Change in Fate (Spin off of The Coming of Samhain)

[Amariette Willowbane]

Theo: *He perked a brow as Willow was called away from her adoring uncle to Kahlan's side. A page had come through the door, breathless and red faced with an urgent message, news from the Westerngard. Theoren stifled the urge to roll his eyes, and he was sure Kahlan was doing the same. He was fairly confident that Kahlan could take out the army of the Westerngard all by her lonesome. They were a mild annoyance more than they were an actual problem. Still he stood unceremoniously and waved to her as if giving his 'sister in arms' permission to go take care of it, mockingly, when she turned to tell him she had to go. She smiled a wry smile at her kindred and excused herself far more politely to Amariette than she did to Theo, a man who she was most casual with.<c>*
Theo: *<c> He stood for long moments with his hands in the pockets of a pair of posh black pants in which was tucked a just as posh black silk shirt. He had even taken the time to tie back the loose and rogue strands of red hair he seemed so fond of as he never cut them often enough. In the late afternoon sun the tattoo on the side of his face seemed to wink, as though alive... the wing of a most magnificent bird spreading regally from his left eye and over his cheek in a beautiful array of blues and golds. On the mainland, this was a much feared and cursed symbol. Only those born into the upper eschelon of the Phoenix Guild bore them, and those were all extinct save this man. He walked towards Amariette... casually. But still with the look of a hunter<c>*
Theo: *<c> that was closing in around its prey. It wasn't his eyes or his stature that was so intimidating. Infact, at only five foot nine with eyes like dark honey, he was barely bigger than she was anyhow. It was in his body language and the vibe he gave off, that dangerous and predatory set of movements that warned people to beware of him. He circled around the bench she sat on looking her over from head to toe, training his eyes on every detail. A hand would reach out, fingertips very gently brushing along her shoulderblade's top ridge, then to the back of her neck and then once more across the opposite shoulder. "Dr. Carter, he has some good taste." He said with a wry smile of his own. "I'll have t'compliment him next time I see him."<fin>*

Amariette: ~Her skin crawled as his fingers moved along her skin, a knot forming in her stomach and her emerald eyes burning in silent rage. Amariette stayed her tongue for the time being, hearing the Queen's words in her head once again, 'Tolerate him, for Willow's sake.' It had never been hard for the village girl to play the part of quiet onlooker, in fact, she had mastered the talent so well that she even amazed herself. But now. Now she was utterly alone with the single most vile and wicked man she had ever known, her eyes following him as he circled her. Trembling a bit involuntarily, a blush of red pushed its way into her cheeks and she averted her eyes to the ground, her long ringlet curls of red shielding her face from his view momentarily.~<c>
Amariette: ~Oh how she loathed him, his voice venomous and bitter to her ears, filling her mind with sudden overwhelming dread. Still she kept her emotions hidden as best she could and forced her lips to curl into a faint smile. Amariette would obey the Queen's wishes, even if it meant entertaining the thought of tolerating such an enemy. "I'm sure he would be more than pleased to hear of your approval Mr. Roullier. Though I find myself compelled to ask the reason why you are here?" Tossing her hair, the thick tresses bounced against her skin, her shoulders bare and her body hugged snugly by the borrowed burgundy dress.~<c>
Amariette: ~Turning her body towards him now, she clasped her hands in her lap demurely and crossed her legs as well, her eyes now fading back to the same sparkling luster that gave the impression that her attention was captured rather thoroughly. As her stomach lurched and tightened further, she let her lips curl into a brighter smile, her soft features giving no hint to her inner distress and subdued panic. It was like looking into the eyes of the Devil himself in her opinion, but propriety demanded she remain on her best behavior and so her gentle voice began to flow once again from her pretty, parted lips. "There are many who would see you punished for your crimes, many who believe the Queen to be one step away from ordering you beheaded."~<c>
Amariette: ~"I, however, think that even the most deceitful men have an emotional weakness which deserves recognition. Though you do your best to hide yours from all who could use it to label you, I see right through you Theoren Roullier. You will not do this dreadful thing."~

[Amariette Willowbane]

Theo: *The smile didn't fade at all. She was, as he had initially analyzed her to be, spirited, and a well worthy opponent. "I t'ink we both know why I'm here, honey." He said with a cute, boyish kind of smile as he crouched in front of her and now at eye level took her hand in his for a cort and romantic kiss on the palm. "Though, the company of a worthy advesary an' beautiful woman is always a bonus." Eyes lingered on her a moment, but perhaps not in lust as one might have expected. "I'm here t'check on Dr. Carter an' make sure he's doin' alright. Wouldn't want to hear he's been hurt by anyone." Another wry smile curled its way at the corner of his lips, a rather devious expression, he should think, if he could see what he looked like now. He rose to his feet<c>*
Theo: *<c> and studied her a moment longer, boisterous in mannerism yet quiet and observant vocally speaking, as always. "You're right. I do have many weaknesses. After all, I'm jus' a human bein' like you or anyone else." He smoothed a few wrinkles from his finely pressed pants and took a seat on the bench beside her. "An' people, dey talk, ya know? Kahlan ain't layin' a finger on me, so if you're lookin' for some kinda justice for what I did t'your Doctor friend, I t'ink you're gonna be more den a little disappointed." Fingers moved to her face to sweep a few curls from her eyes, allowing her a line of vision to his face. He may have been a predator, but he had never yet hurt a woman unless it had been a life or death situation. Perhaps<c>*
Theo: *<c> she did not know of his reputation that far, but to be assuaged of all fear his touch was very gentle. "But don' confuse weakness wit' a lack of resolve, my dear girl. Jus' like your lover said... I'm not entirely the most stable man around here. An' I've heard your line so many times it almost makes me sick. Don' put me on a couch. I'm jus' tryin' t'be nice." He smirked slightly and let his hand return to his lap. It was true... he was at least double her age in mortal existence and he couldn't even remember how long he had been in existence in general. If she really saw him for what he was, she would not know what to do with him, which was more or less why Kahlan would not make a move against him. She did not know what was right in this situation.<c>*
Theo: *<c>"I'll admit I can't stay long, though. I have an appointment wit' de good doctor sometime in de next day. You're more dan welcome to get a ride if you would so please, of course, otherwise I will have to take my leave."<fin>*

Amariette: ~Allowing him to continue to touch her as she fought of the urge to strike him, her breath was snatched from her lungs at his last words, eyes widening in surprise. "You're going to see Daniel?" Sudden images filled her mind, memories of her beloved locked up and beaten in a dark cellar with nothing to eat or drink. The feel of Lillith's gun pressed against her back made goosebumps rise on her skin and the hair on the back of her neck bristle, another wave of nausea passing through her stomach. Swallowing hard, her eyes fell from his gaze and darted to the ground, shifting back and forth nervously as she caught the sight of a small knife on the table besides her.~<c>
Amariette: ~Of course, the attendent had brought it in order to cut the fruit that still rested in the gilded bowl nearest her and her mind began to work frantically. If she could stop him from going after Daniel, the good Doctor's safety would be assured. Could she do it? She wasn't completely without skill, after all, her father was the most famous blacksmith in all of Ulster and he had schooled his daughter in modest knife play in case he could not be around to protect her. Feigning sudden fatigue, she let her arms rest wearily against the small table, one hand reaching for a sprig of grapes, the other laying atop the small cutting knife, her fingers pushing the weapon beneath the lace of her cuff.~<c>
Amariette: ~Looking to him once again as she drew her hands into her lap and idly plucked grape after grape to be nibbled gently, she tilted her head in mock inquisition and tried to look as at ease as possible. "I wouldn't have expected you to offer an invitation so freely Mr. Roullier, but I can't help but wonder if you will be as hospitable to Daniel as you were last time?" Keeping his concentration on her face and the motion of her jaws as she chewed, she would even give a brief flick of her wrist that held the sprig to divert his eyes, he was a killer, and no fool, but if she could have just a second of a lapse on his part, she could end all this. The Queen suddenly appeared in her mind, the woman's eyes saddened as though she knew of Amariette's ploy and did not approve.~<c>
Amariette: ~It pulled at the girls' heart, the thought of little Willow weeping for the death of her so called 'Uncle', but Daniel was all that Amariette could think of. Saving him was all that mattered to her now. No on else would make a stand for them, so she had to. Smiling as she drew herself back to the reality of the moment, she spoke again, "You'll forgive me if I am a bit suspicious of your actions," her body turned from him as she went to replace the bare sprig back on the platter, "Somehow I don't think you will be as hospitable..." As she spoke the last words, the knife flew into her hand and she turned on him, as swift and calculated as a viper's strike, her body rising and pushing against him as she sought to pierce his heart with the kitchen blade.~

