Spirits of the Earth

@Coma

The hot sun burned in another long summer day. Mid afternoon and on display in chains, were slaves. Male, female, young or younger.

Most having a broken look in their eyes. A few hopefull that perhaps the Master that would buy them was not that bad. Or maybe even a sparkle of hope someone was generous enough to set them free.

Some were lucky; being bought by friendly masters. Others, not so much. A few from the younger ones even pulled along to the brothels to learn the ways of pleasuring the customers. Them being given a good education before their real work would start.

The market lasted from early morning, till dusk and all slaves were sold. Well. Most of them from this particular slavetrader Moras, whom specialised selling elves or halfbreeds.

With the market over though, Moras' work was done with most of his slaves sold and was just out of Arca; Serendipity's capital. Moras had a rather luxery wagon, with a tent spun out in the front where he had made a temporary porch. He had laid out the planks and watched them being cleaned by the only slave he had left.

''Another day... you only cost me money.'' Moras spoke as he sat on his stool in the low floored wagon, counting his made money while a whore was working on him.

He was not speaking to the whore though, but to a young elven girl no older then 6 in chains who was scrubbing the floor. Her lip was torn and swollen. Her hands and knees a bit scratched from working.

''I suppose you were to young afterall...'' he grunted before turning to the whore. ''Faster. I pay you for pleasuring me''

He released another grunt and when he was satisfied and released himself he held the whore's head so she could not turn away resulting her to cough. He did not let go though until he was completely released and paid her. ''Scram.'' he said with a smile, closing his pants.

''Clean the mess up then you maybe.'' he got of his chair smirking as he saw the whore run off with her money as fast as she could.

The little girl got on her feet and hurried up to where her Master was just moments before. Almost there before she fell on the ground; the chains attacked to her ankles where to short and the bucket of cleaningwater and her cleaning rag fell on the ground.

Quickly gathering it up and tried to reach the filth she was supposed to clean. But she could not reach.

After putting his money away, Moras returned.

''I told you to clean that up!'' He yelled and raised his hand.

''I-I-I'm sorry Master... my chains... they do not reach please don't hurt me..'' she pleaded but he slapped her regardless.

''I told you to clean up mess not to create more.''

He threw a piece of old dry bread on the wooden floor for her to eat. Way to little for a child. ''That will be all you get today.'' he growled.

**Exploration was a difficult thing at times - particularly if it was done the way his kind favoured:  blind chance.  It was nothing short of miraculous that he hadn't ended up in some frozen wasteland long before now.   True, this was only a little improved from that detested possibility - Coma was no great fan of desert-like sunlight and heat either; preferring temperatures to be a comfortable, happy medium - a perfect middle-ground such as this was uncommon in many realms, but perfectly normal in his own.**

**As soon as he had stepped through the shimmering crimson portal on the outskirts of what seemed to be a large city; the sunlight had assaulted him, causing his lithe, muscular form to automatically flinch back for a moment, an aggravated hiss delivered through thin, pale lips as he allowed his vision the time to adjust from the sudden onslaught of light.  Even before the curse of the vampire had invaded him, he had disliked bright light - a natural aversion for a creature that dealt so heavily with shadow and darkness by all accounts.  However, the curse certainly hadn't helped and had heightened the sensitivity - still, at least he wasn't forced indoors by it like other Kindred.  It would have been intensely annoying to have to organise his life around the rising and setting of the sun.**

**Long, deceptively graceful fingers had momentarily lingered expertly near the hilt of the concealed samurai sword at his side during this moment of dazzled vulnerability.  His other senses instinctively heightening to paint a picture of his surroundings: there was the unpleasant stench of civilisation - something that was universally unpleasant, he found.  Too many bodies living too close to each other; the underlying unpleasantness of pollution and waste.   Even  before his vision had cleared and allowed him an unblurred look at his surroundings, he had turned his handsome head away from the city of Arca, shunning it entirely for the open lands surrounding it and the fresher air that was promised out in the open.  He could hear voices... a man's primary, but a fraction too far away to bother him.   The slightly-troubled wrinkle of his brow lessened as the breeze gently blew dust and sand at him, tormenting long strands of his ebony hair to playfully flitter over his shoulders; but he remained motionless until his senses restored entirely.  Instead, he allowed his hand to raise toward the gently reverberating portal; the gateway closed with a gentle, expert flick of his wrist and accompanied only by the soothing 'whoosh' of ethereal air and heat.**

**That task completed, he dared open his eyes fully; blinking quickly to dispel the starbursts of lingering brightness, before he glanced around to ascertain if his other senses had relayed correctly.  Yes... in his peripheral vision, he could see the primitive buildings of a large city; a civilisation he accurately guessed at being on the very cusp of true progress and promise.  Yet, he would make no comment to any of the inhabitants to suggest that he was from anywhere better or worse than this place - truth be told, his kind seemed to favour this sort of timeframe; rarely crafting their own buildings out of anything but strong rock and wood.  Who was he to judge?**

**Yet, the city was still far too occupied for his liking - and he very much doubted that he would be a welcome sight to any of the citizens passing him in the street.  From his experience with humans and mortals, they considered a demon an unchangeable threat - a dreadful scourge that needed to be chased away and forced back to whence they came.  He couldn't blame those who thought that way - should he change places with any of them, his view would have been the same...**

**There was a wagon nearby - rudimentary; but perfectly useable as far as he could tell.  A little further from the stench of the city, he might have picked up the telltale fragrance of wood and the mustiness of the two horses that pulled the thing.  Thankfully, the beasts were sleeping now - animals rarely reacted well to the presence of a demon, he found.   Obsidian eyes flicked to a movement from the wagon - a young lady dashing from the vehicle, hastily back toward the city.  He didn't bother trying to hide - there were only a few trees dotted a fair distance away and he would only make himself more obvious by trying to seek cover by one of them.   Out in the open, she couldn't miss him - he stood at 7ft 8", after all! His darker instincts picked up on her fear as soon as her terrified hazel eyes hit him - her pace increased to a full run and he battled back predatory instincts; instead allowing his form to approach the wagon instead.**

**His leather-like armour creaked very softly when he first moved, but otherwise his approach was silent and measured.  He held little interest in the wagon if he were honest - it was purely a method to distract himself from the young woman who had inadvertently stirred deep-rooted instincts to hunt.  He moved surprisingly quickly - something akin to a glide across the dusty, undeveloped ground.  Just as he reached the shadow of the wagon, the angry sound of the male occupant reached him.  For a moment, Coma had felt sure that the furious words had been directed at him and he felt himself bristling with irritation at the tone...**

**Until he saw the girl, that was...**

**He only had a second to take her appearance in - a poor, wretched little creature; clearly a child and malnourished.  It was true that Coma had very little patience for children - even his own had annoyed him to some degree; yet there was no way he could allow this.  Fury was expertly held down - but movements became utterly liquid.  With one smooth movement, the samurai sword was pulled from its sheath, the darkened blade live with sharpness, its sheath was thrown back over his shoulder expertly... in the next second, there was a terrible noise; a deafening impact of hardened metal against the comparatively flimsy chain which held the child; hopefully freeing her from her tethering point at least.**

**His eyes had begun to shift from an expression of sheer curiosity and mild irritation to that the dreadful professionalism he was more famed in his race for.  For a terrifying moment, he was no longer an intrigued traveller in a strange land; there was that horrifying chill to the air, the very epitome of an assassin.  His expression remained unreadable, the huge sword rounded neatly back in front of him and ready.  There was a minuscule tilt of his head and a vague shrug of muscular shoulders, his own shadow beginning to bubble and writhe around him threateningly.**

"...Leave her alone."

**His voice, only very slightly edged with the native accent of his people, was predictably baritone - but not nearly as much as would be expected from someone of his size.  Instead, it was deceptively... 'normal'.  Should the slave-master be observant enough, he might have seen a flash of elongated canines that gave Coma's vampiric side away; but Coma was rather hopeful that would remain an unpleasant surprise...**

The long chain attached to a pole did easily break although it left the girl still with her shackles and the chain between those.

The slavemaster was suprised; he had not expected anyone here. Also Moras was outside of the city on purpose; for those who disagreed on slavery.

Sure the guy had a nice sword. But Lizz was his property and he cleared his throat. The girl though, now able to reach the spot she was suppsosed to clean, quickly did so before her master retaliated. Maybe it would make him hit her not at all or at the least softer.

''Lizzbeth here is my property. A slave. She is not worth anything to me. I can not even sell her.'' Moras spoke bluntly and casted his eyes upon her. ''That, is all she is good for and has known nothing else in her miserable short life. If you want her not to be hit like the worthless thing she is, buy her for all I care. 250 gold and she is yours.''

Moras had some fear in him and most likely would've wrapped her up as a present if he had seen Coma's fangs. But being in the city's shadow and dusk, it was hard to see anything that mattered in detail. Also his eyes were more fixed on the sword.

**The chain snapping loudly at the impact and clattering to the floor barely attracted even the slightest glance from the athletic assassin.  It was almost as if the girl was completely ignored now - and, by all accounts, Coma would have considered his duty completed.  After all, even with the shackles, she could have easily made an effort to escape.  However, he spotted no movement - no attempt to take her leave of this horrible place - it was confusing and bewildering to him... indicative, perhaps, of the nature of this strange new realm.  Perhaps slavery was the norm here, something accepted and unquestioned...**

**Again, he could feel the bristling of annoyance and frustration - such an heinous crime was something he found close to impossible to disregard.  There was no way that he could overlook it, lest it be deemed as his offering some sort of acceptance.  His kind couldn't bare forced servitude - they had been forced into such things in the past and he recognised it as something of a sore subject for many of his race.**

**His shadowy gaze was intent on Moras, the intellect behind the observant stare quite obvious.  There was surprisingly little fear from the slave-master; a fact that suggested he might not be the first demon that the man had seen.  That might be the truth, but Coma was going to wager that he might well be the first Djinn at least...**

**As the far shorter man cleared his throat and began to speak, Coma allowed the sword's sheath to lower very slightly from his shoulder, the blade deftly replaced with a satisfying brush of metal, dexterity and expert fluidity displaying in every microscopic movement; every slight tension of muscle, every single shift of his unblinking gaze was closely self-monitored.  Despite the youthful appearance, millennia of confidence and harsh experience were displaying themselves.  An intimidating fact; but not one he overly forced upon those he encountered.**

**The words from Moras were heeded well enough, despite the continued blossoming of sheer annoyance they encouraged.  For the first time, there was the very flicker of a smile across pale lips... waves of cruelty and inhumane threat quite clear.  Coma was playing quite nicely on a suspected lack of knowledge from the man - something that could spell his demise down the line if he weren't exceptionally careful...**

"Your wish is 250 gold for her?"

