The Witch and the Sorcerer

[Minalan]

I closed the curtains, and took a seat in the back of the Witches Hearth across from Aingeal. The gypsy hedge-witch collected the tarot cards reverently, “Minalan you must pick them up and shuffle the cards.”

I carefully organized the cards and split the deck repeatedly, slowly and deliberately. You see, the gypsy witches of Sosaria have always had the ability to read the capricious threads of the fates. Given the recent drastic 12-day change in reality, I had to know whether the reading of success of our endeavor remained constant. The portal has been meticulously reconstructed. I’ve mastered the art of spellweaving from the renegade elves deep in the darkness of Sanctuary. Cear said that the time for our journey is nearly upon us.

The hedge witch held me captive with her lovely hazel eyes. I could no sooner look away from them than remove my own hand. “When you are ready, give them back to me. Think on this matter that troubles you.”

What troubles me? Nightmares and indescribable terrors visit me every night, they are a small glimpse of a future that has simultaneously both happened and not yet occurred. I saw the magical focusing device that the Cabal constructed in all of its glory. Then all of the events are fragmented. I saw Cear activating it, cackling with insane glee. The machine performed exactly as expected, the device drained the magic from blackrock and started to unravel reality itself! Something went wrong, as parts of it began to wink in and out of existence. Lightning crackled. Power built up to dangerous levels. A cabalist screamed. A deafening explosion erupted. I was blinded, and cast into darkness, groping about on my hands and knees as my tower collapsed around me. I screamed in pain, as I was torn apart piece by piece. The wave swept across my body with agonizingly slowness because I was at the event horizon. I winced painfully at the memories, “Here's what I wish to know: I have dreams, disturbing and terrifying ones. In them, I am reliving something I have already done, and I am forever doomed to repeat the same mistakes.”

Aingeal nodded in understanding, “And when you wake?”

I considered my answer, and answered as truthfully as I could without revealing the secrets of my order, “The sense of deja-vu is still there. I remain my own executioner.”

Aingeal made three piles of the cards, and laid them out before her, shuffling them and spreading them on the table. “The troubles you once experienced are awakened. You must remember what occurred.”

I cursed bitterly under my breath. “I cannot. I’ve tried everything!”

The witch furrowed her eyebrows as she laid another card on the table, “It is one of that which shows a need to know two paths will appear. You must have faith you will pick the right one.”

What paths? What is she talking about? I must know! Aingeal moved to the next set of cards. “The cards speak of a shift. You must be aware of who you are trusting with your knowledge. Not all will be like a pane of glass.”

She paused, and the gypsy’s voice lowered in timbre and pitch, as if someone else were speaking. “They will take what you offer and not be as forthcoming with what you wish in return. Those you take on your journey make sure then are of a clear conscience and not looking for their own gain and power.”

She turned her eyes back up and looked at me. At that moment, I knew she could see deep inside of my soul. Everything I that am was laid out before her: My ambition, my pain, and my growing love for this woman. I shrank from her gaze, and my heart raced as I realized the danger of what was happening. In the end however, I had to know more. “And if I do? What else do you see in my future?”

She flipped another card, and as if answering my very thoughts “Hmm.. Seems there is one you trust. They trust so very few.”

My voice dropped to a whisper, “There is. One. My feelings for this person are...confusing.”

Aingeal continued her work, “Do you see how it is upside down, and next to it the wands.. And this..” She flipped another card, knitting her brow again, “Something is ruling over you. The confusion comes from this, this one you... Something close to them, but the ambition could overshadow them.”

I looked shocked and haunted at the revelation, because she knows everything. The witch pulled her feet up, resting her chin on her knees. Aingeal has the most endearing forms of nervous fidgeting of anyone I have met. Every time she does it, I cannot help but smile. “A fine line you travel Minalan.”

I replied thoughtfully, “I....sometimes we do things because we don't have a choice… it..”

She cut me off, “The tarot gave you the two outcomes. But this is more to read the emotion over the question. Do you not have free will?”

I was confused, “What emotion do you speak of?”

The witch knew exactly what she was talking about, “Any that you are experiencing. I know that something else has taken room in your thoughts.” She was correct of course, the tattooed witch has taken up many of my thoughts of late.

A smile grew on my face, as the implications sunk in. “The reading *has* changed.” If this reading could change, then so could the future. I may *not* be killed in an explosion, or gored by the mechanical daemon Exodus. I was elated again. Things are different, but I have many…other things to consider.

Seeing me get up to leave, the witch spoke with a wistful tone to her voice, “Fate is a living thing. It takes it lead from what you are doing to manipulate it.”

[Minalan]

Later...

I went to the Salty Dog in turmoil. Three things occupied my mind. Fate, it seems, could indeed be bent to my will. We will no doubt succeed in our journey to reach Exodus, and we will come back with the lost knowledge of Armageddon that we seek. Secondly, I am not trapped in a loop of time as I previously thought. The device can be repaired to work as it should. I will convince the others to take our time with it, and perform smaller scale tests before we activate it for real. Lastly, the woman I am hopelessly in love with is aware of how I feel about her. I’m no idiot, the last thing I want is her pity. I hit the table impotently with my fist, as I sought to control the rage building up inside of me.

In any event, the reading spoke of a choice, but I know that there really isn’t one. I have already made my vows, sealed in blood to the Followers. Maybe if…no. It can never be, and perhaps that is for the better.

Aingeal entered the Salty Dog looking as beautiful as she always is. Her raven hair and penetrating hazel eyes lit up when she entered and saw me. “Are you alright?”

I responded, distractedly, “It was...your reading.”

She smiled slightly, pursing her perfect lips, “Well...I cannot control what they will say.”

My mind was in an angry haze. I reached for the drink next to me, and realizing it was wine, I set it back down. “I ordered a drink, I think. If you want it, I don't drink.”

“Oh..I'm fine.”, she replied.

I let out a long sigh, trying desperately to calm my anger. “You see my dear Aingeal, I have but one asset in this life, just one. I don't have Judas' rugged good looks or magnetic personality. I don't have Lucas' broad chest and muscular stature. I am a frail, thin cripple with one asset: a keen and sharp intellect. With it, I command vast magical power. So you see, while I have "free will" to do what I may, some of us really have. No. Other. Alternatives.”

