Return to Oghma

[Balthaxar]

Just as Balthaxar entered the realm of Oghma, his form changed slightly... His ears and eyes had grown bigger and he looked even more alien than when on Terra.   The bluefin tuna had been skeletonized within seconds, and he seemed to be very pleased with himself.  Although, he realized he probably needed a mint.  Balty stretched out on the deck and purred.  But not like a cat. 

It was nice to be back home.  The smells were coming back to him.  He looked around a while as Lilith spoke with him from the inside of the office, he sunned himself in a well-lit spot.  Fae magic was the best magic in his opinion.

He took a short cat nap (not a "cat" nap).  As Lilith patiently waited for the others to arrive, Balty yawned and padded back into the dark office.  He jumped up on the desk and sat, slowly waving his tail.

"You mentioned the librarian.  Well, I'm still suggesting we go to Deneir before we leave this realm.  I have a few good reasons.  Hang on one sec."

Balty stretched his leg out and licked his foot a few times.  He slowly looked up and saw Lilith was watching him, his eyes got squinty as he took a different tone.

"Okay, I'll get to my point. Deep down, there is a tinge of Illyana in that ol' sourpuss.  I don't care what she said about leaving her alone, that's just not happening.  Even if she wants to live like a hermit-mole-person-transient-nun, it's our obligation to check up on her every once in a while.  I think she needs to know she has value to the rest of the family, and that there are people... and...  other things, that care about her."

His small whiskers twitched.  "Besides, she's probably missing me about now, although she'd never admit it in a million years."  Balthaxar displayed his large teeth in what looked like a smile, he looked around the room a while.






The cat sidhe's fur bristled as he suddenly had a slight concern cross his not-so-feline brain.

Hey, I actually haven't asked since I got out of that place, but when's the last time anyone ever performed maintenance on the master portal?  I bet the quantum drive needs calibrating, and somebody probably needs to dust off the ol' focus crystal.  That's the easy part.  The hard part is determining if the PPP is in tip top shape, but one thing at a time, right?"
  

[Lilith McCarrion]

Just as Balty's visage would change so too would Lilith's upon entering the Fae realm. No doubt it would be the same for Morsus and Mia as soon as they crossed the threshold as the realm tended to bring out the hidden.

Wavy hair fell down her shoulders in a cascade of ebony. Her gaze, while always a bright green, would resemble more the color of jade than emeralds. Tapered ears would always appear slightly more prominent here. It was perhaps Lilith's skin that was the most different. She had always been of a darker complexion but here, her skin would take on more of a crimson undertone. Runic tattoos, nearly the same color as her skin but darker, would show around her arms where in the outside world they would remain unseen, and on her back, should her long hair ever be moved out of the way, were two twin scars right at her shoulders.

Lilith would look up as Morsus and Mia made their way through the door. Telekinetically she would remove the key, pulling it to her hand and simultaneously closing and locking the door. Should anyone on this side try to open it again, it was just a closet. Back in Africa it would once more lead anyone outside the front of the Shadowstar complex.

Mia couldn't help but shudder as soon as she walked through the door, bringing her fingertips up to pinch the bridge of her nose. It was as if her vision had switched on it's own to try and view the strands of magic it had seen coming through the door, but once through had been overwhelmed. Everything here glowed and glowed brightly. It was as if every aspect was made up of weave strings and yet somehow intermingled with energy of technology. It flowed together in an almost natural way that didn't seem possible. Then, as soon as the door shut behind her it was gone. She'd open her eyes, unaware they had changed in color to a dark magenta, a red iris with flecks of purple and blue for those that looked close enough. She'd look to her hand, noting her skin had more of a golden tone to it but that didn't bother her. It was the fact she flicked her wrist and nothing happened. She had no bioempathy here. She couldn't see the strands of magic and couldn't feel the energy of others. She'd frown darkly and snort.

"This place blows."

