Demons, Druids, Life, and Death

[clys]

Clys sat quietly and invisibly on a stump, overlooking a small lake. It was her thinking spot, where she went to just be alone, meditate, and plan. There was suddenly so much going on. It was good, of course, to have many irons in the fire, but it was also tiring and somewhat chaotic.

She had met with the druid Caede, in the basement of the Inn at Darkshire. Caede had appeared wearing a very revealing garment, perhaps to show that she concealed no weapons, or perhaps hoping to sway Clys with seductive wiles. Clys had watched Caede closely during their conversation, strongly aware of every motion, every scent, every tremor. Although Clys could see only shadows, her other senses more than made up for her odd vision. She could read emotion, sometimes even thoughts, through the movements and scents of people.

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She discerned no dishonesty in Caede, however. It seemed Caede spoke the complete truth as she understood it. She emitted a slight scent of fear, but it didn't seem to be directed at Clys, which was unusual. Clys was used to being feared, but this druid didn't see Clys as an enemy, that was clear. There was also a strong undercurrent of hope that ran through Caede's emotions. Clys found her interesting.

Caede's tale concerned a certain powerful person, who was delving deep into the demonic arts. Caede was convinced that it would lead eventually to the destruction of Azeroth itself. A image flashed in Clys' mind as Caede spoke, of demons walking the corrupted lands, the smell of death hovering over everything. It was a picture from Caede's mind, perhaps from a dream.

Clys was not entirely convinced that this person Caede was so concerned with was really such a great danger, but it didn't matter. Caede believed it, and was willing to do anything to stop him, even sacrifice herself. Clys allowed herself to feel the power of nature emanating from Caede. It was very strong. Caede was more powerful than she herself realized, and Clys saw this as an opportunity.

In return for helping Caede to slay this evil wizard, Clys would ask a favor. She had been experimenting with other elven subjects, but had reached an impasse. The passing from life into death interested Clys, for it pertained to immortality, and she felt that she could learn much by taking measurements during the process of death. But an unwilling subject was a poor subject. They gave up, and offered little information. They just died, and it was a waste of time.

But Caede, if she agreed, would be a willing subject, and a powerful one. She could draw upon the powers of nature, forestalling her death, lengthening the process and allowing clearer measurements. She could even offer internal information about what she experienced.

Clys considered Caede for a moment, feeling an unexpected emotion. Truly, Clys had no wish to hurt Caede. She certainly didn't want to destroy Caede. There was something unique about Caede. She was Alliance, but only by association. In truth, she followed her own heart and agenda, much as Clys did. They were kindred spirits, in a way.

It would have to be done with care, then. If at all possible, Caede must return to life afterwards.

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Clys chose her words carefully. It will be painful, very painful. I cannot help that. You will die, slowly. You will have to bear it, and even aid me as you die. It will require complete submission, unbelievable endurance, and incredible strength. But this is what I ask of you, as your part of the bargain. Is stopping this man that important to you?

Caede chewed on her lower lip as she thought for a moment, and then she nodded. Yes. I would sacrifice my life to save Azeroth, and to stop this man.

Clys nodded. The bargain was struck. Clys would help Caede slay her enemy, and Caede would help Clys further her research into life and death. As she rose to leave, Clys held out her arms. Caede nodded and stepped closer, and they hugged each other.

I really hope she survives this, thought Clys. I really do. But that will not stop me from doing what I must do.

[clys]

It had been an interesting evening. First, there was the meeting with Garbhan. Clys had taken a chance arranging the meeting with the leader of the Ironforge Regiment. Especially after all the outcry about her actions in Stormwind. Why people got so incensed over a couple of unwanted infants, she didn't understand, but it was clear that many were angered. So she went to the meeting wondering if he would come at all, and if he did come, would he come alone, or with a force ready to kill her?

As it turned out, the elderly dwarf was good to his word. He arrived, alone and unarmed, and they spoke for some time in the basement of the Inn at Darkshire. After a few pleasantries, Clys got down to the matter at hand.


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"Do you know why I took the babies," Clys asked.

"Nay," Garbhan replied.

"Do you remember the party, when I resumed elven form for a short time?"

"Aye."

"I am trying to find a way to restore myself, and others. And to find a way to preserve life for all, without decay. I had thought the infants would help in this," Clys explained.

"Un'erstand that yer motives will nay earn any sort've sympathy amongst move've th' Alliance. Sympathy er yer... condition be sparse enough," said Garbhan.

Clys nodded. "Those that seem to understand me are few, I'll grant you. I take it that you, then, do not sympathize?"

"It's a deep seated belief amongst th' Dwarves that th' dead ought t' stay dead. Though yer situation be regrettable..." replied Garbhan.

