[The Elements Sanctum]Questions and Answers [Mirage]

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna was quickly realizing exactly what kind of man she was dealing with, it wasn't just his power that made him dangerous it was how volatile he was. The Nuit had clearly lost whatever traces of sanity he'd once possessed, surrendering himself to Sweet Whispers and overgiving most likely. That was both favorable and not for Anna as she saw it, insanity made one easier to manipulate however at the same time it made the process more complex. He was just as likely to kill her as help her, as evidenced by his earlier display.

Anna was confused when he spoke of this mystery woman, the wizard assumed that he was talking about Amaryllis. Considering his belligerent stance towards her it seemed possible, but the context he spoke of her now was very odd. As far as she knew Nuits were stuck in the bodies of the dead, was it possible the pair had known each other in a more intimate light? It was something to reflect on at the least.

The apprentice found herself staring into Maelstrom's eyes, his hands on either side of her. His were dead eyes but they held a spark of insanity that lit a bit of fear within her breast. He was very far gone, a walking mirror of what she could have been last season were it not for her faith in the Lord of Lies. Powerful, but broken in a way. Chaos without the flow necessary to be truly effective.

So Maelstrom didn't hate Qiao, but rather he despised Daren Marlow. Well, that could only work in her favor really as a master wanting him dead was certainly a boon to her. Though, it appeared as though the Head of the Council of Five was holding Maelstrom's leash as it were. Fantastic, that meant she likely wasn't going to get much help from him by the sound of it. The ravings she ignored, Maelstrom was a mad man, a powerful mad man but a mad man nonetheless. He was strong of spirit but clearly weak of mind to allow himself to be shattered so by his own magic.

She was silent for a beat after his ranting, staring up at his expectant gaze. That is what she wanted to do, kill him, she wanted to revel in his screams as he burned in lava. She wanted to make him an example, a show of what befell of those that dared to cross Annalisa Marin. She wanted to crush the pathetic hypnotist like the insect he was, the only problem was he had backing and he knew how to immobilize her.

"Your powers are indeed beyond mine, I think I've learned quite a bit merely from our spar. I would not think to presume to request lessons from you, surely you possess far more important things to worry over than a mere apprentice like me." She said slowly, keeping her words as diplomatic as possible with the right tinges of praise for his abilities.

"Yes, I want to kill him. I want him dead, I want to paint the wall with his blood and dance on his grave. However, it is the how that is the issue here. I'm a reasonably powerful reimancer but he has methods to use against me, very potent methods that can immobilize me before I could get off a spell. Not only that, but I'd rather not attract the ire of the leader of the Council of Five. So tell me, have you any methods that might do the trick? Or can you at least point me in the right direction?" Anna said, keeping her tone as inoffensive as possible.

Maelstrom was turning out to be something of a dead end, Daren had apparently messed with the master's memories which had earned him the ire of a powerful master. However it didn't change the fact that she had nothing else to go on here, Daren still outclassed her and killing him would still bring more problems in the long run with those higher than herself. The spar had been fun, if life threatening, but so far Anna failed to see why the petch Amaryllis had sent her here. Then something caught her notice amidst the ravings as she reexamined his words more carefully.

Daren, a mere wizard, had actually dared to mess with the mind of a master as unstable and insane as Maelstrom. Whatever information there had to have been very, very important for the hypnotist to take such a risk. Perhaps it was something he'd rather other's not know?

"Forgive my impertinence, Master Maelstrom, but you mentioned Daren attempted to mess with your memories. What would prompt him to do this?" She asked carefully.

Even asking simple questions seemed unwise here, she had no idea how the petch this mad man would react. The wrong words could very well set him off and Anna had no wish to experience the results of that event.

[Mirage]

Maelstrom did not answer right away, waiting perhaps half a chime before slowly straightening his back. With slow, intentional motions he straightened his robes, coming his fingers through his hair so that it was somewhat neat before clasping his hands behind his back to give Annalisa a measured gaze, "As to what he searched for, or why he had come to me is of no concern of yours. You need only know that he was unable to obtain it. His mind tricks do not work on me, and they never shall."

