Selvaggia & Lius: May 9

Selvaggia says: -Are- you alright? Obviously you're not going to be the happiest after spending a night being stabbed, but...
Selvaggia lets her voice trail off, chewing on her lower lip and fiddling with her rings as she speaks.

Lius sighs, running a hand across his face. "Th'time apart is jus' startin' t'get t'me."

Selvaggia lowers her eyes. "I miss you, too. Hell's bells, if not for Garrett, you know I'd be with you no matter where you went."

Lius shakes his head, staring straight ahead. "It's nae as easy t'get int' th'Division as it woul' be back in Vigil. Specially now tha' th'Sarn't is heading up recruitment."

Selvaggia says: Don't you need medics and medical assistants? I work better with you than anyone you'd have to train for the position.

Lius says: It's nae m'place to call. We 'ave a child, an' ye donae 'ave th'combat experience t'drop int' a fight in cloth.
Lius says: At leas' th'pirate hooker has armor t'save 'er ass when she fucks up.

Selvaggia says: Isn't that what training is for? I've never dropped before, but I'm not exactly a slow learner. You know this. And Garrett... we've plenty of family he could stay with.
Selvaggia is trying so hard not to sound like a horrible mother. Baby? What baby?

Lius says: -Every- drop migh' as well be a suicide mission. Ye'd really leave Garrett withou' both parents?

Selvaggia folds her arms across her chest to hide her shaking hands. "Well, the alternative you seem to be implying is simply unacceptable."

Lius remains sternfaecd. "In yer eyes. Leavin' our son withou' bother parents is nae somethin' we can do."

Selvaggia says: And leaving us by ourselves, that's so much better?

Lius says: Fer him it is, an' tha' is wha' matters.
Lius says: I cannae simply walk away from this, Selvie.

Selvaggia says: And I can't simply -let- you walk away from this -family-, Lius.

Lius says: Ye donae 'ave a choice, neither do I. This is wha' th'Alliance needs of me.

Selvaggia says: The Alliance needs you to leave your wife? I've no -qualms- with you being sent on missions for long periods of time, but to simply leave and not look back?

Lius says: Wha' time am I able t'spend at home, Selvie?
Lius says: One of -two- medics.
Lius says: I donae get leave, neither does Aveta. We 'ave t'remain with th'troops, because of shit like wha' happened t'me.
Lius says: Wha' happened t'Afterburn.
Lius says: Wha' happened t'Orgo.

Selvaggia says: You are in -Stormwind- right now, Lius.
Selvaggia says: All of that happened -here-.

Lius says: Exactly, an' our home is nae short trip away.

Selvaggia says: There's no reason that Garrett and I can't have an apartment in the city and get to see you when they let you sleep.

Lius says: So tha' people can find out who m'wife is, an' tha' she is in th'city? Nae.
Lius says: Ye'll both end up dead.

Selvaggia says: If people haven't figured out yet that I'm your wife, they are, quite frankly, too daft to pose any real threat.

Lius shakes his head. "Do wha' ye will, Selvie. There is somethin' yer goin' t'ave t'accept in time, love, as much as it hurts. We will be droppin' by next week."
Lius says: Think on it while 'm gone.

Selvaggia unfolds her arms and grabs Lius by the tabard. Smoke wisps up from where her hands catch. "Let me make this entirely clear to you, Lius Brethil: you are -not- leaving me. I don't -care- about the danger and the separation or any of the other excuses you're using to justify this to yourself. -Everyone- else in my life has left me. Everyone else is dead or hates me. I will -not- lose you as well."

Lius glares, a little bit snapping in dat brane. "There's reasons o'my own, aye. I seem t'be focused on keepin' our son safe, an' makin' sure 'e still 'as atleast one parent in th'future, an' ye seem t'be focused on yerself. As usual."

Selvaggia 's eyes narrow significantly. "I'm focused on this family. Us staying together with you going on drops won't deprive Garrett of both parents and has a high chance of not even depriving him of one. You -aren't- doing us any favors by running away so you don't have to miss us or so that you can feel like a bloody -hero-."

Lius says: A high chance, Selvie? REALLY? Because I almos' fuckin' died las' night, an' tha' was nae even on a drop. If ye'd stop bein' so fuckin' selfish abou' every little thin', ye'd see tha' I am tryin' t'HELP ye an' m'son.

Selvaggia 's grip on his tabard tightens; dat smoke gets smokier. "I am -allowed- to be selfish when my husband decides that he wants to up and leave without even -talking- to me about it! This isn't -helping-, no matter what you think. This is running away because you're afraid and because you hurt. And if you're being attacked not even on drops, what's you going away going to change, hmm? Do you think that's going to make things any better?"

Lius says: Do ye understand 'ow often these people go after family?

Selvaggia says: AND HOW IS THAT GOING TO CHANGE IF YOU LEAVE US?
Selvaggia says: Garrett is still your -son-! And unless you've decided that you don't love me anymore, if they want to hurt you, they'll -still- come after us.

Lius says: They'd 'ave t'find ye firs', which woul' be far easier t'do if ye live in fuckin' -Stormwind-.

Selvaggia says: We don't exactly make a secret of where we live anyway, and besides, isn't this noble enemy of yours the -thane- of Darkshire, which is -right down the fucking road-?
Selvaggia says: Who was it last night, then? Was it the Delahan Division? The Twilight's Hammer? Some strange mafia that's taking over the streets now?

Lius says: Ye think tha' band of fuckups is the problem?
Lius says: We strike out against enemies I cannae even speak of, nae t'anyone tha' is nae a Ghost.
Lius says: The Delihams are a joke in comparison.
Lius says: An' I donae remember las' nigh'. Faronne said it was a bandit.

Selvaggia says: And you somehow think that leaving us is going to make this -easier- or -less dangerous-?
Selvaggia says: Open your bloody eyes. Look around. Half of Westfall is a -crater-. There -is- no safe place any longer.
Selvaggia says: And if these people you go after are the threat you say they are? It won't matter if I change my name to Petunia Pipsqueak and go live in Northrend. They will hunt us down to get at you.
Selvaggia says: And frankly, if that is the case, I'd rather live the last months of my life -with- my husband instead of with him pretending he's nobler than he is.

Lius brings his hand up to his head. "Yer husband is fading. An' honestly, one of th'things tha' ties in t'this, is I'm nae sure ye can make th'needed change with me."

Selvaggia says: Needed change? Fading?

Lius says: Are ye nae tired of only 'aving ME as a friend, Selvie?
Lius says: I get hurt, an' people in th'Division donae a give a shit because of how we are.

Selvaggia 's frown deepens. "So we stop being so angry and bitter at the people whose lives depend on you and on whose lives you depend. I'm not exactly the social pariah that you think; caring for an infant makes it rather difficult to get out and socialize."

Lius raises a hand to his ear, his eyes rolling.
Lius says: We'll talk more in a bit, Captain says 'e 'as somethin' t'talk t'me about.

[Lius walks off, leaving Selvie to bawwww]

Lius says: Well.

Selvaggia is surrounded by several charred rat corpses. Her face is tear-streaked but otherwise impassive. "Well."

Lius says: I am now th'Medical Officer.

Selvaggia says: Congratulations.

Lius flops back, not looking too pleased about his promotion. "So wha' do we do?"

Selvaggia looks up at Lius, clearly in agony. "You're asking me now? You -know- what I want to do. I'm with you, Doc... for better or for worse. Isn't that what we promised?"

Lius says: I am tryin' t'do th'right thing, 'ere.
Lius says: After we actually deploy, do ye know 'ow rare it will be tha' I get t'see ye?
Lius looks upset. This is a first.

Selvaggia also looks upset, tears starting to track again. "I'd rather take those rare times than never. I'd rather fight and try than give up simply because there's a risk involved."

Lius says: A risk? It's inevitable. Do ye think we're called wha' we are jus' because it fuckin' sounds cool?

Selvaggia says: Obviously, it's not inevitable. Haven't you deployed already? Haven't you been fighting trolls? Isn't that where my birthday gift came from?

Lius says: An' every time I 'ave nearly died. At some point, tha' arrow isnae goin' t'miss.

Selvaggia says: We all -die- eventually, Lius. Even if I don't come with you, your death would probably kill me, unless you've forgotten.

Lius shakes his head, pulling his mask up. FUCK EMOTION. "Yer bein' hard headed, an' I am tryin' t'do th'right thin'."

Selvaggia moves across the way and pulls Lius' mask down. "You're hurting me. This isn't the right thing. Don't you trust me to be able to protect myself or at least -learn- to? Don't you think that if anything came after Garrett, it wouldn't be more than a pile of ash before it came within three steps of him? And do you honestly think that you leaving is going to convince anyone that you don't care... that you don't still love us?"

