The Path that Lies Ahead...

[Joseff]

Essex walked along the dirt path, night surrounded him and the trees reached out at him like begging fingers. Under the hood of his robes his eyes watched the road and trees for any sign of danger. He was on his way to the Peaceful Promenade and didn't want to have to fight. For the last few nights Essex hadn't come across any other travelers, which for the most part wasn't unusual. The tap tap of his staff on the ground was the only sound that could be heard for everything was deathly silent. For a second he nearly dropped his staff and almost feel to his knees in pain. His hands began to shake as the hunger pangs ripped through his body, his very soul crying out in agony. Black wisps of uncontrolled magical energy seemed to seep out of his cloak, his mental and arcane energy slipping as the evil inside him screamed to be fed and released. Reaching into his cloaks he pulled out a small vial, a vial of red liquid, and quickly drank the substance down to the very last drop. His tremors soon died down and he was once again back in control of himself. Breathing in to calm himself and mentally scolding himself for letting his hunger get this far out of control.
"What if you had been in a populated area," thought Essex to himself his voice sounding very icy and cold, "I've been away from people for too long. What would Kach would think if he were here."
Kach was a small Demon trickster, Essex's familiar, and he had wondered off a few days ago which meant he was probably off in a tavern drinking and causing a poor bartender a lot of trouble.

Essex's thoughts were cut short as he faintly heard sounds in the distance. The sounds came from a tavern and the sound of people made him what to rush towards and away from the place.

[Sagequeen]

The mug sailed with stunning accuracy at the silver-haired high elf as she strummed; her assailant had momentarily forgotten the natural quickness of elves, and Erissa Caedron caught the mug in mid-air.

Perhaps 'Winter Mourning' was not the best choice for a tavern crowd, she thought, a half smile dancing from one corner of her mouth to the other. The mug floated back to its owner, who stood dumbfounded; Erissa shook her head in a semi-threatening 'no' gesture. The man quickly sat and turned his attention to his mates.

The arcanist stood abruptly upon her tiny stage, kicked the stool aside, and broke into a particularly rug-cutting number that had the patrons tapping their toes within a few measures. The first refrain saw several of them rise from their chairs to dance; one of the barmaids performed an impromptu clog-stomper atop a sturdier table. The so-called 'ale-enchantment' was working its magic, and a roar of approval rose from inebriated lips. Erissa needed not cast a single song-spell; the ale did more than she could ever hope to achieve.

So much for spreading the light of art, beauty, and knowledge to this crowd, and with that thought Erissa laughed freely and joyusly; her fingers flew across the neck of the lute, her other hand strumming a rhythmic and catchy pattern. The high elf was glad for a night out that did not involve fighting, dark alleys, and all the other ways one could find trouble in Althanas. She relished the fuzzy edges imparted by the wine she sipped, and nodded to the sweaty barmaid for another.

[Joseff]

Essex knew that he was nearing the end of the path for he could hear the sound of music and dancing coming from a tavern. Pulling his cloak tighter around himself and making sure that his hood was covering his face he made his way towards the joyous sounding tavern. He wasn't worried about seeming to stand out to anyone for he obviously was a mage and so no one would think that he was anything else.

Essex didn't like to let on that he was half a vampire; the pain of being one and the pain of people finding out were constantly on his mind. As he approached the doors of the tavern he almost stopped himself from going in but he pushed on into the building anyways, a sign swung above the doorway reading 'Peaceful Promenade'. Inside the tavern was full of merriment and drinking. People were doing a variety of things from just sitting and clapping to dancing around; surprisingly enough there didn’t seem to be that much ale split on the floor. Looking from the patrons to the source of the music Essex saw that it was a young woman, a High Elf, who was playing the music.

Spying a small table with three chairs near the back he made his way towards it, avoiding a few flaying arms and a couple dancing cross the floor. He quickly took his seat and caught a few curious glances from a few of the patrons but with ale and music induced happiness they soon lost interest and went back to drinking more.

