Spirits of the Earth

OOC: Since this (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=14269.msg127041#msg127041) thread died, and this (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=14259.msg126960#msg126960) thread takes place before this event, just going to go ahead and make it's own thread for this so Lion and I can move onwards to dancing and dragons 8D

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Devaniée nodded her head with a wondrous smile as the Lord and Lady of Summervale greeted them. She was positively glowing, her cheeks lightly flushed at his compliment as naturally, the Lord would address her on her beauty- for it was no secret Lord Acaulian had married such a fine woman.

"You are too kind. We are just elated that we had the opportunity to attend." She looped her arm into her husband's and gave Tristan a cordial nod. "I'm sure you know how busy my husband can be, what with the university and his research. They have been conducting many interesting studies. Perhaps we can all discuss it later?" She bowed with grace, holding onto the side of her skirts with her other free hand before rising her eyes to Tristan's, then to her husband. But as the Acaulian's moved to step away, a breath caught within Devaniée's throat as she clutched onto her husband's arm.
Her parents were in attendance. Her parents..

She hadn't seen either in quite a while, and for now, it seemed her mother was preoccupied with the guests, but that didn't stop Devaniée from feeling uncomfortable, so it might have seen peculiar to her husband when she turned to Doryx and asked, "Say, why don't you and I get a drink?" She idly played with a loose curl of her blonde hair. "The road has been long for us from Darken Vei. I'm sure Lord Anell has provided a wonderful array of drinks. Being so close to the ocean allows for fruitful trade, and I know this area is known to have good nectar wines and flowering drinks, so Lord Anell is known for displaying his punches with floating fruit pieces." She hugged onto him tighter, made a rigid turn, and began to guide him away to the drink able, which was perfectly placed on the opposing side of the room from her mother. THat must have been the one thing that was good about living in Darken Vei. Her mother rarely visited, only traveled for prestigious occasions (prestigious to her meaning balls and other gala events where she could strut her social wiles to the public).

She knew her mother has been gloating about her daughter's marriage to the Lord of Darken Vei ever since. But that was years ago. Letters since have been from her mother pressing grand children, reminding Devaniée how scandalous it seems they've been married for so long without even the announcement they were trying for an heir. But each reply was the same, and every time it became increasingly more difficult to read her mother's letters. Everytime she had to read one, it was as if her mother was watching her over her shoulder, ready to lecture her on the right way to dress, to walk, what to wear, and how to treat her husband. In one sense, her marriage had made her free of her parents, but in the same breath, it was almost feeling like a death trap.

She felt her skin growing hot, and was glad to find an enormous punch bowl on the drink table and didn't wait for her husband to offer to pour her a cup. She went to get it herself, pouring half of the contents with the ladle outside of the cup rather than into it, as she gave a frustrated sigh. Half of a cup was fine, she didn't try to pour more as she lifted the cup to her lips and downed the drink within seconds.

This party would definitely prove interesting, especially when the cursed dragon bracelet on her wrist was the last thing she was worried about. Any curse in the world would seem like a vacation to the stifling hold her mother held upon her, and as she remained over by the drink table, having already finished her first cup, it was there Lady Acaulian's mother turned and caught sight of her, giving her daughter that plastic, fake smile she always did. And Devaniée felt sick. SHe forced herself to smile back, but let her eyes drift away, her body jerking back towards the punch bowl.

"This is rather good!"s he said hastily, fakely, and began to pour a second glass and was already downing it as she leaned ungracefully over the table. "Perhaps you should have a cup for yourself, my husband." But no matter how quickly she was drinking it, she was having a hard time keeping herself from shaking. Perhaps if the dancing would start soon it would work the nerves out of her. She had no idea she'd act this way infront of her mother, but she also had no idea her mother would have been in attendance.

Once they'd arrived to the ball, as fashionably late as they could possibly be considering they'd traveled by carriage all he way from Darken Vei, Doryx was surprised to admit - even to himself - that he was just happy to be there once and for all.  They'd gone through so much more than just the risk of bandits and highwaymen (though it wouldn't have been long for them to make an appearance of their own anyway) and to finally reach their destination in at least one piece was a great relief to Doryx.  He would bear the bore of a celebratory ball for his wife's sake.  He only hoped she'd agree to finding a different route back than returning by carriage once again.

Doryx knew the roles to fill, just as his wife did, when it came to the greetings and introductions.  He was lucky to have someone who fell into it so easily, and it was in that moment that he was quite all right with her falling into her false smiles and false greetings and even more manufactured small talk.  It was the accepted act of mingling among the rich and powerful, and when they were finally alone beside the beverages, Doryx released another sigh of relief.

It was then that he glanced at his wife and noticed she was acting strange, even for the false guises she paraded for the sake of the Serenian nobility.  "What's the matter?" he leaned in to whisper beside her as he indeed took a small glass of wine from a nearby waiter and thanked the man with a nod of his head.  "Oh...gods."  The question was answered for him when he heard the high-pitched cry of greeting of the woman he knew only as Devaniee's mother.

Lady Vanera Roser'ren was a mirrored reflection of the perfection that was her daughter. With blonde hair cut short to a series of perfect curls to her chin, thin lips painted pink as a rose, and long panted lashes she could bat at just about any one to let them know, in that simple action, she held power; and loads of it. Though her power was more from associations, money, her husband, and now, the very man her only daughter had married, Vanera had just about every reason to hold her chin up high, to show case those dazzling pearly whites, and flash her lilac eyes to all those adoring her in the crowd.

So it didn't take long for her to approach her daughters side, and at first glance, one might think they could be twins, but upon further scrutiny, Vanera's age was evident around her eyes, though the rest of her, it was masked well in make up and all the care she had put upon herself over the years. After all, she was bred for perfection.

"Ah, Lord Doryx," she said, bowing more gracefully than a dove before him before rising her eyes that sparkled in respect and nobility, "It is so good to see my son in law here at the Summervale celebration. It has been far too long since the last time I saw you, being such a busy man." And she afforded him a knowing pout, and single nod before turning her gaze towards her daughter and grinned at her knowingly.
"Though I'm sure my daughter has taken care of you well?" she inquired, reaching forward to kiss both sides of his cheek before embracing him, and doing the same with her child.

Doryx had never prepared himself for the day when he would finally meet with his mother-in-law face to face.  With the way Devaniee never spoke of her willingly and reluctance to even hear her name in conversation, Doryx foolishly assumed he would never have to.  But lo and behold the day did come and with every heartbeat the Lady that was his wife's splitting image was already within range.  He did not panic, he did not even smile, but merely observed as he was wont to do, first peering down toward his wife then to the Lady.

Three...

Two...

"Shit," he whispered to himself when the Lady Venera approached at last.  "Oh Lady Venera!  How lovely it is to see you."  Again?

He gave a nervous laugh and returned the kiss to her cheeks, smiling graciously as he did so and then looking at his wife with nervous eyes.   

"Yes, lovely indeed," Lady Vanera prompted as she took a step closer to gain her son-in-laws attention as her lilac eyes searched his. "But I did not hear an answer to my question, though I suppose my daughter is doing her job well enough since you haven't sent her back to us." And she laughed softly at the joke.

Devaniée shifted uneasily, and smiled at her mother, but it never reached her eyes.
"We've been well, mother," she began, tucking back her hair as she stared at her feet, but only of ra second, knowing that her mother would scrutinize her for it later as bad etiquette. So she squared her shoulders and looked her mother in the eyes.
"How is father?"

Her mother's eyes danced, though coldly as she drew in a careful sigh and looked around for him.
"You know your father, Lord Hollick is always seeking some sort of reprieve," she shrugged at that and smiled back towards the pair. "Though we must play catch up. What have the two of you been up to lately?" And then to Doryx, she grinned more coyly, "Will I see any grand children soon? I would love to meet them before I become an old prune!" she said with a growing smile.

