a mistake. He shouldn't have suggested for her to come here.
You brought her here to keep her close, didn't you? His dark voice taunted him once more, it laughed and criticized him. He grit his teeth and shut it out once more. He looked up at the kamael and gave her an apologetic nod.
"I'm sorry that you are not enjoying yourself here, Lithillia. I shouldn't have suggested this." He turned slightly from her as if trying to think a few things over. "Come, let us leave this place then. I shall not have you suffer here any longer. I am done here anyway."

She nodded at first and started to walk a few steps towards the doors leading outside. He apparently understood as well that she did not belong here.

Where did she belong? She glanced up at him, taking in the man beside her. His long blond hair lied down his back moving with him as he did.
She didn’t sigh, but she felt like doing so, and that also made her feel a bit more uneasy.
No she would go back to the camp and do what she had grown used to. She would do as Kekropus had told her to. She would stay with the Lord and his men until she felt better.

Kekropus.

"Wait." She stopped and half turned back to the ballroom.
"I promised to have a dance with the Elder... I can not be disrespectful and just leave him to wait there and have me never show up."
She looked back at Dachande, almost as if she apologized for not being able to leave with him.

The human looked up at the Lithillia when she turned to to face him. He reached up to his own face and brushed a few locks of blonde hair away from his eyes so those crystalline greens were able to make contact with her crimson orbs.
"It's ok Lithillia." He spoke softly when she gave him the apologetic look. He reached out with his hand toward her then. "Come, I'll take you to him then."


Lithillia lowered her eyes and gazed at his hand and then back up on his face. Did he want her to take it?
She looked then down at her own hand, and flexed it once. Could she just reach out for him, what would that mean anyway. Would it mean something if anything?
Why was she even worried about this anyway?

She found her courage, afraid to cause any scene, and just let her hand meet his and as soon as their skin met her heart started to beat a bit faster.
You must get a hold of your self. This is not becoming you... You are not one of those girls! Her mind complained to her state of mind and behavior, but still she let her self look up at him and give him a short, but true smile.
" Thank you."

Kuros' hand closed in around hers. He brought her into him then before allowing his hand to slide up along hers and forward to interlock them at the elbows. He nodded politely to her when she thanked him and smiled.

The two walked back down the stairs and made their way to the ballroom dance floor. The crowds seemed to stop what they were doing and just stare at the pair. There were whispers going on among them, and Kuros definitely heard them but he also ignored it all. Instead he focused on the gorgeous kamael by his side.
"I gave it some thought to what you said earlier." He began as they continued to walk, taking their time slowly. "I didn't mean to sound like I don't enjoy such events. I used to go to these events quite often when I was younger actually. Back in my days when I was yet a Squire."
What Kuros spoke was the truth, he did enjoy such moments when he still lived his old life before the fall. "Truth be told it was to see all the beautiful women. As strange as it might seem I used to chase them around a lot."

She wanted firs to react to the the fact he used the word younger. Though it might apply to say so, he was still young, but she didn’t protest the point as he continued to talk.
She looked up at him as he whispered to her, not really noticing much of what went on around them as she focused on him with all she had.

How old was she?
Lithillia wasn’t even sure if she knew that... The elder called her young but that could be for many reasons. She understood as much that Kekropus was very old, and most would be young compared to him.
Her face did not witness of old age, but Kekropus did not look old either.

When Dachande mentioned the beautiful women her fragile trail of thought shattered.
"You did?" Was she even surprised at that? Yes... She could not picture him in such a way. He was all about his work now, and she had rarely seen him do anything social that had nothing to do with his work.
Come to think of it, he had also come here to do some meeting. this was not a social call one last bit.

The picture hat she held of him changed then and she saw him now smiling, conversing and dancing... The latter vision made her stomach knot, so she tried to figure out something to say that diverted her from thinking about it.
"So what changed it all?"

The question made him grow silent for the moment and he recalled the past once more. He had found someone, it was during such an event as this. It was a priestess of Einhasad, a newly ordained one that returned his affections.
It was a typical boy meets girl moment, they shared a dance, they spoke about how much fun they had and then came the moment where she kissed him. Things went on from there, they began to see each other more and more and after a while they fell in love. At least up until the day where he turned against the church and the love they had for each other came down crashing and burning.

Kuros looked back at the Kamael. "The Black Knight..." He said and lead her to where Kekropus stood.

The black knight? Only her mind dared to ask the question that started a whole trail of others to follow. Lithillia looked up at the elder that greeted them as they came to stand before him.

She didn’t want to pursue the questions, in worry that it could bring some more unwanted attention from Kekropus. She had not told the elder what she had experienced with the Black knight, nor was this the right time to do so.

Lithillias face turned into a smile, even if she felt confused she pretended everything was alright and bowed her head in respect for the male kamael.

The music that was playing, started to end, and the people dancing stopped as well and thanked each other for the lovely time they have had during the enjoyment of the dance. She let her eyes move over to them, feeling a bit nervous knowing she would be out there soon, and she felt unsure if she could move as they did to the music.

"Enjoying your evening Lord Stormblade?" Kekropus asked smilingly.

Kuros studied the elder kamael, the man had a way of unnerving him in ways other people didn't.
Kuros bowed to the Kekropus respectfully just as Lithillia had. He ensured his movements were perfectly executed and without flaw. He had an image to keep up, especially with the female kamael by his side.
"I am Heirarch, though I admit it has been a while since I attended such an event. I only wish the Lady Lithillia here did the same. It would be a shame to have a woman as beautiful as her hide in the shadows all the time."
The elder kamael only chuckled and Kuros watched him shoot a gaze at the female followed by a disarming smile. He then found the Heirarch's eyes on him.
"The Lady Lithillia is young yet, my lord, just as you are. She still has much to learn. Perhaps you would teach her?"
Kuros was taken back by Kekropus' words, teach her? Teach her how?
"My Lord?" He would ask the question for the kamael to clarify.
"The Lady Lithillia here owes me a dance, but I'm afraid I'm not as young as I used to be. So as a request from me, I would ask you to take my place young lord. Show the Lady how to have a good time. If you do this for me I would be grateful."

Lithillias eyes darted from the elder to the knight. A trade of? Dachande to take Kekropus place? She kept looked between them a few times more, and then she figured that she were expected to say something.
She did not want to force either of the men to dance with her. maybe they were all better of if she would just stand still. Who knew what would happen if she stepped out on the floor.
Kuros bowed before the elder kamael. He could hardly believe what he heard, the Heirarch wanted him to teach the female to dance.
"I would be honored to do so, Hierach." The young lord straightened himself out just as Lithillia spoke up her reply.
"I would not mind that, if he would not mind." She let her eyes stay onto Dachandes face and she would have a surprised look on her own right after she had spoken the words.
You had only to decline. What are you up to? Her thoughts mulled annoyed.
Kuros caught her gaze and the surprise in them. His green orbs sought her crimson ones at that moment and he smiled to her. It was something he wasn't expecting either but he hid the surprise. "I don't mind one bit, Lady Lithillia." His tones were soft, pleasant, it was a type of tone he hasn't really used in a long time and before he knew it he lead the kamael to the middle of the dance floor.

The crowds parted for them both, and the room became silent as the people looked on at the Lord Stormblade and the Kamael. Kuros turned once more to face her and took a step back from her before he bowed to her.
"May I have this dance. My lady?" The golden locks fell forward and hung in front of his face momentarily until he straightened out. His eyes locked on the kamael's once more and he smiled while she kept her eyes on him when he bowed down. She immediately made a little curtsy letting her knees bend just enough for it to look right.
"Yes, you may." She responded automatic, and with a short glance she looked out over the gathered who stared at them. At the return of her gaze the eyes would be filled with some form of panic.
Don’t let anyone see this emotion that fill our eyes. Her though demanded. Collect your self, don’t be so pathetic.
Lithillia drew her breath to steady her self, hoping he would lead her in the dance, as well as he would lead his men into battle...

[spudnik]

((i told yas all, swooning.))