I stood to walk out, barely in control of the swirling rage within me. I will not be pitied. If I cannot be accepted as an equal to the people of this world, then I will be content that they will acknowledge me as their superior - right before I sweep all of existence away. I reached the door, and shoved it harder than I should have. The burning rage mixed with my magic, and the door shook on its hinges as it burst open with a loud bang. The thought that my skinny arms could never have accomplished that without magic only made me angrier, that even my walking without a pronounced limp was due to powerful spells left a bile taste in my mouth.

I never heard the very soft and gently spoken “Minalan” behind me as I stormed out the door and was swept far away on the wings of a spell.

[Deleted]

"Minalan"

The doors hit the wall shaking the windows making her eyes involuntarily blink at the shock of the force.

A pang of sorrow swept over her, only to quickly dissolve. "Why is it people ask to know what the Fates will reveal and grow angry at the messenger" A thought she has had repeatedly, finally her legs moved as she followed him out the doors. But with a few words and a quick movement of his hands he was gone.
____________________________________________________

The evening was typical; the usual faces in huddled groups speaking to one another, Aingeal quietly took a seat at an empty table. "Now that voice I do know." She thought scanning the room. The crimson is what hits you at first when you see him, a few tables away Minalan sat with another in conversation. Aingeal wondered what they were discussing seemed engrossing to them both.

"Excuse me .. Could you bring me a whiskey?" the boy nodded and went towards the bar.

Turning her eyes on him again. The boys sat the mug down and with a quick nod he was gone. Taking a small sip, "What will his price be." It was odd to not have an answer to such a simple exchange.

"Good evening Aingeal" leaning on his staff with an easy smile, "Mind if I join you?" Aingeal nodded "How are you Minalan?" She smiled back. "They are not done with this one. The work isn't finished yet." she thought watching him maneuver into the seat. "I was wondering if I could have another reading. Seems with the shift in time, I worry that the time has passed or has changed from the first reading." Lifting her head listening to him, "Is that possible?"

"When would you like to ask Minalan?" Grinned, pulling her feet up the seat of the chair. He turned his head slightly,"Do you know how to read Tarot?"

"What kind of question is that..." Aingeal thought a bit amused. Every girl raised in a tent could read tarot.

"Aye, I can read the cards."

His face lite up, "There is a space in the corner that has a deck" ...Looking passed him to the small space; curtained off and not close to the others...."If that is suitable to you, it is fine". He rose and was half way across the room by the time she stood.

Picking up the deck, those that had touched them before made her fingers tingle...Questions on love. Money. Power. Seemed to be the root of every query....Squeezing them between her hands, Aingeal held them close, and asked that the Fates she had pledged her very existence, to show her what was asked with a promise of payment of what they saw fit.

"Minalan take the cards and shuffle them. Think on what you wish to know and when your ready hand them back to me." He took the deck and began to shuffle the cards. She watched him, his hands were thin with long fingers that he seemed to braid as he charged the cards with a bit of his being. He just stared at the cards as they passed through his fingers. There was nothing but the color of his robes that stood out when you thought of him. His hand shook a bit as he handed them back.

Closing her eyes for a moment holding them splitting them into three piles. Opening her eyes she began to lay the cards before her; seemed the characters that decorated the waxen paper, stood and began to mimic the meaning from the card they represented.

"I have been troubled by dreams...." As he spoke the tower grew brick by brick from the card, corners of it crumbing always a sign of calamity. Given its position in the spread, this had passed but was a constant in his thoughts and actions. Aingeal laid the other cards out crossing the tower with the Queen of Wands, standing tall holding a gnarled wand of Willow. "There is one you trust, that trusts no other." She knew it was meant to represent her. Covering the queen, there it was she knew it would appear. The Ace of Swords. An arm holding a sword rising from a cloud, the metal polished. "That is to much power for one person" she thought, but looked up at him only warning him, to be careful who he shared his knowledge with.

Falling silent for a moment, the two of them sat there. Aingeal pulled her feet up cupping the cards in her hands. placing the last series of cards, the Two of Cups. A man and a woman stood each with a cup in hand. Knitting her brow, the next card was chosen, the King of Swords. Standing tall and commanding; it shadowed the young couple cowering beneath him. Absently she spoke, "...ambition could over shadow them..." Realizing what she said, Aingeal messed up the cards.

Minalan spoke frankly for a moment of so, but his demeanor was suddenly guarded, as if she could feel his thoughts being closed away. With that he stood rather swiftly and walked out the door of the tavern.

Looking down at the mangled deck, guilt seemed to wash over her. "I should go make sure his not fretting over this simple parlor trick" she thought.. Only place she could think of to look was the Salty Dog.

[Deleted]

She could feel his hand half on her shoulder and half tangled in her hair. the only light came from beneath the door; the hearth flickered letting a play of light and shadows danced across the floor. Laying there listening to the light breathing that came from behind her, the path she took last night could change so much, or leave them all damaged and wanting. He would not stop his work, like a madman he would continue at all costs. Vows were something many did not understand completely, but she did. Sliding from his bed, the feeling of his fingers tug in her hair as she rose, looking back she could see where her form marked the feather mattress, the dent from where her head laid on the pillow... His hand now resting empty, she opened the door as quietly as possible stepping out into the hall and full light of the hearth.

Perching in front of the fire, Aingeal held her hands out letting the warmth fill her. Knowing what was said could never be taken back it felt as if the words hung in the air of the great keep. Tilting her head taking a piece of kindling she began to draw in the soot and ash.

The night replayed in her mind. What Jolicia said, a collection mages, alchemists, necromancers and all the in between. Trying to harness the power he experienced at the Lyceum... Is it even possible? It had failed once, She thought.

Twisting towards the door, Aingeal just stared at it. Speaking in a breathless hush, "...What side were you on..." Laying back on the rug folding her arms across her chest. Imagining what the weapons of warfare sorcerers would use against one another. Closing her eyes to these thoughts, Aingeal turned on her side and looks at the door once again.