**A dangerous, calculated step closer to Moras was taken - something seeped in threat.  For the briefest moment, obsidian eyes flickered back to the child; the lingering annoyance turned on her for a fretful moment... mostly for not taking the opportunity to run. This frustration lasted for no more than a handful of seconds - the vast majority of Coma's attention was steadfastly glued to Moras and his answer.  Djinn were, after all, demon wish-granters first and foremost.  An affirmative to the query could see the moral-less man robbed of his soul in the future.  If he had any suspicion of Coma's race and knowledge thereof, he would do exceptionally well to watch the wording of his response very carefully...**

Moras, had little knowledge of demons and magical creatures. He simply misinterpeted Coma as one of those kinds of people that were against slavery and wanted to be a hero by buying the slave. In an attempt to save it. Not knowing that sometimes, a slave was so broken, he or she could never be fully fixed. Always, would they be submissive. Always would they immediatly do what asked no matter how gruesome or dishonoring. Since their very core, exited out of knowing they either had to follow an order, or experience pain.

''Correct. 250. No less. More is always welcome. She may be young but is half elven, trained basicly since she exited the whore womb of her mother and can serve a family well for generations. Either buy her or leave.'' Moras spoke simply. ''If you need more motivation though.'' he looked at Lizz. ''Get here.'' he ordered and quickly, almost falling over her own feet, she hurried to Moras. Forcefully opening the girl's mouth who gained teary eyes in the process. And it was clear she was frightened. ''Fine, still healthy teeth. A bit on the thin side but easily fixed. Still a virgin if you are into that sort of thing. Fine blonde hair and blue eyes. What will it be.'' he had a strange smirk on his face. Showing the little girl forcefully off a bit more before pushing her aside on the floor making the girl make a soft cry of pain that only got her a scolding from Moras.

**Such misinterpretations were so fortuitous to Coma's kind... a delightful blessing that made lift so much simpler.  After all, such ignorance only made wishes all the more plentiful - someone always wanted something - it was this universal greed that Djinn had thrived on, even before sentient races began to occupy other realms.  Even in the void of emptiness billions of years ago, Djinn had fed on Celestials and other founding races.  His kind were designed to take advantage of and punish the deep-set yearnings - although the punishments were quite frivolous when it came to it: other races simply never learnt.**

**It mattered little to Coma just how destroyed the girl was, how fruitless it was to try and alleviate her situation - his moral-code simply wouldn't allow him to leave her here.  As Moras continued to speak, though, his words planted the answer as to why the young half-breed didn't flee - she was too well-trained, too obedient, too bent to the will of tyrants.  It was quite likely that she had learnt total obedience as a defensive mechanism to prevent further harm coming to her.  Again, there was a flare of annoyance - this time substantial enough to cause his muscular form tightening, his expression taking on a terrifying focus on the words given.**

**Correct.**

**An affirmation of the wish.**

**There was that familiar sense from deep within... something being unlocked, intense power radiating around him in waves.  It had counted.  A moment was taken to fully enjoy the sensation; the fleeting, delectable assurance that he could do anything... destroy whole realms and civilisations, cause catastrophic, cataclysmic disaster to legions of enemies with barely a glance.  It was an addictive feeling, something he had never bothered to explain or describe to anyone; but something that all members of his kind battled to experience at least once...**

**There was a downside, however... all this possibility was literally at his fingertips, he could feel it so tantalisingly close that it would have driven him mad if he weren't used to it... yet, he could only do what this deplorable creature asked him to do.  He had wished for 250 gold and so, barely without noticing it, the handles of a hessian bag entangled around Coma's fingertips.  Almost startled midnight eyes drifted downwards, as if surprised to see the little vessel there... and that faint smile deepened very slightly.**

**He had paid no mind at all to the slave-driver's words as he'd showed the poor hybrid off.  Instead, his dangerous hand lifted, Coma's voice lower than before; still acclimatising from the lingering traces of dissipating power.**

"Your wish is granted..."

**He waited for the weighty bag, likely holding far more than the requested amount in keeping with the wish, to be snatched from his fingertips before speaking again, his words uncharacteristically brighter, he leaned in closer to Moras; allowing that unnatural chill to radiate from him and no longer attempting to hide the flash of vampiric canines.**

"...It is customary for my kind to take souls for wishes.  I think I will wait to take yours."

**Let the disgusting man dwell on it, let him study into it and let him have haunting nightmares about it.  He deserved it all.  For now, new words were issued - words demanding and back to their normal cold professionalism.**

"Give me the key for her binds."

''Nice magic show. No idea what you mean by taking souls but the girl is yours'' Moras said. Maybe the words would sink in sooner or later but now, greed, and maybe some alcohol or other drug he had taken earlier certainly clouded his judgement. And when he would find out,

Greed making him snatch the bag and looked at the gold making him laugh. ''Looks like you were not a wasteful purchase for me after all.'' He took the key from both her ankle and arm shackles and gave it to Coma. It was then though he saw the fangs.

''A vampire...'' he did backed off a bit fearful. But if Coma was interested in taking his blood, he figured it already would've happened. ''So it is true? Vampires prefer virgins? You may want to let her grow up a bit more. There is not a lot of blood in her tiny body.''

He then turned to Lizzbeth. ''Someone likes you after all. He is your owner now.''

He sat down on the stool and started to count the gold. More as a hobby sort of thing. He dealed around enough slaves to know the amount in a bag was right or not and if not well. There was always fraud. Cutting off the edges carefully and melting the edges to turn them into new coins. Or get a sturdy useless material, coat it with gold and make sure it had the proper forms, markings and prints on it.

Liz, hearing she was sold, positioned herself neatly. Sitting on the ground and made herself low. ''Hello Master. My name is Lizzbeth. I shall do my best to serve you well.'' she spoke. her voice trembled a little. What if this man was worse then the other two she had? She would not deny she was scared. Most men she encountered after all had treated her like some disgusting animal.

**Such reactions weren't uncommon and Coma paid no real heed from it, aside giving a minuscule shake of his head as the bag was snatched from him.  He fully expected, when memories and rationale forced their way through the haze of greed and cruelty; that Moras would comprehend.  Most with any degree of sanity did.  Even those that didn't tended to find out quite quickly when Coma chose his moment to take what was owed to him.  Moras could well have any only hours left to live... or he could continue to be a pathetic parasite on this civilisation for several more years; but his soul was claimed now...**

**In a deft movement, Coma plucked the key from the slave-master's fingers and turned toward the girl, kneeling for a moment to negotiate the key into the troublesome lock that kept her ankle chains in place; as the chains slid away from her, allowing her to freely stand at least.  Before he could free her of the chains around her arms, Moras spoke again and Coma turned his head to catch a brief show of apprehension and fear; although it was met by an indignant snap of words, an instantaneous correction.**

"I am a Djinn before that."

**The key slotted into the arm shackle lock and he stood back up to that towering height, turning toward Moras and tossing the key back at him with a surprising force.  There was a low snarl under his breath, but no effort to attack or retaliate - it was quite clear, though, that Coma had sincerely disliked the suggestion that he would feed from or do anything unsavoury with the child...**

"By my experience, Kindred feed from those that irritate them before they think of attacking innocents.  I think I would consider you more of a target than the girl.  I would imagine that your blood is unclean currently... I would keep it in that state if I were you." 

**A suggestion that Moras might well be attacked should whatever he had taken dissipate from his blood - Coma made an effort not to feed from those whose addictions tainted their blood; therefore the advice offered to Moras was quite sound - and an excellent opportunity to issue an insult to the man's character as well.**

**As Moras addressed the girl, deemed Coma her new owner, it was easy to spot the recoil of distaste in the demon's powerful form.  As the girl spoke to him in that quavering, fretful voice; he shook his head and smoothly turned toward the wagon's door, leading back to the outdoors and those promising open plains.  For the first time, he did speak directly to the child as he passed her by.  He couldn't leave her here... the moment he left, there would be nothing to stop Moras from capturing her again and reselling her...**

"Don't call me that.  Come on."

**It was ironic to think that he had once had children and they would, at one point, have been Lizzbeth's age.  There was no doubt that Coma was not at all used to children and had barely any patience for them.  Having a child trail after him was the last thing he needed... therefore, his plan had rapidly changed from freeing her to immediately getting rid of her.  He just needed to find somewhere safe for the girl until she grew up.  An orphanage of some sort maybe, should such places exist here...**

**He offered no alternative for what she could call him instead - if she wanted his name, she could ask for it.  Instead, he led her outside and smiled coldly as the now awaking horses spotted him and bolted immediately... at least replacing them would give Moras something to spend that new money on...**

Obediently Lizzbeth followed Coma and a puzzled and angry Moras was left behind. Never had he heard of a Djinn before. But when and if he would find out, he would surely discover what he had gotten himself into.

''...Ehm... Sir...'' Lizzbeth asked. Following Coma as fast as she could which was not easy. She was used to her feet being bound and by that she only could take small steps. The evening breeze felt soothing against her sore ankles and wrists.''How do you wish me to call you?...''

**Moras could be as angry as he wanted - in the end, it mattered exceptionally little - Coma was quite content to let the slave-master seethe and angrily boil away - before long, his judgment would come.  If nothing else, Djinn were quite adept at showing other races the errors of their ways - getting on the bad side of any demon was a dreadful folly; but Djinn were different.  They held such unspeakable power and could hold grudges for such an unfeasibly lengthy amount of time that it was dangerous to do much else but endeavour to be on the good side of one.**

**The blazing late afternoon sun had, at least, set rapidly during his time within the shelter of the wagon.  It was drawing to the time of day that he excelled out.  As soon as darkness struck fully, Lizz would begin to find it exceptional difficult to keep track of his swift form; darting speedily from one patch of darkness to the next...**

**Lizz's gentle, timid voice reached him; though... there was a low breath of annoyance; but he commendably halted, waited for the girl to catch up.  If he kept to her pace, they'd be on the road for months - whether due to her age or general weakness or lack of exercise, she'd likely die before they reached somewhere of relative safety.  The dreadful fact was that he would likely have to carry her... not something he exactly relished.**

"Coma."

**There was another pause, only a few seconds long... before he lowered himself down to one knee, one pale hand brushing across the dusty ground.  There was a subconscious effort to not judge the child by appearances - perhaps she could manage without his help...**

"Can you keep up with me?"

Lizz looked at Coma. She panted softly. ''It is not easy but I can keep trying... I have to right? Because... well... I am your property. I would be a bad slave if I can not keep up with the one who owns me... but... I... can not see you so well in the dark Sir Coma...''

Although Coma did not want her to call him Master, those words alone he had given her were not enough to make it clear she would not be a slave to him.

Even if he told her she no longer wasn't though, it most likely would be frightning to her. Being a slave was all she knew.

