[~Solo~] Of Demon Folks...

(Note: Takes place about one year after the events of: Mean Streets and is part of a continuing story)

One year later....

Nosdyn sat there deep in thought. They'd won their first tangible campaign against N'Jal. His mind was pondering several matters that were present, though he appeared to be the brutish type. His Acolyts, his Priests....knew better. Somewhere in that powerful shell of a Warrior...there was a thinking man. He kept his hands folded under his chin. He was focusing on the particular scent of his wife. The perfume smelled like lilacs...he'd asked her to never take it off. She never did. Somewhere in all that craziness..Illsandra and Nosdyn made sense...they completed each other. They'd been there for approximately a few hours, talking, discussing...planning strategy. It was how he operated. Every piece on the battlefield had a purpose.

Nosdyn opened his eyes. "I have called for this meeting." He began. "It has been about a year since we defeated N'Jal's temple in The Under." The gathered Acolytes listened to him speak. His wife...she was observing for something else in the silence. "A lot has happened for us...we have grown. But there is something that I must tell you all now." Nosdyn said carefully. He motioned for The Male Priest to come forth. "You told me once, when the time comes I will be ready to reveal why I am helping you all." Nosdyn said, there was a grim tone in his voice, but no malice. "That time has now arrived."

The Priest nodded towards Nosdyn. "By your command, my lord." He said.

"When I first found your people in Corone...there was a spell caster that did something to me." Nosdyn said. It was difficult to word it exactly. "You saw the reaction when The Phantaria Gate reacted to my touch. It was a part of that." Nosdyn was serious, he was trying to reveal to them information that would become important to them all. "They did something to my head." Nosdyn admitted. "I wasn't actually sure of it until the moment I touched that Gate." Nosdyn looked at them. "When I found YOU all here in Ettermire herself...you were different from the ones of Corone. I saw a people I could SAVE."

The Priest nodded, he was the defacto speaker for his people, their representative. "My lord...you and my people...we're not so different." He said calmly and continued to speak. "Fate brought us all together." He looked at Nosdyn. "Whatever troubles you...you can confide in us."

Nosdyn felt Illsandra's hand on his shoulder squeezing gently providing a source of comfort. Nosdyn nodded. "I just wanted you all to know the why...I owed you that much." It was difficult for him to speak in such an honest and forth coming sort of way. "Now my friends...if you all don't mind. Me and my wife...have matters to discuss." He said with a soft smile.

The Priest took his leader's meaning. And nodded with a grin of his own. Soon, Illsandra and Nosdyn were left in the chamber alone.

"He was not wrong." She said to her husband quietly.

Nosdyn looked at her carefully, trying to see the emotion on her face, her eyes. "Which part of it?"

"We're not all so different. You accepted my people's ways my husband. You were under no obligation to do so." She said quietly.

Nosdyn nodded in silence. "You accepted me as well. Knowing where I come from." Nosdyn placed his hand on the side of her face very gently. "Not very many would have given me that courtesy. You saw beyond...politics and strife. You saw...ME." Nosdyn said quietly...and for the second time in front of his wife...he cried before her. "No secrets between us my love." He said the silent promise to her out loud.

She nodded back. "No secrets." Shortly there after, they kissed...and accompanied each other to their bed for the rest of the night.

That night....

Nosdyn held her in his arms closely listening to her breathing. Seeing her bosom rise up and down with each breath. As far as Nosdyn understood of her people, blonde haired Dark Elf's were very rare. But that is not what had attracted her to him. She didn't see him as a monster. As so many other races of Althanas would have done. Perhaps they would be right.... He thought to himself. He looked at her sleep, her dark blue flesh tone matched his own. Though unlike her body...his was heavily muscular and well tattooed. Natural birth marks.

Sleep didn't come well for him...it hand't for a long time but at least he was at peace in her arms.

It was late that night...when he heard a knocking on his door. "Come." He said plainly.

The door to his chamber was opened and someone did enter...only it was not someone he recognized.

The strange wore black robes...but not the same robes of N'Jal he was used to seeing. Those robes had marks on them...marks he did not recognize. Strangely, Nosdyn did not feel malice from that person. "What do you want." Nosdyn asked of the person.

The person paused in front of their bed. "I've come to offer you and your people a proposition."

Nosdyn listened, he could not tell if the voice was a male or a female. It did not matter. "This could not wait until morning?" Nosdyn asked.

"No." The person responded. "I was ordered to give my proposition to you only." The person said.

Nosdyn shook his head. "Then you are wasting your time...I do not keep secrets from my wife."

A pause. "Do you jest?" The person asked.

At THAT point...Nosdyn was getting pissed off. His anger levels rising was enough to wake Illsandra from her deep sleep. He looked at the robed strange. "I do not jest you've woken my wife up now. You have one chance to explain the meaning of this...I suggest you make it count."

***

Nosdyn listened with Illsandra by his side as the stranger made their offer. There was a lot of talk...but no substance. At this point in the game...Nosdyn DID have a right to entirely choose who he dealt with. From what he was able to discern of the stranger...it was possible they were not a sentient person. He noticed that Illsandra could SEE the stranger as well though.

About two hours later...the entity was done talking. There was an uncomfortable silence in the air.

Nosdyn sighed. "That it isn't it?" He asked. "And you're sure this could not have waited until morning?"

"As you are both probably aware by this point...I am not physically here." The stranger said.

That...solicited a laugh form Nosdyn. "Your point being?"

Apparently that response made the stranger not comfortable.

Nosdyn stood up and off his bed, skyclad...completely naked. He walked over towards the stranger. "Normally...I would have told you to fuck off." Nosdyn said truthfully. "But since you've disrespected me...threatened me and my wife in my own house...I have to make you suffer."

This is a thinking man's game... Nosdyn thought to himself. "If you are really not here as you claim you are not...then you have nothing to be afraid of correct?"

The Stranger took a small step back.

"Then why do I smell your fear." Nosdyn said.

And that's how that particular adventure began.

She sat in the bed watching her husband work.

It was like watching a skilled combat surgeon or an artist. Her Demon had grown comfortable enough to use his power in front of her without fear of judgment. She would always thank him for that. Watching him work...excited her. Her bosom rose up and down quickly and with the hunger she held for him. Her nether regions were warming...he would be treated well that night.