[Kuros]

((oi Spuddy just wait for the next segment ))

[lithillia]

(( *Chuckles* Ill hurry up and work on the next parts, there is a bit to write here and there, and im slow sorry! Loved the picture! Who made it ? ))

[lithillia]

Kuros took a step towards her, his eyes remained locked with the Kamael as he placed one hand on her waist and his other hand took hers to the side slightly. He blinked for a moment at Lithillia, his mind barely comprehending that this was actually happening. He was truly going to dance with the ambassador, the very woman whom he clashed with and barely saw eye to eye with, until the last few recent weeks. His hand glided across the fabric, giving him a familiar feeling of when his late love wore it once. This for some reason felt right, he didn't know why but with Lithillia it felt alright.
The music started to play and Kuros squeezed her hand slightly to get her prepared. He saw the panic in her eyes and smiled gently. "It's alright." He whispered to her, "I won't let you falter."

Lithillia had seen how the other pairs would hold their hands on the other partner, and she rested her one in his palm and moved the second to rest onto his shoulder.
For a minute her mind calculated all the combat benefits from this position, how she could win over him in just a few step and send him thudding to the ground.

It had been a while since she had been this close to anyone, really last time it had been one of those trainings she have had with his men. She smiled wide, the memories of that made her feel calmer, and being near a other soldier felt more safe.
Even if you are on the middle of a dance floor? her mind asked her. Even then.. she thought quickly after.

The kamael let the music fill her, to be an extra help for her movements as she counted the beats in the rhythm, but she did not move until he started to lead her.

A second memory opened up for her, seeing the two dancing kamaels in her mind. It was that very same she had seen when she was in Dachandes tent earlier, and they were looking into each others eyes so Lithillia lifted her gaze and locked hers to his.
Ready or not.... She breathed out a bit, nervous still but she would do this, she would not embarrass her self.

While she was going through all of this, Kuros allowed her the short moment to look around, to get familiar with the setting and how others acted. He almost pitied her for sending her out here to this ball. She truly was out of her element he realized. He half way expected her to come up with an excuse that she wasn't feeling too well but he found himself surprised when she rested her gentle hand in his palm and the other on his shoulder.

The young lord tilted his head down to see her hand on his shoulder, his bangs falling from their resting place behind his ear to hang in front of him. He waited for Lithillia to get comfortable and then looked back up at her just as she looked at him. His heart seemed to skip a beat when his green orbs met with her crimson ones, despite their differences she was beautiful and having her so close to him like felt like his entire body was going to burst into flame and immolate itself.
"You look very beautiful, ambassador." He spoke to her by her title, he dared not use her name. His tone was polite and gentle though, despite all that was happening, he appeared all calm and collected. With his words said, he squeezed her hand to signal that their first step was to the right and then his right foot moved in the direction he indicated for the first slow piece of the song.

When she heard his words, her cheeks blushed a bit more, and when he then begun to move, she followed him into the dance and bowed her head to see their feet.
Lithillia would have cursed. No of the other pairs were looking down at the feet, but she had to see to get into the movements.
At the same time her chest grew warmer and it spread through out all of her body. He found her beautiful, he had just told her. She looked up at him stolen before checking their feet again. He meant it too?

Suddenly the steps made sense. If she were a quick learner or if she sort of remembered them, she wasn’t sure, but her body started to move with his, and she grew confident that he would guide her safe through it all. After all, he had not let her down before, had he?
Lithillia parted her lips next, in a wider smile. Her pearly whites framed by her painted lips, and her eyes sparked as the light of the room hit them, staring into his.

Kuros' eyes observed Lithillia's actions, everything from her blush that he noted to the way she looked down to see where her feet were going. He could sense her frustration and he remained quiet and patient with her. He tilted his head to the side, his green eyes softening slightly when she looked up at him again as if something hit her.

The song continued on and he lead her all the way while giving her hints to which direction they were going to. He smiled too when she grew more confident and that smile widened when she smiled at him. Then came the moment of the song where the movements became aggressive. He stepped to the side and out suddenly and brought his hand up over her head to form an arch and then spun her. Just like with Chardice, Kuros maneuvered himself to the side, his steps taking him to a position where it would leave enough room for her wing to pass through as she spun and have his arm ready to catch her when she came out of the spin.

This new movement had caught her by surprise for a split second, but she moved along with him and had to break their eye contact as she moved under his arm.
It would look like one fluid movement as her steps were hidden under her gown, and she felt proud to have caught his sudden change of pace.
Lithillia made her eyes to find his as soon as she begun to move out from under his arm, watching him from the corner of her eye. Just as she her body had completed the spin around, she lifted her wing just a touch to brush against his chin.

He saw the look in her eyes when she looked at him from the corner of her eyes. Then came the unexpected move caught him off guard when the wing lifted and brushed against his skin.
Time seemed to low for him at that moment, the music and the dance all but stopped. What he saw was her eyes, just as he felt the feathers on her wing brush against him gently. He closed his eyes and tilted his head slightly as if to lean into it. His mouth parted slightly to let out a slight sigh.

Kuros felt her shift suddenly and he knew she was coming out of the spin. He shifted his footing, stepping into her and then to the side to allow her back to fall against his chest gently with his arm just under her chest. His chin rested over her shoulder for that short moment, and at that moment pressed his cheek against her. The scent of roses assailed his nose and he breathed in deep just as the warmth of her skin burned his cheek and the softness of her silver hair tickled his skin.

Lithillia felt her self touch his form with her back, and the soft sound of him taking in her scent made her close her eyes and smile softly.

His cheek resting against hers, it felt but a little cooler than her own, and it was pleasant too, like a reward that she had waited for.
Her free hand moved up by instinct and with the inside of her hand and fingers, she let her self feel his cheek. The moment seamed to last longer, slowed down by the intensity of the act, but the touch was just as feather light as the brush of the wing had been.

Kuros' eyes widened then and he let out a slight gasp against her when he felt her soft hand brush against his face. The feeling was very pleasant, it was something he had not felt for a long time and again it made his heart race wildly. His arm around her tightened then, almost as if to press her into him even more. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. The young lord allowed himself to forget where they were and who he was for the moment. He purged any thought of his desire for her power or the hate he felt for this world and focused on the warmth of the woman he shared the moment with.

It was to linger as long as possible, and he took taking every second to enjoy it before he opened his eyes and reversed the turn to spin her once more to face him. He stepped back, leading her by the hand to complete the reversed turn and then once more stepped in and pulled her close to him. His hand once more rested on her waist as the slow segment of the song started to play.
"Lith....." He would whisper her name quietly though for what reason he did not know. The girl had him bewitched, of that there was no doubt. She was beautiful, there was no doubt about it and he found himself wanting to be close to her.

Her hand found its way back on top of his shoulder, and she brushed away some strands of his hair before she let it settle completely. It was a instinctive movement, and the golden hair settled in its new place perfectly.
She barely heard him whisper out her shortened nickname, and again she lifted her gaze to look up at him.

But he is just a human... her mind reminded her, and she tilted her head as if she pondered that fact.

She went through the details of info that she had about humans. The most disturbing fact about them was that they lived so short. How come they were cursed whit few years? Just that alone, did it not make it pointless for them to even exist.
The thought made her sad, and she leaned into him, her cheek onto his chest, feeling glad he was there.
She was surprised by the emotion, it confused her, and all the questions she had been trying to sort out before started to mull in her head again.

Lithillia moved with him now with out thinking about it, it felt natural now, it came as easy as fighting for her.
The hand on his shoulder moved a bit closer to his neck, feeling the curtain of hair touch the skin as she did, and let it linger there for a while.

He sighed internally when he felt her hand brush the golden strands of his hair from his face. In truth he found himself liking the attention. What the kamael did not know is that her movements mimicked the actions of his past love, she always brushed through his hair with a delicate hand and then look up at him just as the kamael did now. The more he looked at her the more she reminded him of that time, except that the kamael was much stronger and had a ferocity that the priestess didn't.