The words he spoke last night to her and what she admitted to him. The expression on his face when she offered him the fruit, the hurt look as he slid down the book case to the floor rendered helpless that one feeling with so many titles a combination of emotion and energy...that left him spent. His words were soft and cautious; how she ruled his heart, how his vows stopped him and his insecurities infuriated him. None of that mattered to her. She was once told all had a consort, that suited the self that was not formed in flesh. The spirit would find its split.

Aingeal rose and walked towards the door, grabbing the knob stopping short. Leaning forward resting her forehead on the door, "And when the time comes what path would he choose?" dropping her hand, Aingeal turned and walked back to the warmth of the hearth.

[Minalan]

I woke up alone, my hands running over the imprint in the feather mattress that she left. All that remains is her scent, that of fresh wild flowers in the springtime.

"You have just made a fatal mistake." The calm, rational part of my mind screamed at me to pay attention to it. You see, when I sit back and think clearly, it's almost like addressing another person within me. When I read or study something, it remembers with eidetic detail. When I ask questions, it usually knows the answer. When I need a spell, it is already prepared. My mind is perpetually busy, always searching the next puzzle to devour, constantly seeking patterns out of everything, and forever thirsting for more knowledge.

"You have pledged your life and soul to the Followers, and she to the fae spiritts the gypsies consort with. This is doomed to misery and failure. The conseqence of either of you breaking your oaths...is an unimaginable painful death. Two of them most likely."

"When I look at her...I see other possibilities."

"Stop this pointless fantasizing. In this case, you simply cannot have what you want. You never could. You cannot commit to her anymore than she to you."

"You know how I feel about her..."

"Indeed. Just like Lady Devorah. Need I remind you of what happened then?"

I shuddered at the memory, unable to calm the ache in my chest. I reached for my staff. "Guardian!"

"You need to stop acting like a stubborn lovesick jackass. We have work to do."

A large disembodied spectral face showed itself, looking into my chambers through the west wall. The entity stared at me with it's usual black, soulless eyes, and mouthed words with it's wide empty mouth. The guardian is a magical automata, an intelligent servant created to help administer my manor. It took a great deal of power and life essence to create, for this was one of the last spells created by my order before the war. "You summon."

"Where did the witch go?"

The head replied slowly, with a cool even voice, "She asked that I send her to Minoc. I opened the portal as you commanded."

"Very well. Begone." Wrong or not. Doomed or not. Oaths or not. Stupid or just plain idiocy. I intended to find her. I stormed up the stairs to my study, and placed my hands on the cool, smooth glass of my scrying orb. I spoke the words, and the colors within the large boulder-sized orb swirled for a moment, and then showed me what I requested.

...and thus, I begin my inevitable downfall.

[Minalan]

Me met in the forest in secret, near the entrance to the dungeon of Sanctuary. No sooner had she dismounted her horse, that she was in my arms with my lips seeking hers with the intensity of a man starving. Aingeal's hazel eyes smiled at me, "I thought you might be too busy..."

I wrapped my red cloak around the both of us. Hopelessly distracted, I whispered. "I was, but I couldn't concentrate. I... I kept thinking of you. I had to come, I feel like I am missing a part of me."

She murmured that she felt the same in between our feverish kisses, and I quietly confessed my growing love for her. With that, she looked up at me. "Our souls are intertwined, yours and mine, from lands far lost and lives long passed. We have finally found one another. This is what you are feeling."

She playfully held onto my cloak, leaning back and swaying to and fro while I considered the possibility. The hedge-witch gently traced my eyebrows with her finger, "Tell me Minalan, what do you see in our future?"

I looked into her hazel eyes with sadness, and released a single heavy breath, "I see nothing but pain, misery, and suffering for both of us." I paused for a moment, "However, I still wouldn't trade a moment with you for anything."

A worried look creased her brow, and tears formed in her lovely eyes, "Won't you fight for us? Is this truly all we will have?"

I shook my head, feeling frustrated and helpless. I remembered all too well the consequences of arrogantly defying the fey spirits that Aingeal is beholden to. It took every fiber of magic within me to resist their will for just a few minutes. In the end, I collapsed unconscious, completely drained and weak. "I do not yet have the power to challenge the fates."

I held Aingeal close to me, gently brushing my lips over the runic tattoos on her forehead. An idea formed in my mind, a possible solution to our problem. It would take research work and study, but that is to me as breathing is to most others. I clenched a fist at the thought of my possible triumph, "But I will very soon, and I intend to do so!"

Unfortunately, my words did nothing to calm her, she looked even more distraught, and whispered to me under her breath, "Hush! Lest they hear you..."

She covered my mouth with hers, and the remainder of our conversation was spoken in an entirely different language. We reluctantly separated when day turned to dusk, and the shadows in the grove of trees grew longer than the heartache of our parting.

"Till next time..."

[Deleted]

This. Feeling of child like euphoria seemed to carry her from what she should when he was about...A small voice in the back of her mind; muffled by the feeling of his embrace, but always seemed to ebb forward like the soft lapping of water along the shore. "Leave.. What once was... can never be again..." How could this be? When she looked at him it was not as he was in this incarnation, but how her soul remembered him from a time long forgotten.

The moments of clarity kept her grounded in the reality of what was. Faeryl's words; recollecting the battles she faced, trying to stop what Aingeal feared was at the core of what drove Minalan. She heard the concern in Judas' voice and what hinged on a gratitude he felt towards Minalan.

"Won't you fight for us? Is this truly all we will have?"

Something deep inside her would not allow her to deny him...Stop him... Standing in the woods sheltered by his cloak, the worry of what he was capable of and that relentless drive. How far to the brink was she willing to go.

The tears he wiped from her cheeks were not of sadness, but fear. The readings. The closeness. She knew eventually she would have to stand before him, beg him not continue his work. "What side were you on?" that lingering thought was never far from her mind. The questions she posed to those she considered friends, all to better prepare herself for this battle of will. She was taught that we, sometimes continue on a path to either right a wrong, or to learn a lesson the soul has yet to comprehend. These thoughts were chased away as soon as they entered her mind, all she could concentrate on was the warmth she felt from him. The passion he ignited deep inside her would not be ignored, but, which would be the victor.