Once the interrogation was completed, the glowing symbols of the robes faded off, and the robe...empty, fell to the ground. Nosdyn learned something interesting that night though. He walked over to his bed where his wife waited for him. "They are not connected to N'Jal." Nosdyn told her.

"What does that mean?" She asked softly.

"We've attracted the attention of an outside element." Nosdyn had concern on his face. "The Stranger's memories were difficult to read...I had trouble getting anything solid in the form of information." Nosdyn kept his eyes locked on his wife. "It was shielded." Nosdyn said the truth plainly...as far as Nosdyn had been aware only VERY few races and factions had access to such powers.

Illsandra was trying to understand the gravity of the situation. "What will be our next move?" She asked.

"...For now we can only wait." He responded. "Due to the nature of what we represent there are going to be those who attempt to stop us." Nosdyn was prepared to fight at any moment's notice for what he believed in...to keep her safe always. He was prepared to fight and prepared to die for her as well.

She nodded carefully. "My lord...let's worry about this tomorrow. I am hungry for you now." She said plainly, telling her husband to come join her in their bed.

He did so.

***

Nearby...

One one of the roof top buildings the acolytes watched the safe house. The one who was seated, had the psionic's connection broken completely and was in considerable pain. But the acolyte was able to tell her superiors what had happened. "He can withstand our arts like some of our most skilled practitioners." She said. "He was not shielded either...but it was enough to sever the connection."

Her superior looked at her. "Then it is true?"

She nodded. "He has severed N'Jal's influence. Her agents will be moving against us all now."

The man who spoke previously rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I'm not comfortable working with a Son of Tular Plains." He said.

The woman looked up at him. "Sir, I don't think we have a choice in this any longer."

He helped the girl stand up there were three others with him. "In a few days we make direct contact. Let us see what it is we are up against."

A few days later...

Her agents will move against us now. As was typical in such full scale battles...many will die... Nosdyn stood outside the safe house, the robed strangers were looking at him carefully. What is their angle...? Nosdyn thought to himself. Illsandra stood by his side, and several other acolytes were present. Nosdyn saw the man's expression...there was disdain there. The Demon was already uncomfortable about the situation.

He thought back to the day he met with Lars in Corone...he'd been attempting to get another mission completed. The man was talking about matters and Nosdyn listened very carefully. There was always an angle. Nosdyn kept his arms folded across his chest as he observed the group's leader before him. Nosdyn considered what was being said very carefully...the group had a common enemy with him and his people. N'Jal.

"What I'm proposing is a union between our groups." The man finally said.

Nosdyn considered. This is a thinking man's game.... Despite the very serious nature of what was being talked about, Nosdyn kept a very calm face. There was too much at stake at that point...it was no longer about only him. Nosdyn had a serious expression on his face. "State your terms." He suddenly said. Nosdyn carefully though to the other night when one of the faction's own members attempted to engage him directly. Something did not sit well with him...they were too exposed, too much in the public eye right there. That's why we are outside...in plain view.
To attempt to lure her Agents out of hiding.

The man nodded and took out a small parchment. He handed it to Nosdyn. "They are all there."

"A contract...?" Nosdyn asked. Suddenly, he threw the contact back at the man. "You folks do not understand how it is me and my people do things."

The man watched the contract on the ground for a moment. He looked back at Nosdyn. "Is that your final choice?"

Just then, Nosdyn unlatched his weapon and activated it, the blade manifested. "It is."

***

Just as Nosdyn had suspected their interloper appeared at that point. Too many of us will draw attention...there. Her Agents are moving against us. Having chosen the battlefield itself was a deliberate decision Nosdyn made. He'd been attempting to lure The Agent of N'Jal to the open to see if they would act.

The man in front of him was stunned by what he saw next. An Agent of N'Jal stepped out of the shadows....and began to approach Nosdyn.

"You lead them to us you idiot." Nosdyn said. But that in itself was part an act. He'd been using The Faction itself as bait to lure the enemy out in the open. "Her agents are moving against us. If you do not understand our answer yet the answer is fucking NO." Nosdyn directly engaged The Agent of N'Jal...

The robed strangers took a step back, unsure of what to do.

The female looked at her leader. "Sir...the enemy is present HELP HIM." She said, there was confusion and a stirring of emotion in her eyes.

The leader took a look at Nosdyn. "No." He told his subordinate. "The Demon is on his own." He turned to leave.

She suddenly grabbed his arm. "So you would opt into cowardice because of his race?" She asked.

In front of Nosdyn and the gathered, the leader of that group suddenly smacked his student...hard. "You are banished from this guild." He said as a curse.

The leader and his companions left...except for the girl.

She turned to look at Nosdyn...the one who could sever the bonds of N'Jal.

***

Their swords clashed.

Nosdyn knew what was at stake. It was all or nothing. Nosdyn looked at the glowing eyes of The Undead before him...her Agents did not behave the same way as his free Undead did. There were no words exchanged, there was no need for speaking. It was time to prove to his comrades what type leader he wanted to be for them. Out the corner of his eyes...a distraction.

He saw the leader of the other faction strike one of his own allies down and knock the individual to the ground. Cowards...to abandon their own allies on the field of battle. Nosdyn thought, then at the precise moment he realized he made a huge misstep.

The Agent of N'Jal saw exactly what Nosdyn had been looking at and changed targets to advance on The Psionic student. Nosdyn saw the girl was terrified...his mind flashed before his eyes...a decision had to be made. Without hesitation...

"NO!" Illsandra suddenly screamed as she watched what happened next.

The Agent's sword struck Nosdyn instead of it's intended target. It was a terrible injury. The Agent, convinced that he would have killed Nosdyn removed his weapon from the Demon's body. "You have lost." He said.

Nosdyn knelt on the ground. Injured...he'd been through worse than that, but The Agent of N'Jal did not need to know that. Sometimes...a skilled General must know how to loose. The words of his Father in his mind. Nosdyn looked up at The Agent of N'Jal...memorizing the face of his enemy. Someday...you will fall for this. Nosdyn thought to himself as he feigned the actual severity of the injury. This is a thinking man's game. Every piece on the battlefield is a moving piece...a part of a larger machine. Blood trickled down the side of Nosdyn's mouth.

In the past he would have not saved them at all...but something had changed in the entire time he'd been The Syndicate leader. It was no longer about him...

