At five O’clock in the morning was the time where everyone was just about to take their last hour sleep before rising up with the sun. At five O’clock as certain visitor found this place to be a great place to meet with someone. The birds were softly chirping one by one as they woke up by the sounds of morning. Dim clouds of purple haze painted the skies for the morning sun was just about to rise in the almost ghost town. Treading on a brick road which lead deeper in town was a dark clothed figure. Just as she pasted a few homes, it was then she realized just how quiet this place really was. Such silence was almost unbearable, but still she pushed on the road half covered with vegetation.

This visitor was wearing dark purple pants with a swirl looking design at the ankles, colored in black. It looked like the simple the guild she was in second command of. This design was invented by someone she trusted with all her heart. On her feet were the bloodshed boots she walked around, colored in black for that was one of her favorite colors to have on. Not only were they great in battles; but they also did well as a fashion statement. Her torso was wrapped in a black thick fabric, which would be called a long sleeved mullet. On her right arm there was a silver bangle, it was rather big, and did feel slightly heavy to her. None the less she kept it on her most of the time if not all the time. The other thing she kept on her at all times was the ring on her ring finger. Although it was an engagement right, she still considered herself to be married even though the wedding hadn’t happened yet. As the diamond shined silently, the wearer named Aaris came to a stop in front of the inn.

This would be the first trip to this inn, for beyond those doors she didn’t know what laid there. Moving her right hand to push the door open, there was a slight thrust then finally the door gave up, and opened. Her step was almost like a ghost as she quickly seemed to disappear inside the inn’s four walls. Once inside she saw how quiet everything seemed to be, almost as if something crawled in then died. Noticing a few facing looking at her, Aaris gave them a smirk then went to a darkened table off to the corner. It didn’t take long until a waitress came up to her. She was dressed in a dark yellow, and had an oval face with light green eyes. There was also seemed to be an old age which surrounded her thanks to some forehead wrinkles.

To look so old might have been dreadful for her, but there were other things then looks. With such an old body, Aaris doubt she could do half the things the fallen angel could do. And yet it appeared this human woman was much younger then her. Leaning back in her chair, Aaris crossed her legs as the woman seemed to be reaching for a menu or something. “What can I get fer you?” She asked tiredly, which brought Aaris to the thought she must have just woken up. Looking up at her with a small smile, holding back in a pity chuckle Aaris replied, “Nothing at the moment I’m waiting for someone.” Turning her head to the right she avoided the waitresses light green eyes. It was in a few moments did Aaris hear her footsteps leave the fallen angel’s two chair table.

There was nothing like a cool drink to calm nerves, but for now she was going to wait on someone she was waiting for. Just to make sure the people joining the guild wasn’t a bunch of weak minded weaklings.

The atmosphere was almost somber when Annihilate entered Estolad. He was not used to it, either. The bleak and almost lifeless decay that resided within the town could hardly peak the half-demon’s fancy. He would never understand, even after the experiences and emotions he’d shared with Vaelen concerning his past, why humans could bear the cold, lifeless existences that they endured day in and day out. His consciousness would never allow the mundane fixation some mortals had to hold sway over his mind. He pitied their meager lives, and vowed to prohibit his own life from falling into the same comatose state.

The beast, whatever kind of monster he was, trudged single-mindedly into the town with his long cloak blowing in the wind. The fur-lined collar billowed lifelessly in the wind and swung openly revealing both his choice of wardrobe and his weapon. He wore no shirt, and faint luminous markings vaguely appeared across his skin. Anni also wore a pair of black pants, which were girdled at the waist by his sword belt, as well as a pair of knee-high boots that were strapped just beneath the knees. The ends of his jacket swirled just at his ankles, and revealed his weapon – a katana, whose red sheath was strapped to his hip. Also, a dagger was tucked down into his boots, but its bone-hilt did not show as he walked.

Annihilate purposefully strode towards the Kaima Inn, for he knew where the meeting was to take place. People watched him as he hurried strait down the middle of the road, but they did nothing to stop him, nor did they do much more than take note of him. No one, apparently, wanted to deal with him. Perhaps they felt the ominous and hating presence he exuded, or perhaps they saw the sword at his hip, but whatever the reason no one came to him and asked him why he suddenly appeared in the solemn little city. However, that quiet disposition and non-obtrusive attitude the villagers shared only lasted until his swagger reached the Inn. He surmised by his appearance that the man who approached him owned the place, perhaps along with the woman behind the counter. He approached Anni with a wave of his hand and shouted:

“You! No weapons here! Go somewhere else!”

