Fateful Reunion: Bloodbath or Forgiveness?

[Vien Lotus]

50th Spring 514 AV

As Vien road the ravosala towards Miro's last know accommodations he wondered how he would explain his absence. Of course the truth would be the best but Miro did not seem the type to take kindly to runways, even if it was for a good reason. The night air seemed a bit chilly and Vien could only wonder if that was a bad sign. He shook his head and tried to clear his mind.

"I will tell him the truth. Nothing more and nothing less." he whispered to himself as the ravosala swan through the pitch black water.

"What was that?" the drive inquired. Realizing he had spoken aloud he quickly dodged the question.

"Here is good, driver." Vien said looking up at the building he had only seen from a distance for nigh a season.

"Here?" the driver asked a bit of hesitance in his voice. He was clearly spooked by the place and seemed in a hurry all of a sudden. "Fine. Just pay me and off with you. I have no reason to stay and I am losing more and more business by the chime. Vien stifled a chuckle and counted out the coin. He sighed as he leaped onto the stone and before he could even turn to say thank you the driver was already peddling off in the other direction at a rather fast pace. Vien did not mind. He preferred it this way. Less talking meant more time to think for himself.

Just as he began to take stride towards the wooden door the moon broke through the clouds sending a wave of eerie light into the world. He smiled looking up and enjoying what could very well be his last sight of the moon but as quickly as he appeared the moon was shrouded by another layer of clouds leaving the world blanked with darkness once more. Mustering his courage he turned and gripped the handle making his way inside the building quietly shutting it behind him. From there he slowly ascended the stairs and before he knew it his feet stopped in front of Miro's door.

He'll probably be meditating right now but I can only hope for the best. I did not come all this way for nothing he thought to himself as he raised his hand forming a fist and knocking three times on the door.

[Miro]

Miro was, as he liked to say, out on business. What this business was, it was creepy, but what it wasn't was productive. So far just a stalk, an observation from a distance, a behavior pattern recorded. Some people had potential, but often they were more trouble than they were worth. This seemed to be one such case. Unless a certain plan was put into action. Perhaps someday, if Lhex would allow such a thing. All too often such efforts were for naught, just the thrill of the hunt.

However as the wizard returned home, there was a visitor at his door. "A stranger," he thought to himself, "or somebody I know?" The person, slight of frame, but with some details blurred. They looked familiar, but the undead could not get a clear sight. It put him on edge. Even more so when Ender reacted with excitement and spoke to him telepathically. "Miro, that's Vien, he's back! And suddenly the person in his sight became clear.

Vien, a former apprentice, if such a thing existed. Once an apprentice to Miro, an apprentice to death. That was his rule, or at least one of them. And there were consequences to breaking such rules. A major infraction came from simply disappearing, especially when this occurred almost immediately after a magical initiation. It burned the Chained One up inside. He staggered down the hallway with his emotions ready to burst from within him. A gaseous Res poured from his body as he moved.

It was not often the Reimancer took apprentices. Especially not Symenestran apprentices, for their kind was so very savage. Ungrateful too, it seemed. The nerve the former apprentice had to show his face back here. It was akin begging for suicide, or torture, or whatever the undead pleased. Though there a part of him that begged him to resolve things, to make use of his initial investment. It stood right before him, returned to his door like a fed stray. "Fine," he told himself, "I'll feed you, but this time there will be no running away."

Miro held to the far wall and walked at a brisk pace, but kept his steps hushed to the best of his ability. He kept his arm extended out and called upon his will of control over the emitted Res. The substance gathered together in a thick liquid and silently flowed through the air toward the half-forgiven apprentice. He hoped that the fool would not turn see him until already the Res was upon him. However there was not much that could be done. The only exit was mostly cut off.

If Vien wanted to turn tail, to escape, it meant he had to get past the angry wizard. Simply put, as the apprentice's master, the student's life was held in hand. If the Reimancer wished to set it ablaze with lava and lightning, it was his right to do so. At least he told himself that each and every time he branded a person with the title. If there was going to be another act of treachery, it was not going to be forgiven so easily. This much would be made obvious very quickly.

And for the reason of the apprentice being out of extra chances, any potential of future escape would be cut off. How exactly, well, that hadn't been decided yet. Perhaps for now some magic to disable him, perhaps Leeching. Maybe as well to be shackled, locked in the room by manacles. Whatever it was, there would be no escape. The Res would chase its target until finally it latched on, and there was no way the Chained One would let his most recent big bounty get away.