Lius says: It woul' make ye less of a target, less of a factor.

Selvaggia says: It wouldn't. You're not -that- good of an actor. And even if you claimed to hate me, to want nothing to do with me, nobody would believe for a second that you felt that way about Garrett.
Selvaggia says: It's too fast of a switch. It would look too suspicious.

Lius says: I donae know wha' is left t'discuss, doll. Jus'...time, I guess. We'll see wha' happens. As I said, we deploy next week.

Selvaggia looks at Lius almost sternly, though her firmness can't stop those tears. She looks absolutely pitiful. "Do you honestly -want- to leave me?" she asks in a hoarse whisper.

Lius sighs, dropping his head to his hands. "I need t'change, Selvie. I -need- to."

Selvaggia slips off the bench and drops to her knees, resting her head on Lius' lap whether he wants her there or not. "Why do you think that having me in your life would stop that? Why do you think I wouldn't change with you?"
Selvaggia says: I -love- you. I have for nearly a year. You made me feel like I belong somewhere. If you need to change, I'll change with you. That's what marriage is.

Lius says: I cannae ask ye t'change, Selvie. Ye 'ave t'do tha' on yer own.

Selvaggia says: You're my husband. If anyone has a right to ask me to change, you do. And why do you seem to think I'm so averse to the idea?
Selvaggia says: I've been versed in societal graces since I was very young. I know how to be polite and friendly and typically manage it.

Lius shrugs, doing his best to be LIUS about the whole situation. "I drop soon, an' when an' if I return, we will see where we stand."

Selvaggia says: You didn't answer my question.

Lius says: I didn't.

Selvaggia looks up at Lius. "Then please do, and if this time before you drop is going to be the last time we have, please at least do me the kindness of making it a sweet memory."

Lius only smiles, tilting her head up to go in for a kiss.

Selvaggia leans fully into the kiss, arms around his neck, clinging to him as if she'll never let go.

Lius pulls his head away. "Ye 'ave yer memory. I 'ave t'report in, now."

Selvaggia drops back, stunned, as if she's been slapped in the face. She doesn't say anything; just stares at Lius in naked disbelief.

Lius says: Jus' remember, I am nae leavin'. I am droppin'. When I return, we can speak withou' tha' looming over my head.

Selvaggia still looks stunned, pained even. She nods slowly. "I won't change my mind," she says quietly.

Selvaggia & Lius: May 1

Selvaggia squeezes Lius' hand. "I'm glad you're able to be here tonight. Garrett's probably asleep already."

Lius nods, glancing around. "Cannae stay all nigh', bu' I can sneak away for a while."

Selvaggia says: A while is all I need. Shall we?

Lius says: Mhm, will be nice t'be home.

Selvaggia grins, hopping up on the table and swinging her legs, looking almost back to her old, healthier self. Garrett is across the room, sleeping soundly and being stupidly cute.

Lius looks towards his son, cause DAWWWW. "Ye've certainly bounced back, love. Back t'avin' tha' dangerous look in yer eye."

Selvaggia leans back on her hands, still grinning wickedly. "I've been going a bit stir crazy without you, knowing that you're so close but still so far away. I've -missed- you."

Lius approaches! "An' ye think it 'as been easy fer me, aye? Nae. It's jus' wha' is required."

Selvaggia says: Just what's required, hm? As if you don't love it when you get to cut into one of them to save their lives. You just miss being able to enjoy the rush with me.

Lius says: It's a large thing t'miss, love. Bein' a division tha' doesnae exist means a certain level of...pretending t'nae exit.

Selvaggia reaches her hand up to touch Lius' cheek gently, rubbing her thumb against the skin there, as overly warm as usual. "You'll always exist to me, as invisible as you are."

Lius places his hand over hers, tugging his mask away with the one that remains free. Omg he's smiling. "Tha' was pretty romanatic, love. I figured ye'd be draggin' me 'ere t'cut int' somethin'."

Selvaggia laughs quietly and leans in to press her lips against Lius'. "There's a difference between the two? I've missed you. I've missed the feeling of your skin. I've missed the scent of your blood. I've missed your eyes and your smile. I'm glad you're home."

Lius grins further, standard Lius!glare coming to rest on her. "I will 'ave t'ask fer some leave time, after this troll business gets sorted out. I 'ave missed jus' 'ow fuckin' crazy ye make me feel."

Selvaggia kisses Lius again, on the lips and on the neck. "I've missed making you crazy. I adore spending time with Garrett, and he is an absolute joy, but I miss having someone who can talk back to me."

Lius makes a face. "Psh, 'e can talk. Ye jus' 'ave t'listen." He leans forward, arms wrapping around her.

Selvaggia links her ankles behind Lius' knees, trying to pull him closer. "Have you listened?" she asks. Her fingers grow slightly hotter against his cheek, leaving reddish marks. "What does he say?"

Lius says: Mostly tha' 'e loves 'is mother. 'E speaks of yer beauty, of 'ow lucky 'e is.

Selvaggia giggles; she just can't help it. "Does he now? And why is he so lucky?"

Lius says: Because 'e 'as you, o'course. While I 'ave t'go fall out of planes, yer always 'ere.
Lius nods. SAGE.
Lius says: 'E appreciates it.

Selvaggia drops her voice to a whisper, that old derpy smile coming to her face. "And does he realize that he is the son of a deity? Has he mentioned that?"

Lius chuckles, giving a firm nod. "Of course. 'E often speaks of 'ow great I am, yet seems convinced tha' 'e will be better. I admit, I think tha' 'e will."

Selvaggia says: Of course he will! He has the best of both of us... he'll put us both to shame.
Selvaggia runs a searing finger under the collar of Lius' robes. "So. My deity. I wonder how we ought to spend this lovely time that you're returned to me."

Lius shrugs, relaxing at the touch. Oman. "I 'ad certain thin's in mind."

Selvaggia flexes her fingers somewhat, intensifying the heat. "What certain things are these, if I may ask? A lesson for your best pupil?"

Lius leans into the heat, his eyes closing for a second. "I think ye already know, love, or yer jus' tauntin' me."

Selvaggia grins, kissing the other side of Lius' neck and leaving gentle burns along his collarbone. "I have to wonder if there will be any retaliation this evening or if you are entirely at my mercy..."

Lius moves to release a strap holding his pauldrons in place, allowing them to thud against the ground. "I woul' jus' throw my comm away, bu' this isnae Vigil. This is serious."

Selvaggia withdraws her hands from under his collar, tracing the wire of his comm. "How does this work, anyway? What should I press to make you say hello?"

Lius runs a finger along the underside of the bean shaped bud stuck in his ear. "This will do it, or.." His hand trails down, pressing against his collar. A small strap can be seen through the cloth, he presses down on a bulk nearby. "This."

Selvaggia grins, running her fingers along both areas. "Good to know. Let's hope I don't accidentally press either button when I make you scream..." She sends a slight jolt of shadow energy into his chest, experimentally, as if remembering how.

Lius flinches back, having been away from pain for quite some time. His head rolls back, eyes closing, it's hard to tell if it's from the pain or bliss. "Yer askin' fer trouble, lass." He grins, shadow dancing from finger to finger.

Selvaggia sends another jolt, one much stronger, through his arm, eyes dancing with excitement. "It's been quite some time since I've had trouble, my deity. I welcome it at your hands."

Lius works through the extra burst of shadow directed his way, bringing his fingers up to trace across her lips. Shadow now openly flows from the tip of each, lashing out at her cheeks.

Selvaggia hums with pleasure at the sensation, bringing her hand up to his cheek. Flames dance from her fingers as well, licking against his cheeks. "Ahh, I have missed you."

Lius doubles his efforts, his eyelids drooping through the mixture of pain and concentration. "An' I 'ave missed ye, doll."

Selvaggia gives a soft growl of desire and pulls Lius into a full kiss, flames still dancing from her fingers and leaving red marks along his cheeks. The other hand catches in his hair, holding him close to her.

Lius hrmphs as he's pulled into the kiss, his fingers pulling away from her cheek. A full on stream of shadow forms from his palm, heading towards her skull.

Selvaggia groans as the shadow energy connects with her temple and retaliates in kind, drawing wisps of green energy from the runes she carved on his chest so many months ago. She bites down on his lower lip hard, drawing blood.

Lius lurches forward, leaning into her. His breathing comes in deep spurts, the stream of shadow flickers before fading away. Oh god, pain.

Selvaggia chuckles against his mouth, the tendrils ebbing some. "Shall I stop, my deity?" she asks in a voice that suggests she will do no such thing, "or are you enjoying this too much?"

