Elyssas last meeting with Einsof, some time before Ferron had to execute him on top of the Dun, while he saw the last lingering rays from the setting sun. Sad ending for a really great character and leader. And as always, Great RP
A Quest for Salvation
Elyssa entered one of the many cells in the Dungeon under the Dun. The cells were situated right under the keep and were rarely used, only in emergences when the Fearghals were afraid their prisoner might escape. Cold metal under her fingers, somehow it surprised her when she leaned on the doorframe. The man chained to the opposite wall did not resemblance the man Elyssa knew him to be; he was not even human anymore. All his features were distorted and feral. A thick fur covered his body, and there was a stench of beast near him. He seemed to have settled down a bit, although his breathing was extremely rapid, and snarl-like. Alfgangur had used 10 men to be able to chain Einsof here.
Ilfaros entered right after her and seemed a bit taken aback of the scene. Asuka, a new face and apparently a Ceo spy was already inside the cell. Elyssa made sure to keep a distance between her and her Triath. He is still our Triath.
Ilfaros looked over at Elyssa. “I know this may not be the... best of times, but we must organize the death ritual, especially now that two guards die, lest their spirits don't find their way to the next world.”
Einsof was chained by arms and legs to the dungeon wall. His yellow eyes peered around wildly with no signs of recognition.
“I agree, will you assist me in the ritual?” It grieved Elyssa to see Einsof like this. A man who lived by his code of honour and duty, ever faithful and ruthless if needed.
Ilfaros nodded “I am obligated.”
“Hm...“Azuka walked a bit closer to the beast and it attempted to bite Azuka instantly with his large fang-like teeth. She made sure she stood out of range, but just barely. Foam flow from Einsofs mouth in all directions and some landed on Azukas cheek. She wiped it of while she watched as Einsofs head moved rapidly from side to side at an unnatural speed.
“There is no way to save you...”Azuka narrowed her eyes and followed his movement.
“All wolf men are like this when they are transformed, Vampire.” There was a bit of distain in Ilfaros voice.
“To save him you need a catalyst...but there is no humanity left in him soon...and you won’t find that dragon in time...if ever...” Azuka stated.
Einsof settled down again for the time being, breathing rapidly.
Ilfaros shook his head in disagreement. “The Triath has a great force of will. And with the whole clan looking for the beast there is a chance that we'll find it soon enough.”
“Naive human..” Azuka sighed
“Mind your words young one; I am twice your age.” Ilfaros snapped hard.
“Doesn’t change the fact.” Asuka glared back at Ilfaros, she did not get the message.
“I didn't say anything naive. I said there was the possibility. Will you deny that?”
Azuka stepped away. “He’s gone...the sooner you accept it...the sooner he may be put to rest...”
“She needs to learn her place… Or she will get into trouble. ”Elyssa said it without any sentimentality. She turned slightly to Ilfaros and clearly showed that she did not like the Asukas tone one bit.
Ilfaros chuckled and gave Elyssa an amused glance. “Sounds a lot like me.”
“There is a possibility, but your Saoi have already doomed that.” Asuka said still facing Einsof and thus did not see the exchanged glances behind her back.
“Not all the ringleaders are as forgetful and kind as Akselvee.” Elyssa snapped back.
“And my lady, I swore loyalty to Ferron, no one else.” Asuka turned to Elyssa and gazed at her with a nonchalant look, like she did not care of anything Elyssa and Ilfaros had spoken about.
“By joining the Ceo you swore loyalty to the clan.” Ilfaros stated low.
Elyssa continued. “If you are a Fearghal,, you follow your Triat and your Saoi.. Despite the ring you belong to.”
“I never joined, never got that far, so still only to him.” Asuka pulled her hood and mask up in a sweeping move. “Try not to get eaten...”
“Then at least learn some manners.” Elyssas reply came instantly and her tone was harsh. No clan will ever tolerate such behaviour towards their leaders. Respecting once elders are something you learn from childhood. Maybe it’s why she doesn’t belong to a clan. I have to talk to Ferron about her behaviour. Continuing to disrespect the Saoi will in the end lead to her being rejected from the clan, Ceo or not.
“'Tis no use...”Ilfaros said low as the girl walked by them without a nod.
Elyssa muttered as the girl disappeared up the stairs.
“I fear for the Triath's life, but the consequences of this are far greater. Hundreds of Fearghals could die due to this.”
Elyssa looked over at Ilfaros and nodded. “It is unavoidably now. They are responsible for this mess.”
“War with the Korrags. The warriors are all hyped up for it. And no doubt even the wise Saoi is furious.” Ilfaros wiped his chin with the sleeve.
Elyssa clenched her fist. “I know... I would too if I weren’t pregnant.” She looked over at Einsof. He seemed to have fallen asleep, albeit his breathing was still extremely rapid, and there's an eerie snarl with each breath.
“Aye, but the Koraggs are strong; this will no doubt be a very bloody conflict.” Ilfaros said.
Elyssa glanced over at Einsof and her face expressed hopelessness. “It always is..”
“If the Triath does not recover, this state of conflict could be permanent as we would always have somebody to antagonize. Even the Setites haven't killed one of our chieftains.” Ilfaros continued.
“No, but they have killed enough of good people.”
“Yes, but killing a chieftain is quite something different...This is Cimmeria, it will never end.”
“Even before this, it never ended. When the Fearghals first settled here they were considered outcasts since they allowed all races behind their walls. Races as your own…” Elyssa looked at Ilfaros and he held her gaze for a short moment before he turned his gaze towards the floor. “So you see…even If they might kill one of our Chieftains’, it won’t change anything. The Korrags will never accept us.” She turned to face Einsof again and took a long look at him. “It is sad that my last memory of this great man shall be this… “She leaned at one of the walls, placing one hand on the doorpost. ”I had hoped...”
Ilfaros nodded slightly. “Aye, chances are very slim indeed.”
Elyssa walked a bit closer to Einsof. “You deserves so much more... I will do everything in my power. I promise...” Elyssa said low and absentmindedly lifted a hand and stretched it in front of her.
“Careful...”
Einsof seemed to be sleeping. The only thing moving was his chest heaving up and down as he breathed. The stench of beast laid heavy around him.
She eyed Einsof for a while and then turned on her heal walking out of the cell. On her way she said to Ilfaros. “It’s time... I will prepare the Passage of the Dead.”
“Aye, i will assist you when you need me, lady Elyssa.”
Elyssa walked towards the stone stairs and up toward the dimly lit keep.
14th September 2010, 09:40