Kuros didn't mind it one bit though, perhaps she was better suited for the way he was now. His thoughts trailed back to the dark lord then. What would the she think if she found out he was the very black knight that fought her in the ruins and then lead her on a wild chase in Nornil's Gardens. What would she think if she found out the Shield was nothing more than a ruse to spy on all the different factions to monitor the Church to see their moves against Shilen. And what of the rest of her kin? Why did they have to ally themselves with the masses, why couldn't they just join him, they could have shaped the world together to make it a better place, she could have been by his side.

The thought did not sit well with him as the two continued their slow dance, would they become enemies after this? The thought made him sad just as unknowing to him hers made her feel the same but for a different reason. The moment was shattered for him though when the hand she had on his shoulder moved closer to his neck and lingered there. His crystalline greens focused on her silver hair when she rested her cheek against his chest and softened, as if trying to tell her he was not her enemy.
"I truly meant what I said, Lithillia." His voice was quiet and soft, it was only meant for her to hear. "You really are beautiful, and that is something I should have told you earlier."

She almost lost her breath for a moment, feeling the burn in her chest once more and this time even more intense.
You like him....A human...
Could she deny it? Or was it just the situation? Being close, dancing, wearing pretty clothes and the music? Just a ruse?

She knew she was beautiful, all of her race was, but it felt important that he thought so too. He had shown little evidence of this opinion before, not like the others. Dachande had not offered her long cast stares or given into her wishes... or had he?
When she had not seen?
Or....
She felt afraid all of the sudden, and she could not make her self smile, and her fingers gripped his shoulder a bit more. Lithillia experienced a creeping dizziness, and she tried to shrug it of but could not. The kamael leaning even more onto the human dance partner.

This made him smile once more when he felt her lean more into him and their proximity closed in. His hand that held hers guided it to his other shoulder just as his own slid down to wrap itself around her waist to lock her into an embrace. He pressed his chin down against her head and breathed in the sweet scent of roses she had in her silver hair. Kuros' hand glided up her back, his hand tracing through the strands of her hair almost as if to caress them.
He shifted his cheek then to the point where his lips pressed against the top of her head. He remained with her like this all the way until the dance was over. If there were anyone staring, which he was sure there was, he did not care. All that mattered to him now was the closeness to this beautiful kamael and the moment of peace they shared.

"Let's get out of here." The young lord whispered against her hair. His warm breath spilling over her as he did.
She felt a slight worry at first. Was he not enjoying him self here with her there?
His action and tone of voice spoke against it, so the bad feeling was chase away as soon as it had come.

She opened up her eyes and noticed all the other ones dancing around them, or standing watching the ones dancing.
Yes she wanted to get out of there, it felt uncomfortable thinking she would be among all the others with out being held close like this.
Yes, she wanted to go home in fact. Try and sort out her thoughts and feelings.
She half way pushed her self away from him, looking up this time, and her face was a bit pale. She always were, now just a bit more and her cheeks would be blush with red color.

That was when she felt it. A hunger she could not quite explain, but it felt familiar too. Lithillia gazed into his eyes, and a hint of the feeling lingered in them.

"Let's..." she answered, her voice just meant for him, spoken in the same hushed tone that he used, just loud enough to win over the sound of the music.

Kuros looked back into her eyes, at first he saw the paleness of her skin when she half pushed herself away from him, then the red flush in her cheeks, but then there was something else he saw when he gazed into her eyes. He saw the emotion in there and then he saw the hunger. He felt a chill down his spine suddenly, his actions lead him to this, he knew, but to get such a strong response, that is something he did not expect. He paused and just stared at her in this moment almost as if lost in that gaze of hers.

Let's. Her sweet voice was received by his ears and his only. He found himself wrapping his arm around her back then, his hands lightly brushing against the wing while his other hand held hers. The crowds parted for them, all in silence as they too watched on and were taken in by the moment of their dance and then the look they had for each other. The pair left in silence and as they did the gathered lords and ladies applauded them. They truly liked what they saw.

Lithillia tried to not look back at the others they passed by, and the applause barely came through to her as she moved to match his speed and movement across the floor. 
There was something though, that tugged at the back of her head, so she half turned, while still walking, and she met the eyes of Kekropus.

Did he smile?

She met his gaze with her own, not smiling back, feeling almost terrified and safe at the same time. It did not matter did it, what others thought?

She saw the others then. Most of them seamed happy about what they had seen, clapping their hands soundlessly to her ears.

A human..... Her thought repeated as before. I know... she answered back.

[Sadori]

(( Can I say it now?))

[spudnik]

(((((((((((((((INNAPPROPRIATE GIF INCOMING)))))))))))))))))))))

[lithillia]

The pair left the ballroom and the building all together. Kuros held the kamael in a supportive embrace, his arm was around her back, just comfortably under her glorious wing just as his right held her by her left hand. From the outside observer people would think the two as lovers for he held her close to him.

The young lord looked up to the night sky and breathed in some fresh air. It felt good to be out of there, away from the stares. He turned his head slightly, his eyes looking at the Kamael in silence for a while as they had their walk through the mostly empty streets.
Did all this truly happen? His mind reeled with reflection on what happened. He had not expected such a reaction from the Kamael. Was this what she wanted all along since the day she left his tent after her drunken comment? To be held and to be given affection from him?

Truthfully the whole idea had him boggled, he himself was surprised at his actions on how quickly he reacted to the kamael's touch. A touch that was quite pleasant and soothing. The young lord never realized he could act and....feel like that again? Was he feeling this? Was she? He was confused, things surfaced that he hid for a very long time. He closed his eyes and took another steady breath of fresh air and caught the rose scent in her hair. To feel like that again, oh how he had forgotten. His grip on her side slightly tightened and he found himself running his thumb along her bare flesh. "Is this better, ambassador?" Kuros asked, his voice polite, though whether the question was addressed to being outside or the way he held her he was unsure.

The air seamed much cooler on the outside, and Lithillia had taken a deep breath to fill her self up with it. When she exhaled, she could almost see the warm air from inside puff out like it was half toxic.
She heard him talk, and looked up at him, it took her a little while to realize the words.
"Yes it is ... better out here." She made a smile, and her mind darted back at the pieces of puzzles that floated aimlessly in her head.
His arms was around her, and it felt safe and strange at the same time.

She moved her head to look straight forward, and pondered how she would have reacted to being touched like this just even a day before this one.
No one could simply just move their hands over her back, not like Dachande had done, not the way Krekropus had guided her. No, she would have at least smacked the hands away telling them to keep their paws to them self. In her mind a picture formed, of her doing just that, and soon after the image of her self would draw her weapon. She wanted to shake her head to get rid of the image, but did not as she did not want any attention that required her to speak of it.
But even with the image was gone, she could not help but wondering of what made this day different?

Was it the dress? the fact that she had dressed up and found her self in a situation she could not foresee, plan or control? Or was it the fact that she had built up trust, finding the two worthy enough to handle her this way.
Maybe it was both, maybe she was confused by everything both new and old. Confused by these feelings she hardly could name, confused by not remembering but still find bits and pieces that seamed to be genuine memories or feelings of familiarity.

She felt safe?
When did she begin to need someone else to feel safe? Why would this human make her feel this way, protected, cared for. Why?
Sure he had given her shelter, had his healers take care of her until she reached perfect health. Allowed her to stay with him and his men all up til this day.

But... You are strong enough to take care of your self. her mind cut her of, and if it meant to answer her insecurity, or stop it from spreading further, was unknown.
Don’t fall for the illusion...

Illusion of what?
That she needed to be taken care of? Surely she knew she was probably physically stronger than Dachande, and his men. But did that mean that she could always be strong enough to never need... Arms holding you? Her thoughts made her look down at the hand holding hers, and she followed the others hand and over the arm and then up the man.
Did she need this? were she weak for letting this happen?

She felt tired. The thoughts made her dizzy again, and she leaned a bit closer to Dachande, and he shifted his position slightly when she leaned did so. The closeness sent a shiver down his spine, almost as if out of anticipation. He lowered his head slightly and rested his cheek against the top of her head. The softness of her silver hair and the scent of roses she had in them once more filled his senses. Despite this cooler night she was still so warm. That is when he noticed the hot air escape from her lips and form into a slight mist.