The irony of her last sentence was not lost on Doryx and he gave a smirk because of it, but he played it off as if he were merely laughing in jest and took the opportunity to step in closer to his wife.  He took a sip of his own drink, noticing the clear discomfort Devaniee displayed, though she too tried to play it off as little more than casual conversation.  He put an arm around her waist for a moment as he smiled out to Vanera.

"Oh, I know the wait for grandchildren must be dreadful," Doryx said, hoping his playful tone of voice would effectively lighten the mood.  And if he could, direct the conversation away from the topic after a quick decisive answer.  "But I suppose the wait is mostly due to my overtly busy schedule.  As you know, I do a lot of work for the colleges of our province.  But I think time has come to take time off to enjoy ourselves for the time being."

He smiled graciously and gestured to Vanera once more.  "But listen to us going on and on.  Where is your husband, Lady Vanera?  Surely he'd want to come to such a grand gathering?"

Lady Vanera's eyes sparkled as she clutched her drink.
"Naturally," she said after a time,t hen gestured towards a group of men off in the corner. And the men around him were most prestigious in the fields of foreign trade. "He knows how to fit into conversations like a glove." And she looked the pair over, grinning down at her daughter before turning to Lord Doryx.

"It's good to hear you'll finally have some down time. Perhaps it's time we invited the pair of you over for a visit at our manor? You will find the gardens less exquisite than your own, I'm sure, but the forest and flora are beautiful in our little place in Jadenshine."

Speaking of gloves, Doryx was glad he decided to go without and felt his palms become sweaty under Vanera's persistent scrutiny.  His eyes widened a little at the suggestion of visiting his mother-in-law's manor and he gave her a clever smirk.  "Our plans have us travelling all over the country.  If time allows...perhaps we could drop in," he said.  Cutting his eyes to Devaniee, he hoped he didn't overstep his bounds in being disrespectful to either his wife or his mother-in-law.

"Oh, you plan to travel? What a lovely idea. It would be wise to.do that before having children." Vanera said as she looked her daughter over before her pale eyes returned to his. "Just send a letter so we can prepare accordingly." And she lightly touched her son in law's hand. "How goes your work at the.college? Any new discoveries lately?"

Doryx paled a little at the question but he covered his mouth with his drink once more and smiled down at his mother-in-law before shaking his head and giving a soft shrug.  "Not particularly," he said.  "We've been focusing more on getting the new students settled in and reworking the curriculum to fit in new topics of exploration.  We're getting an expedition ready to explore emptied forts in the north of the province."  He gave a meek smile and patted his mother-in-law's hand.  "How have you been as of late?  I'm afraid, I don't receive much news from Jadenshine as of late."

"All the more reason the pair of you ought to come for a visit," Vanera pressed, a polished smile stretched across her lips as she fluttered her painted lashes at the pair. "As much as the school is busy with activity, I'm sure the pair of you are not too exhausted to consider your futures?" She tilted her head curiously to one side- for it was evident she was drawing the conversation back tot he focus of children.

"Yes, well, it's not that we haven't been trying, mother-" Devaniée  began, tucking back some of her pale blonde hair from where it was tickling at her face.. and it was only then her mother noticed the bracelet and gasped.

"Such a necklace!" she siad, taking Devaniée's hand suddenly. "Oh, it's got lovely craftsman ship, but it's far too bulky for your slender wrist. You should not wear it for long. it could warp your bones or give you wrist problems."

Devaniée blushed and yanked her hand away, quickly avoiding her mother's gaze as her cheeks heated pink.
"Mother," she whispered coarsely. "It was a gift."

And Vanera's eyes went wide as she looked up at Doryx.
"Oh, deary, you and I need to have a serious talk about gifts to give a lady.." she began to say, but smiled none the less as she leaned nearer towards Lord Doryx.

Doryx paled underneath her scrunity, but he knew she would notice if he stepped away and just leaned in closer to his wife.  "Well, nothing is too extravagant for a woman as lovely as your daughter, but I guess I didn't think this all the way through."  He gave a nervous laugh and then saw new people enter  into the ball and gestured toward one of them.  "Gods above, the Lord and Lady Mason Madeira of Northwatch.  Minor baron and baroness.  But damn do they know how to make an entrance."

Vanera glanced their way. Her grin darkened a little before she returned her gaze back to Doryx.
"So tell me.. where had you found this lovely item?" And she let her hands trace over the air above the bracelet as Devaniée flinched beneath the attentions.

Doryx was growing increasingly uncomfortable under Vanera's gaze.  He gave her a smile regardless and looked down at the wrist of his wife.  "From only the finest jewelers Darken Vei has to offer," he answere coolly.  He sighed and gestured toward the dinner tables.  "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, Lady Vanera, but my wife and I would like to get a table of our own before they're all gone.  We came a long way and we'd like to sit before the dancing begins."

Vanera smiled sweetly and nodded.
"Certainly. I shall go inform my husband you both are here," and she curtsied proper before strollin elegantly away. She wasn't stupid, she knew they were both trying to be rid of her. So they could have their moment. She could speak to Devaniée later.

And it was when her mother was gone did Devaniée finally release a held breath as she trembled a little, her eyes fixated on her mother's disappearing form.

Doryx too visibly relaxed once Vanera had made herself scarce finding her husband.  If everything Devaniee said about her mother was true - and Doryx had no reason to believe that it wasn't - then Doryx knew too that the Vanera probably honed in on their combined tension.  He turned to his wife and motioned for her to follow with him to the tables across the dance floor. 

"You were right," he said in a low voice.  "Everything you said.  Good gods, I'm in-laws with that?"

Devaniée could be composed through many things that have happened to her through her life; but as of lately, her barriers were coming crashing down, and trying to remain strong in her mother's presence, and also, hearing her husband sudden appalling words about her family made her feel overly self conscience as she turned away from him, to leave.
"I'll be back a moment," she said softly. "I need to powder my nose." And before he had a chance to stop her, she was already half-way across the room and disappeared into the crowd.

Doryx knew he'd said something he shouldn't have when  his wife abruptly turned from him and left his side.  He sighed and ducked his head before taking his seat at the table and just turning his eyes up to watch the guests file in.

It would be some time before Lady Acaulian would return, and the event continued to move along without her. Off to one corner, her mother had stolen the lime light while entertaining some well to do merchants who were so wealthy, they were naturally welcomed to these such noble affairs. Though it was around this time Miss Gray appeared as she tapped on Doryx shoulder and afforded him a small smile.
"You look bored."

Doryx turned his head and spied Stephanie out of the corner of his eye.  He gave her a meager shrug and a sigh.  A glass of wine sat in front of him, barely touched as it were and he gave her a lazy sigh once more.  Sitting back, he peered up at her and invited her to sit beside him.  "Bored doesn't even begin to describe what I'm feeling," he said, resting his head on his hand and elbow on the table.  "Oh the things we do for love."

"Dare I ask the catalyst?" she said, smirking, though it faded as she read more into his expression. "Is it that bad?" She.inquired, glancing around but once to see if there was any sign of Lady Acaulian, and when she was not spotted, she frowned and turned back to him. "Where's your wife?""

Doryx shrugged, sighing again before taking a light sip of the wine in front of him.  His eyes too traced the crowd but found no sign of Devaniee.  "I don't have the faintest idea," he answered.  "I said something that upset her and she just walked away.  But I would be hard-pressed to go after her, with that bracelet around her wrist.  She wanted to enjoy her stay here, I'll let her do just that."

Stephanie gave him a small smile at his admittance.
"We've had a long journey. I'm sure she's just feeling the weight of it now. Do keep your chin up. I'm sure she'll become excited once the dancing begins."

