[Opening Night]

[Vicailde]

Vicailde had finally grown acustomed to the madness of a theatre's backstage as people rushed back and forth. Several calling out for people telling them there on deck for Act I Scene I.

The play was Romulo and Jullianne and Vicailde was not looking forward to it. He originally had been given the role of Lord Capulet but after his 'transformation' they demanded that he would be Romulo.

Vicailde stared at his costume and finally finished putting it on and he took a deep breath saying to himself.

"You can do this... Do this for Ninorra.. And yourself..." He spoke quietly, his fingers almost numb. No other play or part would have done this to him but, as always, there is a story and meaning behind all creature's actions and habits.

Decades ago, when Vicailde was much younger before he had a thought in his mind to becoming a Blood Knight he was an actor at his school. One of the best in all of Silvermoon and a rising star and well known noble.

His greatest role back then, to the rare few of are still alive to remember, was Romulo. He was known to have broken hearts with a single glance as the words seemed to flow from his lips as if they were his own.

~~~~

Vicailde stepped down from the back stage and wiped his forehead chuckling to himself at another preformance done. It was far past dinner time, which he had missed from the play, and he had a wanting to return home as quickly as possible.

He didn't even bother changing out of his Romulo costume, the company didn't mind and he did not want to waste the time to remove the complicated item and return to his regular clothes.

"..Excuse me." A wavering voice spoke from a dark alley and a Sin'Dorei emerged from the shadows which instantly gave way to an inward radiance. Vicailde's breath caught in his throat as he could help but stare past her slighty torn and weathered clothes and the mandalin on her back. He swallowed roughly and choked back the feeling as he finally tore himself from her eyes and straighted slightly.

"uh... Yes?" Vicailde finally spoke in the strong tone his father had taught him but it wavered slightly as he continued to half stare at her, attempting to distract himself by a loose wire on her instrument.

"oh... um... My name is Sophie.." She gave an obviously untrained curtsy before straightening up again. "I.. am a singer and preformer.. I don't know if you've seen me in the inns or not but.. I love your acting.. and.. I.. was hoping that.. you might help me get a part in the next play?" Her nervous lips cracked into a petite smile and Vicailde's heart almost leaped in his already racing chest.

"uh.. Well...." Vicailde could not figure out why he was having trouble finding words, he had been known for his quick wit which seemed to have abandonded him for something else. "I.. suppose I could.. if you were to show me a monologue or something.."

Sophie practically jumped and squeeled loudly as she suddenly hugged him tightly. "Thankyou!Thankyou!Thankyou!" She spoke quickly but Vicailde did not hear her words. His hand trembled as they hung outstretched past her and his eyes faltered as his heart threatened to burst at the speed it was pounding in his chest, the noise flooding his ears.

Almost every peice of who he was and where he had been was screaming at him to push this dirty peasant away from him but his mind pushed away those voices. Of his father, mother, uncle, and the rest of his family and all of the other nobles for that matter as his hands closed until they lay lightly on her back.

Vicailde laughed lightly as she continued to squeeze him tightly. "heh... No problem.."

~~~~~

Vicailde wiped a tear from his eyes and took a deep breath before releasing it slowly and walking out of the dressing room and began to heard for the stage.

[Ninorra]

This was not a time to be selfish.

Ninorra sat in a balcony seat. A private box, only fitting as she was both a noble and the wife of the lead. But here, she was completely alone. She could have invited someone of course, but for the most part, she knew that it was better not to. Ninorra had fought with Vicailde, had almost forced him to take the role of Romulo when they offered it to him.

"It's your dream!" She argued.

Of course it is his dream. He loves acting. Let him be happry, she thought to herself, over and over again. This is his night. Be proud of him.

He didn't want the part. He didn't want to be reminded of the wife he lost so many years ago, of their special play, their special scene, the kiss that he shared with an actress that was meant for his love. His Sophie.

Gods forgive me, I would kill her if she wasn't already dead, Ninorra thought bitterly, her eyes flashing a dark red. They shone like burning embers in her face, illuminating the box and bringing no small ammount of attention to herself.

It wasn't enough that she was the wife of the lead; Ninorra Gitana was also young, dark skinned, red-eyed, and low born. Anyone who glimpsed her repeated the same thing, and she was growing tired of it. She sat with her head held high, long black hair done in a simply black plait down her back as she wore a black dress with red shoulder straps. It was all very simple, really. Her only jewelry was her wedding ring.