The man reached out and grabbed Anni by the left arm, just above the elbow, trying to push him back out the door and Anni reacted wildly to his audacious behavior. He barely moved, for as the pathetic grip the man used was easily endured by the powerful half-fiend. In response his right hand lashed out and grabbed the man’s wrist while his left arm broke free, the corresponding hand grabbed the owner by the back of the neck before slamming his head repeatedly into the wall. Anni didn’t kill him. After only three hits the man’s nose broke, and Anni let him fall limply to the floor to clutch his bloodied face.

Almost as if he’d done something chivalrous and gallant, Annihilate strode away from the fallen man towards the only other woman in the establishment – save for the woman who was tending the bar. Anni grabbed his jacket tails and tossed it behind him as he straddled a stool. There was one empty seat in between them. If this was Alba’s future wife Anni respectively kept his distance. He’d didn’t feel like dealing with any wanton jealousy. He’d seen hundreds of men in the past grow angry from too close proximity – at one time Vaelen had even been he bearer of such emotions – and he just didn’t feel like dealing with it. Especially with Alba’s tendency to pop up at a moment’s notice. Anyway, Annihilate cut his eyes towards the woman beside him. The wild, almost feral nature displayed only moments before was hidden behind a stoic expression, or lack there of. However, he did not hesitate to begin a conversation.

“You the new Guild-Mistress?” he asked quietly. His voice barely trailing far enough for anyone else to hear. However, despite the dead calm there was the subtle presence of anger present in his tone.

Time was ticking while Aaris sat there in silence still waiting for the guild member to come. From a distances she seemed to be calm, peaceful, almost like a normal human would look. With her head bowed down, she read a book called in a language only fallen angels could even understand. Turning another page, the waitress in yellow came up to her, without saying a word she placed a cold drink of water next to Aaris’s hand. The fallen angel didn’t shift her eyes from her book, yet was very still aware of it. Soon she heard the waitress leave her presence once more just in time the fallen one heard someone enter the inn. Shifting her eyes to the side she could see a figure begin to make a fuss as the bar tender told him to leave. Aaris shrugged and went back to her book, reading it in an eerily silence.

Quickly she could hear three loud smashing sounds near the door. Looking with a small glance, she rolled her eyes at the man for not hiding his weapons better. As exciting as watching a man get their nose broken was, Aaris found his unnecessary mess to be odd. It was really a waste of time. Slowly she reached for her glass of water with her right hand and took a sip as the man came near her, keeping his distance from her. She couldn’t really blame him, it was natually to stay away from chaotic beings.

Aaris took another sip of her drink, and turned another page of her book before she gave Anni as much as a glance. After she satisfied her thrist for water she reached down under her table and into her bag. She then pulled out the horrid remains of a jawless skull still conected to a severed spinal cord and placed it on the table smashing a roach as it fled the remains with her left fist. "Heh... New Misstress...?" she said looking at Anni "Why don't you ask my friend here..." She said tossing the skull remains towards him. Although water would provide her hydration Aaris's blood thrist was unquenchable.

Rising her head up to fully view him, she closed her book as she rose up from her chair. He looked somewhat old, something she wasn’t expecting. Once again she pitied the poor souls who had such a fragile body which would soon turn to dust with time. With one long step with her right foot, she moved her left hand to his shirt. It was sticky from the roach, with a slight movement, she attempted to wipe her messy hand on his shirt.

Though his violent action towards the barkeep was excessive and unnecessary he did not regret his actions. The man was weak, and he stood in his way; his mistake. Anni didn’t hold him accountable for anything other than ignorance, however, and chose not to kill him. It was unusual, but he just wasn’t in the mood today. Quite odd when being said of a man whose very existence now seemingly bordered on his ability to slaughter anything in his way. Arrogance, it seemed, was not lost on him. At least, though, his was not so blatantly exposed that people made too much of him.

