A small leatherbound book

[Acherontia]

*the entire first page is filled with the beginnings of sentences and half- started paragraphs, all scribbled out, some so thoroughly that their parts of the page have become frayed and almost scratched through*

[Acherontia]

*the second page - much the same as the first*

[Acherontia]

- Not one minion has come forth for his or her inquisition. Do they even know?

- More and more I find reason to thank Melchisedech for throwing me into this fire that is the Grim.

- *scribble* The priest has been giving me the space I generally find myself needing during the first week of the month. Gratitude wars with loneliness that wars with no feeling at all. It's that second that represents the smallest part of myself. There are other things to do.

- Must speak with the Magister.

[Aquizit]

[ Always business... told you, Ach. =P ]

[Acherontia]

- Inquisitions: Haqin, Ashtyn. The rogue's should prove interesting.

- More bandages.

- There is no red, no fire. Only blue, and shadow, and a soft midnight clear. It's still not matching up, though. Watch Grogkor and Anaie. What do they look like when they look at each other? If everyone is different, then how will I ever be able to know? "This is this." No, it isn't.

- Does Magister Amberlight's manor have stables? Find out.

- I think I left something in Southshore. It's probably gone forever - time is strange. Do the dragons always send their soldiers back to the same day, the same minute?

- Research dead languages. Arathor? Ask Serjazul - he was alive then. Tay - ? I don't know how to spell it. They aren't any words that I knew when I was alive. Eredar? Not Demonic. He said they were on a parchment on which was written an incantation used to summon a succubus. A note from one student to another, or not? Ask Bronvina.

- P- *scribble* The priest has been absent for days. Am I growing accustomed to that? Working helps.

- Flowers are still alive. Impossible.

[Acherontia]

*the handwriting is a bit more meticulous than in previous entries*

Just let him call me what he wants. What am I to care? My concern is to teach him to think. To fashion him into a suitable soldier for the Mandate.

If allowing him to call me "Tia" keeps him close enough that I may do that, then so be it.

*there is a small break here, as though the writer stopped and then resumed after some time*

Never mind that. Guilt is an inconvenience.

[Thrysta]

((
Guilt is a wonderful motivator.
Works for Thrysta just fine.
))

[Acherontia]

- I can still read. I don't know why I should want to. I was so proud of myself to be able to read the markings in the stone - later, when I was alone, I hated that I was able to. It's nothing.

- More bandages, smaller ones this time. I've had more practice bandaging wounds in the past twenty-four hours than over my entire life, it seems.

- Should I keep wrapping myself? Just sew. I've fed on dying men and women before, why should I hesitate at stitching my own flesh? Sew, snip, closed, done.

- Stratholme w

- I wanted to be able to see that swollen moon. I wanted to be able to see "verdant". All I have is the memory of Simon's shirt. Went to Southshore after I left G- *scribble*, stared at the moon, stared at the green, felt a chill. Missed the priest. Missed Simon. Thought of swimming. Decided against it and sat on the dock for hours. The color of the moon was in my hair. I touched it, and it was smooth and clean. Thought about trying to find my way through the fog again, but decided against that, too. Perhaps it's why the Dragons keep allowing me to return - because they know I'm too much of a coward to try.

[Acherontia]

- Seraphialis, Kazthul.

- Haven't

[Acherontia]

The ghosts that dwell in the crypts below Karazhan are more terrifying than any of the things I've seen in the tower. It's…their intent. Dark, wet stains on the edge of my "vision". Ugly. Monstrous. Phuukun was restless. I was restless. The others were oblivious. They haven't harmed Drinn or Sku Atticuss thus far, but that doesn't mean

I saw one standing inside Greebo when I came back after walking away from the group. It looked…worse than any rape ever could, but he was blind. I wanted to blast the thing out of existence for even daring to touch one of mine.

I was reminded of the forest, that day – it stayed my hand. It's one thing to be torn

They would have destroyed me.

They kept their distance as long as they knew I could see them. It's why I kept declining Atticuss' invitation to spar with him – he would not have my focus. No doubt he thinks me a coward. I would have been too concerned with the paupers. The sinners. The criminals.

Monsters all.

It seems that there will be more guests at the ceremony than have been anticipated.

[Atticuss]

((Are there really ghosts all over the place? If so, I may be asking you for the Detect Lesser Invisibility buff. And don't worry about atty thinkin you a coward. In his words, 'I understand this sort of thing is not your specialty.'))

[Acherontia]

((Heh, not that I could see. I didn't try the lesser invisibility; I just looked at it as a side-effect of her way of being able to see things.))