Stay calm.. She repeated. Stay calm.. it's just a play.. he's my husband now.. he loves me.. this is just a play...

But her palms still itched with hellfire, and she kept her gaze focused on the stage as she waited for the actress who would play Julianne. She waited for the woman who would dare to, pretending or not, kiss her husband.

[Vicailde]

As each act progressed Vicailde's stomach began to feel heavier and heavier as if he were to be sick but he did not show it as he acted for both stage worth and pride but still the scene grew closer.

"Act 5 Scene 2!" A stage hand called hushly to the actors as they all hurried around, criss crossing as Vicailde moved past them with a heavy stomache and heart. His boldy jolted lightly as he bumped into the actress who was playing Julianne and as he turned to watch her eyes shoot down and mutter an apology and for a moment the actors' movement behind her resembled a dance.

~~~~

Vicailde sat in the Silvermoon in and laughed heartidly as they celebrated the night before their last preformance. Various Sin'Dorei danced and cheered as the actors drank. Vicailde's own glass had been refilled a few times before music began to fill his ears and he turned to smile at Sophie who was playing her instrument for the actors.

He had not been able to get her a part, he managed as much to get her a call back but she was a better singer than actress. He stood slowly and made his way over to her, bumping into young Sin'Dorei woman who shot her eyes downward as his slightly reddened face from the glas and went back to dancing.

~~~~

"No turning back now.." Vicailde spoke as the short act ended and he awaited his que to move on stage.

[Ninorra]

There was no denying the talent that each of the actors projected. Ninorra, despite her growing jealousy, was enthralled with the play. The actress playing Julianne had a sort of innocent flair that seemed almost too real, but Vicailde's arrogant swagger and romantic tone was so convincing that ha actually managed to accomplish his objective; he was not Vicailde, he was Romulo. A young man in love.

Ninorra sighed heavilly, allowing herself to lean back forward as she watched. There was no hesitation on Vicailde's part, despite how she knew that he felt. He was doing what he meant to do. He was acting. Her heart quickened as they approached the scene that she understood could break his heart.

Let her go.. She thought silently. Let her go, love. Please. Don't make me second place.

It was growing hot in her private box, but Ninorra didn't notice. Nearby however, several nobles were fanning themselves. They didn't realize that the source of their discomfort was a very agitated looking woman in the next box.

[Vicailde]

Vicailde held up the vial for the audience to see.

"Here's to my love!"

He quickly downed all the liquids as he pant lightly and lowered the hand slowly.

"O true apothecary!
Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die." Vicailde gives a shiver slump onto his back on the tomb before falling still.

~~~~

Vicailde took a seat next to Sophie and gave her a tipsy and beaming smile.

"Why.. hello there, Sophie. Tonight is the last preformance... and I haven't seen you at any of the ones so far.. I could get you a ticket if your-" Vicailde began.

"It's not that.. I've been there... Hiding in the back, watching..." Sophie spoke quietly, placing the instrument in her lap and Vicailde gave a questioning look.

"Oh.. you have been there? Why did you not-" He began again.

"Vicailde... I don't think we should... speak with one another..." She spoke hesitantly. "I get these stares from nobles as if I were a pest who wont go away... I-" Sophie began looking a bit flustered.

"hmmm.. fuck 'em." Vicailde said with a broad and boyish grin. "I'll talk with who I want and they can stay in their corners and bicker amongst themselves..."

"I.. " She started her eyes lowering slightly and her cheeks flushed slightly.

"Here let's go outside and talk?"

What's here? a cup, closed in my true love's hand? Echoed into the memory as Vicailde lay still on the tomb.

The stood up and slowly exited the tavern, standing in the darkness of the back alley.

"See, isn't this better?" Vicailde spoke with a wide grin staring at Sophie whose cheeks flushed a bit more.

"Y..Yes it is." She stammered slightly. "But... I still think.. that we shouldn't see each other..."

Poison, I see, hath been his timeless end:

"Sophie..." Vicailde began, his hand moving outwards slowly. "I... feel a need to tell you..."

O churl! drunk all, and left no friendly drop

"Y..Yes?" Sophie shiver slightly as he placed a hand on her cheek and she just couldn't cast her eyes down from his as she always did.

To help me after? I will kiss thy lips;

"Every night.. Every time I play the part... You are my Julianne.. the woman just out of my reach because of social means..."

Haply some poison yet doth hang on them,

She blushed heavily but her eyes softened as his entranced hers so.

"But.. I would like for our ending to be a happy one.." He continued.

To make die with a restorative.

Vicailde leaned forward and kissed her.