Doryx gave Stephanie a comforted smile, nodding to her.  "Oh I have no doubt that she will.  I hope whoever her dancing partner is doesn't step on her feet.  She loves those shoes," he said with a nod and did in fact turn his chin up, turning in his seat to watch the people that began to move more toward the dancefloor.

Stephanie gave a roll of her eyes, but smiled at Lord Acaulian none the less.
"I can't believe you'd be a bad dancer, Doryx. Have you been spending too much time studying rather than using your politics on the dance floor?" She jested.

Doryx rolled his eyes at Stephanie and scowled.  "I never said I was bad at dancing," he muttered.  He just shrugged.  "I just don't like dancing.  It's not for me.  Though I suppose you love dancing.  Am I right?"

Shrugging, the woman found herself admitting, "Well, to be honest, there are.much better things I could do in my free time..." Though, after studying Doryx she added softly, "Though my husband had.loved to dance." She said, affording him a sad smile before she glanced away. "But even still," she added wistfully. "I care not much for it."

Doryx actually laughed at her confession and he patted her hand.  "Then at least I am in kindred spirits," he said, smiling at his colleague.  "Stephanie, you never fail to entertain me.  In a friendly sense.  But, you know, despite me being miserable, I think it's time I got up and looked for my wife before she's swept away in the arms of another rogue.  Thank you for the conversation...and I see from across the way, you've caught the attention of some fine company."  He winked at Stephanie before departing through the crowd, looking for Devaniee.

Off to the side, she never thought she'd live to see the day of running into her 'almost' other lover. The one she had contemplated having an affair with, but before he even had a chance to kiss her- Devaniée had refused. Now he had shown up here of all places and had approached her, and she found herself a midst a web of social entrapment; and once the two had a chance to be alone together, he leaned forward to whisper into her ear, "Don't think I ever forgot about you, Devaniée. I still try to imagine what life would have been like have you ever chose to actually kiss me.."


OOC: Aaaaaand... I can't recall if her almost affair lover had a name but yeah XD
I'll think of one in my next post? Or you can? *shrug*

His name was Byron Mazrin and Doryx had spotted him from afar when at last he spotted his wife through the crowd.  He'd had her cornered and Doryx felt as if time was slowing down for a moment as his heart was suddenly pounding in his ears, in his hands and he stared at them for what seemed like an eternity.  But when time came back to him, he strode through the crowd and  came toward his wife and stood beside her and immediately Byron retracted, stepping back a little.

"Good evening Lord Mazrin," Doryx addressed, holding out his hand for him to shake.  "I didn't expect to see you here tonight.  How have you been faring?"

Devaniée could have leaped clean out of her skin. Turning around, she exclaimed, "Oh! Doryx!" And then, a more sheepish smile came from Lord Mazrin as he bowed handsomely, albeit,  abit rigidly, to the high lord.

"Exceptionally well, though I caught some sort of fluke illness over the past few months, it seems my body was strong enough to fight it off." He cast a glance towards Devaniée, smirking, only slghtly more to see her gasp again. "And yourself, my high lord? How have you been these past few months. I do believe it's been some time."

"I have been well, and much better now that we've got to get out of the house," Doryx smiled and shook Lord Mazrin's hand in a tight grip that made the other Lord momenatrily wince.  "I'm glad to see you're in good health.  Oh, darling, Lord Mazrin is a benefactor to the university and we appreciate your generosity."

"Yes, well, it was the least I can do considering the um, acquaintance of myself and erm, your wife," he said with a humbled bow, still smarting a bit from the hand shake but as much as he wante dto shake out his hand, he refrained. After all, it was never put out there he tried to have an affair with his wife, but no doubt it might have been obvious.

Devaniée kept quiet, not certain how to react to either her husband or her former, 'could have been'  lover as she peered around the crowd, and almost caught her mother's gaze. Almost.
Tensing, she turned back around to the two men before her and smiled.

"Yes, we always appreciate and welcome gifts for the college.."

"Well, it was nice to see you again, Lord Mazrin," Doryx said with a nod and he smiled at Devaniee.  "Darling, perhaps you'd like to dance with me then since the first couples are already moving off the floor and the next round are coming in?"

"Yes, dancing sounds lovely, perhaps you could spare a dance for me later this evening?" Lord Marzin replied, purposely cutting himself in to address Lady Acaulian as he took her hand and kissed the top of it softly. His eyes met to hers only briefly as he smiled. Devaniée was too stunned to answer. Blinking out of her trance, she turned to her husband after freeing her hand.

"Yes.. a dance.." And she turned to Doryx, tucking her hair back as she hooked arms wit him and let him lead her off onto the dance floor, her mind still numb over the affair.

"I'm afraid it will be a long wait in line, Byron," Doryx addressed firmly before sweeping his wife away from that cad and onto the dancefloor just as the music began.  He held onto Devaniee possessively,what might even be construed as jealousy and kept his hand firm on her waist.  "So that's the louse?" he asked as they danced.

Surprised was written clearly on her face as the two moved out onto the dance floor. And then at his comment, she gave an irritated breath and glared back at him.
"I could hit you, if it were not inappropriate,"s he said with a huff. "Is that the only reason you're so eager to dance with me?"

"You might be upset, but you'll have to curb your anger in the presence of company, especially your mother's.  Please, for yourself and me.  Mindful of the bracelet."  Doryx looked somber and peered at her eyes.  "And no, it's not the only reason I pulled you away to dance.  For one, you're my wife. Two, I love you and if I'm jealous enough to want to keep you to myself, then kill me.  Three, Lord Mazrin has had every willing wife he could sweep under his rug and no doubt countless of illegitimate children.  You think I'd let him take you from me?  After all we've been through?  Ruin everything we've built together?"

"That's not what I meant, Doryx," she said, glaringly. "Now please, keep your voice low before you make us a show." And she looked around to see if anyone caught their argument, but it seemed all the other dancers were in their own little worlds.

Doryx smiled at her.  "It anything you should be thanking me from saving you from his diabolical clutches."

Devaniée's eyes welled up with sharp tears, though she tried to suppress them. Yet at his comment, she shot him a sharp glare.
"After this dance, I'd like to sit down."

"No," Doryx said firmly and held her just the same.  "Oh come on, darling I'm only joking with you.  Please, can't we just enjoy our time together here?  Isn't that why we came here?  Look, I'm sorry.  Can you please give me a genuine smile?"

"You ask me to smile when I feel rotten." And she looked away and added with a sigh. "I'm not in the mood, Doryx..."

"I'm sorry, I apologize," Doryx said softly.  "I shouldn't have said anything.  Let's just enjoy this dance.  I just wnnt to dance with my wife.  Is that too much to ask?"

Devaniée looked away from him and said nothing. Her insides were twisting up and she was having trouble blinking back her tears. And once she was able to recompose herself and put back on her mask, she turned t him and forced a smile. "As you wish."

Doryx just frowned and turned his own eyes down, hurt by the forced response.  But he kept his composure as best he could as they moved across the dancefloor.

It just so happened Lady Roser'ren, her mother, was nearby and didn't miss a beat. She could tell by their body language something was going on. And then her eyes went towards a certain young Lord, Lord Mazrin and she gave a partial smile this way. She was no fool, and would take this matter up with Devaniée personally.. but much later.

For now, all of the couples danced beautiful, and Devaniée moved as graceful and light as a glass doll. And once the dance was complete and the couples were all applauding, she bent over and held onto her stomach.
"I don't feel well. I think I will sit this next one out." And before Doryx had a chance to stop her other wise, she pushed away from him and moved swiftly from the dance floor.
Though it wasn't entirely untrue, she felt wretched, both inside and out and was now regretting ever wanting Doryx to come with her here.
He didn't want to anyways and now look what's become of it.

And she? She felt a mockery as she made quick work to disappear, where ever she could.