His hand raised as if to stroke a beard, however noticing this Maelstrom clasped his hands firmly behind his back once more. Turning he based from side to side, slow and even steps as he said in even tones, "I have no grand method to stop him, for to me he is simply a nuisance, a new pet that Qiao has taken in to play with for a time. It is not unheard of for a spoiled dog to nip the hand of one who does not feed it treats whenever it begs. I do not like to be bitten, so despite what Qiao might wish I will gladly see him dead." He paused and looked at Annalisa Marin, "And you shall be my instrument by which to do so. I believe Ama dear has said something similar to you? Both my and her hands are tied from striking back directly, otherwise he would be of no concern at all."

He touched two fingers to his forehead, closing his eyes briefly before looking back at Annalisa, "You are on a time limit I am afraid. For a short time I will answer any question you might have, if I am able, but you have to ask the right questions. I am certain Ama chose you for a reason. Ask me what you will. Ask me the right question."

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna was slightly annoyed, though not entirely surprised that Maelstrom was unwilling to divulge exactly what Daren wanted from him. She noticed a shift in mood, no longer was he a raving lunatic in fact it looked downright lucid. The apprentice was unsure if that was a good thing or a bad thing for her, she supposed that since she was not dead that it was a good thing. Though, if he were lucid then that meant he was likely going to be more guarded.

She barely kept a glare from her face as he continued, his words direct at times but frustratingly vague at other times. It was all well and good that he wanted Daren dead, so did Amaryllis. As he said, Anna would be the catalyst for the Hypnotist's death. There was only one tiny issue here, while Amaryllis and Maelstrom were beyond suspicion at that point Anna was not. In all likelihood she would trade one noose for another much more tight and secure one, killing Daren traded immediate threats for other more dire ones. The Leader of the Council of Five could very easily make a low ranking apprentice like her vanish or made an example of, Anna didn't doubt that.

The tall wizard was silent for a long while when Maelstrom asked his question, deep in thought as she picked apart every scrap of conversation and information offered by either him or Amaryllis on the subject. What right question indeed? Maelstrom indicated that time was indeed very short, Anna knew he wasn't just talking about this conversation. The hourglass of her life was filtering away grain by grain, each moment wasted was a gain for her enemy.

Qiao was the main stumbling block here, Daren was a much more easy beast to handle by comparison. If she killed Daren then that reflected as disrespect against him, a weakness that he couldn't afford to display. So it stood to reason that she needed to find a way to placate him, or absolve herself of blame. The problem was she didn't know how. Suddenly she perked up, her grey eyes alight with that chaotic gleam.

"The right question... Daren isn't my problem in the long run. If- when I kill him then that immediate threat is dealt with but then Qiao has a reason to kill me himself. Masters can be rather vengeful when deprived of a favorite pet after all." Anna mused aloud.

"How can I pique the interest of Lector Qiao? More to the point, how can I avoid engendering his wrath after killing his pet?" The apprentice asked simply.

Perhaps it was not the right question but it was really the only alternative she saw at the moment. If she killed Daren at the moment she was nothing but an apprentice, an unknown quantity and a face among the many. She needed to make herself more than that, she needed to be useful in some capacity that would allow her to avoid the inevitable axe falling on her neck. Daren had survived when he should have died when he killed his masters, indeed he had been promoted for it. It stood then to reason that if she showed herself to be much more useful than Daren, then at the very least a stay of execution was in order.

Anna thought about herself, at her base talents what was she? She was a reasonably powerful Reimancer, a skilled Glypher, and a sub par Voider. She was also a Chaon, but that was an ace she preferred to keep up her sleeve unless absolutely necessary. What would or could she do to escape the axe?

[Mirage]

With a sudden motion the Master jabbed his finger in Anna's direction, his face twisting to a snarl as he growled, "That is not the right question!" His finger shook as he pointed, his breathing hard and fast as he glared at Anna... Then his shoulders lost some of their tension, and his expression became a thoughtful one once more as he clasped his hands behind his back once more, "But neither is that a wrong question either..." He observed thoughtfully.