Illsandra walked over to her husband quickly...there was a look of concern on her face. She looked at the other, The Psionic Girl and was trying to understand what had just happened. She ripped the sleeve off her own shirt and began to attempt to treat her husband's injury. The Psionic Girl placed her hand on Illsandra's hand. She looked up at the other.

"I envy you." The Psionic said. "What you and your husband have...some people never find in their entire lives." She looked at Illsandra and the Demon on the ground. "I have a question for you, Haidian." There was no malice in the girl's voice.

Nosdyn nodded. "Speak."

"You...risked yourself for us all just now...did you not?" Somehow...though the girl only had brief knowledge of Nosdyn's way of doing things...she understood the severity of the situation at hand.

Nosdyn nodded. "...A General must know when to take losses to save his people."

The girl...suddenly understood what it was they were all dealing with. Somehow...this Demon...this Son of the Tular Plains had developed more honour than most Humans could ever claim. She knelt down before Nosdyn and Illsandra. "My lord, and my lady." She began. "Though, as you must already know...I cannot offer much...I pledge allegiance to your guild."

Nosdyn nodded carefully accepting the young one's proposal. He was still bleeding from the side of his mouth, but Illsandra was working on his injuries. "I accept your offer, young one." Nosdyn looked at Illsandra at that point. "I am in a lot of pain...I am certain the blade was augmented."

The Psionic looked at them both. "N'Jal's dark magics taint her Agent's weaponry." The Psionic and Illsandra helped Nosdyn stand.

At that point, the other gathered followers of Nosdyn convened around their leader.

Illsandra looked at The Priests. "He is injured and needs help." She said quietly. They quickly helped Nosdyn back inside the safe house. Illsandra looked at The Psionic for a moment. "I owe you an apology." She said carefully.

"My lady?" The Psionic responded.

"I thought your guild were mere fools...but my husband saw something else. He saw fit to risk near fatal injury to save you. And for that...I owe you an apology. It has been a long day. You must be very hungry." Illsandra said quietly.

"Can I ask you something?" The Psionic asked.

Illsandra nodded. "You may."

"You tamed him...a Demon. I did not think something like that would be possible. How did you ever manage that?" She sincerely wanted to know the secret.

Illsandra looked at her with a very serious expression on her face. "There were no tricks or sorcery involved. It was actually...a simple thing. He accepted me and my people...in exchange I accepted his." She said quite plainly, Nosdyn's mannerisms had already rubbed off on her.

The Psionic nodded. "Such a simple thing...our Scholars would never have considered that approach."

Illsandra put her hand on the girl's shoulder. "You will learn a lot in the coming weeks, come on let's get you something to eat."

Illsandra had been there for as much as she could of it. She looked at The Priest when he had a moment to breath, the work was intense. "How bad is it?" Illsandra had sincere concern for her husband.

The Priest looked her with a very serious expression on his face. "The magic in nature...is new. It is not anything we've encountered before. Me and my students have done all we could. The rest if up to him. My lady...I won't lie about this...the situation is grave. He may not live there is a chance of that." He placed a hand on her shoulder to try to comfort her. "We've done all we could."

He and his students quietly left the healing chamber.

Illsandra pulled up chair and sat next to her husband...The Priest told her he was in a coma induced by N'Jal's magic. She held his hand in her hand. "My lord...I do not know if somewhere you can hear me. But I will be with you until the end. Until whatever happens." Tears flowed for her husband at that point, she understood the gravity of the situation at hand.

Another presence was in the room a few moments later...The Psionic girl. Illsandra looked at her and nodded.

"My lady..." She began and pulled up an extra chair to sit next to Illsandra. "I do not claim to know your husband well or anything like that...but what I do know is his injury and potentially his life is on the line because of me." There was a sadness on her face. "I want to be here with you two...it is the least I can do."

Illsandra looked at her in response. "I think he would have liked that." She thought of something at that point. "What's your name?"

The Psionic seemed confused for a moment...it had been a long time since someone sincerely cared about who she was. She nodded. "Xyllea is my name...I don't have a last name anymore. The Order I am from forbids all outside ties."

Illsandra was looking at Nosdyn for a moment. "You know...he told me once not very many would have accepted him as I have."

Xyllea looked at her calmly. "There are many hatreds and strife in this world...perhaps he can serve to change all that someday."

Illsandra nodded...it was good to have someone there with her. Someone who could share her pain as they watched her loved one suffering.

***

Nosdyn found himself a plane of existence filled with a shadowy fog.

His awareness was dulled down.

He had no memory of how he got there...only that he'd been attacked by one of N'Jal's Agents prior to that point. His memory were as hazed over as that fog was.

He was not sure how much time had passed. Days, weeks...centuries. He had no way of discerning time there.

After some point, he did feel another presence in the fog, just beyond his field of perception. Perhaps it was for the best because he immediately knew who he was dealing with. "N'Jal." Nosdyn said to the presence, her name. There was strangely no malice but a profound respect for his adversary.

A moment passed by, N'Jal spoke alas. "Son of Tharak." Again, the respect was mutual between the two of them. "I have summoned you here to speak with you about some matters." She said softly.

Nosdyn nodded. "As you say."

"Under different circumstances you would have become one of my greatest champions, Nosdyn son of Tharak." There was an actual bit of sadness in her tone.

Nosdyn looked down for a moment and looked back towards her. "For what it's worth...I'm sorry fate made us adversaries."

N'Jal nodded for a moment. "Your companions...how much do you care for them?" She suddenly asked.

Nosdyn did not hesitate in his response. "I would die for them...right now in exchange for their safety."

She seemed to consider that for a moment. "The one etched on your heart...the one you love. I suspect it would be the same for her yes? Does she matter that much to you?"

Nosdyn nodded. "She does."

N'Jal considered what she was hearing. "Your loyalty, your bravery...it is a trait my most trusted servants lack far too often." She explained. "Nosdyn..." She said suddenly. "I have a proposition for you do you wish to hear it?"

Nosdyn thought about that for a moment. "Go on."

***

A week later...it was a Friday morning whet it occurred.

Illsandra noticed it first...he was waking up. Somehow, someway...Nosdyn had found his way back to her. She'd been there the entire time day after day...hour after hour the entire time. Knowing there was a chance that it could have all been over right there. But somehow...he'd found his way back.