Finally Miro called out to him, "Vien, hold still!" He cared not at this point what the actions the Symenestra made, for he had resolved to finish things. He was still angry, so part of him hoped the fool would try something. "You left me! When you disappeared, I was furious. I said to myself, Zlynge, he used me and got away with it. But here you are. My Dra-Pryza, a little gift from the gods!"

It was not often that the wizard resorted to speaking any Symenos, but fury had a way of digging up old habits. The tone of his voice was frantic, almost erratic, his emotions more than apparent. "You know what else I told myself? I said, if ever I get my hands back on you, it'll be the last time you slip away. And, Lo Mene Virsas, you will never get away from me again!" There was no way the Chained One would miss this opportunity to regain some of his power.

[Vien Lotus]

After a chime of waiting in silence Vien knocks once more on Miro's door. After another brief wait he begins to wonder if Miro is at home. If that was true then there was no telling how long it would take for him to return. Vien did not want to wait but he felt a need to stay. Just as Vien was about to turn around and lean against the door Miro's voice broke the silence of the tiny hallway. Vien turned only to see the undead limping towards him. Anger crystal clear in his tone and he had every right to be. Vien had left him and no words could ever change that fact. He was about to speak whenever he saw the twisting fluid in the dim light of the hallway.

It was all to late to dodge it and before he knew it the liquid was pressing against his clothes wrapping thin tendrils around his arms and legs. He knew better than to fight because Miro would just use it as an excuse to punish him further and while Vien would accept whatever punishment Miro thought appropriate he was not about to add fuel to an already rampaging flame. Besides the memories of that night not a season ago came flooding back and Vien stiffened. He knew all to well what Miro was capable of if pushed to far. As Vien listened to Miro he knew that his next few words would be critical. So stealing himself with courage he forced himself to speak.

"Hello, Master Miro. It has been awhile." he said trying to jest but realizing all to late that jesting was not really appropriate for the current situation. "I am sorry to have disappeared like that but some urgent business came up and I could not get away from it until here recently. I can understand your anger, but at least I came back, did I not?" Vien spoke. His voice trembled a little bit but for the most part he kept his fear in check. It was appropriate to allow a little bit of fear to tingle inside of him, but from first hand experience Vien knew just how far fear could cloud one's judgement. "Seeing as I have returned I would like to say this now. I have not come back to beg for forgiveness. I have come back to accept the punishment for breaking your rules. Also, if you will allow me to return as your student I will not fail you again. You have my word." Vien stared at Miro giving no sign of hesitation in his voice from his words. He meant every word and was not afraid of the punishment to come and he would bear whatever pain Miro saw fit to dish out.

[Miro]

Miro was surprised to receive such a reaction. It was calm, honest, not filled with much excuse at all. It eased the passionate burn in his chest quite a lot. There was no much less to worry about in terms of an escape. Though the fact that there was not a more evident fear was alarming. Though it did cause some amount of respect. The entire act of taking responsibility did well to earn a bit of respect. It was a move that took guts.

Though there was a thin line between brave and foolish, and it was one that had likely been passed and forgotten long ago. There was a simple solution to this problem. The wizard made the first charitable act by recalling his Res. He called the substance to disappear beneath his clothes, but did kept it ready to be commanded. For now he walked at a casual pace toward the Symenestra. He had a plan in mind.

The Chained One spoke in a calm register, his composure collected, the words slipped easily from his lips. "Yes, you did return to me, didn't you?" He drew nearer still, his eased pace as not to alarm the man. Still he was ready for it to all be a trick. "I suppose I can not fault you for that. Sometimes we have important things that spring up. Urgent things that can not wait. I can understand this."

This was just an act, a facade, though one well trained. It was one he used often, a guise of innocence and affability. So many people just wanted to believe so badly that the man behind the mask was not really so bad. Or at least the Hypnotism would whisper as much in their ear. "You needn't beg forgiveness, and you are always welcome back. The only punishment I have for you is simple. Just look me in the eyes, shake my hand, promise me it will never happen again."