At that time the vision of a woman appeared before the twins. The AI of Victoria smiled brightly and clasped her hands in front of her looking at the two.

"Greetings! Neither of you appear to be Nathan and yet you still bear close genetic makeup. Which means you also bear similar genetics to 'she who shall not be named'."

Victoria would lean in with a smile, offering an overly exaggerated wink as if being clever.

"Since I mistook Nathan once before for her, I thought I would double check first before activating security protocols. Lilith? Do these two need to be added to the registry or expelled?"

Lilith had forgotten, looking up from her desk to wave her hand dismissively from her desk.

"They are allowed. This is Morsus and Mia Shadowstar. Children of Sunfire and Puma. Please add them to the registry."

The AI would nod brightly and turn back. "Welcome then Shadowstars! Feel free to roam the realm but please do not pee in the gardens. We've only had one incident and I'm still trying to get grass to regrow."

The AI of Victoria would flicker a bit, looking to Balty with a wink before blinking away.


Lilith arched a brow and turned to Balty who had returned from outside. They had not seen the outside yet or the landscape. She wasn't sure they were the type to care. She'd listen though as Balty spoke of the librarian. The Avatar was clearly depressed and had simply given up on life. One didn't need to be a mind reader to glean that information. But when Balthaxar spoke of her.

"I see. You miss her."

A simple matter of fact statement. Lilith not one to typically tease. Then he would ask about the portal. Lilith paused, trying to recall.

"I used it prior to Deneir to visit Gaia. Prior to that... I know Seraphina allowed Nathan into the workshop. I understand some things, including portal tech might have been borrowed. So perhaps he and Victoria ran a diagnostic."

[darkheart]

As Morsus stepped in, his form would be the most notably different. All semblance of humanity melted away. His flesh would turn dark red and scaly, his eyes burning from light crimson to glowing ember red, though they were slit like feline orbs often were. His silver white hair would turn jet black and stumps from horns and bat wings long torn off would remain on his forehead and back, respectively. It was clear to those who knew the family history that this one had received most of Damakos' genetics in the split. Green runes wrapped around his wrists and ankles, almost akin to chains as the Curse of Mistral shown bright as radiant emeralds. A maw full of feline teeth split back in an angry grimace before slowly receding into his normal frustrated and brooding sulk. Sniffing in indignation, he grunted in agreement to Mia's assessment. He'd only seen himself as he truly was one other time when some wizard tried to get in his head, thinking he would crumble at the truth. While it had upset him, he completed his contract, ripping off the most offensive parts and dressing the corpse in them. To see his hands again stirred the anger in him, but Mia was close and the sight of her accentuated beauty calmed him. It was gratitude that she did not bear this physical foulness that leveled him out.

Looking around Oghma, he smelled the air. Much of his family had been here - though not his mother or his blue haired uncle. Sera's scent hung heaviest, second only to the smell of the Bobsy Triplets back in Africa. The second Victoria appeared, a clawed hand reached for her throat, only to go through the hologram. Snorting, he nodded as Vik welcomed them and gave them authorization. The desert was simpler. Kill or be killed. All these realms, all this tech...he wondered at all of it, but in the end there was a part of him that wrestled with it. Maybe death wasn't such a bad thing. The endless quiet and knowledge, the lack of conflict or confinement. What was he even doing here? Why did he come back again? Why did he stay?

Mia brushed his shoulder as she walked around, snapping him from his thoughts. Maybe this would be the one. Maybe this job would put him back in the ground again.

One could hope.