Nosdyn awoke and his glowing yellow eyes saw the two by his bed. He nodded to them softly...it had been a long road to recovery from his injury but at the very least he had made it back.

Illsandra put her on the side of his face. "I...thought I'd lost you forever." She said very plainly.

Nosdyn nodded once more. Nosdyn looked at Xyllea. "I'm sorry to have worried the both of you...matters have now escalated beyond us." Nosdyn said. "When I recover my strength we all have to talk." He said, he would never keep secrets from her. He returned his gaze back to Illsandra. "It is good to see you once more." He said calmly.

Whatever deal he had made with N'Jal that time...would be revealed another day.

A few days later...

Nosdyn had recovered his strength and he called for a meeting with the entire guild in his command. They were all gathered in the meeting hall shortly there after, Illsandra standing nearby...a source of strength and comfort. Nosdyn was never really good with any form of public speaking...but he wanted to be an accountable leader for his comrades. There were quiet whispers in the crowd and he worked up the nerves to speak in front of them all.

He was hesitant, attempting to find the exact correct to say what he needed to say to them. "As you know...the sands of time move against us always." Nosdyn began. "Recently, for the sake of you all...I suffered an injury and was incapacitated up until a few days ago." Nosdyn was struggling with how to word the next part of what he needed to say. There was no way to do so...so he decided on the exact approach he'd always used before. "While I was hurt...recovering...something happened." He looked at the gathered. "N'Jal contacted me directly."

Whispers from the gathered, Illsandra remained silent...she had already been told by her husband what he was about to say.

Nosdyn waved his hand gently around for the gathered to remain calm. "A deal was made and I accepted the offer. Understand...the choice I made was for the safety of you all." Nosdyn paused looking at his wife for a moment. "As of that deal's forging...we are no longer at war with N'Jal herself. As far as you all are concerned...she is no longer an enemy. In exchange...she has agreed to keep all of you safe."

The Priest looked at his leader and spoke quietly first, there was concern in the man's voice. "What did you give in exchange?"

Nosdyn nodded. "A fair question. I gave up my war against her." There was more to say. "But also in regards to that contract...I was allowed to live." He told them the exact truth...though some may not have been willing to accept it. "To protect you all..." Nosdyn looked at his wife once more. "To protect you all I was ready to give my life in exchange for your freedom."

The Priests...they knew the exact thing that Nosdyn was saying. They've dealt with N'Jal since the point of their turning to Undead. But any one else would have a difficult time understanding what was being talked about. The Male Priest quietly walked over towards Nosdyn. He understood the gravity of Nosdyn had been saying. In a strange sort of gesture of acceptance, and friendship, The Priest hugged Nosdyn profoundly. "Given what we were before you saved us...I can only partially understand what you telling us here. You've already given up more for us than many here would ever realize."

Nosdyn hugged the man back...he looked at the gathered. "That is all I wanted to say. I have to continue to recover my strength after what happened...but that is all for now." He said calmly.

***

Nosdyn sat in his office pondering everything that had transpired. Xyllea and Illsandra were nearby...discussing matters. His body still did not feel normal from the attack he'd endured...it would recover in time.

Illsandra walked over towards her husband. "My lord...what was she like?" Illsandra asked calmly.

Nosdyn nodded. "N'Jal you mean, yes?"

Illsandra nodded. "What was she like? That's something I have been thinking about since the night you told me."

Nosdyn spoke calmly. "She had a profound respect for us...more than any adversary I have ever known." Nosdyn meant that. It was difficult to sometimes discern what Nosdyn's really meant sometimes...but when he spoke in that tone he would always tell the truth. "She knew about you." Nosdyn wanted her to know that.

Illsandra seemed taken by surprise by that. "How...?"

Nosdyn nodded. "She said...you were etched on my heart. And asked me if I would give anything for you...if you really mattered that much to me. Before N'Jal herself I was prepared to die." Nosdyn continued. "I accepted the offer she gave me because of you. She was going to let everyone live after...but mainly you. Illsandra...she gave you her blessing." Nosdyn said.

Illsandra nodded. "For what part of it all?"

"When you have my children...and someday you will...she gave us her blessing." Nosdyn always had a very simple way of stating things, a simple way of saying the truth that made the matters of what he spoke of much more profound.

Illsandra sighed softly. "You've already done so much for me."

Xyllea observed the two as they spoke with one another. In a way, she'd been right that one time...what Illsandra and Nosdyn had, some folks never find in their entire lives. And she envied them for that. She smiled quietly at what she was hearing.

Nosdyn stood up at that moment and walked over towards her. "I was ready to give up my life for you." He nodded towards his wife. They hugged at that point. He looked towards Xyllea. "Young one...I am sorry your people have abandoned you. But hopefully this small Guild we have now can provide you an adequate home."

She nodded quietly and stood up. "I will take my leave now...I am certain you have matters to take care of." She said with a soft smile.

Nosdyn nodded but before Xyllea even left...Illsandra had already kissed him deeply...to make up for the time away from her loved one. Her Champion...her Demon.

That night...

"What will be your purpose now my lord?" Illsandra asked of her husband. They slept in the same bed they always had, both skyclad. The strong smell of her lilac perfume and their physical union.

Nosdyn let the question linger for a moment or two. He was smelling the scent in the air...it was good to be back with her again. "You are always going to be my purpose." He said quietly to her. "All other matters are trivial." Something had changed with Nosdyn...

Illsandra nodded softly at what he was saying. "N'Jal changed things did she not?" She asked.

Nosdyn considered the question carefully. "My feelings for you are the same as when we first became a couple." He paused for a moment. "N'Jal did change the priority of things though."

Illsandra looked at her husband carefully. "Do you still love me the same after all this time, after all these moons?" She asked.

"Illsandra...I was ready to die for you. Now...always. To save you I will give my life up for you." It was his way of speaking. His way of doing things...he'd never been really good at expressing what he really felt, but he'd learned...he was putting the effort to learn.

She smiled softly in the dark. Holding her Demon in his arms. "You have come very far my lord." She said to him.

Nosdyn looked at her with a surprisingly soft expression on his face. He kissed her forehead gently...he'd always had trouble with simple romantic gestures. "You've taught me more than you will ever know." He said to her calmly. "No matter what, I will be yours always. This is swear."

***


The next day...

Nosdyn stood outside there was a task that needed to be completed. His wife stood by his side, they were the only ones visible to the untrained eye.