[Amariette Willowbane]

Theo: *He had been nothing but nice to her, sweet as honey, charming as a dozen roses, and this was how he was repaid for his kindness? There was little time to react to what he did not know was coming. He moved to grab her but she was quick and got the jump on him. Fortunately for him her aim was a little off and though the knide did sink deep into his flesh she missed his heart and aorta by a mere inch, if that. Of course, a shot to the heart or the brain would have proven 'fatal', or about as fatal as one could get with his kind. It would have been a great inconvience to him, but this stab wound was simply painful and little more. At first his eyes went wide in surprise, watering up with tears, a very human response to that kind of physical trauma<c>*
Theo: *<c>He looked down at the blade sticking out of his chest with an incredulous stare, then back up to her again, but his face was no longer carried a strained, betrayed expression, but one of sheer annoyance and disgust at her action. He narrowed his eyes and a hand shot out to grab her around the wrist, should it connect, his grasp would be tight and almost inhuman in the amount of pressure it could apply. Meanwhile his other hand reached up to the knife and gripped it around the handle. He shut his eyes and grimaced as he heard the sickening sound of the serrated blade leaving the muscle as he pulled it gingerly out of his chest. Lucky for her he was still at a point where the facade of normalcy had not yet regenerated fully and his more<c>*
Theo: *<c> human features were still somewhat depressed. Only vital organs held blood now as his veins and arteries had not fully restored themselves from his last little fiasco. As a consequence, there was no mess. No blood at all, only a strange slime left on the very outside of his wound and all over the blade of the knife itself, a silver color. He threw the knife to the ground and yanked her closer to him, his face just inches from hers as he hissed in a soft, menacing voice. "That was not very nice."<fin>*

Amariette: ~Amariette winced and cried out as she felt her wrist seized, her eyes darting to his gaze and the blade buried in his chest, her breathing quick and shallow. Her heart was racing in her chest and she felt her pulse throbbing in her ears, the look of him pulling the blade free and casting it to the ground in anger. Trembling terribly, all the color left her face as she tried to yank herself free and was only pulled closer in his maddening embrace, her small body crushed to his. Struggling viciously, her eyes shot up to meet his own as he spoke and she froze in absolute fear, thoroughly paralyzed and stunned to silence.~<c>
Amariette: ~The silver blood, the astounding fact that he was not curling on the ground dying at this moment wreaked havoc in her mind, her thoughts searching for some semblence of understanding to grasp. "You...you aren't human...." The words were barely above a whisper, her chest heaving and the letters stuttered somewhat in fright, a stark realization of the graveness of her situation being brought to bear. Her legs felt weak, like rubber under heat, and she could feel the pressure of his grip tighten about her arm, the circulation thoroughly cut off. It hurt so terribly, as if he meant to break her wrist completely. Tears filled her green eyes and spilled down her pale cheeks in torrents, her gaze never leaving his own and instant regret filling her heart. But how could she have known?~<c>
Amariette: ~No one told her! Did anyone even really know the truth? Gasping for air, her lungs burned as though she had been running a marathon and she suddenly regained a bit of her senses, her muscles working and her body throwing itself into a fit of struggle. Surely the Queen had to be warned. Pulling her eyes away from his, she began to scream for the guards, her voice flowing sharp and high against the silnce of the courtyard. Thrashing and writhing in panic, she tossed her head and pushed and bucked against him, putting up as much fight as she could in the hopes that she could free herself and flee this creature. This man who was more of a monster to her now than ever before.~

[Amariette Willowbane]

Theo: *He rolled his eyes. "Sapristi, woman, shut UP!" He said, clapping a hand over her mouth. He looked down at her with the look of a parent scolding a child or a small puppy. "Now stop your shrewin' or you're jus' gonna make this worse." Rather blase for a man who had just been stabbed in the chest. Maybe Daniel hadn't been kidding when he had told Amariette that Theoren Roullier was far from sane. When the guards came rushing out Theoren had already dropped her arm and had his hands back in his pockets and he was standing next to the trembling girl with a small non chalantly smile and a friendly posture. The guards looked confused. "S'allright boys. Noone's hurt. Jus' a little scare's all." He shot a look at them across the courtyard<c>*
Theo: *<c> It was a dangerous look. It said a lot about him, too. "I suggest you leave. Now." The guards nodded and did as they were told, shutting the courtyard door behind them. Theoren looked down at the bench disdainfully. "Lissen t'you, shriekin' an' carryin' on like you were de one dat got stabbed. Mon Dieu." He took her chin in a sweeping motion and held her face up so she had to look at him. "Let's get somet'in perfectly straight here, ok? Kahlan is on my side, an' she knows all about me, don' worry. No one here is gonna try'an stop me b'cause dey aren't stupid." While he was talking he reached behind him. There was a clicking sound as he drew out a long pistol and cocked back the hammer. "Now, I tend t't'ink most often times I'm a pretty<c>*
Theo: *<c> understandin' guy. So I'm gonna try real hard t'forget de fact dat you jus' tried to kill me an' try dis again." He said, checking the powder in the gun before snapping the barrel back in place along the locks, "We've now established I'm not human, kudos to you for findin' dat out, but now, once again, you're b'tween me an' somet'in' I want AND you know somet'in about me I don' want you to, so for you're own sake how about you don' give me any more excuses t'kill you, because ya already got two right now. We can do dis one of two ways here doll, ok? Now lissen up b'cause dis really concerns you here. You can either cooperate an' come wit' me to Invernis t'find your boyfriend, or..." he drew the gun up and planted it square against her temple<c>*
Theo: *<c>"You can force me into a position where I have t'do somet'in I don' want to, and I can blow you're pretty head off. We clear?" He asked, tilting his head to the side and looking straight into her eyes. He didn't want to be like this. He would have rather have simply charmed her into going with him, but she was going to make things difficult and he really didn't have time to deal with this. It was evident, however, that no matter how much he didn't want to have to shoot her, he really wouldn't lose a whole lot of sleep if he did.<fin>*

Amariette: ~Another gun. How delightful. This time though, the person pressing it to her head was a great deal more maniacal than she could have imagined and Amariette felt her spirit yield completely. Swallowing hard, she fought back sniffles and felt her soul laid to waste in his eyes, a quick nod of her head to indicate she would do exactly as he wished. Perhaps if she could reach Daniel, she could warn him about Theoren's true nature and somehow save him from the wrath she had just gotten a small taste of from the vile thief. Closing her eyes, she fought to steady her nerves and a few final tears fell down her cheeks, her breathing returning to normal.~<c>
Amariette: ~Unable to stop her trembling, she gathered the material of her dress in her hands and clenched it tight, her knuckles turning white and her head bowing in submission. Having fallen silent, she decided to keep her mouth closed from then on, not wishing to incite his anger any more than she already had. Lifting her eyes to the sky, her mind called out, "Oh God Daniel, what have we fallen into?" Jerking involuntarily as she saw him move out of the corner of her eye, she lowered her head again, pressing her lips together in a tight pout. Her mind went back to the previous moments, the sight of the guards leaving her with him making her heart sink in her chest. Was there no one who would believe that Theoren was a true threat? Could anyone imagine the destruction he could cause?~<c>
Amariette: ~The Queen herself had failed her, and now Amariette found her situation as hopeless as ever, her faith in Ulster's biggest and strongest waning. Trying to make herself as small as possible as she awaited his next orders, she took her mind to the most peaceful place she could think of at the moment. Surprisingly, it wasn't her own home in Chartha. It was Daniel's home, the spring that he had caught her bathing in and embraced her in his arm. She felt his fingers roaming over her collarbone and neck, resting beneath her chin and lifting her eyes to his, those blue pools that she could get lost in for hours.~<c>
Amariette: ~Wrapping her arms about her body now, she felt the air growing colder in the courtyard and hugged herself as protectively as possible, the memories fading away and leaving her alone to face the darkness.~

