IC: For Love

[Kalamos]

Kalamos paused a moment at Validrir's voice, "Thorlan, I'll await you at the tower. I must make haste. We'll make our plans there." He knelt and planted one hand firmly in the ground, reaching his senses beyond the physical and into the magical; He broke down into the dust of power and sunk into the ground and shot off as the incoherent mass of light towards the tower. [Conduction] At the base of the tower, light sailed across the ground until forced to surface and scatter into Kalamos' form. Sliding to a short stop across the ground he glanced around sharply until he spotted her. Opening his wings and folding them forward he channeled his energy through them and approached her. The moment his wings surrounded her the dense holy ambience that gave swelter to her flesh vanished. Looking up the stairs at her his voice came out clear, "Are you alright?" Despite all the sounds of soldiers mobilizing, people preparing to take shelter, he had no doubts she would pick his voice out of the all the sounds instantly.

[Thorlan]

Thorlan listened to what they were up against and why, nodding along although he was just as confused as to why as anyone else. His ears perked slightly at the sound of the voice as it carried and before he could respond to his friend's question Validrir seemed to come out of nowhere and answer it. He smiled to himself, knowing that Kalamos would be gone like a shot at the thought of her in pain and simply nodded as the man spoke of talking later.

In a moment he was gone and Thorlan continued to walk., glancing over at the Paladin God that now remained with him. "I've heard a version of what it going on, if I am to help, perhaps you could fill in the blanks for me?"

[Zoycite]

Star was in pain, her flesh burning with every moment she was breathing. She couldn't stand the paind to walk; she was crawling stair by stair. She just knew she had to find Kal. The angels around her dared not to try and help the screaming woman with emerald hair; all the better for her though.

She couldn't take it anymore, she was crying in pain. Purple tears slid down her face, stained the stairs. demon blood hitting holy ground like acid to flesh; it bubbled and burned holes into the marble. She looked up to the sky, as if to ask Him for help and in that moment, if one were to look hard, came out of her aura, angel wings...

Star then felt Kal's energy around her; the burning stopped. She breathed hard, she was thankful. His voice, like a symphany of concern, called to her. She nodded to his question. Star was lying, he could tell that she was still in pain, even though her body was beginning to regenerate [Vampire trait] from the burns: her skin was like soft milk porcelin soon enough.

Star was far too exhausted to even walk to Kalamos, to explain why she was trying to walk up the Tower's stairs without him. "Love... I am killing things..." she had to say things and not people because no human was dumb enough to walk along side of her in a panic. "I can't touch anything for it dies! I was in the forest and the beauty around me began to melt into brown...." her eyes said it all, her desperation, pain, and sorrow, "What is happening?"

Star wanted answers, and quick. But mostly, right now, she felt safe in Kal's presence.

[Lord Validrir]

Validrir walked next to the drow and looked at him as he mentioned that he needed some answers. "What would you like to know Throlan? You have no doubt been told that a demon army is on my doorstep. In a very short time, portals from Gorbrack's current home will open and his hordes will poor through. Some how the barrier's between this relam and the realm he resides in now are weakened. The only clue we have as to how is and amulet that was found near to a week ago. It was demon make, but it now lies in my vaults benieth the tower."

[Thorlan]

he nodded, most of the story he had already heard from Kalamos, though he hadn't known anything of this amulet. "How well guarded is this amulet? If it all started from that for all we know it could be acting as some sort of beacon, leading their army straight to here...." he shrugged, either way there was going to be a war and he was going to be a part of it.

He looked forward to the tower, which by now held Kalamos and star as well as this strange amulet. As he walked everything ran through his head, A war against demons, Star seeming to act differently, Kalamos having been summoned back a few times. He shook his head and silently chuckled at the strange happenings everywhere he seemed to go.

[Lord Validrir]

Validrir thought about Thorlan's question and nodded. "Perhaps you're right, I shall have my guards bring the amulet up out of the vaults. If you would, meet me in the main hall in one hour. If you see Star and Kalamos before I do, tell them to come as well." Said Validrir before turning and walking toward his tower.

[Kalamos]

Kalamos looked down, eyes widening slightly at the smoldering blood across the ground. He breathed calmly, considering the consequences of his actions, carefully thinking about what he could say or do to comfort her. It's a tragic and terrible pattern. The vicious forces of dark power that so provoked the holy forces to be so violent. His brow furrowed slightly in sudden realization. Was it his darkness, that so arrested the hostile holy forces around himself? Was it the highly unstable balance in him that so arrested energy around him? A curious notion to be sure, he blinked his eyes as he came back to the moment, "I'm certain it's not the way you think it is Star. I don't have all the answers, but I know your churning darkness is not stronger than your stained soul." He bit his lip as he played out the rational possibilities, unsure of whether or not the demonlord was toying with more than just her mind; Or perhaps, if this was by his hand, that was exactly what he wanted. Kalamos wouldn't know without prying into Star's power and mind, and it wasn't in him to do so. "The scars of your darkness may be forever carved into your heart Star. But so too, is all the light you have."