A young barmaid came cheerfully over to his table and for a second her smile faltered at Essex’s black robes but she instead happily said, “Hello sir is there anything I can get for you. Something to drink or eat?”

Essex thought about food for a moment but it wasn’t the kind of food that he could order but he quickly shoved those thoughts away and replied in a quite tone, “Do you have any wine, red preferably?”

The young barmaid thought for a moment and then she replied, “I believe that we do have a little bit of wine but not much and it probably won’t be as good as the ale is.”

“I’ll have some wine, if it is red, and that will be all,” said Essex and he passed her payment for the wine and she cheerfully hopped away to get his order.

Now that she was gone his attention floated back to the merriment and the rest of the tavern; the hunger at the back of his throat continued to nag him, a constant reminder of what he feared he would one day lose control of. Distracting himself from the hunger that he was feeling he focused on the dancing and the music that was flowing through the Peaceful Promenade.

[Sagequeen]

Erissa's song and set came to a close; after a quick curtsey, she packed away her lute and passed it across the bar to the tender for safe-keeping.

“Oy, I thought I'd be wipin' elf blood off the stage when you started that slow number,” the burly man laughed, expertly polishing a long-stemmed glass. “By the way, we're all but outta the house wine. Mind if I crack into your stash, just for tonight? You're one of the few who drinks the stuff 'round here, but there's a fellow askin' for red wine.” Erissa narrowed her eyes at him; it was the finest red of Raiaera she kept for her nights out playing at the tavern, and not easy to procure.

“I suppose,” Erissa said slowly as she leaned into the bar, a thin, arched eyebrow raised.

“Oy, I'll pay ye for it!” He said, feigning an annoyed demeanor.

“No, that will not be necessary. Just owe me one, as you say - a favor.” Erissa grinned at him, batting eyelids over green-blue eyes.

“Fine, fine!” The barkeep hustled to the back room and emerged soon after with a corked bottle. “I'll just pour from the one you been drinkin' on tonight. That okay?”

“Sure, and I will need a refill as well. My waitress is a little... distracted, ” Erissa laughed, and turned to look across the tavern. Elbows resting comfortably on the bar behind her, she spoke over her shoulder as he poured the wine. “Who is it?”

“That dark fella, over there,” he said, motioning to what appeared to be a mage of sorts, shrouded in black and alone at a side table. He was packing light, but obviously bore the grime and weather-beaten look of one who had traveled quite a distance on foot.

“Interesting,” Erissa mused. “Since it is my wine he will drink, I shall have the honor of presenting to it him; such a fine vintage it is.”

“Suit yourself,” the bartender grunted. “But mind Enelda; she gets snippy about tips and she might think you're after hers.” Erissa laughed.

“You can assure her she will have nothing to fear; I will not likely be taking up as a barmaid any time soon,” the songstress said as she collected the filled glasses, and weaved gracefully through the tavern's patrons to the newcomer's table. “Welcome!” She exclaimed cheerfully as she carefully placed the wine on the scarred, uneven wood before the man. “Just passing through, or will you stay for a while?”

[Joseff]

Essex had noticed when the music had stopped for it had caused his mind to begin thinking once again. Even being a little lost in thought he still was able to feel things. The current thing that he was sensing was a pair of watchful eyes. Trying to not be too obvious he let his eyes scan the room until they fell on the ones that had been watching him. After seeing that it was the young High Elf and the bartender that had been watching him he pretended not to notice and hoped that they wouldn’t ask him too many questions.

Essex was still waiting for his waitress to bring him his wine when he glanced over and saw the silver haired Elf walking towards him carrying two glasses of red wine.

“Welcome!” She exclaimed cheerfully as she carefully placed the wine on the scarred, uneven wood before the man. “Just passing through, or will you stay for a while?”

Caught for a moment Essex didn’t know what to say because most people avoided mage’s, especially the black robed mages, but also it may have something to do with his other side that seemed to cause people to unconsciously want to avoid him.