He caught the head with one hand, grabbing it by the hair and jerking it back to get good look at it. In many ways it reminded him of a voodoo head, and he almost smiled at the thought. Lunch he thought coldly. His opposite hand rose to turn and examine the remains before he set it on the table, and eyed Aaris as she approached him. He wore no shirt underneath his jacket but made no move to avert her actions, and when the bug guts were smeared across his arm he merely grimaced. He looked at his clothes, furrowed his brow, twitched his nose and then shrugged. It meant little more to him than if it were blood or flesh, or perhaps even entrails of a human.

“I’ve been covered in worse.” he said stoically, almost coldly, before reached up to wipe off the remains, “Much worse.” Turning back to her, however, Anni couldn’t help but eye her up and down. It was obvious as his slightly glazed cat-eyes scanned her form, however, that he wasn’t checking her out. No. He was sizing her up. He guessed her height, weight, took note of her eye color, hair, complexion, any little twitches or quirks she might have, and taking note of any racially defining features; claws, teeth, ears, little nubs that wouldn’t be present on a human, and, quite oddly, feet. He didn’t find her odd at all, quite the opposite in fact, she was what he expected with a little added flair. After finishing his observations he wouldn’t said, more to himself than to anyone else present, “The loss of divinity. Alba made a good choice.” He almost chuckled again, but refrained.

Raising his hand and snapping at the barmaid angrily he chimed in, “Ale.” He was thirsty, he’d traveled a long way for this meeting, and he’d have himself a drink even if he had to get it himself. Luckily, however, prior actions must have convinced them he wasn’t one to ignore, and they went about fetching him something strong. Annihilate didn’t stop to consider their actions, however. He watched her like a hawk. Every action, every motion, every breath. Paranoid kept him sharp especially when meeting new people.

Although this man did take the bug remains very well, it still seemed like there was more to him then met the eye. If someone wiped remains on Aaris’s clothes, she would go into a frenzy until she could find remains to wipe on the person who wiped her. An eye for two eyes seemed to be fair enough, so a double portion of bug remains would be the judgement. Yet there was a time to go on an insane rampage, and there was a time to keep collected, because self control did help in many situations. But hardly was that a choice to make every day. No. Aaris wasn’t a lawful person in the least, that option of self control only worked when she was over powered. Indeed there was no fear in her, but she wasn’t going to get someone stronger then her angry. If she were to do this then there wouldn’t be any chance to get stronger so she could over power them. What her target was? Everyone. Plans of already killing some guild members were already in action if they ever crossed paths with her.

Now this guild member, he didn’t seem like the idiot so many others seemed to be. Instead it was as if he knew just what to say and when to say it. Fear in Alba wasn’t good enough, fear in Aaris would be the greatest gift any mortal could give. Gazing at his red cat like eyes as he looked up at her, she found this to be somewhat interesting. There was no lust like look in his features, but more of a paranoid look. Still with her mind on the bug remains, a laugh came from her lips which only lasted for a few seconds. Her laugh slowly died down into a small chuckle. “And here I thought I would have to gut you if you showed yourself to be foolish,” a small smirk appeared on her lips, then suddenly she disappeared from sight.

Then a few seconds later, she reappeared back on the hard wooden chair she had left to whip her hand on his jacket. Leaning back in a cozy position, she placed her legs up on the table, and crossed her legs. Putting her hands behind her head, she stared at the man with a more serious look on her face. “Now, tell me something. What drives you to be in the brotherhood of chaos? Or should I say, just what can you do to benefit the guild or anyone else in it?” She questioned darkly to him as she reached for her glass of water to take another sip. But she didn’t place the glass back down on the table, instead she cradled it in her arms.

Slowly the waitress in the yellow dress walked up to the table, almost shaking like a leaf. She quickly placed a glass of ale in front of Anni, then backed up slowly just to turn and run back to the other side of the inn. It was wise to fear them. And Aaris’s eyes didn’t leave the face of Anni, they still didn’t leave when she heard a loud pounding at the door. If it didn’t stop soon she might have to pull an Anni on the poor soul. As for now her patients was very high...for now.

