Last Days Macha

you have emoted: macha glances up. she stares blearily at serret, then smiles a bit. serret ve'kahi, childe of macha comes down the stone stairs slowly, looking around. when she sees you, her face lights up, and she hurries down the rest of the way fast enough to nearly trip herself. you have emoted: macha reaches up, rubbing at her reddened, shadowed eyes. "greetings, little love," she says, holding out her arms for an embrace. serret ve'kahi, childe of macha comes into your arms a little too fast, stumbling against you in a way that would be painful were it not for her small weight. "lady," she says simply. you have emoted: macha utters a soft 'ooph' as the air is forced from her lungs. she doesn't complain, though, and instead folds her arms tightly around serret. she presses her face into serret's hair, inhaling. serret ve'kahi, childe of macha clings to you fondly. she smells cold, of leaves and wind. you have emoted: macha asks quietly, "have you been keeping well, little love?" she gently strokes serret's hair, then down her back, and over her shoulders, seemingly unable to take her hands away. serret ve'kahi, childe of macha looks up and nods, tucking her hair behind her ears. after a moment of thought she asks, "how long is it since you embraced me?' you have emoted: macha tuts softly and smiles, shrugging her thin shoulders. "i haven't a clue, my dear," she says. "truly, i haven't. i did not record it." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "a year? more?" you say, "far more. at least two years. probably three or more." you say, "my...sense of time is..." you have emoted: macha frowns, looking puzzled, and shakes her head. serret ve'kahi, childe of macha shrugs. "it doesn't matter. i just wanted to know about how old she is." you have emoted: macha's eyes get a faraway look for a moment. "my...son," she says with effort. "he was ten at the time. he's..." her fingers twitch in odd patterns, suggesting mathematical calculation. you have emoted: macha says slowly, "...three, i think. i think it has been...three years. a bit more, perhaps. just a bit." you say, "kendis...ah, i wish i could see him a last time, but..." you have emoted: macha snarls softly and shakes her head. "no. best that he not ever know me."

serret ve'kahi, childe of macha looks you over quietly, her smile fading. serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "you're giving up." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha's cold fingers touch the back of your hand. you say, "i've been summoned." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha looks down at her bare feet, porcelainwhite limned with blue veins. after a moment she takes a deep breath. "what will you leave me?" she asks softly. you have emoted: macha follows serret's gaze, smiling faintly. "very soon, little love. very, very soon." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "not when, lady." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "what will you leave with me?" you have emoted: macha blinks, then shakes herself. "i'm sorry," she says. "my mind...well...you know." she frowns for a moment. you say, "i...have nothing to give you, little one. i taught you what i could. i gave you my blood." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha nods slowly. she looks up at you. "she doesn't have a name yet. ruth says she's started to talk and wants to know what to call her." you have emoted: macha's eyes widen. "you want me to...?" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha looks away. "you're the reason she lives." you have emoted: macha's lips move, forming syllables, though she makes no sound. you have emoted: macha says quietly, "arrayah." you say, "...what do you think?" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "what's it mean?" your eyes sparkle with amusement as you gaze upon serret. you say, "a ray of hope." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha's eyes grow cold. "you'd mock me all the days of her life... but maybe you're right." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha tucks her hands into her robe. "maybe your hope will beat my shame, eh?" when she looks up again, her eyes are bright and sharp, icewater clear with tears.

you have emoted: macha slowly lowers her hands, folding them behind her back and gazing thoughtfully at serret. you say, "...do you resent me?" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says fiercely, "no!" you say, "i am not mocking you. i'm giving you my hope for the future." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha shakes her head. she laughs to herself, looking down. "is it arrogant of me to think i might be your only childe who understands what you're doing?" you have emoted: macha arches a brow. "what do you think i am doing, my sweet one?" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "i don't understand loving and i don't do it very well, i know i don't." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says quietly, "but i know that there are times when nothing has been enough, nothing can ever be enough, and all you can do is throw yourself into the fire with all your body and hope that your beloved will rake the ashes and find what it was you meant to say, crystallized like a diamond with everything else burned away." you have emoted: macha ponders the words for a little while. "partly," she murmurs. "but mostly, little love...for redemption. i can see no other way to...to cleanse my soul of the taint. greed, oathbreaking...they have left their marks." you say, "the fire and the darkness will make me clean." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha nods. "i hope you're looking in the right place." you say, "i have looked everywhere, my love." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha smiles sadly at you. "so did i." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "lady, there's not an answer." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha bites her lip, and then finishes unhappily, "what you're looking for doesn't exist." you have emoted: macha bares her tiny fangs, cut silences herself at the first hint of a snarl. "it does," she insists. "without that belief, i have no hope, childe!" you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "have i told you recently how much i love you, sryaen?" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha's face tightens further into sad, frozen lines. after a moment she murmurs, "hope's the last thing to go... when you lose that, then you find out that sometimes you can live without it."

