Closed Above the Nest [Evalin]

[Tazi]

24th of Summer
Ruins Above Zinrah
Time: Early Morning

Huddled in the entrance to the remnants of a stone building, Tazi stared out into the mysterious ruins of Zinrah. Her heart had not stopped bounding since she arrived her late yesterday afternoon, but it had taken her a day to regain strength enough to move, and several other days to make her way the extra distance. Having a nip of blood sucked from one’s veins made the journey a tad more difficult. With each day, each little bit of jerky she nibbled on, she felt stronger. Now, she simply had to wait and survive until Evalin required her services. Whatever those might be. Turning away from the entrance, she walked a short distance into the remains before kneeling before a bit of dirt encircled by stone. Ash where she had built a fire last night sat, but there was no warmth. It was time to get started again if she had plans to survive out here.

On her way in to the ruins, she had plucked some twigs and damp branches from the ground. Her fire had been pitiful the previous night, with wet tinder, but overnight the tinder had dried out substantially. Taking a few dry leaves, she scratched a bit of flint onto them before striking a nearby stone with her dagger. It took a few strikes, but sparks eventually leapt onto the leaves. It smoldered for a moment, and she cooed the fire to life with a light blow of air from her lips. The smallest flame reached up, swallowing the oxygen greedily. To make it stronger, she placed a few bits of dry wood on it. With its growing strength, she progressively felt warmer. Even though it was small, the walls kept the wind from quenching the fire and the heat from escaping. Once it was licking at the air happily, Tazi reached into her bag to take count of what she had.

She set out her Tamo and the plain dagger, soon accompanied by 10 throwing knives. Tazi knew she was going to have to start carrying these things with her during her stay here in the ruins. Dhani were more likely to be around, now that she was so closed to the nest. Rope, tent, and flint and steel were soon to join them. It was only when she reached back in did she remember her snares. Taking them out gingerly, she stared at them. Well, a warm dinner of fresh meat would be nice. Quickly she put the throwing knives and plain dagger back into her pack, covering them with the rope, tent, and fire making gear. Just before she set the bag aside, she nibbled a bit of jerky she found in her side pocket. Clearly she did not have a lot left; so hunting was going to be a necessary evil now. Especially if she wanted to survive.

Once in a while she looked up at the entrance, anticipating Evalin’s approach. Would she come today or would she make Tazi wait a little bit more? The wonderment left her slightly childish, as if she were waiting for a parent to come home. Meanwhile, her fingers worked nimbly with the twine, working it free of kinks and knots.

[Evalin]

It was still difficult. It took too much concentration, it made her weaker, its control was still far from perfect... But be damned it was freedom. The feeling of the wind through her hair, ground far beneath, the rhythmic beat of her wings as she 'swam' through the skies upon wings stolen from a creature now long since dead. Intoxicating, alluring... it was pleasure unlike anything Eva had ever experienced.

"I am free..." She whispered, and laughed, "I am free!"

She dipped to the side, folding her wings close to her body to roll into a dive, smile spreading her lips as she shot toward the canopy below. At the last moment she snapped her wings open, filling them with air as her decent slowed, straining the djed but the nuit did not care. With two mighty flaps she was once more traveling forward once more, toes brushing the tops of the trees as she laughed in sheer thrill and exhileration. In the skies, Evalin was alive. Evalin was alive.

Upon the ground Tsenrika was searching for the little Myrian, the one Evalin had sent to hide among the ruins. Vaguely Evalin wondered if she was still alive. If she was then there would be work for her, but if not then... Well she had provided a rather nice quench for her thirst. While the Familiar searched Evalin simply enjoyed her time, practicing her turns, seeing how she could accelerate and decelerate, and she found she could even remain in the air, hovering by her own might for a short time. It all required more practice of course, but Evalin would master this as she swore to master all things.

As the sun began to peak over the horizon Tsenrika finally found the child, huddled in an old building. He floated in his orb form this day, about the size of a bluejay, just out of sight of the girl. Without words Evalin knew where to go, and she adjusted her course as the light grew more and more in the distance. She would not be able to fly for much longer, but it had been pleasurable while it lasted. Thus over the ruins she flapped, her shadow marking her arrival as she hovered in place before carefully lowering herself to the ground in front of the opening.

