Amesha

Nadiya felt her face flush in embarrassment at the loud rumbling emanating from her belly, and from the laughter from the wolf-boy. Her only consolation was that he soon stopped once his own belly signaled it's emptiness. She glanced over as the bell was rung, curious to see what it meant.

Before she could find out, Aemon's voice brought her attention back to him and the young man she was trying to help along with the alchemist. The red liquid was something that wasn't named (aside from what was printed on the bottle: Vitea), but he did say it would produce a rather uncommon side effect. Sure, some ingredients and things could cause drowsiness, but dreamlike state? She wanted to ask what the liquid was made from, but all that came from her lips was a gasp at how Aemon all but shoved it down the throat of the poor wolf-boy. The younger male struggled and tried to recoil- at the taste she presumed- but seeing his discomfort earned a slight nagging worry. Why did he need to be so rough? Surely it couldn't be that painful to swallow? And the young man wasn't a child who would stubbornly refuse something even if they were told it was for their own good. So why? It was only three drops, so there was no risk of him aspirating, but seeing him so crudely manhandled to take a medicine was distressing to see.

It was over before she could protest and ask Aemon to stop, and then a set of knocks reached her ears, causing her to instinctually turn towards the sound. Evidently, the bell was to call a...servant? Maid? Nadiya couldn't tell, but whoever- or what ever, was under those layers of cloth was eerily silent, but they bowed their head and wordlessly began to lead the way. She and her unnamed companion were prompted by Aemon to follow the servant to get some food. She had to admit, the thought was an appealing one, and with a quick bow of her head in gratitude to the alchemist, she followed the silent stranger out.

As they walked in silence, Nadiya glanced anxiously over at the wolf-tailed young man. Would he be ok? He had been very badly injured and malnourished, and was walking around without assistance. Did he need or want some? Was he still in pain? Should she have let him rest and tried to bring back food for him? And what had happened back with the red liquid...

"A-are you ok? Do you need to lean on me at all? Not feeling dizzy?" Nadiya asked softly, trying not to announce to the halls and anyone in them that he was injured lest he be self-conscious. Lowering her voice even more, she hesitated before asking the question that had been bugging her since they left Aemon.
"If I may ask, what did he give you, do you know? How are you feeling- he didn't hurt you, did he?"

In his drowsy, unfocused state, he was unable to truly think for himself at this point. Only acting on impulse, he copied Nadiya's gestures and followed behind the maid. He didn't know what else to do. Had he been in a normal state, he would have thanked the alchemist graciously and made it clear he would like to repay him in any way that he could for his troubles. But no such thing came from his mouth. He simply walked alongside Nadiya with his eyes watching the ground.

When she began to speak, moments passed before he finally looked over to her to acknowledge what she was saying. He noticed her eyes, which seemed pure and innocent. He thought they had not yet been tainted by the atrocities that the world hold in store for any soul unfortunate enough to meet them. Something that would make him smile awkwardly towards her before his foot caught a small lip in the tile and he almost tumbled forward to the ground. This was enough to break him from his thoughts and answer her.

"S-sorry, I guess the medicine made me lose my train of thought?" He lied about what he was thinking for the moment, though he wasn't sure why he hid the information. "I don't think I'm dizzy.... I'm sure I'm fine. I wouldn't want to trouble you more than I have already anyways. I've already stressed you enough I believe." He looked down in distaste, "I think it was blood.... but I'm not sure what else was in it, if anything. It was definitely uncomfortable, but it didn't hurt too much.... and I'm sure it will take away a lot more pain that I may have dealt with in the future."

Despite what he said, his head did start to feel light the more he spoke and he tried to hide it. As negative as the effect of talking was, he didn't want to stop. He felt so alone on his trip, and he thought things might change soon, but that they hadn't yet. The loneliness still crept on the back of his mind and just being around someone compassionate and not someone mean and hateful kept it at bay. He couldn't let it come back; it was a powerful thing. Something that attacked his psyche more than he could have imagined and he couldn't afford much more of it. It was like a silent killer, working from the inside out.

"Say, Nadiya?..." His words were cut short by them reaching wherever the maid was leading them.

Petra & Annabelle

Stern was quick to see that the two woman were at least getting along with some ease, though he could see that there was some form of latent tension in the air as well. Though from the fact that the two words they came from were normally a clashing aspect, or their own personalities were not such a clean match was yet to be seen. He clapped his hands together in what could be described as a form of excitement and smiled. "Its good to see that the two of you are getting along so well, not to mention a common interest. Its not usual that such a thing happens with new arrivals and I am at least glad I could be of assistance." Stern replaces his helmet and unlatches the mask from behind his sword before hooking it to the mount on his helmets frame. An action that further removed him from the look of the other guards.

His helmet was made of an entirely different metal and the girls eyes could possibly peg it out as platinum, an extremely rare metal in this day and age. Not to mention that the left face was covered in swerving golden stems, made to look as though they were rose petals. It was off putting however that when the mask was off his face, the mask was entirely hollow and its eyes did not bar sight. However as he placed it upon his head, the eyes of the mask darkened and keep them both from seeing into the helmet, no matter their proximity or angle.

"For now though, I think its time I take the two of you to you're rooms and have you get a good nights rest. Master Kenner is rather keen on keeping a tidy schedule and I believe tonight has already thrown enough wrenches in that gear for the time being." He beckoned for the two girls to follow him as he began to walk down the hall leading away from the front door of Raven Home.

Seth & Nadiya

At the maid lead the two down a southern facing hall, they both could smell an immense amount aroma coming to meet them and it was easy to tell that they were now somewhere near the kitchen. Because the smell of fresh food being cooked was still in the air and some rather pungent spices were now in the air. The maid offered them a door and allowed them to move through. What was before them seemed to be a formal meeting room, with very lax decorations and a singular table in the middle with two lamps on both opposite sides of the room. This kept the room well lit, though it was easy to see that the light in the room was somewhat lower in intensity than many of the others.

The maid on the other hand disappeared through another door on the far edge as she beckoned them to sit and as they both did, Seth was quick to notice the wounds on his left arm were now gone. Closed without a sensation to indicate so and even a small scar that once dotted his elbow was now gone, leaving him only the memory of such an event. He did not have time to share this face with Nadiya in fact, seeing as an eruption of noise came from beyond the door that the maid had taken and a voice quickly followed. "Are you kidding? I tell them all the time.. no off hour orders, its hard enough being in charge for the meals of over three thousand people. But no... I have to cater to whoever missed their meal.. go.. get going." the voice was that of a woman's and soon the two were somewhat caught off guard with several crashing noises were following the flow of the conversation. Not to mention several loud metallic clashing sounds that proceeded as well.

