Lochland: Capitol City of Velusia

[Lady Raven Dragonheart]

She slashed at the few Darkthornes that stood between her and Shamus. Her idea burned at her gut knowing that it may help get Lucan back soon and safe. Once close enough she took a deep breath.

"Shamus I have an idea how to get to Lucan but I need an ok fromyou. For it may but him in little more danger then he is right now. I think that if I take one of my dragons I may be able to find secret tunnels. "

As she stood there letting Shamus think it over she kept the enemy back. Just as her mind started to wonder she felt a sting in her right arm. Letting out a scream she swung her right arm take the man's head off.

[Honor Demise]

After the minion's head was seperated from he's body, there was a brief moment of silence.

A cracking noise as if ice were breaking from the large mirror on the landing at the top of the stairs.

"Reinne is going to her son's room. Might we be of assistance, King Shamus?" A shapely figure in black emerged from the darkened corner on the landing. A lady moved gracefully out of shadows followed closely by a well-dressed gentleman, most of his features hidden by a mask. Before he could question who they were, she asked. "Did you get my letter?"

At his lack of recognition, the lady frowned with displeasure. "I was certain that the letter of introduction was delivered. No matter. I am Honor Demise, the regent of House Demise."

Her expression was serene and sensual, untouched by the chaos around her. Stormy blue-grey eyes assessed the guards, Garic, and Lady Raven nodding her head in acknowledgement before giving her attention back to the Blackthorne king. She shared a glance with the nobleman in the mask. "And this is my bodyguard," she intoned with a smirk. "Now. How may we assist you, Lord Blackthorne?"

[Reinne Blackthorne]

The closer she got to Lucan's room the thicker the enemy became. Where once there had only been a small battalion of Darkthornes..there were now growing hordes as their own people fell to the Darkthorne weapons and taint. Sweat coated her form as she released her battlecry over and over again that nimble figure dancing along with her blade slashing and hacking her way toward where her son 'should' have been. Suddenly she felt the sting of a blade cut into the flesh of her lower right hip near the back. Crying out from the surprise of it she whirled around to see humans coming in to aid the undead horde.

Eyes narrowed menacingly as she finally had had enough.  Right hand rose before her, palm outwards as she used the weaving ability in her blood and sent a gust of wind with the force of three hurricanes towards those who dared to come at her back like cowards. The force of the blow would lift them off their feet carrying them down the hall at such a speed that when they would impact against the far walls at the end of the corridor their bones would shatter piercing all thier vital organs and leave them to die a horribly slow death if the impact did not kill them immediately.

Turning back she found the undead retreating. It was as if whatever goal they had had been completed. Eyes widened at the voice of her brother in her ears.

" Reinne they have Lucan.."

Whatever strength she had left melted away. Knees buckled, the sword felt like a lode stone within her grasp as she collapse to the floor and began to weep. Slowly she dropped th sword beside her arms crossing her midriff as she let out a cry that would echo through the halls for all in the castle to here.

" NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

It was the cry of a wounded animal. The cacophony of a mother who had failed to keep her child safe, the wretched scream of a woman who has lost not one but two individuals her very breath had been laden for these past ten years. They had her son. Again she would scream, the rage she felt building within her slowly threatening to take over that normally serene form. Already her veins were beginning to pulsate and bulge, black spiderwebs forming in her hands and stretching up her arms. Reinne would turn if someone did not get there to calm her and stop the process of change.

Perhaps the Darkthornes had won already? The next few moments would tell the tale.

[Lady Raven Dragonheart]

She returned a nod to the lady that had appeared before them, givng the man a breif but good look over.

Her eyes closed briefly as a cry of pain hit her ears. Knowing that Shamus would speak with the lady and her guard. "I shall look into the cry so that youmay speak with the visitors. My idea can be talked about later once all has been dealt with."

With a quick steps she ran through the hall heading to where she felt the cry came from. She was ready to fight the enemy as they came toward her but they all seemed to not notice her. The cry seemed to get louder as she moved which was a god thing. Her eyes seemed to have gotten big seeing that it was Reinne that was crying. As she closed in on her the blade was placed back in its sheath. She knelt beside Reinne placing a hand upon her arm.

