The long evening broke the slumber of one far too concentrated in his studies.


He awoke with a startle, as he contemplates as to why he is up to his neck in a pool filled with sparkling water. His claws felt soft, as his armour was rusted. His delay in getting out of the water was caused by oxidization of the metal. The tall half-dragon stood erect, observing the sights of many great waterfalls, crashing below. He shook his wings, the water spraying in all directions. Ciraxis grumbled as the spraying water seemed to attack him, as most of it landed on him. Nevertheless, he stretches, yawning. His black, scaly tail whips his back in his attempt to wake him up.

"Bah, I fell into a daze once again."Ciraxis commented. His voice was very low, yet eerily calm. His fangs gleamed in the sunlight, shining white.

Shaking off the rest of the transparent liquid of water, he strides around, a condescending smirk plastered to his face, as he searches for new contacts.

She hadn't meant to lower her guard.

All it had taken was a moment of inattention. Her prey had been within easy killing distance- a small leap, a small smash and it would all be over. She should have taken the chance, should have used it when it came. But noooooo, she had wanted to do this 'the right way' she had wanted to do this 'artistically.' That had been stupid, stupid, STUPID. Well, she had gotten what she had deserved and her prey was dead- that had been the only positive note on this entire debacle. Still, what she had 'deserved' was a rather fearsome wound in her stomach that would have killed almost any other mortal man or woman. But as a Rauko it was merely a distraction.

A very, very painful distraction. And Vex was fairly certain that her intestines were supposed to be inside of her body. It was probably for that reason that they were called 'innards.'

They didn't look much like sausages. They looked more like blackened-

"Someone approaches." Ennui reported softly. "It smells like a dragon."

"Just what I need." Vex groaned, ignoring her pet's expectant looks. The stupid demon fly had- for some reason or another- felt the need to inform her that fresh demon innards were considered a delicacy in Hel and was being extra helpful today. She had given the thing the middle finger more times than she could count but he was being surprisingly patient for a demon made of pure chaos and destructive energies. Perhaps he wasn't actually a demon of chaos. Vex turned the idea around in her head. Then she shrugged. What good would that knowledge do?

Clutching her wound tightly, Vex dizzily made her way forwards. Either this would be a foe, in which case she'd be dead anyways, or a friend in which case she needed some much required healing. She'd even gladly accept the ministrations of well meaning do-gooders at this point.

Ciraxis encountered a scent. The scent smelled divine, like a well prepared steak dinner on a warm sunset. Ciraxis, growing hungry, groaned.

"I haven't eaten in nine hours." he muttered.

He continued walking for a mere bit, until the scent finally aroused him enough to spread his wings and start zooming in towards whatever race he may encounter. At a high velocity, he spots Vex from above. Seeing the innards just made his stomach growl louder, nearing the border of starvation. Ciraxis responded by moving his massive body back quickly, halting his speed. He shoots himself down, as he lands in front of Vex with a loud thump. In fact, it seemed to crack the moist ground underneath him.

Ciraxis observed the injured one, a concentrating gaze ablaze with ferocity. As Ciraxis almost charges at Vex, his conscience nags him. He starts thinking to himself, saying, <Why won't you let me eat? This is just like any other creature!>. He gets a response with a sharp feeling at his cranium. Nevertheless, he ignores it, and focuses a deadly glare at the female in front of him. He folds his arms in a condescending manner, asking an obvious question.

"Why, pray tell, are your delicious innards bathing in the sun? You tempt me highly." he inquired, still eying the gaping wound, as his rusted armour scratches some of his black scales.

Ciraxis seems to have an aura of fear around him, as any wildlife around him would scurry away, basically screaming.

The falls were a beautiful place, as usual. Vex, if she hadn't been so terribly preoccupied with both her wound and her bothersome demonic companion, might have taken a moment to sit back and relax- perhaps enjoy some of the ale she had brought with her (and discarded in her hasty retreat from the scene of battle carnage), maybe even bothered to hunt for something appetizing and roast it here. Time was a luxury that few had the opportunity or need to squander but in this pristine, unblemished place such luxuries seemed to hearken more as necessities. People needed to relax and assassins doubly so. Pressure could make even the best crack and it wasn't just because of the long working hours and perilous working conditions that created some of the most eccentric individuals ever known to history among her profession.

But that beauty was shattered as she spotted (and smelled!) the familiar sight and stench of a half-dragon. Unfortunately, he had managed to spot her as well. For a moment she considered fleeing. Then the sting of her wound made her re-consider and she realized- without liking the idea very much- that if she did run for it and he was hostile he'd just chase and then kill her. No, it would be best to stay and if she was required to attack she'd have more strength and energy if she stayed still for the moment. Down the apparition started to go and she knew he was going down to meet her.

"What is it with my luck and half-dragons?" The demonic assassin muttered, remembering a ferocious battle that had happened not even a tenday ago that had also involved a half-dragon. With all these errant seeds sown in the wind Vex would have expected there to be more evidence of actual 'dragons' then she had seen. Finally the half-dragon made it to the ground.

"Why, pray tell, are your delicious innards bathing in the sun? You tempt me highly." The half-dragon asked, almost mockingly. Vex felt her hopes at a friendly figure crash and burn but she was never one for hope anyways.

The assassin snarled. "Come and get them then, monster." She said, slowly taking out her mace with her right hand and her left still firmly stuck to her bleeding wound. "Maybe the sun will see the color of your own today- wouldn't you like that, eh?"

Ciraxis scowled at the pathetic attempt to defend.

"I am not one to attack without cause. I am hungry, and you prove tempting. If you desire to fight, then we shall, and I shall consume you, leaving my stomach satisfied for another half hour. Now then. Are you going to fight me, or are you going to try and respond in a more civilized way?" Ciraxis monologued.

Even with his words in place, he really did not wish to attack an innocent being in need of assistance. Sure, Ciraxis was an evil one, and he did enjoy consuming the ones that bothered him, or the ones that looked delicious, but today, he felt pacified. However, that feeling was rudely interrupted when he heard the <"Maybe the sun will see the color of your own today- wouldn't you like that, eh?"> sentence erupted.

Now, that really agitated Ciraxis. He was being honest! They DID look delicious! He just had no true intention of devouring them. Maybe he should have asked in a more delicate way, such as 'Hey, what's wrong?' or, 'Do you need help?'. No, that's being nice. Ciraxis would rather instigate a fight just to win some food for a while. He's starving, and a good little female would do nicely.

Nevertheless, Ciraxis decided to have at least a little honour, and at the verge of losing his advantage, patience. As he waited for a response, his draconic eyes narrowed, once again gazing at the Rauko. He never liked being the one to request the response. It's normally a 'Let's fight and we'll see who wins.'. Bah. There is nothing to do yet but wait for the response from the female Rauko in front of him.