This day Evalin wore her adult form, long black hair and slim features, reminiscent of their myrian origins but far paler and she was little more than bone, skin stretched tight over them. She wore nothing this day, her body bare to the elements but such things did not bother the nuit. Her eyes, red as blood, peered into the darkness as she flourished her large bat wings, black as night such that the blocked out the suns rays as they were fully extended. Black nails accented her fingers and her toes, sitting at the ends of long fingers and appendages better shaped for grasping limbs and stone should Evalin ever find herself out of control. Finally teeth were filed to points, giving her a cruel crocodile grin as she smiled at Tazi, "Well then child, ready you to venture to where none of your sisters have gone before... and survived?"

She chuckled, wings folding around her to create a cloak of sorts that hid her slim figure from view. Tsenrika floated over the Nuit's left shoulder, silent as the ice from which he was made.

OOCA bit uninspired but it will get better!

[Tazi]

Tazi allowed her mind to wander while she plucked at the twin. She thought about home, wondering what Traya and Kol might be doing on a day like this. Even though it was early, and the clouds would most likely turn gray and plump with Makutsi’s liquid gift, but it was going to be a good day. Was there a celebration around the dancing fires, or maybe someone was just starting a game in the ball court. She imagined the marketplace thriving with life, weak vendors losing to new, youthful sprites eager to sell their wares in the shadow of Myri’s palace. The smell of that mornings breakfast was probably permeating the air right about now. Even though she could smell it, the idea of it made her stomach growl. Grumbling, she took out another bit of jerky to silence the noise.

Something outside caught her eye. Squinting, she thought she had seen something dance into view briefly before disappearing again. When she saw nothing, she continued to putter around with the twin. Once it was all straightened out, she worked with a few test knots, finally settling for a slip not that worked up and down the length of the twin. Coiling it up, she began work on the other trap. Soon, however, she heard the slight disturbance outside her shelter. When she looked up, she was surprised to find Evalin, and the little orb that she could only guess was Tsenrika, standing there. Could this woman teleport now? No, Tazi knew better than that. Especially as great wings were pulled to the woman’s shoulders.

She seemed older now, exotically beautiful in a way. Somewhat Myrian, and then again, somewhat not. For a brief chime, Tazi was able to see Evalin as she truly was. All powerful, capable of moving the very skin over her bones. These wings were a new addition to the immortal witch, and it fascinated the Myrian girl. Shoving her twin, coiled and uncoiled, back into her bag that sat nearby, she stood up and offered an awkward sort of bow. It was a simple lowering of her shoulders and head to show submission. Then she stepped forward, away from her back once again where her weapons and everything she owned lay. Even though this woman was to be feared, Tazi felt strangely alright in her presence. Like a weaker predator, as long as she did not show aggression, maybe she would be able to escape aggression.

”Goddess. I am ready to venture wherever you wish to send me. By my word I am bound to obey you. What would you have me do?” Tazi stated calmly, clearly more coherent than last they had met. Deep down, Tazi wondered why she suddenly had a change of heart. Why was she obeying someone, something she barely knew? She could not even obey her mother as a child. Could it be that she feared Evalin more than her mother? Or did she simply want to spite her mother for casting her away.

[Evalin]

Evalin's smile grew in size at the word 'Goddess'. Oh how good that felt, the worship in those eyes, the fear and respect. The power it said that she held. It quenched some deep thirst in her soul, not unlike blood satisfied the craving of her body. Was this how the Gods got their power? Did Lhex gain his strength to cripple the world from foolish mortals who looked upon him with such eyes as these? If so, then Evalin would need to see that those eyes turned to her instead, or that they were gouged from their skulls.

"Good child. Then come. There are things that must be seen." Evalin looked to the side, raising a hand to gently stroke Tsenrika's smooth surface as she whispered almost lovingly to the Familiar, "Fetch Gresshal. He has the chains."

"As my master commands." The little orb said before floating away, obviously off to fetch the one Evalin called for.

Turning her attention back to Tazi Evailn opened her wings once more, stretching them to their full extent as she set her hands on her hips, "You look the worse for wear... but that will not be enough. To go where we must go we must alter your state just a little more." She chuckled and raised her hands, res begining to pour from them, clear like heatwaves to distort the world seen through them. The res separated into various sizes, elongating and flattening until their surface rippled, ice forming and spreading to create jagged shards of ice that floated around Evalin's hands and slowly twirled around her fingers, "Stand still little one. Move not lest I make a mistake and kill you."