A simple enough way out, the undead stood before the Symenestra with a look of thinly veiled compassion in his gaze. Just under the soft eyes was a steely glare that watched for a false move. He presented his hand to be shook and waited with a coy smirk hidden away behind his mask. The moment their hands met, he would latch on, begin to focus on the connection. The touch of skin to skin, it served as a conduit for Leeching. He would grasp Vien's hand tightly and pull at the streams of Djed until the lake went dry. That or prepare to do things the hard way.

[Vien Lotus]

As the tendrils receded Vien allowed himself to breath. Since the res first latched onto him he forbid himself from breathing. Feeling that even the slightest movement might throw Miro into a rampage. Sucking in a gulp of air he focused on the kind gesture Miro was giving. Something was not right with this situation and Vien knew it. The extended hand seemed more sinister coming from a man such as Miro than any other person who have ever offered the same courtesy. Is this part of his game or could this be genuine understanding? He processed those words over and over again in his mind though this did not stop Vien.

Whether it be true understanding, or a simple trick. He still planned on accepting the hand and so he stretched out his hand. At first nothing happened but Vien's tension did not subside. Then a sudden arch of pain rushed through his arm followed by a slight blur of his own vision. He wanted to let go but Miro's grip fastened like a vice. Another wave went surging forward. Again and again the pain intensified as well as the awkward phase afterwards. It was not long before Vien realized his strength was literally getting sapped from his own body. His knees gave way and he slumped to the floor. What in the hell is this? Why? Miro. It has to be. Fury welled up inside Vien but it soon subsided. Anger or not the fact still remanded that his strength was fading faster and faster with each burst of pain. Within a few chimes Vien's body no longer possessed the strength to move or speak. Lying there on the ground motionless, Vien was at the mercy of Miro.

[Miro]

Vien was obviously hesitant, but offer his hand reluctantly. The Leecher gripped it tightly. Tight enough that it might break the fragile Symenestran bones in the man's hand. In fact, the wizard wanted them to break, wanted to inflict pain. He focused on the Djed streams in his body, the pathways that connected the flow of his nerves. He redirected an amount of the Djed from his back and legs into his arm slowly. The Djed trickled in and strengthened his arm. He concentrated it further, to his hand, to his fingers, down to the very tips, and he squeezed hard.

The apprentice, his soul was weak, untrained in magic. It did not take long before he was weak, running low on Djed. The focus on the intake of magic, the draw of Djed, the feel of its flow, it was euphoric. To be able to sap one's very life, it was enough to feel almighty. Having been on the other side of the handshake, he knew the helplessness that being drained caused. He would never let himself be the one who was out of control again. He focused hard on the pull of Djed, and in half a chime the flow came to a near complete halt. The redirection was canceled and the grip was released.

Miro looked down to the floor and scowled at the crumpled heap of an apprentice. "Poor Dra-Vien, too weak to even stand. Never felt the Djed being Leeched from your body before, have you? You know, you forgot to promise me. But that's okay, I know it won't happen again." He turned his attention from to his door and opened it. He turned his attention back to Vien, reached down and grabbed him by his arm, began to drag the weakened body into the apartment. The door was kicked shut and now the true consequences would be decided.

What exactly would be done, that wasn't decided on yet. There had to be some answer, some way to ensure betrayal was no longer an option. "Vien, you ran away, left me. You were gone, and you hadn't permission to do so. If you try something like that again, I'll kill you. But I don't want to kill you. I want you to stay, be my apprentice, honor your oath." His tone turned sour, a petty childish voice. "I can't trust you anymore, and something must be done. Maybe I'll chop your leg off so you can't run. Though that does nothing for me."

There were a few ideas, a few things that Miro had in mind, but they could not be mentioned. Hypnotism did not seem to have the lasting effect it should have, which was upsetting. A riskier choice would be another trance, but this time with Glyphing used to store a great deal of Hypnotism. Enough that the apprentice could never defy him again. Though there was no guarantee of this, and it was no simple task. The ideal solution would be to to have Vien agree to become marked by Uldr. "I need to be sure you won't ever defy me again. What would you suggest?"

[Vien Lotus]

Getting drug into the room made Vien feel lower than low. A feeling of true helplessness swallowed him as Miro closed the door to his room leaving them all alone. As Miro began to speak Vien allowed his mind to wander a bit taking in the room that he has only been too a couple of times. It had not changed since he had last been here. It seemed the man who cleaned the place for Miro had been recently because it gave him a feel of being tidier than usual; however, at the mention of losing a leg Vien turned his attention back to Miro.