[Amariette Willowbane]

Theo: *He laid a hand on her head, fingers curling through her hair for a moment, face softening to her plight with a gentle smile as he clicked the hammer back in place and put it back in his belt. "There... not so hard, right? I don' like those t'ings anyhow, so... unstylish." He stood up and looked at her a moment appraising the situation. He didn't like being the bad guy. Kahlan was the only one who knew how much that really went against his nature to be so vile to people. And only Kahlan had an inkling of why he needed to be as vigilant as he did. Picking up the cloak he came in he drapped it around Amariette's shoulders and tied it off around her neck. "No use catching your death of cold, honey. I don' want t'kill you, I jus' will if you push me."<c>*
Theo: *<c>It was ... kind of a joke? But really, they needed to get going for Invernis. He offered down a hand to her, waited for her to slip hers into his and then pulled her along to the wall he had climbed up. His grappling hook and rope were still dangling there. He readjusted his gloves and stepped lithely up onto the lip of stone around the upper courtyard. Picking up the rope in a leather clad hand he grinned at her and helped her step up onto the stone as well before threading an arm around her waist and pulling her to him tightly. "Do yourself a favor, belle, and no matter how much you don' want to... hang on tight." He winked before stepping clear off the balcony, taking her with him. There was a whoop from him as they soared over the grounds below<c>*
Theo: *<c> the rope threading through his loose grip as they plummeted for the ground. But he was used to this and began slowing them as best he could with one hand as they neared the ground itself, landing with little more than a thunk! and maybe some slightly sore feet. It was the way he preferred to make his entrances and exits. Lydia already sat waiting with a wry smile on her face inside a carriage just below the balcony. Theoren opened the door and bowed like any gentleman should and offered her passage in first. "Pearls b'fore swine, m'lady." He said with a cassanova wink before climbing in after her. Lydia already knew where to go and cracked the reins, spurning the horses off across the town and towards the East and to Invernis.<c>*
Theo: *<c> Inside he sat silent, looking over a few things, mostly maps and books that were lying around inside the carriage. He did not speak for about half an hour into the ride. "I know what you t'ink I am... and b'lieve me or not but you got no clue what's goin' on here." He said quietly, yet still aloofly reading through his book.<fin>*

Amariette: ~Amariette did not answer and merely let her eyes gaze listlessly outside the curtained window, the landscape whisking her thoughts away so that she barely even felt the bouncing of the carriage. Memories were her only comfort now, and the girl found herself going over the past, reaching as far as her childhood. The image of her mother greeted her, Brianne, the gentle faced Goddess that had appeared to her on more than one occasion now. She needed her mother's guidance now more than ever. Of course, the thought to flee and return to Chartha had tempted her, but she would never leave Daniel to some horrible fate, she had made that promise to him the day of the excavation accident.~<c>
Amariette: ~Time seemed to be going so fast now, days feeling like only minutes in her mind, images passing through the mists of her unease in the hopes of soothing her panicked mind. A voice here, a kiss there. From whom? Those in her life were gone again, mere mirages never to be touched. Sighing, she let her forehead rest against the window, her eyes drifting toward the horizon and the darkening sky. All this had happened in only a day. Just a day! 'I dreamt I dwelt in Marble Halls, with vassals and serfs at my side...' It was from the lullaby her mother used to sing, the song reawakening her sense of abandonment and despair. "No mother, it didn't turn out like that at all..."She thought to herself, her thoughts now drifting to Brigham, her worriesome father.~<c>
Amariette: ~It felt like it had been ages since she had seen him, his bronzed and weathered face hiding all the years of anguish and grief over the loss of his wife. She missed him. She missed home. Yet now she was on her way back to Invernis, back to Daniel and his terrifying plot that she had found herself becoming more and more a part of. Was this the sacrifice called love? It felt so much different than her mother's books and told her, and Amariette felt herself only sinking into a wider pit of catatonia. Pretty soon, she would all but close herself off from the world, much as her father had done after Brianne's death. She didn't want that though, and deep down she felt a soft flicker of life and hope burning just as bright as before.~<c>
Amariette: ~ 'I also dreamt which charmed me most, that you loved me still the same...' The song had returned, returned to her in her darkest hour of need. "I won't give up mother, I promise I won't. I'll keep fighting to the very end, like I know you did..." Faintly, imperceptibly, a gentle smile culred Amariette's lips and she closed her eyes, the rhythm of the horses' hooves lulling her into a dream world where she was safe, and Daniel held her for eternity.~

[Amariette Willowbane]

Theo: *Of course she wouldn't believe him. Based on actions, he didn't blame her. "You and Daniel... you have very little to do with this. You are ... casualties. An' dat don' make what I'm doin' in any way right... but I don't have a choice here. Dat's why Kahlan, she don' do anyt'in t'stop me. She... understands." He sighed and leaned back, taking one more look at the book he could barely understand save a few words here and there in celestial script and closed it, then leaned forwards to talk to her again, hands clasp together with his elbows on his knees. "Ok so you already know one secret, I might as well tell you de whole story, eh? Won't matter much longer anyhow." he said, shifting in his seat, slightly uncomfortable. "When I was a kid my pop <c>*
Theo: *<c> ran de Guild I now head. Mind you he was only father by accidental genes, not b'cause he was any kinda role model. My mom and baby sister were killed in a turf war when I was twelve. I married, in an arranged marriage when I was eighteen to a girl I act'lly did love, but den was exiled from my home for killing her brother when he jumped me. Years later de entire Guild was wiped out after being set up by a rival government. I was only spared since dey couldn't find me. But I was still alone. Imagine... Amariette, all de bad t'ings in your life, imagine if you had t'wake up every day fer de rest of eternity on dis godforsaken spit of rock an' remember each an' every person dat you failed..." His eyes had been roaving slightly to the window <c>*
Theo: *<c> and now locked on her, front and center. "Imagine what you might feel like if you could never see your family every again." He paused to let that thought sink in. "Now imagine you find a way t'make it all right again, imagine you find a way t'break de curse dat's closin' around you ev'ry second of th' day an' has been for more years den you've cared to be alive. Imagine it's on a deadline an' if you don' be at de right place at the right time, you'll lose dat chance forever. What d'you t'ink you'd do? After decades of livin' like ya had, would you even stop t'blame yourself for de means you use t'get dat end? Would you really weigh Daniel Carter's black eye against de chance t'see your family one last time? Don' judge me jus' yet, Ms. Willowbane."<c>*
Theo: *<c> He said with a slightly bitter tone as he sat back and opened the book to study once more. "Not at least til you've walked fifty years in my shoes."<fin>*

Amariette: ~"The past...no matter how painful, does not determine the future. You make the choice to kill where life would be so much more fulfilling. I know what it's like to lose family, and I lost the most influential person in my life when I was a great deal younger than you. To this day, I have no idea how my mother died. My father refuses to speak on it, in fact, he refuses to talk about her entirely. You shouldn't even have to explain your actions to me Mr. Roullier, but the fact that you do denotes some sense of justice within you. If you know that what you do is wrong, why don't you try to make amends for all those lives you took and stole by doing good?" ~<c>
Amariette: ~Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper, a certain sparkle catching in her eyes and glimmering toward him, the glow was beautiful, full of peace and understanding. It was almost as if, just by looking in those eyes, ones fears, pain, and guilt would melt away and they would be left with nothing but security and happiness. Amariette had no idea she was doing any of this as she spoke to him, but she continued just the same, "Can you imagine how much pain you inflicted on other families by killing those whom they held so dear? You lost a sister and your mother, but imagine how many mothers and sisters will not be returning home to their loved ones because of you. All the pain you've caused far outweighs any good you believe may come of this for your own wellbeing."~<c>
Amariette: ~"I look at you and I see someone who suffers yes, but I also see a selfish man who destorys peoples lives to better his own existence. And for that, I will never try to understand you Theoren Roullier. There is always another way for redemption, and bloodshed is never one of those ways. All the tears of the children whose fathers you've killed will eventually overwhelm all facets of your life, no doubt it has always begun. The good and just powers that be never forget the transgressions of those whom willingly bestow evil upon the innocent and unsuspecting. I promise you, no matter what power you think you may gain in the end, you will only destroy the last remnant of humanity within your heart. Your sister and your mother will have died in vain."~<c>
Amariette: ~"And your baby, your baby will suffer the greatest of all, at the hands of his own father. Please...." She suddenly moved to her knees before him, taking his hands into her own and lifting her gaze to his, searching his soul and trying to pierce the hard outer coating. There was a strange sense of power in her, an unknown force that could have been easily overlooked had she not been so commited to reaching him, the inner him. It was almost as though she were not merely a village girl, almost as if, she were something else entirely. Though that couldnt be possible, could it?~<c>
Amariette: ~Letting her surprisingly warm hands caress his own, tears pooled in her eyes and began to gentle fall down her cheeks, further softening her features, her image that of every single living child that covered the earth. "You don't have to do this. Don't let your judgment be clouded for the good of you, you must consider the good of all Theoren, those who were, are, and even those.....who will be." Of course, she was refering to his baby that grew within Aerillia's womb.~