The Kaima Inn was one place that a certain dark figure in Arda had not gone to very often; the Inn lay in the city of Estolad and was actually rather big. As the rain beat down around the Inn a chaotic figure drew in closer and closer towards its door. This figure was fully dressed in the Bloodshed Armour that was given to him by the Goddess of Chaos, Ita. The armour was slightly covered by a basic red cloak and a dark weapon was held within the hand of this being. It was Alba Meria and he had come to this place for one reason and one reason only!

The Phoenix seen a man smashing his hand onto the Inns front door, this man was trying to get away from Alba but the Chaos Phoenix would not let that happen anytime soon. Some people within the building would turn to face the door each time the man crashed his large fists against it, but then all went silent. Not even a faint sound could be heard coming from the door. What had happened to the figure that had been trying to enter? The answer to that question lay on the other side of the large entrance to the Inn.

On the outside of the door blood droplets where falling from the balcony of the Inn, if someone was to step out of the Inn all they would see would be a pair of legs hanging by the door. Where had the rest of this man gone you ask? Well his upper body was sprawled out onto the floor mixing with the mass of blood while his head was placed on the spike of Albas Weapon. Yes the Chaos Phoenix had placed the fools head on his mighty scythe and he did not care one single bit. With the head placed on his scythe Alba let out a sickening laugh before forcing the door of the Inn open.

The Phoenix then took a few steps into the building, some of the people moving away from his at the sight of the severed head upon his scythe. Scanning over the Inn with his red orbs Alba found the person that he had come to be with, it was his fiancé Aaris, and she was meeting with the Brotherhood of Chaos members known as Anni. Yes this would indeed be a rather interesting meeting. With his free left hand Alba removed his helm placing into the travel pack by his side. Once his helm was off Alba’s medium length white hair slowly ran down his neck with the red tips of the hair standing out.

His eyes were still fixed onto the form of Aaris who seemed be resting her feet on her table, the Phoenix sent her a rather devilish smirk before he began to walk over towards her. As he drew in closer Alba used his power of Telekinesis to move a chair closer towards Aaris, with his chair set Alba softly sat down on it without a word at first. He was looking right towards Anni for a few moments and then shifted his gaze to Aaris before saying, “My Goddess, I hope you don’t mind, but I also wanted to find out more about Anni here. As well as spend some more time with my fiancé of course.” Once saying this Alba seemed to smirk once more, only Aaris had ever seen this side to him although Alba had managed to tone it down a little for now.

As the Chaos Phoenix sat next to them the head that had been placed onto his scythe started to pour blood down the pole section. Of course Alba did not mind this one bit, in fact he rather liked the looks people were giving him as a result of the ripped off head he had aquired not to long ago. All that was left to do was wait on either of them to reply; of course Aaris would have been Albas main choice to hear reply.

((OOC: Sorry for bad post, kinda braindead :lol: ))

Had it been anyone else Anni might have gutted the barkeep and pushed the woman into the mess, but not her. He wasn’t afraid of her, Alba or anyone else in Arda – not even the gods and goddesses – but he was smart. He knew when to call upon his vengeful spirit and when to keep his temper in check, and had Aaris seen the wild gleam in his eyes she might’ve guessed as much. Still, he merely sat there, even when she threw out idle threats of what might have happened had he said the wrong thing. He wasn’t sure, but he wondered if everyone in Arda wanted to kill him. First the assassin, later Tilorn and Alba both assaulted him, now this. It was a wonder he was still kicking.

He made a strange expression, almost like he nodded to himself, before he turned his attention to the shivering bar-maid. He almost laughed, yet again, when he thought that it was here that needed the drink. However, after dismissing his thoughts Anni reached out and took hold of it, and raised it to his lips and Aaris disappeared. He didn’t turn to watch her until he’d taken a long draft, and had let the drink settle back down upon the counter-top. The smoldering gaze of his eyes moved to find her in a table, but he didn’t move. He sat rigid on his chair after finally turning to face her completely, yet he was surprised by her question, and showed it in his expression. His stoic gaze fell away, and a thoughtful mask covered his features.