**Every single word from the child's lips made the demon shift uncomfortably.  He hated the suggestion that he owned anyone, he couldn't stand even the slightest hint of it.  He realised with dread that buying someone, perhaps even to grant their freedom, was condoning the foul practice.  After all, Moras had profited from it.  He had made money which, despite the missing horses, would likely go towards more slaves... the horrible practice would never cease...**

"No.  Just Coma."

**His voice was suddenly harsh, irritated; accompanied by a rapid, agitated shake of his head which tormented long strands of shadowy hair to fall over his shoulders.  She didn't understand, did she?  How could she if she'd been born into such a lifestyle?**

"I don't own you.  You're free.  I don't know this place at all.  Do you know of any orphanages?"

**Still, he did take heed of what she said - if she could keep up with him, he'd resort to carrying her... but, for now, he'd rather avoid such an awkward eventuality.  After all, perhaps they'd reach somewhere safe... somewhere he could leave her before too long.**

**...He wouldn't have to worry at all then...**

''...Free?'' Lizz asked in a questioning tone. ''I do not understand...'' She did shriek and squeezed her eeys shut when he spoke harshly. Actually expecting punishment and quickly answered his question to hopefully avoid what she was expecting to get but what Coma would most likely never give her; a beating. ''I am sorry Si-.... Coma... I am not familiar with this city... also... I'm sorry... I do not know what an auphanage is... please don't hit me...'' she spoke rushed and trembling

"As far as I'm concerned... you're not my property."

**As soon as she screamed, he lifted himself back to his full startling height; the speed and athleticism clear from every slight movement.  His hand had instantly found the hilt of that lethal samurai sword again - a fact that likely wouldn't help.**

**It came as something of a shock to learn that she wasn't yelping at the appearance of an enemy or an ambush as he'd expected and immediately prepared himself for - instead, she seemed terrified by him; seeming to flinch herself away and verbally scrambling to escape any err from him.  His hand, with some sizeable amount of difficult, pulled itself away from the blade - and his attention moved back to her.**

"...I'm not going to hurt you..."

**There was a hesitation for just a moment before he moved away again, back into the open plains.  There was a suggestion of a track nearby - a strong clue that traders took their wares from smaller villages to the larger city they were moving away from.  A smaller area was far more appealing to Coma - and so that was his aim.  He did offer a few words of explanation as he moved; although explaining an orphanage to a frightened child proved to be no easy feat...**

"An orphanage is usually somewhere that children with no parents are left..."

**Not exactly the best phrasing imaginable - little could be worse, in fact, than outright saying that he was planning to dump her somewhere just as bad as where she had come from.  However, to his mind, anywhere was an improvement - and there was a better chance of her being adopted and having a chance at life.  What chance did she have with Moras or, for that matter, an assassin?**

''If I am not your property... I am nothing... my first master always said...'' she said regarding his words of him not owning her.

''But... my mommy is still alive...'' Lizz spoke softly. She still trembled though but at the least no longer shielded herself. Still his sudden movements still made her a litle frightened ''Mommy is still with my first Master. But I do not know where...''

It then hit her though and she let her head hang in defeat. ''Will I be left behind again? Like my first master did by leaving me with former Master Moras?'' she asked. Not understanding money had been involved as well.

**There was a gentle shake of the head, his voice calmer... at least now he wasn't being referred to as someone's master or owner.  For whatever reason... such titles just didn't sit well with him and he doubted that they ever would.  How could anyone truly be comfortable considering another living sentient being their property?**

"No... if you belong to no one... you can be yourself."

**His head tilted lightly as he walked at the knowledge that the girl's mother was alive.  Of course, there was little he could do about finding her - he knew nothing of this world, had no idea of the populace or of where her mother might be.  It seemed quite likely that the girl had been sold for a fast profit... perhaps even as a result of the union between her mother and whoever that first master was.  This, of course, was a thought that drew another low grumble of agitation.**

**Of course, if her mother was still a captive, there was no sense returning the child to her - not without freeing her, anyway.  A sigh was given... this world was twisted; so primitive and primal; enough to almost make him homesick for his own realm.  At least things there were simpler... if no less cruel and aggressive...**

"You're not safe with me... I'm a demon.  I have to take you somewhere safe..."

**As the sky continued to darken, his pace instinctively quickened - partly due to his vampiric nature taking slightly more of a hold on him; but mainly due to a long-held preference to the night.  Yet, he did prevent himself from moving too quickly; pausing at one point to check up on the child, albeit almost hesitantly.**

"Are you all right?"

''But... I am just a slavegirl... what else could I possibly be...'' Lizz asked. She had trouble to keep up and actually almost had to run. At the least all the cleaning she always had to do quickly gave her some endurance. But she had also not eaten today which eventually made her more and more sluggish.

''Why is it not safe with you? And what is a demon?'' she asked.

The city did seem different compared to how it was during the hot day. The streets were not so crowded anymore and many people were either home or in an inn. Drinking, eating.

It was not long in the city though that Lizz released an 'au'.
She had not seen the piece of sharp glass that she had stepped on with her bare foot. But she always had been scolded or punished for complaining or saying she was in pain. She rubbed her teary eyes and walked further until Coma asked if she was still alright. She nodded although the little bloodtrail she left behind along with her teary eyes and painful expression indicated otherwise.

**There was a shrug of those powerful shoulders again, a vague gesture that could perhaps be called emotionless.  Children were far easier to contend with in his race - they remained silent and it was exceptionally simple to soothe a Djinn child given that they rarely doubted what their parents told them.  It was odd to have the girl question him, but nothing that couldn't be handled.**

"Whatever you want to be."

**Coma at least had some knowledge of mortal races - he knew that, unlike his kind, they often needed to eat and sleep.  An inn of some kind had been his plan and, by the time they reached the quieter streets of the strange place, he was contemplatively taking his time getting his bearings.  He spent a moment studying the primitive buildings; answering her questions with that same thoughtful tone.**

"Demons are... it doesn't matter.  It's best that you don't know.  We... I kill things..."

**It was surprisingly difficult to explain such things to a child - particularly one that was startingly naive and innocent about the way other races worked.  He imagined she barely knew the heritage of her parents... how could she be expected to understand anything of his race?**

**Her sudden yelp had him quickly turning towards her... the scent of blood was caught immediately, his Kindred curse flaring briefly, but easily held down.  There was a hidden sigh, a slightly frustrated shake of his head as he moved closer to the girl; allowing himself to drop to one knee and studying her wound for a moment.  He was no medic, but it didn't look too bad - if the glass was removed and the wound was washed, infection would likely be fought off before it could set in.**

"Come on."

**He reached for the girl, aiming to scoop her up into his arms and rising himself back up to his full height.  There was no way that he wanted trouble - he moved toward a quieter area of the street, an inn with only a very small amount of patrons.  He had been to such places before and was aware that they often had rooms; at least Lizz could sleep then...**

Lizz nodded with a soft sob. The glass stinged and burned but somehow did not feel as bad as whiplashes did.

''Humans kill things too.'' she said silently. ''All races kill. Mamma said so. But... it does not mean it is bad.'' gently she held on to Coma. Trembling a little. She only had been held tenderly by her mother. Everyone else pulled her along by either her hair or arm or leg.

The trembling was merely because every time she had needed some sort of help, be it with cleaning in high spots or needing something that was out of reach, she got hit or was called a useless brat. And usually also did not receive food. Speaking of which. Her stomach rumbled. Not having eaten the piece of almost spoiled, old bread, all she had today was three glasses of water and some bread and apple peels.

**Memories of his own children at this age occasionally came to the forefront of his mind as soon as he lifted the girl.  Especially his daughter... they both had the same sweet, touching innocence.  It was a characteristic that had seemed utterly misplaced from a Djinn and it seemed just as strange from a being that had suffered such abuse for almost the entirety of her short life...**

**It was true that other races killed; but he remained silent on the subject for now.  It didn't seem right to discuss such things with a child of her age.  He could remember speaking to his daughter of such things - she hadn't reacted well, swearing that she would never hurt another living creature, despite what her race expected of her.  It had bothered him initially that neither of his children had wanted to follow in his footsteps; but now he was just relieved that they were both content in their own chosen paths...**

**Her shaking drew him out of these thoughts  - he stepped through the doors of a quiet inn, setting her down gently on a heavy wooden chair and perched himself on a mismatched one opposite to her.  When the wary-looking waitress approached, he muttered a request for clean warm water and some rags.  He glanced towards Lizz, giving a nod for her to order whatever she wanted.**

**The water and rags at least would be sufficient to clean up and dress her wound.  Once she'd ordered food for herself, he'd look into renting a room for her... then perhaps he could get away before his own race started looking for him...**

Lizz had no idea what to order. Never been allowed to do it before. ''ehm... ehm...'' she started. ''just... some bread, cheese and water please.'' she said silently. She really would not know anything else. The waitress walked away again to pass the order to the kitchen and get the warm water and rags.

''Ma- I mean, Sir Coma... where do you come from?'' she asked after looking around. She recognised some faces from the slavemarket. Not as buyers but passerby's. All quietly juudging Coma since he seemed to own the girl now.

**He relaxed very slightly now that they were inside - but the disapproving stares of the other patrons grated on his nerves slightly.  Yet, how could he blame them?  He likely did look like a slave-owner at the moment; another factor that did make him want to depart back to his own realm.  At least there he would be quite safe from the angry glares.**

**He glanced round at the handful of other patrons; grumbling low under his breath as they quickly averted their gazes away from him.  As she spoke, he took his attention back to the girl; his muscular arms folding across his ebony armour and a sigh gently lifting his chest.**

"My realm... is a lot more dangerous than this one... there is very little visibility, it's very dark..."

**He cut himself off as the waitress returned, heavily slamming a bowl of warm water on the table together with some rags; unable to hide her judgemental glare as she turned and headed back off to the kitchen.  He didn't bother to react - there would be no persuading some people and he was well aware of that fact.**

"...pull the glass out of your wound, wash out the wound and use one of the rags to wrap around it."

**He would have offered to help with the task - but it was best for him to just offer directions.  He could understandably be quite heavy-handed and wouldn't have wanted to hurt her accidentally.**

"I plan to rent you a room and return to my realm..."

Lizz looked at Coma briefly and nodded. She grabbed one of the rags, folded it up and placed it between her teeth. It was not deep but having to pull something out was harder then when someone else did.

Fortunatly the glass was not deep though and she pulled it out rather quickly whilest biting in the rag and she quickly wiped her tears so she could clean it. She could not prevent blood being spilled on the wooden floor however.

The fact Coma did not help Lizz only made some people more angry. ''You even let her treat her own wound? What kind of a slavemaster are you.'' a man hissed.

''Sir Coma is not my Master. He bought me to save me. Or... something like that'' Lizz replied back actually rather fiercely for a broken girl like her. Although most harshness from her voice came from the pain the wound gave her. Cleaning it proved more difficult then she thought though. But somehow managed and soon her foot was, not to skillfully wrapped in one of the rags. Using the last clean one she had made wet first and put aside to clean the blood from the floor.