But he wouldn't let her disappear as Doryx bowed graciously to the people around him before walking after Devaniee, following her easily through the crowd.

Growing annoyed, she finally stopped in a quiet, private corner, folded her arms over her chest and sighed as she glared at the wall, back to her husband.

Doryx stopped at her back and stared at the back of her head for a long time before he gathered the courage to approach her from the side.  "Darling?" he said tentatively.  "Would you like to step outside on the balcony with me?  Get some fresh air?  Away from all the people?  So we can talk?"

Devaniée drew in a careful breath before finally turning to him.
"I just need to.. cool off. Maybe you could get me something to drink and we can just relax out there before considering anther dance..."

"Yes, that sounds adequate.  Please excuse me," Doryx said with a bow and leaned in to kiss her cheek softly.  He pulled away for a moment before getting the drinks and returned shortly afterward.  He came back with two glasses of champagne in his hand and gestured an arm for her to lead the way.

Devaniée remained alone in the corner, chewing over thoughts and fingernails. It wasn't until Doryx returned did she ease up some and moved with him out onto the balcony, taking her drink and hooking arms with him- all the while her mother watched them from a distance...

And she remained quiet, hesitant over her words and.. well, she did not want to be the first one to speak.

"Could you tell me what is the matter?" Doryx said, breaking the silence when they settled on the balcony at last.  "Was it something I did?  How can I know if you don't communicate with me?  We came here to have a good time, though I know even that seems far-fetched.  Please tell me.  I'm sorry for what I said about your mother if it's that.  I just...I just didn't want you to feel alone in your irritation.  I'm sorry for not dancing with you.  I'm sorry for not spending time with you as I intended.  I just want you to be happy, Devaniee."

The more Doryx spoke, the more irritated she became, that finally she could take it no more as she turned to him and said, "That's enough, Doryx!" And her eyes wavered with tears. "Don't you get it? Don't you understand? You mock me with more than words today. I know I... don't have the best tastes sometimes, but Lord Mazrin was a good friend of mine. We knew each other back in Jadenshine, before I even met you. And at first, he was the only friend I had when you were gone... and then here you grow jealous over him? Over something that didn't even happen and could have and should have for your negligence?!" And she stared at him, her eyes continued to waver with tears before she slowly shook her head. "Doryx... You already know I'm not some glass doll for you to parade around anymore, yet here we are, and that's exactly what you're trying to pretend I am." And then glancing down at her champagne, she sighed and handed it back to her husband. "I am no logner thirsty. And I need to dry off my eyes. Excuse me while I go to the lady's room."

"I'm not pretending anything," Doryx replied as she was about to go.  "I wasn't trying to mock you or hurt you.  But I can see now that I did.  I told you before that I wouldn't have blamed you if you had gone astray.  It would have served me right for leaving you so.  But was I wrong to think that we'd grown closer in the journey to come here?  I thought we could finally work on what had separated us in the first place.  I still want to."

Devaniée paused in midstride to turn around and she stared at her husband, looking him right in the eyes.
"I'm not saying I don't want to Doryx... but you don't seem to realize.." she began, her eyes tearing up again as she gave a tired sigh,a hand raking through her hair. "It's been years since we've ever spent this much time together. So many years I've lost count, Doryx... We... I..." she turned away, smoothing a hand down her face, covering her lips before she lowered her eyes to the ground and shook her head.
"It's just... going to take soem time.."
And she glanced down at the bracelet, before blinking back tears that blurred her vision.
"I... I'll be right back." And she walked away.

Doryx dropped his head and said nothing when his wife excused herself yet again.  Doryx turned his gaze out to the ocean the balcony overlooked and for the moment let himself be lost in the sensation of the view.  The moon was glorious the way it hung over three quarters waning.  The cliffs and hills to the west shone against it and he smiled a little, a crooked grin that slowly faded as he leaned against the railing.

When he felt a presence behind him, he said nothing, but remained quiet, waiting and listening.

"You know, I never wanted to come into bad terms with you, Lord Doryx," Came Lord Mazrin's voice from behind. "As a friend of Devaniee's I was... hoping that my assistance with your colleges, and fundings for archaeology might... help us make amends." He stood beside him and sighed. "I know you're no fool, Doryx, nd I know you think little of me." And he lifted his glass to his lips as he stare dout at the gardens below.
"But I did love her." He said, smiling over at the other man before looking down to his glass. "She just never loved me back. That's where you and I will always differ. And I can respect that." He shrugged and leaned against the railing. "Perhaps I'll have better luck in my next life, eh?"

Doryx turned to Mazrin as he had the gall to approach him, he studied the man with ambivalent eyes and just shrugged nonchalantly, taking a drink of his wine.  "It doesn't matter now, it's all in the past.  And I've learned the inconvenience of dwelling on the past.  Man must always move forward now, mustn't he?  Even me, who studies civilizations long dead, know that we learn from our past in order to prepare for our future."  He raised his glass to Mazrin and smiled.

"Devaniee is an intoxicating woman.  I can't blame you for loving her.  But I would blame you if you didn't respect me enough as a gentleman to keep your hands off of her.  Because you know what would happen if you did.  Consequences graver than death.  Mazrin, I would like bygones to be bygones and to let it all go.  Is such a thing acceptable to you?"  Doryx asked, extending a hand out to the man.

Lord Mazrin forced a smile and accepted the hand, giving him a hearty shake, but noting the tense grip from the other.

"Lady Acaulian is lucky to have you," he stated. "And by all means, let's call this the start of something... new? I always wanted to propose being trading partners with you, Lord Acaulian. Perhaps sometime  in the future that might be possible?"

"Perhaps not.  I'm not much of a trader.  All those business-minded in my family have long since been dead," Doryx said, squeezing Mazrin's hand until he saw him whimper, but kept on smiling despite the other man not giving him the satisfaction.  He let it go and toasted his drink to him.  "But perhaps, Devaniee would be more interested.  She has quite the head on her after all.  She's a lot smarter than one might give her credit for."  His eyes grinned a little, as he took another drink.

"Yes, if she wouldn't mind, I'd be happy to discuss business with her." And a little surprised Lord Acaulian would suggest it. Though he knew Devaniee had chosen her husband over him, he had been so close to having her...
He still wondered if he might... well...
Every man can dream.

"So what brings you to Summervale? I don't believe I've seen you at any of the balls lately? Which is a shame. I know Devaniee has had to attend some by herself. But don't worry, myself and a few others made sure to keep her company."

Doryx was more than certain Mazrin was trying his luck, skirting around the topic of their almost affair, even going so far as suggesting keeping her company.  The High Lord simply smiled graciously at the man and set his glass on the balcony railing.  He'd had enough to drink for one night.  And he was growing warm enough to withstand the icy breeze that came in from the coast.

"Oh, just trying to get away from the politics and prancing for once.  Trying to get some fresh air.  You know I've been to many places, some miles and miles away from our land, and I've never been to Summervale, never really got close enough to the ocean.  But it's quite beautiful isn't it, wild and untameable.  And yet serene when it suits her.  It's fascinating.  Have you ever been out to sea before, Mazrin?"

Lord Mazrin frowned, and wasn't sure how much he wanted to expose he had spent with Devaniee, for nearly five years ago, at the start of their marriage.. Summervale was one of the first balls Lady Acaulian attended herself. Or perhaps it was longer? It was hard to say-
All he remembered was that Devaniee had been beautiful that day and well he?


He thought back to the question at hand.
"I've done some fishing, and a few balls and  events here or there on the coast, but other than that..." she shrugged and lit up a pipe. "I'm other wise stuck in Jadenshine."

Doryx nodded.  "I've always wanted to go sailing," he replied.  "It seemed like quite the challenge.  Man versus nature, the ultimate struggle, man versus his own fate.  It's quite an epic isn't it.  Perhap I shall buy a skiff of my own, take Devaniee out to sea sometime.  Now that would be an adventure."