[Deleted]

Quietly walking up the vaulted walls of the Keep Aingeal cautiously approached, knowing the lands surrounding Minalan's home was full of unsavory characters that were known to attack without reason. Stepping to the door softly resting her hands on the heavy wood, she whispered, "Ward allow me entrance" the door seemed to come to life as if the house took a breath as it opened. She was met with silence. Ascending the staircase once again the doors were closed, Aingeal tried to turn the knob; the spectral head appeared emotionless, "Witch. Once past this threshold there is no turning back" Dropping her hand from the knob, Aingeal looked at the soulless eyes speaking above a whisper, "I know my path Ward I accept it with no regrets." the head disappeared and the latch opened. without thinking she slipped into the room seeing his form already asleep, climbing onto the bed Aingeal curled up next to him. Minalan stirred slightly, as she lightly laid her head on his arm letting the day wash over her lawing her to sleep.

Aingeal found herself a sail on a palm leaf, standing astride it rolled down a calm river. She could feel the rocks beneath her feet as the leaf floated over with an ebb and flow. The shore blurred by as if the land itself steamed forward, yet the waters she rode upon sundered at its own pace.

Watching the shore roll passed her eyes a vast stone wall came into view. upon it stood a woman a single flame burning inches above her palms that were outstretched, a serene look on her face, the flames jumped growing to a blinding glow. The woman locked her gaze on Aingeal, that burned her skin. Turning to not lose site of the woman, Aingeal turned staring at her. The woman raised her hands purposely over her head where the flames became one. It grew like a golden and orange sun above her. the woman's palms came together and the flame ceased. The entire scene grew dark, only the sound of the water could be heard. As quickly as the light was extinguished it was ablaze once more. Everything was washed in a bright clean light. Standing with her now on the leaf, the woman smiled at her. Aingeal tried to look at her, but the light was blinding, she came through in a vision that was a blur of copper red hair that was wild and blew about her head, framing her face that was soft in appearance with green eyes that were spearing deep into Aingeal. The woman lowered her hands as they both rode along the river on their odd raft. Words never passed between them. The flame had once again split each resting on either palm. The woman reached out with her right hand, as the flame grew as it came close to Aingeal's face, closing her eyes the heat was temporary and engulfed her completely.

Her eyes opened to the dark room Aingeal exhaled slowly; Minalan turned in his sleep draping his arm around her, pulling her close reminding her of where she found herself. sliding her hand beneath his letting her fingers tangle in between his, "Was only a dream" she spoke softly to herself as she drifted back off.

[Minalan]

I stood in the arcane circle in the center of my study and prepared the spell, going over every minute detail. The magical portal loomed before me: two large overlapping stone arches, etched with runes, and topped with crystals that glowed with power. Deep inside of the inner arch, a dark starry blackness stared back at me. Elerius looked up from his quiet studies and asked, "Master, what is the purpose of this experiment?"

You see, my apprentice tends to talk far too much, and he asks too many questions. But that is perfectly alright. This shows that he has a hungry and inquisitive mind, which is the reason I selected him as my apprentice to begin with. I always take the time to answer everything he wants to know, for that is my duty as his teacher. "We exist, my apprentice, in a fragmented reality. When Mondain's great gem was shattered, our reality was split. We abide within one of these many shards, and our reality contains many facets."

Elerius nodded in understanding, so I continued, "But there are other dimensions outside the facets of our shard, planes of existence that are orthogonal to our own; perpendicular if you will. They touch our reality at all points, but at none simultaneously - for they are separated from us by the magical ether. If you wish to understand this further, read the book 'Dimensional Travel, A Monograph' by the wizard Doost in the archive library. In fact - consider it your next assignment."

Elerius' face fell slightly, but he was no less curious, "So you intend to..."

"Yes, theoretically this magical portal should be able to open a path to another dimension. The possibilities are endless, and will require much study. This will be my first attempt to do so."

I began chanting the words to open the portal to another place and time, somewhere beyond our facets and beyond the ether. The runes and sigils along the columns glowed and flashed. I increased the cadence of my chant, imbuing each phrase with power, until the lines of the spell were complete, "Vas Ex Por; Vas Rel Tym; Vas Rel Des Por; Vas Rel Uus Por; Vas Rel Ort Grav!"

The change was immediate, the starry field within the inner arch turned pitch black. It was an unnatural black, devouring the light of the crystals, and darkening the runes of the columns. Elerius stepped back hesitantly, while I remained where I was. My apprentice turned out to be the wiser of us.

A black tentacle shot out from the portal, grabbing my boot. It drooled with a slick black ichor. Small red eyes glared at me from all along the appendage, and fanged, hungry mouths opened to devour my leg. The appendage tripped me, but I managed to get off a single spell, a ball of fire leaped from my hand, singing and severing it from its host.

Scrambling backward, I shook my leg, knocking the still living and flailing severed appendage from my boot. The remainder of the creature entered my study in all of its repulsive horror. The gargoyles call it the Anlorvaglem. 'An Lor' meaning 'dark', and 'Vaglem' meaning 'vagrant'. The creature stood tall on a mass of writing tentacles and mouths. It moved toward me on its stalks with a speed that surprised me, for it would devour me alive in moments.

Elerius' first bolt of lightning struck the creature, probably saving my life. The monster turned as it screeched in pain. A thousand slavering, twisted mouths howled in agony at the same time, both of us could do little more that cover our ears in pain. The creature turned from me and headed for Elerius in a flash. I stood, and began a litany of magic to end the creature's life. I cast magic to strike it down with chains of lightning, to scorch the monster with showers of meteors, eagles of pure energy should have leaped forth from my fingertips to tear into it, and elementals of stone should have risen out of the floors of my keep to pummel it.

Nothing happened.

My magic did not respond to me, and my mind reeled in abject terror at the consequences. This is not what happened, I should have struck it down - I did strike it down. Something has gone terribly wrong!

The creature wrapped Elerius in dozens of its thick ropy appendages. My apprentice screamed only once before he was devoured, and after a few seconds the anlorvaglem dropped a completely stripped and smoking skeleton.