 He stepped closer and closed his wings around her and spoke more softly, "Maybe it's because you wear your evils on the outside that this place attacks you so. These lands can't see beyond your fangs or pale flesh. I'm not really sure, but it's something about this land that gives power to my anger." He smiled, "If this place could feel the light beneath your darkness, it would find as I have found an insurmountable amount of love." He looked at her, offering her a comforting smile. "You're not a destroyer of life Zoycite. You're the light I look upon at night. It's one of the rarest of its kind. Not a burning flare like Validrir's or sudden flash like Thorlan's; Yours is the kind that rarely shines brightly. Offering solace and peace to the turmoil of the world before you; A world that cannot imagine the raging chaos you face." The thought gave a strong state of relaxation to Kalamos. He breathed deeply alongside her as he had tried to defend her against despair. Tilting his head he spoke in a resolute manner, "Maybe there's more than one reason you are called Star." He stood up, turned around, and sat down on the stairs of the white tower, one wing folded against his back, the other open and around Star.

 He didn't feel like he should spoil what would be a wonderful moment for her, by telling her he was getting ready to have a war meeting with Validrir and Thorlan. He would let her bask in the flood of contentment he was certain such fluid words would bring. He himself felt very good about what he had just said. Perhaps that was the reason the wind felt so great against his wings. In the few moments where the beauty of the world can be brought out for one person, that person could be lifted out of any abyssal pit. He supposed that it was because these moments were rare, that they were so wonderful and uplifting.

[Thorlan]

Thorlan gave a nod to Validrir and watched as he continued to walk, stopping for a few moments himself as he thought about everything. How little of the situation he knew as opposed to the last war he fought in. Sighing softly he began forward again, wondering how Kalamos was doing with Star and what had happened to cause such pain. With that thought he moved quicker, before breaking into a run to reach the tower faster.

[Lord Validrir]

Validrir sent a message with a servant to the tower that the amulet should be brought up for further inspection. The servant moved swiftly and took it to one of the many angels hurrying about the tower grounds. With a short order he sent one of the tower staff down to the vaults to obtain the amulet. Down they went untill they were deep in the foundations of the mighty structure. The vaults were numerous and lined the walls of the deep rooms in the tower. They were round and about three feet in diameter with a combination lock in the very center of it. On the walls they were about five place vertically every four feet of wall. Rolling ladders could be seen here and there to reach the top vaults. Soon the tower worker aproached a small desk set in the junction of several corridors. There sat a thin elderly man who wore thick spectacles and had white whispy hair. His frame was surprisingly straight and not bent with age, probably a blessing on Validrir's part. the man's name was Daglen. and he was the keeper of the tower vaults.The tower worker gave him order for the amulet and the Daglen grumbled as he got up.

"Well come on, let's go get the cursed thing." He said in a hoarse voice. They walked down several corridors before Daglen stopped and climed a ladder to the fourth vault and set to opening it. Soon the heavy metal door swung open and an eerie red glow lit the hall. The round shape of the amulet could be seen clearly for the entire amulet was alight as though it were burning hot. the gem in its center was glowing an even deeper angrier red. The two men looked at each other with expressions of shock and worry. This was bad.

[Zoycite]

Kalamos came up to her and held her close. She felt his breath against her flesh, his skin caressing against hers; he began to speak to her, his voice more gentle and loving then usual. He spoke to her such sweet words that tears filled her eyes. They were sitting and angel wing protected her against the harsh environment to her. Sweet symphony continued to move her soul, put her at ease; her loins and blood burned with another passion now though.

Star looked up at him, "You're perfect..." she couldn't say much more then that. There were no words to describe how magnificent he was, she didn't hold that knowledge. He changed her in many ways throughout the years, her love for him the only thing keeping her going. He was the light, the only thing she could ever see. This moment right now was wonderful, this present moment was peaceful and loving.