She had heard the words regarding him leave though too.

''When will Sir Coma be back?...'' she asked a little hesitant. She looked at him, actually a little fearful.

**His refusing to help definitely made him look like a monster - there was no doubt in that.  However, for a creature nearing 8ft in height with a great deal of physical strength; it made sense.  He had long since learnt that other races could be quite fragile - something that would help a member of his own kind would likely just make matters many times worse for someone from a different race.  That wasn't to say that he didn't feel bad for the girl having to do it herself, though...**

**He turned his head toward the man that had addressed them, tensing very slightly at the challenge, but deciding against acting on it - it would do the girl no favours for him to lose his temper and attack the man.  Lizz actually speaking up surprised him; but she was owed some sort of explanation as to why he offered no help.  His pale hand reached for a solid wood candlestick, pallid fingers wrapping around the thick ornament and tightening.  There was no degree of effort from him, just the frightening creaking and snapping of wood as it shattered into splinters.  With a neat throw, the remains of the candlestick were tossed to the man, that characteristic shrug given once again.**

"I would help, but I have no desire to hurt you."

**A shake of his head was given as she began to move to clean up the blood - it was best for her to rest for a while and not concern herself with the mess.  There was no rush to clean it up as far as he was concerned.**

"Leave it.  I'll clean it up later."

**A pause was given before he attempted to answer her next question... he had a feeling that she might not like the response; but there wasn't too much he could do about that - he didn't belong in this world and needed to go back to his own realm...**

"It's hard to say.  Time passes differently in my world.  If I come back, it may not be for several years."

The girl actually seemed shocked. Sure, she was not allowed to see him as a sort of master but deep within she did not know any better. ''Please... don't leave...'' she said silently. ''M-Moras will find me again... If you have to go please take me with you. I don't want to be alone. I'm scared... and it is dark outside... I do not have anyone but you so please don't leave me behind too...'' her whole body trembled and it was no secret she was frightened till the core.

**There was a look of bewilderment from the demon - he honestly hadn't expected the girl to come out with such a heartfelt plea for him to stay.  It was undoubtedly a predicament - there was no way that he belonged here and she certainly couldn't come with him.  A moment of silent contemplation was allowed, accompanied by a minuscule shake of his head, his voice taking on a surprisingly tender note of comforting pity.**

"You can't come with me... and I can't stay here.  Neither one of us belongs in the others' realm."

**There had to be a compromise... perhaps, if she were older, she could accompany him to his own realm - but that would be far too dangerous for her at the moment.  If the other demons didn't get her, the other predators in the realm would.  Yet... she could be taught to look after herself in this realm in time perhaps...**

"I have my own family and I need to be with them.  Would you feel better if I taught you how to protect yourself and visited more regularly?"

''I'm... afraid to be alone but... I am a bother right? I know... because I distracted mommy to much my first Master sold me off. Even at the slavemarked nobody wanted to buy me...'' she sobbed

It had been rubbed into her more often then not that she was a pain to have around. She was not tall. Not strong. And was basicly called useless and worthless. She had been easily frightened, growing in up an abusive household where she often heard the women scream as they were used for pleasure and no matter how many times her mother covered her little ears she could still hear every cry and slap given.

''If it is a bother then don't come.'' she muttered. ''If your family misses you then stay there.. because I can not ask to see me every day.''

Remarkably none of the other patrons responded. None of them had the funds to look after some half even kid.

''Just bring her to the damn orphanage already...'' the waitress said as she placed down a plate of bread, cheese and water on the table.

**This... was going to be much harder than he had first anticipated.  It clearly wasn't going to be as simple as just finding somewhere safe for the girl to live out her life until she was old enough to make her own way in the world.  She was understandably distrustful, frightened of those that she had encountered so far... and he couldn't blame her for that.  However, that didn't stop the niggling thought in the back of his sharp mind - he shouldn't have become involved... he should have ignored what was happening and just put it down to just how this world was.  However, now... there was no lamenting what he had done - the girl was in tears and he couldn't help but feel responsible for that.**

"...No, that's not it.  My kind are supposed to feed on races like yours... and I have no doubt that others would."

**His realm remained firmly out of bounds to her for that reason primarily - with any element of surprise gone, Coma was well aware that he posed little challenge to certain members of his kind.  Darker creatures would take pleasure in defeating him and killing her - or torturing her for all eternity, just to spite him for his gentleness towards the unfortunate little creature.  There would be little he could do to stop it once she'd been captured by someone like that.**

**No, she had to stay here... there was no other choice...**

**The waitress distracted him from his thoughts and those obsidian eyes flicked to her, glancing her up and down for a moment and tensing dangerously.  For all his passive appearances and gentle-seeming nature, Coma was still a demon - and he was rapidly losing his temper from the aggravating locals.**

"I would... unless you want to take her..."

**There was no question to his tone - he already knew that the waitress would have no interest or ability to take the child on.  There was a new harshness to his voice, however... an unspoken suggestion for the waitress and the other patrons to just go back to their own business.  Those intense eyes quickly turned back to the sobbing child and he leaned a little closer, speaking just to her; his voice noticeably softer.**

"I want to help you, but I do have obligations back in my own realm.  I can ask my son to watch you if I need to return for longer than a few days.  Would that be better?"

''I already have four kids. I can not afford to look after a fifth.'' The waitress muttered. ''Most here can not afford it and others do not have the patience. Or a wife. Hence I said. Orphanage.''

The girl just gave some quiet nods. She drank some water first before she nibbled on the piece of still warm fresh darkbrown bread with the cheese. The taste was good but also strange; she had only been used to eat scraps and old bread which was mouldy or had been thrown on the floor.

''As long as I am not alone or abadoned again...'' she muttered. ''If... If I am stronger... can I come with you then?''

"So, an outsider to this realm needs to do it?  Then leave me to it without comment."

**That harsh tone was gone... he could commiserate on one level, but it still baffled him that he had to be the one to get involved and decide the fate of the girl.  His mind had briefly travelled to the other slaves sold before her in this realm - but there was little he could do for them.  He had freed slaves before in other realms... but they had been considerably older than Lizz.  They hadn't needed any guidance or instruction... they had just fled.**

**At Lizz's new question, he allowed a sigh - even stronger, someone such as her would be a temptation to the nastier creatures in his realm.  He had no desire to see her hunted down and killed.  There was a very slight shrug, his gaze dropping the the table.**

"Maybe."

**He took the opportunity to stand before the child could question him further and turned his attention back to the waitress who still lingered nearby.  He was beginning to scope out how this realm worked - should he ask for a room for both of them, minds would jump to him wanting to abuse the child out of sight of others... and he couldn't bear that suggestion.**

"I need two rooms, ideally close to each other for the foreseeable future.  I also want to pay for her to order what she needs each day."

**Rather than putting forward the impression of being a sick-minded pervert, he was now inadvertently laying down that he had far more money than first impressions would suggest.  It remained to be seen whether that was a good thing or not... but he was quite adept at shaking off unwanted attentions, so it was no bother to him in the long run.**

''If you can pay in advance, I am sure we can arrange something. For how long do you wish to book them.'' the waitress asked. ''Every month, including three meals a day, will be 35 gold for both of you together.''

Lizz just looked down in guilt, still quietly eating until it was all gone. Already had Coma paid a lot to get her away from Moras.

"I don't need food."

**It was better not to say that his kind didn't sleep either - for him, the room was a pointless endeavour, a means to show that he had no desire to be with the girl while she slept; but intended to remain at a suitably close proximity in case she needed his help.  A glance was given at the girl, a lightning-fast calculation of her age was undertaken, before he looked back to the waitress.**

"Until she's old enough to make her own way.  About ten years."

**His mind put the total at 4,200 gold immediately.  An amount that would be galling to anyone else - but didn't trouble him.  After all, for a creature that could materialise such things out of thin air; there was little to concern himself over.  On the table behind him, without any degree of thought or effort, a large hessian bag appeared - it bulged with the coins inside of it and the table creaked very slightly from the new weight suddenly on it.  Coma allowed a gesture to the bag, quietly instructing the waitress to take it and buying her favour, for Lizz more than himself, with a single smooth comment.**

"That should be more than enough... take any extra and feed your children."

**There had been no effort to trick the waitress into wishing as he had with Moras - despite slightly irritating him, there was no reason to steal her soul and doom her to an eternity of torment and misery.  Besides, the extra money might see her watching over and growing protective of the girl when he couldn't be there...**

**He returned his attention to Lizz, who had just about finished her meal; carefully stepping closer to her and studying her bandaged foot - it seemed to have stopped bleeding at least...**

Everyone, including Lizz, was suprised and amazed. The innkeeper who also present. He had heard some ruckus from the back.

''Ten years may be long. A lot can happen in that time. Also, any extra could perhaps be used to send the girl to school. Would for whatever reason this inn stop to exist the money can be used to harbour the two of you somewhere else.'' The waitress replied.

She was not sure if she would take anything for herself. As tempting as it was, hearing that the man in front of her did not need to eat, could appearantly summon gold at will and crush something into small bits she did not want to take what was not hers. Her honesty was perhaps a bit of a disappointment to the innkeeper who owned the place. At the least though he now had enough money to renovate the place, expand, and make profit with the passage of time. This inn was after all one of the 'poorer' ones.

The sack of gold though was no light weight.

''Minerva, could you show our guests to their room?'' the innkeeper asked. Asking a few of his other waitresses to divide the gold into sacks of a hundred.

Minerva nodded and looked at Coma and Lizz. ''I could assign the attic to you both. It are the largest rooms. It is basicly the attic split in two. Can you walk so many stairs with your foot?'' the waitress asked.

Most likely because she was used to work through pain, Lizz nodded. ''I will be able to do that.'' she assured.

**Coma displayed no such emotion - such matters were moot to him.  Currency wasn't an issue in his realm and the whole prospect of it had always confused him.  Perhaps it came from coming from a race that simply created what they needed and that forged alliances to address what individuals could not do themselves.  His expression remained as unwavering and steadfast as ever as the waitress spoke to him.**

**Ten years was a mere blink of time to him - he was, after all, millennia old.  He allowed a nod of his head at the suggestion of schooling the girl, his gaze turning to the man he correctly guessed was the owner of this place.**

"So long as the girl is well cared for, I will pay to keep this place running."