I turned to flee, but could only hold my ears as the creature screamed triumph in a thousand voices. I fell to my knees, and there was only darkness as I was taken and lifted upside down. Hundreds of hideous fanged mouths began to devour me, tearing my through my robes, and seeking my vital organs. I could not even scream. I could not breathe.

I reached out in terror and helpless desperation, and felt...soft flesh, and feminine curves. I could smell the scent of fresh spring flowers. I held onto Aingeal tightly, as she took my fingers into her hands. The lines of pain and anguish smoothed from my face as I relaxed and slept easy. The nightmare abated, and my dreams were replaced with those of laughing little girls running about and playing. They had my hair and her lovely hazel eyes.

[Deleted]

Passing through the magical portals that allow entrance to Heartwood always left her with a dizzying feeling that took a moment to recover from. Aingeal stood there in the city center of Yew for a moment, "Minalan?" She said out loud. The gate keeper looked at her oddly, "No Miss.. My name is Winn..." An insulted look crossed his face. Raising her hand in Winn's direction, "Forgive me Winn, I was not addressing you..." her voice trailed off as she walked away.. "Humans" was the only response she paid attention too.

Aingeal walked slowly down the road with a feeling that a cord wrapped at her waist, drawn towards the shore following the pull Aingeal simply walked on. The cool air off the Yew shore coupled with a light mist phased her little as it beaded on her hair and skin. The glimpse of red drew her eye to the log along the shore, Minalan sat there pensively staring out over the water.

"Minalan I knew it was you. Were you thinking of me?" He rose, walked towards her pulling her to him holding her tight, "Always your never not in my thoughts." Minalan gently turned her face up to his, "All of my past endeavors mean nothing now" Aingeal knit her brow out of concern, at how easy it had become to direct his thoughts, her intentions were not in malice but to see the outcome that would leave them both happy. Cupping his face with a soft smile, Aingeal kissed him, "I will take you" he said as he created a crease in the space around them opening a portal so they could travel to her wanted destination.

The woods seemed to be absent of the filtered light giving it a mystical dream like look. Aingeal approached the broken down home of Grezelda, Minalan followed her; no words passed between them as she crossed the threshold his hand slipped from hers as he became frozen at the door. Aingeal stepped forward raising her folded hands to her forehead in greeting to the old crone.

With a grizzled tone to her voice the crone spoke, " A tempting morsel you've brought me today, Aingeal." Aingeal bowed her head not meeting her gaze, "He is not a gift. I cannot do such we have discussed this before..." She spoke looking over her shoulder at his frozen form. Grizelda snarled her lips, "You actually have *feelings* for this one?" Mustering her own inter strenght Aingeal squared her shoulders meeting her gaze, "It is not feelings, his my split apart. The other part of my soul that has wandered. Will the Fates not realize this. Release me for him?"
Grizelda's expression hardened Turning to face Aingeal, her hand raising as if to strike her; Aingeal cringed awaiting the hot shocked that was going to grow across her face. Instead the crone slowly dropped her hand and surprisingly a softness entered her voice, "You're a fool Aingeal. Our kind cannot form permanent attachments." Answering the statement in her mind, "...but there is always a first..." Trying to keep the emotion detached from her voice, she failed. Her response came out as her voice betrayed her cracking abit, "Please Grizelda Is there not a way. I cannot have both?" As if searching her own thoughts the crone approached her standing toe to toe with her, "Maybe for a few weeks, maybe a season...but what you desire? Never." Grizelda's voice cackles long filled with venom.

"Then tell me how can I revoke my vows, how do I remove my marks, I will pay whatever the cost!" Aingeal spoke with a her voice reaching a pitch that was not something she gave into, exposing her desperation and angst.

The crone's stance became aggressive, "How DARE you? Do you think you are the first to fall in love with someone?" Aingeal shrunk at her words, "Do you think I never felt the same?" Aingeal cut her off, "Help me. I have never in this life asked for anything.. I was just a child when they marked me. I had no idea what the future held.."

The crone paced back and forth in front of her, looking past Aingeal at Minalan, his being all that seemed to be present. "The Marks are more than just tattoos darling. They are tied to your life force itself. They represent "Wedlock" to The People." Grizelda pounding her fist into her hand, as if she had given this speech to the forlorn before, "They signify your permanent and unbreakable marriage to the spirits that guide you."

Aingeal felt her stance slump at her words. Barely finding her voice, " What vow must I give to have both. I will not leave him." With an understanding nod the Crone turned holding her hand out. Aingeal knew what she required, fumbling in her pack, really not prepared, "... I cannot believe she will do this..." Aingeal handed her a vial tinged red with her own blood. Grizelda took it, holding onto Aingeal's hand for a moment and nodded. Opening the vial the Crone spoke as the vial's content hissed as it reached the contents of the Cauldron, the liquid fused together, " you already know in your heart what the answer will be."

The Crone turned looking into the cauldron, uttering the words of power,Grizelda's eyes roll back into her head, showing only the whites, the words came from her but not from her, more of a another world, three voices at once saying each word,

"Aingeal, pledged child of the Land, we await you between the veils, travel to us this night, but be wary you are to come alone, do not insult us with the presence of the male, he is of no consequence to us." Grizleda's head flung back, "We will hear your plea, but we warn you child be prepared to accept an answer that could cause only despair and pain."

The Crone returned to her self grasping the hanger that her cauldron rested. Aingeal stepped forward leaving her a bag of herbs as an offering gift for her vision, walking backwards from her hands folded raised to her forehead. Still using the hanger as a support Grizleda turned her head and looked at the girl, "Be careful Aingeal, and do not return with him. Our next meeting will not be a pleasant one... Especially when he figures out what I did to him." She cackled wildly. Aingeal's eyes widened but she obediently nodded. "Now leave me and take him with you, once you cross the threshold again the spell will be broken and he will be returned to you in his normal state."

Thankfully he was frozen just at the door frame, Aingeal pulled at his arm, his dead weight fell back onto her, as both their feet crossed the threshold tumbling over onto the forest floor. Aingeal falling on top of him.