"I see," said Clys with a soft sigh. "Then I suppose we have nothing to talk of, really. I had hoped you might be willing to aid me."

Garbhan smiled a bit. "Ye find a way t' get yerself back t' breathin' without takin' th' lives of others, mayhaps we've business, aye?"

In the end, they parted, if not as friends, at least not as complete enemies. Time would tell the tale.


Afterwards, Clys and Kittsu talked for a bit about the Princess Caede. A mysterious message had arrived concerning her, from some unknown person, claiming that she was dying, and no longer wished the warlock dead. Clys had wondered why Caede had not contacted her since their original meeting. And now these odd messages. One of the messages contained an offer to meet in the Undercity, and so Clys traveled there to speak with the troll named only as "my puppet."

The puppet turned out to be a young troll female. Her eyes appeared dark and glazed, and she moved with an odd sluggishness.

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"What do you know of the princess? I'm not sure how you are involved," Clys inquired of the girl.

"I am the one that controls the princess, and this puppet," the troll replied, touching her own chest.

"Ahh, is that how it is? Interesting power you have, " said Clys.

"Lady Clys, I am not of this world as you most likely have assumed."

Clys frowned. "What world are you of, then? Are you of the Legion?"

The girl shook her head. "I am of nothing. Just a simple spirit who can control that of which it wishes. Simple minds are the easiest to prey upon...and unconscious bodies."

Clys shook her head. This was too weird. "I still don't understand how you relate to Caede. Or what you will get out of giving her to me as you've said you wish to do."

"I will gain a follower, you will gain information as to how you must return to the flesh," the puppetmaster replied.

"When she dies, you will take her? She expects to be restored to herself."

"She will be," the puppetmaster said.

"In what form? She will be your slave, then, afterwards?" Clys asked.

"With worship, a spirit can become an entity. A thought of real being...I will have her bound to me, by worship."

Clys nodded. "So you will possess her, and incarnate yourself."

The troll shook her head slowly. No, I simply wish another follower so I can be close to my own immortal body. It is like you, seeking a way back to your flesh."

Clys had a sudden image of a being encased in solid rock. "Your body is imprisoned, then, am I right?" she asked.

The troll simply nodded. "To be reshaped, reborn...to become... to become pure to follow me...It would truely make me happy, and give me a nice long jump to becoming whole again."

The trolls eyes shimmered and she clapped her hands together.

This was beyond understanding, Clys decided.

"Well, fine then. It serves my purpose and I really don't care about yours. I will pick her up tomorrow, as we have agreed. You will not interfere until I am done with her?"

"No."

Clys nodded and bade the troll farewell. She watched as the dark glaze faded from the troll's eyes. The troll blinked for a moment, and then said, "I don't wanna know what happened. I'll be going now. I be Takia."

Clys watched her walk away. Tomorrow Clys would fetch the druid, the Princess Caede, and bring her home. Apparently, Caede's condition was worsening quickly. And this...thing...now had some power over her.

I don't like it one bit, Clys thought. I don't trust this spirit, and I don't like that it's after Caede. Caede is too pure, too beautiful. Yes, I planned to use her myself, but only willingly. She agreed to it. She has not agreed to this thing taking her.

"I won't allow it!" Clys spoke aloud, startling someone who was passing nearby.

Clys smiled apologetically to the passer-by. No, thought Clys, I will not allow it. I will take Caede tomorrow, and bring her to my laboratory, and care for her there. I will do all I can to cure her of this disease or curse or whatever it is that is causing her body to waste away. If she doesn't die, this thing can't have her. That is what I will do. I will save her.

[clys]

Kittsu arrived at the scheduled time in Southshore, and made her way to the Inn. Princess Caede was to be delivered there, so the mysterious spirit had said. Kittsu went up the stairs and looked into the various rooms.

In the room farthest in back, Caede lay upon the bed. No one else was around. There were no messages left anywhere that Kittsu saw. Kittsu leaned over and spoke softly.

"Can you hear me?"


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There was no response, just the slow rising and falling of Caede's chest as she breathed. Kittsu leaned closer and placed her ear on Caede's chest, listening for her heartbeat. It seemed strong enough. Kittsu sighed and cast her very best spell of Renewal on the comatose druid, hoping that it would help.

Then she lifted Caede in her arms, surprised by how light she felt, as if little of her was left. Kittsu looked into Caede's pale yet still beautiful face.

"I'll take you to the Mistress. You'll be safe there. She'll know what to do."

It was a fairly long walk, but Kittsu found her burden light. When she reached the secret place, she gave the agreed upon signal and the door was opened from within. Clys smiled and nodded at her.

"You've brought her. Good, good. How is she? Can you tell?"