[Lilith McCarrion]

Mia seemed unconcerned by anyone's physical changes, almost as if it was normal. She'd brush past her brother, running her fingers down his arm and glance in his direction. She'd flash him a grin with a wink, the iris of her eyes actually swirling with the flecks of red blue and purple giving them that magenta like appearance from afar framed by a black sclera. She'd move past him to the door of Lilith's office to observe the immaculate and serene landscape. The buildings looked like something out of the lord of the rings and even she, who typically cared about very little, would find the view breathtaking. She'd stand and take in a deep breath of the fresh air before reaching back to scratch at her lower back, unaware what was causing the annoying itch was a patch of golden dragon-like scales that trailed down her spine and across her shoulders, hidden by the shirt she wore. But that wasn't just it. There was something else there. Something from Solavi that pulled at her to search it out. She'd go as far as take a step out onto the observation deck that looked out over the valley below, but wouldn't go farther. She'd had voices in her head ever since she started taking up bioempathy, she could drown out this call too. At least until she had heard what Lilith had to say.

Lilith would note the changes in the twins. In particular Morsus. There would be a look that crossed the Darkling Fae's features. Not of pity, but of understanding. There were always certain characteristics or traits when your Father was a devil and in this realm there would be no question which side of the family she took after more. He reminded her of herself in many ways besides that. She had a Father that had been missing for nearly all of her childhood until she had been returned from Jindurn as a teenager, voiceless and full of anger that it had taken them that long to get her back. Forgiveness wasn't quick but it happened and Rift taught her all he could from that point forward.

She'd shake the cobwebs of memories out of her own head. She never had time to rest or grieve for anything. Her life was one of constant conflict and duty and it had hardened her into the mostly dispassionate being she was today.

"To recap in case Mia is unaware, we are seeking out my brother. You know him as Duex though he has recently changed his name to Tres. Tres has recently stolen Charion's real body, hence why my other sibling met you in a synthetic female form. Tres has also stolen some very dangerous experimental tech from our Father's lab. He needs to be brought up to speed on the circumstances surrounding our Mother and to try and illicit his assistance. However, it became volatile when last we met. This is where you come in. To help find and subdue him."

She'd glance between the twins before looking to Balty.

"We have it on good authority Tres is in a realm my Father had travelled. He called this realm Mortis and I am unaware if it had any other names. Balthaxar has suggested we travel to the Grand Library in Deneir and see if the appointed librarian there would be willing to help us with information about this realm. We can access both realms using the portals located here in Oghma."

[darkheart]

Morsus would nod quietly at Lilith, his eyes searching her for a moment. He knew he couldn't break into her thoughts, and after a moment he realized he wouldn't want to try even if he could. He sighed heavily.

"Tried raising him on an old communication device a few weeks back...nothing. But I get it. Talk if possible, subdue and restrain if necessary, but no killing. Look, I'm not one for details...when do we get this over with?"

[Balthaxar]

Balty sat on the end of an ornate end table, as Morsus and Mia passed through.  He was being as still as possible as he watched them both with his eyes only.  He was very curious about how this would go, but not like a cat, because that dumb shit would likely get him killed.

He spoke aloud to Lilith, and narrowed his eyes, as they more or less ignored him.  "Well using the portal is fairly easy, because Rift designed it that way.  Maintaining its use... eh... not so much.. the guy didn't have a back up plan when he turned up missing."  

He smiled warmly as Lilith implied he had missed his longtime avatar companion.  He acknowledged it with a simple smile.

"Yeah, that's right.  Tell ya what, I'll go down and make myself useful and check it out anyways after we get back from Denier.  I wouldn't have suggested it otherwise."

Balthaxar stretched and jumped down to follow Lilith.  

"Where have you squirreled that ring away?  Assuming you left it here, I figure we can make this a quick trip!"

[Lilith McCarrion]

"I am sure this will be over before you realize, and when we return more time will have passed than you expected."

Lilith would state evenly, moving over to a built in shelf behind her desk and pulling out an ornately carved wooden box. Celtic knots twisted all around the box making it impossible to tell where one began and one ended. She'd set it upon the desk. She'd flick her wrist and bring a finger down upon the top of the box, tracing one of the strands of the intricate and hard to follow knots with a demonic energy from one corner to the other.

"Flock ca fletshi."