"All will be well fine Reinne, the enemy shall pay for what they have done here. I have offered Shamus the use of my dragons to see to it that Lucan is returned to you safely. They will know the grief that you are going through and more. For they will feel your wrath for putting Lucan in harms way."

She leaned closer to her wrapping an arm about her. The pain that she felt years ago was nothing to what Reinne was dealing with. For her pain was loosing her child to death not a capture from an enemy. It would be that pain that would urge her on to get Lucan back to his mother.

[Reese Blackthorne]

Adrian's call echoed through out the realm in which Reese had taken his pledge of guardianship. Reinne's voice echoed through out the realm as well. It was like being awoken from a pleasent slumber, his thoughts disrupted for an instant. Eyes opened thought out the landscape looking down upon Reese.  " You seek to go home?" Reese looked up to the dream realm with his heart heavy. Energy was thick in the air, lightning of various colors sparked up everywhere. A thick rose colored fog covered the chamber in which Reese was in. The voice echoed through the halls asking him the question he dreaded answering. The love for his children, his brother, his family it hit him like a hammer. Cracking the thick frozen shell around him, the call of a thousand angels. Reese looked up to the sky through the hole in the chamber for his realm asked a question. A question which carried with it so much burden for if he denied himself, then what was he truly.

A god in many circles and a mere man inside, he was a tragedy. A paradox of emotion and power, for his emotions ruled his decision. In one whisper he said the word, " yes ", the realm shook. From the heavens came a loud roar as the sky began to twirl into a vortex. From this vortex decended his blade, the enternal key, he took it in his right hand. Electricity flowed down his metallic hand, hands that could feel, yet were cold to the touch. A single tear fell from his left eye hitting the floor causing a ripple to flow through out the realm. He knew what he was doing, he knew the great sacrifice he was about to make. " For the glory of justice, there is no bitter taste then indecision. To be a man one must guide their own destiny and live their life in harmony. To protect this realm I have given my life and all that I am. Now I ask it to lend me it's strength to allow me to protect my home. For without my home I would not be here now."

" All of those whom I dare to love dearly do not need my power to save them now. They need my love, my words carry now a strength which this blade, this realm, this power of mine does not carry. They need the man Reese not the god of the dream realm. I would gladly lay down my essence to aid those in the lands of Velusia as I would the sleeper's who dare to dream." A seal within his being became broken, his form distorted as the molecules became charged with his life force once again. Slowly he felt the weight of life returning to him. Taking in the first painful breath of life, his eyes closed as he gasped. " It has been many years since I wore this body...." Reese reached out into the shadowy veil of the realm in which Velusia called home.

" Adrian..." Reese called out to his brother, then he sought one who needed him now more then ever. " Reinne..stay strong..." Reese turned and looked with eyes that had seen so much and yet still had more to see.  The travel to the material world would take much out of him, it was like walking through a thick flowing darkness. Reese didn't dare to move, to walk into the shadows beyond the dream realm was a path he'd closed years ago. A chapter of his life that he'd sworn to leave behind for the good of all. A father's love however would not let him forgive himself should he keep his back turned now. Figures emerged from the shadows their rune covered, shiny faces, their strange eyes. Each spoke in their own language which they all could understand. Reese looked to them listening to their council for they were his council.

Each gave him a bit of wisdom and a bit of advice, but none disapproved of him leaving. Reese turned, his red hair falling down over his eyes, his form moved forward. Slowly he began to walk into the darkness, waves of light moved through out this space. Holding out his left arm, the shield of order appeared on his arm. It's face resembled that of a clock which actually worked, it's ticking echoed in the dark realm. His sword resembled that of a key, for it was his destiny manifested. Elegantly he walked through the darkness moving side to side as he side stepped obscure, obsticles. The pain of crossing hit him hard, his time home would be limited, for his body would not sustain the life he once held. Still even a mortal death again, would be worth seeing his children once more. To see those he loved so dearly and had to leave behind.