"We're almost there, ambassador. I'll get you something warmer once we reach the stables." Again he spoke in his polite tone and he found himself wondering how odd it would have looked if his men found them like this. Would he care though? This was something very rare and the moment was soothing. It was a welcome respite to all the dark thoughts he harbored when he first took up the path of the Hell Knight. He didn't let himself be troubled by this though, instead he held her close and allowed this moment to happen as they had their quiet walk.

Their walk continued on and the pair reached the stables. They were quickly greeted by the stable master who arched his brow slightly at the sight. When Kuros stared him down the man bowed.
"You Coach is ready my Lord and Lady."
Coach? Kuros wondered and looked at the kamael, though she seemed to be occupied by her own thoughts. "Have them come around front."
The stable master bowed once more. "At once my Lord." He backed away and hurried to the side of the building to inform the coach master that his passengers were ready.

If Kuros was sure the surprises were over for today he was mistaken, for when the coach arrived he found it was one of his very own soldiers driving it and the man seemed just as surprised by the Dark Lord as the Lord was by him.
"My...Lord?" The man seemed confused by what he saw, he surely didn't expect his Lord to be this close with the Kamael woman.
Kuros on the other hand simply narrowed his eyes to hide his surprise. "Quit lollygagging and open the doors soldier. It has been a long night and the ambassador shouldn't be kept waiting." His voice was stern and it held the authority his men were used to. Despite all this Kuros did not let the kamael go, he saved the tender side for her.
"Yes my Lord, at once!" That seemed to put the soldier out of the stupid look he had on his face. The man jumped off the coach and reached out for the doors to open them. He then bowed his head slightly to let the pair enter.
Satisfied with the results, Kuros continued to play the part of the attentive Lord and took the Kamael gently by the hand and guided her up to the first step. "Right this way ambassador, your coach awaits."

She took a hold of the handle available next to the door, and with a foot up onto the step she supported her self onto Dachandes hand only for show. To be honest, she would have preferred to have one hand lifting the skirt, but it felt rude to remove hers from his before she was truly on her way into the room that made the enclosed coach.
Her foot hooked up under the fabric and could this way step in with out falling on her face tripping on the skirt.

The kamael ignored the soldier and his reaction, at least outwards she did not pay him no mind. He had only reacted as she would have foreseen. This was too out of the normal for any of the involved parties to witness.
When Lithillia entered the coach Kuros turned to look at his soldier and gave him a sharp nod before stepping in.
She sat down facing the right way and made sure her skirts folded as they should, and as she lifted her eyes to look up she could see the shape of Kuros following in after her.
She greeted him with her usual smile, making sure he had enough room to sit beside her.
He looked at the sitting Kamael, her skirt nicely folded with her hands resting on top. He returned her smile, pleased that she took good care of his gift and took a seat right beside her.

The doors closed then and Kuros shifted his gaze to the direction. His golden hair was illuminated by Shilen's blood moon at that moment and a lock did slip off his shoulder. He leaned back against the rest and closed his eyes for a moment until he felt the rumble of the coach when it started to move back to the camp. The Lord opened his eyes then, the pupils glowing with the moonlight.
"I am glad you came Lithillia." He spoke using her name now that they had privacy once more.
"It was very rare that I had a chance to do something like this, and I enjoyed it very much."

Dachande, as he was to her, seamed honest and she could not find any reasons to doubt what he said to her.
"I was not at first." She confessed willingly, his truthful tone made her want to be the same, so she just let her guard down a little. "But, after a little while... I am glad i came too." The kamael was too looking out at the moonlight, seeing different parts of scenery pass by the windows.
How truthful did she want to be? She was sure he already suspected that she had hid several things from him, and she had never told him flat out that she had woke up in his care with out a single memory. Did he know, or did he suspect? What had Kekropus told him?

She sat back too, leaning her head against the padded wall, and turned her head to face him while being rocked from side to side. The movement made her feel safe, a natural reaction as the body remembered how one would be cradled and rocked by the parents.
She huffed. She could not remember hers, and she felt more and more guilty for not having been truthful with him. Could she tell him now? would he appreciate her honesty, or find her... undesirable?

The light reflected in her eyes too, making them shine extra as she had studied him as he sat with his eyes closed, now she just let her self ponder his moon filled eyes.

Had she seen him in such a peaceful state? Or if not that, seen him this relaxed?
Why had he not had the chance to do something like this in a long time.
Right. The black knight.
What had happened back then?

She moved her hand to touch that strayed lock of his hair, and idly placed it back with the rest.
She knew probably better than most how it was to encounter this knight, how he struck fear in her and made her want to escape. She had never fled from him though, and she had swore that she would be victorious and end him and the threat he was.
So what had this black knight done to Dachande?
She felt it didn’t matter what, she would fight even more the next time she met with him, and she would win this time.

Again the hunger wrestled its way up to surface, and she had to clear her throat for to ease the pressure. It burned more intense now, expanding in her chest, threatening to break free.
Lithillia let her arm start to drop down to her lap, but unable to take her eyes of from the man at her side.

Kuros felt her when she brushed the rogue lock of hair and placed it back with the rest. He felt something else too, something he couldn't identify, the feeling sent shivers down his spine again, and it came from the female Kamael, it was came with her touch. Oddly, he found himself drawn to it, somewhere in the back of his mind a voice whispered for more. Her hand dropped, he felt it and as it did he lashed out with his own with the speed of a striking serpent.

His fingers curled around her wrist as he caught it in mid fall. There was short silence between the two before Kuros turned to face Lithillia and gaze into her just as she gazed at him. He brought her hand up then to his face. His eyes noted how soft and delicate her hand was. The skin was pale, almost milky like the rest of her and her nails were neatly rounded. Kuros was amazed that despite all the fighting she did her hands were like this. She certainly knew how to take care of herself.

He looked at her again and brought her hand up to his face before tilting his head to almost nuzzle into it. He wanted to feel her touch again, just as she brought her hand up to his face when they danced. He closed his eyes and pressed his cheek against the palm of her hand, just as a few rogue locks slipped from behind his ear again and brushed against her skin. Again he felt her hunger when his skin made contact with hers and he opened his eyes once more to confirm the look she had. He smiled and shifted his head until his lips made contact with the top of her hand.
"If I invited you to my tent tonight, would you come share one more dance with me?" His tones as usual were soft, but his crystalline orbs that were his eyes held this certain shimmer when he asked the question.

She drank the sight that unfolded before her, and she could not help but to look like a innocent girl who did not completely understood what was happening.
And in many ways, she was innocent or even clueless in fact, but the hunger she felt would only start to burn more, giving that initial look on her face a sharper edge to it.

Sure she could dance. To dance with him had been most enjoyable, so why not one more before the evening was over. Before everything would return to normal.
Her eyes had dropped down to look at his lips as he had voiced the question, and she breathed in a shallow breath, before she nodded an answer.

He made her feel different, she didn’t remember ever having such feelings, nor could she make any connection between the stirrings in her stomach, and the hunger in her chest.
Her heart even beat in a different rhythm. It was quicker paced than normal, but not quite as intense as while she fought an enemy.
She closed her fingers to cup his cheek, answering him as he leaned into her palm. The reaction was instant and natural, and she found his skin warm to hers.

The green color of his eyes stood out now, more than before. She made a connection between them and the necklace she wore, wondering if she had picked out the jewelry just because of those eyes.
Who are you... her thoughts asked, though she wasn’t sure if she meant him or her self.
Right now she felt more like the one she wanted to be. All the frustration was placed away somewhere else, and she found some serenity in this very moment.
The coach rocked a bit more, and she half way fell forward having to support her self by placing the other hand onto his knee.
It was then she realized she had not really answered his question.
"Yes. I want to have another dance."

Kuros too was shaken a bit as the coach rocked slightly, he felt Lithillia shift and start to fall forward only to reach out with her hand onto his knee for support. He reached out with his arms then, one slipping easily to her side and behind her back while the other just over the shoulder of the arm she used to support herself.
"Easy now, Lithillia. I've got you." He whispered and looked at her. His skin got goosebumps from her touch and the close proximity again.