She smiled at him, a shy loving smile. There was something different about her now, he would have watched the change. From the loving words and protective wing, she was changing. The pale from her skin lifted, the chill from her flesh warmed, her eyes glowed with a twinkle of life, her lips grew colour to them her cheeks grew flush... it was like she was alive once more. (Now her appearance isn't of a typical vampire, but obviously she isn't as alive looking as she should be)

It wasn't that she appeared more like the living right now that was strange... but rather she, herself, was giving off a whole new found holy energy. This energy was different from the angels around her, from Validrir. Her holy power was something more, something more powerful, more pure. Star didn't notice the change within her, only Kal and her Father would notice... perhaps Validrir as well. The Ruler of the Realm would most likely think that the Gods above had sent him some reinforcements... "You are my world, my breath, my oxygen, the very blood that runs through my veins. Kalamos, with you by my side, I am complete."

In an instant she changed and as quick as it was there, it was gone. Star's head lay against him, wishing she could pause time.

[Kalamos]

Kalamos reached a hand to the wing of his that wasn't around Star. Star would be able to feel the power within his wings stirring. He twinged as he pulled a large feather from his back. Surprised at how something so small could hurt so much. His gathering will seemed highly focused on this feather. It seemed only to glow more brightly now that it has been removed from his wing. The resonating brilliance of this feather had a purpose. He placed it in his palm and ran his hand gently over it. His voice came out of his silent concentration, "Star. I have something for you." He gently closed his hand around the large feather as he the glowing thing to her. "If you're ever in danger and I'm not around, cast this into the wind. It will protect you when I cannot. Tell no one of this." She would be able to tell, that the feather's latent power was considerable for its size. It was comparable to a potion or scroll designed to shield the user from attacks; Ready and waiting only for its holder to use it. [Feather Sentinel] The glow in the feather shimmered and weakened until it was nothing more than a faint silver luster. "Its power will remain quiet until you use it."

 Shortly after that he felt a fierce dark power oozing from the tower. Both his wings unstretched and Star quickly would find herself behind Kalamos and his outstretched wings. He watched the tower very closely, almost intently as he waited for Validrir. He was not only surprised that such dark force could be present under the intense power of this holy place, he was concerned for what the eminating darkness meant. Glancing over his shoulder, he realized Thorlan was nearly upon them, and Validrir wouldn't be far behind. He took no action save for putting himself between Star and this crimson red power.

[Anderen]

(Ok....So..I got a few minutes...I'll do one more post as both my char and then Silver's. So...Yea...If anything this little post is like an add on to my last one. Of sorts.)


*Anderen*      After they had finished eating what the cooks had made for them, Anderen led Silver back to her room, "I am going to go and wash myself off, and after that I will return here, ok?" he said to her, falling silent as he waited for her to respond.

*Silver*    The food prepared by the cooks was delicious, and once they had finished and Anderen had led her back to her room, she listened to what he had to say intently, nodding. "Very well then, sir." Silver replied, before adding with a chuckle and a smile, "Don't make a lady wait too long now, Anderen." With that, Silver watched as Anderen bowed and then left, presumably making his way back to his own room. After that, she turned and retraced the familiar steps to her bed where she sat and waited for him to return, letting her mind wander as she waited.

*Anderen*   He made his way back to his room quickly, hoping to finish cleaning himself up so he could return to Silver in a reasonable time. It wasn't long before he came to his door, and after he entered his room he went straight to the bathroom. Validrir's kningdom was more advanced then any he had ever seen, possessing running water, and even heated water. He was used to bathing in a wooden tub, and as such he felt almost like royalty as he undressed and stepped into the shower, which was something he had also never seen before. He pushed the two switches he saw up, and in a few seconds water was flowing down on him steadily.

He hurried and washed himself so he could return to Silver, and after a few minutes he pushed the switches down and walked from the bathroom to the dresser in his room, hoping there were some clothes in one of the drawers. He was lucky, and as he put on the pants and shirt he had found after looking in the drawers, he turned to make his way back to Silver. Just then, however, his mind went blank as everything got fuzzy and he dropped to his knees. He tried to maintain his consciousness, but it was in vain, as he was again overcome by an impenetrable darkness. As quickly as Anderen had fallen and passed out, Kenoras had taken shape in his place.

He wasn't in the elf like form he had been in when he was with the demon girl. He instead was in his true, massive form, with horns coming from all over his body. His first thought was that he should look around, and so he did, as he made his way out of the bed room and into the hall. Something in the air, like an oppressive energy, was sapping his strength. He couldn't explain it, though it didn't hinder him too much. If needed, he could still fight, but on top of feeling like he was being smothered, he also felt distracted, as if it were impossible to focus his mind. Thus he wandered the halls rather aimlessly, unaware of the war developing around him, and of the fact that Angel's now walked the halls as guards.