Lius shakes his head, unable to manage something as complex as speaking right now. A hand awkwardly gropes for the knife at his side, pulling it up towards her shoulder. Where he digs straight the fuck in.

Selvaggia cries out in pain, not expecting sudden knife stabbings. The tendrils of energy grow darker, almost purple, and the gem in the ring on her finger lights up as if absorbing something. The flow of energy is constant, however; though the pain isn't diminished in any way, Lius wouldn't feel any weaker. It's replenished as soon as it's taken.

Lius drags the knife down further, short spurts of movement caused by the jolts of pain more often than not. Still, he isn't making any sounds, just kind of writhing.

Selvaggia reaches up with her other hand, which is shaking rather heavily, and places it on Lius'. She tries to steady his movements, to keep him from digging too deeply and damaging nerve and muscle, but the pain is far too exquisite to stop him completely.

Lius glares at her, locking his eyes onto her own. Intensity, but it's lacking even a trace of hate. He allows her to help guide his hand, unable to do much else to stop her.

Selvaggia 's shoulder is soaked through with blood; it covers her fingers as well, and she runs them along Lius' lip. "Would you like to learn, my deity, to have a part of me as I have a part of you?" She holds up her ring.

Lius sputters a response, hooray speech. The knife comes to a stop. "Aye."

Selvaggia smiles softly and leans back, reaching for an ancient tome that's conveniently leaning against the table. She flips through it, getting blood spatters on the pages, until she reaches one illuminated with illustrations of violet stones and runes. She indicates a set of runes toward the bottom of the page, identical to the ones Lius has on his chest. "Use your knife to make these on my chest. Carefully, though... mess them up and you'll summon a demon instead, and that would be awkward."

Lius takes a moment to gather himself, shaking each limb free of any remaining jitters. With a final step forward, and a bit of leaning, he sets to the work. Glancing to the book every now and then, the work is quickly completed. Because, come on...surgeon.

Selvaggia is now quite the gory mess--though the cuts weren't deep, they were bloody, and her front is streaked with red. She smiles up at Lius, something more than a little insane in her eyes. "The words you must say are in Eredun... it's a demonic tongue. They'll enable you to discern my essence--my soul--and pull pieces away from it through those runes." Despite the obvious danger of this idea, she sounds giddy with excitement.

Lius whistles, that's some serious shit yo. "Alrigh'." He nods, glancing to the book. "These 'ere?"

Selvaggia nods, pressing her lips together. "Make sure the pronunciation is correct... I wrote it out phonetically below. It's pretty similar to how one calls forth a succubus, and that could get awkward."

Lius shrugs, not taking this quite as seriously as he should. "Awkward or amazin'." He mutters, reading through the words a few more times. Finally, he takes in a deep breath, and wordswordswords.

Selvaggia makes a soft, almost strangled noise. She'd shift in Lius' view, her essence clearly visible as if her skin and body have become transparent. "Did it work?" she asks, not seeing these changes for herself.

Lius says: Tha' or a syringe managed t'get me durin' th'fun...
Lius rubs at his eye. Great, now there's blood everywhere.

Selvaggia laughs quietly and shifts her position, trying to get more comfortable. "Try drawing a part of me towards you... not too much or you'll have a big rock in your hand and a dead wife. Just... sort of ask it to come towards you."

Lius inhales deeply, shaking his head. Alright. Go time. A hand raises, beckoning it closer. "Come 'ere." He wills it, trying to avoid eating all of it.

Selvaggia gives a cry of pain that she quickly stifles to a growl, trying not to wake the baby. As predicted, a thin ribbon of her essence curls outward toward Lius' waiting hand, moving about his fingers much like any other shadow energy would.

Lius lifts his hand, examining the energy. "Wha' th'ell do I do now?"

Selvaggia is shaking from the pain of it; he can't see the tears of pain streaming down her cheeks, but he can likely hear them in her voice. "The final word is at the bottom of the page. It ends the s-spell..."

Lius seems too busy with the energy crawling around his fingers to notice the book. "Hrm?" He questions, glancing up. "OH! Righ'." He nods, and SHADOW WORD: FINAL.

Selvaggia gasps; Lius would notice her shimmering back into her more recognizable appearance. The energy that danced around his fingers coalesces into a tiny gem in the palm of his hand, a similar violet to the gem in her ring.

Lius rolls the gem around in his palm, eyes set down onto it. "I imagine it woul' be wise t'keep track of this."

Selvaggia is breathing heavily and still shaking quite a bit. Her wounds have cauterized and she looks as though the entire experience has taken quite a bit out of her. "S-set it in youru wedding band, perhaps?"

Lius nods, clenching it in his fist. "Aye, I know someone tha' can do it." He looks up, frowning at omgtiredselvie. "Looks like we need t'get ye t'bed, love."

Selvaggia smiles, leaning forward until her head rests against Lius' shoulder. "I can think of some things to do once we get there," she murmurs.

Lius attempts to sweep her off the table, careful to avoid dropping dat gem. "Aye, aye. We'll see if yer jus' all talk when we get there."

Selvaggia & Lius: October 31

Lius plops down, letting out a massive sigh. Being polite had been quite the battle.

Selvaggia gives Lius a very sweet smile, slipping her hand into his. "You can relax now, darling. I am very proud of your acting skills."

Lius grunts, it may have been a laugh. "Should'a let me cut th'leg off."

Selvaggia nods her agreement. "I quite agree, love. I can understand her reluctance, but it's only really hurting her in the long run. Still, she may come back to us yet, if the Cathedral cannot give her real aid."

Lius waves a hand again, disgusted by the idea. "Light mumblin' crazies, th'lot of 'im. Faith 'ealin m'arse."

Selvaggia's lip curls in undisguised disgust. "No science behind it whatsoever," she agrees. "They think they can simply sparkle at someone and magically make them well. It simply doesn't work that way."

Lius says: Jus' sparkle 'ands an' BAM, cured! Nae, it takes blood, sweat, an' tears. Well trained professionals, tha' wha' it takes.

Selvaggia nods her agreement again, scooting closer to Lius and touching his face lightly, hoping to catch a little bit of shadow against her fingers. "Well-trained professionals like you...and me, eventually, I hope."

Lius grins behind the shroud, nodding lightly. "Aye, ye're nae t'far out now. Did well while we were gone."

Selvaggia says: I appreciate you saying so! I know I've still quite a bit to learn, but you are a wonderful tutor.

Lius says: Well, 'm still learnin' m'self. Impossible to ever really be prepared for it all, I thin'. Nae met anyone tha' was, atleast.

Selvaggia says: Still, I have faith in your tutelage, love. It helps a great deal that you seem to have at least some faith in my knowledge and talent, yes?

Lius says: Wouldnae let ye close t'me with anythin' sharp if I didnae 'ave faith in ye, Selvie.

Selvaggia gives Lius a slanted grin. "Ah, but having faith in someone's ability to perform a smooth surgery and trusting someone to only hurt you as much as you want to be hurt are two different things."

Lius shrugs, tracing his fingers along the shroud of shadow. Teehee, it tingles. "Obviously I 'ave faith in yer control in both situations."

Selvaggia says: You don't worry ever that I would lose myself in...the moment...and thereby lose control?

Lius chuckles lightly, fingers still lingering near the shadow. "Losing control, now tha' woul' be quite th'show. I'm confident of m'ability t'gain control, shoul' ye lose it."

Selvaggia brings her hand up to brush her fingers against the shadow as well, shivering. "Tangentally related, but I wondered where in Arathi you would like to go for our trip this Wednesday."

Lius says: Doesnae matter t'me, I know of a certain farm tha' woul'....'ave plenty of crop, aye?

Selvaggia presses her lips together, brushing her fingers against the shadow still. "...we also have the possibility of picking up our harvest and taking them elsewhere. I could arrange a portal for us...have you ever heard of Eldre'Thalas?"

Lius doesn't want to shake his head, his eyes tracking the movement of her fingers. "Nae."

Selvaggia continues to move her fingers against the shadow, almost hypnotically. "It was a High Elven city years ago...though it has since fallen into disrepair, the magical currents there are incredibly powerful. Not to mention the beauty of the setting."

Lius says: So we jus' kidnap some greenskins an'...'aul them there?

Selvaggia says: Alternately, I believe the greenskins have an outpost not far from there. We could see how many we could round up from there...you could use your magic to convince them to follow us...
Selvaggia trails off, brushing her hand through the veil of shadow to touch Lius' cheek and smiling sweetly.

Lius grins behind the shade, his hand stretching to the small of her back. Small arcs of shadow bounce from his fingers, contacting the cloth. "Tha' sounds like quite th'plan."