Seth could smell a meal approaching and as he focused on the door in the back, the maids form began to push through with plates in hand. Aside from that though, that was not what drew the attention of the two. Instead it was the steak skewer that was sticking out of the poor woman's face, creating a very clean hole in the from of her veil and held secure by its lodging. Though it seemed that the maid was not bothered by this fact, instead all she did was approach the table and place the two plates in from of the two. Leaving them both to be dumbstruck with her condition while she turned to away and fixed them both a glass of tea. Only returning when she was done and placing them next to each respective plate, as a maid doing her proper work should do. She gave a slight bow before stepping back against the wall and stopping, as it was obvious she was waiting for the two to finish. The implement still jutting from the face of her veil, no blood, no discomfort to be found on her form.

The meals were rather decent, though it was easy to discern that it was the cooks prerogative to make them as such. A kind of pheasant, with cranberry sauce and mixed vegetables. Along with two sweet rolls and a small glass bowl of melted butter sitting between them both.

Luna

As the guards carried their small prize along the corridor, she began to realize that this was part of the path she took to escape from her own actions before. After leaving the body behind and trading on the armor of a guard, she had found her way up a level without realizing it and in the distance she could see several other guards standing off beside the door of a singular room, situated on the inner corner of the house. The sergeant grabs her by the shoulder and ushers in her through the open path between the guards and then through the door. She is met by the sight of both Kenner and Chlorra, standing over the remains of guard. As whats left of him is scattered throughout the room in a rather mixed fashion. As he turned to look at her, she noticed the sour look on his face, but also the look of reprehension. Almost like he were looking down on a child that had failed to follow the order of having a bed time.

Chlorra on the other hand is occupied with scooting a piece of what seems to be a hand, across the floor in the fashion of a cat flipping a small bug. Using the tip of her heeled shoe to give it motion, only looking over her shoulder for a moment as Kenner acknowledges Luna's arrival.

He looks her over as the image of spite begins to build on his face and turns an eye towards the sergeant. "Its alright sergeant, you can leave now.. and send the guards back on their rounds." She barely hesitates in her own response of an astute click of her heels and a nod f her head. Before pulling back through the door, leaving the young half breed with the master of the house and his estranged associate. "You don't even come close to deserving that armor." Kenner extends a finger and points at Luna, issuing a strange feeling of release that she immediately feels around her body and that's when she realizes the armor is falling away. The buckles and clasp unhook, letting the gloves and shin guards fall away. The leather and breastplate nearly turn to ash, slipping away from her body, only to reform and fall against the floor with a resounding clang.

He reaches forward to catch the helmet as it slips off her face in a similar fashion and then cradles the article of armor in his hands as he speaks."You have been found guilty after reviewing the evidence and I hereby decide you be remanded to trial... How do you plead against this verdict?" Running a finger across the brow of the mask for a moment as he looks on at her.

Before Petra could answer her question, Captain Stern clapped his hands, immediately capturing her attention. He requested that they followed him to their rooms. She stared a moment at the strange mask he wore. It seemed incredibly expensive, even for a captain of the guard, and more beautiful than any mask she'd ever seen. The golden blossoms looked strangely real even though they were made out of gold. She desperately wanted to reach out and touch it, but kept herself from doing so. At least that's one up side to this whole mess of a situation. She thought, "I can finally have some nice things of my own. However true, there was little feeling behind the thought.

She straightened her dress and brushed off the skirts as if standing there caused dust to gather on the fabric, held her head high like she was taught, and followed behind him. " Also, will we be meeting Master Kenner tonight or tomorrow morning?"

Her face is as stone cold and unforgiving as she can make it, but deep inside her core is shaking as the armour falls from her body. But a moment of insanity fills her as she gives a deep chuckle at his words of...deserving the armour. Like she would ever be caught wanting to done the same attire as "filthy weak swine". In an instant her eyes widen and sweat begins to form on her brow as she realizes she spoke that last bit of her honest thought aloud. Quickly she coughs to clear her throat and mind before trying to come to a conclusion about how to go about this. In her head she knew the smart thing to do would be to play it safe and admit to her deeds, maybe kiss some ass, take her punishment and deal, but that sounded so.....boring. Where was the rush, the exhilarations of defying what was probably the most powerful being she would ever see in her life?Yes it may mean certain death, but at least she would get off one last time on seeing his beautiful face marred by the signs of displea-wait what!

Luna blinked her eyes a few times as she realized how strangely she was thinking. The thoughts seemed to almost come from someone entirely different and with an accusing glare she looked to the strange woman she had meet in the library. Was she the one planting these in her head? It was possible, but Luna could not shake off the feeling that it felt almost, natural to think like this- like she was....becoming more free and lose. Her head began to feel woozy and the room felt like it was spinning and suddenly she felt a searing pain at the top of her head. It felt like something pushing pounding on the edges of her skull from within, as if her very thoughts were trying to explode from her very brain. An ear shattering scream shot out of her mouth as she dropped to her knees before the pair and rubbed the spots on her head that were hurting the most. But for some reason her hair felt extremely oily and upon further look she saw that her head was in fact bleeding profusely but she did not have much time to feel the full affects of horror as another surge of pain erupted, sending her into a full on crawling position at the foot of the man's feet as she felt something protruding from her head.

They were hard and smooth and thicker than her wrist, and then continued growing from inside her until they reached almost a foot from her head, ending in a sharp point that threatened to take the eye out of the Man as Luna stood back up with a low chuckle- eyeing the Man as she stood to full height, a bloody mess from head to toe. And in a voice, similar to her's but slightly ....off she licked her lips and replied.

"Not ...guilty."

Akhira tolerated the touch and direction that Faust was giving. Although she strongly disliked the Dragon. Dragon is too grand for this traitor. Lizard is a name that best befits him. "I must be honest, it is good to see another one of my kin here. Despite your apprehension I hope you come to enjoy what it is you find in this place.. so many possibilities." To say she was surprised would be an understatement. Yet, she hid the feeling, thinking that it would be better to watch where he was leading her.

Her memory already taking in the setting, making a mental map of the place, not including the doors she hadn't gone through just yet. "For now, I suggest you stow your anger and focus that potential into something more productive to your case. I would hate that Kenner might have to remove you from the house..." She made it look as if she wasn't paying attention, but she was. She had lived with Blackfire after all and had often did what she was doing now just to annoy him.

I'm so bored... Despite mapping her surroundings and listening to Faust, she was already itchin to be moving, exploring. And maybe even trying to start a fight... or finding out about that dog boy she saw earlier. I wonder if that insect is still alive. She was also thinking of the human woman who had gotten too close.

It was at that point that Akhira also thought about food. Her captives hadn't fed her at all since they caught her, which had been three days ago. It was also the reason she had been a bit more agitated when she first arrived here. Yet, she did not speak her mind or ask about food toward Faust since in her mind, he wasn't an equal, nor an ally. She wouldn't bother with asking him questions. She kept walking along, keeping her head low and mouth closed. Which was a bit of a first for her but she had a feeling that she'd be experiencing a lot of firsts here.