His silence was only short lived and finally he said, “I’m not sure, depends on if there is room for me to stay anywhere around here. I have been travelling for…,” he let his voice trail off for a moment for he had been travelling around for a long time, much longer than his physical appearance indicated for he looked like he was in his 20’s in human terms, “Well it’s been a while since I’ve been in a town and around a lot of people.”

He nearly grimaced when he thought about just how many people there were around him. His senses were going haywire over how many people there were around him. He shifted his robes closer to himself and his hand gripped his black and red staff unconsciously in an effort to divert his thoughts from his hunger.

Swallowing his hunger he turned his attention back to the woman standing before him holding the wine, two glasses for the both of them, not wanting to be rude and cause a scene Essex said, “Do you wish to sit,” and he gestured to the seat that was in front of him.

[Sagequeen]

Erissa heard the strained note in the man's voice, but he was at least not without manners.

“Thank you,” she said, a kind smile animating her features as she sat and sipped her wine. “My name is Erissa. I can recommend a wonderful bed and breakfast here in Underwood, if you decide to stay, of course. They offer the best breakfast in town; I should know. I stayed there when I first arrived here, and the innkeeper, Rora, is a pleasure. That is, of course, if you do not mind a fair share of questions and prying.” Erissa saw a shadow of hesitation beneath the mage's hood; as she assumed, he was not the type who enjoyed questions. “If you prefer less intrusion, there is likely a room for you here at the Promenade, if a cockroach or twenty will not be a problem.” The high elf did not wait for a response, but instead turned sideways in her chair to take stock of the next hopeful to grace the stage. Erissa's smile widened as the young man began to play, and she tapped her foot along with the beat. It was clear he was nervous, yet he had a beautiful voice.

The man strummed his lute and concluded his musical performance with a rousing rendition of a popular Underwood anthem; the patrons raised their mugs and joined him for the chorus, chests swelling with pride as they sang of their fair city's lasting resistance against the tyrannical forces of the Empire. At the final chorus, the doors slammed open and several guards entered the tavern, weapons in hand. A decorated officer strode in the midst of them, eyes darting back and forth, surveying the crop of patrons ready to be harvested of information.

“There is a spy among you, a dirty rat who reports to the Empire and will betray you all to death.” The captain's boots made hollow thumps on the hardwood floor as he paced the length of the tavern; an uneasy shifting pervaded in the Peaceful Promenade as its more sober patrons looked on in fear. This was not the first shake-down they had endured. Erissa looked suspiciously to the dark mage at the table, who seemed so interested in seclusion and secrecy; however, she remembered when she had first sat at this very table, a homeless wanderer who sought only respite from the elements.

[Joseff]

Essex mulled over the information that Erissa had given him. He probably would stay at the Peaceful Promenade, and cockroaches could be repel or killed with a little bit of fire magic. His hands ran down the side of the staff as his mind flowed along with the music that was playing, tiny sparks of magic sizzled along his fingertips unconsciously. Feeling wary over what he was going to say to Erissa, for he had noted her statement of Rora prying and asking questions, which seemed to imply that she knew he was hiding something, but before Essex could introduce himself there was a commotion at the inn’s entrance.

Guards barged into the tavern and a man that appeared to be an officer started shouting about a spy that was supposedly in the Inn. Essex immediately went from being a wary traveler to being the hunter that lay within him, for he was afraid that the guards would go against him since he was a black robed mage and a stranger. While one hand was on his staff, the other nearly unnoticeably and instinctively checked the short swords that lay hidden within his robes.

The guards immediately started to push their way around the inn, their weapons gleaming brightly from the candle light and they were casting sneers at the frightened patrons that made eye contact with them. Essex glanced around the room for a way that he could disappear, and his eyes landed on a door that led into the back were there was probably either a storage or a kitchen area that would have a door for dumping items or unwanted waste.

Tightening his grip on the staff that he wielded, using it as a conduit to keep his mind on avoiding a confrontation instead of feeding his bloodlust. The fear and tension in the inn was so thick in the air that the monster inside of him nearly broke loose from its chains.