Lord Mazrin only smiled at the idea, before catching the eye of another and excusing him. It seemed Lord Doryx would be getting quite a number of guests this night, and unfortunately the next one was a lot less welcomed than the first, as Devaniee's mother approached wearing a rich, polished smile.

"Lord Doryx! What a surprise to see you here by yourself." She looked around. "Has my daughter gone off to gossip? You know how women are."
And it was here Stephanie approached, feeling the need to chime in.

"Hardly, my lady. Lady Acaulian has just stepped out," and Stephanie forced a polish smile of her own for Devaniee's mother, who turned to Miss Gray, casting her beneath a scrutinizing look.

"And who are you?"

"This is Stephanie Gray.  She's a colleague of mine from the college.  She's very esteemed and has helped me in my research on a number of occasions," Doryx answered as he turned his eyes back to the ocean, watching it beat up against the harsh rocks along the cliffs.  Oh what he wouldn't give to the sea right now, to float away from the stuffy people that tightened the noose around his neck tighter and tighter until he just couldn't breathe anymore.

Sensing the tension, Stephanie gestured for Doryx before turning to Devaniee's mother.
"And actually, I've come to ask Lord Doryx a question.." she began to say, looking from Devaniee's mother over to Lord Mazrin. "In private, if you will. Something about our research."

For a good long while, Vanera stared back at Miss Gray before smiling.
"Very well," she said. ANd Lord Mazrin approached her with a humble bow.

"Allow me to escort you away."

And Vanera turned one last look tothe pair before curtsying herself and leaving the balcony, leaving just Doryx and Stephanie alone.

"Alone?" Doryx remarked, peering across to Stephanie.  "How unlike you?  What is it now?"  He wasn't intentionally trying to be standoff-ish or sarcastic, but his tone may have made it come out that way.  "I'm sorry Stephanie," he was quick to remedy.  "I don't mean it like that, but I'm just wondering if I'm not wasting my time with all this.  I came here with my wife and no matter what effort I try, it's like I did something wrong or it's not good enough for her.  You're a woman, what flaws were there in my execution.  What more can I say or do?  I just want to make her happy."

"I just wanted to free you from those two," Miss Gray said with a smile. "I saw the way you were suffering." ANd she gave him a pout. Then at his other question, she only nodded and turned away. "I'm not sure how much help I can be, Doryx. I do not know the entire story behind what you two share. But, I do know that bracelet she is wearing, and what you have told me, leads me to believe she is suffering greatly. I know I'd not know what to do with myself if I were in her shoes."
Then she paused to think of it and snorted.
"Actually I do." And she turned to Doryx and smiled. "I'd hit you. Hard." And here she poked him on the nose. "Right there." And at this, her smile broadened playfully.

Doryx laughed too at her jest and he nodded in understanding.  His laughter turned somber and he dropped his head, peering down at her shoes for a moment before taking his eyes back up to her eyes.  "You're right.  You're right and she'd have every right too.  I just wish she'd talk to me, and communicate with me.  When I try to make an effort...it's like I just hit a brick wall," he sighed and shook his head.  "But I thank you, at least, for being there for me when I need you.  You're a good friend, Stephanie.  I hope you never think that I take you for granted."  Doryx put a hand on her shoulder and pulled her in for a hug, embracing her tightly.

"I should find Devaniee again and try to talk to her at least," he replied, pulling away a little. "Thank you, again."

Stephanie offered him a blushed smile.
"Last I saw, your wife had gone to the powder room, but I would not be surprised if she were on the opposing veranda." And it was there she gestured towards the room, towards where the opposing window faced them where a door remained open to the veranda on the opposing side of the keep- and there stood Devaniée, alone against the balcony.

Stephanie patted his shoulder.
"I think your wife has been through a lot. Just be patient with her, Doryx. I'm sure she'll come around." And she kissed his cheek and gave his hand a squeeze. "Remember, she's not all the perfection you hoped she had been. She's a human, just like all the rest of us."

Doryx gave her a nervous laugh.  "I know," he nodded to her.  "I thought that's what I was doing.  But I guess I need to refine my technique regardless," he gave Stephanie a final nod and departed from the balcony and moving across toward the veranda.

Upon approaching Devaniee.  He said her name, calling her softly.  "Is it all right if I accompany you on the veranda?" he asked. 

"This is a free world. You can do as you like,"s he told him softly, not bothering to turn around from where she was perched, looking outwards towards the beaches.

"Not if you don't want me here," Doryx replied tentatively, feeling small and vulnerable.  It was a strange sensation and one he did not like in this moment, but it was all he could feel.  "Are you okay?"

Devaniée avoided him by turning her face away from his, so that if he were to approach, he could not see it, at least not easily.
"I'm ok as I can be," she seemed to bite back, though there was a waver to her voice that suggested she might be in tears.

"I just wanted to check on you.  I...I didn't want to leave you alone for too long," Doryx said with a great deal of hesitation.  He finally braved her wrath long enough to make it to the railing, but was far away from her and did not look at her to see if she was looking at him.  "It is a beautiful night is it not?  The sea looks lovely from here.  And the air is quite refreshing."

The ocean was beautiful indeed, with white sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye could see, and at this hour- they appeared illuminated by the moon, as did the frothy topped tips of the waves. It wast he sound of waves that crashed between them- being the only thing shared in their silence before a few soft gasped sobs could be heard coming from Devaniée.
"I... I just want to go home," she said, feeling herself failing at staving off her trembling. "I don't even care about dancing anymore." And still, she kept her back towards him while the tears that wet her face were being licked by the winds from the sea.

At this, Doryx gave her a quiet approach.  As quiet as he could muster though he knew she would never look at him.  "Darling," he silently addressed her.  "Then we'll go home.  Whatever you want to do, I'll do it.  We don't have to say here a second longer."  He was hesitant at first before he reached out his hand and placed it on her elbow.  "Please look at me."

His approach was about as much as she could bear as she turned around and soon found herself sobbing within his arms.
"Oh, Doryx! I feel so miserable! This night has become quite awful and I wish nothing more for it to be over!" BUt she felt to weak to even wish to move as she just clung to him, needing him like this now more than ever.

For once Doryx didn't care if people were looking at them and they most certainly were - her mother in particular - but he didn't give a damn.  Doryx wrapped his arms around his wife and nodded to her.  "We'll get in the carriage right away," he replied.  "We don't have to stand here longer than necessary.  Come along with me, we'll get to the front and be on our way."

Devaniée nodded weakly, just leaning into him and wishing her husband to whisk her away from all of this. Summervale- what a rotten tale this would be! All she wanted was a perfect evening with her and her husband stolen to keep her thoughts far away from the cursed amulet now sealed around her wrist. But the curse was far from her mind when they were turning to leave and a familiar voice caught her attention.

"Devaniée?" It was her mother. And Lady Roser'ren looked quite perplexed in her concern as she stared at her teary eyed daughter, then to her husband. "Goodness me, what has happened here?" ANd at the sight of her mother,  all her daughter could do was look away.

"Vanera, now is not really a good time," Doryx said, peering up at his mother-in-law with venomous eyes.  "Now would you please go away.  Last I heard, you were not invited to accompany us on the balcony.  Please, go away."

"Lord Doryx, I am appalled. Surely you would not speak to your mother in law this way. After all, it is my child you are caring for in your arms,"s he said, batting her eyes prettily in attempts to keep back the bite in her words. "I see the tears in her eyes and misery at such an occasion is most unbecoming of a girl. And besides, if you are not careful, others might speak of her unhappiness and the rumors would be terrible at best. I suggest the pair of you clean up those emotions right quick, lest all of Summervale begin tyrannous speculations. After all..." she then added, whispering the last words for but only the pair to hear. "I have heard nothing good since no heir has been noted from the pair of you. And what scandal that is to hear that is becomes such a scandal itself!"