~~~~

The lips... were cold... almost lifeless as they enclosed around his as the actress kissed him. Vicailde's short breaths shook and a tear rolled down his cheek slowly.

"..good bye..." He breathed out almost inaudibly.

..the actress lingered on his lips for a moment longer, senidng a short mumur through the crowd as the actresses form faded slowly to reveal an undead Sin'Dorei in her place as the arcane desguise disppeared.

Niam Moonstrike sat up slowly and released a sob.

"I'm sorrry." She sobbed shakenly before rushing off stage.

[Ninorra]

Ninorra felt her heart stop. In disbelief of what she'd just seen, the warlock rose to her feet and began to run.

It was anger, it was jealousy, but most of all it was the underlying pity that caused Ninorra to run as fast as she did. The urge to flay Niam open was strong. She had not only stolen a kiss from her husband, but she had interrupted a farewell that Vicailde needed to give. Now she wondered if she would ever be rid of these ghosts, these interlopers. It would all be so much easier if she simply burned Niam, until her undead body was left to nothing but black ash.

It was hard running in heels, especially with her formerly crippled foot. Holding up the hem of her skirt with one hand, she ran out of the box, down the steps, and through the ushers who gave her strange glances. Unfortunately, she was at the front of the theatre now, and it was likely that Niam had exited from the back. With a heavy sigh, Ninorra ran outside, her heels clicking, and let forth a high pitched quivvering tune.

"Yes, mistress?" Helnia said at once, standing in her corset and panties before Ninorra.

The warlock, still panting, pointed towards the theatre. "Tell Vicailde.. tell him that I will find Niam."

The succubus nodded obediently, and sauntered inside. The ushers paid her more attention than Ninorra, who ran around the theatre until she found the back door.

"Niam!" She cried, through cupped hands around her mouth. "Niam, wait!"

[Vicailde]

Vicailde layed still on the tomb his lips still tingling from the cold lips as he finally released a breath and he found a hand on his arm. He cracked open an eye to find that most of the audience had left in disgust and Helnia was shaking his arm.

~~~~

Niam gasped as Ninorra rounded the corner to her only escape route and she pressed her back against the wall behind her and crumpled to the ground into a tight sobbing ball.

"P-P-Please... just.. kill me and get it over with.."

[Ninorra]

Ninorra's face was mixed between emotions. She could so easilly kill Niam.. the woman who sliced open her throat, the woman who certainly wanted her dead. One immolation spell. That's all it would take. The fire in her palms itched, and her eyes burned the color of blood.

"..Niam, I won't kill you," she said finally.

With a shuddering breath, Ninorra approached the undead. Her skin, once likeley a fair and unmarred sun kissed peach, was now grayish and dead. There were signs of wear at the joints, where preserved skin was struggling to stick to bloodless flesh. Her eyes were dry, lacking in regenerating fluids. They glowed an ethereal yellow, and her once proud long Sin'dorei ears looked wilted, like old flower petals.

"I promise," Ninorra continued, swallowing down her anger. "I promise.. I won't kill you. I just.. want to help you."

~~~~

Helnia shook Vicailde's arm repeatedly, her tail bobbing back and forth in agitation. "Wake up, master! The mistress has run after Niam!"

The succubus had no idea who Niam was, but she understood that it was someone important. Tugging harder on Vicailde's arm, she pouted impatiently.

"Hurry, master!"

[Vicailde]

Vicailde sat up quickly.

"Niam?" He grunted before slipping from the stage tomb and nodding at the succubuss. "Show me."

~~~~

Niam sobbed, "H-Hep? I don't need help, I need to be put out of my mysery!"

The forsaken shivered in her tight ball as Ninorra drew closer. The fabrics of the stage dress clashing with her dead flesh. "I do not wish to live like this anymore! I've said my good byes... please..."

[Ninorra]

Ninorra knelt beside Niam, her eyes dulling somewhat. How could she be angry at a woman who's hopes and dreams she saw first hand?

"Niam, I'm not going to kill you.. and I don't think that you really want to die."

With a sigh, she put a hand on the Forsaken's shoulder. It was cold and lifeless, but Ninorra didn't flinch. Instead, she squeezed her gently, as if to remind her that she could still perhaps feel something.

"I'm sorry this happened to you, and I'm sorry that you've been so alone. I never meant for you to be hurt so badly. I know that I've caused much pain in you.. but I want to help fix it. If only you'll let me."