He tilted his head and studied her, he felt his own heart quicken slightly. She answered yes, and it was something he never really expected to hear from her. He slid his hand down her shoulder and to her arm along the fabric of her dress when she was all steady and rested it on the top of her hand, trapping it between it and his knee.
"Are you alright there?" He grinned slightly at her. "It almost looked like you were going to fly right into me." He teased her to lighten the mood. "Not that it would have been such a bad thing."

She could almost not grasp what he said, trying to read his words as the soft tone of his voice were drowned by her heart beating loud in her ears from the new touch. She let the palm touching his face move down to rest by the other on his knee.
"I... Sort of don’t fly really. I.." Realized a bit to late that it had been a figure of speech and the blush tainted her cheek even more now.
" I have only the one wing..."
Lithillias breath was growing nervous, and she cleared her voice again for not to seam so pathetic.
In the corner of her eye, she could see the familiar rows of tents move past, and she kept her eyes onto him and half way whispered, "I think we are home."
She kept her pose for a while longer, looking at him, feeling his touch. Time had not stood still, even if this was a moment that would for ever be trapped in time.

Kuros couldn't help but chuckle at the way she replied and turned red. He hadn't mean it literally and he knew she had one wing, it was one of the most noticeable features about her. "And it is a beautiful wing I may add." He smiled at her again and looked back to see the row of tents as well when she mentioned that they were home.

Home. How it pleased him to hear that coming from her own lips. He did hope she found the place as home, not just for the sake of saying it but for real. He did after all wanted to have her join his ranks, and not just the Silver Shield. Though her encounter with his alter ego proved that to be difficult. How he wished he could go back and change that, if he only knew they would bond like this and that their respect for each other would bloom he would have kept the Dark Lord at bay and let her meet him in a more civilized manner. He could have seduced her with the promise of power and a life where everyone were masters of their destinies, not some puppets of the gods.

He leaned back and gave dramatic sigh as if disappointed, though it was clear by his behavior that he wasn't. "Already?" He would ask and look back with an arched brow. "Just when things were getting good?"

[lithillia]

Lithillia leaned back as he did, pulling her hands to her self and placed them back onto her own lap. She looked away from him, out the window on her side of the cart. The heavens had turned all black, except for the stars that twinkled brightly.
Her heart seamed to beat uneven, and she sucked in her lower lip while she focused on the outside.

The young lord gazed at the kamael from his comfortable spot in the coach. His thoughts went to her once more when she stared out the window at the stars. How did it all happen so suddenly? One little dance, one look at her when she stood across from him on the floor and the way she moved about him to match his steps. Her touch was still fresh in his mind, it held this certain intensity. He knew he was attracted to her, even if she was different. Again he wished he handled things differently.

Did it matter now though? She seemed to be warming up to him as well, it's not like her behavior was forced. He shook the thoughts out of his mind and focused on the present. Today was a rare moment, he would for once forget everything and just enjoy her company. He wondered what she was thinking now, was she also afraid that all these good things would go away?

The coach rattled to a stop then and Kuros sat up to look to the side of the entrance. The doors opened and the soldier stepped to the side keeping his head low. "We have arrived, my Lord and Lady."
The title sounded odd, the soldier did not refer to Lithillia as ambassador but as a Lady, almost as if she commanded his forces with him. The lord stepped out first to breathe in the night air as he surveyed the scene before him. The tents were lined up row by row with campfires burning brightly in each section. His soldiers were already bunking down for the night and the patrols made their rounds. Good, he thought they would at least get the privacy they need.

Kuros chuckled inwardly, for all the times his men hid their women in his presence he was now doing the exact thing, with the ambassador no less. He shook his head and grinned, this was starting to become quite a game within the camp. He knew all too well about the trysts his soldiers had but they never got caught so he let it go. Could he now do the same? He turned around to face the entrance of the coach and the winged silhouetted form that sat in the darkness. "Lady Lithillia, we have arrived at our destination." He spoke and reached out with his hand so she could take it when she was ready to exit.
Lithillia directed her eyes at him as he spoke, and held out her hand to his for support as she made her way up to stand and walk out. Kuros helped her off the couch, and held her gently and guided her in such a way that she barely had to put any effort into her movements. He waited patiently for her to get used to the cooler air. The wind shifted and the rose scent she carried about her blew his way once more. The kamael was greeted with a cool touch, and she breathed in deeply before letting her feet find the ground. She stood by him then, and she felt a slight shiver stirring her.
The hunger still teasing her, but she could not make sense of it. Even so it burned in her chest.
She wanted to say something, but a modesty kept her back from uttering a word. Her eyes looked at the soldier that closed the door behind them, and he swiftly moved away and back to the drivers seat.
She felt normal, but then again different. Was the dress bewitched somehow? Was the whole situation induced by the music, the gathered lords and ladies... the drinks the food the ... dresses?

Lithillia looked back up at Dachande, waiting for him to take the lead. He had promised her a dance, right?

Again a familiar sensation made the skin at the back of his neck tingle, it was faint but he felt the hunger within her. He brought his hand around her back once more, brushing against the wing as he did so and turned back to look at the soldier on the coach. "Carry on with the rest of your duties, when you are finished take a break, you've done well today."
"Yes my Lord," The soldier dipped his head slightly. And ushered the horses to pull the coach away leaving the two alone.

Kuros looked on forward then, his grand tent in sight only a few meters away. His gaze shifted to Lithillia who was already looking up at him. It seemed she struggled with something but despite his efforts he could not quite place it. He did ponder though how innocent she looked at this moment, she was a complete opposite of what he saw her as before. She was a deadly weapon, a ferocious fighter as he experienced first hand, yet here she was as gentle as a spring blossom. "Come," He said softly, "The air is cool here, let's get you to some warmth."
He lead her down the path, gently guiding her until they reached the tent. The two soldiers guarding the entrance saluted their lord but made no comment.
"Leave us." Kuros spoke the single command and the two soldiers did as they were told. Neither one showed any signs of emotion beneath their helmets, they did not stare or question.
When everything was in the clear, the young Lord reached out and pulled the tent flap to the side and stepped over to let the kamael pass.
She stepped in to the tent, and maybe for the first time in a long time, she had been invited inside. She moved as far in as she could go before turning around looking at him. her mind played the memory of the last time she had been there. When he had given her the dress, and this made her do a sweep with her hand over the fabric across her abdomen.

She remembered then the visit she had here when he patched her up. She could almost feel the fabric of the tunic slide down her skin and with that she jerked to, as if she waked up from a day dream.

The kamael smiled, lowering her gaze from him and down to the floor. She tried to make sense of how the time passed since then and to now, the present, to this moment where she stood there in this fantastic dress, invited in, being his company.
She wanted to speak, but her words was lost. She was at the same time afraid that if she started talking that she would not be able to stop the trail of words. Her cheeks blushed to just think of such a situation, and she looked back up at him.
And here they were.

Kuros watched her as she stepped in past him, his gaze following her movements from the way her dress glided across the ground to the way her wing shifted from side to side. He turned and followed her one step behind and stopped just past the entrance when she halted and turned to face him. Her hands swiped across her abdomen across the fabric as if she were contemplating something for a moment before she looked up and smiled. Then she gazed down again as if lost in thought again.

Kuros stepped to the side, he did not speak just yet, the girl must have felt somewhat uncomfortable he realized, but why? She always was able to just barge into his quarters unannounced, so why now? He noted that her cheeks were flushed red and it appeared like she wanted to say something when she looked back up at him again. The girl was out of her element he guessed, perhaps she never had anything like this happen to her before. The new contemplation brought him to the idea that perhaps he needed her to feel more at home.
"I take it that something like this is new to you Lithillia?" Again he called out by her name, there was no need for formalities here.

Something like this, her mind repeated, and she had a puzzled look on her face. Something like what?
She had never been to a ball before, that she could remember. Nor been invited into someones home before after a ball either... Or she could have been, just unable to find any of the memories of such situations.
All this confusion made her frown and she moved to brush the bangs of hair to the side, even if they were still held in place by a silver hair clip. She didn’t like being reminded that she had lost so much, all of her life in fact. In the big picture of things she just remembered a small fraction of it.