The half-dragon unsheathed his massive blade.

OOC: For future reference, do not add speech in between speech. :/

IC:

Vex shook her head wondering at what madness had prompted her to actually sting the half-dragon's pride and mentally shrugged- every once in a while demons went mad. It was a passing madness, usually, that could result in the frenzied spree of death and destruction mortals called 'berserking' and was a longstanding result of their inherently chaotic nature. Chaos, not evil, was their true elemental affinity. She had half-suspected, upon once witnessing the 'blood rage' of certain barbarian and orc tribes, that demon blood or at least demonic influence, had seeped deep into the heart of certain mortal races.

Pity that her own nature was so apt to betray her. She'd have to watch for that in the future if she were to take over the world. She would not let her ambitions die, not today and not ever if she had her way about it. Of course, looking at the situation logically, she would die here today if she chose to fight. She would die like an animal, and if what the half-dragon said was true- would be devoured as well.

A pity that she wasn't logical then.

The familiar 'zing!' of an unsheathed blade set her blood on fire with battle lust. She might lose, she might win, but as of the moment he had just declared himself a danger to life and limb. No, more importantly, he had declared himself a danger to *her* bloody life and limbs. And that was not to be tolerated. Especially when she could not retreat and flee like the good little assassin she was.

"Not one to attack without cause, you say?" She parroted mockingly. "Trying to play the goody-two-shoes?" She sneered. "Don't give me that carrion of an excuse. We both know what you really are: a monster. So come then monster. This meal won't be one that you can eat without getting hurt!"

So. It seems as if the Rauko wishes to fight.

This is a good thing. Ciraxis was getting truly hungry. Despite having honour or not, a meal is a meal, and if a person was to retaliate in such a way, it'd be a meal worth having. After all, she IS letting her organs rot in the sun. Why waste it? Why not just send the bloody soul to hell and get it over with? Ciraxis liked the idea. In fact, he liked the idea so much, he might as well try.

Ciraxis sighs. "A pity. I thought you would play nice." Ciraxis chuckles a bit, as he aims his blade horizontally. Taking one last 'peaceful' look at the creature, who's journey trying to seek aid had been ruined by Ciraxis, he... laughed. He liked it. He is glad he made misery to one. Or at least -thought- he made misery. Either way, it was a good feeling.

Ciraxis's normally emotionless face turned into a serious expression, as he lunged forward, sending the two-handed sword thrusting towards the Rauko, the tip being sent right towards the open wound.

"Then I shall take the risk."

OOC, EDIT: I apologize. I realize it has to be past tense. I will start posting as it should be.

Surprise.

For a moment, the crash of the pounding falls was all Vex heard. An odd sound. It was winter, wasn't it? Shouldn't the water be ice? It was such an inconsequential thought and yet it ballooned in Vex's mind growing in scope as she sought to retaliate against the sudden overwhelming pain that was shunting away her bloodlust and ordering her to scream bloody murder.

"Heh..."

Like she would ever scream bloody murder again. There were reasons why she wasn't dead and why her skin was scaly. All things considered she should have been incarnated as a succubus in the deepest reaches of Hel. But her death had been far too violent for that. And it had taken far too long. Five long years. This pain was nothing- less than nothing. But it still required distracting. Her mind fled along disused pathways as she sought an explanation.

"...that..."

Perhaps the water came from a heated underground spring. Perhaps it was just the result of some minor deity. Perhaps it was, the easy explanation, magic. Magic explained all when there was no tenable reason was to be found. Vex found that she didn't like that reason though, magic was too simple- too crude a way for nature to fashion itself. Surely there was a different reason. Perhaps a nature spirit? No... those usually abided by nature's rules. When it was time to sleep nature slept.

"...hurt..."

No it couldn't be a natural spirit. Perhaps an unnatural one then? But the falls seemed so harmonious, so bereft of the foul, mean-spiritedness that pervaded most natural dwellings where animals only seemed to wish to either eat, mate or kill. There was a certain-

Damn, looked like the pain couldn't be avoided anymore.

"...a...little."

Vex opened her eyes. The two handed sword had buried itself to the hilt in her abdomen, bursting out her backside. Her likelihood of surviving such a wound was rather slim but still better than that of any ordinary mortal. But now she was close to this half-breed, close enough to deal serious damage. Her arms were draped around his back lovingly, her mace in a lovely spot to deal some serious damage to his delicate backside.

"If you so much as twitch, I will ground you for life." She whispered softly, promising to shatter his wings so that he would never, ever be able to fly again. "Now let go of the sword." She felt blood froth and churn and was forced to swallow her rising bile. Not yet she pleaded silently. Not yet!

An attack that made a misfortune, indeed.

Ciraxis was in quite the predicament. He got a good stab right to the abdomen, but he came in too close, and now he was being threatened to have his wings destroyed! He needed his wings, or he would be pitiful to the rest of the black dragons. He must stay strong. He must figure out a way to cure this.

'What am I going to do...', he thought. 'What if she really means it? It would be terrible!'

Ciraxis eyed the Rauko, observing as she willingly put her arms on rusted metal. As much as he thought that would hurt, it was clear that this Rauko was a challenge, indeed. For such a wounded creature, she had a tough soul. Ciraxis was still holding his blade firmly, as he decided about obeying, for the sake of his precious wings.

"Fine... I will comply." he muttered, regretting his choice.

He slowly let go of the sword lodged in the Rauko, and closed his wings so that if Vex still did attack, they wouldn't take much damage, and Vex would get a heavy, armoured fist to the face. Or, they would both miss, and Vex would have en extra weapon while Ciraxis was put at a disadvantage, having to use his... Fire Breath!

As he backed away, he awaited Vex to move her mace, as Ciraxis has become a target. He waited for Vex to remove the mace. It was obvious that Ciraxis has considered Vex a strong creature, regardless of her wound. So he waited for Vex, while muttering foul curse words to himself, that seem to be spoken in Draconic. It surely was a misfortunate attempt at a strike, nevertheless!

The few seconds that the half-dragon spent pondering his predicament seemed like an eternity to Vex. The long seconds dragged on forever, accompanied by the steady beat of her black heart that was traitorously pumping blood out of the hideous wound she had (had she?) willingly incurred for the upper hand to this debacle. Not that it felt like much of an upper hand. This had been too large a gamble, too great a risk.