The monster in him seemed to whisper in his ears and mind, “Just let go. There’s only a hand full of them. The first three that are closet can be taken out swiftly with three throwing daggers to their exposed necks. The next attackers can be frightened with the anticipation of being burned by magic, as well as the combination of the vampire eyes and teeth the affect would most likely be very effective. Then the loud mouth and prideful officer can be easily handled and disarmed at the tip of your sword. Then with a quick jab to the gut he can be reduced to a beaten scared boy.

A sickly vision rose up over his eyes, with no words filling his mind, just images. Images of his hand closing around the officers throat, then with a swift jerk the man could be held before him, with fangs protruding from their sheaths and eyes ablaze with cold and undying hunger the thirst and pain can be quickly ended. Darkness can take over. Worries put to rest. Tired soul rejuvenated and invigorated.

A cold sweat broke over his brow and he could feel it on his back, a curse that came from having a vampire mother and a mage for a father which gave him both vampire and human like traits. His breathing nearly grew rapid but he quickly closed his eyes for a moment and composed himself. The vision and images immediately sprang before his eye, the thought of just breaking the man’s neck, the thought of grabbing the young and vital young bar maid and feeding the monster…

With a shake of his head his eyes snapped open and he continued to assess the situation. The patrons were standing up everywhere, some still drunkenly dancing, which caused enough commotion for the guards that Essex was sure that he would be able to make it out without the guards noticing him. Glancing across the table at Erissa he tried to catch her eye and motion for her so that she would understand what he was doing; as well as if she wanted to escape the inn with him. He didn’t want to leave without offering her something in exchange for her time and the information she had given him, plus she seemed like a nice
individual.

Another thought rose up in the back of his mind which said, “What if the guards don’t like elves,” he knew that at this particular time, from his previous scanning of the room, that she was the only elf here, “they could cause her harm either by hatred or just because they feel like it.”

Even though she could probably handle herself he still wanted to help her, thought Essex for he didn’t like bullies or those that would hurt others for their own cruel reasons or selfish desires. This thought nearly cut a sardonic smile on his face since he himself had previously preyed on the innocent or weak; though at times they never even knew it and he didn’t usually hurt anyone with what he did, just a temporary light headedness or sickly feeling that would pass rather quickly especially with the consumption of food or sweets.

Essex made one last attempt to get her attention and silently prayed to the night that she would notice and understand what he was trying to accomplish, for the longer time passed the sooner the guards would notice his dark figure which would more than likely cause the night stalker to be released, and its hunger to be fulfilled.

[Sagequeen]

For several moments the mysterious mage looked as though he were about to burst, and Erissa caught his quick glance at the door, but he soon recomposed himself. Her sharp ears caught a gentle tap on the table; he was trying to get her attention, but for what, she did not know.

“Pull back your hood,” Erissa whispered harshly, “unless you want to invite suspicion! And do not run.” The dark mage's jaw dropped open a tiny bit, but he reluctantly pulled the cloth back, and Erissa finally saw his face, dead tired and haunted. He is no spy, she thought with relief, and the young elf returned her attention to the guards. Graham Olliswell, she seethed, you would be more fit as an officer of the Empire than of the Rangers, you impotent, self-important... the thought trailed off as Erissa noticed his gaze fall upon the table she shared with the dark stranger. He tilted his head in that cocky manner that set Erissa's teeth on edge.

“What have we here?” Olliswell asked coyly, strutting like a fighting cock toward the table. “I don't recall ever seeing your face around here before. What's your name?” The man shifted uncomfortably in his chair, looking at Erissa with a wildness in his eyes that rivaled a frenzied predator. The elf nodded slightly, her intense green-blue eyes giving an unspoken warning.

“Essex,” he said quickly and quietly.

“Just Essex?” Olliswell sneered. The officer was preparing to launch into an all-out barrage of questioning; however, the sound of scuffling demanded his immediate attention. Some of his men struggled with a patron who had attempted to slip out the back door; Olliswell trotted to the scene of the fight, eager to browbeat whomever had the audacity to flee. Erissa passed a careful glance at Essex, and nodded.