Selvaggia inhales sharply at the sensation and smiles, shivering again. "You're dressed differently tonight," she observes, bringing her free hand to rest against his knee.

Lius nods, trailing his hand up her spine. The shadow continues to flow, intensifying over time. "Mhm, figured it may be time fer'a change."

Selvaggia swallows lightly, making a vague attempt to maintain any sort of composure. She shivers again. "A change? Are you...are you focusing more on working with the shadows?"

Lius lets out a whistle, a sizeable burst of shadow launching from his fingers. "Shadows? Now, tha's grim talk, love." He chuckles, the best non answer.

Selvaggia barely flinches at the shadow launched into her back, but along with the slight flinch comes a teasing smile. "No grimmer than our plans for this week, mmm?" she asks, brushing her fingers against his cheek again.

Lius frowns at this, A CHALLENGE! He glances around, making sure that his hand his hidden from any others that may be around. A larger burst of shadow is launched, a light chuckle following it. "Jus' as grim, aye, if ye're t'believe th'clergy."

Kialthos glances at Lius and Selvaggia. Wat r they doin wit dat shadow stuffz.

Selvaggia grits her teeth and continues to smile at Lius. She's obviously uncomfortable, though whether out of discomfort or enjoyment is unclear. "Since when have I believed the clergy?" she asks lightly.

Lius resists the urge to sigh, refusing to be bested IN PUBLIC of all places! His entire hand flexes, a rather large burst exploding from his glove. He risks a glance over his shoulder, checking to see if anyone was about to stab him. "Tha's fair."

Kialthos says: What the fuck?
Kialthos says: Are ya doin'.

Selvaggia gives a soft cry, jerking forward and almost falling off the bench. She glances sideways at Lius and then at the draenei, finally answering, "Nothing at all. Apologies for disturbing your evening."

Kialthos says: Not my evenin'. Are you okay?

Selvaggia says: Yes.
Selvaggia gives Lius a fervent glance, looking more than a little flustered.

Lius does his best not to laugh, small bursts of shadow launching from each finger every few seconds. "Quite fine."

Kialthos says: Doesn't look like it. Dude, would you quit that?

Lius says: Quit touchin' my wife? Uhh....nae.

Kialthos says: Jus' lookin' a bit...strange, neh?

Selvaggia squirms uncomfortably for a moment, eventually whacking Lius on the thigh and turning to whisper something in his ear.
To Lius: "Either take me someplace private or stop that."

Lius bursts into laughter, his hand returning to his side. VICTORY, and so mature about it! "Yer strange, shu' up."

Kialthos says: Whatever.
Kialthos sits back down, giving them the occasional glance.

Selvaggia pretends to glare at Lius but doesn't manage to do so for very long. "This new outfit suits you very well, love."

Lius nods, stretching his arms out infront of him. " 'M quite fond of it. I do miss th'Medical robes...bu'...these 'ave a certain feel t' 'em."

Selvaggia grins, brushing her fingers against the shadow veil in front of his face again. "I can tell that you adore them. You're more...mmm, enthusiastic about life tonight?"

Lius says: "Life"....aye, y'coul' say tha'. Jus' a lovely night, aye?

Selvaggia says: It really is. You know, the Day of the Dead is tomorrow...Hallow's End is just about over.

Lius shrugs, glancing around the square. "Nae all tha' upset abou' it, may stop tha' crazy 'eadless lad on th'orse. Gettin' tired of 'im tryin' t'burn everythin' down."

Selvaggia says: You'd think that something without a head would be able to find a better hobby, mmm? I'll grant that he couldn't take up hat-making, but still. Perhaps he could take up deep sea diving?

Lius says: Tha's perfect, or serve as a target dummy. Become a pro at limbo.

Selvaggia says: He would win every limbo tournament in the world. Though it's really no wonder he hasn't thought of it, as he hasn't got a head.

Lius says: Tha's a shame, 'd be a fan of 'im. Wear a 'eadless 'orseman shirt an' all.

Selvaggia says: I would send him fanmail. Of course, he couldn't read it, since he has no eyes.

Lius says: 'E will never know of our love for 'im, an' tha' makes me sad.

Selvaggia puts her free hand over her heart, still lightly touching the shadow veil with the other. "Truly, it is a devastating circumstance. To be so loved but to be unable to read the fanmail that says as much!"

Lius says: An' soon 'e will be gone, so we cannae suggest th'new career t'im. 'E is a dick anyway, likely try t'take our 'eads.
Lius says: I like yer 'ead, donae lose it.

Selvaggia says: I rather like your head as well...attached to your body, even. It would be a pity if I had to carry my husband's head around with me and introduce you to people that way, as if we were trolls or other savages.

Lius says: Or yer sister.

Selvaggia says: Does my sister carry her husband's head around with her? The last time I saw him, he was a corpse, but his head was still attached.

Lius chuckles, patting her on the leg. "It was a joke, Selvie. Oliver still 'as 'is 'ead, las' I checked."

Selvaggia laughs and brushes her fingers against Lius' cheek again, bringing some shadow with her. "Light knows at this point little about them would surprise me."

Lius presses against the contact, an arm lounging around her shoulders. "Tha' is true. Ye ever speak with yer sister anymore?"

Selvaggia leans against Lius, smiling contentedly, but shaking her head just the same. "She wants nothing to do with me, and I choose to respect her wishes."

Lius says: Tha's quite th'shame, though 'm nae one t'talk. Nae sure where Zhael is anymore.

Selvaggia says: Mm. Siblings are a peculiar thing, really.

Lius says: Nae much point t'em, as far as 've seen. 'E will end up with th'Brotherhood, callin' it now. They will get 'im killed.

Selvaggia says: ...or turned into a worgen. Would you...I don't suppose you'd want to dissect him after that happens, would you.

Lius says: 'E woul' jus be another corpse, aye?

Selvaggia nods, relenting some. "He would. I just don't want you to be made uncomfortable by our work, my deity." The term of endearment slips out without her intending it to.

Lius says: Woul' perhaps 'ave t'cover up 'is face, or remove it. Beyon' tha'? Shouldnae be a problem.

Selvaggia says: Mm, good thing we wouldn't have to break his jaw.

Lius says: Well...we wouldnae 'ave to...bu' who is t'say tha' we cannae do it anyway?

Selvaggia raises her eyebrows, laughing softly. "No love lost between you, is there?"

Lius says: 'E made 'is choice, I made mine. All there is t'it, really.

Selvaggia nods, deciding it's wise to change the subject. "How is your chest feeling?"

Lius turns his head, a slight tilt to it as if to say "HRRRRM?!" before the question really hits him. "Oh! Righ', aye, it's doin'...well."

Selvaggia giggles airily at this, bringing her hand down from his face to gently brush against his chest in a definite pattern. "I'm glad you're in no permanent pain. The marks will remain, I'm sure, but at least the pain was temporary, yes?"

Lius dips his chin to get a better look at her hand, giving a slight nod. "Aye, an' overwhelmed by...other emotions, at th'time."

Selvaggia can't help but to smile fondly at Lius, none of her usual wickedness in the smile. It's so overly sweet, but it is what it is. She reaches up to kiss him, shivering as the shadow veil brushes against her face.

Lius leans down towards the kiss, suddenly very pleased with his new choice of helmet...collar...thing.

Selvaggia closes her eyes and breaks the kiss after a moment, exhaling slowly, a cloud of steam coming from her lips despite the mild evening. "I like your hat," she murmurs, still less than an inch from his face.

Lius grins, his expression finally visible as she had pushed through the veil. " 'M quite th'fan of it m'self. Th'fact tha' ye enjoy it, well...tha' makes it all th'better."

Selvaggia exhales another cloud of steam, amused. "How does the shadow veil work? Is it simply shadow magic suspended like this?"

Lius lowers his voice. "A constant supply o'shadow, requires nae any focus. Jus'....pulls th'energy from me, an' this is 'ow it puts it t'use."

Selvaggia laughs, brushing her lips against his again, untintentionally. "It's amazing. You know how I feel about shadow magic...I've been learning a few tricks myself, though they're a bit more dangerous."

Lius edges his head forward a bit, planting a light kiss. "Tha' so? Tricks tha' woul' be safe t'test on me?"

Selvaggia nods, her voice low and gentle. "A few of them. More in shadow than in fire or fel lately...since most soulplay is related to shadow magic anyway."

Lius grins at this, his fingers suddenly alive with shadow magic, small bands that weave from finger to finger. Small enough to easily hide if needed. "Quite a powerful feelin', aye?"

Selvaggia laughs again, exhaling more steam. Something about shadow magic makes her breath seem colder. "It truly is. If I didn't fear the implications, I would show you now..."