She'd utter and the box would unlock and she'd lift the lid to reveal the ring which Balty spoke of.

"As you can see Balty, it is safe. Lets go. The sooner we can get information the sooner we can travel to Mortis."

Lilith would take the ring into her palm and motion for the others to follow, passing Mia who stood just outside the door.

"Touch nothing in my Father's lab. There are objects in there even I do not know what it does. How your Brother did not end up blowing himself up is still a mystery to me."

She'd mutter in a frustrated tone as she walked down the picturesque path towards a building off in the distance that did not have the same fluid lines as the rest.

Mia would take step in beside Morsus and behind Lilith. She'd tilt her head to the side curiously and slide her gaze over to her Brother. She was pretty sure whatever she was sensing earlier was connected to their not real Grandpa Illereas. Whatever it was, the building was protected by some kind of nanite filed that prevented her from even touching the door. She was curious, but maybe not that curious.

"So. Some kind of library for intel then on to wherever we're going? Sounds like a good idea I suppose. Not nearly as fun as jumping in blind."

She'd chuckle. In all her life it was rare she ever really jumped in a situation blind. Routes to targets, quickest way out, who was going to be there, terrain... all of it was important when you killed for a living. She would never admit it, but she was a planner. Now. Did things ever go as she planned? Well... no. It was a roll of the dice and sometimes you rolled a one and your gun blows up in your face.

[Balthaxar]

Balthaxar's tail curled as he meandered down the path towards the lab.  He sent a thought to Lilith.  The names of colors.

~Black, Yellow, Brown, Green Gray, Orange Purple, Blue, Red.~ 

"That's the code for the security doors to the library. I figured you already knew it, but I wanted to make sure."  he smirked. "Nevermind that I'm mostly colorblind...  Do you find it hilarious how I know an important security code I can't input myself!  Yer dad was clever." 

Balty regarded the siblings as teenagers, although he had a hard time determining the age of humanoids.

"You kids are in for a treat.  No spoilers or anything, but I hope you like sand...  because if you don't... you are gonna learn today!"

He padded on ahead of them, to enter the portal room tunnel.

"I'm just gonna get over there to get a head start on maintenance.  See ya in a few!"   he barreled down the tunnel at full speed.

[Seraphina De'Asandir]

The gate opened up in the garden and in Seraphina would step. She'd pause, basking in the sunshine with the cool breeze blowing past her as the wylde Fae magics sought to slip through the open door. She had not forgotten her vision from the first time she had encountered the latest Avatar and how the strands of the weave were pulling away from the body of her Grandmother and seeking her out. She'd watch the door, assuming that were still the case, and once Nathan walked through the door behind her she'd pull it shut, locking it back and pocketing the key.

Her appearance would change as soon as the worlds no longer bled into one another. As usual, since her blood coursed with Fae ancestry there would be little change. Emerald green eyes would perhaps grow a little brighter, her skin tone a little more pale and a little more pearlescent, and her hair taking on the colorations of white opal with a myriad of colors shifting in it as it moved. Sera's Nathan had visited here before and should not of been surprised by the change. Sera would be curious to see if he appeared the same as he did when last they were both here.

She'd watch him with a small smile only to have her vision blur. She'd shut her eyes firmly, one hand going to her belly and the other to the small of her back as she steadied herself. She had almost forgotten about the time spell that corrected how her body processed the difference between the Fae realm and Terra. For every hour that passed in Oghma, 3 hours passed in Terra. She would remain on Terran time as an extra precaution to keep the children within her safe. An uncomfortable moment of adjustment that would pass followed by an odd almost constant jittery feeling with an almost consistent need for naps. Worth it, and one that she would take in stride, finally taking in a deep breath and opening her eyes.

"I'm fine. I'm fine." She'd offer with a soft smile. If she noted any difference in his appearance she would make no comment of it nor offer a reaction. Instead she would move to the grass and allow her gaze to linger on one of her Grandmother's gardens before looking to the Grand Hall which housed the McCarrion library, artifact collection, and Lilith's office on the other side.