you have emoted: macha says quietly, "i would rather die than live forever without hope." sryaen tells you, "you haven't, dear." you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "with all of my being, dear one. if my chance for redemption, if the last hope of my soul did not rest in these flames...ah, gods, sryaen. if i could stay, if this god would free the hold he has upon my soul, which i put so willingly into his claws..." sryaen tells you, "macha.. may i ask you something?" you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "...aye?" sryaen tells you, "if i had asked you.. to stay by my side, as my partner. if i'd proposed that idea to you.. what would you have said?" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha shrugs. "i understand." you tell blackwind lieutenant honesty? i do not know. i...i know i would have. perhaps it alternative, though gods know

sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "in all would have told you sooner, perhaps. i would have...given us time to find some i looked everywhere that i could."

serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "that's why i'll call her what you said. what was it?" sryaen tells you, "no, my love. i mean, would you have accepted?" you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "aye." sryaen tells you, "i love you, macha.." you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "and i you, my dear one. always." you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "heh...an odd thing, sryaen: you rather make me wish that i were still a mortal girl." you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "'tis hard to explain." sryaen tells you, "why so?" you have emoted: macha presses a hand to her brow, looking pained. you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "i...gave birth to a son. i have a house, which i care for. but i have never had a home and a family. not since all those decades ago, when i was barely more than a child myself." you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "for some strange reason, my love, you make me wish for these things as no man has before."

you have emoted: macha sways unsteadily, then grits her teeth, fighting to remain in control. "serret, my little love," she murmurs. "will you...be alright?" sryaen tells you, "if i ever had the opportunity to pass on my legacy, with a child.. i would've been honored to have had you bear my child.. but, things didn't exactly turn out that way.." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says in a strained voice, looking steadily at the ground, "what do you want me to do? do you want me to stay here in this house?" you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "no...no, they...did not." sryaen tells you, "..sigh.." you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "gods, how i wish i could be free of this curse!" you say, "go where you feel you are loved and appreciated. that is all that i can tell you." you have emoted: macha cringes suddenly, her face contorting in pain. a frustrated snarl bubbles up from her throat. serret ve'kahi, childe of macha looks firmly away. "lady... don't make me watch this." sryaen tells you, "i'm a necromancer, my love. death is something i must accept." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "if you love me, don't make me watch." you say, "...i...i make you do nothing, serret ve'kahi. you are a free woman, aside from politics." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha cries helplessly, "i'll hold your hand while you die, lady, but don't make me look it in the ****ing face!" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha covers her face with her hands. you have emoted: macha rakes her claws through her hair and down onto her face, groaning miserably. "coward," she moans. "that you ask pity, you beg mercy from me - now!" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha's hands fly away from her face like white birds, points of pink flaring in her cheeks, her eyes glittering. "there is always mercy, lady! now more than ever!" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "you throw yourself into the fire with such selfishness on your lips and you'll pop like an oil slick and never burn!" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "i'd have you go with love, but i'd take your hate as a substitute before i'll settle for your

indifference!" you have emoted: macha's hand flies up, pointing toward the doorway. she trembles with restrained emotion. "if you think that i am indifferent, then go!" she roars, her pearly fangs bared. "for you are mistaken, you fool of a girl! it was easier that way, less painful! now? now i suffer!" you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "...i...will not cry my pain to you. you have suffered enough." sryaen tells you, "macha.. i am feeling pain as much as you are, but i'm sure yours must be mixed with fear." sryaen tells you, "unsure of what will happen afterwards.." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "so suffer! you think you can be forgiven without suffering? like it's going to be easy and quiet and peaceful?" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "living hurts! even choosing not to live hurts!" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "it only takes one sin, lady, and nothing, nothing, nothing makes it clean!" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha's voice climbs, and she stomps her foot furiously, tears streaking down her agonized face. you have emoted: macha stares at serret, her gaze cold. "you thing the flames will not burn?" she asks. "you think i will not writhe in the torment of it? you think i expected a...a free ride?" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "so you go and you expect everyone to bow down and honor you for a martyr?" you say, "it is taking all the courage i have to do this at all!" you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "i...must believe." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "be selfish if you will, but do it in full knowing that what you do is as much a sin as what you hope to wash away!" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "i could have died in your arms!" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha shakes her head, shaking with rage. serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "i could have died! i wanted to die!" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "you made me live, made me do it the hard way! now you want to back out?!" you have emoted: macha slumps, sagging visibly as though suddenly exhausted. "i will not fight you," she mutters, turning away. "i