Her stomach was on fire and her extremities felt like ice. 'I'm losing too much blood.' The rauko thought to herself woozily. Then another thought: 'I may actually die.' She was surprised to realize she didn't much care. Was this what it was like to be 'alive' again? For the pain to actually start to diminish as her body started to shut down? If she lost consciousness now she'd be dead and would return to Hel and-

The thought of return to that was like ice down her back, returning her to full, or at least partially full, alertness. She'd pay for that sudden burst of mental clarity later no doubt, but she needed it now and let the pain flood her nerves like an intoxicating drug. This was the essence of life. Pain. She had lived it, breathed it, felt it in all its myriads of forms. And she would be its master. She was tense, but with excitement now.

"Fine... I will comply."

The words seemed to be dragged out of the half-dragon and there was a smoldering anger in his eyes that Vex took note of and did not like. Not all dragons were gifted with their greater heritage and were capable of some of the more iconic draconic feats but this one seemed... yes it seemed entirely possible that this one was also capable of breathing fire. Scaled ones usually were. The one she had fought had the same capacity though- if she were to guess- that previous foe had been at least four or five times more powerful.

But then again he hadn't put a sword through her belly now had he?

She almost smiled then when he tried to put his wings into a more secure position. Did he honestly believe that would help? A mace falling on an arm would break it no matter what the position. If his wings had been made of something soft and rubbery- perhaps then- it would survive a blow. But when wings were made of flesh and bone? Pah. Such naivety did not suit her foe and she found it amusing. Then her wound pulsed and Vex realized that the mental clarity she had gained from the sheer panic at the notion of returning to Hel was ebbing.

She blinked and realized he had already backed away, watching her intently. How had he-? When had she let him go? She tried to cover her confusion with a few theatrics, unfurling her own wings and then ripping out the sword. This time she nearly did faint as she thrust the blade into the ground.

"Leave... or... die." She said weakly. "Leave... or..." and then physical weakness caught up with her and Vex tumbled into darkness.

Ciraxis smirked. He was positive that the Rauko would not survive that long. As he contemplated what to do with the Rauko, a smart idea came up, that was pretty simple. To eat her.

Buzz! went something in Ciraxis's head. It hurt. It hurt like he-- well, not there.

It was Ciraxis's conscience arguing with him again...


..... after a long and dreary battle with his own mind, he and his conscience came to a conclusion. He ripped off some of his own clothing, near the stomach, of the shirt, to wrap up the Rauko's stomach wound. When he finished, he picked her up with ease, sheathed his weapon, and he started to fly.

After a dizzying flight, Ciraxis landed in front of a cave. He walked in, as it was very dark. Noone but dragons would be able to see much in this cave. He set her down near a wall, and sighed. He pulled out a journal, and started writing in it. It was very awkward, as his claws got in the way. He managed to do what he could with as little literacy as he had. It said, in god awful neatness:

I apologize for attacking you. I realize it was a bad thing. My conscience hates me. You are lucky I don't eat you. You are resting in my... home, until you heal. When you do, you'd better run fast. I still have the temptation.

Ciraxis ripped out the paper, and stuck it to the wound area. Then he went to the other side, sat down, and rested. He was very tired.


OOC:Chances to be friends? xD.

OOC: :lol:

IC:

Vex woke up groggy and feverish. And relieved.

This isn't Hell... was her first thought. The next thought followed naturally enough: Therefore I am not dead.

But by all rights she should be. Vex knew that. She must have fainted- she didn't believe enough in her demonic heritage to have gone into a berzerking state. Didn't believe the stories of amnesia that followed that particular trait in their heritage either. Demons were tricky little things and if there was something that'd allow them to say that it wasn't their fault they'd take it in a heartbeat, truth be damned.

Vex wasn't much of a stickler for the truth either but that only made her suspicions grow. Besides, it wasn't like demons killed berzerkers anyways. The consequences of actions were more important than the intent.

Wait, what? Vex reconsidered her last few thoughts. What was she doing thinking them? She was still in danger! She had to get away. Taking a steadying breath she calmed down and tried to consider her options. Her last few attempts at survival had been somewhat pitiful as bad had gone to worse. If survival meant that she had to think things out logically so be it. At least she'd be alive for the drunken fiesta that would follow as she tried to forcefully reinsert her chaotic heritage at a later date. And besides, she was sick. Or pretty sure she was sick. She'd blame it on the sickness... yeah. Okay, concentration time.

If she was still alive that meant that the half-dragon had either been warded off or had taken her to be... she cracked open an eye and glanced around but the pitiful lighting wasn't enough to ascertain where she was. She tentatively touched her wound and groaned as little electric shocks of pain slammed through her. Nope, moving was going to be perilous too. And now that she noticed it there was a stench in the air: disease? Infection? Precious few terrestrial diseases could put down a rauko but they could weaken one. Vex hoped that it was her stupid-

Ennui! Where had the demon fly gone? He had already said that he was willing to feast upon-

"I didn't eat your innards." The little demon fly whispered into her ear. Vex half-expected that this demon fly could read emotions just by watching a person breathe. She felt the confirmation of those expectations like cold sweat running down her spine. "But you owe, piglet. I could have let you die and yet I rescued you."

"You..."Vex realized that she couldn't talk very well and lowered her voice to a whisper. "You... you couldn't. Not... ngggg... strong enough."

"True. It was that half-dragon. But you still owe me a life. I want to be able to pick who, when and how. Oh, and the kid left you a message." The demon fly said with surprising honesty. And then the buzzing disappeared as the small demon fly perched on her red hair and disappeared again.

With yet more tentative gropings, Vex tried to find the 'message' and encountered a piece of paper.

That was written in ink.

That, in the darkness, she was not able to read.

Huh. Folding the paper carefully and tucking it away (it could come in handy, regardless of the source. Even if just as a source of fire.) she tried to get up. She had to get up. Get away. But then the demon realized the futility of it. Her body could not, would not obey her at this juncture.

"Well crud."

Ciraxis slowly opened his eyes, as they were bright in the darkness. He eyed the struggling Rauko.

A smirk crept onto his face as he watched her carefully.

"Welcome to my home. Stay and rest. Is there anything I can get for you?" Ciraxis asked.

His tone seemed friendly, if not welcome. Although Ciraxis missed his dinner, he enjoyed the company, even IF she was going to run away when she could or not.


OOC: Sorry for short post.

Digging deeper into her thoughts, Vex tried to find a place between the pain and between the grogginess that assaulted her head where she could focus. She needed to get away! And for that she needed her wits about her! Musing and concentrating as she was, she didn't even notice the half-dragon till he spoke.

"Welcome to my home. Stay and rest. Is there anything I can get for you?"