Already she was feeling better, the Fae magics that helped sustain this world creeping into her skin and soothing her soul like a dehydrated person taking a drink of water. She could feel the natural aspects of the realm and the living elements. She could also feel the visitors. The sleeping guest in the Grand Hall, her Mother, Balthaxar, the twins... those two surprised her. And of course, the unconscious matriarch off in the distance. Though her presence truly was everywhere.

"Seems we're not alone. I'm sure they are busy. But it would be rude not to say hello before making our way to the cottage."

She'd hold out her hand.

[darkheart]

Morsus would grunt at Balty. He'd grown up in oceans of sand. While he had no idea what Balty was actually referring to in the land of Denier, sand was something comforting to him. Home. It was unfortunate that the silica dust the cat referred to was nothing like the the warm dune sand of the desert, but for now it was soothing to the pensive young man to think they would go to some sort of desert library. He wasn't one for books, but the quiet would suit him nicely. A break from the crowd and the noise and the emotions. Unlike his brother who had no emotions, Morsus simply did not like dealing with the power and pervasiveness of his own. Better to pretend not to care then engage the danger of what it might mean to actually feel something. Emotions were a threat to one's judgement and survival, after all. A luxury for the weak and the helpless to find meaning in their pitiful existence. They were on the hunt for an Alpha now, and emotions were a diversion he could not indulge. He was prepared to die again, if need be. He presumed that is why Lilith asked for him. One with no fear of death is willing to do what others will not, no matter the morality or difficulty. But now that Mia was here again, he found himself conflicted. She'd watched him die the first time at the hands of Deux. He wasn't sure he wanted that to happen a second time, and he was sure he didn't want it to happen to her. He'd trudge silently beside her, his brow scowling all the darker. One's gun might blow up, but when that happens you draw your revolver and get back in the fight. They were moving forward regardless. He'd pause in his tracks, eyes narrowing.

"You smell that? It's like Vespyr, only not..."

*~*~*~*
Sera's back was to him when he walked through the door. He winced and mouthed silent words as his back raged in pain. His features would remain mostly the same, though his eyes would glow a goldish blue, and his skin would almost exude a sort of pure light. It flickered as he exerted a celestial will over it, it fading by the time Sera wobbled. Fear clutched his face as he raced to her. As she righted herself and offered her hand, he shook his head. This place was close enough that he could hear the inochian. Biting his lip, he shook his head.

"No. NO! I know....I know what I need to...yes. Yes I know. But you're not her. Yes, I know you're still you. What do you mean you're the pivot? I see. Very well. I concede."

Nathan would step back twice from Seraphina, sadness in his eyes as his skin began to glow again, the gold in his eyes radiating like the light in Sera's vision when she met the gods of Faerun and accepted her role as the avatar. He licked his lips, sadness in his eyes.

"My Lady Seraphina...I had so hoped to hold the dream a little while longer, but I think we both know I am not who you first thought me to be. My Seraphina is dead, killed by the very children within her. I fear that you may be dying as well. Perhaps that is why I have been sent: To help you with your children until your husband returns. You see, they are consuming the magic from within you...draining you of life in the vacuum when there is not enough. But we can discuss that later. I suppose a formal introduction is appropriate."

He would hunch over, his shirt ripping from his back as he released the glamour bonds and wards. From his shoulders would spring two 6 ft. long silver feathered wings, shimmering with celestial beauty and perfection. He would exhale in relief, then look to her kindly.

"I am known as Nathan Alexander d'Starfire, born to house Shadowstar and delivered to my Great Aunt Jaeden Starfire for training in the magical arts. I bear you no ill, and I apologize for the deception. The many worlds of reality can be strange and dangerous, where minute variances cause major differences and grave danger. I sought only to hide in plain site until I could assess this world, and when I saw you who looked like my lost wife, I suppose I only wanted a moment to remember her again. My apologies for my selfishness. It is a pleasure to truly meet you...."