[Acherontia]

This "holiday" is making everyone crazy. I'm going to give the dress back to him the next time I see him; he'll thank me for it once he's regained his senses. Not to mention he'd most likely be doubly grateful when he discovers what kind of a price it could fetch in the auction houses. A garment such as that is in high demand. The rarest things are always the most beautiful.

I need to come here to sleep. I haven't been able to in six days. Of course, being Forsaken means I don't need it, but my mind is worn thin. I need my body to be tired as well. I stepped into the Caverns less than an hour ago, and already I feel it.

When they're finished in the Reservoir, I think I'll ask the priest to come here. It's been weeks since we've had any time together.

I've grown accustomed.

No, I've grown to despise myself. The other warlocks will stand against Leotheras. They've prepared themselves. I have not.

Less distraction, more annihilation.

I can barely keep my eyes open. I think I'll lay my head down.

[Acherontia]

Mine.

I screamed the word at the human again and again.

He is Grim; therefore, mine.

He is a warlock of the Grim; therefore, mine.

I said it to Thrysta once, and I said it to him last night: all Grim are my lovers. All Grim are my children. It is myself I give for them, not just to leap under the sword aimed at their necks, but a vigil that I, as the Inquisitor, must keep.

I keep it alone.

Three came. Myself, Nymare, and Malstrom. No other.

Wherever the tabard is seen, it should be known that the clenched fist of the Grim shall come crashing down upon the head of any who would dare harm one of us.

But it isn't.

Because it doesn't.

I fear it never will.

[Acherontia]

Not one piece of armor leaves my body again. Never. In a world of slaughter, if one is not dressed for battle, that will be the moment the battle finds her.

Bargrave brought my armor and weapons to me unharmed. The envelope had been taken.

He fell too quickly. Jaws snapping in my face, my power blocked, and he was dead. I finally found my voice and shrieked them away from him, but he was dead, and suddenly there was nothing left to protect. Just me, armorless, weaponless. I chose death to the earth rather than his blades.

No. That was my intent, but at the last moment I chose hope. And his blades drank of me all the same.

[Acherontia]

*a page has been torn from the book, leaving a jagged, angry edge*

[Acherontia]

I don't need a tailor. I'll just keep wrapping it. Haqin

No, he's a spy. What should I have expected? His damn pet, that bird - five stories off the ground, why should I worry about having the window open? It's shut now. It will be shut forever.

My secrets are my own to keep.

He's going to keep sending me cloth. I should have told him no, but he seems so desperate to atone. Anger transformed a harmless curiosity into a grave sin. There can be no penance fit for it, not ever.

I was careless in the Keep. A portion of our conversation was overheard by

I snarled something at him, I can't

No, I told him to mind his own business. First Haqin, then Malkaris, then Greebo. Stop asking me questions.

I don't need a tailor.

[Acherontia]

*the writing is angry and sharp*

I had to.

[Acherontia]

Something's wrong.

[Acherontia]

I should just tell him to forget the whole thing. Is it vanity?

No, it's cost. Of course. I think of all the gold I could be saving, even with Haqin's aid - that is my motivator. Gold to purchase flasks, flasks to strengthen me against the enemies of the Grim and the Mandate. That is what drives me. That is why I'm doing it.

He said he may need to take some measurements before finding the final specimen. That's fine.

Unless

yes, she would be

*there is a break here*

A perfect fit.

Would her courage fail her at the last second?

Would his nerve?

*another break - the writing, when it picks up again, is firm and decisive*

We shall see.

[Acherontia]

*a list appears to have been made down the left side of the page. It consists of four words - or short phrases - that have all been scratched through. At the bottom of the list, one word remains.*


DROWNING.

[Acherontia]

"Special permissions have been given of late."

I'll have to tell someone before it happens. I won't be responsible for anything that destroys him unless ordered.

[Acherontia]

And just like that - his safety is assured.

The method is perfected.

And I?

They are worthless. In this world, in this time, in these moments, they are worth nothing, and are at once worse than nothing.

It is best that they be laid to rest, along with her remains.

*a small scribble at the bottom of the page*

Seeds and beans and polliwogs...

[Acherontia]

Another few weeks. I must prepare.


Farewells. I smirk as I write this - no one will understand.
Destroy all saved letters.
Inform my assistant. No. She will not question, nor care. She does her work and does it well, and never questions. A better servant could not be desired.
Ensure that the shard will be destroyed. I don't know that I could trust him to do it properly. Sentimental fool. Idiot.

The only one I trust to do this at all.

A better servant could not be desired.

[Acherontia]

*the writing is, once again, sharp and angry*

He's walking around as though he's awaiting his own death instead of mine. If he doesn't have the nerve to do this himself, he'd damned well better tell me now.

[Acherontia]

*the writing here is a bit different than before. Fluid, smooth, almost casual.*

Ah, yes. This old thing. I'll most likely destroy it, now.

