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<P>[[ OOC Note: Needing to wrap up this small storyline due to 2 other plots taking shape to the public in BDI, this post has been taken from actual logs. Editing Note: Only the <NickHere> and minor OOC commentary has been edited from the log. The paragraph or so seen after the --- at the end of the log, has been added in to simply bring a close (or most of a close) to it. ]]</P>
<P>Standing at a average height of 6 feet, he seems to blend in to the daily strain of life's routines. Long, black hair slides down artistically sculpted features, well toned and muscular from his years of service to the Crown of Dygwyn as Knight General of the King's Militia. His eyes are normally dark, however, thanks to the use of potions, they appear to be a brilliant green with iridescent flecks of peacock blue, nestled in the sea of green; some gold can be seen - faintly. A scar nestled under his right eye, earned on the fields of battle where he took the life of Arahisie's father, has been made to look like a tattoo. A black lightning bolt, slightly hidden by his dark lashes. He wears a button down white silk shirt, which a dark grey silk vest hugs over that - tied off at the sides and buttoned along the front; a burgundy colored ascot around his neck. The man's attire is quite dapper.</P>
<P>Loose fitting black dress pants are belted at his hips, along with a pocketwatch tucked neatly into the left pocket of the vest. In his waist band he carries two silver handled daggers in place at a sash wrapped about his waist. Black leather gloves on his hands, chains located from the wrist loops of his coat to the gloves - they dip a bit more; for use as a weapon, perhaps? His boots are black, polished a bright shine. Atop his head, a wide-brimmed fedora rests - black with a narrow strip of burgundy silk about the middle. A top coat, black in color with tails, fits perfectly over the man's shoulders, complimenting his trim physique as it tapers at the waist.</P>
<P>Hands folded atop of his cane, one atop of the other, he flashes an enigmatic smile to the clerk.</P>
<P>"I beg your pardon. Might it be possible to have an audience with one of your prisoners?" He'd heard that Arah had been arrested, charged with atleast six counts of first degree, premeditated murder. Tsk tsk. Such a shame and what a waste for the woman he still vows to posses.</P>
<P>The clerk looks up, adjusting the slipping spectacles back firmly onto her nose. Her face betrayed nothing at all, save for vague interest in the man's attire and apparent higher class. "Which prisoner do you wish to have an audience with, Vorfon?"</P>
<P>"Ah yes, please do forgive me." His right hand lifts from the cane, reaching up where his fingers catch the brim of his hat, removing it slowly. "I had heard there was a Tespin Silentwrath, I believe the name is." Still, his charming smile remains.</P>
<P>A brief pause as she glances down what appears to be the roster of current prisoners. </P>
<P>"Yes, Tespin Arahisie Silentwrath, though she is charged with quite serious crimes. I fear the visit will need to be brief, Vorfon. Could you sign here for me?" </P>
<P>And she slides over a slip of parchment with various names, times, etc on it, presumably a visitation log.</P>
<P>"Of course, I understand. How long do you suppose I will get to speak with her?" Faking a subtle limp in his right leg, he approaches the counter and lifts the pen, scribing his name. "I'll be representing her at her trial. I am hoping that I will be allowed ample time with Tespin Silentwrath to prepare her case."</P>
<P>"Vorfon Dunbaroah? Ah yes, very good. I'll make note of the fact that you are her counsel, though this meeting is limited to ten minutes. Arrangements can be made for monitored meetings later to discuss the case." </P>
<P>She pauses a moment, as if pondering something. "Don't recognize your name as one of the usual lawyers. This your first case?"</P>
<P><BR>Stepping back from the counter, his hand is again returned to rest over the other atop of his cane. His eyes focus just a touch too long, noting the pause in her voice. For but a moment, the thought crosses his mind that his cover is blown; but he never lets that show on his face. </P>
<P>"Oh no, no. I am from Dwygyn, Tespin Silentwrath's family has sent me over here to your lovely lands to defend her."</P>
<P>"Well, they wasted little time in getting you here to help her. One moment and I'll have one of the guards escort you down there to see her." </P>
<P>She had been looking away when his eyes were fixed for that period, but there was another who was watching. The clerk stands and walks past the Commanders door, giving a guarded look with her eyes to hint at what was behind her, before continuing to one of the armsmen who had pulled guardhouse duty for the night. A short while later, the clerk returns and motions towards the awaiting guard. </P>