Like emerging from black water, his form began to surface through the shadow of a tree, ripples errupting all over the shadow. The cold air, the wet rain, the dark night, they greeted him like former lovers. Reese had returned to the lands he called home, to give his aid, and to find closure in death. The land whispered to him once more as it welcomed him home, like waking from a long sleep the fog about his mind began to lift. " I have returned for one final time Velusia. I've come to close this chapter for the new one which has already began. Lead me to my home, lead me to my family..." Reese's form dematerialized into the earth as it spanned over the distance of miles in an instant. Roots, earth, and rocks, began to bubble up outside of Lochland. They scuplted a humanoid form which in a flash of eerie green light became Reese.

Looking up to the castle's new home he took in a deep breath, home at last. He slung the shield on his back, his black fur collareded white jacket blew in the night wind. The red metallic hand reached out to the doors of Lochland castle and as they opened he saw the carnage and chaos within. " Emmone Ex Vermina Kalor Ex Va Tell Kax Eno Frote " Reese shouted as the forms of the Darkthornes began to fade away returning to the place from which they came. His eyes targeted each and every Darkthorne within the main hall, an action which required focus and concentration. The use of such magic brought pain to his weak mortal body. He fell to one knee and began to cough, his eyes stayed on the floor beneath him. Reaching out his metal fingers touched the blood which was his, how long had it been since he'd seen his own blood?

The more he used his power the weaker his form would become, until death finally embraced him and he returned to the dream realm. He'd have to resist the urge to use his powers, if at all possible he'd try things at a much cruder level. Standing up he gripped his sword with both hands and entered the main hall. It was time to do what he had come to finish before his time was up.

[Vahn Demise]

Behind the form of Honor came the form of Vahn emerging quickly having no love for mirrors. A head rolled at Vahn's foot, he looked down and casually kicked it aside. Vahn looked about at the chaos around them as if he were watching a boring jousting tournament. His hand was casually placed atop the hilt of his sword, as Honor spoke to Shamus. As a Darkthorne came running up the stairs, Vahn unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the Darkthorne. He pushed a button on the side of the sword causing the spell stored within to be cast. A vortex of concentrated flames shot out at the Darkthorne who turned to run, only to fall to the floor smoldering. Vahn sheathed his sword and thought back on Reinne. The queen was going to her son's room was it, he would have rushed off had he came alone. He did not want to leave Honor's side with the chaos about them however.

Vahn felt himself at ease hiding behind the mask, it served to guard his face and mask his identity. He could hear Reinne cry out suddenly, Vahn suddenly felt differently. That voice, though it held so much pain it was music to his ears. Vahn's vintage eyes looked on the Darkthornes with a rage he'd never thought possible. It was then that the doors to Lochland opened up to a sight Vahn was not prepared to see. The visage of Reese's his emerald eyes glaring in at the Darkthornes. Vahn stepped back for an instant he was off guard by the ghost he had seen. Then he realized that it was no ghost for Reese had returned. His mask would not hide him from the piercing gaze of Reese. " Impossible..." Vahn muttered low so no one could hear. All might be lost for him if Reese sought vengance on Vahn for his betrayal.

He would have to play his cards right and try to not direct Reese's attention. Just then spoke words linked to a spell, the Darkthornes in the main hall began to fade away. Vahn stepped behind Honor and said, " Perhaps I should go assist Queen Reinne.." not waiting for a response since there was no danger to Honor anymore with the Darkthornes in the main hall gone. Vahn turned and began to follow the familiar path to the children's rooms of the castle. Finding the one with Reinne inside he looked upon the woman standing at her side. His eyes fell on Reinne and for a moment his heart seemed to stop beating.

[Reinne Blackthorne]

No sooner had Raven touched Reinne than the screech much like that of a banshee would be shed from Reinne's lips as she whirled picking up her sword in fluid motion to lob off the arm of whom dared to touch her. The queen had gone into a beserk rage, already the signs of turning apparent as her normally docile doe brown eyes sparked with red flames of loathing and hatred. Should Raven not react fast enough she would find herself missing an arm.

The moment she had struck whatever she might hit Reinne dropped her sword again and fell to her knees once more reverting back to the mournful cries for the loss of her son. For hm to die she may have been able to bare, but the knowledge that the Darkthornes had her precious child was unbearable. They would turn him against her..force her to fight her son flesh and blood, the fruit of her loins. That thought brought forth a piercing scream with enough octave behind it to send many a person in the castle into fits of pain as they covered their ears in order to stave off the agony her own remorse was spilling forth.