**This might turn out to be quite beneficial for both the innkeeper and the demon.  While she was protected and looked after, he was guaranteed a livlihood - which was likely quite an attractive option in this civilisation.  This would also grant Coma the freedom to come and go as he needed to.**

**It was strange that the atmosphere had changed so rapidly as soon as gold had become involved.  Coma could tell almost immediately that he no longer had disapproving glares on him... at least that was something.  A light gesture of his hand was given for Lizz to follow the waitress; he would trail along behind them.**

**Undeniably, there was the desire to return to his own realm immediately - but he ought to ensure that the attic wasn't some sort of prison.  Part of this impromptu deal, as far as he was concerned, was that Lizz was treated well - not as some sort of money generator or prisoner...**

Lizz was not so fast with climbing the stairs since her foot hurt but after climbing two long staircases, they ended up in a small way with one large room on the left, and another large room at the right. Both had rather proper beds for an inn of this stature but most likely with the gold, would soon get newer and better ones. There was a window in each room with a heavy but bit damaged curtain, a table, a chair a dresser and wardrope.

The wooden floorboards did crack however with almost every step but the wood was not rotten.

''I can not promise me or the other waitresses can look after her while we work. Some patrons do have wandering hands no matter the age of the woman so she would be asked to retreat to her room after a specific hour. When I bring my son to school tomorrow I will ask if there is a place for her. She had never had any education most likely though so it is not easy for her. Not to mention she is clearly traumatised with whatever happened with her. So she could be unpredictable too. Something tells me you will not always be around either. Or will you see to it someone can be with her.''

**The girl did commendably well, considering she was obviously in pain.  Still, a few days would likely see her improved and the measures he was putting in place should at least give her some sense of normality until her teenage years.  Coma glanced at the room, allowing a nod of his head - it would do.  For her, it was sufficient - for him, it would likely be torturous.  His kind were nomadic and much preferred to keep moving.  For that reason, there were only a few settlements where he came from... the vast majority of his race travelled and preferred to see the world.**

"Are you happy with this?"

**His voice reached the child, his arms folding.  He allowed himself to straighten up to his full height as he stepped into the main part of the room... thankfully the ceiling was high - allowing a handful of inches above him.  As in any realm, things were seldom made for beings of his height - it was an inconvenience he had grown very used to.**

**There was a vague sense of distaste from him that anyone would want to take advantage of a child, a low snarl under his breath and the hint of irritation to his voice again.**

"Perhaps make it known that I'm quite happy to kill anyone who touches her with that in mind."

**A nod was given to the waitress after these surprisingly cold words, the uncomfortable feeling dissipating from the air quite quickly as the discussion turned to school instead.**

"Where I am from... there are tutors that come to the child.  I would be grateful if you could perhaps see if any of the teachers are interested in that."

**Other children might not be a good idea for Lizz - he could see that.  Given time, perhaps he could bring one of his race's own children so she could learn the social abilities needed to converse with her own age group... but he got the feeling she would be taken advantage of.**

"I... cannot always be around... if I have to leave for long periods of time, I will try and arrange someone to be with her..."

Minerva nodded. ''I will pass the message to anyone who as much as wrong ideas about her. Then again the owner always wanted to rebuild this inn into something more proper. Also for richer folks. He can pay for someone to throw troublemakers out. Regarding education, you clearly are wealthy enough to pay for a personal tutor. I could ask if one of the teachers would want to do so. Everyone likes to make an extra coin.''
Her gaze went to Lizzbeth who had not answered the question yet. But she saw the girl nodding quickly.

''I like this place. It's warm.'' she said softly. ''And spacious'' she looked at Coma and rubbed tears away. But still the girl smiled. Somehow it were happy tears. Still it did not take away she did not like he had to leave and hoped he spoke true regarding that he could send someone else.

Still. This whole room was, aside from when she had to clean the mansion, more spacious then the chains she was used to allowed her to go. The girl walked towards the bed and laid her head on it. ''It's soft...'' she said quietly.

"You have my thanks."

**Lizz was, by now, exploring what was going to be her new home.  She was a thin, malnourished creature - and the fact that she was in rags hadn't escaped him.  Perhaps something could be done about that as well.  His voice was softer when he spoke to the waitress again, a new suggestion offered as she had seemed unwilling to take the extra money for herself earlier and seemed the kind who would prefer to earn it.**

"If you can see to it that she receives new clothes, I will pay you for your trouble."

**There was that rare suggestion of a smile as Lizz passed her verdict on the bed and he turned his attention to what would be his own room for just a moment.  At least, in between seeing a tutor and being at least partially under the eyes of the inn staff, she should be safe enough for him to travel as he needed to.  With luck, he would not have to spend long in that room...**

Minerva sighed deeply. ''I do not have that much free time you know... I work fourteen hours a day. Perhaps she fits something from my own children from when they were younger. Otherwise I could ask my oldest son to bring her to the local tailor.'' she replied.

She looked at the girl who was now awfully quiet and litterly had fallen asleep sitting against the bed with her head on the bed.

''She could use a bath too but truth be told... she seems so frail and bruised I'm kind of afraid to do it since I will most likely hurt her.''

**There was a gentle nod of his head, a handful of gold coins produced and offered to her without a thought.  Coma had little knowledge of clothing or tailors - it was simple knowledge that the rags the girl currently wore were just not sufficient.**

**He might have helped the girl lay more completely on the bed; but just as Minerva had worries about hurting her, so did he.  Only his were compounded by the natural strength that came with his kind.  For the briefest of seconds, there was a very slight spark of amusement in those abysmal eyes as he spoke to the waitress again.**

"You're far less likely to hurt her than I am..."

**Such things could be sorted out later - the girl would likely improve after a few weeks of eating properly and being taken care of.  With any luck, her true character would emerge and she could actually start to adjust to not being at someone's beck and call at all hours.  Of course, there was the danger of her simply not adjusting well to this new lifestyle - but that would have to be addressed nearer the time should it happen...**

''That I saw.'' Minerva sighed and went to the girl. Picking her up and laying her on the bed. Pulling the covers over her before returning to Coma. Hesitantly she accepted the gold.

''If she does not adjust what will you do?''

**Coma turned his head away, almost unwilling to answer the waitress' questions.  It was understandably difficult to know exactly what to plan if the girl didn't adjust.  A low sigh was given under his breath, accompanied by a shake of his head.**

"...I don't know.  I'm not all that good with children."

**Yet, why think of such problems now?  He remained optimistically positive that the girl would learn quickly and, with luck, treat today as just a lucky break and an escape from what would be a miserable fate.  There was the urge to ask Minerva just how slaves were treated in this realm - of what the future would have held for the girl had he not come along; but he sincerely didn't want to know.**

**This realm was very strange... he didn't think that he would ever grow used to it...**

''For someone not good with children you do care a lot about one.'' Minerva noted.

''Lets let her sleep. I doubt she ever had a good nights sleep in her whole life.'' she said as she headed to the door. ''She maybe will need someone when she wakes though. You heard her right? She's afraid of being alone.'' she put an oil lamp on the night stand so that if the girl would wake, it would not be dark.

"It bothers me when anyone is enslaved, least of all a child."

**Coma didn't hesitate to leave the room - there was no way he was keeping himself cooped up in this attic until the child awakened.  Besides, it seemed a better use of his time to go and speak to the innkeeper in case he wanted to clarify anything in regards to their little arrangement.**

**Of course, he would check up on the child periodically and ensure that she was quite safe - as strangely kind as he was being already, he was quite certain on the fact that Lizz would need to be used to being alone on occasion; as frightening as that might seem at the moment.**

**Perhaps tomorrow he could teach the girl at least some self-defence so that she would be more at peace in remaining on her own... of course, it was nearly impossible to gauge her potential ability in such talents...**

The innkeeper and the rest of the waitresses were still working on putting the money away safely.

''Is everything in order?'' The innkeeper asked.
''As far as I know, yes.'' Minerva replied. Most patrons had gone home. Others, now just minded their own business.

''I suggest though boss, to set a few things on paper. A contract as it were. This man will not always be around so if you need to know something you could always look at the contract regarding that matter. The girl is used to slavery, I know enough about children to know it is litterly imprinted in her to do what is asked of her. Or even without asking, since she cleaned up her own blood that had dripped on the ground as soon as she could. Afraid she would be yelled at. I will help with documenting the generosity of our guest.'' Minerva said.

The man nodded looking at Coma with a broad smile. In theory it would've been cheaper for Coma to just buy the place.
''There is a small room in the back or do you prefer sitting here. Anything to drink perhaps?'' he asked.

**Coma had no understanding of the currency of this realm - for all he knew, he could have been shortchanged completely or given a surprisingly good deal on what he was asking.  It mattered little to him.  Even had someone told him just to buy the inn outright, he would almost certainly have declined.  He had absolutely no interest in running a business in this realm or in any other.  He already had a job and the girl was going to put enough of a strain on that without adding employees and other such frets to the list.**

**To him, the innkeeper's questions seemed quite grounded - and Minerva's suggestion of a contract was fine as far as he was concerned.  He would have been perfectly happy to go with a simple gentleman's agreement - so long as the understanding was there that if the girl wasn't well treated, Coma would be out for vengeance.**

**It was comforting that the staff at this place at least had more knowledge than he did into the running of this realm and what could be expected from Lizz behaviour-wise.  Other slaves he had encountered had fled with barely a parting glance to their saviour.  A child-slave, though... he was learning that was an entirely different thing.**

**Coma allowed his tall form to lean up against the mahogany-style bar, letting a hand rest on the solid wood, studying the innkeeper with that ever-intense ebony gaze.  At the offer of a drink, there was an automatic shake of his head; his response automatic - and unintentionally frightening.**

"No, I'll hunt later."

**It was a sledgehammer-subtle suggestion of what he actually was and the vampiric nature of his being.  Truth be told, he might well have fed from Moras had he not been so... unsavoury.  The innkeeper and waitresses were perfectly safe given that they remained on his good side.  A troublemaker to the inn, however, might see a totally different side to the Djinn.**

The innkeeper had taken some parchment, a quill and ink. The agreedments mainly were about the girls wellbeing. What was permitted to be asked of her and what not. The amount of time she was going to spend here.

But also where the money was spent on; investing in the inn, Lizz's new clothes, the teacher, potentional medicine costs. Most was most likely not useful for Coma and the innkeeper but for Lizz as well. For when she could read. And to realise she had the rights of a person and would not be treated like some animal anymore.

But also another point. What if the person Coma would point out to look after Lizz, was not capable of doing so. Or not there, if there was any way to reach him. Not that he expected it. But if Lizz would become seriously ill or really would be asking for Coma, having a way to reach him was perhaps not a bad idea.