Maelstrom began to pace once more, twisting his fingers behind his back as he pondered some distant thought or another. At length he said, "Return to your master, straight from here, and inquire of a woman known as Kierra Doma. Ama dear knows far more than I of the intricate details, so I shall leave it to her to explain. But do this, and you will find the answer to your question." He stopped and looked at Anna once more, "You may ask one last question." His expression changed suddenly, a sneer splitting his once calm face as he said in mocking tones, "For your sake, I hope it's better than your last! You will be dead soon if you don't learn the right questions to ask!!" He cackled, pulling at the neck of his robes as he paced faster, eyes never leaving Anna.

By now Annalisa would find full feeling returned to her limbs, and she could move as well. Her strength was still sapped, and a headache was quickly developing in the back of her mind, but she could finally move freely once more. She would feel a warmth fall down her cheek, and if she checked it she would find a tear of blood had fallen from the corner of her left eye.

[Annalisa Marin]

Fear. It was becoming all too constant a companion on Sahova, it flicked through her heart at Maelstrom's snarl and she pressed her head back against the wall. She needed to leave here before long, at this rate Maelstrom was as likely to kill her in some fit of insanity as help her. Anna had liked to think herself as a reimancer with few equals, however Maelstrom had certain proven that to be wrong. He'd crushed her and still had energy to spare, a level Anna intended to surpass soon enough in her own right. For now though, drained as she was she felt helpless.

She noted his reflection on the question, he seemed to be musing over it. As he did Anna had to wonder what the 'right question' was. She'd come here with the intension of figuring out how to survive after killing Daren, what more did Maelstrom have to tell her? She started to reflect again on what he had said to her, then he started talking again which warranted her attention.

Kierra Doma, a name she was unfamiliar with though apparently Amaryllis knew more than she. Yet another ghost to chase, another name to check on. By Rhysol this was becoming frustrating, a run around the Citadel searching desperately for how to end the threat to her life. She'd follow up on it of course, her life depended on it after all.

Anna barely restrained herself from leveling a glare at the Master of Reimancy, annoyed that he was being purposely vague. He knew something, something that could apparently save her life but he was fishing for a damned question. Maelstrom was a madman, half of his mind existed on a level that normal individuals couldn't fathom and the other half was likely devoted to his craft. His insistence was hardly clear and was grating on her.

Pain spiked in the back of her skull, signaling that she was regaining some movement and feeling. She slowly lifted her hand a flexed her fingers slowly to test her movement, wincing in pain as the movements sent signals of discomfort up her arm. It was likely she'd be feeling like dead weight for some time, though the spar had taught her a few things such as further constructs for reimancy. That little wolf trick had been interesting.

Anna's blood froze as she felt a warmth rolling down her cheek, lifting her hand to brush it she found that her fingers were painted crimson with her vital fluids. She had given too much today, gone to the extreme of her limits just to avoid death. Likely she wouldn't be shaking this off anytime soon. Casting would need to be kept to a minimum in the coming days.

She had one more question, one chance to find something out that was integral to her survival. The question was what to ask? Maelstrom appeared to have knowledge she very much wanted to know. He knew Amaryllis to some degree, he indicated some closeness to her Master and could likely shed some light on her. Anna was more than a little leery of her benefactor, the Embalmer was very difficult to read and her motivations in this grand scheme were hard to know beyond wanting Daren dead. Anna felt like this was bigger than Daren, bigger than just one hypnotist that was a nuisance to the powerful Nuit.

Then there was Daren himself, Maelstrom had likely planned to kill him when he could. He stated that he had no grand method to eliminate the hypnotist, simply that he was but a nuisance. Anna was not so lucky, insanity had yet to claim her. What was the right question to ask? What did Maelstrom want her to know?

This was ridiculous, normally she was good as uncovering plots and secrets and understanding hidden messages. How could this escape her then? Suddenly a dark chuckle bubbled from within her chest, one that evolved into a harsh laugh. By the Lord of Lies it was so petching funny, this tangled web she found herself in.

"Questions! Always petching questions, yet no matter the answers they only lead to more questions! Its the very definition of insanity, doing the same thing time and again expecting different results!" Anna said between laughs, likely the combination of the stress and the heavy Djed drain was wearing her down.