At that moment the voice of her father actually filtered through the red haze of pain and hatred. She seemed to calm, her sobs slowly ebbing away as she began to violently empty the contents of her stomach to the floor. Gagging and coughing she planted both hands to the floor and arched her back with each purging of her disgestive system. She had no knowledge of yet another form entering the chambers of her son..only that of the pain which savagely cut at her heart.

The veins began to crawl back to normal stance at a snail pace as she whimpered and finally collapse to her side merely curling up into a fetal position. Where there had once been hatred and pain..love and respect there was naught but a void. She had become a shell as a defensive measure against the surmouned pain laden upon her in this short period of time.

[Shamus Blackthorne]

Shamus noticed Honor and Vahn appear from the mirror. Who might these people be thought Shamus? Just then Honor introduced herself and Shamus remembered the name. He looked over the form of Honor, he wondered why he hadn't been introduced to her before. There was no time for socializing however with enemies attacking all over the castle. His eyes fell on Vahn for a moment noticing they both seemed calm. He smirked for a moment, how interesting these two were. " Bring out the ballista!" Shamus cried to Garic the guard commander. Shamus turned back to Honor," any assistance you can provide is appreciated." Shamus had no sooner spoken those words when Reinne's scream hit his ears. Shamus felt her pain felt the hate bubbling back up in his being.

Shamus stepped back, his two sword falling to the ground as he gripped his head. His eyes went black as his twin's pain echoed through out him breaking away his ability to hold back the rage of losing Longinus and Lucan. Shamus heard someone speak words of power from behind him. A voice that was so familiar, just then he saw Vahn stepped back and then run off. Shamus's eyes narrowed, he turned to see the forms of the Darkthornes vanishing and through them a image he'd never thought to see again. His father....Shamus saw his father's form standing in the door, for a moment he thought it an illusion or hallucination. Perhaps he was going mad, or maybe it was a trick of the Darkthornes.

But when Shamus looked to the aura of the image he knew his father had returned home. Shamus simply stood there unable to speak as the pain slowly began to fade for a moment. He had to go make sure Reinne was okay, but at the sametime he wanted to go see his father. Shamus turned and ran off to Lucan's room finding Vahn standing in the doorway. He sent a telepathic message to Reinne, " Reinne father has returned...." Shamus had to push his way past Vahn to enter the room of his sister's son. He could see the change taking place, he knew that something had to be done. " Reinne don't give in...we shall find Lucan we will find him as quickly as possible." Shamus could feel tears welling up in his eyes at Reinne's pain. Longinus would pay for making his sister hurt...the Darkthorne would pay as well, but Longinus would suffer a fate worse then death.

[Vahn Demise]

Vahn saw the attack on Raven and was quick to react, he drew his sword and extended it. The blade's segmented surface extended forward just inches in front of Raven's chest to block the blow intended to lop off her arm. Vahn had not even been noticed until the form of Shamus pushed past him. As he watched Reinne begin to revert back to normal he moved over to her side. Such pain and sorrow and yet such raw strength and defient spirit. He couldn't help, but feel drawn towards her. " Queen Reinne everything shall be fine, I Va...Justice Demise shall help in the search for your son. If he was taking by the Darkthornes then perhaps I could be of more assistance. For I have ventured into the Darkthorne lands on occasion, I know my way around their lands."

Vahn wanted to slap himself for the words spilling forth from his mouth. However if he helped find the Queen's son he could ruin a Darkthorne plan and strengthen his connections with the Blackthornes. And if he did it in disguise then the Darkthornes would not know it was anyone of Demise who had done it. This plan could work for Honor and he if he could find and rescue the boy. The queen would be over joyed at having her son back and he would be sure that almost any request he made would be fulfilled. Though he also thought back on Honor's words about a marrige, this could be an opprotunity for him. If he could get the queen to marry him then he would have access to the treasury of Velusia. At the sametime he would have a chance to make sure the Demise line lived on.