“Alba.” he said calmly, before watching the man as he entered and sat beside Aaris. It seemed he was right in assuming the Phoenix would appear. Still, the question plagued his thoughts. Eventually, after a long pause following Alba’s entrance Anni eventually spoke again. This time the malice disappeared, and honest truth rang in his voice, “My life before Arda found a similar path, and was riddled with dark majesty, but neither of you would understand it without seeing it first hand, however; when I found this place what power I had was diminished. I was stripped of what I once had. When I first met Alba and Tilorn I saw in them a glimpse of what I once possessed, and I could feel the infernal strength within me causing my blood to boil. This guild gives me a sense of power again. Power. I’ve always loved it, and until I can achieve my previous grandeur I have to do something. This group seems, to me, to be my only answer. All that I can give, however, is my devotion and my sword, which are two things I don’t readily distribute.”

When he spoke of his past a fire exploded behind his eyes; a presence within him stirred near releasing a feral and malice-driven strength. Tiny black veins cascaded across his skin, mainly upon his hands and on his throat, while his skin grew pale. The mere thought of his loss made him nearly explode with anger, but he bottled all of that up. It could always be used.

Aaris looked towards Anni with a sick smirk spreading across her lips, the though of killing someone close by coming to her mind. She wanted nothing more than to spill the blood of another right at that moment in time. The fallen angel then turned her attention to the door of the Inn as someone she knew very well stepped in. It was her husband to be, Alba Meria the Chaos Phoenix. Her smirk slowly curled into a small smile as Alba began to walk closer to her, soon taking up a seat next to Aaris and speaking.

The woman listened to Alba and once he was finished talked she moved her chair a little until she was sitting closer to the man. Her left hand reached down to take hold of the right hand of Alba, if he would allow it. As she did this Anni then began to also talk. Again Aaris listened to what was being said but as of yet would not comment on it. With the words spoken by Anni finished there was a cold silence spread across the three as they sat there waiting for someone to speak.

Aaris then parted her lips allowing a small laugh to escape them before she said, “Well Anni at least you have told the truth to us. About your lose of power and such. I can see you being a great aid to the Brotherhood, although be warned you shall be tested many times along this track to greatness!” She then turned her gaze to Alba once more before saying, “And Alba, of course I don’t mind that you came here as well. I’m glad to see you again.” Aaris then smiled a little more as she waited for one of the two men to reply to what had been said.

It seemed that somehow Anni had expected the arrival of the Phoenix on this night. But Alba did not care much; he just wanted to see Aaris again. Looking down to his right side Alba saw the hand of Aaris reach for his own. Curling his lips into a small smile Alba took the hand of Aaris into his, lacing there fingers together. The Phoenix then looked towards Anni as he began to speak, it seemed this being had been through a lot on coming to Arda and Alba had already tested him twice, once with the aid of Tilorn and another time within the Volcano in Arda.

After the man had finished talking there was indeed a strange silence, which was soon broken by the amazing voice of Aaris. Alba looked right at Aaris as she spoke to Anni telling him that even though he would be good within the guild he would continue to be tested a various times during his life with the Brotherhood of Chaos. That was when Aaris turned to face Alba and spoke to him directly, the Phoenix smirked a little as he locked his own eyes with those of Aaris. But before he did anything Alba quickly looked at Anni and said, “What Aaris has said is right. We may have tested you twice so far, but I can see you moving up in the ranks of the Brotherhood with time so prepare to be tested more ok?” Alba then returning his gaze back to Aaris.

The Phoenix smiled to Aaris before lowering his head down towards her ear and whispering to her, “I promise we will get the Wedding set up soon ok. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you Aaris. Yes I may be one of the most chaotic beings in Arda but I have fallen for you and that shall never change. You’re the only one I want to be with Aaris!” After saying this to her the Phoenix pulled his head back a little with a devil like smirk spread along his lips as he looked at Aaris. What was going to happen next? Alba did not know!

The whole of his life had been a continuing test – a rigorous addiction that he could not seem to break. His hopes, his dreams, his fantasies, his might; all had been tested, so what was Arda if not another place of trial and tribulation. However, he had hopped that one day he may have found a bit of piece and serenity. It seemed, though, that there would be no peace for him until the end of his days. There was much to do, a great path was laid out before him, and the road was longer than he had ever imagined.