Well! That certainly happened fast. See what allowing all that mess in will do to a person? I will admit - I never thought he would obey me, not then. Not like that. There, in front of everyone - but I suppose that is the only way it ever could have happened. Why drag it out longer?

Truth be told, I feel better. Lighter.

Now, for the loose ends. Syreena won't be an issue. Aleryn despises me, now, his precious "lady". He was useful last night, though. Spit your venom at me if you must, rogue - but obey. Cessily...I will respond to her letter in due time. As long as she does not question further, I will let her be.

The shard...part of me fears it will never be found, but part of me is hoping that will remain so because that will mean that Greebo is locked away forever. Coward.

Stay hidden, little rat. You know what I would do. Let that keep you cowering and sobbing in a corner for the rest of your days.

[Acherontia]

Damn. Pugg.

I'll deal with him later.

[Acherontia]

patience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patiencepatiencepatiencepatiencepatience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patience
patiencepatience
patience
patience
patience
patience________________

[Thrysta]

((
Curiouser and Curiouser...
))

[Acherontia]

He could have saved himself so much trouble. Now, he will suffer for his disobedience.

Thrysta can help me with that.

As for her...she will remain lost. The knowledge of her whereabouts will die with Greebo.

...http://www.constant-satellite.net/images/WoW/text.PNG

We shall see.

[Acherontia]

*a few quick notes are scrawled*

Experiments seem stalled. Seek another?
The captain has abandoned her post. Seek another?


I could just transform him. Swallow him down.

I could be merciful.



No. She is still missing. Until she is ended, she will always be a danger to me. And only he knows her whereabouts.

Find the priestess again, or seek another to serve. Another...but who?

Using an outsider is at once infinitely safer and infinitely more dangerous. A druid? A shaman? A paladin?

SEEK ANOTHERpatiencepatiencepatience

*four sheets of paper, each with a list of names are tucked between the pages*

- Ellsbeth - possibly
- Maurt - willing, certainly. discreet?
- Jergal - no
- Necrosis - ??
- Alphaeus - used him last time
- Pugg - *a series of dots, as though the writer was repeatedly tapping the quill in a single spot while considering*
- Naen - no
- Keeju - too talkative
- Benan - possibly
- Esmi - possibly
- Malebrignon? -where???????

*at the bottom of the parchment is written:*

The Forsaken show the most promise. Naturally.



- Kelven - possibly
- Kiaransalius - no
- Aest - absent
- Rosalynd - the same
- Ashtyn - ??
- Lythas - this one is too unsure of himself. never
- Maukias - hm
- Krinathalasa - no
- Teelari - absent
- Zahak - Ellsbeth says this one has promise. Possibly.



- Cristok - no
- Coyotl - no
- Gex - no
- Brameth - no
- Ishiki - no
- Yemana - absent
- Kodara - no
- Asheerah - no
- Canai - no

*at the bottom of the parchment is written* An abomination of the ways of nature? They would see it so, certainly.



- Grolish - NEVER
- Kharzak - possibly
- Kaz'thul - possibly
- Malstrom - hm
- Jubi - no
- Yichimet - NEVER
- Sckhar - possibly
- Orugasa - no
- Hektar - absent
- Tecunuman - absent
- Jarnsaxa - absent
- Apachrune - absent
- Dulgarth - no

[Acherontia]

I wonder if there was another who can see as I do - would he or she be able to look at me and see something of the same absence I see now in Nymare? That I once saw in Qabian?

[Acherontia]

How sweet. The two of them, nestled close together. He, in his last moments of fear, the agony of betrayal, and she, in - what is that? Thank goodness I'm blind - otherwise I might get them mixed up. That could prove *scribbles* disasterous.

As promised, I will keep her in my vault in Silvermoon until such time as I can attempt reunification. As for the splitting -

If I were still capable of compassion, I would feel for Nymare. I know what she will have to endure, but it will be only a fraction of what my - no, her removal was. But I care only that she serves the Mandate. If it takes weeks of practice and tearing and agony and screaming, then it will take weeks. No matter.

[Acherontia]

Razors and daggers and all manner of sharp things biting and scratching and knifing away at the edges and ridges and jagged emptiness of the crater that marked where she - I - poisoned me by her - my - very existence.

Do men who lose a limb feel such torturous absence?

The spines flew, swift and true - piercing and pinning each in turn. They scrabbled at themselves, at the thick barb that was slowly killing them, and I saw their panic as I strained to pull it free and hurl it back at our foe. I felt no panic for them.

I felt no panic as his eyes fixed on me. I felt no panic as I hung there, sliding slowly down the spine. No regrets. Everything that was, was. It merely was.

I have become so incapable of so much.

And yet - so very capable.