The Messenger looked at Nosdyn carefully. "This is all of it?" The fellow asked.

"More if you complete the job." Nosdyn said in response. At that point in the game, Nosdyn had learned much of Ettermire's disparate factions. He'd learned who was worth dealing with and who was not. Who operated legally and who did not...and further who was their type of criminal scum.

The Messenger carefully considered what was being asked. "You've developed quite a reputation for yourself My Lord." He said calmly. "It shall be so, give me about a week." The Messenger said.

"That's all the time you have." Nosdyn said calmly.

The Messenger nodded and took his leave.

Nosdyn breathed the crisp, Ettermire air. Even though they were in the city itself...there was still a winter's chill there. Where Nosdyn was from...it was very hot there always. Illsandra noticed it before anyone else did.

"It feels good to be back with us again does it not?" She asked.

Nosdyn nodded. "I was hurt for a long time." In some ways though....such injuries never heal.

She pulled her winter's coat a little tighter around her feeling the cold in the air. She looked at him. "What do you ant to do today? She asked of him.

Romantic gestures...he'd never been good expressing those. He looked at his wife. "There's actually a nearby Tavern I want to take you to." He said calmly. "I want to buy you dinner."

Strangely...as they were seated at their table...he thought of something right there.

Many years ago...he'd lived in Stonevale. The people there had accepted The Demon as he was...until one day Jake Narmonalya...a sworn enemy, ruined it all for him. In one of those adventures Nosdyn had suffered near fatal injury for the people of Stonevale. During a fierce battle, he'd been shot with a lot of poisoned Goblin arrows...enough to take down a whole town by itself. He'd survived that. It wasn't that different form things he'd gone through with his guild at that point in time.

He looked at Illsandra. "I was thinking of the past." He said.

She nodded. "Your time in Stonevale yes?"

"Yeah...things were already changing back then. From before The Cataclysm." Nosdyn looked at the waitress...somehow the state of things in Ettermire reflected what Radasanth could have been. He would never have been allowed to wander around the streets of Radasanth. "Lars." He recalled the other man at that point remembering what lead this whole crazy chain of events.

Illsandra nodded. "The one you were trying to help that time yes?"

Nosdyn nodded. "There are many old strife and prejudices." Nosdyn rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "He collapsed a building around me because of who and what I am."

Illsandra listened. She ordered a relaxing herbal tea for her and her husband. "The tea here is quite good, herbal in nature. Most Ettermire places serve this type of tea."

He nodded. "Order what you wish my lady." He said softly.

There were some eyes periodically on them from the other patrons of the tavern. Nobody would give Nosdyn trouble. Largely because of his present company. She looked at him. "What is on your mind?" She asked of him.

"I no longer have a people as you surely must know." He said with a subtle hint of sadness in his voice. "I have been thinking...how do I become inducted into your people's fold." It was a simple question....something honest. Nosdyn wanted to belong somewhere. He'd been exiled from his land of birth...

Illsandra considered what she was hearing. "There are ways to become officially inducted into Dark Elf society." She said calmly. "The methods and rites are not too complicated. But my lord...are you certain this is what you want?"

He nodded. "I want to understand your people better so I can defend them better." It was honest, he was not good at being honest, and so humble. But he was putting the effort. "I want to...belong somewhere." I've been running for such a long time...it's hard to accept I have a home now. He thought to himself.

She nodded. "I have some contacts in The Lloth temple. I can get you sorted, it will require time and effort however." She said.

He agreed. "I will put in both requirements."

And she knew he was serious.

A short time later, the tea they ordered was prepared.

Nosdyn was troubled by matters...Ettermire was what Radasanth should have been. As far as he was aware...Radasanth was currently in a state of chaos and anarchy since The Cataclysm. He drank the tea. It was quite good, they'd gone out together a few times like that since he'd first arrived in Ettermire. The tea had a soothing effect on his troubled mind. They both drank in silence. Nosdyn was considering something at that point and he looked at Illsandra. "When we are done here, I want to continue your training." It had been months since their last formal lessons.

A lot had happened since then. Illsandra drank of the tea and looked at him. "Yes. I wish to know more about your people as well."

Nosdyn nodded calmly. Over time, he'd taught her about a great many teachings of his people. Everything he could teach her about his family, his way of life, his martial tactic. He was hers...always would be. Once they both completed the tea, Nosdyn paid for their portions.

A short time later they were outside...heading to a small clearing, park style location. Nosdyn looked around. "This will do." He took two reasonably sized branches off nearby trees and handed one to his wife. Almost immediately, the lessons would begin.

"Tighten your stance." He told her calmly as he had instructed her in the past. Nosdyn was quite skilled with his family's way of combat, he was attempting to teach her everything he knew. "Hit me with your practice swing." He told her.

She hesitated at first...as she had every time before then.

Nosdyn understood the why of it...but the lessons were necessary and he was built to withstand high amounts of pain. He stood there calmly, watching her practice the swing of the makeshift weapon at him. Each swing, stung a bit. He stood there with his arms folded across his chest observing her technique, the way she swung the practice weapon. He would give advice and tips on adjusting mid combat, reacting in controlled sort of ways. She had always been faster than he ever would be.

But he could withstand a great deal of pain...he'd already proven that fact.

An hour into the training session...a few Dark Elves had gathered around them...observing the lessons. There was a quiet understanding between the students and the teachers and he instructed Illsandra. Soon, her technique became quite skilled and polished.

A few hours later...one of the newer comers that were nearby volunteered for training.

Nosdyn, hesitant at first, looked at his wife for approval. He did not want to offend his people.

She nodded her approval.

And so...day after day it went. The children of Ettermire gathered around Nosdyn and Illsandra as he instructed them in the ways of his people. No...the teachings of his Father.

Every lesson, every instruction was given with precision and care.

There were flaws in the basic techniques of his gathered students...but they were learning quickly. It was a pleasure to watch them train in the ways of his people. The Dark Elves were actually quite eager to learn what he had to teach. He was trying to instruct them to the best of his capacity...

Until one day...a week later...

An adult Dark Elf showed up that day. The stranger observed the teachings of Nosdyn and his wife, Illsandra.

The man did not comment, he merely observed. When the lessons for that day were over...the man approached Nosdyn. "You lead that Synidicate guild do you not my lord?" He asked.