<P>"Armsman Branthal will take you to see her, Vorfon."</P>
<P>A dip of his chin in a gentlemanly nod, another tooth-filled smiled passed her way. "Thank you, Tespin. And a good eve to you as well." Faking that limp, he strides towards the Armsman. His footing is methodic, as if planning each step just before its taken. </P>
<P>"Armsman Branthal." He greets properly, stopping a few feet before the man so not to appear threatening.</P>
<P>"Right this way, Counselor," he answers, starting down the hallway a few paces and coming to a stop. Arah would be in there, seated or lying down, whichever. As the two men had started down the hall, slanted green eyes kept an eye on every step, and soon the Commander would move from his office and to the clerk. Nothing major, really, considering he was monitoring the woman's visitors. Such was always the case, especially for serious crimes.</P>
<P><BR>"Thank you, Armsman Branthal." Cerrach's boots strike the floor with a rhythm; as if purposely announcing his presence to Arah by taunting her. She'd know the sound of his steps anywhere, as they haunted her for the past decade and a half at least in her dreams. There may be a slight off-beat to that rhythm when the Commander emerges. Cerrach gives him a charming smile and a nod as well, but refrains from speaking.</P>
<P>Ilthanas gave them merely a passing glance on his way to the desk clerk, looking over the sign-in sheet that was faked. The Commander and clerk engage in idle chit-chat for now, quiet enough so as not to disturb though but loud enough to make him think that they were oblivious to the 'counselor' and prisoner.</P>
<P>In the meantime, Arah had been prepped by Ilthanas for this, knowing the plan. In short, she was bait. Assured that here, in jail, she would be safe from any physical danger from Cerrach, she agreed. However, the public didn't know it was staged which could very well damage her reputation. Jerich wasnt even told. He'd come by earlier and even now, Arah's emerald eyes are still filled with tears she had shed from his stinging words. In short, Jerich had disowned her. </P>
<P>The sound of others approaching causes her skin to grow cold, her face to turn pale and her body to go rigid. He's here. She does know the sound of his footsteps and immediately she begins to tremble.</P>
<P>Once the jail cell is visible, he slowly turns from the Armsman Branthal, his gaze falling on Arahisie. Moving forwards, his smile widens, becoming more sinister the closer he gets. </P>
<P>"Tespin Silentwrath. How very good it is to see you." His tone doesn't outwardly sound threatening, but the underlying promise is there. It always is.</P>
<P><BR>"Oh dear God." She breathes out, stepping away from the bars, a hand pressed against the swell of her bosom while the other makes the sign of the cross. Those tears balancing precariously along the lower lids of her eyes trickle down her cheeks quickly, more following in their predecessors wake. Visibly, she's shaking like a leaf and there is no way she could ever hide that or steel her nerves to quell it.</P>
<P>"Are you alright child? You look like you've seen a . . . ghost." </P>
<P>His sinister smile, now at its fullest, remains. </P>
<P>"Oh come now. No words of greeting for an old and dear friend, hm?" Cerrach tsks, slowly removing his hat which is tossed over to rest on a vacant chair a few feet away.</P>
<P><BR>And to allow enough privacy, the armsman steps away from the cell a bit, waiting at the end of the hallway and giving a guarded nod to the Commander. There was a short distance, though the bars were sturdy and would keep him from getting in. </P>
<P>Even before he would have a chance, the second set of footfalls sounds, softer, elven. "Mae govannen, Counselor Dunbaroah. Your speed in coming to the aid of Tespin Silentwrath is...intriguing, though impressive."</P>
<P><BR>In truth, if she could find the will to speak, she'd scream. She'd scream for all she was worth and get Ilthanas and the guards here lickity split. Backed up as far as she is allowed in the small cell, her back pressed up against the wall near the cot, Arah's eyes never leave Cerrach; even when Ilthanas arrives. He's suppose to be dead. Buried and long gone, for many years now. How can this be?</P>
<P>"Ah, hello to you .. Commander, is it?" And while addressing the Commander, his eyes too, never leave Arah. My Gods! She is as lovely as the first day I ever set my eyes upon her. Bitch doesn't know just how well she would have it as my wife. She'll pay. She'll most certainly pay. His response comes a few minutes later, longer than it should have if he were honest in his reasons for being here. </P>
<P>"Impressive? I hardly find anything impressive about it, Sir."</P>