Her face grew serious. How could she answer him? The truth?
"I don’t know."She said with a clear enough voice for them both to hear it well, and with out being too loud.
"I don’t remember things so well...."
Lith gave him an apologetic smile, focusing her red orbs on his green. " What would we normally do now?"
Kuros studied her expressions and analyzed her answers. He knew she couldn't remember anything, he did read the letter after all. Though he would not let her know that now, it would ruin the moment. Instead he gave her a disarming smile when she asked him what they would normally do now. He recalled such nights before with the priestess he was with, they lead to many things, whether it was a long talk as they held each other in their arms or a more passionate night full of bliss. The young lord paused suddenly as the realization hit him, was this what was supposed to happen? Did she even know what such a thing meant? He doubted so since she admitted she doesn't remember too well. The image, however, of them in each others arms after a night's passion was there clear to see.

The temperature seemed to rise in the room and Kuros cleared his throat at the question and tossed the images from his mind, not that they weren't unpleasant or anything. He focused on the cabinet he had in the tend and reached out to pull a bottle of wine and two glasses. The young lord turned to face her and returned her apologetic smile. "What we do now is have a drink. It was cold outside and this will warm you up a bit as well." He walked toward a table and set the glasses down before uncorking the bottle and pouring just a bit into one of the glasses.
"Come, have a taste. It is a custom among humans to have the lady taste the wine for approval before it is served."
She turned with him and came over at his request, and picked up the offered glass filled with wine before taking a small sampling from it in her mouth. The taste was pleasing, it was nothing like the vile drink she had been given before here, and it reminded more of the wine she had tasted over at the ball.

"So I approve..." she said smilingly, and took a second sip to really taste the wine. " So you taste the wine, and the woman approves... and then there is one more dance?"
She could not help but feel a delight fill her chest.
It might have been the warmth of the wine, or the anticipation of the dance that made her feel the slight burst of energy rushing through her body, but nonetheless she kept her smile and held her glass with wine towards him in an attempt for a toast. She had seen some at the ball do this after taking a fresh serving of wine. They would move the glasses up close and have them touch.

Her eyes danced over his frame, she took him in as he appeared for her. The long blond hair hanging down, moving as he moved and the green eyes meeting with hers often.
His lip curled and he couldn't help but chuckle lightly. For such a ferocious being Lithillia was naive in some aspects of life he realized. Perhaps even more innocent than his previous love, though now that he compared her to Lithillia he guessed the priestess was not so innocent as he thought.

His tone shifted quickly though and he reached out with his hand to place it over hers to lower the wine bottle. He did not want to offend her that he needed to fill both of their glasses first before a toast could happen. "I am glad you approve Lithillia." He spoke gently to change the subject. "This is the brand I saved after I graduated from the academy and became a knight. They say the elves made it many years ago in honor of the King of Aden." He continued to speak and filled both of their glasses three quarters full.
"As for the dance Lithillia....." He shifted his gaze again to look at her directly. "it is not a common custom, it is more of a personal request from me." Kuros brought his hand forward and clinked his glass with hers.
"It does sound like a nice thing to do, though. " She said after he had filled up the glasses with correct amount in them. She held her glass waiting for him to answer to her intended toast and soon after he made them touch to make the familiar sound of glass meeting glass.

She wanted to say she was sorry. Sorry that she felt awkward, awkward because there was no reason to how she could foresee the events. She lacked experience, or the memories of doing things like this. It was close to being in the dark, lost to where one was, but though she had him to guide her.
Give her a sword and at any day her body would remember more of the techniques that she had practiced and known before her accident.
but this?
It was different to feel so misplaced, though at the same time she wanted to be there. It was different but in a nice way.
She sipped then of the win, and the good taste of it spread around her mouth. It was sweet and spicy, and when she swallowed it it left a little warm sensation down her throat.

The necklace, started to feel a bit heavy, just as her body start to feel the same. She could feel it very clear onto her skin, almost as if it was pressed down some how.
The hunger grew some more, and her eyes found Dachandes face and stared at him intensely.
The familiar feeling felt misplaced in this context, but she could not place where it ought to belong either. Lithillia felt at once empty, and had a need to mend that feeling.
She felt drawn, pulled towards the human, and it frightened her a bit. It did not make sense.

Kuros brought the wineglass to his lips and took a sip from it. He allowed the sweet and spicy sensation tease his taste buds before swallowing. How odd he mused when he found himself in this situation. Before the arrival of Lithillia to his camp he didn't touch alcohol, not since his days with the Knights of Einhasad. Now however, after recent events he found himself doing just that, drinking and sharing the company of a woman.
Her eyes were on him and he caught the intense gaze in them. It was like he felt the pull she was feeling and now he too felt pulled towards her. This feeling was all too familiar, he felt it before and this time he was curious by it as well. Was such a closeness between two beings like them even possible? Sure he's heard of elves and humans being close, he knew because there were some among the Knights that involved themselves with the fair folk.
Kuros shifted his gaze once more, this time his green crystalline orbs falling to the emerald necklace she wore. As he gazed at it he could have sworn he saw his own reflection in it. He felt like he was looking right into his own eyes and he found himself unable to tear his gaze away, almost as if something held him. The young lord shivered visibly from the experience.

The kamael drank again, and by accident a few drops spilled down the side of her lip and she had to lean forward. Her movement caught his attention again when she drank and he saw the bit of wine escape from her lips and spill down her chin. She leaned forward then and caught the drops before they spilled on the dress.
"I am sorry..." she almost stammered.

Her voice fully snapped him out of whatever trance he was just in and looked back right into her eyes. She seemed nervous. His lips parted slightly and he shook his head causing his blond locks to shift from side to side along his face. "It's alright Lithillia, there is nothing to apologize for here. Nobody is judging you." Kuros stepped in and took out a handkerchief from his breast pocket. He gently took her hand in his and wiped the droplets of wine from her hand with the burgundy fabric and then looked up at her once more pausing. The silence passed between the two and he could hear the steady rhythm of his heart in his ears. Then as if his hand had a mind of its own he reached up to her and ran the fabric along her lips. It was a gentle enough motion, the cloth gliding to ensure none of the lipstick she wore would smear but firm enough to ensure no drop remained.

He felt his heart skip a beat when he completed the action and for a moment he just stood there, his head lowered slightly with locks of blond hair hanging in front of his face. The gaze however, focused on her lips, almost as if drawn to them.
Her eyes moved from his eyes and down to his lips and back up again to the green orbs. she could feel them look at her own mouth, and a shudder rode down her spine.
The necklace started to feel warm too now, heavy on her chest, at least three times it real weight.

Lithillia held the glass with a firm grip of her hand, and given a bit more pressure it could have shattered in it. The hollow emptiness inside made her want to take a step closer, but there was also a little warning in her mind not to.
The kamael, cleared her mind, and then her throat, and with that she placed her hand onto his who held the handkerchief. "Did you want to dance...?" Her words were softly spoken and she guided his hand down to her hips where he had held her earlier that evening. Once more her sweet voice shattered the silence and the human found himself looking back into her eyes. He felt her hand, the touch warm against his skin as she guided it to rest against her hip. His gaze shifted to watch her the entire action before meeting back up to her. The handkerchief fell from his grip without him even realizing it.
"I think I remember the steps." She said again and Kuros nodded. She realized then that she had the glass of wine in the other hand, and now she had no idea of what to do with it. He looked to her other free hand and reached out to take the wineglass away and toss it absently behind him.
"I will lead you." He whispered to her and took a step in before he took her by the other hand. When he positioned himself right he closed his eyes and hummed a soft pleasant tune due to there being a lack of music. Lithillia could not help but to let out a little laughter as he threw her glass of wine to somewhere behind him. The smile lingered on her lips as he whispered next and stepped closer, and she let him take her hand willingly. He took a step to the right and guided the kamael through the beginning of the dance. As he did he once more could smell the scent of roses in her hair and felt himself lost to it.
The humming made her cant her head a bit to the side, and as he went on she started to recognice it, and with a smile and a bit firmer grip with her fingers onto his shoulder she joined in with her half hollowed voice. Their tones made all the music they needed, and she made sure her movement matched with his. She almost stepped onto his toes once, and it made her break the hum and giggle before resuming it again.
Kuros shifted his footing again and took Lithillia in a different direction. He felt her grip on his shoulder grow firmer and then he heard the tones of her hollowed voice mingle with his own. The sound was pleasant to the ears for it spoke of both beauty and the power behind it that the kamael wielded. They danced for a while longer and then he felt her stumble slightly, the hum was broken by another rare giggle from her.