haven't the energy to waste of such a fruitless exercise." you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "if my courage falters...hah - can it even be called courage? or am i simply the biggest coward the blood has ever seen..?" serret ve'kahi, childe of macha's face is more animated than ever before. "what lesson am i to learn, lady? is this 'do as i say, not as i do'? are we to live and struggle and atone the hard way while you go blissfully into martyrdom? shall i smother my baby then, if it's all right to simply abdicate, to back out, to give up?" you have emoted: macha shrugs her thin shoulders. "do as you feel is right, and good, and necessary," she says. "i'll fight you no longer, if you truly believe that this equates to murder." nahira tells you, "am i disturbing you, ma'am?" you tell nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell, "i'm already 'disturbed', little one. still, i will remain a teacher to the very last. what can i do for you?" nahira tells you, "i just wanted to know if it's safe for me to give my sire your name if he asks who told me stories about him. i won't if it'll hurt you." you tell nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell, "by the time you see your sire again, i will be beyond such trivial agonies." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha seems to catch her breath, gritting her teeth. finally she turns away, stepping onto the first stair. serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says, "i'll name her what you say. and i won't tell your son anything. i'll give you that much mercy." you have emoted: macha calls softly, "be well, little love. and...thank you for that. if he asks...well..." you say, "he will learn the truth sooner or later. but...be gentle. please." nahira tells you, "the darkness you spoke of is calling you so soon?" you tell nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell, "aye. the darkness and the fire." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha says furiously, "i love you, lady. that's always been a failing of mine." serret ve'kahi, childe of macha runs up the stairs, face twisted in a miserable scowl. serret leaves to the up. nahira tells you, "may i see you once before you go?" you tell nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell, "if you wish it, aye. i am

in the mausoleum." nahira tells you, "where is that?" you tell nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell, "a hidden door, leading down from the great hall." nahira arrives from the up. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell's eyes flicker briefly around the chamber as she slowly makes her way in. you have emoted: macha smiles in silent greeting. her face is more pale and drawn that usual, and her body is a bit slumped, as though weary. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell gazes at you in silence for a moment before saying softly, "i wanted to remember the woman who gave me all the help she could." you have emoted: macha laughs softly and lowers her gaze. "ah, well as i said, i am a teacher before anything else," she says quietly. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell crosses the remaining distance to you with footsteps muffled by the soft ground. when she at your side, she sits down and says quietly, "you taught me many things and i thank you for them." you have emoted: macha gentle ruffles nahira's hair, smiling fondly. "not nearly so much as i would like to, i fear," she murmurs. you say, "if i had time, perhaps, but..." nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell looks up to meet your eyes. she is silent for a moment and says with a sudden realization, "you look tired, ma'am." sryaen enters from the up, riding a donkey. you have emoted: macha laughs softly in response, then glances up. the change in her face is immediate: a broad smile curves her lips, and her eyes finally seem to pick up a bit of light. sryaen gracefully hops off of a donkey. sryaen quickly stuffs a heart into his mouth, and begins to consume it with malignant gusto. as he finishes his meal, you cannot help but notice that sryaen's eyes seem to shine with vitality. blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos smiles as he leans towards you to place a soft, bloodied kiss on you cheek. sryaen licks his lips. you have emoted: macha chuckles softly, dragging the back of her hand over her cheek. she glances at nahira. "have the two of you met..?" she asks curiously. sryaen seems to think for a moment before nodding slowly at you.

nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell looks up from her seat on the ground, studying sryaen. you have emoted: macha shifts her weight uncomfortably, her smile growing more hesitant. she glances over her shoulder, her movements bird-like in their nervousness. you have emoted: macha sighs softly and slips her arm around sryaen's waist, resting her head against his shoulder. sryaen shoots off into the distance, taken to a faraway place by a pathfinder chaos entity. sryaen arrives from the up. he is followed by a pathfinder. looking only slightly disheveled, sryaen brushes himself off casually. you have emoted: macha's pained expression drops slowly away, and she tilts her head curiously. sryaen murmurs to you, "i'm sorry, love. something required my urgent attention.." sryaen swiftly swings up onto a donkey. you have emoted: macha's eyes widen, and she nods once. sryaen opens his arms towards you expectantly, waiting for a hug. sryaen utters a short incantation, his body slowly fading from sight. only his laboured breathing warns you of his presence, and in seconds even this grows muffled and silent. you have emoted: macha laughs, and embraces sryaen warmly. you say, "business as usual." you smile wryly. blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos says, "naturally." you have emoted: macha's gaze travels over sryaen, as though desperate to memorize his features. when she reaches his hands, she frowns, looking puzzled, and flicks a curious gaze back up at him. blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos lowers his gaze to the floor as he tugs the sleeves of his coat over his wrists, suddenly trying to act non-chalant. you have emoted: macha gently catches sryaen's right hand in her own and lifts it, pressing the bloodied fingers to her lips. she does not shift her gaze, continuing to regard him in what is plainly an unspoken question. blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos slowly shakes his