"She's weak, unconscious, but her heartbeat is strong. I don't know. What are you going to do with her? Do you still plan to study her? Will you kill her?"

Clys chuckled at her beloved and impetuous night elf. "I'm not sure, yes, and no," she replied. "I must study her, if only to try to figure out what is wrong. My original plan of studying her death is out the window now. It required that she be willing, you remember? And conscious. No, things have taken an entirely different turn now. Caede was willing to help us, when she could. Now that she cannot, we will do our best to help her. I'm not giving her up to that weirdo spirit without a fight, I can tell you that!"

Kittsu nodded, a pleased smile on her face. "Nobody seems to see the soft side of you, Mistress."

"No. And I want it that way. These are dangerous times, and we must not ever appear weak or soft."

"Soft and weak are not always the same," said Kittsu.

"I know, dear one. But appearances can be your undoing, too," replied Clys. "Bring her into the lab, and lay her on the table. Let's see what we can find out."

[clys]

((this post was written by both Clys and Caede))

Clys stood and just gazed at Caede, lying upon the hospital-like bed. Odd, she thought. I have no desire to harm this one. I wonder why that is? There is something unique about her, something pure, something I don't see in most individuals. Well, let's see what I can find out about her condition. Perhaps I can do some good.

Clys carefully undressed the sleeping druid, laying the clothing aside in a neat folded pile. Caede's pale skin was smooth and beautiful, despite the scars here and there, trophies of battles Clys supposed. Clys ran her fingers lightly over Caede's body, examining and cataloging. There was some deep-seated weakness within the princess, but it was unclear to Clys its origin.

Clys placed some measuring devices in various places upon Caede's body, and noted the results. She drew some blood, and examined it under a magnifier. She added chemicals and herbs and ran a series of tests. She squeezed and prodded Caede's flesh, trying to discern what was going on within, what kind of disease or curse was afflicting her. Nothing made sense. This was an affliction beyond Clys' knowledge, and that was saying something.

Clys poked at Caede's fingers, toes, lips, chest, and legs with a small needle, looking for some kind of reaction. The druid remained unresponsive until the needle was poked just below the navel.

Caede flinched, and her eyes opened. "Ow," she said softly, blinking her large eyes.

Clys grinned and nodded. "You're awake? Can you hear me? How do you feel? Can you tell me anything that might help me help you?"

Caede struggled to sit up, and Clys shoved a pillow behind her back. Caede's breath came heavy for a minute, and she seemed to slowly become aware of her surroundings. She reached for the thin sheet that lay across her ankles and pulled it up, covering herself and holding it against her chest. Her eyes focused on Clys and an odd look crossed her face.

"You cannot cure what causes my pain, Clys. I was certain that you would not try. Did you not want to study how I die?," she asked softly, pulling her arms around her.

"I did," replied Clys. "I do. But, you don't deserve death. You're worthy of more. I want to help."

Caede just shook her head, and took a shallow shuddering breath. Her pale skin became suddenly even more colorless, and she sank back down onto the bed. Sweat broke out upon her forehead.

"Clys, you cannot... it is my destiny to die. My only chance at salvation has been lost. I wish to die, to end this suffering I have had for so long. Surely you wished to know what this is in me... My father, before he killed himself after I was born, cursed me. I am weak, no matter how much a facade I put on. He made me weak inside, my heart beats slowly and irregularly," Caede paused, taking a few deep breathes and wincing slightly. After a moment, she continued once more, "I do wish to live, but to do that I must die. My father will not refuse me a new life. Cenarius owes this to his daughter."

Clys sighed, and gently wiped the sweat from Caede's brow with a cool washrag.

"Do not wait, Lady Clys. I will die soon," whispered Caede. "Please take your tests and do not mind my pain, it is insignificant compared to what I have lived with for the past hundred years. It is my time to die, and it is my gift to you. Please do not waste what I am giving you; do not waste this life I am offering to your science."

Clys rubbed at her empty eye sockets as if she expected to find tears welling up.

"Very well, Caede. If that is your dying wish, then I will respect it. I will record your responses, and any words you say. Shall we begin?"

Caede nodded weakly, closing her eyes.

Clys pulled a small cart of rather frightening instruments closer to the bed, and picked up a sharp needle-like one that had some kind of hook at the end.

"Clys?" said Caede, her voice barely audible.

"Yes?" replied Clys.

"Thank you. Learn as much as you can from me."


Clys nodded, her shoulders slumping just a bit before she squared them again with purpose. As Clys began, Caede's eyes flew open wide, her fists clenched and her back arched, but no sound escaped from her lips. The screams didn't come till much later.

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[clys]

(( continued here: http://tn.yzeens.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=610

))