He had never once thought about losing a limb. He like so many other took his limbs for granted and scarcely given thought to what might happen if he had of. Frankly the thought of losing a limb did not bother Vien. Miro was a vicious person but his reason usually won him over in the end and severing a limb of Vien's would not profit him in the least. Well I don't think he will profit from it. Wait. He might use it for a late night snack. I wonder if Symenestra are tasty. he continued to delve further into thought until he heard Miro's question which pulled him back to the surface. Vien let out sort of a throaty chuckle.

"You're going to allow me decide? he asked. He knew Miro was eccentric but to think he would actually ask someone what they wanted punishment wise was just down right crazy. In truth it sent shivers up Vien's spine thinking about it but it also made something click deep within his conciseness. A wild look sparkled in his eyes as he stared up at Miro. "My punishment should be whatever you see fit; although, if I were you I would consider my options very carefully. It is true that chopping off my leg would hinder me from trying to flee later, but I have a question for you. Why would I?" he asked a sly smile appearing suddenly. "I frankly don't care. Why not just kill me if you are so mad at me? I mean you say you don't want to kill me but why not? Why not just kill me since I have broken you first and foremost rule? I would very much like to know." he laughed again this time a little hoarse from how dry his mouth was becoming. It had been awhile since he had last fed and the dryness he was now experiencing was causing him to become a little frantic.

Without even realizing what he was doing his fangs extended and he began to groan in the attempts to move closer to Miro. His potent venom began to drip unconsciously from his extended fangs which began to burn the insides of his mouth. "Food." he choked out. "Need food." he groaned again trying to move closer to Miro but it was no use. His strength was still sapped and there was nothing that he could do except lie there in wait for whatever Miro had planned on doing to him.

[Miro]

Miro could only laugh at the reactions from his apprentice on the ground. So brazen, he did not beg or plead once. And while this was the best choice, it was apparent this did not come from a place of wit and tact. It came out sincere, truer than true. This came from a man at his lowest, ready to accept death for what he had done. Whatever this business was, it was surely important. Why wasn't such dedication put toward the apprenticeship?

Vien attempted to crawl, to ask for food. Though these words were ignored. Still the former lines resounded in mind. The punishment should be whatever the undead saw fit. If the Chained One was so mad, why not kill his apprentice. Yes, that was indeed the ideal solution. But no, Uldr would take that life, if anyone. It would be replaced with something much greater instead. Though a question begged an answer.

But first Miro walked to his desk and took from it his waterskin. It was not an item he used, but always kept it nearby. He opened the container with his teeth and took a long drink from it. Though he did not finish its contents. He let out a pleased sigh when finished. "Ah, that water really hits the spot. My mouth was a bit dry. I was thirsty. Needed a nice, cool, refreshing, thirst quenching drink."

In an act of spite he turned the container upside down and poured the remaining liquid out before the man on the floor. "You wanna know why I shouldn't kill you? Because you still owe me. I have invested in you, and I plan to get out what I put in. You are supposed to benefit me, not be a hindrance." Not all investments turned out well, and that was something to be accepted. However apprenticeship was different, it was special.

"I don't want to disable you, take away from you, make you weaker than you already are. You have traded a fraction of your freewill to me in exchange for power. Apparently that wasn't enough, and I can not blame you. However I think it is time we took the next step. It is time you fully devoted yourself. Not to me, but to a higher power. I will release you from the binds of your apprenticeship, forgive your transgressions, yet still teach you. You need only accept Uldr as your one true god."

The Reimancer placed his finger in the waterskin and began to flow his Djed through the digit. He began to pour water from the tip of his finger and filled the container. He knelt down to Vien and offer him the drink. "Offer yourself to Uldr, accept his mark. You will find greater power in him than I could ever offer, and freedom from your oath. However you will become a servant to the god. Accept the offer I have presented you, or I can go by your suggestion, just kill you."

[Vien Lotus]

Vien cursed Miro for his taunts. The venom's potency was starting to wear on his teeth and his tongue was all but raw after being exposed to the venom. So this is what it feels like to have the venom dissolve you into mush. I'll have to remember this feeling he thought to himself as he tried so desperately hard to reach the fallen water before it was absorbed into the wooden floor.