[Amariette Willowbane]

Theo: *He took her hands in his, a soft smile, the 'inner Theo' that Kahlan called Brother with some amount of pride seemingly eased by her presence. "Chere... try to understand, I may look selfish, but I am doin' dis for everyone's good." His eyes wavered a moment, caramel hues fighting back tears of his own. "My mother and sister died in vain already. Dey died try'in to stop my father's madness, a madness he gladly gave me right b'fore he killed them... and a few years later killed himself. I don' kill b'cause I t'ink it's de right t'ing t'do. I'm not a murderer by vocation. I do it b'cause I don' have any other choice. If I don' get dese stones, i'm not de only one dat's gonna be hurt. I don' t'ink you've got any idea what it feels like t'have Heaven itself<c>*
Theo: *<c> turn its back on you, but I'm not lettin' dis cycle continue any longer. If I don' take dis chance people gonna get hurt an' killed for de rest of time dat I could have stopped." he let go and sat back, feeling maybe he ought to restrain himself a bit from her. "I am selfish. I don' care what happens t'you people, to a large degree, b'cause I know where you'll end up. Even God don' want me fixin' dis mess. I'm on my own. I'm willin' t'beat the hell outta Danny if he doesn't wanna cooperate b'cause I know th' stakes... d'you understand me? Dere's a lot more too dis den you know..." His eyes looked worried for a moment, as if he, the great Theoren Roullier, master of his own destiny, the Ultimate Wildcard, the man who practically ruled half the earth... was afraid.<c>*
Theo: *<c> He could feel it inside hmi, he could feel it tightening around his very soul. It knew his intentions... it knew what he was going to do with those stones. It would not let him. It would take control and It would do what it pleased with the stones, he knew It would try. He had to stay strong... but it hurt him to... physically... spiritually. Why should he bother? Had he not been removed from all that was good? Had Heaven not sent him away more times than he could count. "I tricked myself once into believin' dat my bar, my Guild, my non existent relationships wit' pretty girls... dat was all I ever wanted outta life... hell, I have an eternity t'be here, right? Dat's an eternity of fun. But... it gets old. I'm tired. I want t'go home..." he said wistfully<c>*
Theo: *<c> looking out he window. If he could do what he wanted, really, he would leave the Guild, marry Aerillia, live as a commoner in Ulster and raise his son. But he couldn't do that. A sharp pain ran through him, right through his core and he grabbed a hand over the stab wound she had given him... it was healing a bit already. He winced and sat back. He didn't feel he should talk about this any longer. <fin>

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

theoren_roullier: *They were nearing the house now, after a few long hours of riding along. He had never expected her to understand his predicament. The plight of a fallen angel was one that hardly anyone could really understand much less a mortal than another kinsman like Kahlan... though not even she knew how advanced his state had gotten. He let out a sigh. She hadn't responsed to his little speech. Clearly she had been hoping to sway him from his current course. That was not going to happen. The carriage rumbled over the cobblestone streets of Invernis towards the Carter farm, an outlying residence on the town's borders. It was a nice enough little place from what Theo could see from the window. Seemed fitting for a place that someone<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> like Daniel would live in. He stepped out lithely, rubbing the spot on his shoulder where he had been stabbed by Amariette. It was nearly healed by now by the sticky silver substance that seemed to replace his insides rather than blood. He wasn't sure if he had to make a grand entrance or not. Daniel would more than likely know he was there... people always seemed to know when trouble was headed towards them. Offering up a hand he let Amariette take it and helped her down from the carriage and began giving instructions to Lydia to wait for them to come out, or at least come back to the carraige since he wasn't entirely sure that he would be welcome inside the Carter home. Taking Amariette by the arm gently he held<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> her back a moment. "Easy dere... wait for him to come to us. I don' like goin' where I'm not wanted."<fin>*

renae_willowbane: ~There it was, the home that makred her doom. Sighing deeply, she withdrew deep inside herself, preparing for what would happen next. Stepping from the carriage, her eyes searched in vain for Halar and could not find the noble beast anywhere. Every thought in her mind begged her to try and make a breal for it, but Theoren's powerful presence did away with any dream of escape. It was clear in her haunting and weary eyes, she was afraid of him, thoroughly afraid. Time seemed to be moving in such slow motion and her heart ached at the sight of Daniel's face again, the gaze he would carry when he learned of what had transpired and what was to come.~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~Biting her lower lip, she lowered her head and yanked her arm from Theoren's grip, not wanting him to touch her at all anymore, his sad little speech only freezing her heart towards him. Trying to do her best to draw as little attention as possible, her eyes scanned the surrounding land and she wondered if there was anyone, anyone at all in this forsaken land that could give some type of aid. Feeling more alone than she had ever felt before, she clasped her hands together against her waist and merely wanted for the inevitable. Several workers were relaxing on Maggie Carter's porch and they looked upon her with obvious concern, recognizing the red-headed girl that had tend to Dr. Carter's wounds and stolen a horse when he was kidnapped not a few days later.~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~They rose to their feet, beginning to gather atop the stairs to the house, but they made no move to intercept her, Theoren's eyes warning them to keep their distance. Her long ringlet tresses billowed in the cool evening breeze as Theoren's cloak about her shoulders did all but warm her. Instead, she could only try to ignore the overpowering scent of him, a smell that made her stomach knot and her throat dry. Lifting her gaze, she prayed that Daniel had gone, perhaps returned to his home with Charlie. Oh god, she prayed that something, anything, had distracted him enough to make him leave. She couldn't see him now. She couldn't face him.~

Daniel_P_Carter: -He had infact felt the rumble a little bit away. It was nothing big, just an uneasy feeling. But when he heard the carriage pull up, heard the horses, he knew something was wrong. No one ever came out this far unless there was some trouble... and the wounded came on halar's back. "Charlie... something's wrong..." He said getting up with much effort, gripping the cane not so inconspicously to help him to his feet. Maggie came over looking worried. "Stay here, mum, lemme take care of it." He said, trying to sound authoritative even though in his current condition the aged Maggie Carter could probably be more potent than he could anyhow. But she let him go, for the principle of the thing. He had motioned for Charlie to stay there, but he doubted(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -that she would listen to him. He made his way to the front door and opened it, stepping out with his limp and cane into the late afternoon sun to see the last person on earth he had ever expected to see helping his girlfriend out of a carriage like some kind of gentleman. "Theoren..." He said under his breath looking on in shock. "Amariette..." His voice cracked as he choked on her name. "What the hell is going on here... what do you want?" He took a few wobbly steps forward, "Let go of her.. if this is another scheme to use her as leverage you might as well let her go now... you know what my answer will be if you threaten to hurt her..." he said warily. (f)-