Minalan smiled up at her. She could not help herself but smile in return, "I cannot imagine a more pleasant way to awaken..." reaching up letting his finger run across her cheek and into her hair pulling her to him. "Where are we?" he whispered as he kissed her, responding in the same hushed tone Aingeal replied, "Someplace perhaps we should not be. Deep inside the Crone's woods." Sitting up on his elbows he looked around, "Come on...How did we arrive here" stealing another kiss, he playfully grabbed her arms, " Did you ensorcelle me lover? Not that you need magic to do so.." His laughter was light; Aingeal smiled but knew she was watching them. Sitting up looking past him, there she was framed by the door, her eyes burning into her, "Remember young one, I was your age once. Don't look so surprised." Minalan continued to speak to her but it was coming through to her as if he was speaking under water. Aingeal could not stop staring at the Crone, "I will not live as long if I must do so alone" This time Grizelda cut her off, "As a matter of fact, it is. For him anyways. Come back yourself and see me whenever you need." Stopping her short Aingeal glared at her, "I shall. With my heart free to completely give to him"

Shaking her Minalan face was that of concern, "Are you all right, my soul?"

Absently Aingeal only could muster, "..I.." Without warning Grizelda was now at her side, kneeling next to them with only the trees to bear witness, she spoke in her ear, "We'll see about that. You want to know what my cost was?" Ignoring the buzzing that filled her head, "Yes", The Crone's breath was hot against her cheek, Aingeal refused to face her but stared off into the trees, "What will this cost?". Her voice rose, "I had to leave my love, and hand our daughter over to the spirits." Aingeal Gasped audibly as uncontrollable hot tears well in her eyes, " I never saw either of them.. Ever. Again."

"Aingeal... Hey.. What is it.." Minalan gathered her to him.

"Now you know child, why I live here in the woods alone. It's time you both left, and I wish you the best." And like that; the Crone and her hovel were gone.

Leaning down he kissed her softly, using his fingers to brush the few tears that sprinkled her cheeks, " What's wrong my soul?"
Holding her close, Aingeal lightly rested her head on his chest. Minalan stroked the back of her head, "Can you feel that? My heart only beats for you." Forcing all that had passed to the back of her mind, "As it keeps time with mine." Pulling at his hands, "Come let's leave this place". Letting the trees reach out grabbing at her, they made their way back towards the road. "The more space between she and I all will be forgotten" Aingeal thought... Looking up at Minalan he held her hand; but what transpired had not effected him at all, he had no recollection of any of it. Aingeal knew what she had to show him, so they made their way towards a portal to find transportation to a land she knew like the back of her hand.

[Minalan]

Hearing her horse approach, I sat down on the log with the weariness of days without sleep. My research into witches and the otherworldly powers that they serve has left me with more questions, and far too few answers. I looked out over the wind-swept ocean as she approached, watching the waves crash on the shore, and the sea birds diving for food in the tide-pools.

No sooner had I stood up that Aingeal was in my arms. I held her tightly and she molded her body up against mine. Our only words spoken were the breathless whispers of two long-separated lovers; hushed words were murmured in between feverish and frantic kisses. I sat down, pulling her onto my lap. She sat astride me, wrapping her legs around my waist. Nose-to-nose, we looked into one another’s eyes, and exchanged a few quiet words of heart-felt endearment. The witch reached into my robes, and put her hand over my heart. She spoke a few strange arcane words, and I could feel her power enter me, the heat of her magic radiating from her soft hand. Her tattoos glowed a bright blue hue as the world started to become fuzzy and insubstantial for me. Before I could utter a word of alarm, she covered my mouth with hers. My protests died completely, as her tongue deftly parted my lips. Before I lost consciousness, she kissed me right below my ear and whispered in a husky voice, “Forgive me my heart, but there is somewhere you must take me, and there is something I that must know.”

Another part of my mind awoke, and did what Aingeal bid.

My next coherent memory began in a strange grove of trees, lying in a bed of flowers and leaves. Aingeal’s face was the first thing I saw as she rolled on top of me. I took her in my arms, for she had a worried expression on her face. I smiled, “I cannot imagine a more pleasant way to awaken.”

She kissed me fervently, as if I were long gone and she were happy to see me again. I sat up on my elbows and looked about. Half of the trees in the circle around us appeared to be sleeping, leafless and forlorn like the dead of winter. The others were vivid and thriving Yews in the height of spring. I knew exactly where I was, and the consequences were dire. “Where are we? How did we get here?”

“Someplace forbidden. Someplace we shouldn’t be.” Aingeal cast her eyes down, as if ashamed. She uttered what I suspected, almost below her breath, “We are in the Crone’s Grove.”

Aingeal’s eyes became distant, and she ignored my other questions. I sat up and looked about. Many are the legends about the crone and this accursed grove. Some tales suggest that the crone will work her witchcraft, for a price. Many are the travelers who have sought her spells and wisdom over the years. Few are those who are ever heard from again, and none of them men. I am a powerful Archmage, yet I would not be so foolish as to challenge the crone within her own domain. Somewhere else? Yes. Possibly. But not here. “Are you all right, my soul?”

I will never, ever in my life, claim to understand women. One moment Aingeal looked terrified, the next she was distant and silent. Then she suddenly buried her face into my chest, sobbing softly. I held her close, while sweeping away her bitter tears and caressing her face. My lips lightly brushed across the tattoos on her forehead, as I whispered reassuring words that came straight from my heart. I meant every one of them, for it belongs to her now, and it seemed to help. I held her tightly as we left the grove together on the wings of my spell…

Aingeal said that she had something important to show me...

[Deleted]

There he was. Not thin, but not built like most men she thought to herself laying there in the faintly lit room. He didn't wield a sword, his strengh came from his knowledge of how to change the climate around him to do his bidding. Aingeal sat up on her elbow turning on her side brushing a stray hair from her face.

She could not linger and think on how it seemed when he spoke or reached for her hand, it was as if she was under a glamour; Minalan would appear as he once was from their shared past experiences. Slipping from his embrace, she quietly opened the door and headed up to his study. She knew besides his house ward she would not be disturbed.