Nosdyn turned towards the fellow. "Yes I do." He said truthfully...he had nothing to hide.

"Your technique...is quite interesting. My son has informed me of what you are doing here with these kids." The man said calmly.

Nosdyn nodded carefully. "I am merely trying to pass on the technique my Father taught me."

The man looked at Nosdyn very carefully. "You speak as someone whose not afraid of Death."

The Demon nodded. "I am not."

The man rubbed his chin very carefully. He looked at Illsandra. "You are his wife are you not?" He asked of her.

She nodded in response. "I am."

He kept his eyes on her. "Are you willing to speak before a committee about this matter?" He asked.

She looked at Nosdyn at that point. "Only if my Husband can be there with me...we keep no secrets from each other."

He agreed. "That is a fair compromise." The man looked at Nosdyn and Illsandra. "You two are a beautiful pairing if I might be bold enough to say so."

Nosdyn had a soft smile on his face at that point. "Nosdyn, by he way." He said calmly.

The man looked at Nosdyn at that point. "Your name you mean?" He asked.

The Demon nodded. "Yes. My wife and I we will face anything together."

"Lancaster." The Dark Elf said. "My name is Lancaster. When you come to the my estate...we will have the meeting there tomorrow. There is a matter we must discuss with the two of you." Lancaster was a surprising quite amicable sort...for a politician. "My son says you are a good teacher. Tomorrow...we put that to the test."

Nosdyn nodded towards Lancaster. "We will be at your estate tomorrow."

The next day...

Lancaster's estate was an impressive old Dark Elf style building. They were given an hour to arrive, Nosdyn and Illsandra arrived considerably early. There were people gathered at and around the estate's grounds. Nosdyn had not been terribly wrong...Lancaster was a politician of sorts. The gathered individuals who wree present noticed Nosdyn and his wife approaching...there was never any malice or hatred in their stares...only an almost erotic curiosity of the couple.

Nosdyn was certain to wear a suit of fine Dark Elf attire...he felt only a little uncomfortable in it. For his wife, Illsandra, he would attempt to follow their customs and culture as best as he was capable of doing.

Illsandra wore a very elegant Ettermire cut blue dress. They entered the building and someone approached them, greeting them softly.

"You are Nosdyn and Illsandra are you not?" The woman asked of them, she was a stately looking Dark Elf woman.

They both nodded in response, in almost perfect tandem with one another.

"Lancaster is expecting you both today, follow me."

As they walked, Illsandra looked at her husband. "You are nervous." She said quietly.

Nosdyn nodded. "Yes...I am...not used to any of this."

She wrapped her hand around his own hand.

A short time later they arrived at Lancaster's personal office chambers..."This way. He is waiting for you."

***

Before them was a small group of roughly ten male and female Dark Elf politicians. Lancaster sat at the lead position of the group. He was having a talk with one of Nosdyn's students...apparently that had been Lancaster's son.

Nosdyn tried to observe, learn all he could. He stood before the gathered with his wife beside him. They continued to hold hands.

Lancaster motioned for them to approach. "My son says you have been teaching him and a few of his friends." Lancaster began.

The boy looked up at Nosdyn. "He knows a lot...better than some of the instructors at the Academy." The boy was young yet, and probably more out spoken than he should have been.

Lancaster observed the profound respect his son held for Nosdyn. Once they were both in front of him, Lancaster spoke again. "Come with me to my personal chamber for a moment I want to discuss a matter with you two."

They did so.

The elegant chamber was a side chamber and Lancaster was seated a very fancy chair. He was deep in thought. "My son says you have a way of teaching that is quite effective."

Nosdyn listened carefully. "My Father's teachings."

Lancaster stood up at that point and walked over towards Nosdyn. "I'm going to be frank here and tell you why you're both here. My son...has a learning deficit." It seemed to really pain Lancaster to admit that. "He is my only son. The Academy expelled him because he was not learning quickly enough." He looked at Nosdyn. "You, so far, have been the only one who could get through to those kids." Lancaster was thinking very carefully for a moment. "I called this meeting with you two...to discuss a business proposition."

Nosdyn nodded. "Go on."

Lancaster laid it all on them. "There's a group of them...in the slums...and they have no where to go. No one in the city will take them, not even the Orphanage. Some of them have serious learning conditions and worse problems. You're getting to them somehow. Whatever it is you're doing different...is working." Lancaster paused for a moment. "I'm offering you a job, Nosdyn and Illsandra. You teach those kids, you help them become SOMETHING in this fucked up world they live in. In exchange I will pay you and your guild...very handsomely." Lancaster looked at Nosdyn for a moment. "What to you say?"

Nosdyn looked at his wife for a moment, then back to Lancaster. "We accept your proposal."

The next day...

As every other day before since it had first started...the children of the slums gathered before Illsandra and her Demon.

The lessons were progressing, Nosdyn was actually a very skilled instructor. Illsandra admired her husband for that...not very many would have taken on those children like he had.

When that day's lessons were complete, Nosdyn walked over towards Lancaster's son. In a profound gesture of kindness and sympathy...The Demon knelt before the boy and spoke to him with sincerity in his voice. "Your Father has explained to me the situation." Nosdyn said quietly. "The lessons I am teaching you and your friends...are secondary to what I'm about to tell you. We go at your own pace...always. I will never judge you, I will never be angry at you or yell at you, or hit you for any reason." Nosdyn looked at the boy, there was a sincerity in Nosdyn's eyes. "If you ever struggle you tell me and we will slow down. What I am teaching is gradual progression anyway...I just want you to understand that I am here. If you ever need anything you tell me." Nosdyn said very carefully.

Then...the boy nodded quietly and in an equally profound gesture of his own...The Dark Elf boy hugged Nosdyn. A Son of Tular Plains. The gesture caught Nosdyn briefly off guard, but he hugged the boy back.

Nearby, Illsandra observed her husband with the students and he interacted with him. He would have made an excellent Father.

***

The night...

Nosdyn was deep in thought as was his wife. The kids they were teaching...he was somehow helping them. About an hour later Nosdyn sensed something was troubling his wife. He turned to look at her. "My lady?" He asked softly...gestures of the heart, romance had always been difficult for him.

She nodded towards her husband. "Nosdyn...there is a matter we must discuss. It might not be easy for you to hear it...but I swore to never keep secrets from you I just had to be certain this particular time."