Lius says: Mhm, well, quite a few places tha' are a bi' more private.

Selvaggia says: Mm. Would you like that?

Lius says: Woul' enjoy gettin' away from all th'stares, aye.

Selvaggia leans against Lius, murmuring almost too low to be heard, "The usual spot or would you prefer someplace else?"

Lius grins, so pleased. "Th'usual spot almos' feels like 'ome now."

Selvaggia says: It almost does, doesn't it? If it wasn't so...dilapidated, I would call it home. Shall we?

Lius nods. "Mhm, lets."

[they travel to Raven Hill]

Selvaggia says: So.

Lius nods towards the table, placing a hand on it. "Where d'ye wan' me?"

Selvaggia simply smiles at him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Where you are is fine." And without warning, a bolt of shadow energy shoots from her hand into his shoulder. Oops.

Lius had been smiling at the time, that quickly faded. His body responded before he could gather himself, a solid flinch. The grin returned shortly after, right hand clenching into a fist. "So...tha's 'ow it is, aye?"

Selvaggia says: That's how it is, aye.
Selvaggia sends another, less potent jolt of shadow energy into his shoulder, grinning.

Lius doesn't respond to this, standing his ground. His clenched fist swarms with shadow, tendrils of the energy soon jutting forth from beyond the veil, suggesting that his eyes had become overwhelmed by the magic. "Tha's a dangerous game, doll."

Selvaggia smiles softly as he calls her doll. "You know how I feel about shadow magic," she murmurs. No more shadow jolts this time, though her hands are dark with the energy and growing darker by the minute.

Lius shifts his hand to her hip, the shadow crawling along the edge of the surrounding cloth. Most of it continued to cling to his hand, unreleased. "Enough pain may change tha' opinion."

Selvaggia actually laughs loudly at this, rolling her head back and looking back at him. "Have you ever known me to dislike pain at all, my deity?"

Lius gives a final nod, his hand unclenching. The magic instantly slams into her side, every bit of it launching away from his hand.

Selvaggia cries out at the shadow magic released into her body, nearly crumpling in pain. Her hands dig into the cloth at his shoulders in an attempt to hold herself up, though she is still smiling shakily.

Lius seems offended by the smile, his hand flexing as a fresh flow of shadow opens up. A constant assault, which would shortly after see his hand shaking from fatigue.

Selvaggia continues to cry out in pain, though her cries become whimpers the longer the assault continues. Her knees eventually buckle and she is relying entirely on him to keep from slipping to the floor. This does not, however, stop her from murmuring a word in Eredun, casting a single bane on him, one that would cause wave after wave of pain throughout his body.

Lius gasps at the sudden onslaught, doubling his efforts. His head bows in concentration, attempting to maintain the flow of shadow, and doing his best to control the surging pain.

Selvaggia drops to the floor, shaking in pain at the continued assault. Another word in Eredun and she begins to attempt to draw strength from him for herself.

Lius falls to his knee, his hand doing its best to stay attached to her. A quiet chant escapes the veil of shadow covering his face, an explosion of Shadow follows shortly after, a creature of shadow screeching into existence behind the duo.
Lius falls silent as the Shadowfiend crawls towards Selvie, silently watching her.

Selvaggia stops looking quite so pained, suddenly narrowing her focus. Beings of shadow can't be dispersed with more shadow, so she conjures a bit of flame. With another demonic word, the flame shoots towards the creature and would continue to burn at it until it is consumed.

Lius lets out a grim chuckle as his Shadowfiend screams out in agony, flopping around on the floor. "Tha'..." he mutters, trying to catch his breath between waves of pain. "Was rude of ye..." he sputters, hand raising to brush through her hair.
Lius sighs, doing his best to concentrate through everything. A sudden surge of shadow overtakes his hand, launching towards her head.

Selvaggia screams in agony as the shadow energy connects with her head, eyes actually darkening with the magic. She clutches her head in her hands silently for a moment, shaking almost uncontrollably.

Lius smiles behind the veil, one hand shakily lifting to pull his hood away. His hand trails down from her head, backhand brushing against her hands. "So beautiful when yer in pain..."

Selvaggia doesn't respond with words but does raise her hand as if to ask for help up. Strangely, though, he would feel a tugging sensation from the runes she carved on his chest, causing pain that goes well beyond skin and nerves, down to his very core. There is a tugging, a tearing, and strange violet tendrils snake out towards her hand.

Lius lets out a pained groan, clutching at his chest. His eyes go wide in agony, unable to gather himself enough to cast anything in response. He simply kneels there, fighting off the urge to scream.

Selvaggia lets the sensation continue for a moment longer, slowly standing, her smile returning. She stops draining his soul after a minute, the tendrils coalescing into a small purple gem that rests in the palm of her hand, no larger than a carat in size. She examines the gem with greedy eyes and smiles at Lius, sinking to the floor again, pressing her lips against his. "So are you."

Selvaggia, Faronne, & Lius: October 31

Faronne stops to rest, leaning heavily on her cane. She takes a long look around the Catehdral Square, and spots Selvaggia. She offers a slight nod in greeting, having recognized her from the party.

Selvaggia blinks a few times and nods in recognition of Faronne. "Good evening, ma'am."

Faronne turns, and begins to limp over to where Selvaggia is. She's briefly stopped by the raised edge of the fountain's platform, "May I sit?"

Selvaggia nods, indicating the seat beside her. "Of course; I was simply waiting for my husband to come by, but I would be glad of company in the meantime."

Faronne smiles to Selvaggia, and makes her way over to the bench. She plops down rather unceremoniously, and her sword clatters against the stonework, "Thank you, dear. Walking is a trial, and my mare despises the city. I think you see my dilemma."

Selvaggia looks at Faronne with some concern and curiosity. "...you know, my husband is a doctor and surgeon. Would it help at all if he had a look at your leg?"

Faronne shifts rather uncomfortably on the seat, and gently taps her chin in thought, "Perhaps it'd be better for the more medically trained to look at it. Mister von Diehl, bless his heart, couldn't make heads or tails of it."

Selvaggia 's eyebrows shoot up. "von Diehl?" she asks, still in a calm and polite voice. "The name is very familiar to me...he doesn't happen to be from Capital City, does he?"
Selvaggia says: ...I beg your pardon. I mean Lordaeron.

Faronne smirks, "Yes. And I knew what you meant, dear. I'm from the area as well-- come to think of it. You're one of the Fuoco girls, aren't you?" She squints at Selvaggia.

Selvaggia smiles politely, nodding. "I am. Or...was. I've since married. Selvaggia Brethil." She extends her hand towards Faronne to shake.

Faronne smiles softly, and faces forward again. She massages at her crippled leg, "My, how they grow. I don't see many from Andorhal these days. It's truly a pleasure to run into you."

Lius nods at you.
Lius says: Love.

You smile at Lius.

Selvaggia says: Hello, love. I was just getting acquainted with an old friend from back home, Ms. ...Price, right? Faronne Price?

Faronne nods politely to Lius, "That is correct."

Selvaggia looks pleased that she remembered. "Ms. Price, this is my husband, Lius Brethil."

Lius glances to Faronne, forcing himself to give a nod. "A pleasure."

Selvaggia says: Love, Ms. Price has some trouble walking and I mentioned to her how brilliant a medic you are. I thought that, perhaps, you might take a look at her leg and examine the damage.

Faronne looks as though she were about to say something else-- then nods, "Ah, yes. A bit of trouble recently."

Lius raises a hand to his chin, pushing through the small shroud of shadow. "Tha' so? Describe th'problem."

Selvaggia smiles more brightly when she sees the shroud of shadow, chewing on her lower lip.

Faronne gestures to her right thigh, "I was attacked, and my leg broken and otherwise mangled. I was tended to by a druid of the White Sigil"- her lips curl up in the slightest bit of disgust at that- "And they only succeeded in stopping the bleeding."
Faronne says: I've not walked right since. Perhaps they mended it incorrectly? I'd love a trained medic's opinion.

Lius drops his hand, waving it dismissively infront of him. "Tha's th'problem with 'alf of th' so called 'ealers out there. Nae an idea of wha' they're doin'. Very well, show me where th'pain is."

Faronne smirks slightly at that remark, then gestures to her left thigh, "From... here, to about here," she taps her leg just above the knee, then a few inches from her lap, "Much of the muscle is destroyed or otherwise missing. Can you do anything about that?"

Selvaggia raises an eyebrow curiously. "Destroyed? That must have been a horrible break, Ms. Price."

Faronne nods, "The woman was outright insane. Attacked me with no provocation-- jumped upon me, and used a spear enchanted with flame. If you see such a woman... I suggest not catching her attention."

