Thread: Shadow Dance {Pretty and Fades}

Finally! Reaching the gates of the city, Aislyn slumped against them, panting softly, her generous breasts rising and falling with her labored breaths. Who the hell decided to put a city in the mountains. That's what she wanted to know. It had taken her three days to reach Spinesreach. It would have taken longer if a Paladin hadn't offered her a ride, letting her sit before him on his armored warhorse. He had asked little of her other than what direction she was headed. They had covered several miles before they finally had to part ways, but it had knocked a half a day off her trip. People milled in through the gates, going home before full nightfall, some casting curious glances at her. Of course, she looked out of place. Her Aetherstaff screamed Ascendril. Sciomancers had staffs too, but they placed the Void mark on theirs, not the flowing runes of the Aether. Most just ignored her though. They had their own business to worry about. Nevermind a lost looking girl with an Aetherstaff and various crystals hanging about her. The guards would take care of her if she were to cause trouble. Aislyn sighed and pushed herself off the gates walking further into the city. There was no signs that might tell her the whereabouts of the Sciomancer's guildhall. Blowing her dark bangs out of her eyes, Aislyn looked around despairingly. How was she supposed to find her way in this maze of a city? She attempted several times to stop passerbys, but all refused to be bothered by her. How am I supposed to find the Sciomancers if no one will talk to me? she moaned to herself, raking her hands through her long hair. You're looking for the Sciomancers? Aislyn spun around, startled by the voice directly behind her, to face a tall man looking curiously at her. Aislyn was not a tall woman, but she only reached the middle of this man's chest. She craned her neck back to look at him, cheeks flushing with color. He was extremely handsome. Long, straight, pitch black hair was pulled away from his lean, angular face in a high ponytail, the ebon locks falling to somewhere past his shoulders, she couldn't see exactly how long. His face was seemingly young, though there was an air of authority about him that belied his apparent age. He smiled at her though, and her heart gave a lurch. Y-y-yes, she stammered, her face turning a bright red. His smile widened at her flustering. I'm a new member. Comprehension flashed across his features, and the smile he gave her could have outglared sunshine. Well, little one, its good I found you then. Its not wise to be about after dark. The sun had indeed set by then, casting long shadows over the cobblestones. Come, I'll bring you to the guildhall. I was headed there myself. She gawked at him. You're a Sciomancer? she blurted out, bewildered that such a beautiful and kind man could possibly belong to the feared Sciomancers she had heard so much about. He was like none of the stories! Her blush darkened, and she mumbled an apology. He merely smiled at her and shook his head. Quite already, dear. Come along. I'm running a tad bit late. With that he turned and started walking further into the city. She blinked and hurried to his side, his long legs making her have to walk quickly to keep up with him. It only took a few minutes to reach the hall, a pair of large crystalline doors blocking their path. The man reached out and touched the doors lightly with his fingertips. The crystals glowed and reverberate with power until they slowly opened on their own. The man smiled kindly down at her. This is where I leave you, my dear, but should you have need of me, simply ask for Maldoror. He bent and took her hand in his - so cold! - and brought her fingers to his lips. He smiled once more at her, this time she caught sight of his teeth, the elongated canines. His kind smile seemed suddenly very predatory. He dropped her hand and walked silently down one of the halls. It was only then, watching his back retreat down the candle lit hall, that she realized he was wearing the robes of a priest. She let out a breath his did not know she was holding, and leaned against the crystal doors. A Consanguine! She had just met one of the most feared creatures in the realm, and he had smiled at her with such kindness that it made her heart ache. Taking deep, slow breaths, she tried to steady her pounding heart.