He kept his eyes on her and nodded. "Go on..you can speak freely in front of me always."

She sighed. "Past few weeks I have been consulting with my family's Medic about a matter that has been bothering me. Last week she confirmed the truth of what I am about to tell you. I just wanted to be certain of it." She paused, there was a deep burden there she was trying to word exactly right. "Nosdyn...I am barren I can't ever have your children." The matter pained her greatly. "Seeing you with how you behave towards those kids past few days...you would have been an excellent Father. I can't give you that one thing I have always wanted to give you.' She looked away at that point. "I'm a failure."

Seeing his wife in such pain...he understood the gravity of the situation. He walked slowly towards her, matters of the heart, expression...simple romance often was very difficult for him to express. He placed his hand gently on the side of her face and had her look directly at him. "Fate..is sometimes cruel. You are my wife however." He said to her. "No matter what comes of this...because of the vows I swore to you...you will always be my wife. And I your husband." He was trying to speak from the heart...by then Illsandra already understood how difficult such things were for him. "If there's ever anything I can do for you to alleviate any suffering or anguish you tell me."

She nodded at that point gently. "There is one thing. I spoke to one of our allies about this matter. She has agreed to help. When you are ready to have children my lord. She has agreed to help. It is someone both me and you already trust."

***

A short time later, Xyllea was summoned to their chambers she arrived quickly and nodded with profound respect towards Nosdyn and Illsandra.

Nosdyn spoke first. "Why have you agreed to this Xyllea?" He just wanted to know the truth of the whole situation.

Xyllea had a soft smile on her face. "The day you saved me...you didn't even know who I was. I even attacked you directly earlier that week." She paused a moment but continued to speak. "When N'Jal's Agent attacked that day...not very many folks would have done what you did to save me. It was not brave...brave is not the right word. It was fucking HEROIC. You risked death to save someone you did not even know." She walked over towards Nosdyn and strangely enough, held his hand gently. "When I first joined your Guild I offered you my services, you knew then I could not give your people much in exchange. Your wife told me the entirety of the situation. Let me repay you for the kindness you have already shown me. Let me help the both of you with this one thing."

Nosdyn was hesitant...but he knew they were both sincere. In his culture, back home on The Tular Plains it was a custom for some households to allow multiple partners. Some folks NEEDED more than one. He looked at his wife at that point. "Are you certain this is what you want?" He asked her.

She nodded softly. "I can't give you children. I want you to be a Father."

He looked at Xyllea at that point. And nodded. "I accept your arrangements."

That night...the three of them shared the same bed...it would be the firs of many such events.

And so it went...

Those first few months he had difficulty being physical with Xyllea...mainly because in his mind he belonged to Illsandra. However, he was adjusting to the best of his capacity. Xyllea, had prove to be a very agreeable woman and very intelligent. As was Illsandra. The`three would spend a lot of time together, talking discussing planning matters.

Those were the happiest days of his life.

Later on his life...he would lack at that time period with Illsandra as the most complete, the most whole he ever felt.

That night...

***

He held the two women in his strong arms, they were sleeping at that point. He would not stir until morning for them...sleep was always very difficult for Nosdyn. He could not remember the last time he had a full night's sleep. But at least he was content...he was at peace. For the first time in his life...he was at peace with himself and the world around him. Matters were on his mind...those late hours of the night were for his personal musings, deep states of thinking and pondering.

Nosdyn thought back to his Father...he thought of the man often those days. He wondered what could have been...had circumstances been different.

He looked at Xyllea at that moment and kissed the top of her forehead softly. He was growing more comfortable around her...it was a gradual process. It had taken Illsandra an equally long time to get him to open to her. He saw she smiled softly at the kiss, and moved closer to his warm body.

Those were the happiest days of his life....

***

The Next day...

The children of the slums were waiting for him as they had every morning before that. Nosdyn suspected that they would continue to want tutelage long after that. Those kids...they represented something for Nosdyn...hope.

He trained them as he had every day up until that point...they were learning quickly.

Until one day....

A Dark Elf that Nosdyn never knew up until that point approached the group.

Nosdyn looked at his wife, Illsandra and she nodded casually that it would be okay for them to proceed with whatever was going to happen next. Nosdyn recognized the marks on The Dark Elf's attire by that point...military academy seals and symbols.

The Dark Elf appeared angry as he approached Nosdyn. "What is your purpose here?" The man asked with an angry tone.

Nosdyn carefully looked at the man...he was not one of Lancaster's. "I'm teaching them." Nosdyn said to the man, gesturing towards the children. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the fellow...he already did not like the man but he would be careful for Illsandra's sake. "I have permission from Lancaster."

The Dark Elf looked at Lancaster's son. "Ah...the reject. Now this makes sense." The Dark Elf said. "I have authority to stop and desist this operation."

Illsandra intervened before Nosdyn could speak, she motioned for her husband to stay his ground. "Under whose permission?" Illsandra suddenly asked her tone of voice was unusually aggressive.

The Dark Elf looked at her carefully. "Senator Llenkroth." The Dark Elf said, he kept his gaze on them. "The Senators have higher authority than the puppet, Lancaster does." He said. "You either stop...or we will take actions against you."

Nosdyn had enough at that point. He'd shown an incredible amount of restraint because his wife was present, and the children. "You are from The Academy are you not?" Nosdyn asked, he wanted to be certain who the new enemy was.

The Dark Elf looked at Nosdyn and nodded. "I am."

"Tell me something are all of your instructors cowards...or just you?" He asked. "Lancaster told me you refused to instruct these children."

THAT...was the equivalent of a punch to the gut. The man frowned. "This will not be the end of this."

The man stormed off.

Nosdyn frowned at that point...for the sake of his wife and the gathered children he'd shown an incredible amount of physical restrain. He looked at Illsandra. "I'm sorry I couldn't hold it in any longer." He said to his wife.

She nodded. "You did the best you could. But I think we'd better see Lancaster immediately." She said and looked at the boy who was Lancaster's son. She knelt down in front of the children. "That man was Academy, yes?" She asked.

He nodded. "Yes my lady...he used to abuse some of us."

She ran her hand through his hair. "You all were very brave today."

Nosdyn looked at them all...something was not sitting well with him. But he would save his concern for Lancaster directly.

A short time later...they were at Lancaster's office.