head at you, leaning forward to murmur something faintly in you ear. sryaen murmurs to you, "i'm sorry.." you have emoted: macha asks quietly, "for?" her tongue flicks out, delicately licking the blood from sryaen's fingertips. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell leans silently against a tomb, her eyes shutting as her head tilts back. sryaen murmurs to you, "for not ta--." blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos says, "ah.. i apologize if i interrupted anything." blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos says, "please, continue." bending slightly at the waist, sryaen offers a bow. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell says to sryaen, "no." nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell lowers her voice a bit and says, "i said what i needed to. i only stayed in case she needed anything, but i think she needs you more than me." you have emoted: macha flashes nahira a grateful smile. "hope for me," she says. "pray, if you believe in its power." you say to nahira, "i think...that is all you can do. that, and...remember." nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell stands up impulsively, standing on tiptoes to say something very softly into your ear. nahira murmurs to you, "will you accept a prayer of blood?" you have emoted: macha gently cups nahira's cheek. "blood makes everything stronger," she answers. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell hesitantly brushes the hair away from one side of her neck, leaving the skin above the faintly-visible artery exposed to you. "will it make you stronger too?" she asks, her voice barely more than a nervous whisper. you have emoted: macha shakes her head with a rueful smile. "in body? always. but my body is as fit as ever it was." nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell releases her hair with a look of mingled relief and fear. as the soft waves fall back into place around her throat, she asks, "what part of you shall we hope for?" you have emoted: macha hesitates. "the future," she finally says, trying to make her tone decisive and firm. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell says, "the future?" in a faint voice,

her eyes never moving from your face. you nod your head at nahira. you say, "just that." sryaen murmurs to you, "i'll be back soon, love." sryaen grows still and his lips begin to move silently. you nod your head at sryaen. you tell blackwind lieutenant sryaen arcan, scion of chaos, "i love you." sryaen is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul safe until he returns to aetolia. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell says, "do you pray that you'll be able to see him again after, ma'am?" you have emoted: macha's eyes widen, and for a moment she looks terrified. then she takes a deep, steadying breath. you say, "...there will be no after, for me." you say, "if i went where souls...usually go...there would be no redemption." you smile wryly. you have emoted: macha leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to nahira's brow. "alas, though - i must rest in preparation. the time is rushing up on me." you utter a brief charm, and sink straight down into the ground beneath you. a sensation of tremendous movement overtakes you, and when you open your eyes you are safe inside your coffin, buried deep within the earth. ((rising again, little while later) nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell asks slowly, "did you say before that you love my sire?" you inhale sharply. you say, "aye...i do..." nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell takes a slow breath in and releases it with a low sigh. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell whispers, "i'm not afraid of him - i won't be afraid. i'm not afraid." procell arrives from the ether. blood seeps from procell's body into the earth beneath his feet.

procell leaves to the up. you have emoted: macha shivers, uttering a soft sound of discomfort. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell's mouth falls open at the sudden sight and she edges over closer to you. you say, "i am." nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell turns to you almost frantically and whispers, "he won't do this to me too, will he?" you have emoted: macha stares at nahira, her demeanor radiating compassion. "only if he loves you," she whispers. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell clutches your shirt suddenly, pulling the silk towards her as she asks, "will he love me if i don't love him?" you have emoted: macha looks down at nahira's hands, then at her eyes once more. "i do not know," she answers honestly. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell makes no move to release the shirt, though her eyes begin to fill with tears. in a miserable voice, she says, "if he does, maybe i'll see you again." you have emoted: macha gently pries her shirt free and lifts nahira's hands to her lips, kissing them. "pray that you do not, little one," she murmurs. "that path should not be for you." nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell says shakily, "yes...yes, ma'am." the tears in her eyes tremble as dangerously. procell tells you, "it's dawn, chela." riding her chariot of light, the great life-giver rises from her long sleep and shoots a timorous ray over the horizon. you tell procell ve'kahi, of woman born, "...aye. it is." procell tells you, "have you slept?" you have emoted: macha inhales sharply, her eyes widening and her gaze growing distant. you tell procell ve'kahi, of woman born, "very little." procell tells you, "nor i." procell tells you, "but the work is done." you tell procell ve'kahi, of woman born, "the...work?" procell tells you, "aye. our work is done. come along, then." a mausoleum. a comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. a sigil in the shape