Vex started. She hadn't heard him approach! It was reasonable, considering her wound and her shot-to-heck concentration but it still startled her. Luckily, she retained enough imagination not to move- no need for more pain after all if it could be avoided. "Where... where are you?" She asked tremulously, feigning fear. It wasn't terribly off- she rather feared for her life in her present state. Perhaps he had kept her here to broil her alive? Who knew what kind of barba- nah, demonic- practices half-dragons adhered to?

"Where... where am I? I can't see! I can't see!" She wailed piteously, continuing the charade. She felt it vaguely ironic that everything she had said was true up to this point. Course', she had to inject some realism into the conversation. She wasn't sure how the whole 'take pity on me' routine was going to work after she had threatened to viciously wound him. "If... if you come any closer I swear I'll kill you!" She blustered. Fake bluster was amazingly easy to pull off, Vex realized and wondered how many among her prey had blustered like she had, expecting mercy or just waiting for their chance to strike.

Was she to die here like they her prey? In this damp, dark cave?

A semi-evil chuckle was heard from the east of the Vex's head.

"Fear not, I am not going to harm you anymore. You are in my home, and you can't see because I haven't lit a torch yet. I am just to the right of you."

Indeed, if Vex looked to her left, she'd see a giant figure looming over him.

"I felt pity to attack one that was wounded, such as you. Normally I wouldn't care, but, consciences aren't all that needed. Now, may I please request you DON'T try and kill me? I am trying to help you here. Honestly."

Ciraxis performed certain movements invisible in the dark, until light beamed everywhere. Ciraxis had lit a torch. To the end of the cave was a humongous hoard of gold, which seemed natural. And, strangely enough, there were two beds, looking rather comfortable. There were bones all over the place, not to mention blood, followed by an organ or two lying around. Ciraxis smiles, friendly.

"Now, I repeat. What can I do to aid you for now?"

OOC: Didja mention whether or not you took her mace? I dun remember it.

IC:

"Don't trust him." The demon fly whispered unnecessarily. Vex's face turned into a sardonic smirk. Since when had she ever trusted anything or anyone? Including the stupid fly? She and Ennui had a relationship born of mutual benefit, not a relationship born out of 'friendship' or 'trust.' She had trusted when she had been a mere mortal- look at where it had gotten her, deeply thrust into the reaches of Hel. No, the fly had entertainment value and clearly defined goals- something Vex could appreciate since they appeared to run parallel to her own.

But this half-dragon... no, this half-dragon could not be trusted. For all she knew he was playing mind games with her- she had done the same on quite a few occasions. Make the victim think that they still have a chance, let them believe that they can hope. That there was a way out and all they had to do was grasp for it like blind fish. When the hope died they did too, not in body but in soul. It was entertaining to watch. Hilarious, even. This half-dragon was probably just as sadistic a monster as she was. She had to escape. But she could play along with his game... for now at least. Until she recovered some of her strength.

She pretended to relax a bit, letting herself fall into the 'suspicious but hopeful' posture. Emotional disguises weren't so very difficult from physical ones after all.

"Now, I repeat. What can I do to aid you for now?"

"I'm sorry but I don't believe you. You want to eat me!" She patted around her 'bed' frantically as if searching for something. "Where's my mace- you took my mace! You're just a sick little freak who's planning to eat me!"

What was she talking about? Ciraxis was trying to be helpful because he felt remorse for what he had done. He was trying to help the Rauko. However, he guessed that putting the Rauko leaning on a wall instead of a perfectly good bed, might have been an act of... something. Ciraxis wasn't much for manners, but his conscience finally got him nagged. This is what happens. Ciraxis ignores his conscience, and if he ever gave into it, he'd regret it. And look. The Rauko he tried to help is still trying to attack him. Vex looked hopeful, which would be good towards Ciraxis, but she also seemed incredibly suspicious. Well, Ciraxis would be too, if he got stabbed in the stomach, knocked unconscious, and got brought to the 'enemy''s home, while the person that stabbed you was all of a sudden being nice. But, this most likely wasn't just because of that. Ciraxis was a half-dragon. A BLACK half-dragon. Evil.

He tried thinking of some way to prove himself as 'not a threat'. But he only had seconds until Vex would most likely think that Ciraxis was formulating some evil plan.

"Please do not fret, Rauko. I truly mean no harm. You may run away now if you wish, and I wouldn't chase. I would even carry you back to your home. All I request from now is a..." Ciraxis was about to say something he would never say under any circumstances. Darn conscience. He breathed in heavily, as a sad look reveals itself. Most of the sad look was from having to say what he said next, but some was from the conscience MAKING him sad for what he had done. Sometimes, Ciraxis wondered to himself about why his conscience seems like a seperate person.

"...forgiveness of my actions. I'm... truly sorry of what I did for attacking you in a helpless state..."

Inside, Ciraxis was furiously mad. He wouldn't ever say that if it weren't for his CONSCIENCE!!

OOC: To the direct left of the Rauko is her mace, almost touching Vex.

The spiky bits were what alerted Vex that her weapon was in easy reach and as deadly as ever. She smiled evilly through the pain. With it back in her reach she felt a measure of safety return to her- this mace (she hadn't yet dignified it with a name) was her one and only companion that she'd trust through good times and through bad. Even alcohol was a fickle companion (what with it being easy to poison and whatnot, she'd managed that particular sacrilege on quite a few occasions) and besides it wasn't capable of smashing things to bloody smithereens.

(Orc killer could set things on fire, which was good- almost as good- but still not up to snuff- a mace could be coated with orckiller too after all which made life even lovelier)

No, this mace was her friend, her source of monetary gain and- on more than one occasion- a lifesaver. She hoped it would carry her through this particular trial as well.

"...forgiveness of my actions. I'm... truly sorry of what I did for attacking you in a helpless state..."

At those words the rauko felt like laughing. Forgiveness? Forgiveness? A black half-dragon was asking forgiveness from a demon? The dread image made her mind go almost wonky as it tried to sort through the conflicting cultural interpretations. Asking a demon to bless a confession? Ha! It was almost like he had a... had... Vex grimaced at the mere thought of the word. It had done her so much harm in her past life. It was like the half-dragon had a conscience.

Ridiculous!

Or was it?

Vex stopped to consider and then shrugged. Whatever the case she needed to at least play along with the charade for... two, maybe three hours. Enough for her wounds to close and to get some decent rest.

"I have no home and you would not be able to get me to my... to where I reside." She curled her hand upon the weapon's haft, wondering if she'd have to use it. "But you're still planning to eat me, aren't you?" She interjected a hint of desperation but also hope into that last sentence as if the simple humility of the half-dragon had been enough to sway her from her former opinions. "I don't care what you say, you're still a monster!"

That last word was dangerous but Vex had no choice. She had to stay with the facade.