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

lady_priest_of_incondors_lament* Hah. Stay put? When had she ever listened to what the good doctor had to say? Crossing the room with him, she aids by holding the door open, only to have it clatter shut when she sees the last thing she expects. Amariette with Theoren Roullier. Charlie wasnt a tiny woman, and by no means frail like Amariette. Granted that little girl might have some spunk if cornered. Years spent around dig sites ensured that she needed to be fit and able, just look at the mess that she and Daniel had been in recently! Her fingers appear to smooth out the fabric of her now off white tank top. Sliding her right hand behind her to cure an apparant itch, she fingers the handle of the gun safely tucked in the back of her pants. She'd make good of her promise, oh and how very sweet it would be!<C>
lady_priest_of_incondors_lament* Exhaling in a huff, as if agitated, she blows some of the dark curls out of her face and stays quiet for now. Silently backing up the doctor and with a sinister intent if things got too far out of hand for her likes. <E>

theoren_roullier: *"Nobody makes any sudden moves, ok? I'm not here for a fight, b'lieve it or not..." he said with his hands out to show he held no weapons in them as he took a few steps advanced of Amariette. "I jus' brought her home." He said thumbing at the girl behind him. Daniel should remember just how well he had treated Amariette. He hadn't laid a hand on her at all, just as Aerillia had told him, and other than putting a gun to her head just recently had been nothing but kind and gentle with her. What could he say, he was a mama's boy. He didn't enjoy violence against women any more than... Kahlan did. "Carter, we gotta talk. I got somet'in for you to look at." he said reaching slowly for the satchel that hung on his side that contained the book<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> and the scroll that had printed on it the map of the part of the jungle that housed the temple of Seoul-Mun that Daniel had identified at their last little meeting. "You translate dis, I give you back your girl, fair trade? You screw me over, I'll kill her, an' you know I can." He said, hoping to god Daniel wouldn't call his bluff. He rather liked Amariette... she was... fiesty. She had enough of his respect by now that he didn't want to be forced to kill her becasue Daniel decided to be stupid. Though he doubted that Daniel would do such a thing... he wanted Amariette alive far more than Theoren did. "Walk forwards, we meet half way, I give you her an' th' book, you let me come sit down on the porch an' we talk. Maybe dis time we can do dis in a better way, eh?"<fin>*

renae_willowbane: ~As she kept her head bowed, her eyes downcast, she could feel herself beginning to tremble, her hands balling into tight fists against her stomach. Biting down harder on her lower lip, she lifted her head at the words of Theoren's proposal, her green eyes going wide and her mouth opening in a silent protest. This scene was all too familiar in her mind. Shaking her head, she stared toward Daniel as tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks slowly, her face flushed with color. Mouthing the word over and over again, all she could down was stand there in numb shock, her body paralyzed and her lips forming the message again. 'No!'~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~Taking a step forward, she caught a chilling glare from the rogue and she froze in place again, the win picking up and lifting his cloak high off her shoulders. Reaching up, she untied it and let it fall to the ground, her gaze forever focused on the image of Daniel who stood on the porch, cane in hand. Tightening her fists as they fell to her sides, she was visibly shaking now, tears spilling in torrents down her face. Bold green irises only intensified her look of despair, her entire body rigid in fear and a small sense of iron determination. He simply could not give in. Not this time. She couldn't let him lose again. Not to this inhuman ruffian who bullied his way through peoples' lives and destroyed them.~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~Venturing another step, she was just about to pass Theoren completely, rather in a trance in her quest to stop her love from making another grave mistake.~

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

Daniel_P_Carter: -It wasn't much of a choice, really... Amariette's life, and who cares if Theoren got some stupid book translated. If Theoren wanted to play by the rules for once than Daniel would oblige if it got Amariette out of trouble. Was the queen really so powerless against this brazen theif that Amariette who had been in her care was no longer safe anywhere in the world? He reached a hand out to beckon Theoren closer, trembling slightly as his other hand, knuckles white in fear and anger gripped the cane that he would whip into Theoren's face the instant he thought Amariette was going to get hurt. "Alright... it's a deal. We meet half way..." He said, starting a few steps towards the centerpoint that he and Theoren would make said exchange (C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -How odd for Theoren to not just take charge of the situation... why not just dominate it like he had last time. Even Ulster seemed to be 'his' turf. Could it possibly be that Theoren was scared? But of what? Certainly not of Daniel. Looking back he motioned for the other workers to go inside and they quickly got up and did as they were told, scurrying out of harm's way as quickly as they could. Daniel felt he had to stay strong. He might only be an archaeologist, and he might be weak as a man in compared to Theoren, and he might have a busted up leg... but he loved this woman and no matter what was wrong with him, he would try with everything he had to defend her, even against such impossible odds. He decided to take a risk, then(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -and leveled his gaze on Theoren. "Do not even think of laying a wrong hand on her." he said sternly, blue eyes flashing like ice on a cold winter's morning. "She has nothing to do with this." The words sounded frigid and... confident. Two things Daniel certainly was not, but he was playing the part well enough. It was like another person talking from him.. he liked it. As Amariette advance he reached out his hand to her andhe noticed... it had stopped trembling. He was... in a dream. For her, he would be as strong as he had to be. With her... he could be anything he ever wanted to be.(F)-

lady_priest_of_incondors_lament* Snorting her disgust at the whole thing she watches as Daniel starts down the stairs to his doom. She couldnt let him get that far, he was too valuable to everyone alive. Reaching around her back she starts down the stairs too, judging distance and the obstacles the shot might end up going through. Should she kill him? Would it do any good at all? By the sounds of it this guy was some kind of wicked. Just look at all he was capable of doing. Fingering the pistol's handle she finally gets her fingers around it, favoring her left shoulder over her right, for it wasnt fully healed yet, but the pain was minimal in the face of such a grave danger to Daniel. What had the little frail twit Amariette gotten this man into? Growling faintly she makes for one fierce looking but buxom <C>
lady_priest_of_incondors_lament* Woman. Especially when something she deemed a personal treasure was being forcefully taken, or in this case taken advantage of. Sliding the gun forward she hangs back behind Daniel for concealment. Lifting her eyes to look at Theo, as if challenging him to justify why she shouldnt be nearby, she was a collegue after all. Damn it if she'd hide in the house like some whining whimp of a woman. Her eyes drift over to Amariette at that thought and she cant help but smirk, but duty first, squabbling later. Duty? What the hell? A vicious shake of her head and a mimicked sneeze masks the cocking of the pistols hammer. This bastard would pay. Oh he'd pay something fierce even if it wasnt with his life. Stuffing her free hand gingerly in her pocket, as if fishing for something, she <C>
lady_priest_of_incondors_lament* Drops a button on the ground and squats to pick it up. Crouched down, looking more like a full figured cat, she levels the gun, twists it sideways and lays a finger on the trigger. Bastard. Dirty rotten vile bastard. She wouldnt let him get away without making him feel some sort of pain. Sighting with the gun hidden but not obstructed by her thigh, she picks a spot on Theo, like picking out the weak spots on a fine piece of ancient pottery. ~Click~ was all that she heard before the deafening roar of the pistol exploded next to her. Her target? Slightly above Theo's left knee. A crippling shot to say the least. Standing up rapidly as the bullet sails towards her adversary, she tucks the gun in the back of her pants again for safe keeping, and walks forward some. "You dirty <C>
lady_priest_of_incondors_lament* Stinking excuse of a man. I hope that hurts like hell. You deserve to rot." She looks at Daniel first as if asking if he is alright besides the initial shock, then she looks to Amariette and then Theo. If the twit would only run while the filth was incapacitated! But she couldnt expect Amariette to comprehend that in a short span such as this. The woman always needed rescuing. Bah. Damsel in Distress indeed. Such a highly overplayed ploy! <E>

theoren_roullier: *How bold, Dr. Carter, he thought to himself. He felt humbled in that moment, almost having forgotten what kind of strength love could give a man in his time of need. He had it with Belle when he had killed Julien, and for years until her death it was all that kept him alive. Now it was fueling Daniel. Theo paused in mid step as Daniel reached out his hand to Amariette, mourning the one love he was hollowed by the most. A moment of bitterness and hatred for this happy couple welled in him, the true him, the him that was good and pure and bitter at being outcast from his home for things beyond his control. But composure reigned supreme and with a little help from his 'symbiote' he was able to do little more than raise an eyebrow at the display<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> Daniel would need a lot more than a few pretty words to save her should he push Theoren too far. He met halfway, as he had promised and held out the book. Am-Tuat, the book of the gates. He was just about to hand it over when a gunshot rang out. He had just enough time to shift is bodyweight, the shot hitting him in the knee and blowing out the back of his leg. Damnit, that smarts! He dropped the book to the ground and staggered back, gripping his knee tightly in pain, opening one eye to look at the group. "Will you people stop doing that?!" He cried as he removed his hand. There was no blood. Only a thing trail of silvery gel that had barely seeped out of the circular wound, which was already starting to close up.<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> He sighed, frustrated, and reached for the sword hanging from his belt. It was a beautifully crafted white-gold looking rapier, irillian z'noxx and the most beautiful weapon, in his opinion, ever made. Drawing it out he stood with a completely exasperated look on his face, in a near ready stance. "Did dat make ya feel better? Ok, lesson time kids. You got four bullets left, an' I can't die. I got a sword an' a mean streak a mile wide. Do you wanna put dat gun down now?" He asked, flailing the sword wildly in the air. If Daniel wasn't so damn smart he wouldn't even be going through this, he would just kill them all. He rubbed his knee again and swore under his breath. Stupid mortals. "Now pick up dat book an' tell me what it says, and YOU," <c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> he pointed the sword tip at Charlie. "Get her outta here before I make sushi outta her!"<fin>*