of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. a stout donkey stands patiently by, waiting for a burden. orton ve'kahi, kun mimforb is here. he wields an obsidian dagger in his left hand and an obsidian dagger in his right. nahira ve'kahi, childe of procell is here. you see a single exit leading up(open). you have emoted: macha raises one hand in silent farewell. "take care, both of you," she whispers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------((moving)) you tell procell ve'kahi, of woman born, "aye." you knock on the east door. the door to the east is opened from the other side. a dark chamber. (morgun forest.) a sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. an enormous steel-sheathed chest is here, its flat top providing ample surface space. an iron cauldron is here upon three clawed feet. procell ve'kahi, of woman born is here. he wields a tower shield in his left hand. you see exits leading west(open) and in. procell closes the door to the west. procell locks the west door. procell puts a key into a fur backpack. you have emoted: macha bows deeply and holds the position, trembling a bit. procell ve'kahi, of woman born turns away from you and walks toward the pool at the end of the room, bathed in an eerie golden light from the glazed windows above it. you have emoted: macha glances up, then straightens and follows procell, stopping just an arm's-length behind him and to his right. the pool is mostly empty, the bottom few feet filled with a horrible mixture of decaying flesh and a lot of wood. you have emoted: macha glances down. her expression flickers, betraying

a hint of fear before she composes herself again. procell ve'kahi, of woman born folds his hands and looks down at the arrangement for a moment, looking almost holy in the indirect morning light, like a benediction on his face and shoulders. you have emoted: macha's gaze strays to procell, and for a moment she smiles, her expression one of adoration. then she shivers. procell ve'kahi, of woman born turns to you, looking you up and down with no rancor, no censure, and no lust. finally he nods and holds out his hand. you have emoted: macha extends her hand at though to clasp procell's, but at the last moment she turns it palm-up, baring the pale, fragile skin of her unscarred wrist, the gesture one of submission and acceptance. procell ve'kahi, of woman born takes your hand and passes his palm over the clean skin a moment. he then touches your throat, the slightly raised lines of the scar there, and finally cups your face in his hand, looking steadily at you. procell ve'kahi, of woman born murmurs, "what have you come for, chela?" you have emoted: macha meets procell's gaze, unwavering. when she finally looks down, it is plainly for modesty's sake, rather than out of reflex. "for you, my lord, my love," she murmurs. "and..." you say, "for me. for redemption." procell ve'kahi, of woman born nods at the pool, the contraption, the bloody flux at the bottom. "is it there, do you think?" you have emoted: macha slowly shakes her head. "no," she says honestly. "i think 'tis within -you-." procell ve'kahi, of woman born sighs and closes your hand within his. "chela... when they said 'repent, repent'..." procell ve'kahi, of woman born looks up at you gravely. "i don't know what they meant." you have emoted: macha exhales softly and shakes her head. "i never knew the meaning of it 'til...'til recently, my lord." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "well, maybe you'll teach me a thing or two today." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "and maybe you'll learn." procell ve'kahi, of woman born lifts your hand in his, like a gentleman helping a lady over a threshold, and turn to the hanging iron device. you have emoted: macha says gravely, "i hope so. it is a good thing to learn, before 'tis...too late." she turns willingly with procell, though she eyes the device with a bit of worry.

procell ve'kahi, of woman born reaches down and unlatches the shell in several places along its length, finally opening it to display an iron mold, human-shaped and sized for you. with the light behind the upper half, you can see several long vents in the mold, openings about two inches across at the face, belly and legs. you have emoted: macha's eyes widen, and she stops where she is. her eyes travel quickly over the mold, taking it in, then linger upon the vents. she begins to tremble, her thin hand clenching in procell's. "my lord," she says nervously. "what...is it?" procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "it's a gift, my girl." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "come here." you have emoted: macha edges a bit closer. she reaches out to brush a finger along the edge of one vent, pausing and glancing at procell for permission before her hand actually makes contact. "even i cannot begin to imagine its...fullest...uses," she murmurs, growing a bit hoarse. procell ve'kahi, of woman born puts his arm around you, drawing you close. looking steadily into your eyes, his gaze intensely devoted, he lifts you like a bride in his arms. you have emoted: macha's eyes are wide with fear, though she seems trusting. she does not fight it, rather, she takes the moment to brush a tender kiss against procell's cheek. "will it hurt?" she asks, sounding more innocent than she has any right to be. procell ve'kahi, of woman born rubs his cheek against yours, old lines deepening on his brow as he holds you. "yes," he murmurs. you have emoted: macha smiles faintly. "that's alright," she murmurs. "it is...cleansing." procell ve'kahi, of woman born shakes his head slowly as he lowers you into the mold, helping you arrange your limbs. the metal is cold but well adapted to your shape, curving around you comfortably. you have emoted: macha shivers again, recoiling briefly as the cold metal contacts the bare areas of her body. with a low, wordless murmur of apology she resettles, leaning her head back and taking a long, slow, calming breath. procell ve'kahi, of woman born rests one hand on the open lid of the mold and raises the other to his lips. the tips of his fingers carry his kiss to your cheek. "good girl," he whispers. you have emoted: macha smiles briefly, again, in response. "i love you, procell," she whispers. then she adds, "...in case i do not get another chance to...say it." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says simply, "you'll always have a chance." then, as the lid begins to close: "you won't want to again."