Ciraxis felt his hopes get obliterated. This demon was no one with any sort of emotion but hated. Ciraxis cursed his human's 'gift' of a conscience. Just wait until he was a full dragon... killing thousands by the hour, not caring one bit!

Nevertheless...

"I will not, and I would not eat you. I might be a 'monster', but I unfortunately have a damned conscience! Will you not respect that?! I am trying to be helpful here from what I have done, and you take no interest in even one nice word! Must you be so arrogant as to disrespect me? I have wrapped your wounds, I had to force-feed you water so you wouldn't die of dehydration, and I even brought you to my damned home!" Ciraxis said, with anger in his voice. He was incredibly furious of the Rauko's disrespect. But... Ciraxis should have understood that it WAS a demon, after all. There was no point.

He sighed, and calmed down. "I just wanted to help you. You were wounded, and I just got furious and never cared to help... well, it's your choice. You can rest in a bed of mine, or there, or leave right now. If you can't leave now, I am going to decide that you need help." Ciraxis commented.

Ciraxis walked to the edge of his cave, as he sat down, eating an elf, that appeared to be female. How ironic! But the elf seemed old, and destroyed.

Vex felt elated for a moment before dampening her hopes. A conflicted monster was something she had heard about but never actually seen. If she had been in Rauko's employ she would have already been well on her way to trying to damn his soul but Rauko... she hissed at the name of the foul God. Rauko would fall. First she'd conquer the world and then she'd turn its vast resources into hunting down the fell Ruler of the Damned. He would pay- oh yes he would pay. She would see him burn in his own furnaces and tortured in his own pleasure chambers. He would *not* escape her wrath.

But such pleasant thoughts were a mighty distraction and Vex pushed them aside as she considered the half-breed. How much could she trust him? *If* she could trust his current words at all (which she didn't put much stock into anyways) he was incredibly conflicted and while it did her chaotic black heart good to see chaos he was also unpredictable- at one moment threatening to eat her insides and at the next trying to be as helpful as could be. She recognized it in him because she could recognize it in himself- this one is dangerous.

"I just wanted to help you. You were wounded, and I just got furious and never cared to help... well, it's your choice. You can rest in a bed of mine, or there, or leave right now. If you can't leave now, I am going to decide that you need help."

She let her thoughts continue on their pre-determined path but only out loud, admiring what was either his unpredictability or his cunning.

"Assuming I *could* trust you- and that's quite the assumption-" the demon said out loud. "How do I know that you won't suddenly turn on me? No offense, but you're kinda... shaky. Mentally I mean."

Ciraxis sighed, as he heard her voice, seeing as she isn't so angry. Ciraxis is a normal half-dragon, but if it weren't for his conscience, he actually WOULD be normal. Basically, Ciraxis IS mentally shaky until he rids himself of his conscience.

"My conscience. It's not leaving anytime soon. It makes me keep to my word, and though I dislike having a conscience, as it makes me weak and pitiful, it literally hurts me not to obey it. If that isn't enough, I need to know how I can prove it."

Ciraxis sighed, once again.

OOC: You know when Ciraxis said he doesn't attack without cause? It's because he has a conscience. If he never had his conscience, he would have chased you down and eaten you without a second though. lol.

His whining was almost piteous and Vex was more than elated- she was now almost certain that the half-breed was actually being truthful. And even if he wasn't... If this was all just an act, it was certainly worth the price of admission. Even if the price of admission was an open belly wound. He was so- so- Vex clutched her side, turning her laughter into a prolonged, hacking cough. Soon it turned very real- her wound hurt like hells.

But still! Having someone so... so vulnerable gave her a rush unlike any other. Here was a beast of a mortal ready to be molded into whatever direction a suitable supervisor might ask for. Granted he was dangerous and a not-so-even tempered beast but there was a danger to everything. Manipulation was a gratifying but temptestuous beast- you never knew what it was going to do next no matter how good you got at it.

“...it literally hurts me not to obey it. If that isn't enough, I need to know how I can prove it." The half-dragon finished, almost wailing but not quite. Vex was surprised at the amount of willpower it took for her not to give a cackle or a nice, evil 'Muhahahahaha' even despite the memory of pain. No wonder evil overlords indulged in it so often. There was something almost addictive about evil laughter. Vex made a mental note to check up on evil laughter and side effects. One could never be too cautious after all.

...not that she'd remember that. Cautious? Vex? Ha!

"But you can prove it." Vex said earnestly, trying to remember how the priest she had tricked had acted when he believed her to be a demon seeking redemption. "Tell me- do you know of Raku? The dark God? Do you think him evil?" Her fangs glinted in the darkness. "Does your conscience wish him dead?"

Ciraxis sees many things. He almost saw what the Rauko was getting at. But he still did not understand, and assumed that she did not either.

"What are you getting at?" Ciraxis commented. He was starting to phase out of his 'sorry' maneuver.

He regained his composure.

"Yes, I know of Raku. He is the dark god of Arda. My conscience only limits me to a few things. I can ignore it most of the time. I would not want him dead. Why do you ask?" Ciraxis said.

Ciraxis had stopped his 'pleading', and he looked serious, as a pose that would intimidate almost all of the great fighters of Arda. He glares at the demon, observing her as he waits for an answer.

OOC: Apologies for short post. I need to get ready to go somewhere, and i will be back truly soon.

"My conscience only limits me to a few things..."

Yes, unpredictable. Vex hissed in frustration- not out loud of course, that would have been silly- this was going to be tricky. Ciraxis had already started on the route towards damnation, had started treating his conscience as an actual 'thing' and more than just that- a 'painful thing.' Rejection of morality was how the more learned demons termed this particular phase in the growth of mortal mentality but it was darn annoying to her right now. She didn't know much about damning people, her escape from Hel had let her skip most of the 'training' but it would have come in useful right about now.

"I can ignore it most of the time."

Well day-am and double day-am. Vex's mind churned as she thought about how she could throw the situation back into her favor. Possibilities- some futile and some extravagant- flashed through her brain. With some thankfulness she realized her eyes were getting used to the dim light- she could now perceive the half-breed's hulking form and she gripped the haft of her weapon. If it came down to a fight- well, that's what it would come down to.

"I would not want him dead. Why do you ask?"

Well crud. There went the expendable grunty plan. Still, she might as well continue where their conversation had been just moments before. Couldn't hurt... until he got annoyed of course. Then she'd have to strike and strike quickly. And then escape- unless she managed to kill him in that one blow which she highly doubted. Perhaps aim for his vulnerable eye...? She peered into the darkness- could she manage that hit?