“Your timing leaves something to be desired,” she said, eyebrow raised and a half smile on her face. “I suspect the good captain might be interested in having more words with you, and in a less public place, when his time allows. I think it is better you avoid his scrutiny.”

Olliswell had his suspect bound tightly, and paraded the beaten man through the tavern, out the front door. He did not pause in his self-important stride, but still gave Essex and Erissa a hard, suspicious glare. In moments, the tavern was again hopping after a few nervous laughs and empty threats. The man on stage began his music again, and Erissa finished her wine quickly.

“Please allow me to show you to the bed and breakfast I spoke of earlier; it is not far from here,” Erissa offered, eyes darting to the door, expecting to see Olliswell bursting through at any time. “Excuse me one moment,” she said quickly, and went to the bar. “I am afraid I will be calling in my favor early,” she said to the tender, who nodded. “If anyone inquires after the gentleman, let them know he has decided to venture south, to Serenti.” The gruff man nodded knowingly, and Erissa flitted back to the table. ”Ready?” She asked, smiling brilliantly at him.

[Joseff]

Essex began to relax as the door to the tavern closed behind the officer. He pulled his hood back over his head, glad that his eyes and teeth hadn’t showed themselves since his hunger was so great, but no reason to press his luck.

“Please allow me to show you to the bed and breakfast I spoke of earlier; it is not far from here,” Erissa offered, eyes darting to the door, expecting to see Olliswell bursting through at any time. “Excuse me one moment,” she said quickly, and went to the bar.

When she had left Essex’s quick hands reached into the many folds of his robes, pulled out a glass container which held red liquid, and poured the substance into the red wine. He then quickly drank down the blood wine and he felt energy and life flood his body. He knew that with the mix of the blood his skin would look a little less pale and look much healthier.

Erissa got back and asked, “Ready?”

Essex didn’t know what else to do but to go with her, “Yes, I’m ready. Just lead the way.”

Erissa got up from the table gracefully and walked towards the door. She didn’t wait for Essex to get up and follow but left it up to him to follow or not.

Essex got up and with staff in hand followed after the departing High Elf. As they walked out of the tavern the drunken stupor of the patrons soon took over and the merriment continued, but didn’t reach the sa
me level as it was before.

The night was still dark, with only a glimmer of moon light splashing on the ground. Essex glanced around checking the area for guards just encase there was anyone watching the tavern. Not seeing any threat in the area Essex felt safe, but he also felt disappointed for his hunger wouldn’t be satisfied for very long.

He glanced at Erissa who was walking in front of him and asked, “Why do you help a stranger? Especially one such as myself; I don’t mean to question your kindness? It’s just you don’t know anything about me or I you?”

After these words were out of his mouth he nearly fell over from a pain that shout through him. He hadn’t feed on anything for many days and he was having the effects from it hit him sporadically. He had been using a few stored vials but there were losing their potency. He could feel his body starting to get dehydrated.

Recovering himself quickly he glanced at Erissa trying to hide the pain in his eyes, he thought that his eyes had flashed from brown to silver for a second, but he hoped that it wasn’t long enough for Erissa to see them. He thought that Elves had good eyesight in the dark but he wasn’t sure if it was a common thing in all Elves.

“I’m fine,” said Essex as he tried to think of an appropriate thing to say that wouldn’t be considered a lie, “I suffer from a hereditary…sickness that comes and goes. I’m fine though, it’s nothing to worry about.”

[Sagequeen]

For the shaved edge of a second, Erissa saw a flash in the man's eyes as he writhed on the ground before the Peaceful Promenade; it chilled her blood. She weighed the possibility that it was simply the reflection of the moonlight in his eyes, and that her own were playing tricks on her, but this would not be the first time her kind heart had led her down dangerous paths.