[Dr. Daniel Carter]

renae_willowbane: ~Charlie was mad! That's all Amariette could register as the woman opened fire on the man she had stabbed not a few hours before. Gathering her nerve, she took the last few steps, practically flying into Daniel's embrace and wrapping her own arms loosely about his neck. "Oh Daniel....I'm so sorry.....we have to get out of here. Go somepleace far away...anywhere! Anywhere where he won't find us!" She nuzzled into his neck and clung to him, her tears making his collar damp and her words mumbled but discernible, "I tried. I tried to kill him Daniel. I stabbed him in the chest, but he's not human! I swear, I saw it with my own eyes! He didn't even bleed! Please...we've got to get out of here!" ~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~Looking up into his eyes, her panic was more than visible, her entire body caught in a fury of shivering that refused to go away. This was just getting out of control. Gasping and as Theoren began to brandish his sword and point it toward Charlie, she turned and shielded Daniel with her body as best she could, her arms outstretched at either side of him. With her heart racing, her facial expression changed drastically and the look was no longer that of fear, but of firm determination to protect the man she loved at all cost. Her jaw set and her head was lowered as though she were some great beast bracing to attack; he could not see, but Amariette's green eyes seemed to have caught fire and were blazing in fury toward the thief.~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~There was also a heat, a strange heat that was radiating from her body like an oven, enough for him to feel most intimately, the girl however, seemed not to have noticed. All that mattered now was Daniel, she HAD to protect Daniel from this maniacal demon of a man, even if it meant surrendering her very life. Eyes darted to Charlie in obvious and sudden concern, her voice calling out, trembling but firm, "For the love of God Charlie, get back! Nothing you do can stop him! Get out of the way before he kills you! Please!! Just move!!"~

Daniel_P_Carter: -The gunshot resounded in his ears and instinctively he pulled Amariette to him and encircled her in his arms protectively, even while holding the cane to support his weight. He watched in relief as Theoren staggered backwards from the inflicted wound, but that relief turned readily to start horror as the man stood up and yelled at them. There was no blood. He was fine... he was drawing a sword... Daniel's mouth must have been hanging open in flustered awe of what he was seeing. He had been right all along, Theoren was far from human... he truly was some kind of a freakish monster. He held Amariette closer and watched him rave and wave the sword around in the air. He was pretty angry, but that wasn't particularly surprising for a man who had just been shot(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -looking back at Charlie he motioned for her to drop the damn gun before they all got killed and to back the hell up for the stoop, hoping this time she would actually do what she was told. Neither of them had ever encountered anything like this before... it was more than a little unnerving. "Back off Charlie..." he said in a more than usually authoritative tone and putting his arm out to bar her from advancing further. "Ok, look, the gun is down... I'm going to pick up the book..." he said stooping slowly to pick up the text that he had dropped. One look at the title and he froze for a second, tilting his head to the side before reaching to pick it up. "My god... you bastard... how ... where..." He picked it up, now more stupified at how he was holding(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -the Am-Tuat than he was at the fact that a man had just been shot infront of him and apparently taken no ill effects from it. He pulled Amariette closer again and looked at the book in his hands. "You want me to translate the Book of the Gates... you crazy son of a bitch, you're actually going after that stone, aren't you?" He said looking up again with that incredulous archaeologist look he always had at times like these. Still, he maintained amazing control. Panicking would only make Theoren more volitile. If Daniel was right and he really was scared anything that seemed like a threat would be followed through as one. "Just calm down. Give me some air so I can do this translation. Go sit on the porch and put the sword away." he said in a very(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -level voice, his arm tightening around Amariette to reassure her that everything was alright, even if there were sweat beads on his forehead, even if on the inside every part of his was screaming, even if he wanted to run. He didn't. He kept cool, stood his ground, and spoke calmly to the near frenzied thief and nigh near commanded Charlie into the house the instant Theoren demanded it. Maybe this could be salvaged yet...(F)-

lady_priest_of_incondors_lament* Monster indeed. Thats all Theoren Roullier was, a blood sucking nasty monster. She tosses the pistol on the ground and kicks it away before backing away slowly. It was the last thing she wanted to do, but when lives were at stake, especially Daniel's, what could she do? Taking her time to get to the stoop she finally manages to not break her neck as she climbes the stairs, always keeping an eye on the trio. What on earth could he be to spurt silver goo instead of...blood? Frowning and trying to work the equation in her head, she finds that its not an equation at all, and that all parties present are doomed. Had Daniel seen the future with his vision? Would everyone and everything that Theoren Roullier touched burst into flame or rot beyond comprehensible repair? What could be <C>
lady_priest_of_incondors_lament* What could be done to fix that damn rogue for good? Nothing petty and mortal thats for sure. And why...why was he going through all of this trouble for a set of fantastical stones that probably do not exist?

***NOTE*** Charlie wasn't on so Aerillia stepped in to try to play her... sorry it got a little butchered Charlie, but Theo wanted to get things moving.

[Theoren Roullier]

theoren_roullier: *There was a strong welling urge inside of him to take that sword and carve the smug look right off of the face of the busty, darkhaired woman that was holding the smoking gun that had just put a hole in his leg. It was damned inconvenient. But even his dark side, the side that was and yet… was not him, knew how this situation should be handled. Firmly, but with that trademark style that the real Theoren Roullier was more than famous for. And so It left him in control for the time being to give him the chance he needed to make some reparations for this… rough spot. He stood up, calmly, letting the expertly crafted sword slide easily back into its sheath with a ringing sound he loved so much and swept a few pieces of hair from his eyes, a cool look<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> that leveled on Daniel for a moment. Just play it off… play it off. He gave a small, curt smile and drew his chest up. The leg hurt, but he still had full mobility. The hole was nearly closed in the front by now anyhow. It wasn't aggravated damage, he would be just fine. "Dat's more like it." He said with a vicious smirk. Daniel was smarter than he had given him credit for in the first place. He would have made a wonderful business negotiator. Drawing the pistol from his belt he twirled it around his finger as if it was some kind of a toy and sauntered towards Daniel and Amariette with a coy wink to the girl. "Did I scare ya? Oops. My bad."<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> He brushed past them both towards the front porch where he leisurely took a seat without so much as a second thought to them. "I need it translated. Hell, I'll even pay ya, how's dat sound, eh?" He looked up from under shocks of carrot red hair. "An' don' worry, you're in no danger. Wit' a leg like dat you'd be useless once we got inside. All you gotta do it tell me what it says. Easy 'nough, hein?" He said with a crest kid kind of grin.<fin>*

renae_willowbane: ~Amariette's eyes had softened once again into a lusterless stare as she watched Theoren make his way toward the porch to sit. He was a villian that one, pure and unadulterated, with the slightest decent inhibition. Pressing close to Daniel, her eyes then moved to the book he held, his expression confusing her but giving her enough insight to know that this situation was even more dangerous than when he had translated the tablet. Moving away from him, she slipped a hand into his and began to gingerly lead him toward the porch, feeling the man a bit too incapacitated to move on his own. Watching with a slight frown on her face as he hobbled along at a slow pace, the cane clutched tight in his other hand, she kept a conscious distance from Theoren.~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~Sitting him down, she moved up the stairs and quickly swept a pad of paper and pencil from the flustered Maggie Carter, obvious anger and fright mirrored in the older woman's eyes. Nodding to her, she couldn't help but stare hopelessly into those calming pools for a few moments, before turning and swiftly trotting down the steps to hand it to Daniel, taking her place by his side. Curling her legs beneath her, her dress hem flared a slight about her kness and feet, her hands clasping together in her lap as she watched warily. Letting her green gaze dart to Theoren ever so often, she couldn't help but feel suspicious of his smug grin and twinkling eyes. This man had been stabbed and shot, by women no doubt!~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~Any other person would be bitter and resentful, planning some time of revenge on being so wronged. However all he did was smile. Smile! As though he didn't have a care in the world! It terrified her and a lump formed in her throat at the thoughts of what his bloodthirsty nature was plotting for all of them.~