He could also make Demise recognized as it's own lands under the protection of Velusia, not the control. Her hair was like silk, if he could do this then, her eyes were like the moon and sun. His thoughts became jumbled for a moment as he realized something which struck fear into even his black heart. Biting his lips hard enough to draw blood, he quickly regained his air of composure. " If you agree to marry me I will bring your son back on the morrow. I know the lands of Darkthorne and I have a score to settle with someone under their employment that goes by the name of Longinus." Vahn laid all his cards on the table and hoped it paid off. He wasn't sure if Honor would hate him or love him for what he just thought of.

However he was thinking for what could prove best for the lands of Demise and his family would earn good publicity should all this come about. Even if Darkthorne found out and sought to attack Vahn, he would be sure Velusia would back him if he accomplished all this. One should not choose a side and if one does they should make sure it is the winning side.  Vahn could make sure which side one, because of his connection to both sides in the past. Instead of playing them against one another, he could merely set up one for failure and the other for success. Also if he gained a marrige to the queen then some of the plans for weapons and other things he'd been inventing could be set about. Demise could be the place for the manufacture of his inventions boosting the economy of his lands as well as getting his ideas into reality.

Vahn's mind was like a well oiled machine and when an opprotunity like this presented itself he struck at it. For it was rare to have a means to an end, for many of your problems.

[Lady Raven Dragonheart]

She cringed as Reinne let out the aweful screech. Her arm flew upjust as she saw a blade come at her. At the same time she saw a blade come between her and the blade. Heart raced as her left arm came to rest in her lap. For the bit that she had seen Reinne it did not seem to be her. But she was a mother in great pain from the loss of her child due to Longinus. Slowly she turned her head and looked to Vahn reconizing him as the man that arrived with the lady known as Honor. Not being able to get word out she nodded her head in thanks of helping out.

She watched Reinne as he spoke word to her knowing that it helped some. For knowing that their were people here for her would help some. Thou she would not be herself til Lucan was returned to her.

Her eyes quickly found Vahn's face hearinghim speak of Longinus. "No one will kill Longinus for it is not him that does wrong. It is the spear that he cares that makes him do what it wishes of him. If possible Longinus will be spared to have a normal life again." Her eyes never left his face all the while that she spoke nor after she was done. "Shamus and I have spoken about possibly saving Longinus if there is away. He feels that if we get the spear form him he will be fine and himself again."

She needed to try and keep any feeling for those here out of her mind and heart. For it may be her doom if she did not keep them at a distance. She would only do her job as a helper to the Blackthorne family and dragon tamer to the kingdom. If possiblbe she would go and help bring Longinus back here. But she had to get through to this vsitor to Velusia so that he let her come with.

She reached up to pull a few strands of hair from in front of her eyes. She wanted a clear view of this man that saved her, with luck would take her with to get Lucan back and save Longinus as well. Only good and true strategy would possibly get through to him.

[Honor Demise]

The regal woman gave the slight curtsey of respect to Shamus, meeting his sly smile with her own.

Shamus turned back to Honor," Any assistance you can provide is appreciated." Shamus had no sooner spoken those words when Reinne's scream hit his ears. Shamus felt her pain felt the hate bubbling back up in his being.

Shamus stepped back, his two sword falling to the ground as he gripped his head. His eyes went black as his twin's pain echoed through out him breaking away his ability to hold back the rage of losing Longinus and Lucan. Shamus heard someone speak words of power from behind him. A voice that was so familiar, just then he saw Vahn stepped back and then run off. Shamus's eyes narrowed, he turned to see the forms of the Darkthornes vanishing and through them a image he'd never thought to see again. His father....Shamus saw his father's form standing in the door, for a moment he thought it an illusion or hallucination. Perhaps he was going mad, or maybe it was a trick of the Darkthornes.

For the briefest second she thought about investigating the Queen?s pain. Reinne could be dying. What a pity that they might never meet? Shamus?s reaction was curious to her. Fraternal twins sharing pain. Fascinating. More fascinating was the man in the foyer of the great hall.

Reese Blackthorn back from the dead. He looked good for a dead man. She did not have to hear her brother?s comment; Vahn?s body language and quick departure revealed his shock. An unexpected but interesting development.

Her own treacherous heart skipped a beat.  If Reese was alive, there was hope that Vincent could be as well. She quickly squelched the thought, condemning it to the farthest recesses of her frozen heart.