The situation was worse than Nosdyn thought...there was a lot of yelling in the office chamber. Nosdyn was trying to learn, to understand Ettermire politics. Due to his recent outburst in front of the man from the Academy...he trying really hard to restrain himself. He knew Illsandra would understand how difficult all that was for him. They waited in front of Lancaster's office. The boy who was Lancaster's son apparently had some understanding of what was happening...far more than his youthful eyes should ever have had to understand.

Lancaster's son looked at Nosdyn. "The men from The Academy always do this...when someone cares about us." The boy said quietly to Nosdyn.

Somehow, Nosdyn understood some of what was going on. Ettermire politics and The Tribunal's way of doing things...were not so different.

Something was slammed against something inside the chamber and shattered. A few moments later, the Academy man stormed out and saw Nosdyn right away. "Oh you...the big mouth." He said. "You are in a lot of trouble."

Nosdyn nodded. "I'm used to that. If you are attempting to scare me...it won't work." Nosdyn stared back at The Academy Man, he never once withdrew from the man's gaze.

A moment later, the man broke the gaze off and stormed off.

"Coward." Nosdyn cursed and walked inside Lancaster's office, there was a huge mess inside.

"Papa!" Lancaster's boy said when he saw what was on the floor, shattered. It was a picture of his Mother...the only existing such photo reference. The boy ran quickly to his Father and hugged him.

Lancaster looked up at Nosdyn and Illsandra. "I...I'm so sorry. This was all my fault."

Nosdyn walked over towards Lancaster, and helped the man stand. "I know cowardice Lancaster...you did nothing wrong here."

Illsandra walked over towards Lancaster with a look of concern on her face. "He said he worked for Senator Llenkroth's office." She said carefully.

Lancaster nodded. The picture of his wife was shredded at that point...his past was shredded. He knew defeat, losses but this time was different. Lancaster looked at Nosdyn. "I beg your forgiveness, Nosdyn and Illsandra. You are now wrapped up in that man's game because of me."

Nosdyn thought carefully about how to respond next...more was at stake than pride and honour. "He is your enemy is he not?" Nosdyn asked. He knew how Ettermire worked was not that different from The Tribunal's structure.

Lancaster nodded. "He took my wife from me." Lancsater said calmly. He looked at the boy. "I'm sorry you had to find out this way...I was going to reveal things to you when you were ready."

Lancaster's son...showed a surprising amount of maturity for someone his age. The boy looked at his Father. "It's okay Papa, Mother would have been proud of us working with Lord Nosdyn and his Lady." He said calmly.

Lancaster nodded. He walked towards Nosdyn. "He had a message for you from The Senator."

That night...

Nosdyn was preparing for the most difficult thing he would ever have to do in his life.

Illsandra and Xyllea looked at the Demon carefully. Illsandra spoke first. "You don't have to do this."

Nosdyn looked at his wife for a moment. "He challenged me directly...The Senator did. I know there will be no honour in how he does things. But the point of the matter is...I have to accept his challenge." Nosdyn said carefully. "If I fall The Syndicate becomes yours." He said to both Xyllea and Illsandra. That was the first time he'd ever accepted the possibility he could actually die for something he believed in.

Illsandra was crying. "But why do you have to go alone?" She wanted to be there, to provide him with strength.

"Student, state the precepts of Krotar Household." Nosdyn suddenly said to her.

"Precept one, this is a thinking man's game. Always be thinking always come at your opponents from the side never from the back or the front." She spoke, understanding her Demon and the way he did things. This was more than just about honour. She knew. This was a Husband protecting his family.

Xyllea watched the interactions between The Demon and his wife, she was learning how they did things. There was more there than a husband and a wife...there was more there than love. She was learning. She would always admire Illsandra for what she'd done in taming that Demon.

Once Nosdyn was prepared...he walked over towards his wife and kissed her deeply. (Translated from Haidian) "Goodbye my love." He said quietly to her in the language of his people. He said that in case he fell in battle...there was a very real possibility he would.

Leaving her side, was one of the most difficult things he had ever have to do. Outside of The Safe House, he met with one last ally. The Undead Male Priest that had been by his side since the beginning. He shook the man's hand. "If you get the word..you know what to do." Nosdyn said.

The Man before Nosdyn actually cried before his leader. "My Lord...it has been an honour and a privilege to work with you."

"I've learned so much from all of you. My wife...she might not understand immediately why this has to be done." Nosdyn looked at his friend, no...his brother. "I have to defend more than just The Syndicate this time."

"The Lancaster Estate." The Priest said quietly. "They have no idea what a strong ally they have made with you."

Nosdyn nodded. "Good bye...my brother." And he started the journey towards the location the duel would take place.

"This won't be the end. There's strength in you. Strength to sever the bonds of N'Jal." The Priest said quietly. "Until we meet again." The Priest walked back into The Safe House quietly with a heavy heart.

Epilogue...

Nosdyn looked at Lancaster and nodded. They were all at the chosen place the duel would take place. It was carefully picked by The Senator himself, and on the grounds of his own estate.

Lancaster was standing next to Nosdyn. "Are you afraid?" He asked.

Nosdyn was not sure how to respond. "I am not afraid to die."

Lancaster nodded quietly.

At that point, The Senator arrived, he wore a robes...likely a Magi type. Nosdyn locked his eyes on the form The Senator. The man approached directly from the front. Closing in the distance quickly. He stopped right in front of Nosdyn. There was malice...Nosdyn sensed extreme malice. "We are here." Nosdyn said carefully to The Senator.

"You have accepted the challenge...I would have figured you would have run." The Senator said carefully.

Nosdyn shook his head in the quietly. "Haidians never run from any opponent." Nosdyn said calmly.

The Senator looked at Lancaster. "This was all over your boy was it not?" The Senator asked.

Lancaster nodded. "The children you refused to train properly."

Nosdyn never once removed his eyes from The Senator...he was studying, looking at mannerisms, gestures anything he could use.

The Senator nodded calmly. "And you, Haidian...you are prepared to die?"

Nosdyn tensed his muscles at that point. "...The real question is...are you?" Nosdyn said in response.

It wasn't every day...a Son of the Tular Plains got to fight a Senator. He would make every moment count.

The End.

Solo Of Demon Folks.
Reward Judgment

Rewards:


Nosdyn receives:
2065 EXP
225 Gold

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Maya Angelou's Autobiography, #1)

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