**Coma was quite happy to take the quill and sign where a neat cross indicated; despite what would likely be expected, his penmanship had a rather elegant flourish - a beautiful, almost calligraphy style that was very hard to replicate.  His signature held no resemblance of his name, however... it instead seemed to consist of an extremely bizarre, ancient language which was nearly incomprehensible.  In actuality, he simply went by this name in other realms - he never divulged his real name: it was best to keep the intracacies of his own language a closely-guarded secret.**

**He was, however, quite open to the potential of Lizz's upbringing being more expensive than he allowed for, there would be no objections should the innkeeper need to come to him for more money.  Likely the whole day to him likely felt like winning some grand prize; a gigantic stroke of luck that would probably never repeat itself.  It spelled the beginning of prosperity for him, his family and his employees - on the condition that the girl remained happy and healthy.**

**The query of how to contact him would be a little more problematic.  There would no doubt be occasions where problems in his own realm meant that he and whoever he requested watch the girl simply couldn't be there - and he could not guarantee that these situations wouldn't be for a considerable period of time on occasions.  However, being able to reach him was a reasonable request and so he did not try and bypass the subject.**

**There was a solution to the problem - but there was a degree of uncertainty before he finally settled on it.  A deathly-white hand withdrew from the bar, into a hidden pocket and a shadow-black gemstone was withdrawn; very similar to the one hanging from the pendant around his neck, but substantially smaller.**

"This is a blood opal... you can contact me through it.  Just hold it for a moment and I'll return when I can."

The innkeeper nodded. ''I think it is best not to give this to the girl. At least, not now. She is very dependant it seems.''

The contract had demands from both sides. Minerva had basicly suggested it so this situation would not be exploited. Maybe it would not happen now, but humans could grow accustomed to it and take and ask more and more.

''I will make sure the girl will see a physician tomorrow. The girl is not used to eat much so we can not exactly stuff her with food right away without having negative consequences. And judging by her bruises, maybe she had broken bones once or has them that need tending.'' he nodded and held out his hand to shake Coma's. ''Just do not... well. Disappear for the rest of her life. I'm sure she will already be happy to see you once a week.''

**Lizz couldn't be blamed really for that clingy dependancy - she'd had a dreadful start in life, doubtless wrenched from her mother very young; but from what she had said previously, at least she had known the woman.  That did lead thoughts to dwell on the unfortunate slave-woman still in someone's possession - the poor Elf likely desperately missed her daughter and had no idea what sort of condition the girl was in... if she was alive at all.**

**If anything, the demands on the contract were welcome - Coma tended to work flawlessly to rule; ever the professional.  It was better to have a set idea of what was expected from both sides - that way there would be no arguments and bickering later on regarding who had agreed what.**

**As far as Lizz's health and general anatomy went, Coma had to bow to the innkeeper's greater knowledge and experience.  A Djinn would have no idea as to whether it was best to overfeed a half-elf after near-starvation or not.  It was a relief to hear that a medic would look at the girl and likely predict what she would need and what was best for her short-term.**

"I will visit as often as I am able..."

**There was still that uncertain note on his otherwise emotionless voice - and one might detect that he made absolutely no promises one way or the other.  It was safer to err on the side of caution as far as this went.  Still, visiting once a week was far better than having to stay around endlessly and slowly watch the girl grow up...**

It took the waitresses a few hours until the money was all accounted for and stored away. The sign was already turned into closed and the patrons left one by one. The dishes were all cleaned.

''I will bring some of the waitresses home. I will need to lock the door though so others can not come in. It will not be long but if you wish to head to your room, or... go wherever you need to go, feel free to do so.'' he said.

''Bruno. Zarak.'' the innkeeper them whistled and two large guarddogs came from the kitchen. They looked a little lazy but they were alert and took positions. Both dogs did looked at Coma briefly with a low bark but kept it at that.

**Coma relaxed considerably once the inn became increasingly more quiet.  A nod of the head was given as the innkeeper moved to accompany his employees to their homes.  He seemed like a decent man - one that would at least stick to his word.**

**Yet, at the suggestion of the door being locked, the expression on Coma's face became almost readable - a look of panic and annoyance in equal measures.  There was no way that he was willing to stay in this place with the doors locked and the building closed up; even if there were routes out of the building.  Despite the inn being a decent enough size for others, it remained cloyingly claustrophobic as far as Coma was concerned - and he was burdened with that particular fear.**

"I would rather go with you."

**There was a moment of hesitation at the knowledge that he would be leaving the girl alone, save the guard-dogs that the innkeeper had called.  There was no reaction to the creatures' presence... just a vague acknowledgement of their being there and snarling softly at him.**

**A few words were uttered, low and inaudible... a few seconds later another man appeared; almost a foot shorter than Coma, but the family resemblance was very obvious.  The newcomer had slightly wavier ebony hair, very slightly shorter than Coma's and his dark eyes were a little more calm and gentle.  A few words were exchanged between the pair in a rapid, incomprehensible language; but the younger creature seemed not to need directions - he headed towards the stairs as if he'd been to the building a thousand times before.  A few words were given as Coma accompanied the innkeeper and the waitresses out into the dusky air.**

"My son, Kaison, will likely watch the girl if I'm not around."

The innkeeper nodded. ''Alright.'' he said with a smile.

''We do tell you every time you do not need to bring us home though...'' Minerva said with a sigh. She did not live that far off and basicly nothing happened in this area.

''I will keep saying. I do not want any of you alone on the street if it is dark...'' the man muttered

**Outside in the darkness, Coma's movement instinctively became swift and ghost-like - he moved without a sound, lurking close to the small group; but at the same time seeming to be miles away.  Their conversations and footsteps reached him easily - if he so wished, he could close his eyes and still track them effortlessly.  His stealth and skill during the nighttime hours was a mix of his natural mastery over shadows, his skills as an assassin and his vampiric curse - all these things mixed together to create a devastatingly lethal creature who was certainly far more at home during the hours of darkness.**

**Kaison, in the meantime, had quietly made his way up into the attic, possessing the same natural silence to his movements as his father.  As he entered the attic, a glance was given to the girl who remained peacefully sleeping.  Notice was taken of the room off to the side - he knew instinctively that his father had purchased that room, but like Coma he had no desire to spend any degree of time in it.**

**Instead, he made his way over to the window near the girl's bed, stooping from his 7ft height to peer out into the gloom.  He could see the innkeeper and his employees making their way through the deserted streets - and he could sense the patch of shadow that his father inhabited, but it was quite impossible to see him.**

**Silence was maintained for the girl's sake at least.**

But the girl herself was not silent eventually. As at some time her body started to tremble and she tossed herself around in her sleep. Some fearfull sounds came from her mouth as the girl experienced some kind of vivid nightmare.

''Please... please don't hit me... I'm a good girl I promise..'' she softly cried out

--

One by one the women were dropped off by their home. ''There we go, all safe and sound. Patrons can sometimes be to desireable to my staff. I do not want to risk any of them waited outside in some alley for their shift to end.''

The man himself basicly lived in a backroom of the inn without a wife or children so he made his way back once more.

**Kaison took a step backwards, away from the window, as the girl began to whimper in her sleep.  There were words, but he couldn't understand them - it was more the tone he honed in on.  It was obvious that she was not having a peaceful night.  He stepped towards her bed, gently lowering himself to one knee and softly allowed fingers to brush strands of her unruly hair back.  Like his father, Kaison wasn't really one for children - but he already understood the reasons for his father helping this one and wouldn't question.**

**In contrary to his father, Kaison was no assassin; instead Kaison's talents lay in his psychic abilities.  If nothing else, such things were useful at the moment.  There was an intense blur of shadowy black energy around his head for a moment, tendrils of this essence travelled down his arm and began to wind around her head.  It was an effort to ease her thoughts and lull her back into more pleasant dreams; but it was difficult to tell if it would work.**


**Coma seemed to materialise beside the innkeeper for a moment as they circled back round towards the inn.  The very fact that the waitresses needed to be escorted home was vaguely worrying - but at least the man had a degree of protectiveness towards them.  That bode well for Lizz at least.  It was strange to almost be in a business partnership with the mortal - but he would hopefully become used to that quite soon.**

"What is your name?"

**In the nighttime, Coma's voice took on a near-ethereal quality, something deep and haunting that almost reverberated with power and danger.  It was easy to see how he carried out the vast majority of his work - it was quite fortunate that he only acted on the orders of the leader of his race.**

''Alexander'' the man replied. Remarkably though he was not uncomfortable. Coma had a lot of chances already to harm him. You know, you are the second kind vampire kin I have met. I do prefer you over the weird woman though.'' He admitted.

Lizz, having no active magic on her own, not had ever learned how to make mental barriers, was easy influencable. Kaison would have no problem to enter her mind and use his magic.

It did not take long for the gorl to calm down. Her heartbeat slowly returning to normal and the noises she made softened. Eventually she even looked contend and calm.

**There was a wry flicker of a smile, hidden in the night.  Coma, at one point, would likely have reacted dreadfully for being associated with vampires before his birth-race... but now, the mistake was corrected with an automatic response; his tone quite dry and low still.**

"I am Djinn before anything else."

**It surprised him to be called 'kind', but it wasn't something he dedicated a response to - most found him mellow and calm, but should the order be issued for him to kill; he could change from being cool and collected to being a killing machine in a matter of seconds.  Yet, there was no use going into the particulars of all of that - he wasn't likely to receive any such orders here...**

"I am Coma..."



**Kaison withdrew his hand from the girl's head, smoothly turning back to the window in a fluid movement.  He rarely spoke and so ot a word left his lips.  The girl seemed much more settled now at least.  Undeniably, there was the vague temptation to free the girl of her troubling past and terrible memories by using his psychic abilities to eliminate them all from her mind - but he would not.  Those dreadful thoughts were a part of her past and, one day, she would value them and be grateful for the present because of them.**

**Surprisingly deft, elegant fingers wrapped around the windowsill, his other hand raising to lazily sweep strands of wavy black hair back.  It was a peaceful night on first appearances... but there was an uncertain feeling in the air... something that he just couldn't quite put his finger on...**

''A Djinn huh. I think I heard of your kin before. Although those... if I recall properly they brought their targets into dreamlike states and harvested their blood as it was filled with happy thoughts.'' he pondered. ''But like I said before. If you had unkind intentions they aready would've been excecuted. I think at least. I'm suprised though you care or... at least tend to the child in the way you do. Usually ancient creatures or those who stand higher in the hierachy then humans do, do not care in the slightest.''

**His kind were difficult to explain to those that were entirely unaware - and perhaps the truth was far darker than any reality.  There was a very slight, unarguably melancholy, shake of his head; shadowy eyes downcast and contemplative.**

"...Not really.  Djinn don't feed on blood normally... I'm an exception."