If she had to explain this feeling to someone, she would have to dig deep into her self and realize that she felt completely happy. The sound of his voice kept her going and she had to look up into his face, found his eyes closed.
The pull from within hit her again, and she felt like stumbling forward and closer making their bodies touch completely. Though Kuros could not see her but he could feel the happiness in the tone and he himself smiled knowing that she was able to relax more. Then he felt it, that rising of the hairs on the back of his neck. It was almost like a sweet caress that teased him and it came from the Kamael. She shifted once more and he felt her press completely against him. His eyes remained close but his mouth parted slightly from the sensation.

Lith could not make it out at all, but a soft whisper filled the back of her mind, and her movements became automatic and she didn’t realize that she was moving at all. She kept staring at him, kept humming the tune, but the smile was gone from her face. Her haunting tone, the scent of her hair, the warmth of her body intoxicated him and he felt his hands glide up from her waist up along her back. His grip on her tightened and he leaned in to press his face against her neck and shoulders. He did not see the smile fade from her.
The whisper that continue in the back of her head made the tune change. It would only fit to have them stand close and dance slowly, swaying more like from side to side.
When he leaned forward and into her, she moved her other hand up to his shoulder as well and kept her stare at a point at the wall behind him.
Her eyes were just as haunted as the melody she hummed, and slowly her hands crept up to rest on the back of his neck while a few fingers idly twirled his hair between them.
Kuros felt the change stir with them, the melody changed becoming more haunting with each passing moment. He felt her hands dance along his back, he felt the tug of his hair when she curled them around her fingers. There was another rush and his heart started to race. This feeling was familiar, he felt it many times before, but this time there was something different as well.

The sound of her voice, the way her touch lit fires wherever her hands made contact with him, it all coiled around him like some spell. A part of him perhaps tried to warn him, but even the Dark Lord's hideous voice was far gone from his mind. All he heard were the echoes of Lithillia's melody.

Lithillia swayed with him, placing her cheek onto his head and slightly parted her lips. The sound of her voice stopped then, and was replaced with her shallow breathing. Her hunger grew and it didn’t stop even when she felt physical pain.
She closed her eyes and pressed her cheek even more onto his head until she managed to force him to tilt it enough to the side so she felt her cheek touch his.
With her right hand moving down the strong neck, down along the edge of his jaw and cupped it in her palm. Then just as quickly the singing stopped, the dance stopped. Her cheek was warm against his when she forced his head to tilt in a way so she could make contact. He felt her shallow breath and tightened his eyes even more. Then her right hand moved down from his neck, his hair parting willingly to make way just as she traced along his jawline and cupped it in the palm of her hand.
Kuros' mouth parted slightly when he felt her thumb run along the jawline and then he felt her lift his to face her.

His eyes parted open slowly, the dim lights in the tent making the crystalline orbs glitter like diamonds. Kuros found himself gazing at the crimson orbs of hers then. The way she looked now, even without the smile made her look hauntingly beautiful. He was drawn to her, he couldn't tear his gaze away from her. The kamael had such a profound effect on the human that he didn't even realize the change that came over her. It didn't dawn on him even once that she turned from being nervous to being so forward with him.
"Lithillia...." He would whisper in a hushed and sweet tone. "...is everything alright?"
The kamael just blinked her eyes once, and resumed staring up into his eyes. Her own were distant but intense, and with them she tried to keep him standing still.

To reach up she had to stand a bit on her toes, and gained the little distance that had been between them with ease, and the hand cupping his jaw moved and placed her cheek there instead.
With one slow smooth motion, she moved her cheek over his until the point where her lips made contact instead . Still in the same movement she started to move her lips over his cheek, feeling the warmth on them as she breathed out slowly.
Her brow furrowed, the pain in her chest stung again and the soft whispered moan escaped her throat.

The slightly colored lips brushed from the corner of his mouth, and over it until she found her self sucking in the lower lip into her mouth. Her arms pulled him down to her then, letting her heels find back to the ground and find the balance again.
The kiss she gave him was soft, and soon all she could hear was the beating of her own heart, and the distinct whisper in the back of her mind.

[zethrodraithius]

[[Excellent Story.]]

[Kuros]

The look Lithillia gave him did keep him standing still, every movement he made he made ceased at that moment and for the moment he could clearly see his own reflection in those hungry eyes of hers. Then came the next action, the distance between the two shortened when she stood up on her tippy toes. Her cheek was warm when he felt her press it against his jaw and Kuros was once more forced to close his eyes.

He tilted his head to the side when she shifted against him and opened them once more the moment her lips pressed against his cheek. The contact sent a shiver down his spine, her hot breath only adding to the sensation when she breathed out. Then came that feeling her body radiated again, and again he found it enjoyable as opposed to being terrified. The moan she gave off only added to the effect.

The kiss drew him in like a moth to the flame and much to his surprise Kuros found himself deepening it. The voice that always warned him of such things was long gone, replaced by the sweet temptation of a Siren's call. His mind raced with the thrill of what was happening. All of this seemed so wrong and yet it felt so right. Not in a million years would he have guessed that this would go so far with a Kamael and the ambassador herself no less. The Dark Lord found himself smiling in between kisses and it was a victorious smile. This was after all what he wanted was it not? To have her by his side, to add her power to his?

"Lithillia..." He found himself whispering before kissing her furiously again. His hands reached down to her gown, and then he curled his arms around her shapely legs to lift her up and rest against his waist. As this all happened he moved and pinned her against one of the supporting pillars of the tent, their lips never parting. "..I." Kuros whispered after he pulled away from her. His eyes and the expression on his face reflected a hunger of his own, one of desire. For all his bravado and power however, the Dark Lord did not truly understand that he may as well have asked for his death.

[lithillia]

Lithillia barely heard anything he had said. All his responses to her action went by like a whisper in a storm. Her body did not fight the hunger she felt drawing her closer and closer to him. The slight tingle in her skin felt like pricks of needles after a while, and soon it felt like lighting were crawling over the surface of her body.

She deepened the kiss again, forcing him to endure her wildness, grasping hold of the clothing for to hold her self up and close. Her legs wrapped around his waist, pinning him in this grip of hunger, and soon after she felt the taste as a reward.
She could not remember the best thing she had ever tasted, but she knew that this could not compare to anything else. The sweet taste of his life force flowed into her through the pores of her skin, drawing the energy from out of his body and it merged with her power.

The delight made her almost purr, the feral beast that was her kamael soul, ate through what he had of defenses and drank him until he was almost gone to the world. If she knew what she was about to do, she would have fled the scene in horror.


(( better late than never. Sorry about that! ))

[Kuros]

((OOC: totally listened to this over and over as I wrote this next scene. For some reason the mood it sets sounds fitting. ))

Drawn, lost and snared within he whole sensation of the moment Kuros did not at first feel or comprehend what was happening. It started with a seductive and calming voice, asking him to surrender, to give in and the human found himself complying whether he wished it or not. Then came the first pull at his very heart. The shiver Kuros felt was a profound one as if something brushed against his heart and coiled around it and slowly began to constrict.

The second pull was more sharp and the human stiffened, his eyes widening. Still what he saw was the face of the kamael in her moment of ecstasy. He felt her grasp his clothes to hold herself up and wrap her shapely legs around his waist to secure her hold on him. If there was anything wrong, she sure didn't feel or notice anything.