She sobered herself soon enough, the laughs falling into rough coughs. The fit subsided and once more she regarded Maelstrom seriously, grey eyes serious.

"I came here seeking answers about survival after killing Daren, though you seem to indicate that you know more. Something key to my survival, Master Maelstrom, or integral to my success. Success that both you and Amaryllis desire." Anna said at length.

"I'm tired, I'm bleeding from my eyes and I'll likely be recovering for the rest of the day and into tomorrow. My patience is understandably thin, so I'll ask the 'right question'. The right question is; what is the answer to the right question?" The tall woman asked, grinning dangerously.

Sure, it was kind of cheating but considering her life depended on whatever Maelstrom wanted her to know she didn't feel bad about it. Of course, there was the slight possibility that the madman would kill or maim her for that. Life was rather full of those risks these days. It was her question to ask, though without the question add context to it things might get a little confusing.

[Mirage]

For a moment Maelstrom didn't answer, and his expression looked as if his mood could swing to either extreme. Finally he laughed. Laughed long, laughed loud, clutched his sides and rocked back and forth as he chuckled in pure amusement. He stumbled forward, falling on his knees and placing his hands on Anna's shoulders, leaning close so that they were almost nose to nose, "That's the question. The most insane of all questions, to question the questions. You are so close to insanity already. So much promise in you. SO MUCH PROMISE!" The Master was almost giddy as he stood and backed away, just short of jumping for joy, though some part of him still held restraint because in stead he clapped his hands together, "That is the way of Sahova! There are no real answers, just paths to more questions. Always there are questions, in everything we do! That is why we research! That is why we perfect our arts!! Can I make the fire bigger? Can I shape that flame? Can I extinguish it? Can I launch it into that man's skull and ignite it!?

He laughed, leaning back as he did so and stretching his arms far over head. After his fit he shook himself, half straightening his half hazard robes as he leaned down and waved a finger at Anna, "You ask and I will tell, the answer you seek! The answer is..." He looked over his shoulder as if expecting someone to be there before looking back at Anna and shuffling forward, leaning down further to whisper in her ear, "The voices..."

He giggled, fidgeting as he continued, "The voices fight and argue, never get along. They love a calm mind, a calculating mind. Insanity is no fun for them, no fun at all!" Standing suddenly he would grasp Anna by her robes, jerking her up even as he pushed her toward the exit, "I've answered your questions now away! Away with you before I crush your skull and flood your liver with sand and ice! Begone! Begone!"

He quite nearly kicked her from the cave, and as soon as she was over the threshold a wall of stone would appear to block the path. He had not even waited to see if she had anything else to ask, or to say, or comment. BUt then that was the way Maelstrom worked. Sudden extremes, unpredictable, yet strangely illuminating at the same time.

OOCI opt for we have your going to see Amaryllis portion in this thread as well. Saves time and forum space! It's up to you however. Do as Anna would do. Either end the thread and go to the Quarters, or go to Amaryllis. You decide

[Annalisa Marin]

OOCI agree, much more efficient that way. I say continue the thread.

Anna looked at him expectantly, half expecting him to fire off a salvo of deadly spells at her. So she was rather caught off guard when Maelstrom let out loud laughter, if there had been any doubts previously as to his unstable mental state they were now gone from her mind. Once again he also seemed to disregard her personal space, gripping her shoulders and leaning in oh so very close. She couldn't conceal a slightly nervous flinch, gods this man had a way of inspiring fear in her!

Insanity, it was something Anna had very nearly given into not so long ago. She'd almost allowed herself to become utterly raving mad, it had been her faith in Rhysol that held her mind together. In that was she was slightly insane, willingly following a god she knew very well advocated betrayal, lies, chaos, and evil. However there was a fine difference in that she was still the one in control of her mind, it was not a fragmented mess but a calm and collected mass of thoughts and plots. She was not intending to share it with any voices or other residents, her mind was for her only.