Petra & Annabelle

Stern looks back at the two as they all walk down the hall, several of the house attendants moving back and forth through their path. "Well that would normally be the case when things go well in the day, however the master is busy dealing with some disciplinary functions at the moment and I do know that there is going to be a gathering of all the new faces tomorrow." He scratches the underside of his chin as he talks, keeping step with the others. "All of these new and fascinating faces... It makes me miss the old days when such a high daily intake was normal." The group entering the central concourse of the house, its rotund shape and large spiraling stairs letting high amounts of foot traffic move, without being impeded by one another. Many of which were the house maids, switching different shifts and making their way through the house at a quick pace. Stern looks back over his shoulder and addresses the two with him "I do have one word of caution for you, especially since the two of you are new arrivals. If anyone offers you something, such as a deal or a trade of some sort. I suggest not taking it.. there are plenty of members here that are quite keen to take advantage of newer individuals."

After the three make their way through the concourse and into the latter end of the hall, Stern stops at a length of doors that lead to the elevator at the far end and he stopped. "These rooms are just for tonight, though I do suggest when you get it.. don't hesitate to make yourselves at home. If your still hungry, a bell can be found in the top of the desk near your bed. One sound wring and all you have to do is give your request to the maid that comes along." He gives the two of them a slight bow and heads towards the elevator at the end of the hall, bidding the girls farewell for the time being.

Akhira

After a short distance, there came a scent so sweet to Akhira's nose that it was nearly overpowering. Like she was sticking her head into a beehive for the first time, on the apatite of a hungry bear. The smell causes her to crane here head for a moment in order to catch more of the aroma wafting through the hall and Faust catches the look that passes over her. "You like that? The fighters have their own kitchen and thanks to the apatite of our cook, we always have more than enough to eat." He leads her through a door on the edge of the hall and it opens to a large dinning area with three large, elongated tables. Dishes covering covering a majority of the first and seats circling the adjoining two. Glistening meats and breads, surrounding with coils of fruits and large cups, made for similarly large hands it seemed. Picking up one of the cups and taking a deep swig of the drink inside, Faust looked back at Akhira. "Go ahead, feast.. its late and I'm sure you can use something to eat before night comes. Besides, your a member of the house now and this is just as much your as it is ours.." Even though the room was large and the food was abundant, Akhira could see that some others had been there in the time before she and Faust had arrived. Several plates sat at the end of the nearest table, with spent bones and fruit husk. Several maids in the middle of cleaning the area of the last meals revelry.

Luna

Kenner looks down at Luna as she takes to her feet, a sly look sitting on the edge of his face as he eyes her with a wry smile. "Oh.. how quaint, looks like your horns have finally come in. Am I to take this as a sign that you've thrown away your humanity at last? I mean that doesn't really bother me in the least, I could always find a place for you in such a case." He looks down and skims the edge of the helmet in his hands as he gives Chlorra a short glance. "But such an appeal is going to fall on def ears, seeing the evidence stacked against you're case." He holds the helmet aloft and strikes the rim with a sound hit of his finger, causing a flat tone to wring out into the room. In response the door shuts behind Luna and the lights begin to dim as a form takes place near the center of the room. It was the form of a guard, buckling his armor, comprised of ashen smoke. Moving in a slow haze as he began to get his gear straight and finally taking a moment to put his helmet on.

Only for another form to enter from the opposite side of the room and it was easy to discern who's form it was, despite the slight haze. Luna's hair and eyes were more than enough of a badge to betray her quick movement's as she descended upon the back of the guard, taking him down with a quick ferocity and a severe gleam in her eyes. The two images dissolved into nothingness as soon as the guards head was split with a second strike and lights lifted to show Luna a stern resolve in the face before her.

"I never will understand why my hospitality is turned down.. but I guess its just my nature to not know such things."

It was at that moment that Luna realized she had missed something, the fact that Chlorra was not within her view. She had sneaked away in her usual fashion and now she could feel a strong sense of tension building in her spine. As if something were building to a bursting point. The feeling boiled over when she felt an incredibly strong grip take hold of her from behind. She tries to spring from the hold, but there is a strength holding her the like of which she had never known. She looks on at Kenner, who's expression remains unchanged as he gazes back. "I leave her to you my dear and with some hope Luna, you may just escape." Luna feels the cold touch of Chlorra's mask on the side of her face as the dark woman hugs her, holding tighter than even the most dire of lovers and she begins to feel a slick, wet feeling against her back.

As she looks over her shoulder, craning her neck as hard as she can. It becomes apparent that she is becoming part of the woman behind her, as now most of her hind quarters are being consumed by Chlorra's midsection. Small tendrils of dark ooze pooling forward as they writhe around Luna's legs and coil around her arms to hold as tight as the rest of the experience. Her struggling become lesser as more and more of her body disappears into the dark depths of wherever it is she is going. Soon only her head remained, jutting from below the crux of Chlorra's sternum, like some weird growth. With both hands held tightly over her face to push her in as Kenner's face finally showed some sign of a sombre note. Only for the silence to be broken by the dark woman's twisted voice as Luna's world became dark. "I think your going to be my favorite..."

Annabelle looked around the halls as they walked and made mental notes of all the turns, how many doors, etc. She wasn't planning on escaping, but if the need ever arose to hide, she would need to know these details in case she got lost or... someone made sure she was lost. She nearly snorted at the idea of accepting an offer from anyone in the house, trade or otherwise. The only deal she planned on making with anyone who lived in the home was with Master Kenner. Whomever he instructed her to deal with after that, she would do so with little question. The questions would still be there though.

When they stopped at her room, she made notes on how far the door was down the corridor, how many doors, etc so she would know where it was. It was a big manner house and she knew there were more than ordinary people inside. Being lost in here was not an option she wanted to pursue. She opened the door and stepped inside, marveling at how grand it was. The bed looked so comfortable she was sure she could sleep for a week. She turned and bowed a little at the Captain and Petra, bid them goodnight before shutting the door behind her.

It was a big room, though she was sure there were bigger with an adjoining bathing chamber and some comfy chairs to lounge in. She caught sight of the bell on the table and immediately ignored it. She couldn't imagine eating right now. It was still raining outside and she could hear the soft pattering on the glass of the window behind the curtains. She laid back on her bed, surprised at how exhausted she felt as she was so nervous to meet the man that would change the course of her life forever. She closed her eyes and focused on the sound of the rain and was soon carried off to sleep.

Her companion's words earned a dismissive wave of her hands and head, prompting the country girl to reassure the wolf boy. "Oh please don't think that! It's really no trouble, you can't help it that you were so badly hurt! If anything you should be resting and waiting for someone to bring you food." Such a polite young man! Nadiya hoped he was ok to walk around as he was, and kept close just in case he should collapse or need assistance.

The answer to her curiosity earned a small gasp of shock, looking over at the male in disbelief. Nadiya felt her eyes widen at the words from the wolf tailed young man, a hand to her lips in shock. Blood? Why on earth would Aemon give the young man blood? That sounded horrible, and sent a slight shudder of revulsion down her spine. Could it actually be blood? But blood had a very distinctive scent and taste, so she couldn't imagine mistaking anything for the liquid.