That was about as much as Devaniée could take. She was so angry she was nearly shaking.
"Mother, if you please, mind your tone and words you choose against me and my husband."

Vanera steeled herself, and was hardly forgiving, or even relenting in her pursuits.
"Devaniée, please, do not make a fool of yourself. A public appearance was a great inspiration for your province, but now it seems it might shred any new rumors to dust."

"I don't care about any rumors mother!!!" Devaniée roared as she balled her hands into fists and gave one heeled stomp tot he floor. "Don't you see? You're the one making a mockery out of us, mother! No one would dare stare at us until you've had to go point it out and make a scene-"

"Oh, darling, darling, really now," Vanera said as she moved forward and put her arms around her daughter in a feigned attempt to comfort her. "I wouldn't dream of scandalizing my own daughter. And please calm down now, for do you not realize it is you who is causing a scene?"

Pushing away from Lady Roser'ren, she stared defiantly back into her mother's eyes as tears pooled across the surface.
"Don't patronize me!" she huffed. "If it weren't for you, mother, I wouldn't need to raise my voice!"

"And don't you patronize me, child!" her mother retorted, slapping her hard across the face. "You are still my daughter, do you not forget that. We are of the same breed and stock, and I did not help mold you into a woman worthy enough to marry a Lord so you could throw it away on some trash."

Cupping her cheek from the sting, Devaniee remained trembling with her eyes glaring back at her mother. But despite all of the emotions, no tears fell as she looked into her mother's eyes with renewed hate and rage and suddenly tore a hand out- one that turned into a gnarled figure of a monster- and clawed her mother clean across the face. And it was then the bracelet on her wrist became prevalent, the eyes glowing inside the carving in the same color that was now glowing in Devaniee's eyes.

It was too much too soon, too fast for him to react.  Doryx saw the tempers flaring and there was nothing he could do but step aside and stand back.  And when the hand came flying across his wife's face, as much as he wanted to jump in, to stop it, there was nothing more he could do.  Doryx fell back as he saw the full power of the bracelet suddenly consume the woman he had known to be his wife.

"Devaniee!"  He called her name out, but he was more than sure she could not hear him, or what had become her had presently chosen to ignore him.  Vanera fell to the ground and Doryx moved toward her - stock still with shock - and dragged her toward the back of the veranda.  And the castle itself felt as if it were beginning to rumble.

Vanera held onto her cheeks, and the second she felt blood on her fingers she cried out in alarm- and then the alarm went to full blown screaming as she turned to witness the hideous transformation of her very own daughter, for in that moment, she was hardly human. Yes, her pretty face was left, but her eyes were slanted and evil, glowing red- like the color of devil's blood. And her hand, once the perfect color of porcelain with perfectly polished nails, now was the color of coal and ash with gnarled claws protruding from it as smoke seemed to wisp out through Devaniee's narrowing nostrils.  But a violent shake to the ground awoken a new panic in Lady Roser'ren as the very palace in Summervale began to crack!

"Monster! A monster! My daughter has been turned into a monster!" she roared, but the monster had yet to come, and this was only the beginning- for at the shrill sound of her mother's voice, Devaniée's lips split open as a gnarled, black snout lined with rows of sharp teeth snapped in her direction threateningly, and all Vanera could do was claw onto Doryx and scream.

It didn't take long for the guardsman to come, and the second they saw the woman- they drew out their blades. By now, Devaniée had grown a pair of horns and sprouted a tail that moved angrily about, crashing into this and that as the woman roared in her half-dragon turned stated towards the men that dare raise their blades unto her- and before they could do a thing- she unleashed  hot breath of fire unto them- and as she did so, wings ripped out of her back as she cried, her own voice mixed in with the agony of the growing monster that she was to become.

It was a horror unlike anything the likes of Doryx had never before laid eyes on.  When he saw the woman he loved transformed into that creature, he torn between two decisions.  To leave her here and run for his own safety and the people that were screaming in terror, or to face her...  But there no longer was a choice when the guardsmen were swept away.  Hundreds of people would be hurt...even himself, even Devaniee if he didn't do something, anything.

He pushed Vanera back into the castle, commanding her to make her escape as he turned back toward the dragon lady, and summoned his armor onto his form.  The enchantments would be strong enough - he hoped - to resist her fire, perhaps even her swipes, but it was his only option.  Doryx ran for the ledge of the veranda and swooped up into the air, charging magic into the sky.

The clouds began to boil over and thunder rolled as he flew through the air.  He shot bolts of lightning across her, not at her, to get her attention and divert it towards him.

By the time Doryx's transformation into his own armor was complete, Devaniee was nearly done with her own. Her spine had snapped back and her body grew and grew, until a large, black and ash colored dragon remained thrashing about upon the balcony. It's fury seemed directed at nothing in particular as it's rage had consumed it, but the lightning strike that missed it's back was enough to snap it's eyes Lord Acaulian's way and soon, her massive jaws snapped towards him, hoping to gobble the man whole.

Doryx shot himself away, his crimson armor gleaming darkly in the moonlight and he rushed himself away from her snapping jaws.  He knew his magic would be quite futile against her, but it was all he could do to pull her attention away from the people inside.  He shot more bolts of lightning at her, as the sky continued to swirl and swirl, thunder rolling louder and lightning dancing amongst the clouds.

'DEVANIEE!" Doryx roared out to her.  "STOP THIS!  PLEASE!"  But he was more than certain she would be unable to register his voice.  And he continued to evade her.

At her name, Devaniée seemed to hesitate not in her pursuits, for a split second after his words roared against the hissing of lighting, she merely evaded it with a feral grow and opened her massive jaw again and took flight, this time her massive tail wrecked half of the building and her feet, destroying the whole veranda from her launch as the screams of people below could be heard.
Steam streamed from her nostrils as her wings pumped against the air and she tore after the figure in the night time air, snapping her jaws at him more than once as she flew.

It was another close call and there was nothing he could do other  than evade her as her jaws came too close for comfort.  Doryx moved higher and higher up into the sky, swooping around her, under her, trying to get he as close to the sky as possible.  The heights were becoming nauseating, but he couldn't let that deter him.  If he could reach the focal point of swirling clouds, perhaps a bolt of lightning strong enough to still her could bring her back to normal...  That or he could die trying.

The beast was furious. She could feel the swell of power from the heavens above, and the little gnat of a human in armor was responsible. So higher and higher she flew, roaring at him and evading the lightning as best she could, not realizing he was trying to call a massive bolt unto his command, as she crept closer and closer towards the clouds with each heavy angered pump of her wings.

To know that this creature was once his wife was a terrifying prospect and it took all he had inside him to keep from crying out to her again.  As they flew all the higher up in the clouds, Doryx at last summoned a bold of lightning from the sky when there no longer was any chance of escape.  He was zapped as he did so, but the powerful bolt jumped toward the nearest available target and that was the Dragon.

The runes and enchantments protected him for the most part from the blast, but he felt his limbs grow numb and suddenly exhausted and he was loosing air - fast.

The massive bolt of lightning hit its mark with a hideous crack and for a moment she was seeing white before.her body.failed her and the massive beast began to plummet to.the.ground. It only took a moment to awaken the dragon, and.another.to make it fall, and down, down, down she went, disappearing  somewhere along the rocky shoreline.

The summoning of the energy strike had taken quite a told on him as well and he felt his body grow limp from the energy.  But in the small time it took for his own form to fall to the earth, he saw the form of the beast that had been his wife plummet into the trees surrounding the castle, just around the bluffs.  He had a hard landing on in the underbrush and when he came too, he took off his suffocating helmet and immediately began to scurry toward where he saw her land.