~~~~

Helnia skipped through the crowd, paying no attention to the increadilous looks of the theatre patrons as she wiggled her ample behind with every step. One hand still holding Vicailde's wrist, the demoness led him through the parting crowd and into the street.

"Here we are, master! And then she ran this way."

With a playful hum, Helnia skipped away from Vicailde and towards the back of the theatre.

[Vicailde]

Vicailde grunted as he was tugged along and sighed as the demon skipped off blissfully before following.

~~~~

"You know nothing..." Niam spoke bitterly and shrugged off the hand shivering and scooting slowly away from Ninorra. "All I did for him... all I did to soften him of his past... all I did to keep him alive. You know.. it was me who designed the Mana-Injector! i did it while he lay drunkenly asleep in his study... He's a horrible engineer... and he couldn't even spare me a kiss.."

Niam glared angrily at Ninorra. "I spent over a hundred years caring for him and cleaning up after him... just to have you waltz up and whore him away from me so easily."

[Ninorra]

Ninorra's hand fell from Niam's shoulder. She stumbled backwards, looking in disbelief at the woman who had saved Vicailde's life.

"..you? You designed it?"

She felt a burning hatred for Niam, but moreso for herself when she realized that all she had said was true. She and Vicailde hardly knew eachother, before they were married.. and less than a week later, he threw Niam from her home for good, only to replace her with someone younger. Someone alive.

"I-I didn't mean to.. Niam, I never.." Ninorra stuttured, unable to come up with the words to explain herself. "I-it was never my intention to be with Vicailde, Niam! All he wanted was to help me, and.. and it just happened.."

Helnia's hoofbeats approached, and soon the sccubus was rounding the corner with Vicailde in tow. Ninorra stood, visibly shaking.

"I'm sorry.. I truly am, but.. it all happened so fast--"

"There they are, master!" Helnia shouted triumphantly, pointing towards Ninorra and Niam. "You see? I told you."

[Vicailde]

"...the fool doesn't even know... I let him think he created it.. He wouldn't have made it otherwise..." Niam muttered and straighted up in her sitting position as Vicailde rounded the corner and she wiped her eyes.

Vicailde cleared his throat looking inbetween Ninorra and Niam. He slowly approached them and paused, unsure of how to take the expression on both of their faces.

"hrmm.. I suppose it's time we all had a talk?" He spoke quietly, still dressed in his costume as he folded his hands behind his back.

[Ninorra]

Ninora felt the color leave her face as she looked at Vicailde. He likeley didn't even realize that it was Niam who saved him, and if he did, he might have detested her even more. His cruelty towards his second wife was beyond Ninorra's understanding, and for a moment she wondered if she should even stay.

"Yes.. perhaps we should," she said at last, her eyes lowered to the floor. "I think that.. perhaps.. you and your wife have a lot to discuss."

Ninorra stood, her hands glowing brightly.

[Vicailde]

"My wife?" Vicailde spoke in confusion turning toward Ninorra. "She used to be that but, now you are..." He opens his mouth to speak, before glancing at Niam.

Niam shrank back into her ball, quivering lightly. Her eyes soft and watching the two from her position.

[Ninorra]

Ninorra shook her head, her heart beating furiously.

"Used to be? Vicailde, she's right there! She may not be as she once was, but neither are you! She still feels, she still walks and talks, she's still alive!"

Her hands were on fire now, and the flames danced dangerously allong her skin. They travelled up her wrists, causing her red eyes to pale in comparison.

"I will not be some courtesan! Some whore! I refuse to allow you to throw away the woman who cared for you, the woman who saved your life.. she spent her entire life waiting for you to care for her, only to have you toss her aside when she was taken by the Scourge.." Ninorra's voice wavered. "Thrown away because you found someone more suitable.."

Her shoulders were aflame now, the fire coming dangerously close to her hair, which was unravelling from it's long tight braid.

"..I am no man's concubine."

[Vicailde]

Niam cowered further away, trembling as the woman began to go ablaze.

Vicailde looked sadly to Ninorra and he reached out and place a firm hand on her shoulder, the costume incinerating as his metal hand gripped her shoulder.

"You are not a concubine, Ninorra. Niam is dead but returned to life and that does not change how I feel about her. I told you before when you asked me if I was originally attracted to you. I told you no." Vicailde arm remained remarkably cold on her shoulder through the flames. "I love you, Ninorra. No one else. I have finally said good bye to my first wife's memory... and..."