Still sufficiently disturbed by the revelation, Nadiya looked upon the dining hall with awe, not even seeing the maid vanish into the kitchens. She soon found herself worried again, glancing uncertainly over at the kitchen door as agitated shouting could be heard. She really didn't want to be a bother, and the cook's complaints were perfectly valid. "Perhaps we should say something...?" she murmured softly, debating going inside and telling them she didn't need food now.

Before she had the chance to make her final decision and approach the servants, the maid from before came out with plates and tea. But to Nadiya's horror, a steak skewer was protruding from the veiled face of the maid, a mortified gasp escaping her lips at the sight. Why was she so calm?! She stared in shock at the poor maid as she brought out food and continued as if nothing was amiss. No blood could be seen, nor was the mysterious woman showing any sign of pain, but the sight finally prompted Nadiya to stand up and approach- inwardly scolding herself for not reacting quicker when the maid was in obvious need of help!

"Miss! Please sit down at once! You musn't ignore such an injury!" Nadiya looked to the wolf boy, about to ask him for some supplies when she realized he didn't know either- he was just as new as she was. Facing the maid once more, she tried to keep herself calm and composed- just as she did with her siblings. It wouldn't help anyone to be anxious in such a situation. If she was anxious, she couldn't show it. "Where can I get some towels and bandages? I'll help you, so please don't worry...it'll be ok."

The young woman was so focused on trying to tend to the wounded maid that she even failed to notice others arriving in the dining hall.

Seth sat down in a seat as the maid motioned and waited patiently. His ears twitched before he heard the loud yelling and clanging of metal. When Nadiya asked if they should do something, he could only look at her innocently and shrug; he had no clue what they were even aloud or not aloud to do. Perhaps the kitchen was an off limits area he thought. But he did consider that poking his head in and dismissing any food that was about to be prepared wouldn't hurt.... But he was too late, as the maid came back to the door. Once the maid was through the door, he didn't notice at first the protusion, perhaps because it was directly aimed at him and made it far less visible? But he certainly heard his companions sounds of horror. He looked to her and asked, "what's wrong!?" Before looking back to the maid to ask her something when he finally noticed the skewer as well. Shocked at first, he started to realize something. He was on the tip of discovery, but couldn't quite reach it. But he was aware of one fact; these maid were not 100% natural humans. Something had been modified or these beings were not of the human race to begin with. Which was the case, he was not sure of. But if something didn't bleed, it was certainly not a human anymore.

He saw Nadiya look back at him, like she was about to ask something and dismissed her own thought. She began trying to ask the maid questions so she may help, which was nice. To show compassion to every thing, good or evil, living or not, this girl seemed like a factory for the stuff. She was the kindest person he had ever met in his life. Rivaling even.... his head started to sting, memories trying to surface but trapped, as if the surface were glazed over by a thick ice. He pushed it aside and spoke to her.

"Miss Nadiya, I can understand how you feel entirely, but I don't think normal first aid will this person; I think we can do almost nothing to help, but I don't think this maid requires our help either. She appears to be doing very well for someone in her position. Perhaps we should hurry and eat so that she may take us to wherever our quarters are and let her leave. The master may be upset if she doesn't complete her duties and I don't want to get her in trouble. But the longer we take the longer she has to stay waiting on us. It would be better for her if we were to hurry." He tried to give a warm smile, sort of succeeding. He knew that if Nadiya was true to her nature, she might be upset with his decision, but that this was the best way to go in order for the maid to be left alone to fix herself or see whoever took care of these maids as soon as possible, and to not get her in trouble with whoever was in charge here. He thought the latter might just be worse than the first, calling on his experience with his previous 'masters,' who did far worse for far less provocation. Master was a term he would be fearful of and try to stay away from now.

He began to eat his food in large bites, trying to hurry. Before long it was all gone, finishing with the glass of tea. For a moment, he thought he had taken food or drink down the wrong tube as he once heard a human say, as he started to cough and felt something in his throat. He covered his mouth and the coughing eventually went away. But, it left behind a trace in the form of a small splotch of red on his hand. He grimaced, but realized Nadiya may notice and immediately put his hand in his lap with the other over top of it and lost his previous expression, trying to replace it with a happier one. "I'll have to go see aemon later... might be another side effect...." he whispered to himself.

Petra raised her eyebrow at Annabelle's forwardness and question, but she was prevented from responding by Stern.As they began walking, the captain continued talking to them and droned on about the diversity and history of Raven Home before warning them about making any deals or transactions with other inhabitants. She gave a small grin at this; her family would most definitely enjoy living here. At the same time she wondered with interest of how Annabelle would survive in this place if the incompetence of her father ran in the family. "Thank you for your advice Captain Stern, I will be sure to keep it in mind." Eventually they arrived at the rooms for the night and began parting ways. Returning Annabelle's bow with a curt nod of her head, she stepped into her own room and closed the door. It was a decent room, smaller than the one she had been raised in for the first half of her life, but still somehow more inviting than her childhood room. The bell that Stern promised sat on the table, and she briefly considered using it before deciding that it was too late to eat and there wasn't much she wanted at the moment. Looking around the room, she found a mirror and took of the cloth covering her missing eye and stared at the empty hole; in just a few years since she originally left home, she had a missing eye, ragged countenance. and a desire to die. For now , the Raven Home had sparked enough curiosity to spark a small flame in her again, but she did not know how long that would last. After cleaning her eye and retying the cloth, she decided to sit on one of the chairs and look out the window into the storm outside until she dozed off. Who knows, maybe tomorrow's meeting with the 'Master Kenner' would be able to give some meaning to all of this mess.

---

Kenner stood on the stage with Chlorra off to his side, her form sitting perched on a singular stool near the circles center. As her master lightly paced back and forth as the last of the new house members were lead in and sat down, his calm smile keeping them all appraised. Only when Akhira was lead in and the other guards lead away, did they shut the large stone door that now was apparently the only way in and out of this room, did Kenner speak. "Welcome everyone.. to the circus. This place is were everyone of importance gathers in times of crisis to have their own voice heard. So I believe it is best to perform my own kind of orientation for any new members of the house, as well as letting each of get to see the faces of your new family."

"I am Kenner and I am the lord of this house, all begins and ends with my word."

Chlorra stood and placed a hand on his shoulder for a moment and the two shared a short gesture before she approached the group and her voice began to fill the room. "Like it or not, all of you are now property of this home. However there is no problem with that, despite how the rest of the country is cramming their rhetoric down the throats of the current populace. A place shall be found for you and a life shall be forged from this place that not only will benefit you, but any you may serve in the future. In fact, there are many who serve here in Raven Home that are now free.. because they served dutifully." She holds out a finger in exposition and displays it as if it were a warning. "Breaking the rules of the house are punishable offenses, however if you betray this family... then it is something worse that awaits you." She rubs a hand over her stomach as she says this, like a woman cradling new life that sits and waits. Kenner walks up behind her and reaches around her waist, holding her in a loving display for the group to see.

"Simple rules for a simple system.. do not harm another member of this house and do not steal from another member of this house. This includes lying before any of you are going to be inclined to ask." He walks around Chlorra before addressing the whole group more closely."Are there any question before we begin."