"Gods..."he breathed, when he saw her lying on the ground, absolutely naked and covered in electrical burns.

Devaniee was as.still as death when her husband found her, clothed in nothing but the burns that still seemed to be seering her flesh. But she was very much alive, as the gentle rising and falling of her chest indicated as she breathed. But even in her unconscious form, it was evident those breaths were labored as she lay there with her.face in sand anddirt. And she was dreadfully pale, even her lips appearing almost invisible as she trembled while a fever became her. And all the while Doryx had been seeking her out, so were the summervale guards and their commander's shouts could be heard over the hillside as they were drawing near and it was.no secret that they were on the hunt for the blackdragon that had attacked the palace not even an hour ago.

"Keep your eyes peeled men! The beast landed somewhere in these woods and we will not.return until we've either.gutted or.captured the beast. Remember, the beast is feral so do not hesitate to strike it shall you be.the one to.find it first!"

Thankfully, Doryx had found her first and rushed toward her form.  He made his helmet vanish as he knelt beside her, amidst the shouts and cries of the approaching men.  He carefully lifted her up from the dirt and undergrowth that clung to her form and vanished into the nearby trees.  But the men were dogged and their pursuit was getting closer.  The High Lord could only go so fast with his own tired legs and so pressed his wife against a tree and he with her, coating himself in a layer of magic to disguise themselves as apart of the bark.  The men ran by them and Doryx didn't release her until he was sure they were gone.

The men's cries were a haunting echo across the thick forest before Devaniee began to come around. Though she wasn't fully herself, as she only began to make noises- as if whining and in pain, for no words could describe how she felt as she weakly nuzzled into Doryx and whimpered, never once opening her eyes.

He couldn't have been more thankful that she didn't and Doryx remained calm as the hunters of the dragon finally passed them by.  He felt the magic slip off them and he turned to Devaniee again, shaking her a little as if to wake her, but at least thankful that she was still alive.  He said nothing and carried her from their hiding place, moving deeper into the forest.

After sometime, Devaniée eventually did come around, and she winced in his arms and suddenly cried out in pain as he carried her.
"D-doryx! Please stop! It hurts!" she gasped, tears wetting her face. "It all hurts!"

Her sudden reaction startled Doryx and he nearly dropped her.  When he felt they were far enough away, he did lay her down, on a soft patch of grass and knelt beside her.  "Devaniee, by the gods!" he said, holding a gauntleted hand towards his mouth.  Tears brimmed in his eyes, but had not yet overflowed.  "Are...are you all right?" he whispered, lips trembling.

She was breathing heavy, and as he jostled her around, it was almost too much to bear, so when he inquired of her condition, only tears slid down her face in reply as she leaned against him and cried. She was so pale and frail and the singes all over her body were the only obvious indication of where her pain might be, and she trembled for it, even through her tears.

He didn't know what to say or do.  He didn't wnnt to touch her lest he cause her more pain and he just leaned back on his legs, feeling as vulnerabled as she did.  "Oh...Devaniee...," he muttered again.  "I'm so...I'm so sorry."

At his words, her sobs only grew louder as she raised up two shaking hands to her eyes.
"Why are you apologizing?" she shrieked through sobs. "Wasn't it I who turned into a monster?" And she found herself only then looking at him, terrified at what had occurred, and hyperventilating quickly over it as her chest raised and heaved as she was nearly choking on her breath as more tears ran down her cheeks.

Doryx was drowning in his own tears and buried his face in his hands.  "Because...I-I hurt you...  I had to.  I didn't have a choice.  You could have killed me, but I had to stop you.  I have you those burns..."

Devaniée didn't know how to respond, and she was trembling so much that it hurt, and breathing soon turned into sobs as she looked down at her body- burned and naked.
"Oh, Doryx, it seems I might need some clothes," she said, smiling in spite of herself before the tears took over again. "But please... I am dreadfully cold, and the pain... oh, it feels as if it will never stop." and she moved to wipe at her tears before she looked at him. "And I'm sure you could not help it. I... I don't know what came over me and then suddenly.. oh, Doryx, it was just terrible! I was so scared and upset and all I saw was red, but please, please don't cry. For it's making me cry, and all of this sobbing is making my ribs ache." And as she spoke, all she could do was shake, appearing so small and frail and in pain.

Doryx felt so impotent, knowing there was so little he could rellly do for her now.  She did not need him to save her, for he knew she was far more powerful than he could ever hope to be.  Yet though she seemed so soft and frail, inside of her he knew a dangerous entity resided.  He was just as afraid to touch her now as he was before. 

His tears ceased and he magically dissipated his armor, and took the shirt from his own back to clothe her, slipping it gently over her head to at least give her a semblance of decency.  He didn't know what to say and so just knelt there beside her, his face moist from his tears.

Devaniée, thankful for clothing, shifted around uneasily beneath it, her body still trembling as she shivered.
"Oh, it's so cold. I don't ever remember Summervale being this displeasing," she said, in a failed attempt to lighten the mood, all the while she hugged herself, but couldn't get any warmer as she trembled from the cold and her nerves.

Being so close to the coast here gave a gusty cold front even through the trees.  "Let's find some place to warm ourselves then," Doryx suggested.  "I can make a fire.  Come, are you well enough to stand?  Take my hand."

WHen she tried and took his hand, her fingers were frigid to the touch, and she had not an ounce of  energy in her to let herself stand, so when she tried to move on her legs, she felt them give way beneath her as she gasped and fell onto her husband.

Doryx had stepped back and she slipped onto the ground.  But he gasped and wasted little time in scooping her up into his arms and carrying her with what strength he had.  "It's all right," he whispered to her.  "We'll find a nice dry, warm place for the night.  You're safe, now."

When her husband's arms came around her, she clung to him despite the pain and found herself sniffling out more tears.
"Please, don't let me go, Doryx," she told him, as she trembled. "I'm so afraid. I don't want to turn back into that dreadful beast."

"I won't," was all he said to her, speaking softly.  Though even he knew that it was her fear, her anger, that had brought out the anger of the dragon.  And he didn't know what he could do to prevent it.

At his words, she melted against him, but she was still trembling and shivering something fierce.
"I want to go home." she said after a time, tears still wetting her face.

"We'll be home soon," Doryx replied reassuringly.  He leaned in and gently kissed her forehead.  "But I need to rest first, my magic is weakened as is everything else."

Devaniee nodded through her.shivers before she peered up into her husband's.tired face.
"Do you think we'll find our lives more.difficult now?" She asked softly. "That the whole.of Summervale might know I have become a monster?" And she grew quiet as she pouted at him. "I am sure most everyone would have seen me turn," she said meekly as she looked down, wearing a blush of shame.

"I don't think it will make our lives any more difficult than they already are.  And I don't think there is anything we can do about what rumors are not doubt already spreading because of what happened," Doryx replied, speaking softly and turning his eyes toward her to view her downcast expression.  His eyes softened and he seemed haggard, even in his middle-age.  "But let us not think of that now, my love.  Let make clean you up."

Devaniee wriggled lightly within his arms as she shook her head.
"But are you not afraid, Doryx?" she said, her lips trembling as she peered up into his eyes. "Others have been killed for less." And most certainly, all of Serendipity would soon know about the dragon curse residing inside Lady Acaulian- it's just a matter of time to see what others might do....

He gave a sigh and chewed on his lip.  "I am," he admitted.  "But you're my wife.  And I swore an oath to care for you, to protect you...even from yourself.  I know what risk you pose to me, in every sense of the word.  But I can't leave you...  I love you, Devaniee."  Doryx looked downcast, but kept walking on.

Devaniée grew quiet at his words as he carried her onward, and it wasn't long before he might be able to feel her body shake, as she sobbed and cried as silently as she could.