She filled her voice with sorrow and a tinge of fear. "I ask because that is the way you prove yourself." She was backing backwards, as if terribly afraid. It helped that she had memories... real memories... of Raku's horrors to turn back onto. None of it was feigned fear. "Raku is evil beyond evil and even demons do not trust him. For you to believe he is not worth slaying is... evil in of itself."

She backed away. "Let me go!"

"Let me go!"

Ciraxis cringed at those words. Those three words made Ciraxis feel like an ultimately evil person. As if, one that would preserve a mortal's life just to eat the heart. Ciraxis was neutral, but he was on the line to evil, so if Vex thought Ciraxis was incredibly evil, she was mistaken. Sure, Ciraxis was unpredictable, strange, and possibly a bit demented until he reaches his full dragon self, but he wasn't that evil. Ciraxis sighed in his mind.

He reached a conclusion on how to deal with the pesky Rauko. "Please don't be so fearful... we both know I would not be able to even be able to strike him without being critically destroyed and sent to the Hall of the Dead. Do you honestly I think I could perform such a task? No. So why do you ask me?" Ciraxis requested. His voice had turned into a firm, determined one, as if an interrogator were questioning Vex.

Ciraxis was dutifully concerned about Vex's delusional dreams, as anyone who knew Ciraxis knew that he would not even be able to contact a god without performing either tremendous, terrible deeds, or some ritual that he would never be able to perform. He questioned this in his head, realizing it was futile.

So he watied for a response.

Vex was already shaking her head as the words came out. For a moment she felt a a stab of irritation- her academic side, that side that she had thought shut away for good and forever- it was coming back! And with it would come the memories. She took a steadying breath as she launched into her explanation. Would her mortal memories overwhelm her? Hel might have made all the pain she had suffered through life look like a tea party but there was a difference between pain that was 'deserved' and the pain of the innocent. Mental torment could be so much more than physical torment ever could. It was the nature of the beast.

"But that is the point, is it not?" She had heard these words before- and no matter how false they were they had been real to her at a certain point. "You have given up hope... and that," at this point she stumbled, not quite knowing what to call him and settled on, "...and that, little monster, is why I can call you evil." She poked her own chest, jabbing it with her clawed index finger. "I have been called evil- and perhaps I am. I willfully acknowledge it. But you- you pretend you still have a conscience."

She jabbed the finger in viciously until blood squirted around the wound. The memories... the stupid freaking memories! This wasn't... this wasn't... she wasn't like those bloody priests. Using the pain to focus she went on with her self-appointed mission. This was to survive! Nothing more! The demon fly stayed ominously silent perhaps understanding her emotions.

"Once you lose hope you are no better than I. Stop pretending to be a goodsy little two-shoes! Embrace your dark heritage! Bow down before Raku! And let him steal your soul." She finished bitterly.

Ciraxis's eyes widened. Why would Ciraxis serve the most evil of gods? Why would he give in? Sure, he may be evil, but to serve Raku? Just the thought of it gave Ciraxis nervousness. He would be tremendously hated, incur much destruction, and...

... and stay true to his draconic heritage.

Ciraxis obviously looked concerned, and pondering, as he did not know what to say or do. Why was he thinking about taking a demon's advice? What good what it bring? What bad would it bring? Surely, much wrath from other gods! He knew the other gods despised Raku. If Ciraxis were to 'serve' Raku, he would be of the completely evil. He's been nice, he's been evil, and he sort of liked the balance. But there was this nagging feeling that was easily shown on his face, that encouraged him to take the Rauku's words in and go with it.

He sighed. "Why would I give my soul? I would never want to lose it! All dragons need their souls, and I am not willing to part with it! Sure, I may have a conscience, but it will soon be gone when..."

Ciraxis remembered the journey he is on... all of a sudden, he got annoyed.

"What advantages would there be for me?" he asked.

OOC: I dun think souls are actually sellable mechanic-wise. Kinda making this up as I go along. o_+

IC:

Vex growled softly- this conversation was definitely not going in a direction she had envisioned. He was supposed to have been snared by a vision of godliness and good-liness! Not busy pondering the advantages of becoming evil enough to serve Raku in this life and the next. She growled more menacingly and shook her head, her hand jerking spasmodically over the haft of the mace. She didn't know if he was subtle enough or learned enough- or even perceptive enough- to notice these little jerks but that wasn't the point. The point was that she wasn't afraid to admit that she was scared now- scared at the possibility he might try to enter into contract. As a demon it was something she could only avoid with great difficulty.

And it would bring her back to Hel. She swallowed her nervousness. She was probably jumping to conclusions. Even if this was what a soul-seller usually said to open the bargains he probably hadn't intended to sound like this. Vex picked her words carefully, while on the mortal plane she was still bound to certain rules and strictures. Even if she sought world domination, even if she sought to avoid empowering Raku... she might have to if the situation that presented itself followed certain guidelines.

"Dear dragon," she had changed her terminology- her demon instincts were perceptive enough when they had to be. "Dear dragon... I do not believe you understand what it means to sell your soul."

She waved a hand around the cave. "This... everything... is merely temporary. In the grand scheme of things you and I amount to few drops of blood and this cave you call a home nothing but a few rocks. Selling your soul is not like 'chopping away your arm'. You will gain great power- but when you die... we- Raku- will come to collect." Vex's sharp fangs glinted preternaturally. "And a contract forged with Raku cannot be cheated."

Ciraxis shook his head. It was a strange concept, and Ciraxis wasn't willing to sell his soul to Raku. Even for great power for many, many years, he wouldn't want torture for many, many more. Ciraxis wasn't that dumb.

"No. I am not going to ever do that. If such a thing were to occur at my death, I would regret my mood for the eternity I spend in there..." Ciraxis shudders.

Ciraxis was still involved in a firm voice. His fists were clenched, whilst Ciraxis always breathed out flame over in nearly every breath. He stood imposing, as he listened to Vex. Vex had informational words, but they normally are unwanted, as none of the ideas were wanted by Ciraxis. Ciraxis would just have to put up with it for now.

He awaited a response, once again, while his yellow glowing eyes gazed fearsomely into Vex's own eyes, as Ciraxis smiles at the fear caused. He begins to, very slowly,walk forward to Vex's location, no longer clenching his fists. An average observer would not determine if Ciraxis was angered, calm, or even in a good mood.

They'd just have to find out.

"And yet that's where so many of us go..." Vex mused, trying to control her reactions to the approaching half-breed monstrosity. What were his intentions? She tried to peer into the darkness but even if she was getting used to the light it was impossible to decipher his expression- only a broad outline of his dark body told her where he was at all. Darn black scales. She hefted her mace experimentally. Could she strike him? Was it time to strike yet? She twisted slightly and felt her wound weep at the mere thought- pain beyond pain. Damnit, the wound still hadn't closed. She let the thought wash over her. She had to either buy more time or at least be able to be sure she was capable of killing him in one blow.