“Why do I help?” Erissa echoed the question with a cautious laugh. “Three reasons. You are no spy, you look as though you could use the help, and, a fellow lover of Raiaerian Red always warrants a little more attention.” She watched him stumble to his feet, his face drawn and eye sockets unusually dark. Essex pulled his hood down to hide himself from her, and nodded for her to lead the way. The young elf gave him a wary gaze, second-guessing her choice to take him to Rora's vaunted inn; it was rarely empty or secluded. The thoroughfare before the tavern was well-traveled; Essex's display had not drawn suspicious attention, for it was not uncommon to see the outbound traffic from the Peaceful Promenade shuffle and stumble. Erissa considered her options; she could lead the man to the estate of her master and mentor. There, he would be open to the scrutiny of his memory reading; however, she felt it a wrong-doing to the mage, dark as he may seem.

“I have not visited with Rora in too long a time,” Erissa said in decision. “Perhaps I shall also rent a room for the night, for old time's sake.” And to keep an eye on both you and her, Erissa added in thought before whirling and pacing away. The young elf felt a creeping uneasiness, a presence that followed behind her she could not quite discern, one that meant trouble. The darkness of the night hanging over Underwood and the empty streets that lay beyond the throroughfare set a brooding uneasiness on the high elf.

[Joseff]

Essex sensed that something was wrong as they made their way to Rora’s inn. His gut told him that Erissa may think that there is something wrong with him, which this could also be due to his ever growing hunger. The pain in his body was becoming nearly unbearable, his hands were shaking ever so slightly, sweat once again appeared on his brow as they walked along the wooded path. He could feel his veins constricting as what little blood was left in them was slowling being consumed.

The night was quiet, as if it was holding its breath in anticipation of what was to come. As they continued to walk in silence Essex thoughts wandered through several paths. The first thought he had was that he need to just feed on anything he could, animal or humanoid creatures. The second thought he had was that he should say something, because people normally talk when together right? The third and the rest of
his thoughts were captivated by his insistent hunger and what should be done about it.

To his great dismay he could sense any animals close by, which wasn’t too unusual for the time of night as well as animals that got too close to him usually acted rather skittish. The only creature that was anywhere near him was his current guide, who was off limits for his hunger.

Shaking his head he glanced away from Erissa, who luckily was in front of him and so missed the hunger filled eyes that had accidently strayed on her.

“So how much will a room cost at Rora’s,” asked Essex in a quiet and cold voice, nearly all his self-control and energy was going into keeping himself together and trying to not sound like he was in pain, “is her place normally full or empty of other tenants?”

Hopefully full was the answer that his hungry side wanted hear but empty was what the ashamed side wanted to hear. He knew that as soon as he got there and was away from Erissa that he was going to have to go out and feed on the closest thing that he could.

Essex sensed something was wrong or at least off with Erissa when he had asked that. Perhaps I should have kept my mouth shut thought Essex to himself. After his display earlier and his already pale and dark appearance, Erissa might be able to put two and two together.

The only thing on Essex’s side was that he wasn’t a full vampire. If he had been a full vampire then he would be able to travel like he does, for sun light doesn’t harm him. He still had other problems like vampires do as well as many of their other unusual traits, but even he didn’t know what all he could do for with age comes power.

[Sagequeen]

She watched her fingers flex in the light of the moon, tendons and bone causing the bluish veins to dance like actors upon a stage. Something about her dark companion was wholly unsettling, and Erissa knew this from the first time she laid eyes on him, and from the way he sucked at her Raiaeran Red like it were the very sustenance upon which he survived. She knew for certain he was no spy, but as for the mystery of Essex, she could not say.

“Rora's price will be more than reasonable; I know her well,” Erissa said nervously. His question, thought he intended it to be nonchalant, had not lost its significance on her. Though she had not looked back at him, she had heard something in his voice – was it hunger?

Though it was a summer's eve, a chill wind tingled across the high elf's skin, raising goosebumps. Erissa slowed her pace, uncomfortable to have her back to the eerie man, if indeed a man he was. The two walked abreast on the narrowing streets, the crowds they passed becoming groups, then single souls wandering the night-scape of Underwood. Essex's pace became steadily slower, and his head jerked back and forth, more like a starved animal than a man.

Just a bit further, Erissa thought, attempting to comfort herself against her dread. However, as they began to turn the final corner, her heart was seized in outright fear. She saw the man beside her freeze as the cry came from behind them.