There was nothing he could do for her tears and so he didn't.  He just held her, just carried her as he always would until he found a suitable place for them to rest.  He knelt and set her down, sitting beside her afterward.  "Are you feeling cold still?" he asked, holding an arm around her.

She nodded, feeling her chin quivering as more tears formed.
"Oh, Doryx, I do, but I can not help but worry about us, about you.." and she cringed, tears running down her cheeks. "And I'm sorry I have been so angry with you. I just wish this all to go away, and for things to go back to when life was sweet and simple when we first met, and I never felt any rage over my own impotence." And here, her hands groped for him.
"Please hold me, just keep me close. It helps with the chills."

"Never say such things," Doryx replied and cupped her face.  "I should have paid more attention.  I should have listened to you.  None of this would have happened if I'd have just looked at you beyond the mask you presented.  It wasn't your fault."  He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

Hot tears slipped down her cheeks as he kissed her.
"But how could you?" she said, peering up at him solemnly. "I went out of my way to hide it away."

"If I'd have paid more attention, I could have discovered it sooner.  Perhaps before all this happened.  I'm studious after all."  He gave her a small smile and tried to lighten the mood as best he could.

"Yes, but we can't be the master of everything," she told him, attempting a tired smile but it quickly faded the moment another wash of pain hit her, and she turned away, hair falling over her face as she cried out and moaned in pain. "Gods it hurts so much." And she trembled, the burns- she knew, might not ever go away. And what was to be left of the once beautiful wife of Lord Acaulian? Was this to be her fate forever? STealing a glance towards the amulet on her wrist, she found herself sobbing again.
"I don't want to live like this, Doryx," she sobbed. "I don't want to turn into a monster!"

His arms went gently around her when the pain came at last.  "It won't be!" he exclaimed in desperation.  "I'll find a way to fix this!  I promise!  There has to be a way.  There is always a way...  Devaniee, I will not abandon you in this.  I wouldn't leave you chained to this beast that preys on you."

And as it was before, Devaniée clung to her husband and sobbed and after a few minutes she had calmed down and finally peered up into his eyes, her own face wet and red from tears.
"But how an we fix this?" she said, smiling sourly at her situation. "The amulet.. it will not come off. And it seems to feed off my emotions, which we all know I am so stable with! Oh, Doryx, I just fear harming you... harming others." She shook her head, still trembling from the chill of the air and pain of her wounds.

"And if you let your fear get the better of you, it will.  I can't control how you feel, but I know I haven't been fair to you when it comes to your feelings and what you think of me.  I know sometimes it must feel like I've caged you.  You don't know how sorry I am for all those years, all that time I should have know."  Doryx clutched her to him and kissed her brow. "I love you beyond life itself."

At his confession of love, she only found her lip quivering more swiftly before tears over came her again.
"Oh, Doryx!" she cried, burying her face into his shoulder as she clung to him tight. "I love you too." And for the life of her, she could not stop sobbing. "I just hope we can beat this." She whispered after a time.

Doryx bit back a sob, only a little too late as it wracked his body.  Like a vice, his arms went around her and he held her tightly to him, possessively, as if letting her go would make her vanish completely, and all he would have left was the dragon that brewed inside of her.

"Devaniee...I...I don't know where to begin though," he breathed in desperation.

In spite of their situation, Devaniée found herself laughing at his words, even as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Oh, to think, my husband, one of the smartest men in Darken Vei, might be stumped by a small amulet that curses his wife." Though despite her pain,s he still managed a smile as a few tears rolled down her cheeks. "I suppose it wouldn't be too undeserving if I were to parish by such means. The Gods know I haven't been the best person."

"Now that's enough," Doryx said, giving her a serious look.  "Don't get down on yourself anymore!  We have enough trouble as it is.  Okay?"  He gave her a trying smile and sighed.

Devaniée tried to smile back at him, but it was hard through her tears.
"Oh, Doryx, is there any way for us to be out of this place? I just want to be home."
And she found her eyes wet a new with more tears. "And to think, I wanted so much to dance with you." ANd before she knew it, she was sobbing again.

"I think I'll have my rest soon enough," Doryx nodded to Devaniee.  "And we can fly home if you wish.  We don't even need to wait for Stephanie.  I'm sure somebody will be kind enough to escort her home.  After what happened, we don't need anymore interruptions..."  He kissed her forehead.  "I think I'm rested enough now.  Come.  Take my hand."

Although the idea of flying home could have thrilled or frightened her, she was too weak to care.
"Y-yes," she murmured, her voice barely there as she lay against him. "I just want to go home." And she took his hand in a weak grip and leaned into him, closing her eyes.

Doryx smiled at Devaniee and wrapped her safely in his slender arms.  He had always been a slight man, but with her beside him, he felt stronger, at ease, and as safe as he hoped he made her feel.  Once he felt himself become lighter with her, they began to ascend through the trees and when they were high enough, they vanished up and into the clouds.

Devaniée clung to him, the thrill of flight making her feel weightless and slightly afraid. But it also reminded her of when they had made love against the stars, and she leaned into him before suddenly falling asleep, awaking hours later to peer up into the beautiful colors of sunrise.
"Where are we?" she spoke, realizing they were still flying, and she shifted slightly, clinging to him tghter, as if afraid he might drop her as the wind swept through her hair.

They had traveled so far within a matter of hours between dusk and dawn and already, he shivered from the cold wind that swept in from the Northwestern mountains.  They were close to Darken Vei and would likely make it down  within the hour.  He peered at her within his arms and he smiled.  "We'll be home soon," he replied.  "How are you feeling?"

To describe the beauty of the lands below them, and the clouds surrounding them, was just something she could not form from her lips, but she enjoyed the beauty in silence before nodding her head and leaning into him more closely. His warmth was nice, and to feel his arms around her, she felt comforted, despite all the stress and chaos they had just endured.

"Sleepy,"s he told him, with a partial smile that dimpled her left cheek as she looked up into his eyes. "How are you? Are you not tired?"

"I'll sleep when we get home.  But yes, I am quite tired."  Doryx offered her a soft smile and he kissed her dimpled cheek.  It wasn't long after that that the turrets and ramparts of Reichenstone coming into view.  "We're almost there.  Just a few minutes now.  And you can lay in your soft bed and sleep all your worries away.  Nothing will trouble you and you can show me how to paint those wonderful paintings you make.  Maybe you can make my portrait.  I'd like that."

"Or maybe I should make a painting of our home and how it looks from the sky. The way the clouds part around it make it look so powerful and prominent on the land, especially against all of the smaller houses in the city." Nesting in close with her husband, Devaniée smiled and kept her gaze down upon the land. "Though I might like to share my painting time with you." And she blushed over the idea. "Though I'm not sure if I could paint you, though I could try. I'm not the best artist. What if I make you look like a mule?" And Devaniée gave a playful look towards her husband, and even a sheepish smile.

Droyx smiled at her as they touched down on th balcony of the castle.  "Then you'd be hitting the nose right on the mark.  I always thought looked like some kind of draft animal.  But whatever you paint, I'm sure I'll love it all the same."

Devaniée's arms remained wrapped around her husband's neck. She peered into his eyes tiredly, but with no less affection than she was feeling. Leaning into him, she simply nodded.
"Alright then. But perhaps I'll try something for us both. But I'm exhausted now, perhaps come morning.." It would at least give them something to forget about all that's been going on- after all, it was quite the nightmare to find herself being cursed by the amulet, and then also transform into that terrifying beast that wrecked havok upon the Coastal capital's castle.

"Just fly me off to bed." And she closed her eyes and smiled. This moment might have been more heavenly had she not the fear crawling just beneath her surface. Yes... sleep now. Worry later.


OOC: I guess we can start a new thread? Since they're back in Darken Vei now~
Maybe the next thread will be called 'Dungeons and Dragons' or something- lol