Luna

The sensation of what Luna just experienced was enough to keep her down and out for some time. Though its hard for her now to understand if what happened to her, caused her to faint or merely fall asleep. She was coming out of it now and the world was beginning to come into view. A gigantic column of light was shining down, far in front of her for what seemed to be several miles away. This light illuminated a large mass of land that was simply floating in front of her, something that seemed to like an island. With streams of water and vast amounts of lush vegetation siting on its sprawling land. She would try to reach out for the vision, but realize that her arms were not able to do so and in fact, neither were her legs able to move. She looked down to see that her body was nearly entirely embedded in the side of a massive tree. She could see that it extended down for what seemed to be an eternity and when looking up, the top went on for just as far. Being consumed at both ends by unending darkness that she could barely pierce with her own focused vision.

Her eyes scanned the region around her and she could see that the island in the center was being encircled by thousands of trees just like the one she was stuck within and if she tried. Her eyes could make out similar forms protruding from the sides of the others, some flailing and screaming unheard voices. Others so quiet and motionless, it was hard to gather if their were even alive. Her attention was seized when a large dark bird came crashing down on a nearby limb, the flap of its wings brushing her face with stale air and dust.

The bird was like that of a large crow, with slick black feathers and a dark ash beak. Its dark crystal like eyes looking deeply into Luna's as it spoke, using a voice that she could all too easily recognize as Chlorra's. "Good morning little horn and welcome to the island."

Annabelle woke to a soft knock at her door. She groaned, exhausted from the day before. To her, it seemed, she had merely shut her eyes before the knock sounded. With bleary eyes she gazed about her dark room. What time was it? The knock came once more only it had increased in volume and someone called her name. "Just a minute" she called horsley. She waked to her window and pulled back the curtains. Immediately regretting it, she closed them in order to block out the bright sun as it lit up the world and bounced off glass and metal in the city. She looked around the room and found a green dress laid out for her on the ottoman. It was soft to the touch and light. A nice spring dress, Annabelle would've guessed.

She dressed as quickly as she could and combed her fingers through her hair. It was still a bit of a mess and, under normal circumstances, she wouldn't appear before the master looking like this, but these were not normal circumstances. She sighed and went to the door where a servant was waiting to escort her. She thought about asking where they were going, but decided to stay quiet. Her stomach growled and she silently hoped it was to breakfast. Unfortunately, they had passed the dining room (or what looked like the dining room) and continued until they reached a rather large room full of pillars. There were comfy looking chairs and a large stage on one side of the room. There were others there already including two people on the stage, a man and woman, both beautiful and graceful. Her stomach was in knots as the room grew quiet and the man began to speak.

She wasn't entirely surprised to find the man to be Master Kenner, but the woman beside him... was she his wife? He seemed to adore her and it warmed Annabelle's heart a little to see. A man who loves a woman like that, to be so gentle, has to be a good man. Maybe the rumors were wrong? Then the words hit her. Something worse? What was worse? Annabelle was sure it was many things, but the way she spoke frightened the girl just a little bit.

Seth awoke to a loud knock at his door. At first, his eyes were nearly glued shut. He barely managed to open them, and when he did, it felt like someone was trying to force them closed by hand. It took enormous effort just to keep them open and stay awake. Where am I? he wondered. Everything that happened the day before was a blur to him, like a dream. He couldn't grasp what had happened. However, the moment he tried to move pain shot throughout his body at various levels of strength and he began to remember what had happened. His attackers showing up at some mansion, being helped to some sort of infirmary, being treated, and being fed. A face popped up at almost every memory that came to mind about yesterday, and it made him want to smile. It was a soft, warm face of a very kind woman.

He was broken free from his thoughts as someone knocked once again. He sat up to try to answer and immediately regretted it. His whole body was insanely sore. Maybe it was too much to ask for a little bit of blood to heal someone, who was so close to death that it was breathing down their neck, back to full health instantly. Surely there was some kind of price to pay for getting your health back. Presumably, in this case, it was intense pain. Eventually, a third knock forced him to power through the pain and stand, walking to the door awkwardly and opening it. The moment he turned the handle, he opened it about 8 inches before slamming it, apologizing loudly for how rude he was. He forgot that he went out his window the night before without clothes on to sit in the rain, a common practice of his. He tried to find something to dry his hair and some clothes to put on, which he found a set that looked oddly like what he would normally wear. After putting it on, he opened the door again, this time ready to go. He couldn't help but feel awkward on the trip all the way to a large room with many seats and a rather big stage. He never got a chance to see the guards face, but he was sure they were scowling at him....

Once he reached the large room, there were many people already inside. They ranged in appearance, not many looking like another. Scanning them, he did not see the girl from earlier and he was very sad to say the least. His ears drooped and his head hung low before his nose and ears twitched. He looked up and spotted the girl this time! He was so happy that his tail wagged and he almost started to pant, though he refused to do something so embarrassing in front of all these people; He managed to catch himself as he started to. But his tail, he could not stop. He was too delighted. When she looked in his direction, he gave a shy wave, hoping to be seen, but a little more apprehensive and shy than last night since the drug had worn off.... he was a little bit less open and more afraid. She was the equivalent of a loving mother or sister in his situation; never in his life had anyone been so kind, and now he didn't know how to react to it.

But before anything could really happen between them, the man in the middle of the room spoke up and his gaze shifted to him instantly. The man looked calm and kind. However, Seth hated him almost the moment he saw him. He couldn't understand his own distaste for the man. Why did he hates someone he had never met before? Was there something about him that made his instincts scream, trying to tell Seth something about him? He had a scent that seemed average among human men, he sounded like a normal man, he looked normal, he hadn't felt or tasted him but he was fairly sure that those sense would tell him he was normal too, so why? Then he noticed the woman next to him. It wasn't Kenner, the master he had learned he was, that he hated. It was the woman. She was practically radiating evil. Seth didn't know about his mother so he was unaware why he could tell, but because of his mother, he could sense the evil. Not just from her, but from within her too. What was in her, though, he couldn't possibly know. Only that she was giving off hate, lust, death and many more things that he did not like. He decided it would be best to avoid that woman if at all possible for now. The man, he decided, did not deserve his dislike as his opinion of him changed once he knew what he felt and where to direct his negativity. He listened quietly throughout his introduction to his new family.....

"Wait, family!?!?" Seth never knew what it was like to have one and was blown away.... this could be the experience of a lifetime for him. He covered his mouth and tried to hush his words as best as he could while Kenner continued on.... "Sorry," he whispered quietly, "my bad....."

Akhira yawned wearily as she followed the guard in front of her, trying to not appear interest in anything as she didn't have the most the restful sleep. This was mostly due to her pride as the night before, she didn't eat the food that had been provided. She instead sat and waited until she wasn led her to her room. Where she had taken one look at the bed and grabbed the blankets and pillows to make a nest on the floor at the far corner of the room. She then fell into a restless sleep.