“There is no life without trial. I’ll do what I must,” he replied sternly before turning back to the bar for a moment. He drew up his mug slowly and savored the sensation of the liquor within his gullet, but he stopped and grinned when he remembered the gift she’d brought. Anni quickly grabbed up the remains, and held the head before him so the both of them could see. The jaw-less maw made him giggle slightly, and he nearly began to tear into the remaining flesh that instant. However, he remained controlled as he stared into its stark-white features. It was primarily drained of blood, and in a way he envied the cold embrace that the soul was now neatly wrought in, but was happy that he still persisted.

Anni made no moves to say anything else to Aaris or to Alba. He could see that they were a tidy choice for one another, and he nearly smiled a true smile. However, he left them to their whispers, and feigned ignorance to their personal conversation. Instead, he reached down to his boot and drew his bone-hilted dagger, then began to carve away pieces of flesh methodically. His work could not be seen from their direction, but by the way he held the head it seemed as though Anni was cutting something into its cheek. In truth he was cutting out the eye, though. His dagger cut through flesh and nerve, and then with a little squishy slurp he popped out the gooey eye and grinned. He wasn’t sure if they knew what he was about to do, and he wasn’t sure of their reactions, but Anni went ahead and shoved the little blue sphere into his mouth, and crunched.

There was a gushing sound as the fluid inside exploded, and Anni giggled like a child as he wiped the corners of his mouth. When he was done with the eye he took another slurp of the ale, and looked to them innocently, “I apologize; would either of you like a bite?”

Nodding to Anni, Aaris knew this being had a lot of power in him just waiting to grow, and tear Arda apart. She was actually quite pleased he would be in the guild. About time Alba let someone in with some sense, she thought to herself just as Alba came closer to her, just to whisper in her ear. Slightly she cocked an eyebrow up, this wasn’t the time to talk about wedding matters. In short Aaris would much rather talk about that in private, not in front of the eyes of a well respected brother of chaos.

“I feel the same way,” she replied to him softly with a sweet smile just in time to see Anni plop an eye in his mouth. Her eyes were slightly widen in surprise, but then his giggle followed by his innocent look bust her into a fit of laughter as he spoke. Gasping for air to control herself she couldn’t find the breath to stop. Putting her left hand to her mouth to control herself, she wheezed though the cracks of her fingers.

“Hahaha, oh boy!” She finally spoke just in time where she caught a hold of herself. “Um, I am more of an elf eater, or angels then a human.” A small smirk danced on her face as she gazed at Anni and his love for newly killed foods. Eating something so uncleaned wasn’t one of her favored things in the world. Anni amused her, each second she was around him he did something that didn’t put him in bad terms with her. That was always good considering there were more then enough fools who put themselfs in bad terms. Anni was the very few good term ones. “But thanks for asking though,” she finished as she gave him a good smile. He is one of a kind, she thought hoping that Alba would pick up on it.

Alba let out a small laugh as he seen what Anni was doing. Not only was he a skilled fighter, but also it seemed like Anni was also a rather nice person to just be around. He seemed to brighten the mood of the Phoenix, although not as much as Aaris could of course. Alba then looked at Aaris once more with a smile, she was the woman he loved and the only person the Phoenix ever wanted to be with, yes Alba Meria actually could not wait to spend his entire life with Aaris. Who knew exactly what would happen in their future, only time could really tell them that fact but one of the most enjoyable things about being with Aaris was that every single moment Alba was with her felt special in its own strange yet pleasing way.

“He is one of a kind” These were the words Alba could hear within his mind, it was the telepathic link between both himself and Aaris. The Phoenix smirked a little and looked at Aaris then thought, for only her to hear it of course, “Yes he is. Although his power is not at a full level yet. Once his strength goes up I may let Anni lead his own section much like the Elite within the guild. Hmmm I wonder, do you think he should be my best man on our day?” Once the Phoenix had finished thinking this he looked at Aaris more letting out a small laugh at his thought. It was only then that Alba remembered Anni had asked them both if they wanted any of the severed head.

Turning his head now to face the form of Anni Alba said, “As for the head, you can have it buddy. Oh and Anni I almost forgot to tell you. I’m proud of how much your power has grown since I met you. It was clear you have gained a lot more power between meeting me and Tilorn and our battle in the volcano.” It was strange for Alba to say anything like that, but it was true. In the eyes of the Phoenix the top four mortals within the Brotherhood of Chaos were himself, Aaris, Tilorn and Anni. When the four of them worked as a team, which would most likely happen in the future, Alba knew their power would be incredible indeed.