Vicailde lowers his head. "I'm sorry Niam.. I could never love you.. Not now. Not Ever... What your father did to me has unfortunately graphited it self to your name..."

Niam blinked as she cowered. "M...My father?"

[Ninorra]

Ninorra's ragged breathing slowly calmed as Vicailde spoke to Niam, his expression one of constant patience. She supposed it must have been from having to deal with three very stubborn women. Swallowing her rage, the flames died down, as if consumed by her skin. The straps of her dress lightly singed, she struggled to compose herself and turned to Niam.

"Yes, your father.. the man who was responsible for killing his first wife," Ninorra said through a quaking voice. "..didn't you know, Niam?"

[Vicailde]

Niam made an odd noise as if she were choking on her own tongue.

"What?! Daddy.. he would never!" She cried out. Vicailde turned to stare at her his hand slipping from Ninorra's shoulder. "I was there when he ran a sword through her swollen belly. Then my father game me th-" He reached up to motion towards where his scar had been. "th...the scar. I always thought you knew and that you were just fauxing innocence..."

Vicailde cleared his throat attempting to soften his border line glare at Niam. "That is why I could never..."

Niam sobbed into her knees shaking in her spot. "No! No! I don't believe you! He would never!"

[Ninorra]

I was there when he ran a sword through her swollen belly.

Ninorra stumbled backwards, looking horrified. Perhaps the worst part of Vicailde's story was the fact that Niam's father would not only kill his wife, but also his child.

"..she was pregnant, Niam."

She placed a hand on her own abdomen, the fire gone from her eyes. They dulled to a pale orange, and she felt her stomach turn. Helnia saw the discomfort in her mistress' eyes, but held her tongue. The succubus took a step back, eyes trained on the situation, a hand readilly resting on the handle of her whip.

"She was pregnant.. and he killed them both."

[Vicailde]

Vicailde look towards Ninorra and this time place his right hand on her shoulder.

"Nina... are you alright?" He spoke softly, a look of concern on his face.

Niam curled into a tight ball. "No!.. It's not true! He wouldn't have... He wouldn't have.." Her eyes are shut tightly as she sobs dryly.

[Ninorra]

"I am fine," she responded, her voice lowered. Ninorra watched Niam sink further into despair. More of a pawn than ever, and now with the knowledge that her father had murdured an unborn child.

With a deep breath, she rose her head again and looked down at Niam.

"..I am sorry if I lost my temper. The fact is, I never meant to take anything from you. I never had much of anything, until Vicailde.. and when he asked me to marry him, I thought that I shouldn't, if only because I knew he didn't love me."

She sighed.

"But he does now, and I love him. Niam, I would do anything to help you. I am sorry for what the world has done to you, and I don't believe that you deserved a bit of it. You were just as caged as I was, when I was still a prisoner of my former master, but.. you're not like that anymore. And neither am I.

"You are free to become something, if you so choose. You don't have to mourn the past. You can create a new future for yourself, if you want. You can actually live for yourself, if it will make you happy. Or you can die, as you appear to want.. but I'll tell you right now, that I will not be the one that kills you. If you want to discontinue this life you've been given, then that is your decision, but I can offer you friendship.. if you'll take it."

[Vicailde]

Vicailde cleared his throat and nodded lightly. "I'm sorry I did not know.. for all that time... All you simple had to do then was talk to me or ask.. altough at that point in time it might have not done much..." Vicailde sighed lightly and wrapped the haand around Ninorra.

"I.. also owe you an apology, Niam... All those years you had to deal with me in the worst part of my life... with nothing but cruelity in return." He bows his head slightly. "It's something I probably will never be able to make up to you."

Niam sniffled remained curled in her position on the ground, his back shivering and heaving. "P..P.. Please.. Just leave me be..." She finally spoke quietly after a moment.

[Ninorra]

Ninorra looked between Vicailde and Niam, wondering if she should say more. She supposed that Niam had been through enough for one day, but still, it felt wrong to leave her alone and vulnerable..

"..if.. that's what you want, Niam," she said finally. "But, if you ever are in need of anything, please don't hesitate to ask. There isn't a thing I wouldn't do for you. I just want you to know how sorry I am, for what has happened to you."