She opened the door just a sliver and slid between the gap pressing her back against the door to close it. Perching on the stone chair that surrounded the large table overflowing with old texts,manuscripts and parchments; the candelabra seems trapped to the table by tentacles of wax gaving off the only light in the room. Pinching some of the herbs, Aingeal inspected them; pale green and brown, she lifted her fingers and sniffed them. Her eyes instantly watered, her throat and nostrils burned. Once she regained her composure, Aingeal reached into her pocket to pull out the small rune that Minalan had given her earlier that evening. Inscribed on it were his heartfelt words; a key to his home oddly now her home. Feeling the herbs taking effect she tucked it deep inside her pocket and untied the robe letting it drop to the floor. Taking a few deep breathes Aingeal closed her eyes and walked into the Arcane circle in the middle of the library. Outstretching her hands slowly raising them above her head the air seemed to grow thick. Dropping them and opening her eyes; her pupils wide open leaving little room for the color. Swaying back and forth Aingeal could feel her feet anchoring her to the floor; much like tree roots. The herbs seemed like the wind that pushed her to and fro.

Before her stood mammoth stones stabbing skyward. A mist clung to the ground hiding her feet as she stepped between the stone guardians. All around her the voice whispered her name,
"Aingeal... Child of the People, Marked herald of the Fates. We have waited for you dear girl..."
Aingeal raised her folded hands to her forehead, "The guides of my ever existence, I have given my entire being to your bidding..." The voice boomed over her head, Aingeal shuttered, "Child.. Why do you come to us..."
Lowering to her knees, Aingeal raised her head, "You know why I have come before you. I beg you allow me all I wish, I have served without question. But now..." A mist began to coil at her waist,
"Do you not ask yourself why the price is not set for all he asks of you? The work you're meant to complete for him is yet finished, when the time comes you will know what we require. What will be asked from you for that every desire met..." Only raising her head Aingeal looked above her, the fire haired woman stood there her feet inches off the ground as if the mist held her there. The woman offered Aingeal her hand. Instinctively Aingeal took it, the woman's fingers curled around her palm; with a soft gentle smile she reached up forcing Aingeal's eyes closed, before her was Minalan not as he is now but how he once was. The fire haired woman took his hand, forcing it open and letting a small flame that appeared from no where to rest on his palm. The voice reverberated all around them, ".. Now two parts of one... One path leads to destruction even with the best of intentions... Another path... Left to live among the land, whether it burns or flourishes..." The mists tore her from the two of them...

Shaking and covered in sweat; Aingeal stood like a new born fawn, only to collapse onto the floor. All her strengh stolen from her, she reached out for the robe just out of her reach. Laying her head on the floor no longer could she fight the urge and just close her eyes

[Minalan]

It was an unusually peaceful dream, involving a certain gypsy witch. She wore a veil of sheer lace, woven with fresh spring flowers, tied in her black silky hair. I was holding both of her hands. Standing close, we exchanged quiet and heartfelt vows. Just as I lifted the veil to once again gaze into her hazel eyes, I awoke, sitting up up in bed, alone. She was no longer next to me. Pulling a shirt over my head, and calling my staff to my hand with a single word, I set out to my study.

If was a cool pleasant night, no sounds disturbed my keep except for the rhythmic thumping of my walking stick as I ascended the staircase. I reached the top, feeling strangely invigorated. For once, I was not wheezing or short of breath after the long climb. The doors to my personal study flew open at my touch.

She was there, disrobed, and lying in a pile of her discarded clothes in the arcane circle at the center of my study. In one hand, she clutched the translocation rune I had given her with white knuckles. I was at her side in a moment, checking her breathing and heartbeat. At my touch, her eyes opened - eerily showing only the whites. Aingeal spoke, with a voice not her own, “The one known as Minalan. We know of you. Our child walks with us now”

The witch rose to her feet, and I took a step backwards before questioning the voice that spoke, “Where is she? Is she in any danger? Is she all right?”

All of Aingeal’s tattoos began to glow. The blue and red sigils formed a bright trail from her feet to her arms and forehead. Every rune and sigil was starkly visible against her smooth tanned flesh. “The woman is our vessel. She belongs to us, forever wed. Through her, we bring our magic and life to this land. She is in no danger from us.”

I narrowed my eyes at their claim, “Release her. Let me hear her speak.”

The witch only smiled, “Minalan, she is among us now, she begs to be allowed to be with you. Would you like to hear her pleas?”

I sputtered with rage, my hands balled up into fists, trembling with anger. For a moment the spirits allowed me to hear Aingeal’s true voice, pleading with them in another place and time, “You know why I have come before you. I beg you allow me all I wish, I have served without question. But now...”

“Enough!” I snarled, burning with shame and impotent fury. There was nothing I could do to stop this, for the spirits of the fates she served were still much stronger than I. Despair and helplessness wrestled with anger and shame inside the furnace of my soul.

The witch ran her hands up and down her unclothed body. Her gorgeous hips swayed gently and provocatively, and she pursed her lips seductively. “Do you truly desire this woman?”

Aingeal smiled, holding out one of her hands as I looked down, she asked, “Will you pay our price? Will you bear the cost alone?”

The normally calm and rational voice in the back of my head screamed at me to get my attention. It told me to stop. It warned me of the dangers. It told me that I could not do this, in no uncertain terms. Every fiber in my being railed against what I did next. I listened to my heart instead - and I gave the spirit inhabiting Aingeal my hand. “I accept the cost, whatever it may be. She is my soul, and I love her. Nothing else in this world matters to me. I…I cannot live without her.”

Darkness clouded my vision, and I remembered nothing after that until we awoke together in the morning.

[Deleted]

So much defiance and determination; the words that came to mind as Martha watched her walk out of her home. "Oh Aingeal what have you done?" Martha slowly lowered herself into the a chair, exhaling sharply letting what just transpired wash over her. Dragging the hat from her head, her hair fell tangled down her back. Martha knew more then anyone, besides Grizelda what the possible outcome could be.