you have emoted: macha whispers, "perhaps." she closes her eyes as the lid is closed, and does not reopen them for several moments. words form on her lips, over and over again, in a silent mantra as though to keep herself calm. the lid comes down, the steel barely an inch away from your flesh at every point. the band across your face allows you to breathe, to see and hear outside, but still the sounds of procell fastening the latches along the seam clang loudly in your ears. you have emoted: macha gasps, and winces at the sound, reflexively trying to shrink away, but finding her progress impeded at every angle. her eyes fly open once more, wide and staring. procell ve'kahi, of woman born murmurs, "hush now. save your voice..." procell ve'kahi, of woman born steps back, out of your view, and you can hear him rummaging around, every sound given horrible, mysterious connotation without a visual to connect to it. aelyn tells you, "hello, sire." you have emoted: macha whimpers, the sound echoing hollowly back into her own ears. every clatter, clang, or other noise outside of the metal mold seems to startle her, and she flinches repeatedly. aelyn's impression: the only sound in your mind in a low, terrified whimper. for an moment, you feel encapsulated in cold metal, roughly an inch from the surface of your skin so that every movement causes you to brush against it. the impression is accompanied by a horrible sense of claustrophobia. then, as quickly as the impressions filled your mind, they are gone again. procell ve'kahi, of woman born comes back into view holding a large opaque jar. he casts the lid aside and crouches, and you can hear liquid splashing into the pool below you. the almost appetizing scent of oil rises. you have emoted: macha's nostrils flare, her brow creasing as she attempts to identify the scent. looking dismayed and puzzled at her own conclusion, she follows procell's movements as much as possible. "what...?" she asks, in a shaky voice. she seems unable to get any further, groping futilely for words. procell ve'kahi, of woman born reaches through the opening in the lid to take hold of the veil swept back from your brow. gently wresting it away, he spreads it between two hands, watching you all the while. you have emoted: macha yelps softly as the motion also pulls free the needle-sharp pin from her hair. it clatters against the metal as it falls to the bottom of the mold, and she wiggles her feet gingerly, trying to push it away. without the veil, she looks more vulnerable, though she attempts to retain an expression of quiet dignity. aelyn tells you, "i..don't know if you can hear me, but i might as well try. i guess, if nothing else, i'll feel better having said these things. you know, i met my grandsire last month. he's not how i'd

imagined he would be, but he's very nice. we talked for a long time. i think he and i will be good friends someday. sryaen is upset, understandably. i'm worried about him, too. i'm upset too..but i don't really know why. i don't know if i'm angry at you for leaving me, or disappointed that things worked out this way, but i don't know what to do with myself. i don't think i've ever said this many words to a person before. ..that said, i can't really think of anything else to say, so i guess this is goodbye. i love you, sire.." procell ve'kahi, of woman born inhales slowly, and breathes out a slow, guttering tongue of fire. it seems to fade, then flare up, easily catching the gauzy material. procell opens his claws, the burning fabric fluttering out of sight. aelyn's impression: the scent of oil reaches you, making your stomach growl with remembered pleasure. then the smell of fear mixes with it, creating a terrible duet. for a moment you tremble, your heart racing. under all of these impressions, you can feel warmth, love, and a hint of regret. "remember!" a hoarse voice whispers the word in your ear, sounding urgent. with a sudden dull thump, an explosion of light throws procell's shadow back against the wall and ceiling, encompassing the entire room for a split second. the sound fades, but the light remains, and you hear the crackling of fire in the pit below you. you have emoted: macha's gaze tracks the burning gauze as far at possible, then she utters a soft shriek as the fire springs to life. "procell!" she gasps, baring her fangs in a grimace of fear. procell ve'kahi, of woman born takes a step back as the flames climb, now leaping into your field of view. you can smell the flesh in the bottom of the pool beginning to cook, a sickly, rotting smell. procell holds your gaze, folding his hands before him and watching in silence. the metal around you is growing warm. you have emoted: macha's lips part, and her chest rises and falls irregularly as she pants for air. a horrible squealing, scratching sound can her heard, as claws futilely at the inside of the mold. she shifts her weight as much as she can, desperately attempting to keep her skin away from the heating metal. procell ve'kahi, of woman born begins to speak in a voice that is almost swallowed by the greedy flames. "the truth is, chela, this is going to hurt." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says slowly, "and no... it will not be cleansing." you have emoted: macha's lips curl, a desperate, terrified snarl ripping free of her throat. "please," she begs, choking the word out. "please, procell! please give me this!" her voice rises as the metal continues to rapidly heat, her words eventually lost in a howl of pain as her skin blisters wherever it