He could still detect the Lord Validrir's distinct power though, and he could also tell that it was drawing ever nearer. That realization pleased Kenoras, as he assumed it was the work of the false god that made him feel as he did now, and if such were indeed the case then he had to deal with Validrir. He didn't like him from the last time they had met anyways, so he decided he would just wait for the Lord to arrive, as Kenoras searched for the front doors so he could greet Validrir himself.

It wasn't long until he finally found them, and when he did he proceeded to make his way outside as he opened the doors and stepped through. Immediately he was met with the sight of Angel's standing to either side of him, as well as the forms of the golden warrior and the demon girl at the bottom of the stairs. It was strange, but upon exiting the tower he no longer felt any of the ill effects. Instead, the only thing now bothering Kenoras was the presence of the angel's. He looked past them though, and at Kalamos and Star instead, "So....We meet again. Hello, sister." he said, speaking to the demon girl who had once called him out as her brother, if only because he was a demon as well. With that, he waited for her response, and anything else she might speak about. He planned to kill the two angel's near him, but that time would come when it was supposed to.

[Lord Validrir]

Validrir felt the wave of evil power the moment the vault swung open. With out a pause he sprinted toward the tower. With a might leap he took to the air as his great golden wings of light formed and carried him up ward. He soared quickly through the air and passed over the gates of the tower grounds. As he reached the open paved area outside the front of the tower his wings disolved and he fell to the ground. He hit the the stone area and rolled to his feet. At the top of the stairs in the door way of his tower stood a demon of great size. The angels at the doors had drawn thier swords to attack but stopped at Validrir's command. His voice boomed across the grounds as he spoke.

"STOP!!! I will deal with this myself!" He clapped his hands together and brought them apart his sword materializing between them. Grasping the hilt he stode forward, his armor shining in the light. His helmet seemed to fade into existance around his head as he walked. It completely covered his head and had a T-shaped visor for him to see out of. On the sides were a pair of ivory wings that streched outward and back.

Validrir stopped at the bottom of the stairs and gripped his sword. Clouds rolled overhead, thunder shook the land, and he waited.

[Zoycite]

Star looked at Kalamos with loving eyes. Delicate fingers took the feather. She nodded her head at him slowly, understanding the power behind the soft object. She pulled her long hair up off her back and tied it into a knot, where she placed the feather. Her hair was messy and yet elegant, strands framed her face, licked her shoulders. "Thank you..." she spun around playfully, "How does it look?"
 
Evil lurked through the halls of the tower and expelled itself out the front doors and down the stairs. Kal made swift movements and shielded her from the energy before it could find her and change her. She pushed herself up close to his back, head rested between his feathered wings.

The stairs began to shake under the weight of the new demon lurking through the halls of the tower. She heard the angels scream, the sound of blades being drawn. She peered though gentle flowers and saw a demon standing at the top of the stairs. He called out to her, but she was frozen in time. She watched the angels assemble around him, each with their hatred for him. She shook her head and shouted, "Brother! Calm... they fear the true form! Stand down!" Star lowered her voice, "They are both afraid... the angels and demon alike, but hate for one another... is that how they look at me?"

She watched the angels and feared her own life. The stairs shook once more. She turned to look what it was behind her. It was Validrir, angry, she could feel his energy against her. She watched as the clouds changed, the rain began to fall. She heard him shouted, watched as he drew his blade. Star's fingers gripped into the side of Kalamos. She whispered, "Kal...Kal..." Validrir was getting closer, "KAL!"

All she could feel was his hated holy energy, watched his angry eyes, feel his hate for demons. And Kalamos was shielding her from the evil power that would more then likely force her to change. She shouted up to Kenoras, "Brother, if you do not change back, you put us both in harms way!"

Star was afraid... and angry.

[Kalamos]

When she took his feather playfully he smiled, taking in her joy. It made him feel better, she was happy and safe from harm even without him; That is to say, before the bitterness of the dark power flooding forth and much to his surprise, a second source of the shadow power appeared. The feathers of his wings began to ruffle more vibrantly and with a glimmer of power to them. His whispers, that quickly became cries for his attention drew his gaze to Validrir. He responded to Kenoras after Validrir spoke, "Meet... Again? I don't recall having introductions with a shadow demon recently. Difficult when you run like you did earlier." He smiled briefly as he savored grim words, "Strange isn't it. How you just appeared the way you did. Normally, in such a place, I would've felt your presence far from here. Even more strange, is that I've felt your power before." His own sword singed gently and slowly, as he drew and held it forth, "It's changed somewhat, but you've felt my power too." His smile faded, "I'm surprised you survived such an attack, given the state you were in when I struck you. What's your name and if you don't mind me asking on your behalf Validrir, your business shadow demon?" Kenoras could take notice here that Kalamos politely respected an important secret of his. Something he noticed almost instantly.