Much to her surprise, woke to hear someone knocking on the door. It had taken her awhile to shrug off the blankets and open the door, but she did and immediately Guards then began to lead her away, not giving her a chance to even change her clothes. Not that she cared about how others saw her, especially how she looked in the mornings since being beautiful something she never to had to try to be, she just was always beautiful. If anything, she was more adorable looking in the mornings anyways. Perhaps it was her size or her sapphire eyes, but she did look more like a pre-teen human that glowed life. What terrible misfortune for those that would think it to be heavenly to pat her head, thinking she may bestow them with a cute and adoring look in return.

Not minding how others saw her, Akhira grumbled out growls when she was led to a sort of stage room, where upon Kenner appeared with that... Witch and began to speak. It was hard for her to listen to his speech while also taking in the sight of... the others... (She could never think of them as family or even friends.)

Although she was pretty good at ignoring the other beings and trying to keep her stomach from grumbling... She did however notice dog-boy from earlier, as well as the insect that had gotten in her way earlier.

Akhira began to make her way to them... and yet... there were others in her way... Particularly a female human in a green dress. Akhira hummed out a low purr and her scales on her head shimmered softly and before she could even speak a word, she was interrupted by dog-boy. "Wait, family!?!?" This was quickly followed by an apology from him and Akhira finally caught all of the words that Kenner had been speaking.

She turned sharply, and glared fiercely at him. Her heart was being wrenched about just then. She had no family and she didn't want a family, muchless be a part of one. It was insane. She couldn't even stand that... mistress witch of his and now he thinks they can just become a family?! A low growl was working its way up her throat and much to her credit, was able to stop it from turning into a snarl. Great, just great.

Babble

The night passed. As usual this was one of those nights where Babble wasn't tired enough to get any sleep. Ordinarily it was because he could constantly hear everything rattling on around him, so much snoring. In this case it was because he was squished into a box. This effect resulted in an amplification in power as ordinarily he was spread too thinly to maintain this level of prescience. As it was even the sound of the blood squishing about in his veins would of been maddening, more so than usual.

Thankfully he was able to maintain a powerful zone of silence with his magnified control over the sound within this small area. The silence was a result of his sound meeting the waves at equal length and height, cancelling both sounds out. While this meant Babble could live in a bubble of beautiful silence this also meant he needed to maintain it in order to preserve this precarious peace he built. Such is what he did throughout the entire night. He simply sat on the ground, his eyes closed as he let his mind empty of all thoughts. The only thing that remained was his concentration as it maintained the Golden Sound.


When the guards approached his door he did not hear them knock. When the guards entered his room he did not hear them approach. When the guards picked him up by his arms and dragged him from the room he did not hear them trying in vain to talk through the Golden Sound. As he approached the hall he couldn't hear the guards fussing over matters such as how could they not speak or that strange feeling which had crawled into their bodies.

The human body is accustomed to the sound pressure from latent sound present from all around. It relies on sound for a number of functions both emotional and physiological. The first sensation to of effected the guards was a feeling of something softly squeezing their heads. It was by no means harmful but definitely disconcerting. Without even the noises their own bodies constantly made, noises that are ordinarily drowned out by the overlaying background audio that is life, the instruments in their ears started straining to no avail. The fluid which determined their balance was now askew somewhat making their walking awkward. The body constantly uses sound to assist in physically navigating environments. As such this experience wasn't even just like going deaf. It was akin to being sealed in a true vacuum, only with gravity performing normally and they could still breath.


Needless to say both guards were quite unhappy overall. They were eager to be rid of Babble, shoving him in quite brusquely so as to put as much distance between them and him as possible. He couldn't blame them. There wasn't any reason to blame them either. He didn't care. Casual cruelty was practically kindness compared to the state of which he was accustomed to.

With the guards having escaped the oppressive silence to return into normality all that was left was Babble, the people and Kenner... Oh yes and Chlorra. It would be hard to forget her, especially after what she did. Not only did he remember what she had done but he was trapped in it's effect even now. Stuck like a moth in a spider's web all he could do was cocoon himself in hope of putting something between him and the wages the world would have on his poor mind.


Distantly he could hear the howling noise. Even with his power condensed as it was the sound of Kenner's being was still louder than Babble's Golden Sound. As far as any other sounds were concerned there was just a perfect field of absolute silence around him, eliminating all noise up to the distance set for him by Chlorra. Kenner's voice was also distant, like the howling which accompanied him always as far as he knew, and he could hardly make out what the words were. He tried to listen but at the same time he knew if he lowered his silence the power of Kenner's voice would cut right through him. He hadn't the skill nor the confidence to adjust the silence around him with any measure of delicacy. The techniques he used before were still the same but it was like going from wielding a sledgehammer to wielding a teaspoon. If he used the same amount of effort to manipulate the field as he used to he'd wind up switching right over from silent to even more loud which he was fairly sure would hurt him greatly.

So with his Golden Sound keeping him safe he sat cross legged on the floor in between the seats, looking up at the stage while waiting for something resembling a command or perhaps a creative new punishment for Babble. After all, what else was Babble good for except for hurting? That was how the world was, simply enough.


As for everyone else he couldn't hear where they even where let alone what they were saying. His eyes were transfixed on Kenner in the hopes that some sort of message might come across so he couldn't even see what the other members of this new family he didn't even know had formed looked like. He just sat there, still clad in the bloodstained straitjacket and patient's pants he arrived in. His arms were wrapped around his body, not tethered by any means but each arm was tucked under each armpit nonetheless. He was simply staring, mouth flat in a dull line without expression. His eyes were looking with their deep dark circles underneath from all the sleep he never had.

Out of them all none looked like more of a prisoner than he and he didn't just look like one.

I am one.

Every inch and cranny of Luna's body felt sore and beaten, yet she could not see anything but her torso jetting from the large oak wood tree that imprisoned her. The numbing pain had even invaded her senses, making the light off in the distance feel like a thousand burning suns screaming at her brain through her eyeballs, and the sound of the she-witch echoing from the crow felt like a thousand needles piercing her ears. With a grown she squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head slowly in hopes of healing herself in some way, and to a certain extent, it did. When she opened her eyes again she was able to take in the full extreme view of her new world, and it both amazed and frightened her all at the same time. Was this all inside of the woman, or was the woman herself some portal that she had been sucked in through? At the thought of being sucked in her last known memories from last night flood her mind as the truth hits her with its presence. She had come no closer to gaining knowledge that would grant her power. Nor did she keep her promise to her old wizard teacher to keep her demon side in check, no, all she had done was dig her own peaceful but still very hellish nightmare. However, like a saving grace one of the teachings that the old wizard gave her came to mind "If all else seems to fail, asks questions, they often-time lead to a way out." With a nod of her head she cleared her throat with pain and looked over to the crow.

"W-Where am I? What island is this? Why am I in this tree?"