**Why offer the dark explanation that they granted wishes and stole souls?  It would only add in a dreadful temptation and lead to him being even more alienated and despised in this world than he already was.  Coma could only hope that the man was never unfortunate enough to meet another, more primal member of his race.**

**The subject of the girl was raised, but there was no response from the demon - just that same ebbing uncertainty as before - he wasn't quite sure yet that he should be interfering nearly as much as he was.  Perhaps he should have bitten back his immediate impulses and left the girl to her fate.  However, that was impossible... he just couldn't have left her alone for some sadistic monster to get hold of her.  It was a relief that this place was so focused and driven by their currency... something that he could easily produce with barely a flicker of thought, without even needing to activate his true abilities.**

**So, why had he acted?**

**It came down to the simple act that the girl just hadn't deserved the future inked out for her.**

**They were, thankfully, beginning to near the inn - something that he knew instinctively that his son would be quite grateful for - Kaison would have been quite alarmed should the girl have awakened.  Kaison could barely handle young Djinn, let alone a child from another race.**

Lizz, whom for the first time since being seperated from her mother slept peacefully, awoke slowly. Despite that the bed was the best she had ever slept in, she was not used to it and soon she found herself still in a half dreamlike state asking for her mother. Although in less despair then perhaps was expected.

Remarkably though when she was awake enough and her eyes open far enough to see in the dark room, she saw Kaison. But did not panic. He gave off the same vibe as his father did. and Coma already had said he would not always be around.

So instead she offered Kaison a tired smile. ''Hello..'' she said softly

**Kaison tensed as it became obvious that the girl was beginning to awaken - she spoke a little as her slumbering mind jolted itself back into reality; but quite what she said remained a mystery to him.  Despite his father occasionally complaining that Kaison refused to educate himself in other languages, the young Djinn steadfastly refused to learn anything more than his own native tongue - and even then, he barely spoke at all.**

**As the girl opened her eyes and found him by the window, there was a startled, bewildered expression - something that he had no doubt his father and sister would find amusing should they have seen.  For a brief second, he glanced around him; pushing shoulder-length strands of dark hair back and letting his thoughtful gaze to find the floor for a moment... surely his father wouldn't be too long...**

**The silence was uncomfortable, though - and he feared that his complete refusal to talk would upset Lizz and so, with an almost exasperated sigh, he shook his head and spoke.  His voice was timid, not quite as deep as his father's... but there was a much thicker accent to his words, something that seemed to coat every single syllable and hang ominously and tangibly on every word.  Only a handful of words were given - but they were incomprehensible, in an impossibly rapid, complex language that would be entirely alien to this world.**

**There was a gentle shrug of those youthful shoulders, only the very beginnings of a timid smile across those thin lips.  It was hoped that Lizz would understand that, just as she likely couldn't understand a single thing he said; he was in much the same position.  Truthfully, if Coma had thought that the girl would awaken, he would likely have asked his daughter, Aradia, to watch Lizz... but at least he had kept his promise of leaving someone with her - even if his choice couldn't speak the same language as her.**

Lizz looked at Kaison briefly. His smile was not of the mean kind which was enough comfort for her already.

Instead of repeating herself she just waved for a short moment. Waving meant hello as well after all. Cuddling back up in the blankets which were warm and soft unlike she had ever felt before, she sat down with her legs over the edge. Her feet barely reached the ground and she looked at Kaison for a moment petting on the bed beside her inviting him to sit with her.

**There was still that look of startled apprehension and vague, lingering panic from the young demon - he had never been one to associate with anyone outside his race; let alone a frightened young child.  Yet, she was surprisingly composed in his presence.  His father had told him only very briefly about the girl and where she had originally come from... and Kaison hadn't yet worked out exactly why Coma had been so intent on rescuing her.  In his experience, Coma usually remained coldly about the problems faced by other realms and the inhabitants therein...**

**The child gave an endearing little wave from her place sitting on her bed still contently cocooned by her blankets, before patting the mattress beside her.    There was a noticeable moment of hesitation before he took a few steps toward her; cautiously keeping his distance still; but kindly lowering himself to one knee to make himself less intimidating to her.**

**Kaison had no wish to peer into this child's mind and realise the horrors that she had been through - to obtain his father's assistance, it likely had to be quite a substantial amount of heartache.  Given it had been discovered that they didn't speak the same language as one another, Kaison went comfortably back to silence; allowing the girl to simply stare at him or to go back to sleep.**

**From downstairs, there was the sound of the heavy front door opening, he assumed spelling the arrival of the Landlord and his father.  His head turned very slightly toward the sound, his mind automatically drifting out to gently reach out and try to detect his father's presence... the calm look faded very slightly.  Something... just felt wrong...**

As soon as the door opened and the dogs did not see their master they started to bark loud and aggressive, causing Lizz who was so calm before place her hands over her ears and panic. She did not scream loud though but it was no secret she was frightened. She could not bare loud sounds.

A deep female voice sounded and the dogs went quiet. Despite being welltrained guard dogs, they backed off slowly with their tails between their legs.

With a slam the door shut once more and a simple spell was cast to make sure the door could not be opened as easily as usual. Not with the key, neither easily with the magic from the realm she came from.

The woman was hooded and her cloak reached the ground and was adorned with very large dragonfly wings. Her clothes existing out of a black skirt made of very fine but thin, almost see through material and revealed one leg which had many  elegant tattoos shaped like thin vines with flowers. One flower for every soul she claimed. Her top exposed the size of her bossom but concealed what had to be concealed well enough.

Her thick but healthy hair in a braid over one of her shoulders.

''Still primitive... fortunatly. Would be bad for business otherwise.'' she purred before heading up the stairs.

**The poor child was understandably frightened by the reaction of the dogs; there was a new feeling of threat and danger on the air... something painfully familiar, dreadfully tangible and laced with malevolence.  Kaison allowed slender fingers to brush gently along the girl's shoulder, a comforting gesture before he lifted himself back to his full 7ft height and turned towards the door.**

**The dogs, by now, had stopped their barking; there was the very faint sound of a frightened whimper and Kaison instinctively knew that the animals had retreated away from the intruder.  The voice that demanded the dogs to silence was female, the tone sinister and confident.**

**Kaison could easily tell it was likely one of his kind... but there was no way of telling exactly what her business was here.  Kaison was no physical fighter and held very little magical ability - all his talents lay in his potent psychic powers; therefore there was a degree of apprenhension from the young Djinn.  Psychics, in his kind, often kept their distance from confrontations; using their talents to attack from afar, if they needed to defend themselves.**

**The footsteps were on the stairs now, fast-approaching Lizz's room.  There was a glance back to the girl with intense ebony eyes - it would have been ideal for her to hide away somewhere and keep out of whatever was to occur.  Given the language restriction between them prevented this course of action, he instead protectively planted himself between Lizz and the door, tensing as the door began to open...**

Anyone else who spent their night in the inn did not seem to wake. Maybe not thinking anything behind the dogs barking or they drank so much they just slept through it.

The door opened with ease and the woman entered. She noticed Kaison first. ''Figured she would not be alone.'' she spoke coldly in their native tongue. ''I was looking for your old man after he took out my eldest daughter but... after hearing he took a little girl under his guard I just had to come and see.''

Lizz had hidden herself under the blackets instinctivly but after a wave of the woman's hand the blanket flew off the bed revealing the little girl.

Lizz was even to terrified to scream and the woman rose an eyebrow. ''So that's it? A little sack of bones? I had expected something else but you are not worth messing with. Not yet.''

Lizz did not understand a single word of the strange language but the woman gave off a very dangerous vibe.

''Or maybe a little... I do wonder what her soul tastes like.'' she summoned a knife and threw it up in the air a few times.

''Tell me little girl.'' the woman spoke in common. ''What is your name?''

''L-L-Lizz..'' Lizzbeth replied trembling.

''That won't do... your full name. You do not want me to write dear little Kaison's now do you.'' she asked calmly. Very few people knew how she worked. But she required knowing a person's full name before she could use her power which was in her case, the control of minds. Those whom were to weak to resist the offer of their grandest wish, being it the annihalation of an entire family or even a race till a stuffed animal would have their wish granted and their body would be carved. And this Djinn, was very quick in collecting the souls by devouring it with body alltogether.
Not to mention she was an excellent spellcaster and fighter. Although she rarely made her own hands dirty.

**It was something of a relief that no one else in the building was drawn by the sound of the intruder entering or the dogs.  It was best that they keep their distance; especially considering that the woman was a demon rather than anything mortal.**

**There was a a moment of silence from the young psychic as the other Djinn entered.  As she spoke, thankfully in their own bewildering language, he remained quiet and contemplative; the expression across those handsome, youthful features unreadable.  Kaison was an extremely talented young Djinn when it came to his psychic abilities - but just as dangerous was that razor-sharp, quick-fire intellect that remained gently simmering, just beneath the surface.  As the other demon spoke of his father killing one of her family, Kaison gave a minuscule smile and a vague shrug of those armoured shoulders.**

"My father kills many traitors on the order of our ruler."

**These words were delivered in that same complex language, his voice thick with the accent of the mainland of their realm.  There was the obvious suggestion to what he said - that this demon's family were treacherous and deserving of such misfortune.  Such words would likely round the female's fury from the girl, onto him - and that was fuly the intention.**

**Kaison could feel Lizz's terror, turning his head very slightly to ensure she was all right; before turning his attention back to the woman, watching her as she summoned the little blade and casually toyed with it.  Kaison didn't favour weapons, considering them disadvantageous to his psychic abilities.  However, his father did insist that he carry a dagger - a beautiful, ornate weapon with an obsidian blade.  However, this weapon remained hidden away, out of sight.**

**The female began to speak to Lizz - returning to the language that was utterly alien to him.  Kaison turned his ebony gaze back to the child, shaking his head and lifting a finger up to his lips; an utterly universal gesture that needed no language - an encouragement for the child not to talk to the other.**

**He turned those serene eyes back to the other demon, keeping himself between the woman and the child.  If she thought that the little girl was going to be an easy victim, she was very much mistaken.  A curious eyebrow lifted and a question was issued with an uncharacteristic taunting tone to his voice - another attempt to bravely round the negative attention back to himself.**

"I assume you are not brave enough to take your complaints to the ruler of our kind?"

''Fawn had no trial. She was just about to feed. Everyone must do that when they are hungry.'' Erianthe replied and threw the knife towards Lizz only to stop it mere inches in front of the girls face.

Lizz had covered her mouth with her hands but it did not block out her frightened shriek as the dagger came her way only to stop way to close to her face.

''I for one am hungry too but somehow... humans taste so... empty. One just won't do. They are never satisfied themselves even. Selfish little useless creatures. Also I am brave enough to tell my complaints to your old man. I had expected him to be here but had you instead. Don't worry though I have no intention of eating the kid. I bet her little soul and body will not even fill me for day and be nothing but a rosebud.''

It was then though she tilted her head aside as the dagger had come flying her way and made an undeep cut in Erianthe's cheek. Lizz had taken the floating dagger from the air and threw it back.

''L-leave... I do not want you here...'' she trembled.

''How cute... the rosebud has thorns.'' The female Djinn replied before turning to human tongue again.