[Seraphina De'Asandir]

Mia turned to look at Morsus, brows knitted together as she sniffed.

"Smells like... ozone?" She didn't have any other word to describe it. That almost metallic smell that air gets the higher up you travel. Her gaze turning sharply then at the flash of light to peer through the Grand Hall and the garden beyond.

----------

Sera pulled her hand gently back and held it to her chest as Nathan took a step or two away from her and shook his head. He'd turn and begin speaking to someone, brows would arch up curiously as she'd watch him begin to glow. There would be explinations, wings, and then introductions.

"Oh...."

It was all she could think to say in that moment as bright green eyes traversed his new appearance, completely nonplussed by the new revalation. This was not her Nathan, and deep down she already knew that. Now she had an Angelic vision of him telling her she was dying. Funny, she didn't feel all that concerned.

"OH!" Her hand would move to her mouth as her lips split into a wide smile. She couldn't help herself. She would begin to chuckle and then to laugh. Normally the most beautiful sound in the world and yet something about it was sad, an emotion that reflected in her eyes despite the smile upon her face.

"I'm. I'm sorry." She'd reach up to wipe away the moisture in her eye as she calmed down the sudden burst of giggles that had overcome her.

"I'm dying you say? Hm. Okay then." It would be hard to put a finger on her reaction. This Seraphina had never been known for a sarcastic turn of phrase though it might could have been taken as such, as if she didn't believe him. Or she had simply resigned the news with acceptance.

"Lets see. Fifty six days. Maybe less remaining here. I should not tarry though I will need time to prepare."

The hint of a sparkle reflected back in those brilliant emerald green eyes before approaching. She'd reach out, cupping his cheek in her hand and leaning in to press a kiss to the other. Once more reaching for Nathan's hand.

"Come then, Nathan Alexander d'Starfire. I believe you are here to help me, and you will lend me your assistance as I ask, yes?"

The power of command in her voice was subtle and would either grab on to his psyche as if helping her no matter what was his own idea, fueled perhaps by his own desire for his lost wife. If he had protections against such things then it would break away without him even knowing, but still her smile would remain on her lips.

Her eyes would catch movement across the opposite side of the Grand Hall, seeing as both the north and south sides of the building were comprised of glass and here she would spot Mia and Morsus, held back by the nanites used to stop entry into the building.

"But first I suppose you must face Mia and Morsus. Be careful of Mia, she plays rough. I recently watched her wrestle her other brother, Vespyr, to the ground and threaten to rip off his wings. I understand he too was trained by Jaeden."

The last twenty four hours had been... interesting. To say the least. She had purposely lost count. She'd begin to walk towards the Grand Hall with this Nathan in tow.

"Who were you speaking to?"

----------

Mia's eyes would grow wide.

"That's not Nathan."

Her hands would press against the nantie netting that still prevented her from touching the building. She'd growl.

"That's also not Vespyr. LILITH! Lilith come remove this barrier. That's not Nathan with Sera."

Lilith would pause in her walk, looking to Mia and Morsus and back tracking her way to the doors of the Grand Hall to also peer through. Wings. Well that was new. She'd look to Mia and just nod.

"Yes. I know. At least, that is not our Nathan."

"What the fuck?"

"That Nathan is from an alternate reality. He has been uploaded with data from our world however. Not quite sure of his full intentions yet."

"And you left him with Princess?"

"He will not harm her. I sensed that much from him. She is safe. Not certain about anyone else just yet but... priorities."

She'd look back to Mia, a blank stare met with an angry one. She wondered how long it would take for this one's fire to be snuffed as hers had. She'd sigh.

"I will not open the barrier as there are precious things inside that building I'd not have destroyed. But if you wait a moment it appears as if they are both walking this way. Feel free to interrogate him, but eventually we must leave."