Anna quirked an eyebrow at Maelstrom's answer, about the voices being the answer. What did he mean by insanity not mixing well with the voices? Which voices was he talking about, his or Daren's? More questions were bred from his answer, unfortunately he opted not to give her the chance to ask anymore.

Without ceremony he roughly pulled the tall woman to her feet, sending aches across her body. Her legs wobbled slightly, her balance nearly lost as he shoved her towards the exit to his office. His threat, being one that she most certainly did not wish to test, was heeded as she made a hasty retreat from his domain. Behind her a wall of earth rose, blocking any further entry to his office. Not that Anna intended to return there after that threat, she rather liked living after all.

Getting her bearings was the difficult part, then came making certain that her balance was kept as much as possible. To support that Anna opted to move along the wall, leaning slightly against the rock cavern edges for support. Her steps were shaky and uneven, the headache felt ready to split her skull in two and pour her brain all over the floor. All in all, tonight was going to be pretty rough in terms of sleep and the morning would be even worse.

After a slow progress she eventually found herself at the massive iron doors that led out, she noted that the earthen wall that had covered it was gone allowing her to leave. She pulled on the right door, the large structure swinging inwards effortlessly. After hobbling out into the hallway she started down the halls of the Caverns, following the glowing arrows to the exit to the Dungeons. She needed to make a report to Amaryllis, as well as follow up on Maelstrom's tip before she could record everything needed.

The going was rather rocky still, though as she continued to walk things started to get a little more easy. Movement became less stiff and awkward and her threat of falling over was lessened. She only slightly leaned against the wall for support by the time she made her way into the Dungeons, the screams being the first thing she heard.

She was actually rather soothed by the sight of desperate prisoners, some begging for release. It reminded her that her situation could indeed be far worse, as terrible as it was. Her stride was much more controlled walking through the place, feeling much more confident despite her defeat at the hands of Maelstrom.

Anna made her way out of the Dungeons, quickly navigating the Courtyard to her intended destination with few issues. By the time she reached the impressive doors leading into the Palsa Hydrasa she was able to walk fully without the need for support, though occasionally she wobbled in place at intervals. She pushed open the doors to the wonderful place, sighing slightly as she crossed the threshold.

The woman made her way to Amaryllis's office, leaning against the doorway slightly.

"So, I met with Master Maelstrom. He has a unique way of greeting visitors and seems none to fond of you, Amaryllis. I believe the exact words he used in reference to you were 'that bitch Embalmer'. Charming." She said, her tone rather sardonic.

"In any event, I don't suppose you know anything about a Kierra Doma?" Anna inquired, opting to stand until she received an invitation to enter properly and sit. Even when dead tired it was best to possess some etiquette.

[Mirage]

Amaryllis sat as she always did, scribbling away behind her desk on some important document or another. When Annalisa walked in she did not bother too look up, though she did smile at Anna's words, "Perhaps he still holds a grudge against me, but then again he might be upset for some unknown reason that neither of us could fathom. I trust your time with him was eventful?" She chuckled and looked up briefly. For some odd reason Amaryllis seemed in high spirits this day, a kinder tone to her words than usual, though this state was not to last long.

As Anna mentioned the name Kierra Doma, Amaryllis' quill hand veered suddenly, creating a streak down the parchment and ruining the document. The Master Embalmer did not look up, and she remained perfectly still as she spoke slowly, in even tones, "Kierra Doma... Now why would you want to know anything about Kierra Doma...?"

Amaryllis slowly set her quill down, raising her eyes to look at Anna. Her eyes were cold, searching, and challenging. Something flickered in the background, something akin to real emotion, to hatred and loathing, but was quickly masked. Her face was a mask as usual, but there was a distinct difference in the air. The Embalmer held Annalisa's gaze, never blinking, the air practically crackling with tension and the sent of danger hung about the office. As if, if she were not given the right answer, Annalisa might very well find her life ending much sooner rather than later.