“Halt!” the guard called, his voice ragged and harsh in the quiet night. “You two! Stay right where you are!” Erissa slowly turned, hands in plain sight, as she watched the group of four Rangers, Olliswell's goons, converge on them. She spoke very lowly. “Can you run?” The mage gave her a single nod. “To the forest,” Erissa said. “Follow me.” She spun and leaped like a doe, quickly making the turn and putting the edge of the building between her and her pursuers. Essex was behind her in a flash, a renewed vigor driving him forward. The high elf heard the shouts close behind, but she took care to weave between the buildings, always keeping out of sight and out of bow range; several minutes later, she and Essex emerged from the outskirts of town, and into Concordia.

It was a risk, she knew, to lure the wood-wise Rangers into the forest. But the prospect of one of Underwood's citizens being injured, either by a stray arrow or by her mysterious companion, was a greater risk. Erissa made for the deeper woods hoping to lose the men in the dense tangle of trees and winding game-trails, but Essex's strength had come to an end, spent in the flight. He stumbled and fell, a terrible struggle overtaking him; the way he looked at her caused Erissa to back away several paces.

“Essex? Come! We must keep moving,” she whispered loudly, but her plea fell upon deaf ears. The mage was bent to his knee, drawn and more pale than she had seen anyone in her life.

In the distance, her sensitive ears heard the fleet footsteps of their pursuers drawing closer; she would not leave this man to be captured by the corrupt group when, as far as she knew, he had done nothing wrong. The high elf had not heard mention of him, and her ear was always perked when it came to her hometown.

The high elf steeled herself and prepared to deal with the approaching party.

“Thought you could outrun us, did you?” asked the leader of them, huffing deep breaths. “Your friend there doesn't look so good. No matter. You're under arrest.”

“Arrest!” Erissa planted her hands on her hips. “Under what charge?” she demanded.

“Disregarding a direct command from a Ranger guard and fleeing.”

“Fleeing? I had no idea you were Ranger guards,” Erissa lied. “I thought you were robbers or bandits. Why else would I have come into the forest?”

“Likely story,” the guard said, his men lining up beside him, crossbows trained on their quarry. He stepped forward.

“Do not lay a hand on me,” she said; Essex groaned behind her. “This man is injured and needs attention right away! And neither of us has done anything worthy of arrest. You are overstepping your bounds, Ranger.” The man continued forward, and Erissa stood her ground against him. With a twisted look of rage, he back-handed the elf across her jaw, sending her sprawling against a nearby tree and down into the whisper-soft grass.

“Lying elf,” he growled as he lurched toward her.

[Joseff]

Control was all that Essex was focusing on when suddenly the guard hit Erissa. After the blow had landed Essex’s eyes lost all control, his iris’s changed colors. They went from being a very dark brown to being several different colors in a matter of seconds. Black was the first color, then enchanting silver and then fiery blood red with is iris’s changing to a demonic looking black twist to them.

Leaping from the ground, the predator in his blood was being let loose, and it was screaming to be fed. Essex grabbed the guard by the throat, the weak and sickly mage that had been before them a mere second ago was now something else, and lifted him off the ground. A harsh and animal like growl rolled out of his throat as he held the man up in the air. Essex spoke to the man in his native tongue, a hissing and growl sound that could be either evil and unnatural or classy and charming if used in the right way.

“Blood is what gives us life,” said Essex in his own tongue, his voice still sounding cold and calm as his hand tightened on the guard’s throat, “but the blood that runs in those that are evil cause harm to life itself.”

Essex threw the guard that he had been holding into two of the other guards that were starting to work through their fear and astonishment. The other guard that was still standing was blasted in the chest with a fire ball that had seemed to pour from Essex’s chest, down his arm like veins which then moved into his hands and fingers. Before the flames hit the guard it rushed from his fingertips into the staff which converged at the red crystal and then blasted towards the guard in a focused stream. The fire didn’t do too much damage in this form but it was strong enough to knock the guard down and scorch his uniform.