Martha turned to a bowl made of pewter that held water from a sacred spring. Looking inside words of power were whispered; the water began to ripple from the center out. Martha's eyes glazed over as what she commanded to view. A scene began to play out in a quick flickering life. It always reminded her of the trick the scholars would do with figures on the corner of a page. Slow at first then speeding up to full animation. The Marked girl was there embraced with the man she claimed to love above no other. Their mouths moved as words were exchanged, yet the content of the conversation was hidden from her. The room darkened around her, as Martha lightly touched the surface of the water, forcing the water to shimmer and the image disappeared.

Turning from the bowl, Martha knew her only course of action. If the news that a new protector of the People, the People that had called the Land home, that shunned permanent settlements had always looked to the Wise women bestowed to the land and to the gods. Just as importantly, the Warrior male that protected them from immediate threats. The perfect union of both the male and female spirit that ensured the birth of Spring, and the growth of crops. the very life force the land needed to continue as it had since the dawn of time. "...Can she keep her vow..." Martha knew of other Marked women taking a lover, but never with such an intensity that seemed to now inhibit the very circle of order that they all needed to thrive.

Opening a trunk that housed her traveling clothes; Martha pulled a robe from it neatly folded but covered in a sheen of sand and dust. Holding it out in front of her she shook it sending a brownish cloud around her. Looking it over, the fine markings made of gold thread, embellished her place among the People as a seer. Pulling it over her head and fastening her belt, Martha went to retrieve her horse and took for the other camps.

Riding out towards the nearest camp, Martha knew the news she delivered was not going to be accepted lightly. Aingeal was on the verge of breaking her vows to the People, the Land and most importantly to the very Fates that gave favor to all that kept the old ways. the People could not be without protection of both. Approaching the first encampment, she was met by Colleen another of the People's seers; a troubled look on her face. She already knew.

[Deleted]

A dull ringing in her ears began as the man in the gray robes asked for her by name. Seemed an eternity before Judas spoke for all that were silent at their usual table in the Salty Dog, "So... What questions do you have for her?"

"Thank you Judas", Aingeal thought to herself awaiting the answer.

Zhimosom spoke matter a factly, " We believe that Minalan is experimenting with void magic, and has opened a sink hole at his residence." He continued on, speaking on how dangerous this could be and how it was completely outlawed in their Order.

"How could they know?" Her thoughts were wild and all over the place. "Who knows?"....She knew who came and went from his home. Perhaps.. Not everyone..Would Eletrius be so crass to take the knowledge and wisdom Minalan had given him for the price of a place at the Lycaeum ?

His voice broke through her thoughts, "Do you know where I can find her? I need to speak to this woman, I mean her no harm just a few questions that I feel only she can answer."

Nudging Faeryl with the side of her foot, Aingeal whispered to her, "Do I speak up?" The very thought of having to admit she knew, the implications of what he was accusing Minalan of... In front of the very people that she had grown accustom too, counted on for that comfort of a clan; that feeling every creature needed of knowing they belonged somewhere. Fae spoke under her breath, "It could be important" As she slowly turned and looked at her. Now Jolicia was looking at her over her shoulder, "Gods why can't the floor swallow me whole this very minute!" Aingeal thought.

"Judas" Was all she could muster. Lowering her feet to the floor it suddenly felt cold and assaulting, Aingeal stood up, "I'm Aingeal"

Her friends and new acquaintances turned and looked at her. In a small voice she asked where they were to speak. Zhimosom looked at her with compassionate and confusion. "I will provide a portal, You can return once we have spoken" Jolicia cut him short with a quick retort, "Can't you ask her here?" The old Mage said nothing.

"...Remember what I told you the other night Fae. Whatever you hear is true..." Aingeal couldn't decide if she actually said this or in her thoughts, as she made her way slowly to the door, her feet felt heavy as if ingots of iron were clad to her ankles.

Zhimosom Motioned to the rise in the road with his staff, and without a word the night was colored in a blue hue as she went though, certainly would lead to her downfall. She followed a few steps behind him, as the entered into a cavernous building other monks mingled back and forth pass them without any acknowledgment.

He took the hat from his head and looked at her, "We must know. Let me try to ease your mind; I care for Minalan. He was my brightness and best pupil. I indulged him, to the chagrin of those of our Order... Young lady you must understand I know him well..." Aingeal could feel her skirt tightening around her legs, as she absently twisted it around her fingers. "...Minalan is ambitious, with a destructive nature..." She could stand not to hear much more "NO! his not that way now!" The Mage looked at her. "Its more then apparent your relationship with him is intimate, and that you have feelings for him. But if you truly care for him, help me. Help us."

Aingeal paced back and forth in front of him unable to control this odd rage and fear that was building deep inside.

"Understand the others of our Order, would of preferred to use force to confront him on this matter; but I hope cooler heads will prevail as I am sure such a confrontation would end in injury and the possible death of several. I plead with you Aingeal if you love him, help me to stop him now. If we do not work to bring this to an end, the possible outcome could be the end of existence."

Aingeal stopped. Looking over her shoulder, shocked at the words that came from her, "What do you ask me to do?" Zhimosom seemed to let the tension that was building between them ween, "Have you seen evidence of a black void in his study?" Swinging around to face him setting her shoulders square, "No I have not seen such a thing in his study."

"NO. NOT in his study." she thought.

"Have you seen an orb, blue in nature that seems to float? I imagine it would be held in his study." A feeling of relief washed over her, "No there is nothing like that in his study, just old books. A table. A scrying globe. Nothing that floats in his study." Zhimosom nodded. "Would you be willing to take this pendant into his study." Aingeal looked at the oddly shaped thing. A stone she had never seen before at the center of a tangle of silver that held it in place at the end of a thick chain. "Take this, it will alert us if he is dabbling with Void magic" She nodded knowingly slowly reaching for the chain.

"I have to think about it... " she closed her hand around it as a sharp pain shot up her arm, "Please I have to think about this."

"I will be staying at the Inn near the Tavern for week. All you must do is leave it there. We will be aware if he is up to anything that is not permitted." And with that he was gone.

Aingeal stood there for what seemed like hours before she made her way from the building; but she knew what she had to do, pendant in hand she went to her haven, a secret place deep in the woods.