[darkheart]

Nathan's eyes would dilate, his body almost going stiff. Having grown up in a realm of pure magic, he was highly attuned to it. However, while incredibly skilled and powerful with such magic, like a person who grew up in a sterile environment he had zero resistance built up to it. Sera's subtle command translated to an irrevokible drive and he was consumed with it. He could not even speak, he simply trotted along behind her in precise measured steps. As he opened his mouth to answer her question reflexively, there was a snarl as, bounding on all fours, Morsus crashed down the path and raked his claws across Nathan's throat, silencing him to gurgles of blood. With a second thrust of his opposite hand, the demon faced sibling pushed Nathan's heart clean out of his chest. As the corpse slid off his arm onto the ground, Morsus grunted darkly.

"Unnatural."

He'd turn, tossing the heart to Mia with a cocky grin.

"I'm faster here! Beat ya!"

Seeing her expression, he shrugged.

"What? Princes...er...Sera knew it wasn't him! No point in keeping him alive! She's a big girl, she can handle it. It's not her husband and she's smart enough to know the difference, right Sera? I'm tired of complications. One less thing to worry about and Lilith's special doohickeys are safe now. No muss, no fuss."

He looked down at the pure silver blood that emanated from the corpse as it seeped into the dirt. Silver flowers began to sprout and radiate celestial light. Blinking, thinking it looked a little like when that unicorn got eaten in that weird magic kid movie Mia subjected him to, he wondered if he'd been a bit...impulsive.

"Well...maybe a little muss?"

[Seraphina De'Asandir]

Mia cursed under her breath as Morsus bounded away, instead of going through the building Lilith had barred them from he instead decided to go over the building and into the garden on the opposite side. She had assumed Lilith has blocked them from all angles, but it appeared as if that only applied to the structure it's self. She was kind of pissed she didn't think of trying it first. She'd follow behind quickly enough, jumping up and pushing herself atop the building with enough force to land on the roof's peak and slide down the other side. He of course was right, he was faster than her. Maybe only because of the head start but Mia wouldn't say anything.

She'd drop to the ground, watching as Morsus' claws raked across the Not Nathan's throat. There wasn't really anything to be done about that now, save it brought back some rather unfond memories of when their Nathan was impaled and killed back in Faerun. But this wasn't him. Their energies were different and what the fuck was with those damned bird wings? At this point she'd just casually stroll up to the scene, stopping only as Morsus tossed the heart coated with silver blood in her direction. She'd catch it easily enough and just give Morsus a flat, but slightly amused look, shaking her head.

Sera would freeze as she watched Morsus bound their way, he'd leap with an open clawed hand, her breath catching in her throat. She too remembered what happened to Nathan in Faerun, and here was his likeness being impaled through his chest. It was like watching it happen all over again. Eyes would widen and she'd move more on reflex than intention, making a motion with her hands before pushing focus to the ground. Thick vines pushed upwards behind Nathan's head, thick and overgrown until stopping around a height of five feet. Those same silvery flowers budding and blooming along the vine until a much larger one bloomed at it's peak. It would continue to bloom, petals dropping off one by one until an orb with a celestial glow about the size of her fist doubled. Sera had captured his soul before it had a chance to depart.

Her breath's were coming quick, and emerald green eyes would flicker from the glowing orb down to the body with the hole in his chest. Sera couldn't stop the tremble that slipped through her body as she couldn't stop the memory of Faerun and being asked to fully kill Nathan after that happened. Mia had been so angry she had drained the life out of that Illithid and kept going before someone stopped her. But she was fine now. Sera had been traumatized.

Mia could only watch as the weave answered Sera's call, her lips parting and her eyes narrowing. She could not truly see what Sera was doing like she could when her bioempathy worked, but whatever it was sent tingles down her spine and she was certain she knew what she was looking at and what Sera had done. What she didn't understand was why.