With a lazy flick of her wrists she sent the icy daggers spinning around Tazi. Tilting her head Evailn's eyes gazed with full concentration, her fingers twitching as she guided the shards by the res within into place. She spun the ice faster and faster, and with a flick of her index finger the first ice shard flew forward, piercing into Tazi's left thigh, sticking out form the wound a couple of inches. The next ones wizzed past her right shoulder, cutting deep into the flesh of her neck and shoulder, but missing major arteries so while they would bleed they would not cause too much blood loss. Finally Evalin spun the blades faster, sheering through Tazi's clothing to make them more tattered than before and exposing the girl nearly from the chest down. A large shard cut up from her right hip, hooking under her left breath before sliding under her arm and shattering against the wall of the ruins. Various other cuts were then placed, none as deep or as vicious as the ones before, but enough to give the illusion that Tazi was taken in a fierce struggle. Then, with a snap of her fingers the icy shards shattered and fell to the ground in a glittering rain of ice and Evalin folded her arms over her chest, examining Tazi like an artist might her own masterpiece.

"Perhaps it would look more real if we were to remove one of your fingers... or maybe an entire limb." The immortal seemed to consider this for a tick or two, but then shrugged as she heard the sound of slithering coming closer. Folding her wings once more Evalin stepped back, extending her hand and smiling with a laugh, "My dear Gresshal, a pleasure as always to have you aid me."

"Be sssilent witch. I brought what you assked for, nothing more." Around the corner there came the form of a large dhani, a male constrictor who, in his hands, held chains and maniacals. He looked at Tazi with distaste but addressed Evalin, "Put thesse on the monkey and letsss get thisss over with. Your actionsss will be the death of me."

Stepping close Evalin pressed her body against Gresshal's, causing the dhani to flinch but the nuit just cupped his scaly cheek and grinned, "Worry you not. I shall not allow my tools to break unless it is my desire. You are too useful as you are my dear Gresshal."

Over the Dhani's shoulder floated Tsenrika, taking his place at Evalin's side as the nuit pointed at Tazi, "Now then, fit her with her new ornaments and let us be on our way."

With a hiss the Dhani obeyed coming closer to Tazi, and would fit her with the chains and manicals if he was allowed, and if he wasn't then he would use foce to do so.

OOCHope this is ok!

[Tazi]

Tazi did not realize how excited she was to see the woman, whom had changed her appearance until she beckoned her to come forward and join her. Ready to trip over herself to come to Evalin’s aid almost happened. Almost. Right up until the word ‘chains’ was thrown nonchalantly into the mix. Who was Gresshal, and what on earth did anyone need chains for? Wasn’t the Goddess strong enough to hold someone at her beck and call without metal bindings? Tazi, a shade paler than she had been moment before, watching Tsenrika float off to do his masters bidding. Again, stupefied, she refocused on Evalin. Clearly, there was something that the witch was not allowing her Myrian follower in on yet.

Tazi briefly looked down at her clothes and body. She was dirty and gross, her clothes in the same condition. Trekking through the jungle in white clothes had not been the most sensible thing for her to do, but it had to be done. Her hands and feet were bruised and calloused from tripping and falling into plants and rocks. She had suffered little injury, so her clothes were free of blood minus a few droplets from a meal she had had earlier this summer while taking shelter with a Dhani. When she looked back up, Evalin had raised her hands and the world above her palms looked distorted. Tazi found herself opening her mouth to ask what was going on, and then shutting it when the ice shards formed and she was told to stand still.

”Wait, Goddes-“ Her plea was interrupted the moment that the ice came shooting out at her. As they started spinning, Tazi found herself turning to the right, which exposed her left side. The first shard imbedded itself in the side of her thigh, ripping through the dirty white fabric. Blood immediately sprang forth around the ice, coloring the hard water knife. She was forced to take a knee to relieve the pressure in her left thigh. Her attention was dragged to her shoulder and neck as another shard whirled past her, cutting the skin. Blood dripped freely from the wound, running down her bare shoulder onto the hem of her top that angled itself from left shoulder to beneath her right arm. Immediately the dirty fabric sucked up the blood. Instantly, Tazi reached up to clap a hand on the gash, trying to put pressure to staunch the bleeding. Of course, she had little time to think about bleeding to death as the shards whirled around, ripping at the fabric and making minor cuts in her skin. Pain raged in her, consuming her mind. The last wound hurt the word, as the shard was driven into her hip and dragged up, separating flesh from flesh and revealing bleeding tissue beneath. Tazi found herself crying out as the shard left the wound, disappearing at Evalin’s will. Hunched over herself, she panted heavily. Blood flowed freely from all her injuries, and giant slashes decorated her previously-only-dirty shirt and pants.