Another tremor struck the young Dark Lord causing him to gasp against Lithillia's lips. He did feel it now and his fingers dug in painfully into the Kamael's thighs in protest. Still, he realized, she wouldn't let go, something was truly wrong now. Her kiss deepened even more, sending a sensation of both pleasure and absolute terror down Kuros' spine. His vision started to blur, though whether it was from the sudden vertigo he felt or the tears that formed in his eyes he wasn't sure.

Stop it......enough....s-stop...Lithillia....enough...that's enough....

Veins of black ice formed along the human's throat and slowly made their way up to his face and mouth. Each carried the rich soul energy of the Dark Lord and with it his power that the Kamael now drank through the kiss. He gasped again, his body now visibly trembling as he sank down to his knees. His hold on the kamael loosened and his hands fell, almost lifelessly to his sides. This was not the hunger of desire he realized too late, it was something else and now he was going to pay for dearly. This was not the young maiden he saw at the ball when he danced with her. What he saw now was the fiery kamael warrior he met back in the Ya Sagira ruins, the day when she drank from the souls of her fallen enemies. She was the Black Widow in the middle of the web and she just caught him. The Kamael was going to kill him he realized and he was too weak to fight her off now. The predator just became the prey.

[lithillia]

While the dark lord fell down she found footing on the floor and stood over him half crouching and legs spread apart. Her lips had let go of his and for a glint she saw the shadowy strands pull back and hide with in him. Her arms held his clothes, and cushioned the impact with the flooring as she suddenly realized something was wrong.

Her lips were parted, formed to a slight oval form as she sucked in air after the feed. Lithilla felt the tingle over her skin, and for a moment she could not see clearly. Darkness crept over her eyes, and the red covered in the black tendrils of Kuros's life force.
She saw his blond hair spill out over the floor, and his body appeared to be limp in her arms as she still had a grasp clutching his clothes.
The color returned to her sight and the orbs once bright red as before. Some of her bangs fell into her face when she jerked back, leaving her fingers empty of his clothes, and the kamael had taken a few paces away from the human.

She gazed at him with great confusion, she had no idea of what had happened. Everything had changed in a blink of an eye, and she was unsure if he was dying right in front of her down there on the floor.

Her own heartbeat dulled her hearing, and if sound had a color to her now it would be pitch black. The skin iced as she realized the terrible truth that she had caused this, that her own self ignorance had caused him harm. Her eyes started to hurt, it burned, and so did her throat. Everything grew blurry once again, the lungs emptying quickly of air.
Lithillia found her self screaming one simple word, as tears filled her eyes. There was nothing she could do to but to call out as loudly as she could muster. “GUARDS!”

[Kuros]

No sooner than Lithillia called for the guards did the tent burst with activity. The camp from a bird's eye view seemed like a disturbed ant's nest. Soldiers everywhere ran and shouted, with most of them swarming the Commander's tent. The Captain was the first to arrive, sword drawn and flanked by a group of knights. The scene before him gave him pause, especially after seeing the kamael in the tent and then a barely moving form of Kuros on the ground.

"My Lord!"

Kuros barely heard the Captain's voice, his consciousness teetered between this plane and Oblivion. A part of him registered that he was still alive, somewhat but he felt so tired so....drained and sick. There was movement and he felt someone make contact with him. A presence, it was the captain.
"What happened here?" The voice was distorted and it almost hurt to listen to it. "How did this happen?"
Kuros heard more movement, the sound of metal and chain. More knights, then he heard the familiar hiss of many swords being drawn.
You fool, why have you allowed this to happen.
Ah, there was that familiar voice again, the criticizing darkness that always chastised him every time he was about to act weak. I.... He would have started but it hurt to think even. The kamael drained him too much, but why did this happen? Again he heard the Captain's voice, more stern and more painful to his ears.
"What were you doing in the commander's tent?"
I brought her here... Kuros answered in his thoughts, he tried to answer the captain as well but the effort was too much. He wanted to clear this up, he wanted to stop what was about to happen. Lithillia was innocent, he knew this because the horror and pain in her voice was too real when she called for the guards. The kamael was on her own, he couldn't help her this time. His vision spun, the whole world spun and it felt like he was sinking into a pool of darkness. The light faded and the last thing he saw or he could have sworn he has was a black winged woman coming to embrace him.
Sleep..... The sweet voice purred and the Dark Lord allowed himself to be embraced by those wings and be carried away to that sweet oblivion.

[lithillia]

Lithillias mind was spinning. The ecstasy from drinking Kuros's soul made every thought swim and not fit together in a coherent way. The dread she felt did not help on the disorientating mingle of events that happened one after the other.

“What happened here?” The captain looked at her, sounding of disbelief and pain. “How did this happen?”

The kamael stood in the same spot to where she had retreated away too. Her body held a slight predator like position, not really crouching or leaning forward, but she stood ready to defend her self from whom ever would be the first one to charge at her.
In the soft murmur of her mind she could hear something. It sounded like a voice, a whisper in a voice she thought she knew. The essence of the soul she had just tasted made everything moved faster and slowed down, and if it had no been for this dramatic turn of events, she would have had the best time of her life. The mixed sensation made her pause longer, trying to figure out how to tell them all how this had happened.
The tent filled up with more of the soldiers, and her eyes tried to dart from each and one of their faces. She knew them all now, and they all knew her. She saw disbelief in most of their expressions, some were surprised and a few looked right down pissed of.
She blinked as the soldiers brought out their swords, the sound of threat and warning the singing steel made her body jolt, as soon as her eyelids closed shut one tear was shed.

“What were you doing in the commander's tent?” The captains voice sounded to her angry like, and he put in some more force into his tone. She had to think quickly. She had to answer quickly, if she did not she would find her self in a situation where she could not escape.

Again she could hear something in the back of her mind. Lithilla spoke the words at that same instant even if she did not grasp their meaning before hearing them spoken. “He brought me here...”
Her voice was trembling, the natural confidence shaken by what had happened to Kuros. The ghost like hallowed sound of her might not have reached to every ear in the tent, for she had no will to speak up.

She looked over the faces over the gathered, and then she looked directly at the captain. Her posture was still defensive, like that of a cornered wild beast who would not go down with out a fight. The kamaels eyes however did not witness of the same lust for bloodshed. They were big and apologetic in her beautiful face, and for the first time after waking up amongst the Silver Shields, she felt afraid.

“I did not mean too.....” She whispered loud enough for the captain and a few other close to hear, and maybe to their ears she just admitted to her guilty part in this. “I did not know.... I”
How could she tell them, how could she describe the situation and how things had happened, when she her self had no idea.
Lithilla kept her red orbs onto the captains eyes, hoping he would just understand on his own what had happened.

[Kuros]

What a mess. This whole situation was a mess and the Captain could hardly make anything out of it. He watched the kamael with a careful gaze, she was cornered and the fear in her eyes radiated like the sun's rays. He heard her out, he listened to her confess that this was her doing even if she didn't mean to. Still, Kuros was down, she did this to him whatever it is she did.

His gaze fell on to the unconscious form of Kuros. The young Lord's face was pale and he shivered as if the warmth of life has been snuffed out from him. The kamael could be telling the truth, word of his lord and the ambassador arriving together in the camp spread like wildfire. However, he also knew the man for who he truly was, he wouldn't be so careless as to bring female company into his tent for entertainment, would he? There were many times he scoffed at such things when he confronted him about it in the past. Did the woman bewitch him then? Again he gazed back up at the winged form of Lithillia and studied her to determine what to do next. Kuros was alive despite his condition and that is perhaps the only thing -and perhaps the fact that it would strain diplomatic relations with her people- that held him from giving the order to kill the kamael out right.

He turned to the soldiers arrayed by his side, their swords drawn. He saw the anticipation in their eyes, despite the fact that they knew her they were ready to strike, even if they were going to have one hell of a fight on their hands. The Captain got up from his kneeling position over Kuros and looked directly into Lithillia's red eyes. This had to be quick and decisive before the kamael recovered from whatever shock she was in. "Guardsmen, take her down and into custody."

The soldier's didn't need to hear the command twice, whatever feelings they may have had regarding the situation they hid them. They fanned out quickly and rushed her.