Although he normally kept to himself in a reserved manner, and general kept his comments sarcastic or depraved Anni seemed to be quite at peace around Aaris and Alba. Though his nature was somewhat morbid he was happy that the macabre did not bother them. He was, for one of the few times during his life, rather at ease. He supposed that being around people who complemented his general nature, and did not make him fanatically paranoid might be the cause of that, but he stopped his line of thought there. He was, after all, not one to really worry about such things.

For a moment he sat there watching the two of them knowing very well that there was a communication present within the depths of their mind, but their private conversations were their own and he dare not attempt to read them. No. He went back to his head for that very reason. He removed the other eye and the tongue, and ate them at a respective pace before looking up at Alba. He smiled a sharp-toothed grin, almost like a shark, but he didn’t say anything. He let Alba finished, but first looked to Aaris.

“I’m partial to drow, myself. Their meat is much like venison. However, I’m not too picky as long as it’s fresh,” he said with a mater-of-fact tone and a wiggle of a sharp-nailed finger, but grinned like a jackal. Anni had pleasant eyes when they weren’t out to kill, but at the same time they were almost feral, and both forces caused one another to stand out distinctly.

He turned his eyes back to Alba, and had obviously picked up on the complement. He bowed his head thankfully, and looked up before saying, “Well, see I believe that there are two things that make someone stronger – training and motivation. I would say my power has said virtually the same,” his voice grew softer and more knowing, “Power is derived from ones motivation, from ones will, and I think that force grows only when a person has something to push them harder. You, Alba, have grown more powerful. You found Aaris, and your union, your love, has made you stronger. Few could boast as such.” Anni put the head aside, and leaned a bit closer and propped both elbows on his knees. His hands clasped together, and he nodded gently, “But for me… I would say that my skills have grown more extensive due to training.”

Smiling to the two of them and nodding happily, Anni reached back and took another sip of his mug. Despite his expression there was a hint of sorrow in his eyes. The memories of the wife and child Vaelen had once had played somewhere deep within his subconscious. It had been a long time since he could make any claim quite so grand.

Aaris sharply turned her head in the direction of Alba as he spoke to her mind. She pondered on that thought. Maybe Anni would make a good best man, but it was too early to say such things. Didn’t want to make anyone uneasy followed by a dart out of the inn. Which would be one of the things she would do after killing someone if they ever asked her to be a bride’s maid. Lifting her head up, she scratched her chin lightly. In time yes he would be perfect. In fact I think he has been the only person besides you that I can actually tolerate. I’m sure you know that I wish to kill Tilorn, right?

Shifting her dark sea water eyes towards Alba, she gave him a wide grin. There was a high chance that he would hate her for thinking this, since he and Tilorn were such best of friends. But she really didn’t care for Aaris was a woman who spoke her mind about anything in the correct times.

Turning her attention back to the cannibal whom seemed to enjoy his meal rather well. Patiently she waited until his mouth was no longer full with either flesh or words. Aaris was like a farmer wanting to know just how big a plant would grow. Always wanting to put effort in what she believed in. Anni was now someone new that she was growing to believe in each passing second. “If you ever want me to train you, just say the word I’d be more then pleased to help you.” This was truth for she did want to know just how strong her could become, and maybe make a new companion along the way. Aaris shifted her dark eyes to Alba, and gave him a smile with her eyes closed.

It seemed like Anni was one to take a compliment rather well, which Alba was happy about. The Phoenix then listened as Aaris once again spoke in his mind with the words, “In time yes he would be perfect. In fact I think he has been the only person besides you that I can actually tolerate. I’m sure you know that I wish to kill Tilorn, right?” Hearing this Alba did something that even he did not expect to do, he began to laugh! Yes Alba knew that Aaris wanted to slay Tilorn and even though Alba seen Tilorn as a friend the vampire fallen angel lacked on thing to Alba, that thing being human emotions. Yes at least Anni showed more emotion, which was a much better thing when trying to make conversation. In reply to the thought of Aaris Alba thought back, “Well then, in time I shall ask Anni, and as for Tilorn I know you want to kill him my love but there is nothing I can do about that. You know I will stand by your side before anyone else!” Alba then smiled towards Aaris before returning his vision onto the form of Anni once more.