contacts the metal. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "you can heal yourself. please do." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "i have no intention of destroying you, chela." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "and i want you to hear me." you have emoted: macha's howl subsides into a whimper. having no supplies on hand, she instead utters a low hiss. her skin seals over whenever it had split open, though every moment produces more of the tiny, painful wounds. she clenches her teeth to silence herself, and stares pleadingly at procell. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "i know what you're looking for, my love. i do." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "and let me assure you that i've sought it myself." procell ve'kahi, of woman born begins to pace slowly up and down the edge of the pool, occasionally minding the fire. "when i was a young man i spilled my blood into the thirsty desert trying to find a way to go back on my sins." aelyn's impression: you feel metal against your skin again, this time hot enough to burn on contact. a low, pained moan reaches your ears, though you can see no obvious source. again, the impressions disappear, leaving no evidence procell ve'kahi, of woman born smiles sadly. "i got a whipping for my trouble, and thirty years' loss of use of my hands." you have emoted: macha's eyes, for all their terror, hold compassion as well. she whimpers again, very softly, but says nothing. her skin sizzles every now and then and a new bit touches the metal and is sealed over again. procell ve'kahi, of woman born passes near a table and snatches up a jar, almost absently tossing it into the pit. a crash heralds a second explosion of flame and a great swell of heat from beneath you. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "i don't blame you for thinking pain is cleansing. for thinking that you can flagellate yourself and somewhere in all the blood you spill your sin will run out with it." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "you're far from the only one ever to think that." you have emoted: macha's jaw twitches as she fights to stay silent. procell's words are eventually interrupted, though, by an anguished howl and a frantic banging and scrabbling, as she fights to free herself from the metal surrounding her body. procell ve'kahi, of woman born turns on his heel, watching you quietly as he paces back in the other direction. "hush, now. i know it hurts,

but you need to keep listening." aelyn's impression: an anguished howl tears through your mind, its force and sudden onslaught painful to endure. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "understand me now, chela." procell ve'kahi, of woman born reaches out and presses his hand to the top of the shell, just above your face. you immediately hear his flesh begin to sizzle, but he does not pull away. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "this is meaningless." you have emoted: macha grimaces as she again attempts to silence herself. her low moans of pain reverberate around the mold, echoing strangely, audible even over the roar of the fire. "procell, please," she whispers. "pleeeaaase..." the word catches in her throat as she sobs. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "no. hush." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "this is meaningless." you have emoted: macha whispers, in a broken, child-like voice, "it hurts..." procell ve'kahi, of woman born raises his hand, displaying blackened flesh. his lips draw back from his teeth as he mends the wound, remaking the clean scales before your eyes. "yes, it hurts. and that's all it does. see? it's gone." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "nothing that was in me before i hurt myself has changed." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "nothing has left me, nothing has been cleansed from me." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "i am who i was a moment ago." you have emoted: macha inhales sharply, drawing back. "i am not you, procell," she whimpers. "i am...not..." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "and are you better, now?" procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "is this helping, chela?" procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "i can smell your body cooking." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "does that make you holy?" procell ve'kahi, of woman born stares steadily down at you, his voice deepening even as his shadow rises on the ceiling behind him. "you're looking for the void, the empty peace in yourself, a silence where your sin cannot reach." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "and you'll find it."

the great shadow on the wall begins to echo his words in its own voice, a grating counterpoint. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "but you'll go to eternity, you'll go into the void as yourself, in all your sin and shame, with everything you know and everything you bear intact. there is no going back, chela. you will always be who you are." you have emoted: macha pounds against the metal, clawing, kicking, her knees flexing and banging against the confines. "have mercy, procell!" she begs. "please, no!" the visible skin on her face darkens, slowly beginning to split where it once would simply crease. the edges of these splits blacken, even as more blood is burned and a new layer of skin forms underneath. procell ve'kahi, of woman born smiles, and his shadow smiles with him, a pale rictus shivering on the ceiling with the movement of the flames. "my love, i've never been more merciful." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "i am no liar, though many think otherwise." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "i will never see you frozen in time under false pretences." aelyn's impression: the smell of cooking meat fills your nostrils. it is pleasant...for a moment. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "and the truth is, my chela, my lady, my precious girl, that the only thing that will ever save you is here. in the heat of my making, the hell of my heart, you can find what you're looking for." you have emoted: macha sobs , finally sagging limply in the confines of the mold. her eyes are half-lidded, and she gasps in an effort to overcome the pain. "gave...self...to you," she says, with obvious effort. "give...something back...anything..." procell ve'kahi, of woman born reaches out to touch your face, the sensation shuddering between pleasure and pain as his fingers move over widening and healing gashes. "all i ask is that you come to me in knowing, in understanding, in acceptance of everything you are. would you break my heart apart with your struggles? would you let your own division tear apart this sanctuary? tell me, chela. is that what you would wish?" you have emoted: macha stares uncomprehendingly at procell, her eyes filmed over by a thin, reddish haze. they begin to smoke, and she reflexively squeezes them shut in a desperate attempt to stop the destruction. faster than she can heal it, now, her skin split, the edges curling back and crisping in the extreme heat. something trickles sluggishly from the wounds, but it appears to be more akin to cooking juices than blood. aelyn's impression:

a hoarse, choked whisper reaches you. it is so faint, you cannot quite make out the words. "...love...both..." it sounds like, and also "...wish...best..." procell ve'kahi, of woman born murmurs, "everything that is in you burns now, macha. everything. tell me now, is there any difference? are you separate from your sin, or a part of it? can your sin be burned away and leave your body?" procell ve'kahi, of woman born reaches out and drags heavily on a cable. with a shuddering jump, the shell rises above the flames, just enough to provide a brief respite from the increasing heat. you have emoted: macha slowly moves her head, rocking it wearily against the metal it lies against, rather than truly shaking it. she clenches her teeth, the hiss barely audible as a few of the largest wounds knit together. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "answer me, chela." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "is this your sin i smell? can you still claim that it's something you can wash away?" you have emoted: macha draws a ragged breath. she opens her eyes with visible effort, but the moment she does so it is plain that they are ruined. a bitter laugh shakes her body, becoming hysterical as she begins to realize the helplessness of her situation. procell ve'kahi, of woman born listens placidly to your laughter for some time before murmuring, "if you truly believe that this will make you clean, that your shame can be purged this way, i'll put you down again, and stoke the fire for a thousand years if it'll help. but i think you're starting to understand me." aelyn's impression: a vision flashes before your eyes: split skin, the edges curled and blackened. cooking juices. ruined eyes, beginning to run down the cheeks. pearly fangs, bared in a rictus of agony. hysterical laughter rings in your ears, and you are momentarily overcome by a sense of utter helplessness you have emoted: macha whispers hoarsely, "still...believe." she leans back against the still-hot metal, going limp, fighting no longer. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "i cannot take you into my heart so divided, chela. you'll tear me apart." procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "your sin comes with you, or it stays out with you." you have emoted: macha lips move, in the shadowy confines. two words are formed: 'take me'. procell ve'kahi, of woman born leans closer, an inch away from the metal shell around you, the flames lighting up his face from the underside. "accept your shame, macha. own it as a part of you. be whole, and wholly with me."

you have emoted: macha is silent for a long while. then she begins to struggle, the words coming slowly. "love...me?" procell ve'kahi, of woman born smiles, though the movement of his lips does not clear the grief from his eyes. "i love all of you, or none. all that you'll give me, if you'll give me all." you have emoted: macha exhales, breathing the name "sryaen" as a broken-hearted sigh. aelyn's impression: a gentle breeze passes over your skin. it seems to sigh brokenheartedly, and you can almost detect a name being whispered: 'sryaen'. procell ve'kahi, of woman born says, "yes or no, chela? will you let me take care of you, or do you prefer empty suffering?" you have emoted: macha's words are almost lost in the sound of the fire. "not...all mine to give." her body shakes with silent sobs. one gets the impression that her eyes would be streaming tears, if they and the flesh around them were not so damaged. procell ve'kahi, of woman born shakes his head. "it's time to make a choice on your own, macha. no matter how the things you carry were begotten, they are yours now. you have to own them and make them a part of you, or you stay broken." you have emoted: macha whispers, "as you taught me...i cannot love...only one." she laughs breathlessly. procell ve'kahi, of woman born returns his hand to the cable. "are you making your choice, chela?" you have emoted: macha nods wearily, saying nothing further. procell ve'kahi, of woman born straightens up, his gaze equally weary as he loosens the cable and lowers you slowly back into the flames. he watches without flinching, the harsh shadows of the fire bringing out the heavy lines of age on his face. the fire leaps up again around you, coming between you and procell, and the metal heats to its previous point and then beyond within minutes. procell ve'kahi, of woman born whispers, "scream, beloved. give me that much." you have emoted: macha's lips part, at first no sound emerging. then a terrible, bestial scream emerges, tearing its way out of her throat. as sparks rise, what is left of her hair and clothing catches the flame, partially obscuring her features from view. bone is revealed soon, as the roaring fire consumes the flesh over it. then the bone blackens, becoming scorched. macha's scream dies away into silence, and her split, ruined lips curve into one final smile. procell ve'kahi, of woman born raises his head as if to meet a

benediction, his eyes closing sweetly. aelyn's impression: a horrible, bestial scream rises in your mind, slowly lowering into a moan, then dying away altogether. the silence is more complete than it ever has been, and you feel a sensation of severing: the consciousness linked so closely to yours disappears without warning, without leaving any evidence that it ever existed.