A tear – when had she started crying? – dripped down her cheek. Sloppily, she reached up and smeared blood across her cheek as she cleaned up the salty stripe. Evalin had crossed the line, but what could she do? If she challenged the witch, she would suffer more than a few deep cuts. Shakily she stood up, shifting her weight to her good leg. The thread of removing body parts practically fell on deaf ears. Evalin was capable of doing whatever she wanted, and Tazi was not able of stopping her.

The sight of the constrictor made Tazi flinch. Of course this witch was working with the Dhani. How foolish of her to assume that Evalin had thought of her as ‘useful’. As Gresshal approached her, something in Tazi broke. Stumbling backwards until she fell on her bottom, she haphazardly pushed herself back towards her fire, where her weapons and anything else useful would be found. The constrictor hissed with amusement, slithering further forward until he was practically on top of her. He grabbed her ankle, fastening one manacle securely around her appendage. With a sinister laugh, he tugged on it. Clearly she wasn’t going anywhere. Even if doing Evalin’s bidding was distasteful to him, he was clearly getting enjoyment out of shackling a Myrian. Tazi reached back, trying to find her pack, her dagger, anything that she might use. What she found was a heat source. Hot coals. Biting her lip, she grabbed a fistful of the hot embers and threw them at Gresshal. In a surprise attack, the struck him across his face, some of the dust and embers getting into his eyes.

With a howl he let go of the chains. This gave Tazi the split second that she needed to scramble to her feet and pelt past him. What she was not prepared for was the quick rebound he made. He yanked up the chain, causing her to fall flat on her chest, striking a rock with her chin and splitting that open. Only a small addition to her already injured body. Dazed, she was barely award as Gresshal fastened the manacles around her wrists, her other ankle, and her neck. All of the emotions she was feeling clouded her judgment as she spoke in garbled language to Evalin. ”Useful. Thought I useful to Goddess. Why? Why hurt? Why Dhani?”

[Evalin]

Evalin licked her lips, smiling in amusement as she watched Tazi struggle against her being put in shackles, chained by the very creature she was taught to hate. She almost laughed, but she held it in reserve for the time being. When Gresshal was finished Evalin extended her hand for the chains, which he gave to her before moving to the side, rubbing his eyes still with the palm of his hand, an irritated hiss escaping from him.

She pulled on the chains, nearly dragging Tazi closer as she knelt. The Immortal grabbed the Miran by the chin with a firm grip, turning her head up to meet her red eyes as she showed her pointed teeth, "Did you think I was a kind Goddess? That I was merciful? Foolish child." She extended her wings over them both, casting the world in shadow as she tilted her head and laughed, "I am the Goddess of Vengeance, and blood falls in my wake. Such cannot be avoided, when the wrongs of this world must be set right." Releasing Tazi Evalin stood, closing her eyes as she pulled upon her djed, releasing her hold upon the changes. The wings began to fold inward, pulling back into the flesh of her back, but at a slower pace than normal. Evailn frowned slightly as she concentrated harder, a chime passing, then two before the wings fully disappeared. Her proportions were once more returned to normal and she handed Gresshal the chains once more.

"Did you bring the other things I asked for?"

"Yesss..." The Dhani hissed, indicating a brown satchel not far away. Ignoring Tazi for the moment Evalin moved to inspect the pack, pulling from it long black robes which she quickly dawned.

"It is necessary for you to look as you do. From this moment on you are a prisoner, at least until you have seen what I wish for you to see." The robes were black with red embroiled. Evalin paused, a smile widening her lips as she lifted twin scarves from the satchel, wrapping them around her neck. The scarves both had wooden heads carved in the shape of snakes at their ends, shining gem eyes sparkling in the light as Evalin lifted a staff that was leaning beside the building into her hands, "That is the only way a Myrian may enter the nest, and the only way she will leave it again."

Evalin came closer then, Tsenrika settling over her left shoulder as she leaned on the intricately carved staff. With her hood up the shadows were cast over her features, only her red eyes clearly visible in the light, and as she gently petted the wooden serpentine heads Snapper and Crusher seemed to awaken from their slumber, lifting their heads and angling toward Tazi now, like they were inspecting her with curious eyes.

"Think you that you can play the part of the Witness this day? What you will see I shall ask you to carry for me, a sacred mission from the Goddess. It is an important task, what I ask of you. If you are afraid to die from just this little bit of preparations I worry that you are in fact useless to me..."

"All monkiesss are uselesss." Gresshal hissed in annoyance, yanking on Tazi's chains in spite.