Lius drops to a knee, looking none too pleased that he's getting his robes dusty. His fingers trace over her robe, following the length of the described wound. "Perhaps. It's possible t'remove muscle from other areas, use certain drugs t'promote 'ealin'."
Lius says: Woul' require quite a bit o'surgery, an' nae tellin' 'ow well it woul' work. My suggestion? Amputation.
Lius shrugs, pushing himself back to his feet.

Faronne deapdans at this. "..." Then shakes her head.

Selvaggia looks disappointed at this, though whether it's on Ms. Price's behalf or on her and Lius' is anyone's guess. "That's a pity. I'm sorry, Ms. Price."

Faronne says: ...I believe I will seek another opinion. Thank you, though, Mister Brethil. I appreciate you taking the time.

Selvaggia says: ...if you do not mind my asking, Ms. Price, is the muscle simply atrophied or did something unnatural destroy it?

Lius shrugs, brushing his robes off. "Nae a problem. May be wise t'seek out one of th'ligh' wielders, word is they can work wonders."

Faronne says: I believe what caused the muscle atrophy was magical in nature; the woman's blade had an enchantment on it. I was hoping it was a simple fix, but I suppose I am wrong.

Selvaggia says: It may be a curse, then, in which case your best bet would likely be a Light-wielder--a paladin who could decurse the tissue or a priest who could do the same.

Lius glances around the square, as if expecting to see someone. "Lass by th'name of Istari Adkins may be able t'elp you more than I."

Faronne says: Thank you, dear. I'll look into it. In the meantime... mind helping me up?
Faronne smiles helplessly.

Lius glances to Selvie, seeing if she responds to the request of a hand. After a moment of simple staring he offers Faronne his hand.

Selvaggia simply smiles politely; she is, after all, a lady...at least at the moment. Not to mention that it's lovely to see her husband being such a gentleman.

Faronne takes Lius's hand and pulls herself up. She plants her cane on the cobblestones, and offers a smile, "Thank you. I should be going, now. Enjoy your evening."

Lius gives another nod. "Same t'ye."

Selvaggia says: It was lovely seeing you again, Ms. Price. I hope that you're able to find help for your leg.

Faronne says: Thank you.

Selvaggia & Lius: October 28

Selvaggia tugs really hard and manages to remove the pumpkin from her head. Her hair is covered in pumpkin goo and she doesn't look happy about it.

Lius pats his pumpkin.

Selvaggia says: What, don't want to see what I'm going to do to you, pumpkin-head?

Lius says: Jus'...jus' nae sure 'ow t'go about removin' it.

Selvaggia says: ...well, I could tug it off. Or maybe see if I could cast something on it that would make it really brittle and shatter it.

Lius grabs his mace, thwapping the pumpkin hard. The mace smashes through, leaving a hole, but doing little to remove it.
Lius says: Well...

Selvaggia walks right up to Lius and glances around, as if expecting someone to catch her at any second. "Don't move a muscle. I don't want to hurt you." With that, she casts a simple Curse of Weakness on the pumpkin attempting to make it more brittle.

Lius thumps the side of the pumpkin with his fist, it breaks and slides away. Hooray, fresh air! "Tha'....is far better."

Selvaggia grins, dropping her hands to her side, but not before plucking some pumpkin goo from Lius' hair. "You don't mind, do you? What I just did?"

Lius shakes his head, sending a bit of goo ERRYWHERE. "Nae really. Stehl isnae aroun' t'get all pissed."

Selvaggia wrinkles her nose and laughs at the pumpkin goo flying all over the place, trying to pull some of it from her own hair. "I don't -like- to do things like that, but...well. Fel magic has its advantages. A few of them."

Lius says: World is splittin' in two it feels like, I donae thin' Fel magic is a major source of concern..

Selvaggia smiles sheepishly, resting her forearms on Lius' shoulders. "Well, then. Shall we?"

Lius says: Aye...'spose it's abou' tha' time.

Selvaggia looks around and sighs softly. "I -do- wish this place was less of a dump, but it will do, for now."

Lius says: Aye...so...wha' needs t'be off?

Selvaggia mumbles something about "everything" but more loudly says, "Well, that depends where you would like me to begin cutting."

Lius grins, his back remaining turned to her. His shoulder dips, the medical bag sliding away. "Tha's yer call, doc."

Selvaggia says: Well, perhaps we ought to start at the top and work our way down. I promise not to cause anything vital to rupture.

Lius nods and begins to remove STUFFS. "Tha's quite a promise. I feel safer already."
Lius lifts himself up onto the table, sitting there with a stupid grin, his legs kicking like a child.
Lius says: Directions!
Lius shrugs, his legs still kicking off the edge.

Selvaggia also grins, pulling her mask up and tucking her hair behind her ears. She opens her surgical pack and removes her very own lancet--yay for wedding presents--and holds it in the palm of her hand to heat the blade.
Selvaggia says: Well, would you prefer for me to cause you pain or for this be an actual learning experience?

Lius says: Tha's yer call, aye?

Selvaggia smirks and steps forward, running her fingers against his bare chest for a moment before testing the hot edge of the knife directly above his pectoral muscles. "My call it may be, but it is also your body. I'm simply unsure how much you can take."

Lius does his best not to move, or show any reaction at all. "A fine night t'find out, aye?"

Selvaggia gives a slanted grin. A challenge! "That it is," she murmurs and presses the blade in further, cutting a long and jagged line down the length of his chest. The cut isn't deep, but it's one of those surfacey cuts that just stings when the air hits it.

Lius rolls his bottom lip under his teeth, his eyes closing for a split second before he gathers himself. He doesn't speak, just stares at her.

Selvaggia continues to smile, twisting the blade a tiny bit before removing it. A bit of fire flares around the fingertips of her opposite hand; she drags one fingertip down the length of the wound to cauterize it.

Lius forces himself to keep breathing, though his body is screaming for him to hold it. His posture has already started to shift, slightly hunched. "Tha' all?"

Selvaggia shakes her head, grinning and twirling the knife between her fingers. "I'm simply getting started...'warmed up,' you might say, if you were feeling punny." She brings the lancet to his chest again, digging in deeper this time, working the blade in a definite pattern.

Lius lets out a gasp at this, his eyes slamming shut. Fingers wrapped around the edge of the table, he fights to stay upright.

Selvaggia laughs softly, wickedly, finishing the first design and moving onto the second. As she bears into his skin again, she cauterizes the first wound with the fingers of her free hand. She is very good at multitasking.

Lius fights to free his right hand from the table, eventually it releases the table and moves towards her neckline. He presses it flat there, his face twisted in pain, though a grin still lay across his lips. He obviously isn't thinking straight. His hand still flat against her chest, just above her breasts, a holy flame ignites from his pointer and middle fingers, digging into the flesh.

Selvaggia almost drops the lancet at this, gasping at the sudden pain, and then laughing as if she's enjoying it. She presses onward, though her hands are now shaking somewhat, working on the third part of the design and cauterizing the second.

Lius fights on! His eyes squint in a mixture of concentration and pain, doing his best to focus on the flame. His fingers trail across her neckline, searing flesh along the way.

Selvaggia lets out a soft groan, not quite of pain and not quite of pleasure. It's a battle of the wills now, though, and she's determined to win. "C-careful...you're g-going to have to live with-th it if you m-make me mess this u-up..." she murmurs and digs the knife in, creating the fourth part of the design and cauterizing the third.

Lius is quite obviously biting on his lip to deal with the pain. Small trails of blood leak down along his chin, his eyes close once again. The flame leaps to a third finger, all of which now dick into her flesh and scrape further to the side.

Selvaggia freezes in her work, giving a small cry of pain, the flames on her fingers flaring even further, leaving burns on his skin. She screws her eyes shut for a moment, trying to regain concentration, and finally sets to work on the fifth and final part of the design. It's more intricate than the previous pieces and takes a little bit longer...and it still needs to be cauterized.

Lius is no longer paying attention to what he's burning, his hand slips under the cloth of her tunic, his fingers trailing down her shoulder and arm, likely taking cloth with it. His teeth part and his bottom lip is free, a small groan escaping.

Selvaggia gasps softly at this, the cloth of her tunic falling aside, leaving her shoulder and quite a bit of her arm exposed and burned. She freezes in her design again, regaining her composure before twisting the blade in the final curl of the design. Once this is done, she lays the lancet aside and traces her fingers along the cuts she's made on his chest until the wounds have all cauterized. She drops her hands to rest on the table, breathing heavily.

Lius forces his eyes open as the last cut is made, wandering to the trail of seared flesh he's left behind. With a single shake of his hand the flame is gone, leaving his fingers bare to trace along the damage. "Quite..." he pauses, out of breath, takes a deep breath, pain heavy on his voice. "Quite th'contest..."