As if to prove her point she tries to pull her right arm from the tree and quickly finds that she can't, which does not surprise her in the least bit. With a sigh she puts that objective to the side and uses the moment to gather all the things around her with a more thorough glance. She can now make out other people in trees such as herself, and even further observations lets her know that they are not all human. Many are of other races, some known, some unknown, but for the life of her she can't find any who look to be of the demon race such as herself. With a strange laugh she thinks to herself, "Guess that makes me special."

Looking down her eyes finally notice the lush green scenery below, with its rolling hills and vegetable gardens that seemed to be manually kept up with immaculate care. In her mind she instantly sets it as the place she wants to be in the near future, If she can think of a way to remove herself from the tree without plummeting to her death, or an endless fall into the darkness below her. There appears to be no sky above or any other source of light besides the shining white beam way above her and with a slant of her eyes she makes note to asks about it to the bird once it answers her initial questions.

The sudden knock at the door made Petra wake up with a start, and she immediately attempted to grab a weapon. After a brief moment of panic, Petra remembered where she was now and began to calm down. " I will be right out in a little while." she replied to the knocker. It seemed to satisfy them since they stopped knocking, so Petra got out of the chair and groped her way around the room. At some point during the night, someone had put in a change of clothes and an eye patch out for her to wear, and this made Petra nervous and a little frightened. This meant that there was someone or something skilled enough to make it into her room without alerting her, and could easily have killed her. Of course, Petra reasoned to herself, perhaps she was just getting tired of having knee jerk reactions and was getting sluggish and fatigued. She didn't pay attention to what the clothing that had been given to her was since she doubted it mattered; if the master of the house wanted her to wear them she would, there was no point in testing the waters on something so little. With one last look in the mirror to adjust her eye patch, Petra opened the door and was led through the rooms and halls until she arrived in a room with an assortment of other people and...things. The guard left her to her own devices and she scanned through the faces until she recognized the James girl--Anna-something was it? Walking up besides Annabelle, Petra decided to have a little fun in the morning. Resting an arm on Annabelle's shoulder, she asked the person she presumed to be the legendary Master Kenner, "Oh I do just have one question Master Kenner, if I may. What exactly could possibly be worse than death, or what some of us have already faced?" She suppressed a grin and looked very seriously at Kenner, wondering if he would give an answer that would unsettle Annabelle and other less..composed indivuals in the room. Still, she was starting to feel a very unsettling feeling of her from both Kenner and the woman next to him. Both were likely powerful mages, if the stories were true, and mages who abused their power for their own end.

It took a while for Nadiya to calm down from the sight of a skewer sticking from the maid's face, but after much fretting and some coaxing from the wolf-tailed boy, she finally began to resume her normal composure- albeit somewhat anxiously. Her companion did have a point- the servant didn't seem in the least bit concerned: she wasn't bleeding, nor were there any signs of suffering. It was with some reluctance she let the issue drop at last, somehow managing to eat.

-------------------------------------

Nadiya followed the guard as requested, wondering what it was that she was being led to. She debated asking the guard about it, but refrained from doing so. This world was much different than what she was used to, and she wasn't entirely sure what was proper. What if she inadvertently offended her escort?

The large room she was led to earned a small gasp of surprise, taken away by the vastness of what could only be described as an auditorium of sorts. It was elegant and yet built with comfort and purpose in mind. The room was filled with a decent sized crowd, and more individuals continued to enter. The young woman glanced around, searching for any familiar faces (though she wouldn't expect many). Feeling more than slightly apprehensive in such strange surroundings and without any companions, she caught sight of someone waving...at her? Looking carefully, she noticed it was the young man from the day before. He looked better than before, and she waved back, smiling at him in relief. Perhaps she would talk to him later.

A minute later, the dragon-girl from before was led into the room,and the door was closed with an audible thud. Nadiya looked up at the stage to see the master of the house, and the eerie woman from before. She frowned, recalling how the woman had attacked the dragon- girl the day prior, and seeing her again was unpleasant. What kind of person was that? Unfortunately, it seemed she and the Master Kenner were very close- cozy even. She wondered about his taste. It was not any of her business, obviously, but she couldn't help but be slightly unnerved by his apparent fondness for the violent woman. Even if there was another side to the creepy individual, it would not be easy for Nadiya to overlook her other actions.

Nadiya returned her attention to Kenner as he began to speak. A welcoming assembly for new servants it seemed. His words were strong and sure, but they were reasonable enough. She had assumed his word was law, so no surprise there. And it was convenient to bring them together to get acquainted with the others.

Nadiya's amenability began to wither as soon as the woman began to speak, nearly cringing at the words. Her mannerisms were far more unpleasant, and Nadiya felt her anxiety and doubts begin to return. What exactly had she gotten herself into? Surely the master didn't assume they would act like criminals? She would have to make sure her situation was understood! She wasn't going to act out. And she had yet to discuss a price- so perhaps if he couldn't give her family enough, she'd try to find a soluton elsewhere.

Soon enough, the master had said his piece, and she immediately stood up, ready to approach Kenner regardless of his proximity to the unpleasant woman. Before she could make good on her desire to clarify her situation, one of the people gathered voiced a question, and Nadiya found herself facing the pair on stage with rapt attention, wary of the answer.

As the question left Petra, Kenner was at her side of the platform and ready to answer. The look on his face showing a certain amount of enjoyment that she was able to ask in the first place, or for the fact that she had the nerve to do so as quickly as she did. "Give it some time around the house and I believe you will see more than enough of what I am talking about."
Kenner looked on at the group as he smiled and rubbed his hands together at the responses he managed to illicit. Walking to a small sway in his step as he reached the outer edge of the platform and gleamed over the others, giving a small clap in a moment of torpid excitement. "I had hoped that all of you could be here this morning, however its unfortunate that more than one has had confinement made necessary. It is good however that a majority are able to continue with the proceedings, as usual there is always one or two that make the transition difficult." He gives Akhira a small sideways glance before returning his view to the who group and Chlorra can be heard behind him, issuing a lurid array of giggles. As the two of them shared a moment of comedy between one another, a fact that Akhira was more than aware of emanated from her own expense.

"I do have some rather high hopes as to how you will all choose to acclimate to life in this home of ours. So little is it that we manage to get such new blood in from time to time and I can say with assurance that the others will be happy for the new faces as well." He adds a finger to his words, as if to point out a fact for the others to take in. "I will tell you this however, seeing that several of you are not entirely safe for the household.. do not be surprised if you see guards shadowing your movements through the house."

"It is merely just a precaution and nothing more than that."


Chlorra says nothing as Kenner explains this, shrugging lightly as Seth catches her in his view. Only for Kenner to continue speaking "You will all have a few minutes to converse between one another here, before the bell tolls and the days activities begins."

Luna

The dark bird leans over Luna's shoulder as she was only able to adjust the angle of her neck and head "This place is mine little demon, a virtual home away from home if you will." The bird spoke, echoing forth voices that belonged to Chlorra.
It was then that Luna could tell that the bird itself was not entire correct in his shape, in fact the whole form was misshapen and unnatural for something that a normal creature would have. Twisted joints, crooked bones and feathers that were more than likely made from a pitch colored goo that clung to its body. The idea of how this creature could even hold flight was beyond her at the present moment. Then again she was suspended within a tree that had either no end or beginning, in a void surrounding a lush island. So it was possible that reality took side coach to everything else here.