Once Shamus ran out of the large hallway, Honor slowly sauntered down the steps. ?Come back from the dead and this is all the welcome you receive. Children have no respect these days.? Her tone was cool and sardonic as she made it down to the bottom step facing Reece. ?More spells like that, Reece dear, and you won?t stay on this plane of existence for long.?

She tilted her head thoughtfully. ?You do not remember me.? Honor laughed softly taking off her hat so he could get a better look. ?Remember me now??

?Look. Do not start with me. The past is the past. There is no sense bring up ancient history. I came to assist your children. Your daughter is suffering two sorrows: the death of her husband and the loss of her son. Show some sense and be with her in her time of need.? She chided him with uncharacteristic concern.

[Einar Blackthorne]

What madness lurked within this soul? How savage and brutal was the dance in which Einar performed through the halls of Lochland Castle, Fenrir flashing this way and that, spraying blood upon the walls. Everywhere the White Wolf looked with those savage silver eyes, he saw Magnus. Darkthorne after Darkthorne all appeared before him as the Lycal Chieftain, the bastard that had sired the Half-Breed ... Sired, and shown him pain beyond imagination. It made Einar roar in primal fury, the steel of his gauntlets thick with blood and gore, a combination of the Man's swordsmanship and the Beast's fury. Tears of sorrow and of rage streamed forth over those blood-splattered cheeks as the Beast howled out his battle-cry.

By the time Einar had made it to the chambers of Lucan it was all a blur. Through the conflict, the White Wolf had been separated from King Shamus and Lady Raven, both in which had followed him as he had charged blindly down the hall striking down every tainted being in his path. In his berserk frenzy, the Wolf had turned wrong; Had sent himself into a grouping of Darkthornes ... and in his rage, the Beast had ripped them asunder.

Yet now ... now as Einar came upon Lucan's chambers, things began to grow clearer. Silver eyes rose, catching sight of a broken mirror hanging haphazardly on the wall, one of the many victims of this night's raid. And in that glass, Einar saw what he feared most ... veins, thick and black, spider-webbed across his pale facade. Silver hues grew wide in horror, in fear of what he had allowed himself to become. The large Knight, his armor coated in carnage, took a step back and slowly rose a gauntlet-kissed hand up to his face. And there, there hidden beneath the bloodied steel Einar saw those same tell-tale black veins rippling beneath his pale flesh. " ... No ..." Those words escaped the White Wolf's lips in a hushed whisper, cold and beastial, " ... I will not ..." Fists clenched hard and Einar thrust his armored body against the nearest wall - hard. Jaw grew tight, blood trickling from his extended canines as they slowly began to recede back inside his gums. Grunts of pain emitted from the warrior's massive form as the claws began to return, as the bones began to reposition themselves ... as the Wolf diminished and left in it's wake, the Man.

When all was done, and the grey eyes of Einar blinked in the mirror, the large warrior allowed himself a moment to himself. A choked back sob and a moment's reflection ... So close, so close had he been to returning to the side of the Darkthornes. Returning to the Beast he had been in the days where Einar White-Wolf had run alongside the packs and clans of Magnus Darkthorne, the days where Einar had feasted upon the flesh of innocent and guilty alike ... where Einar had slain any in his way simply to watch them die. Fist clenched tight, and Fenrir was sheathed at the warrior's back, it's thirst satiated ... for now. And then the White Wolf closed his eyes, letting out a sigh. Had the ranks of Darkthorne not thinned, the Beast might very well have taken over. Yet, thankful as Einar was, he needed to ask himself ... how could the Darkthornes appear, and then disappear, so suddenly? And worse ... why would they disappear in the midst of battle, unless ...

Grey eyes widened, and Einar rushed the last few steps until he was inside Lucan's chambers, looking about almost frantically. It took the warrior only a moment to realize what had happened; Both Shamus and Reinne were alive, yet to gaze upon the sight of his Queen, broken once more, Einar knew. Lucan was gone ... Einar stood there, in the doorway, blood trickling down his breastplate, his grey hues upon Reinne ... The words spoken by Demise and Velusian alike were lost upon the senses of the White Wolf as he stood there, deaf to their politics. There was only one thing, one truth, that existed in the world of Einar Blackthorne, Knight-Protector of Queen Reinne Blackthorne ...