The leader of the group got up, his face full of fear, fear that Essex fed on. The fear was driving the creature inside him crazy and his skin seemed to shift as if the beast was coming out of him. The two guards that had been knocked down by their leader got up with their swords out but were backing up in fear. The fire scorched one was moving backwards with them as if he too was too stunned to get up.

They slowly were leaving the creature that they had angered and they were not leaving without leaving bait behind.

“What are you fools doing,” said the leader in a shaky and fear filled tone. He was used to being in charge and causing others trouble or pain and no one had been able to stand up to him too much, “I’m in charge here. Now kill that thing and the elf!”

Before he could try and issue anymore commands Essex slammed the staff that he was holding into the ground were it stayed without him holding it. He then rushed at the leader and lifted him up again to face hi
m. The guard wasn’t able to speak as Essex’s eyes grew a deeper red and his canine teeth extended and grew to sharp fangs. The fangs entered into the evil man’s neck.

The blood rushed into Essex filling him with life and strength. His paleness left him and he looked healthier than he had in a long time. His pain in his body, his joints, and his organs fled him. His body no longer was screaming in agony as what little blood he had left was being drained. Essex had the ability to cause either extreme pain and agony when feeding or numbing and pleasure. With the evil he let them feel pain and torture.

As he fed the other guards turned tail and ran away thinking that they were next. Essex dropped the guard to the ground where he laid in a groaning heap. He was still alive but would be weak for a few days as well as have terrible memories.

Essex’s body shook from the feeding. His body hadn’t had any human or humanoid blood for a long time, and even though blood of evil individuals wasn’t as good as calm and compliant people it was still better than nothing. Reaching for his staff he took it and as soon as it was in his hand he immediately felt guilty. His mind immediately jumped to Erissa and in his feeding haze he hadnt even thought of her being there. Turning he looked for where Erissa and the creature part of his mind had two thoughts. The first thought was that he hoped that she was unconscious and the second was that she may would be a good after snack, but this thought was instantly smacked down by Essex’s desire to be good and kind.

“Erissa?” said Essex as he turned looking for her.

[Sagequeen]

His call came over the ambient song of the forest, and Erissa groaned softly. The blow had been unexpected; she groggily rose to her feet, distractedly wondering at the lack of the sound of voices and hostility. As her vision cleared, she noted two of the men who had pursued them lay dead, and Essex looked the picture of health and vitality before her. However, the blood ringing his mouth set her aback immediately.

“What...” she stammered, backing away from him, circling a moss-infested tree to place it between them in the moonless night. His eyes tracked her perfectly; while the high elf's vision should have been superior to his, she quickly realized it was not. Erissa glanced cautiously at the downed men; all bore vicious punctures in the throat. They were pale, no fleshy hue remaining.

At once, it became clear exactly what stood before her; not a man but a creature of nightmare and malice.

“Let me explain...” he began, but Erissa interrupted him.

“You killed them!” she cried. The dark mage was at a loss for words; he hung his head. “And you FED on them! But...” she eyed him closely. His face was calm, sorrowful. “You did not attack me,” Erissa said softly. “You were protecting me?” she asked, still warily peering from behind the tree.

[Joseff]

Essex felt horrible that his secret had come out and that it had come out in the way that it had. He had been neglecting himself and pushing himself way beyond the normal limits of resisting his desire to feed. It had caused him to act foolishly.

“Yes I was protecting you,” said Essex his voice quiet and filled with sorrow, but still seemingly stronger than just mere minutes before, “but don’t be deceived I did some what lose control there for a bit.”

His staff was the only thing holding him still, for if he hadn’t had something to keep him grounded he would have sped off into the night. The human side of Essex weep at the actions that he had done and then the monster side raged at the weakness and stupidity of fighting his nature.

Lowering his eyes and hiding beneath his hood Essex tried to make himself appear as little and unthreatening as he could before Erissa, for he didn’t wish to provoke her or scare her further.

“I will leave if you wish,” said Essex quietly, awaiting her judgment, in his mind he already knew what was about to happen, for this has happened before.