"You have been put here as punishment for killing a member of the house.. despite the fact he will not remain gone forever. I was tasked with giving you a small test and if you pass the test, you go free."

The very sight of the bird made Luna shiver in fear and imagine hurling into the dark void below her, but she knew that doing such a thing would only put her at a psychological disadvantage to the strange thing. "And what would that test be my dear little swan", she replied without a second thought as she mentally planned out ways that she may escape from the tree and land on the lush island down below. "Do I have to appeal to your owner's humanity and prove that I'm gonna be a good little demon from now on hmmm?" she said in a high-pitched and overly cheery voice. A second later she had to bite her lip hard to keep from laughing out loud.

The large avian predator looms over Luna as she remains stuck into the trunk of the massive tree and chirps in a mild tone at the young demons reply. "Oh the Master has no interest in you being good in all respects.. he just wants you to behave and follow the rules. I mean.. take me into account here.." A light cackling could be heard in the back of that statement. "He doesn't really wish to change who you are, just your attitude.. and maybe your manners as well." The bird goes to preening itself for a moment before looking back down at Luna and craning its head, only to look off into the distance ahead of them and peer across the island.

"Do you like the view? This is my very own creation.. thirteen square miles of serene beauty." The birds voice begins to trail off as it keeps looking, as though being lost in thought were its only concern for the moment. As it looked back onto Luna, the young demon could feel something stirring. Not something that could be seen, though she could feel something moving across her skin in the body of the tree and it was easy to tell that such a sensation could come from only the hands of another. Or in her case, the hands of several others combing over her form within the dark mass. "Within the center of the island is a pool of water, a fresh pond of dark liquid that writhes with the power that is me. All you must do is make it to the pool and submerge yourself, only then will you be returned home." Luna then felt the sensation of hands being wrapped around the whole of her legs, several strong grips holding her tighter than the most fervent of lovers. All at once the hands pulled, slowly drawing her body deeper into the trunk and the wood of the tree liquefied to comply with the passage.

The bird leaped from its perch from above her head and called out as her vision began to go dark once again. "Do not worry for company my dear, I always keep the island well stocked for entertainment." And so it left her, darkness consuming her vision and mind once again as she could feel her body being moved from one place and along towards the next. Straining her eyes she could see dim figures swimming her through the darkness, wretched, wraith like forms that seemed emaciated beyond their very cores. With eyes that turned to screen her body as they moved, small lights like the last ember of a great fire refusing to die sat deep within their sockets.

Ahead she could see a dim light that was piercing the veil of this strange world she was currently inhabiting, and its rays caused the creatures holding her to loosen. Only the strongest of them remained to carry her forward and plunge her into the light, tearing it like a great womb among the world and she was spit from this place. Her body falling from a large rip in the flesh of yet another great tree, but one that sat among the island. Her face was greeted by the lush grass that came rushing up to meet it, the fresh air of this place assaulting her senses. As she managed to write herself she could tell that the air her was fresh and vibrant, in fact it was even more so than the world she had recently been plucked from. Surrounded by lush plumb trees in full bloom, sitting within a large open patch of grass and only dark wood of the tree behind her was what seemed out of place.

All she had to do was make it to this pool somewhere within the center of the island. This was the only instruction given to her in from the creature before, but it was doubtful that was all she needed to know.

Nadiya swallowed hard as Kenner replied, vaguely suggesting that they would eventually find out, whether as a witness or as a subject of such things- what punishments were worse than death. A shudder ran down her spine, her doubts struggling to combat her will and desire to ensure a better life for her family back home. She only hoped her plan wouldn't backfire.

Her gaze followed Kenner's as he glanced towards a certain individual in the crowd, seeing the dragon girl again. She had been the last one to enter, and Nadiya hadn't had the chance to look her over fully. Thankfully, the young dragon seemed unharmed, but knowing how the woman on stage had treated her put a sick feeling in the country girl's stomach. Hearing the master's words made her eyes widen and her anxiety increase. The dragon girl was going to be chaperoned? Confined, even?

The giggling figure on stage with Kenner was met with a frown, her disdain for the eerie woman growing rather than abating. Her eyes followed the unpleasant individual with a wary gaze before Kenner finished speaking.

About to relax and go see the wolf boy and the dragon- girl to see how they were doing, she abruptly changed tactics- reminding herself she needed to speak with the master of the house first. How embarrassing to think she had nearly forgotten!

"Sir...Master Kenner! Might I have a word with you sir?" Nadiya asked nervously, looking up at him as she edged closer to the stage. Not like she wanted to discuss things loud enough for the whole room to hear after all.

After Luna was done taking a look around she immediately tried to make a run for this mysterious pond, until a sharp pain rang out from her right leg. "Ah shit!" she yelled aloud as she fell down to the gorund and hugged hwhat felt like her sprained anxle to her body. She had had sprained anxles many times before but for some odd reason this time felt as if her whole leg was on fire. She couldn't think past the pain for what felt like several hours, until finally it began to slowly pace away, but she found walking was now slow and strenuous.

The landscape around her was even more enticing up close, but it held an errie happiness to it; colors were a bit too vibrant, the smell a bit too sweet, and its source of light was more of a cold flourescent white from a bulb than the warm golden yellow rays of a real sun. It felt as if someone tried to create an oasis but went a bit overboard. All-in-all it made Luna crave the darkness and heat of her homeland down under, no matter how cruel and evil her own brethern were to her- at least their she was in a place she was familiar with. Now everytime she turned around something new ws happening to either her surroundings or herself, nothing stayed the same for too long. She suspected she would soon be riped from this world and into a new form of Hell in the near future, if she could only find were the damn pond was that fueled this diamond crusted shit-whole.

Her rage threatened to overcome her yet again but swiftly died down as she made it to the top of a particularly steep hill, overlooking more lush green valleys and trees with the object of her desire staring her right back in the face, the pond. True to the bird creature's description it was indeed dark, so dark in fact that she could not tell how deep it was or even see any ripples forming. Yet her ears picked up on the sound of the pond lapping against it's bank, but no light could bounce off ts surface and show the movement of the water, this greatly disturbed her, for nothing like this was common even in her home. With great effort she slowly hoppled closer and closer, noting how everything around it took on an extremely pale look, as if the very life and color of the plants were being sucked out of it and absorbed but the inky black void beyond. A smell permeated the surrounding area and Luna dared not breath one more whiff of it so she completly took off her shirt and wrapped it around her nose and mouth as best she could.

She arrived to the very edge of the pond sooner than she would have liked and for a few long moments she simply stared at the strange portal with a sense of fear that she had never experienced before. Not even the presence of The Man made her stomach twist or her vision sway as much as this, it was paralyzing, but when her eyes closed she found the will and with one final breath she prepared to dive.