... He had failed her ...

[Reese Blackthorne]

Reese's form was silhouetted by lightning from outside, as the rain began to pour harder. The cold chill made his body shiver, how long had he been numb to such things? Seeing the form of a woman walked towards him, Reese gazed upon a familiar aura. His first thoughts were that the Demise had yet again betrayed his family. They seemed to be both friends and enemies wrapped up in one package. However when Honor addressed him all became clear. " Hmm a change of heart for the Demise, I know that a serpent is posionous and if treated like it's not, you risk being bitten. However I do not sense your words to be false, which makes me curious as to what all has happened in my time away."

Reese leaned against the door, sliding around it and shutting them. If only it were that simple to enter the lives of his children. " The loss of a husband and child? I sense darkness in the blood of the Blackthornes, this night has been very trying to each and every one of my family's blood. It has been a long time Honor, a very long time." Reese's time on this plane was short, but he knew he would do what had to be done. " Theres other Blackthornes here trapped that have been awaiting my return. First as you have said I must console my daughter." Reese looked on Honor remembering the last time he saw her, with Vincent. His brother was long gone for all he knew. Reese looked to Honor and said, " if you'll excuse me I must go attend to my daughter, we can talk later perhaps..." Reese respected Honor, but he was here to see his children.

Reese gave a slight bow to Honor and then made his way towards where he felt Reinne. Coming down the hall was almost like walking in slow motion as he made his way past so many. Entering the room to see her form, how broken she was, there was so much pain here. It was in the hearts of all those Blackthornes within the castle. He could feel it like the surface of a cracked stone. " Reinne, Shamus, I've come to help" Reese looked to both of them. His emerald eyes wanted to shed tears of joy at reuniting with his children. However he felt enough tears were shed this day, so he smiled instead. Opening his arms to embrace his children who had grown so much. So much blood shed for what, they still struggled against the Darkthornes. This war was begining to take it's toll on the next generation.

Was this the legacy his generation had left, for the new? A legacy of suffering and pain, Reese felt his heart strings pull. They needed this war to end before it did to them, what it had done to Reese and his. Already the wounds were becoming too much for those here to bare. The wounds which would fester and slowly kill the warmth and love held in the heart. No Reese had not fought all those days and nights only to leave his children in a world like this. If anything he would help them in bringing this war to it's end. He'd just have to hang on, to do what needed to be done and then he could have his death. This old man still had enough fight left in him to carry out this one last wish. Adrian needed to be rescued, for in him Reese had hopes of fulfilling this wish should he perish too soon. Funny that Reese had spent years fighting death only to be willing to accept it in the end.

And yet if he was not mistaken, it was another child of his that led the Darkthornes. Reese carried a burden upon his shoulders, knowing that those he left behind followed the same paths he had taken. Paths which only led one to more pain and sorrow. " I did not want this for you my children, I fought to make you a world where you could live in harmony and peace, only to have left it corrupted and broken. It's time I stay and finish this, see it to it's end if possible." Reese looked to see the masked man, the aura oh so familiar behind that mask. Reese had no love for Vahn, but he would leave him be out of respect for his sister Honor. Reese saw others gathered there which he had not seen before. Another Blackthorne which seemed to carry a weight upon his soul as well, it could be seen hiding just behind his eyes.

Reese sighed for there was much work to be done and little time to do it.

[Reinne Blackthorne]

The words of her brother were not lost on her. Slowly that seemingly broken woman would push her form from the cold floor and raise red rimmed doe brown eyes to gaze at her twin. Every ounce of the pain she felt could be seen there. She dared not speak fearing she would break down yet again and a quick glance about the room showed that she could not afford to lose control. Swallowing all the sorrow and anger she managed to regain her feet and with a shuddered sigh shoved her sword back into its sheath.

When she would have moved out of the room, Vahn's words hit her ears like a war cry. Stiffening she stopped just beside Einar who was gazing at her with a look only she knew too well. A hand was placed on his armored arm in reassurance she did not blame him for this. He was but one man. Slowly she turned to gage this new man who spoke of rescuing her son. The biting remark just behind her lips was swallowed as turned fully to lock gazes with the masked man. Onyx tressed head would tilt to the side as she dared to step closer to him. Soon she was nearly chest to chest with him that face lifted to peer at what she could of his when finally she spoke.