[Annalisa Marin]

Anna had felt her blood boil at the calm way in which Amaryllis inquired as to the time spent in the Element Sanctum. Her rage was kept from her eyes, but her mark flared visions of chaos and torment swimming in her mind. She wanted so much to give into the long suppressed urge to curse the Embalmer, to render her into nothing more than a twisted shell of the Nuit before her. Unfortunately that was hardly an option, Amaryllis knew exactly what Anna was and who she served. Not only that but the apprentice was still unsure of her limits regarding the mark, she'd placed multiple curses upon people before but they had always been relatively minor. Chaotic mood swings, loss of senses, loss of control of bodily functions, relatively minor things. That, and she still needed the Embalmer. Without her Anna had no allies worth much politically.

The desire died rather quickly as she noted the shift in Amaryllis' good mood, changing as soon as the name was mentioned. Her reaction was rather curious, the normally controlled and calm Embalmer seemed agitated. Looking into her eyes Anna caught sight of something akin anger, a flicker of emotion that was quickly concealed. In a way this was more frightening than confronting Maelstrom, while his was an obvious threat Amaryllis was far more sure. The Nuit could end her very easily and with only a few well placed words, something far stronger than her reimancy.

Any sarcastic quips or veiled insults were quickly filed away in favor of choosing her words very carefully. Anna got the feeling that a misplaced word could very well see her dead, of course the question was exactly what should she say. Maelstrom had likely expected a reaction like this, even when he wasn't in the room he had a way of threatening her life. It was maddening, perhaps she'd be better off hearing voices.

This Kierra Doma must be rather interesting to have elicited such a response from the controlled Amaryllis, very interesting indeed. Something that was bad for Amaryllis was not necessarily something Anna would consider bad for her, useful perhaps. Once the overwhelming fear subsided Anna allowed herself a mental smirk of triumph, having noted the ruined document. Amaryllis loved her petching paperwork, causing that reaction was more than worth the fear.

"I inquired to Master Maelstrom how I could... pique the interest of Lector Qiao. In order to avoid his wrath after the deed of dealing with our mutual friend Daren was finished. He simply gave me a name to give to you, telling me that you knew more on the subject." Anna offered, her tone neutral. Carefully neutral.

The apprentice knew beyond a shadow of doubt that if Amaryllis didn't like that word choice, or suspected her of lying, that she'd be a very dead woman. Something about the air in the office made her wish that she hadn't depleted her reserves of Djed, just for a bit more security. Lying was the tool of a Chaon, a worship to Rhysol, however Amaryllis was a little more frightening than the Lord of Lies had been that night not so long ago.

She straightened herself out as much as possible, only keeping one hand against the doorway for balance. Her grey eyes locked onto Amaryllis' not looking away for a moment.

"Considering the reason you sent me to Maelstrom in the first place, I figured it an appropriate question to ask. Was I wrong?" The apprentice asked.

She also opted to keep the other answer to the question to herself, at least for the moment. The puzzle of the voices and their relation to insanity was still something she was working out. Amaryllis might know more, but at the moment she was already on thin ice. No reason to add more potential fuel to the flames. Flames she was being dangled over at the moment.

[Mirage]

Amaryllis continued to stare at Annalisa for a moment more, as if trying to decide if what her apprentice had said was the truth, but finally she looked away. Her brow weighed heavy in thought, the Master Embalmer showed an agitation which was unusual for the usually calm and composed keeper of death. Her ringers absently twisted the ring of her office on her finger, running over the smooth edges as if trying to find any impurities in the item. At length she sighed, pressing the palm of her left hand against her forehead, "No... You were not wrong, but petch it that man's cunning continues to surprise me. His mind is fractured and riddled with insanity, but what a mind it must have been before..." She passed her hand over her face, her fingers lingering on her lips a moment before dropping to fold with her right hand in her lap.

Her eyes fell on the ruined document, and with gentle fingers she lifted the parchment from where it sat forgotten, eyes flickering over it as she continued, "If there were ever a way to win Qiao's favor and uproot that Marlow's place as his favorite pet, then this would be the way..." Her eyes hardened and grasping the parchment at either corner she tore the paper in half, eyes looking up to catch Anna's once more, "What else did he say. Tell me everything, even things you would deem the ravings of a mad man. Leave nothing out and try to use his EXACT wording."

She crossed her arms under her breasts, looking expectantly at Annalisa, nodding for her to continue her story.