What if he doesn't live alone? Vex snarled (mentally of course) at the thought. That was something she didn't have the time or the luxury to consider. If multiple persons were working towards her death she was dead. That's all there was to it. Nothing simpler. And then... and then she'd return to Hel.

Unacceptable.

"You see, the world is not made to be fair." Vex continued smoothly, pretending she couldn't see his approaching figure. "Some of us happen to have... quirks. Fetishes." If there were lights she would have been examining her nails as if this topic bored her. If she knew one thing it was that people were attracted to topics demons thought boring. "If we were simple beasts we would be eternally reborn. If we are born sentient... it becomes wrong! A menace! A blasted, loathsome practice. And we suffer for eternity for it."

"Do you think that's fair, dragon?"

Ciraxis halted in his tracks. Even if Vex couldn't see right, she would notice the large thumps quiet down, and eventually, stop altogether.

A long pause was taken, as it seemed that Ciraxis was pondering. He did wonder if it was fair.

You live for a certain amount of years, having nothing else to do but your desire. Then you die, and you just get sent to Hell for being who you are, regardless of your deeds. Ciraxis thought that was unfair. Being sent to Hell just for the 'hell' of it? ( OOC: hahaha, nice, cir! xD) It was unacceptable!

"No!" Ciraxis answered, stating his whole answer in one word.

He decided to clarify.

"No. It isn't fair! I don't think that should happen just because you do something! If you get sent to Hell for life, why wouldn't you take up on offers, anyways? I actually agree with you for once, demon!" Ciraxis said in an agitated tone. It was clear the agitated tone was not directed towards Vex.

It was apparent that Ciraxis had realized the meaning, and he sure seemed angry about it. In fact, if Ciraxis had even a little less sense, he would start killing random things for fun. But he had more sense than that. It was all a difficult concept for Ciraxis. An unfair life that you struggle through just to witness your demise in the Hall of the Dead. It was more than unfortunate.

It was unfair!

"No," Vex said as soothingly as she could, "no it isn't fair." She recalled her own experiences... her own memories... her own pains and her own atrocities. They were not small atrocities either but then again, they had been no less than what had been done to her. Eye for an eye. No, it hadn't been fair. And Raku... always Raku. Her thoughts simmered. But this conversation had to go somewhere. It was back on track where she wanted it to go, at least. Back where she had nominal control of what was going to happen.

She found herself rebelling at that thought and pondered at what it portended. Did her demonic heritage wish to control her? She banished it aside. Survival! Survival was paramount! Getting the half-breed to understand that she could be a very powerful friend would cement her own survival! Her blood calmed to a simmering boil and Vex breathed a sigh of relief. It had understood, much like a grumpy stomach would have understood that sometimes life wasn't made of fresh fruit and meat and that you had to accept what came. It was that or die after all.

"That's why so many of accept Raku's cunning wishes. That's why so many of us decide it is better to serve in both life and death rather than live a lie our entire lives. Because that's what it is, isn't it? Pretending to be something we are not, pretending that the goodsy-two-shoes way of life is better when it is made for the weak and the foolish... but there is another way. Another path." Vex's eyes gleamed with real fervor. "You are lucky dragon- you will likely live long enough to have a chance at seeing it happen. Do you know- do you dare know- what the other option is?"

Ciraxis's eyes boiled with interest. He was really getting into the conversation! He only had one thing to say. One easily known little question that any curious person-- or half-dragon-- would ask.

"What?"

There wasn't much to those words, yet there was. What, as in, what is going to happen. Ciraxis seemed worried, and he was listening intently to her. Vex seemed to have changed tones. She was aggressive and determined one moment, and then, all of a sudden, she sounds soothing, and caring, like a mother instructing a child in education. What kind of speech was this?

"... what is the other option... ?" Ciraxis asked with supreme interest.

If Ciraxis's interest was a thermometer, the thermometer would have spilled by now. Ciraxis was all of a sudden worried on these outcomes. He was worried now, and later, he was sure he was going to be fiercer and, hopefully, stronger. He didn't want to have an unfair life end just to meet an unfair afterlife! It would be a terrible eternal curse, as anyone would have!

I mean seriously. Who would want that?

Vex grinned. She had him now- hook, line and sinker. To be fair, it wasn't like she was trying to trick him. This really was... this really was the only option. All her life Vex had abhorred liars, abhorred those who denied the reality of their situation. Did paladins truly believe in their calling? Or were they merely trying to work out their frustrations on targets that some Holy schmuck decreed was worthy of being exterminated? She could see it... could vaguely recall what she had been. A summoner of some sort? A wizard? It didn't matter. She had tried to create something... something beautiful. And for that she had been burned. But not only her... her precious- her precious...

"Well... no, there_is_another option." Vex said regretfully. Perhaps it was too soon to bring up her true goals. "It is less dangerous than the sure thing- if it can be called a sure thing- and it is called immortality."

Immortality. Vex could hear someone laughing at the thought... yes, as a minor incarnation of a minor sentient vice Vex was technically immortal too. She could be killed ten... a hundred... a thousand times on this plane of existence and yet she would be reborn. Again. And again. And again. And she would not be seen for about a hundred years on this plane of existence as she was tortured in the pits of Hell for failing what was considered her 'assignment.' It was a deceptively simple thing too- spread chaos and suffering and death and destruction.

But Vex had other ideas. She was not going to be fooled around with. Toyed with. Even the strongest of demons would have to return to Hel someday. She would never- Ever- return to Hel. Not if she could find a way around it.

"Long have alchemists, necromancers and their ilk sought true immortality but even the oldest have only survived for millenia while eternity is..." Vex shivered at the very thought. "No- what we require is true immortality."

"And there is a demon who has discovered the secret to it."

"It's name... is Ursula."

Ciraxis sighed, and looked at the Rauko with glowing yellow eyes, concentrating on her. It was normal for Ciraxis to be concentrated on someone without eating the same person, so this was a bit of a challenge for Ciraxis, for the Rauko truly did look delicious, but Ciraxis told himself he would not eat her. But being called a monster truly upset him. Just because he was a monster, didn't mean people had to use it mockingly. Just wait until he became full dragon. Just wait....

"I'm listening." Ciraxis said, nodding.


EDITED MAJORLY.