Selvaggia hums her agreement, swallowing a few times before she can speak. When she does, her voice is airy and strained. "Wanted to finish my work..." she murmurs, leaning her head forward to rest on his shoulder.

Lius nods, his eyes still locked onto the dark streak of seared flesh. "Wonder 'ow deep tha' goes.." He shrugs, tapping a finger against the freshly burned skin.

Selvaggia flinches as he taps her new burn. Odd that she's flinching now and not several minutes ago when the burn was made. She leans back some to admire her work on his chest and smiles. "...mm. Not bad."

Lius grins at her response, his fingers rolling along the burn in taps. "Mhm, tha' was fine work. Were...y'drawin'?"

Selvaggia hisses in pain with each tap and responds by tracing her fingers along his wounds, light enough to cause something of a sting. "Mm, I was. I...I think it's turned out nearly perfect."

Lius hisses lightly, his taps now landing with more force. "Wha' is it ye were drawin'?" He mutters, not daring to look down.

Selvaggia, rather inadvertently, presses harder against the wounds she's created. "Runes."

Lius grabs ahold of the arm she's using to prod, his free hand still taunting the edges of the burn. "Aye? Wha' runes?"

Selvaggia shifts her hand back to lace her fingers with the fingers of his free hand, pulling it away from the burn. "Nothing evil or related to fel magic...they're the sort of things Elves used to protect their lands. I was...marking you." She ducks her head clearly embarrassed by this.

Lius nods, not fighting the movement of his hand. "Tha's acceptable. Markin' me...as if anyone else will see 'em."

Selvaggia relaxes some as he's no longer tapping against the burns he's just created. "It's more than that...they have power to them. They'll protect you and tie you to me." And she exhales slowly, bringing her head up to rest against his shoulder again.

Lius smiles, pulling his arm free to loop both around her. "Protect me? Tha' sounds lovely...th'ole linkin' us though. Aye, tha' 'm a fan of."

Selvaggia allows herself to be pulled closer to him, turning her head to kiss his neck. "I'd read about deeper methods of linking people, but I don't think you would approve of them. It's very dark magic indeed."

Lius tilts his head on instinct, his grip around her tightening. "Dark magic...Stehl woul' some'ow sniff it out."

Selvaggia drags her lips along the length of his neck, nipping lightly at the skin there. "I know he would. As it is, I'm terrified to see him again for another several days because of what I did to your pumpkin."

Lius says: 'E is mostly 'armless. Jus'....alot of 'itting.

Selvaggia says: Would he simply hit someone whom he knew to be practicing dark magic?

Lius says: 'E would 'it me fer it.
Lius says: Nae sure 'e would 'arm you.

Selvaggia hums skeptically, bringing her hand up to Lius' head and running her thumb along his cheek, still kissing his neck. "Are you sure of that? He doesn't like me very much."
Selvaggia says: I'm halfway convinced he's waiting for an excuse to cut my head off.

Lius says: 'E can be hateful, aye. but 'e is a good man all in all.

Selvaggia says: Even towards...people like me?

Lius says: 'M nae sure. Nae ever seen him cut down a member of th'Alliance.
Lius says: So....there's tha'.

Selvaggia takes a hesitant breath and blows out slowly. "...it would involve me taking a piece of your soul. Not much, not a lot. But...just the same. It's -very- dark magic, and I'm not even certain that I could viably do it without hurting you."

Lius ponders this for a moment! He lets out a whistle, smiling lightly. "Piece of m'soul, aye? Tha's some grim shit."

Selvaggia runs her fingers down the opposite side of his neck, eventually resting them lightly against the wounds she created earlier. "Fel magic is rarely cheerful."

Lius says: Mhm, I 'spose tha' makes sense...'ow woul' this ritual go, exactly?

Selvaggia says: Very simply, at least in the set up. I'd only require a summoning circle and the protective runes those entail. After that, it would be a question of finding your soul, taking out just enough to tie you to me, and materializing it.
Selvaggia adds, in a much lower voice, "More complex rituals exist to bind the essence of our lives together, but those are extremely dangerous and require a great deal of...well. Nothing we can acquire."

Lius says: An' jus'...'ow would we be tied together. Wha' effects woul' it 'ave?

Selvaggia says: With the simpler ritual, I would carry a part of you with me. I would know if you were ever in danger or hurt. I'd be able to find you more easily...but it would be more like a compass than anything else.

Lius says: Tha'...doesnae exactly sound all tha' evil.

Selvaggia shakes her head, still resting against his neck thoughtfully. "I don't believe it is. Most people believe soulplay to be necessarily evil, but ultimately, I think that it is the goal of the magic and not the magic itself that is evil or good."

Lius nods lightly. "Aye, perhaps we shoul' give it a try..."

Selvaggia stiffens a bit, inadvertently digging her fingers into the fresh wounds on his chest. "...are you serious?" she just barely whispers.

Lius winces a bit, nodding. "Aye. I mean, I love ye an' all"

Selvaggia says: Enough to give me a part of your soul?
Selvaggia says: ...that's less love and more trust.

Lius says: Th'two are closely related, aye?

Selvaggia just now realizes that her hand is on his chest. "Aye," she murmurs, moving her head so that their foreheads are touching.

Lius says: Jus' nae sure 'ow I would explain it t'anyone. Is it possible to detect?

Selvaggia presses her lips together, considering. "It might be, at least initially. The processes used to find the soul and extract a bit of it -are- fel magic, so more perceptive people would notice a taint around us for a few days. After that, though..."

Lius nods again, eyes unfocusing as he rolls the thought around in his mind. "So...would 'ave t'stay away from people fer a wee bit, aye?"

Selvaggia closes her eyes and hums her confirmation. "Only a few days. We've only just got back, I know."

Lius says: Perhaps bes' t'wait until we 'ead off fer somewhere, aye? Another trip t'Stromgarde, or somewhere else...jus' where people willnae notice it. Or...if they do, where we can silence 'em.

Selvaggia opens her eyes at the idea of silencing people; there's something slightly malicious in her voice as she speaks. "...the other ritual requires half a body's worth of blood."

Lius grins again, his grip growing tighter. "Nae of our own, aye? Hrm...perhaps two birds with one stone. Jus' 'ave t'string a body upside down, let it flow."

Selvaggia blinks a few times at Lius, as if she's not quite certain she heard him correctly. "...you would be alright with this? We would have to drain the blood early enough that I would have time to prepare the ritual circle, and--" She cuts herself off breath suddenly shallow and excited.

Lius says: We jus' fin' someone tha' deserves it anyway, aye? Nae 'arm, nae foul. Aslong as nae one else fin's ou', I donae see th'problem.

Selvaggia takes a shaky, hesitant breath, bringing her hands up to hold onto his arms. She looks amazed but somehow also ravenous as she smiles at him. "Well. If we're up in Stromgarde or something like that, I suppose a greenskin would do the trick."

Lius smiles, eyes shifting from spot to spot on her face. "Always loved cuttin' through their muscle."

Selvaggia also smiles, leaning in to brush her lips lightly against his. "Now, we must be careful if we do this, as we cannot waste too much blood with dissection, as much as it pains me to say so."

Lius lets a small sigh loose at the contact, a smile taking his lips. "Plenty o'th greenskins up there. Nae a rule tha' says we jus' 'ave t'take one." He whispers, tilting his head to kiss her.

Selvaggia closes her eyes, leaning into the kiss and exhhaling slowly, shakily. Whether her breath is shaking because of the kiss, because of the prior pain, or because of the idea of killing several greenskins, is anyone's guess.

Lius leans his forehead against her own, the smile never leaving his face. "We're jus' servin' th'Alliance at tha' point, aye?"

Selvaggia reaches down, lightly tracing her hands along the very edges of the wounded portion of his chest again. "Aye," she agrees after a moment's consideration and laughs. "Hell's bells, you're every inch as wicked as everyone thinks I am, and I love you for it.

Lius chuckles, allow a hand to roam higher towards her shoulder, brushing against the seared flesh. "We're nae wicked, Selvie, jus' of a different sort than th'others."

Selvaggia hisses in pain, though her fingers still just tease around the edges of his wounds. She is smiling. "Of a different sort. I rather like that."

Lius nods, his fingers tracing along the streak. "Th'bes' way t'explain it. We 'ave our lovin' moments, some may consider th'rest t'be dark...bu' they 'ave no say."

Selvaggia closes her eyes and lets her head fall back some, relishing in the pain. "Mm, they haven't. What we choose to do with our own lives and hands is between us; no living person can judge us."

Lius smiles wider, adding further pressure. "Tha's m'girl. So...now we 'ave t'pick a day fer this."