The next thing the Phoenix heard however was actual words spoken by Aaris these words being, “If you ever want me to train you, just say the word I’d be more then pleased to help you.” And this was directed to Anni. With the words still fresh in his mind Alba let out a small sigh. For some reason the Phoenix was starting to get worried, what if he was to lose Aaris to Anni? What if she found this Anni to be far greater than the Phoenix? It was a stupid thing to worry about but Alba could not help it, Aaris was his first and only love and the Phoenix never wanted to be without her. He just had to hope things would flow the way they were meant to in the end.

Alba moved his gaze back towards Aaris, a smile flickering along his lips but for some reason the smile had that worried feeling implanted within it. If Aaris was to find out what Alba was worried about then she might think him, with that in mind the Phoenix tried to clear it from his mind before Aaris picked up on it.

Even though Anni knew Aaris meant well with her offer to train him he instantly caught on to the tension that he felt, and knew how Alba was feeling. Though he didn’t attempt to read his thoughts he could see a sparkle in his eye that let him know what he was thinking. He’d seen that expression before, had bared it himself like a mask of insecurity, but he knew too that Alba would find his composure again, and would drive those thoughts out of his mind. Anni knew well enough how such thoughts could torment a person, and he grimaced visibly though there would be a ring of truth in his words.

“I appreciate the offer, but I think for now I’ll do the best I can by myself. I’ve never been fond of asking others for help unless I can help it,” he said smiling, though the tone of his voice meant that he’d rather not press the topic too much further. It was truly a nice offer, but he didn’t want it. From anyone else he would’ve accepted it ruefully, but wouldn’t have taken her up on it regardless. He just didn’t like being trained unless there was a reason for it. His pride would not allow it unless it was from someone who truly had more power than he – for instance the Goddess of Chaos, whose strength he drew upon.

Anni, however, was slightly insulted that someone might think him so base as to attempt such an underhanded trick. It caused the edge of his lip to perk a few times in a rather irate manner. Though he said nothing his pride, that same damned pride, wouldn’t let him stoop so low. However, instead of brooding on that thought he went back to skinning the severed head, occasionally reaching back to have another drink of his ale. Eventually he’d taken the entire skull down to nothing but a cleaned bone and a puddle of congealed brains, which he had poured over the other side of the counter for the attendants to clean up. He wasn’t partial to mushy feeling parts, except the eyes.

With a sigh he sat the skull aside and looked at his hands. Both were covered in blood and gore, and he normally would’ve licked them clean but his stomach was beginning to bother him. He knew he’d tasted something odd when he’d eaten that tongue, and although he was hungry he knew he should’ve ended then. “Ugh…” he groaned, “How old was that?” Sweat beads were beginning to form upon his brow, and he paled to a ghastly white.

Glacing in between the two men she finally settled her eyes on Alba and gave him a slight smile. I’m yours silly buns, she thought to herself just before she took the cold glass of water in her right hand. Gently she lifted it up to her pales lips to swallow a big gulp of nice liquid feeling in her throat down to her belly. Placing the cup down, a wet ring surrounded the cup, leaving a damp mark on the wooden table. With hast she licked her wet lips dry and nodded to Anni. “Of course. I understand.” Sitting in there, was a slight silence. Aaris didn’t mind that he offer was taken down. In fact she was never much good as a trainer seeing as how most people who asked for it got an arrow lodged in their skull for not dodging quick enough. It wasn’t her fault that they were so slow.

Aaris’s eyes slightly widen as she saw Anni begin to turn more pale by each passing second. When he asked her how old it was, she gave the room a shifty look while still trying to think. Just how long was that anyway? She thought to herself, never keeping tack of what she killed or what she kept away in her bag of goodies. If Anni gave her the chance, she would have most likely told him not to eat the decomposed flesh. Yet as soon as he bit into it, it was too late to tell him now wasn’t it? Aaris gave a small life of her shoulders, dropping them back down in a shrug. “A week, maybe a month, why?” She asked him calmly, but somehow she sorta knew why. Eating something so old could certainly be negative to ones body. “Hm, maybe you should stop eating that.” She finished as she gave a small smile with her eyes closed.