Vex took a steadying breath. Details on this 'Ursula' were rather slim. To start off with, no one actually knew what Ursula was or stood for- and among demons and devils that was of paramount importance. Factions could dissolve in the wind and in the sands of time but- in general- one knew where they stood. This Ursula... was a mystery. How had it (none knew if it had a gender or if it had had a gender) transcended mortality? Some spoke of long, elaborate rituals involving dead gods and goddesses and consuming their immortal remains. Some spoke of souls bartered and traded, and that as a reward Raku had elevated Ursula to the highest honor- an independent immortal. But none of these options seemed remotely likely- none had seen Ita's remains as She fell and as for Raku... well, everyone knew how Raku was like.

No, the only solid fact was that this... creature... had somehow subverted the role of the Gods themselves and had given itself immortality.

And Vex needed to know how this thing had managed this feat. She needed to know as soon as she could conveniently find and locate both the creature and the creature's... host. Or tag-along. Or something of that nature. Rumors were rife in speculation when it came to this... Ursula. Ursula the Unfortunate the rumors had called her. Ursula the Immortal were the rumors that Vex was more interested in...

Vex hesitated. Hadn't she once heard of a god of fate- a god of luck? The memory was so remote and yet if this Ursula had the powers of fate and chance in its grimy (well no one knew what it actually looked like) hands or tentacles or appendages then... she brushed those concerns away.

"I do not think it possible to wrest the secrets of immortality away from this demon by pure force is at all possible." Vex said, gathering her thoughts like the errant chickens that they were. "As it cannot die its patience must be immeasurable- no we need to be sneaky about this." She paused, feeling her wound. It felt a little bit better but she still wasn't up to snuff.

"If you have any ideas..."

Ursula. Ursula the Unfortunate. Ursula the Immortal. These were all names they had called Ursula. Of course, Ciraxis does not know of these 'titles' yet, but would be incredibly interested. Just imagine... immortal. An immortal black dragon. Yes, Ciraxis just thinking of it made him overwhelmed with lust for such a craving. If there was ever a way, he wouldn't stop himself from doing it, even if it meant eating his best friend - whoever that was.

But this Ursula was a different being. How it acquired immortality was strange. Ciraxis would be most honoured to meet him or her. It would be a strange commitment, living until the end of time. But who would want to see the end of time? Surely not Ciraxis!

"I have no ideas on how to assist..." Ciraxis said with a frown, as he seemed comfortable around Vex now, seeing as they had gotten better with their so-called relationship. He sat down, which was close to Vex, and despite being 6'8, he made a semi-loud thump when he sat down, as he felt it hard to sit down quietly.

He peered at the wound. "I... I, uh, could treat your wound better, if need be..." Ciraxis noted. It was clear he did not normally offer such a thing. What would happen next?

... betrayal?

"Forget my wound." Vex replied irritably before she had time to consider her words. Then came the little voice in the back of her head (she had once thought it to be her conscience which really shouldn't have survived the fires of Hel- but it was actually her common sense which still surprised her) that muttered: 'well there's a splendid opportunity wasted.' Vex agreed and interiorly seethed- she really should have taken advantage of that opportunity. It wasn't very often that she was thinking rationally and this little slip just underlined the fact that she still wasn't terribly good at it.

Demons... devils... so similar and yet so different. She'd have to look up a few facts later.

"Forget my wound," she repeated, with a lighter tone. "We can worry about that later. I feel a fever coming about and I need to make sure that you don't eat me out of spite. Quid pro quo, take some give some, ne?"

She paused for a moment to hack and cough- in a most elaborate fashion. It actually managed to open up her wound a little so more so it became a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy. She had claimed- by the cough- that she was doing worse and now... well now she was. Damn karma. Her coughing spree over (was that blood on her lips she tasted?) Vex sketched out a brief plan:

"We need information- lots of information on this... demon. I have certain resources but... they're not terribly efficient at gathering this sort of material. Rumors have it that its traveling with a child- but the same sources also claim that it's traveling with a circus and other such ludicrous nonsense..."

"What I need you to understand is that this is a long-term goal. Being immortal, Ursula could probably just disappear under a rock for the next ten thousand years... wait for the rumors to die down before surfacing again. We have to be careful, capische?"

She groaned again.

"So I need to know if you can find out information on your own..."

Ciraxis seemed deeply concerned about her wound. He took the liberty to get up, and came closer, kneeling down on one knee, and inspecting the wrapped area of the wound. It looked like the wound had just opened up more, according to Ciraxis's sight. Ciraxis wasn't sure how the wound had opened up like that, but it happened, and it may have explained the cough she just released. . The cough probably made the stomach contract and release, pushing the wound out once again. He frowned, not liking the idea. He then looked eye to eye with Vex.

"I think we should worry about immortality later, and your wound right now. The quest for immortality can wait. Your wound isn't as patient." Ciraxis said, forgetting where he left Vex's mace. Well, he should have. He was worried about the wound, so he got within arms reach to wrap a little more bandage around. This new bandage was soft, snug, and comfortable. An odd thing that a half-dragon would carry it around. Perhaps Ciraxis had some sense in what he used?

So he continued wrapping, and the wound was now re-wrapped. Ciraxis, once again, looked eye to eye.

"Now, is that better?" Ciraxis asked with an unsuspecting, yet friendly smile.

Too good to be as ruthless as he will have to be. Vex observed clinically- or as clinically as she could. Observations, ideas and thoughts seemed to float in her head, coming in unannounced and about as appreciated as a sack of potatoes to the face.

Perhaps he was merely securing his only known source of information about immortality? Self-interest does make for interesting reactions- personalties altered in a heartbeat while under a little bit of stress and 'convincing.'

He's a good actor then another part of her mind argued. Worrying about us even before we had mentioned damnation, salvation and immortality.

Conflicted, came another unbidden observation. He's deeply conflicted.

Vex pushed away the errant thoughts. While useful, she feared what they portended: a total disintegration of her mind. It had held on long enough but she had lost a tremendous amount of blood... too much blood, perhaps. Too much to be safe, anyways. She was going to be delirious for a little while, Vex expected. She couldn't... didn't dare... fall asleep. Not yet. She hadn't learned any healing trances from irate monks from up on high so it wasn't like she was losing anything either... Hel made for some interesting torturing techniques. Water torture was- Vex's eyes flared open. Had she just fallen asleep just then?

The half-dragon didn't seem to mind terribly much so it couldn't have been for a long time. Probably just a few seconds. Maybe even less. Probably... probably... damnit, the half-breed was right. She was losing focus. Her fever was returning. She probably shouldn't have pretended that she was still hurt- damnit, damnit, damnit!

"You're right." Vex said simply though she seethed interiorly. "Do you know how to make a poultice? A healing salve?" She groaned. "Nevermind... just get me some fire."