Selvaggia groans quietly in pain, her fingers trailing upwards to his fresh wounds. "Hallow's End is approaching...my half birthday is the fifth of November..." She seems to be having trouble concentrating on dates.

Lius nods lightly, moving his fingers a couple inches along the burn. "Mhm?"

Selvaggia exhales slowly. "--and your birthday. Or we can ch-choose a different date, one without any real importance."

Lius shakes his head. "Such'a long time t'wait if we decide on m'birthday."

Selvaggia says: Well, what date would you prefer, then? Something much sooner or simply sooner?

Lius says: I was thinkin' much sooner...before th'world splits in two 'er wha'ever it is tha' it is doin'.

Selvaggia raises an eyebrow at her husband, smirking slightly. "Are you thinking this weekend much sooner or tomorrow much sooner or...?"

Lius shrugs. "Whenever. I donae much care, nae any plans. Sit on th'bench, get 'it by Stehl....tha's abou' it."

Selvaggia pauses to consider and finally nods. "How about a week from tonight? That will give me time to collect the materials, give us time to find a few 'assistants' and make our excuses..."

Lius thinks on this for a second, giving a nod to confirm. "Aye, tha' sounds proper."

9/5/2010: Selvaggia and Lius

Lius grasps her hand, head tilting to plant a kiss on it before lowering the lancet. The incision starts near the tip of the index finger, trailing down. It ends just above the carpal, the lancet slowly pulling away from the fresh wound.

Selvaggia doesn't cringe until the lancet leaves her fingertip, and evenwhen she does cringe, it's slight and accompanied by a soft gasp. The fingers of her opposite hand curl into a fist, but she doesn't move a muscle, eyes darting between her opened hand and Lius' face. "...not so bad," she breathes, after a moment's pause.

Lius drops the lancet to the table, his finger drifting across the open wound. "Normal reaction to trauma." He mutters, talking to himself. "Didnae 'it th'digital artery, tha's good." His head lowers, peering along the fingertip. "Th'tissue is jus'...scorched. Mos' noticeable along yer Distal Phalanges."

Selvaggia nods as if she understands everything Lius is saying, also looking down at the open wound, still chewing on her bottom lip. A small amount of blood is sliding down her wrist and bare arm, dripping onto the table. She's relaxed some since the initial shock of pain has faded, though she's clearly still resisting the urge to close her hand against further invasion. "Tell me more," she murmurs, scooting closer to Lius, as if he is a palm reader and not a surgeon.

Lius grasps the lancet, bringing it up to dig further into the incision along her fingertip. "Th'tissue is 'eavily damaged, yet still 'as blood reaching it. Mus' be quite a bit of nerve damage, ye cannae feel th'area, aye?" Lius questions, giving her split fingertip a prod with the lancet.

Selvaggia doesn't even flinch as he prods at the fingertip. Blood does trickle down her hand, but she appears not to feel it in the least. "Can't feel a thing," she confirms. "I think my nerves just gave up on trying to do anything after the six thousandth time I conjured fire with them. It hurt like you wouldn't believe when I was little."

Lius nods, dropping the lancet once again. He tugs his mask down, frowning. "I donae know of a way t'brin' the nerves back. 'Ow ye managed tha' much tissue damage withou' cauterizing anythin' tha' would carry blood is a mystery."

Selvaggia shrugs her free shoulder, as if she'd never given it much thought. "Magic," she guesses. "Perhaps it has to do with techniques I learned as I got older to keep the flames away from my fingertips themselves." She flexes the fingers on that hand, causing more blood to trickle down her arm and drip on the table, making quite a mess. She quirks an eyebrow at Lius, as if waiting for him to go on with his diagnosis.

Lius gives a nod, accepting that as a possibility. "Tendons are obviously fine, muscle caught th'brunt of it. If ye'd like, I coul' remove th'blackened areas of yer fingers an' treat it. May 'ave some luck removin' th'marks."

Selvaggia continues to quirk her eyebrow at Lius, almost challengingly. "It's your call, love. I've lived with them so long that I hardly know what to do otherwise. But...if you want to." She seems to guess that he would like that very much.

Lius grasps a scalpel, pulling his mask up with a short chuckle. He simply couldn't help himself. "Well, this shoul'nae 'urt t'bad if th'nerves are all dead." Lius takes hold of her hand once again, adjusting the scalpel against her flesh multiple times before making the first cut. The already cut index finger is the first. The slices are quick, taking a thin chunk of meat as he goes from finger to finger.

Selvaggia doesn't flinch at all at this process, the nerves in her fingertips not registering any pain. As he works on her left hand, she traces the fingers of her right along the incision, wincing at the pain but smiling still under her mask.
Selvaggia says: You're very efficient, you know.

Lius shrugs, grasping her other hand as he begins the process anew. "Usually th'entire finger 'm cuttin' off."

Selvaggia grins, flexing the fingers of her left hand a few times. "I'm rather grateful that you're not doing that tonight. I enjoy having all ten of my fingers, personally."

Lius grins, glancing up from his work for a second. "I'm findin' tha' I enjoy tha' fact as well." and then the final slice! He drops the scalpel to the table, clearing his hands of blood against his robes. "Now, goin' t'suture yer index finger." Lius reaches for his bag, pulling a roll of bandages, a potion, and a thread with needle. "Then dress these wounds, then give ye a little somethin' t'make ye feel jus' fine."

Selvaggia continues to smile softly, bringing up her right hand to rest in Lius' hair. "Can I confess something? I already do feel just fine," she murmurs, cheeks flushing slightly.

Lius glances up again, needle piercing through flesh as he begins to suture the incision. "Tha' so? Well, jus' make ye feel fantastic then. Unless...ye donae wan' tha'."

Selvaggia hisses in pain at the first suture, though she also closes her eyes, almost as if she enjoys it. "Lius Brethil, if I didn't know better, I would think that you were simply drugging me to take advantage of me. That said, I...admit that I enjoy pain. A bit." She says this quickly, as if admitting to something terribly shameful. "Though if you really feel the need to give me some sort of medication, you -are- the professional here."

Lius chuckles, cutting the line free as he finishes his work on the incision. "Well, if I 'ad any doubt tha' ye knew of why I was goin' t'give ye th'injection, I wouldnae 'ave ever dreamed o'tryin'." He winks at her, SO SMOOTH. Lius grasps the fresh roll of bandages, pouring the potion out onto the cloth. Wrap wrap wrap, thick layers to prevent anything from touching the freshly sliced flesh.

Selvaggia laughs, still not moving her freshly-bandaged hand, but bringing her free hand down from his hair to the side of his face, grazing her thumb against his lips. "Do you really think you'd need drugs to have your way with me, my love?" she murmurs and leans in to kiss his neck, lightly and tenderly.

Lius shrugs his shoulders, body falling still as her thumb traces along his lips. "Of course nae. Jus' figured...well, nae ever tried it b'fore."

Selvaggia lowers her right hand to his neck, pulling herself closer to him, legs falling on either side of him as she reaches the edge of the table. "Well, I'm all for experimentation."

Lius bites down on his lip, thinking on it for a moment. His hand snakes into his back, pulling a syringe full of orange liquid out after a moment of searching, he had been prepared. "It'll make...well, every inch of yer body scream in joy."
Lius says: Yer limbs may feel heavier, head may feel as if it's floatin' a bit.

Selvaggia brings both hands up, pulling down her mask and resting her arms on his shoulders, kissing gently along his jaw. "Well, making every inch of my body scream in joy...you make it difficult to say no, my deity."

Lius lifts a hand to her neck, gently urging her head to the side. He brings the syringe down quickly, injecting as soon as the needle sunk in. It was out just as quickly, tossed to the side of the room. Stehl was not here to fetch, sadly. "Jus' wait a second."

Selvaggia nods, still resting her arms on his shoulders. The drugs, whatever they were, are faster-acting than she expected, and after a moment, she gives a surprised, airy laugh, bringing her head to rest against his. "What...what -was- that?" she wonders airily.

Lius now has the largest grin possible. "A fine mixture of herbs, aye?" He questions, trailing his finger down her arm. " 'ow does it feel?"

Selvaggia shivers at the sensation, the hairs on her arm standing up in gooseflesh at his touch. "Like I am about to float away, but everything...I feel -everything-, everything is electric." She gives a dazed laugh.

Lius breaks into light laughter, his arms wrapping around her as he tilts his head in to kiss her. "Jus' ye wait, love." He mutters as they part, not at all feeling bad that he just drugged his girlfriend or anything guis.

Selvaggia leans her head back, still giggling as he kisses her. She pulls back, just barely, just enough to say, "Show me. Make me feel what you want me to feel."