As Vien struggled to move he carefully listened to Miro's speech. He wanted to break out into a laugh at the mention of owing Miro but held his tongue for the moment. Realizing his attempts to get something to drink were all but gone now he decided to open his mouth out and began to spit the venom that continued to flow while he was so desperately hungry. As it landed on the wood it slowly began to dissolve tiny holes into the floor; however, as Miro extended his offer he stopped struggling. Vien looked Miro over and while his mask was covered there was a sense of pure honestly behind his voice. He could not help himself any longer. He broke out into a hoarse laughed that not only began to spray more venom but blood as well from his gums that he began to decay from the over exposure to his own venom.

"You're serious? Why in the world would you extend an offer so generous as that to me who has already betrayed you once? What is to keep me from lying to you as I swear my fealty to this Uldr you speak of?" a smile creased against his pale skin. "You would risk nullifying my oath to you if I only swear to this god you speak of? I thought you were better than this but I guess I was wrong; however, the offer is still to tempting to pass up so I, Vien, solemnly swear fealty to this god. This Uldr. Now for my reward?" Vien's eyes were laced with longing. Not with just the longing for food but longing for the power in which Miro had spoken so highly of. Given the situation Vien knew he should be more grateful for the offer in which he just accepted but his anger had crossed the line of no return after Miro taunted him with the water. "So what now? Are you going to allow me to die or will you do me a favor and fetch me a meal?" the arrogance in his voice all too noticeable. Given the situation Vien knew he should be more grateful for the offer in which he just partook but his anger and crossed the line of no return as soon as Miro taunted him with the water.

[Miro]

Vien swore his loyalty to Uldr, though it did not seem so sincere. Though, as promised, the man would be released from his binds. Not quite entirely, not until the deal was complete. Until then there would still be some tension, but Miro would honor his word. "So be it. If you speak truth, hold your word, then you will be rewarded. If you do not, I have already warned you of the consequences. And as I have promised, you are free. And, of course, I will still teach you." The waterskin was not taken, so it was placed on the ground within reach.

The Chained One planned to give Vien a gift. Some might call it that, but most would claim it a curse. Though power, in whatever form, was a gift. How grateful one was, that was up to them. The deal would be honored, but it never hurt to leave a bit of insurance. He limped over to his staff and took it in hand. The Leeched Djed inside of him, it screamed to be cast, simmered inside the dead corpse. "I have a new magic I wish to initiate you into. However there is something that I need to do first."

Miro walked over to the Symenestra on the ground and grinned maliciously. "You know, I am feeling good about this. It is nice to finally have you back." The wizard placed his staff on the lower part of Vien's back and lifted his shirt. The staff was pressed firmly against the bare flesh beneath, and a connection was made. "Hold still Vien, clear your mind." He began to flow Djed through the staff and cast a powerful hypnotic spell. "Just remember, if you betray me again, I'll kill you."

The Djed began to flood from the Hypnotist and into the hapless victim through the staff. An emotional surge of fear was cast, an overwhelming instance of the feeling. A torrent of sheer terror would consume Vien, clutch his mind. Though the toll on the wizard was quite great. The amount of strain the spell caused, the stolen Djed was gone almost instantly. A deal of the undead's own Djed was consumed too, though the spell was only channeled for several ticks. "I will not allow you a quick death either. You will know pain that would make Krysus cry in ecstasy."

Any put in such a position would be wise to heed those words. To be faced with a dose of true fear, it was a stark reminder of the consequences that actions held. But there was still the matter of the new magic. The initiation to be held. It was partially performed already. Not by the Hypnotism, but rather the handshake. The Leecher wished to create another of his kind, so he began to focus on the connection the staff allowed. He siphoned Djed, began to pull it into himself, though the flow was strained. But that did not stop him, he kept pulling for chimes without cease. More and more, the Symenestra was sucked dry, down to the very threshold of death.

This process, it was beyond painful, an absolute horror. It was the most painful thing the Chained One had ever known. And the list of horrible pains he possessed, it was quite extensive. To be left like that was to know what it felt like to be truly helpless. At some point consciousness was lost, though it was hard to be sure when. The process left the victim too weak to even scream. Once the process was completed, the suffering not over. Not even close to over, for it had only just started. After several days of unconsciousness the Symenestra would wake in a horribly weakened state. One that would make his former Leeched state seem almost pleasant.