''Do not worry Lizz, just grow a little order, make a wish and maybe, just maybe you'll surpass my expectations regarding how you taste.''

"All must abide by the rules set in regards to feeding.  Your daughter should have known that."

**Yes, there were rules to follow - orchestrated to offer some degree of secrecy to their race.  After all, there would be little benefit of feeding mindlessly with no sense of decorum or tact.  True, Djinn were very powerful creatures - but hunting their food sources to extinction would do little for their own future and only bring about internal wars and fighting.**

**There was an automatic tension of muscle as the knife flew at Lizz, stopping just shy of her.  Yet, it did cause a dangerous flash to appear across the young Djinn's eyes and a low growl under his breath.  He listened as the other demon ranted about humans; giving an irritated shake of his head as he did.  This woman was very... wrapped up in her own problems, unable to see anything but her own viewpoint and her own problems.**

"As I thought.  You are not brave enough to avenge your daughter by facing the one who ordered her death?"

**The girl took him by surprise before he could continue, the knife flying back at Erianthe and the gutsy little child snapping an order back at the demon for her to leave.  Still... the girl had issued an attack now... and if this woman was similar to many of their kind, she would now be quite permitted to retaliate...**

**Before such an attack could be undertaken, the shadows nearest the window began to bubble and pulsate... Kaison turned his dark gaze to the writhing darkness and watched as his father materialised.  It was no real surprise that Coma had returned in this way if the door downstairs had eluded him.  He had doubtless left the landlord to battle with it and decided shadow-walking was the best course of action.  Unfortunately for Erianthe, his presence did mean she was now outnumbered.  He remained as coldly professional as ever - having the family of past victims take grudges against him was not something that was wholly unfamiliar to him.**

**His arms remained close to his side; but did not approach the dangerous hilt of the ebony sword hidden there - he had no orders to harm Erianthe and so would not attack her until she decided to start the fight...**

''Ahh there you are.'' Erianthe said in a tone as if she had been waiting for ages. ''Also dear, dear Kaison. How can I confront the ones who ordered it if I do not know from which side the order came from. But seeing as your father is here... you may want to tend to little Lizz though... I think she wet the bed.''

''Hello Coma, long time no see. Adopted a human kid I see? I'm rather suprised.''

**Coma only studied Erianthe as she spoke, that obsidian gaze unmoving and unblinking; just as if he were on a kill.  He gave no greeting to his son or to the child - an air of cool, deadly professionalism and focus attached to him.  This callous drive would have been the last thing that her daughter was aware of... and it was without a doubt intimidating.**

**Kaison spoke, not for the first time grateful that he had shunned the assassin profession to instead focus on his own path.  There was confusion on the young Djinn's voice, though... was this woman even from their chain of the race?  After all, he was aware of other races that could also be called Djinn... but they did not share their realm...**

"The order would have come from Rumour... our leader.  He is the only one to issue such requests to any of the assassins."

**If anything, Erianthe was lucky that it was Coma that had disposed of her daughter rather than one of the other assassins.  Coma was mercifully quick and aimed to strike at his targets before they were aware of anything more than the chilled focus to the air.  The other assassins could be exceptionally bloodthirsty and aggressive; often tracking their targets unseen for days, before finding the perfect moment to strike and doing their utmost to draw out and elongate their lingering demises.**

**Kaison ignored Erianthe's comments about Lizz - even had she become so frightened as to wet herself; it would come as no surprise and was fully expected of a young child.  Instead, he kept himself between Erianthe and Lizz; turning his back fully now that his father was here to ensure Erianthe did not attack him and giving the child that same gentle, calming smile.**

**Once Erianthe properly greeted him, Coma moved; silently seeming to drift to take his son's side - it would not be advisable for Erianthe to do anything to harm Kaison in Coma's presence.  A Djinn's protectiveness for their offspring was infamous - and any attack towards his son would see her become painfully well-acquainted with either the sword or else those dreadful vampire fangs.**

**Coma did grant her something he gave to few that sought him out for vengeance over a dead relative - he allowed her the opportunity to ask what she wanted.  He believed he could recollect this woman's daughter...**

"Human children seem to be more obedient than I remember them being.  If you have a question in regards to your daughter, ask it."

Erianthe was not stupid. Despite she was old and strong and could summon allies in her own way she had different things in mind.

''I have a question indeed despite it should be for Rumour. But Fawn killed and fed on small villages before. Some even larger then the one she was last at so I was curious why it was decided thistime. Just like me she absorbs her prey completely. Body and soul. No surviving villagers, means no witnesses. Simple as that. Or was it that she messed up somewhere.''

**It was confusing that the woman dared not ask her question of the leader of their race; but perhaps unsurprising.  Rumour was a force to be reckoned with – brilliantly intelligent and contemplative with abilities that had remained a secret since his creation.  All knew that it was best to leave him to his own devices and not trouble him with minor issues.**

**As cold as it seemed, the death of her daughter was one such issue that the Elder Djinn would casually brush aside and disregard.  It was not the place of even the girl's mother to question Rumour's motives: the girl's death had been ordered and an assassin had dutifully carried out the command.**

**Unbeknownst to many in the realm, Coma could trace his family straight back to Rumour – albeit distantly, Coma belonged to the same regal chain as the powerful Elder Demon.  From his ancestor, Coma seemed to have inherited tiny aspects - not least his stoic, quiet nature and his unshakeable moral ground.  True, Rumour maintained a great deal more of his inherently demonic nature... hence issuing the order to kill gave the Leader no grounds for concern.**

**Coma allowed a little shake of his head, his arms still loose at his side.  Yes, he remembered this girl quite well.  Warnings had been issued to her several times in regards to her manner of feeding – and, before long, Erianthe would likely receive similar messages should her methods put their kind at risk of discovery.  There were rules... and Rumour utterly hated it when they were disregarded.  For such an ancient race, Djinn could be incredibly bureaucratic...**

"She refused to listen when told.  You did not teach her how to kill discretely?  Then her death lies with you more than it does with me."

**After all, how would it look for previously bustling little villages to suddenly become tiny ghost towns, utterly devoid of life?  Just because there were no witnesses didn't mean that suspicions couldn't flare and the culprits be pinned back to supernatural causes.  In this world, vampires often worked under such confines – desperately concealing their own natures and preventing themselves from being ousted.  For Djinn, it was more difficult – unlike taking the blood of a victim, stealing the soul always resulted in death.  It was unusual for a Djinn to feed on anything more than the soul – but that just led to the girl's death being even more essential in the long run...**

''Dont blame me, it was her father who raised her mostly. Oh well.'' Erianthe took the dagger, toyed with it a little longer before she made it vanish. ''I got what I came for for now. Enjoy the rest of your evening.'' she said with a polite bow and vanished in a cloud of bleeding rosepetals. With her leave the spell lifted too allowing the owner to actually enter the place again.

Lizzbeth remained silent though, still trembling.

**There was an incredulous look from the Shadow Djinn as Erianthe responded to his accusatory tone and, with a final retort, took her leave of the room with a blast of magic.  She... had definitely been an unusual one, as far as their kind went... but at least she wasn't nearly the worst he had met.  There were those who wouldn't take the answers they were offered and would instead make it their life goal to become as annoying as possible to the assassin that caused the death of their kin.**

**Coma truly hated those that took that path – for those stubborn or talented enough, they could make his working life a living nightmare and cause a simple assassination mission to become entirely unbearable and complicated.  Those that became too troublesome often caused him requesting the order to kill shifting from his original target to them...**

**For now, though, his ebony gaze turned to the child still cowering on the bed.  Kaison had remained steadfastly in front of her in an attempt to offer her some protection during this frightening, tense encounter... although it likely had provided precious little comfort to the girl herself.  Coma allowed a grateful nod to his son, before speaking to Lizz in her own language; his tone clipped, but unbothered by what had just occurred.**

"Go back to sleep."

**Easier said than done, perhaps... but what else could he offer her?**

Lizz looked at Coma briefly before nodding quietly. She got out of bed though, trembling still as she took the covers from the bed; Erianthe was right. She had wet the bed. She folded it up placing it in a washing basket near the door, adding her underwear as well and took a new cover from one of the wardropes which she found after opening a few.

Even then she did not yet return. The blankets were still on the ground and she placed those back on the bed before walking to Kaison briefly hugging him, whispering thank you and an apolagy before she hugged Coma as well but was less eager to let go. ''Can I cry now?..'' she asked quietly

**Kaison turned his gaze to the child as she quietly left the bed; even after his father had ordered her to go back to sleep.  There was a glance to Coma as the girl tidied up after herself and collected the blankets from the floor.  It was quite amazing that, even after her dreadful experience, she was still obedient and passive...**

**Coma watched as the girl hugged his son, very briefly amused by the startled look on the young psychic's face.  Still, Kaison managed to react well enough – gently patting the girl's shoulder and turning those deep black eyes away from her as she spoke to Coma; quietly asking him for permission to weep.**

**Commendably, Coma managed to prevent himself from snapping at the girl... it remained insane to him that the child would ask such a thing... his voice was quiet, a few rapid words in his own baffling language to Kaison resulted in the younger demon to nod and vanish in a flash of ebony...**

"Why would you need to ask such a thing?  Do as you will... however, you are safe now... is there a need?"

Lizz watched Kaison leave and looked at Coma. ''...people always cry after something bad had happened. It reliefs them a bit.'' she admitted. ''My master never permitted me to cry. He would hit me if I did not ask. I'm sorry...'' she muttered before letting go of him and rubbed her eyes.

She still felt fearful to cry and figured Coma would not be all to happy if she did so she  swallowed her tears instead and walked to the bed to return to sleep like he had asked her to.

''Who was that mean old lady?'' she asked softly.

**Of course, the more Coma heard of her old master... the more he found himself completely despising him.  It was only a shame that he hadn't killed the man straight away.  He allowed a sigh, lifting his ebony eyes away from the girl.  Again, his parental experience didn't actually stretch to dealing with a traumatised child of a different race to his own.  He managed to force himself to calm very slightly – his shadowy gaze drifting calmly back to the youngster, his tone no longer seething with annoyance.**

"I killed her daughter, apparently."

**His gentler tone made the factual suddenness of his statement inadvertently even darker than he intended.  It was work to him, though... a matter of course.  No more unusual than a blacksmith or a carpenter talking about their own working life...**

**He settled himself near the window, resigning himself to watching over the child overnight – no doubt she wouldn't be comfortable being alone in the room now...**

"Do you want me to stay?"

''...If it is not a bother for you... yes please. But if there is a place you will need to be then that is alright too. All I do is causing trouble and am nothing more but a waste of space. I know that.'' Lizzbeth replied and went under the blanket without any clothing since the bit she had was wet but she wrapped the blanket around her and instead of laying down just sat down in the corner on the bed against the wall.

''Will that woman come back?'' she asked with a small voice.