Daniel_P_Carter: -Daniel frowned and constricted his grip around Amariette's waist as the vagrant took his time to casually move towards the porch. Was this man truly so insane? Perhaps he had a split personality? He had just gone from diplomat to raving lunatic to charming rogue in less than a minute. Daniel was seriously starting to suspect that Theoren was some kind of schizophrenic. He wouldn't be in the least surprised if that were true. He looked at the book in his hands. Am-Tuat, one of the great texts of ancient times sitting right before him. The chance to translate such a piece of pure history was something Daniel salivated at the prospect of. Of course, he would be doing it for all of the wrong reasons, but there were ways of getting around(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -it, he suspected. He could always mess up a word here or there that could mean his death once inside the temple. From what Daniel remembered of the legend once inside the Temple of Seoul-Mun there was no way to get out except for completing the trials. Something that of course, had never happened before. But here was a man, if you could even call him that, that seemed to live outside the bounds of normal human reasoning, so maybe he had another ace up his sleeve that Daniel didn't know about. He turned to Theoren, suspicion in his eyes as he readjusted his glasses to get a better view. "Why trust me to do it ahead of time. If I'm not going, how do you know I won't translate it incorrectly just to see you burn?" He asked, his tone no less(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -caustic than it had been at the outset of the conversation. Surely Theoren was not so stupid as to have not thought of that possibility. There had to be another catch here that Daniel did not yet know about, and so he probed for that information which could potentially be vital as to how he responded to Theoren's request for a translation of one of the most sought after books on the globe. But he moved to the porch just the same and sat down, took the pad, but did not begin to write. Not yet. He wanted the full story first. (F)-

[Theoren Roullier]

theoren_roullier: *Theoren smirked. "See, dis is why I came t'you. You're just so … quick, Danny. Can I call you Danny?" He didn't even wait for the inevitable protest from the doctor, who undoubtedly wanted to be referred to by his title which he had worked so long to achieve. "I figured you'd try'n pull somet'in like that, so I took some precautions aheada time. First off, I'm not goin' in dere alone…" He said, checking the barrel of his gun and loading a few more shots into the chamber, "I'm goin' wit'… a friend. Someone you're pretty close to, someone you might not want t'jepordize any more dan she's gonnabe…" He smiled ruefully and clicked the barrel<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> back into place along the chamber of the gun and spun the lower chamber. "Th' second t'ing you oughta already be aware of here, is dat I got dis.. pesky.. .way of not dyin' . So eventually, I will come outta dat temple, an' when I do, guess who th' first person I'll be comin' to see is?" He looked over with another boyish grin as he tucked the revolver back in his belt smugly. "You're a smart guy, Danny. I have faith you'll make de right decision." There was an awkward silence settling over them. "Aw, but c'mon guys, I'm not here t'be a pessimist. I'm even gonna pay you, an' considerin' your lady here stabbed me in th' chest dis morning' I t'ink I'm bein' downright generous!" He chuckled, sitting back and stretching his arms back<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> over his head and lounging against the porch railing. He looked down at the hole in his shirt from the knifeblade. "Dang, an here, this was one'a my favorite shirts." He said with some dismay. He looked up to Amariette with a grin, "You're a pretty good shot. Lots of practice?"<fin>*

renae_willowbane: ~"Not enough practice it seems." Was her retort as she glared disdainfully upon him and tried to swallow the lump in her throat that only seemed to grow with each word he spoke. Reaching out, she rested a hand atop Daniel's knee, her eyes meeting his easily enough. There was fear in those green orbs, palpable and permeable fear. A faint glimmer of regret then filled her vision as she fought the tears that so desperately wished to spring from her eyes anew. There was a touch of guilt in her heart, a sense of failure at only agitating Theoren instead of ending his existence, ending his quest to make those about him suffer to the utmost.~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~Turning her head away forcefully, she couldn't bear to look in Daniel's blue eyes, see the conflict that swam within them, the dread and underlying despair that came with having no control over one's life. It was a feeling she was all too familiar with and as she raised her head once again, her eyes settled on Theoren again. Who would be going with him? Charlie? It was obvious that she would be of the greatest benefit to him if he really meant to risk his life in all manner of traps that awaited those unworthy and unprepared for the undertaking. Letting her gaze drift off toward the horizon, she wondered if there would be a time where she was afraid for those she cared for most, a time where she could smile and genuinely be content with her life.~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~Brigham would be beside himself with worry now, but his daughter was far beyond any prayers that he may have made on her behalf. Chartha seemed so far away now, she felt herself panicked at the thought that she couldn't even remember what her home looked like anymore.~

Daniel_P_Carter: -A frown again. He looked down at the pad and the pen. He didn't have much of a choice then, did he? He could only wonder, who was Theoren friends with that he would even care about. The Queen, he thought instantly. He couldn't let her come to any harm. He still maintained that she had her reasons for letting him run loose around her country terrorizing its citizens the way he did. Closing his eyes, he thought hard on the subject. Say Theoren was bluffing. He could end this all right now by just… mis-scribing the book and Theoren would be gone forever. Say he wasn't bluffing… say he actually was taking the Queen, say he really could get through the trials of Seoul-Mun… and say Daniel happened to make a few mistakes here and there(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -then what? Theoren would come back, kill him, or worse, kill Amariette, kill Maggie… he couldn't bear that idea. And what should Daniel care if he got the stone anyways? No one knew if it really even existed, and even if it did, what were the chances that it had some strange supernatural powers anyways? "Fine." He said through clenched teeth. "I'll do it. But not because you threatened me. I'll do it because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity and because I don't truly believe there's anything in that temple to begin with." He said with a flash in his eyes as he glanced at Theoren. He was a skeptic. He wasn't so stupid as to think some mythical stone(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: - was going to help this King of Thieves take over the world anyhow. He began the translation, making notations and the like from the beginning pages, glancing irritated over at the man who had invaded his stoop. "If I'm going to do this, I need it to be quiet. If you want it done right you better cap your witty repartee and stop bothering her or I'm going to make mistakes whether I'm trying to or not." He almost snapped. He had begun to realize that in this kind of a situation he had some semblance of power and that he should exercise it, even if it was just being snippy. "And I'm going to need my books, and a few days to do it. Ancient Mapouche isn't(C)-
Daniel_P_Carter: -exactly my specialty, even if I can read most of this." He said, a more brooding, intellectual look coming over his face as he studied the text a little more closely. (F)-