Sera vaguely recognized that Morsus was talking, she could only ball her hands into tight fists and hold them close to her chest to stop them from shaking. She was smart enough to know the difference.

"Right." She'd respond to Morsus' question, finally looking up with eyes still a little wide. Right now she didn't trust herself to say any more. Afraid her voice would be heavy with magic and lack of control.

"Princess." Mia would call, getting Sera's attention immediately. "Do you need this?" She'd ask, holding the silver colored heart up and towards Seraphina. Was she being mean? Slightly. But the Fae had captured his soul for a reason. She hoped it wasn't to bring this one back too but at the same time, it wasn't her responsibility to direct her actions. Besides. Worked out fine last time didn't it.

Sera would only shake her head. "I. I don't think so."

Lilith would walk through the building. She had not rushed to intervene, but would only observe the scene as she came upon it. She'd tsk. Illyana wouldn't have approved. Not in her garden. Not in her realm.

Frustration was beginning to slip in as Sera felt like she couldn't stop her hands from shaking. She was also feeling very judged not only for this decision but decisions she had made in the past. She had it under control. He was going to help her. He was going to explain if she really was dying or if it was just a theory. He was about to say who he was talking to. She needed him to help find her Nathan. With a frustrated huff she'd walk over quickly, eyes trying to avoid the body in the garden and she knelt down to remove Atreyu's family ring from his hand before standing and snatching the orb from off of the vine, walking quickly past Morsus, Mia, and her Mother before finally teleporting herself to the cottage she resided in when in Oghma.

Lilith would just watch after her before turning to the twins. "Come then. Let us go to this Library and get that over with. Victoria?"

The same AI would simply appear, standing to the right of Lilith with a smile.

"Victoria can you do something about... this?"

Victoria would smile brightly, looking over to the dead body and grimacing. "EW. I'm. I'm sure I can think of something. Leave it to me."

Lilith would nod, moving back towards the grand hall to walk through it. The twins, would still have to bound over the rooftop the way they had previously to get out.

[Balthaxar]

Balthaxar purred as he rolled around inside the crystal chamber, dusting the focus crystal off with his fur.  The jewel, which was about the size of a basketball, gleamed with a crimson warmth.  His eyes were lit up, and his short fur was bristled.

"Mmmm, that's nice.  Yay!  Gamma Fusion Radiation just warms a body up."  he rolled on his back and wiggled, as his tail flicked out of the chamber door.

Next to the PPP was an old screwdriver covered in cat drool and teeth marks.  There was also a rubber-handled wrench nearby that was in the same state.

Everything was in order now.  All Balty had to do now was wait...






 

[darkheart]

Morsus kept the snarl from curling his lips or escaping his throat. He hadn't any idea what Sera did, but his instincts sent impulses to his brain letting him know the soul was not freed. He didn't know it in his mind, but he felt it in the fiber of his being. He couldn't fathom what he felt, but it caused an emotional reaction nonetheless. Death was natural - a part of life. Things needed to end. He understood Sera's attachment to his brother, but he should be dead. Morsus himself should be dead. That rat bastard Vespyr should be dead, wherever he was. He didn't remember the particulars of the Void, but his body remembered the infinity of it and the silence and peace. There was no heaven or hell for him - only the grey lands of the Santa Muerta. He was, after all, dispossessed. He avoided further eye contact with Seraphina, gritting his teeth as his jaw slid back and forth, grinding. Were it not for Sera, he'd have killed Nathan and Vespyr already. Were it not for Mia, he'd have found his way to the desert to that lonely shire and offer the Skinny Lady a red apple and ask her to take him back before ending himself. But such thoughts were best not dwelt upon. This world he'd come back to was tiring and complicated...however they were looking for Deux, or Tres, or whatever he called himself these days. Perhaps Tres would make it simple for him again as he once had.

"To the Library then. Let's get this over with. Sooner we find the Big Guy, the sooner we get whatever answers you're lookin' for."