" That is a bold request even considering the circumstances. However, I am intrigued as to how you would actually go about rescuing a child you know nothing about. "

Almost immediately she winced at the harshness of her words. Gritting her teeth she shook her head and backed away turning her back to him whilst shutting everyone in the room out. She needed to think. She needed to figure out what to do to rescue her son before it was too late. Her stomach turned again threatening to rebel against her fragile will as she came to the fact...it was a trap. They wanted to lure her out. It was a domino effect. The son to the get to the mother, the sister to get to the.... Slowly her eyes opened to gaze at her brother. No. She would never let that happen. The decision though brash considering all she had been through was made.

Turning to Vahn she spoke with the authority and grace of a queen.

" Take off your mask and allow me to gaze on the face of the man I would take to husband should he be successful in bringing back my son..unharmed and unchanged."

Stepping forward she raised her hands to either side of his face just after her father entered with his proclaimation. Reese would have heard her words to Vahn..and now he would witness her removing Vahn's mask so that she could look at his face. The moment the mask lifted her heart stopped. Never before has she witnessed such a blatant manly beauty. This Vahn was like an angel in his visage. Beautiful and at the same time she sensed something else about him..something darker. Nodding she handed him the mask back once more.

" If you are to do this..you will take Einar with you for aid...that and to assure nothing wayward happens to my child. These are my conditions for the agreement. Do we have an arrangement?"

The shock on others faces did nothing to sway her chosen path. She had already married for love. This time she would marry for a different love..that of her son..and duty. Her word was binding and she would be honor bound to follow through. It was one thing few Blackthornes lacked.

( auto on Vahn is with his permission)

[Reese Blackthorne]

Reese was the first to step up and disagree with this marrige. Having seen that it truly was Vahn Demise behind the mask. " Are you insane Reinne, this man is nothing more then a wolf in sheep's clothing. He killed my brother Vincent in cold blood, the man is nothing more then a aristocratic murder. I sense no lies about his willingness to get your son back, but making a deal with him is like making a pact with a devil.

I've seen him bring down the most noble of houses in various kingdoms. He even helped in the invasion of Velusia many years ago by Mythocles. Einar on the other hand is seems like stout warrior capable of undergoing such a mission...." Reese let himself fall silent for a moment and looked to Vahn with a narrowed glance. How his sister could live with the man who murdered Vincent he did not know.

Reese could see that something within Vahn had slightly changed. Vahn's desire to marry Reinne was part lust, part ambition. Still if the devil was willing to lay his life down for the safety of Lucan then perhaps it was worth it. For if Vahn should perish in the attempt then vengance would be met, course if he rescued a life he would have paid his debt as well. " Perhaps I speak to soon, for if Vahn were to be willing to accept such a task then I could perhaps forgive him for all the trouble he has caused. However, I am still not sure about this marrige, maybe you should take more time to consider what you are doing.

And you vile murder, you are lucky that I do not slay you in cold blood here as you did my brother." Reese raised his sword, pointing it at Vahn, the man made Reese feel sick to his stomach. To think that such a vile man could still live after so many years, the debauchery that had gone on in the Demise house while Vahn over saw it made Reese ill.

Rumors of massive orgies and sacrifices, blood letting, and various other immoral acts. Vahn's list of crimes were longer then the days of his life if one chose to count them. Yet he offered to help Reese's daughter in returning her son. If the man could show such valor and honor then perhaps even the devil had halo. " It is your decision Reinne, but be warned that Vahn's house may play a part in the larger destiny of Velusia, he is still a Demise. The history of his family is soaked in blood and misery, he is damaged."

Reese walked out of Reinne's room and leaned up against the wall in the hallway. Another fit of coughing came upon him, the hall seemed to spin. He wiped at his mouth, noticing the crimson fluid upon his sleeve. His blood was hot and his head feverish from the anger he found for Vahn's deeds. If Einar was to go with Vahn then Reese should warn Einar of Vahn's treacherous nature. Reese looked up towards Einar and said, " always be on your guard when walking with the devil in hell."