[Theoren Roullier]

theoren_roullier: *He let out another laugh. "I like you, Ms. Willowbane. You have spunk." He said, digging into his pocket and pulling out a crumpled looking cigarette. He also dug out a few flimsy matches. Striking one of the sulfur tipped sticks against a rock on the ground. It flamed for a second as he brought it up to the cigarette between his lips and took a deep breath inwards. It wasn't a concern for him, after all, his lungs weren't real. It was just one in a long line of human vices he used to keep his mind off of his emptiness. He did, however, have the courtesy to exhale away from them both and tap the ash on the soil instead of the porch. "Touchy, touchy, Danny. Don' be so coarse. I was jus' tryin' to be nice." He said with a more distant look. <c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> Trying to be nice. As if nice didn't come to him naturally. Well he supposed it didn't anymore. "Ya got a few days, Danny. I'll even let you go t'Kahlan's little Samhain party wit' your girl if you want to. But in a week, I want dat whole book done word for word." He stopped to chuckle at Daniel's speech. He was catching onto how to play the game. Theoren's respect for him was growing more and more each day. He would be a fine addition to Ulster's government. Perhaps Theoren would bring the issue up with Kahlan next time they met. He craned his neck to look around the bushes for a moment, for something, or perhaps someone.<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c>He had caught wind that Halar, the Silver Wyrm was hanging around here these days. He smiled as he took another drag off of the cigarette. One had to wonder what Halar would say at seeing him again. Surprise to say the least, he would imagine. But it didn't seem that Halar was around at all… how strange indeed.<fin>*

renae_willowbane: ~Suddenly having an idea, she quietly debated it in her mind, wondering if she actually knew how dangerous undertaking it would be for her. Coming to her decision, she let her eyes rest on Daniel almost sadly, mentally asking for his forgiveness. Amariette would read Theoren. Judging from her experience with Daniel, there was a good chance that this connection could kill her, especially since Theoren was anything but human as Daniel was. Sighing, she rose from her place and moved across the steps to sit beside Theoren, her intentions hidden behind a passive face full of iron resolve, she simply had to know why he was so angry, why he suffered so.~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~"Mr. Roullier, I am very aware of your plight, and even though we have never met before this, I feel it only proper that I offer a prayer on your behalf. May I have your hands?" Of course she was lying about the prayer, but he would not know that, even if he did suspect her, after all, he had no idea of her secret, what could he be suspicious of? Looking over her shoulder, she let her eyes rest on Daniel's gaze, recognition catching in the archeologists' blue gaze, he knew, he knew what she was attempting, but it was already too late. Theoren gave her a brief and obviously suspicious look over before slipping his rough, calloused hands into her own, Amariette suddenly gripping him tight, her own frail grip suddenly iron and secure.~<c>
charlie_dudox* <arrives> Female 23 from Ulster alias Charlie Dudox
renae_willowbane: ~Her eyes rolled back in their sockets and she pushed her essence further, the cold of her trance already pushing into his skin and up his arms to pour into his body and claim every once of heat he possessed. Though his body may have been just an avatar, the veins and capillaries froze solid and his lips were blue as well as every other visible piece of skin, her power only growing, fed by her own need and determination to see all she could of his past. Tilting her head back, she felt the resistance of something dark and sinister, it reared its head and surveyed what she was doing, it felt as though a snake was working its way through her body and mind, trying to perceive whether she was a threat or not.~<c>
renae_willowbane: ~Apparently, whatever was inside the man felt she could do little harm to it and retreated into hiding again, burying itself deep within the man's core where it rested again and vanished from her senses. As her eyelashes pressed closed, she felt a wave of pain knock her back, a cry breaking from her parted lips. Fighting against the initial shock, she pushed against him and buried herself deep in his mind, forcing it open at its weakest points, at the places he thought of the most and brought them into herself.~

Daniel_P_Carter: -The recognition in his eyes made his mouth hang open, words screaming to be let out but could not. His face paled, his lips parted, and one word came bursting forth as he seized the red haired girl by her shoulders and tried to pry her from Theoren's hands. "AMARIETTE!" But it was too late… he could see the effects of her potent power working on him already as though he was nothing but a mere mortal. By the gods, why… she could die! She could be permanently scarred by whatever she was about to see. All he could do at grip her shoulders and wait for it to end and be there to retrieve her when she was done. Fear gripped him, but… what else could he do?-

charlie_dudox* :She stood in the back corner of the room, silent and glowering. She had been told to get inside and out of the way and here they all came trouping in. What was she supposed to do? Jump out a window to avoid them. Her gun was still outside and she had learned from that particular error. No, a bullet could not kill him it seemed but her glare was like throwing daggers. She leaned against the back corner , her arms crossed against her chest, watching them from the outside. She regretted shooting him. It had been an action of passion. Had she thought it out she would have remained inside and out of sight. She was to track Theoren in his quest and it was best that he not know who she was. <C>
charlie_dudox* And dammit, if shooting him was necessary, why had she not had the where with all to just hit him in that damn pretty-boy face of his. Even if it didn't kill him, it would certainly get rid of that smirk, if only temporarily. Her eyes widened slightly as she saw Amariette go into a trance. She had no real idea about Amariette's powers. After all, the last time the girl had pulled this stunt she had been buried alive under rubble with bigger things to worry about. Her first thought was that it was some sort of act, that she was about to start talking in tongues but the look of fear on Daniel's face quieted such an idea. she took a small step forward, wondering if there was anything she could do to help. For god sakes, it looked like she was about ready to go into seizures. <C>
charlie_dudox* "Daniel?" It was a question more than a simple call. What should she do? Should she bother to step in?

[Theoren Roullier]

theoren_roullier: *What was the harm, let the girl do her prayer. If only she knew… Heaven wasn't listening. The instant she took his hands he knew it was a mistake. This instant he felt that chill, the look in Daniel's eyes, the words, the pain, the freezing sensation, when he felt It retreat to the depths of his essence… he knew. She was going to see ever bit of it, and so was he, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. In his mind he was screaming at her. "NO! NO NO NO NO STOP IT!" but he did not know if she could hear it. And all of a sudden before his eyes there was no longer Daniel, Amariette, the little cottage on the edge of town. From nowhere two beautifully colored pearl and gold wings flourished up as the scenery coalesced into a pure light,<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> like a giant prism of every color God had ever created swirling around and lighting his way towards a portal of the whitest light he had ever seen. Everything around him was warm, inviting, a feeling of home and belonging as his red-gold streaked hair flew behind him, soaring higher and higher towards the light of Heaven. Just as he prepared to burst free into the light there was a jolting shock of pain sent through his entire body as a wall of static appeared over the portal, denying him access. Stunned for the moment his wings twitched as he felt a burning sensation sting his foot. He looked down to see a hideous thing, purple, black and blue with dark feathers and a horrible hooked beak ablaze in red flames hurdling towards him at a blinding speed.<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> Panic gripped him as he pushed himself towards the light, the safety, the place where he could be held within the arms of God and care not for anything else… but still the portal denied him. He cried out in pain as the thing's talons gripped him around the middle. He reached for his sword to find it was no longer strapped to his back. Furiously he beat his wings to try to escape, pushing the screeching thing away with his hands and kicking with his feet, but the struggle only brought it closer, closer… He screamed at the horrible pain as he felt it's bite sink into his shoulder, claws tear open his belly, silver sparkling blood of an angel showering over the pulsating landscape. And then he felt it… climb inside of him, the sick feeling, become<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> possessed by this creature, feeling all of its hatred, all of its malice and all of its will to destroy what he loved envelope him. Catatonic he stared into the light, the glow of his own golden eyes fading to a dull brown, the streaks in his hair disappearing completely, and his beautiful pearly feathers turning gray and falling from his regal wings, spiraling down towards the empty pit of blackness opening up below him. He could barely exhale a sound as the pulsating energy of the creature expanded in him and his wounds sealed up, his aura changing from that of white to that of a dark dark red. His wings no longer able to keep him aloft, he at once felt a feeling of falling and helplessly he plummeted downwards towards the all consuming darkness<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> that had now taken root in his very soul. He felt himself land on hard ground, cold hard stone, and all around him was a dull, lifeless gray light. Above him, so high above him he could see the light, but even as he reached, his now ashen wings lay limply on the granite and it was beyond him. He let out a mournful cry, one so piteous that a mortal would never hear it in their world, for there was nothing that would shake the soul like the sorrowed song of one of the Fallen. The creature did not want Amariette to see, it did not want her to pity him, it did not want him to have anyone's sympathy that might strengthen his true nature. And all at once the memories shut down, the thing's horrible mouth opened and snapped at Amariette, severing<c>*
theoren_roullier: *<c> the link between the two entities. Theoren jerked his hands back from her and stared, shaking, terrified, anger, and all range of emotions at having to remember the most horrible time in his life as if it were actually happening again. He shoved back from her, backing himself against the railing in bitter fear of her, gasping for air as the color only slightly returned to his face. "My god… what have you done…"<fin>*