<P><BR>Those same slanted eyes look over the man before him, matching the man in the inn the one night nearly to a T. "Tespin informed me that her trip here by boat took six weeks. You have arrived in mere days. I trust that magic was in some way involved, though it still is impressive." </P>
<P>The words were even, giving away nothing at all to the thoughts in his head. The cane was noted easily enough, keen eyes picking up on the glint. "And if I may make one request, your cane be turned over to the Armsman as it can be construed as a weapon and it is forbidden for persons to carry weaponry into the cells. I apologize that this was not taken care of when you first arrived."</P>
<P>A hint of his jaw muscles growing taut with gritted teeth as he snaps his cane up and lays it vertically against his palms, offering it to the Commander, his eyes finally drawn from Arahisie. But not before he had given her a look. A look that spoke of the tortures he'd force to suffer before he finally takes her life. </P>
<P>"Of course, no apology is need, Sir." Masterfully, he skirts responding to the slip up he made.</P>
<P>One that could prove to be his downfall.</P>
<P>Arah watches all of this from back in the cell, as far back as she could possibly be from the bars. Her cheeks wet and stained with the path her salty tears tumble along. The look from Cerrach draws an escaped eek from her, more like a gasp, which is silenced when her lips purse tightly.</P>
<P>He reaches out to take the cane as casually as taking a slip of paper, eyeing it a moment before handing it back to the Armsman to be set back by the clerk, or somewhere else. "It was magic, yes?" he asks again, not missing the fact that the answer was avoided the first time. His tone was still plain, calm, not the least bit intruding or accusing. Mainly because he knew the answer already and so the man's words were pointless.</P>
<P><BR>"Magic?" Buying time. That's exactly what he was doing while conjuring up a believable tale to explain just how he did get here so quickly.</P>
<P>"Ah yes, you see, my good Sir. I once served in the military of Dwygyn, under the command of Lord De MonteForte and Sir Jerich De MonteForte. I assume you are not aware of our current political strifes, but I had been corresponding back and forth with Sir De MonteForte. I had been making my way here many weeks ago, to meet up with Jerich and return home. T'was just this afternoon he informed me of Tespin Silentwrath's plight and asked that I come to take her case."</P>
<P>Cerrach indicates his right leg while mentioning the military service, silently explaining his faked injury and the need for his cane. Slowly, he looks to Arahisie and forces a smile. "Isn't that right, Tespin?"</P>
<P>So surreal. She's looking at a man whom was reportedly killed many years ago. Emerald eyes widen when he looks at her, addressing her once more. A quick flit towards Ilthanas before her eyes lower and her head turns to the side, away from Cerrach, refusing to reply.</P>
<P>"Actually, I have heard about the situation in your homeland. Vorfon De Monteforte was in here earlier today and I had a chance to speak with him. Funny, he never mentioned anyone coming here to join him, nor your arrival and appointment as counsel. Then again, he was not entirely pleased with the current situation so I imagine that it just slipped his mind."</P>
<P>"Ah yes, must of just slipped his mind. How . . . careless . . . of him." Arah's reaction feeds his fire, his twisted passion to possess her grows ten fold. It won't take him long to break her, mold her into how he wants her to be. </P>
<P>"Commander, I do not mean to be rude, but this is taking up time with my client. Valuable time. Would you pardon us while I speak with Lady Silentwrath?"</P>
<P>Shaking like a leaf in the wind, Arah's sobs jostle her shoulders, a hand rested over her eyes. Silently, she prays that Ilthanas will not leave them alone. Please, let this be over with! What an odd reaction to one's counsel, wouldn't you say?</P>
<P>"Oh, of course. My apologies again. I do hope that you can make some sense of her story thus far. She cooks up quite a tale in denying her guilt in this matter. But, I beg you, Vorfon Kao, do not let me take up anymore of your time." And he would slowly take a step back, eyes locked on the counselor and wondering if he had rattled the man enough to dupe him into that subtle little trap.</P>
<P>With his eyes on Arahisie, the Commander wouldn't see the rage that emblazons in his eyes. But he would notice the way Arahisie's attention suddenly snaps, her eyes wide with hellish fear, locked on Cerrach's. She's shaking so badly by now, she can barely stand; which explains why her knees give out and she slowly sinks to the floor. Knitting his brows, he slowly turns to face the Commander, his expression fading from boiling hatred to one of wonder. </P>
<P>"I beg your pardon?"</P>
<P>"Slip of the tongue. My two thoughts joined together, Vorfon. See, her story is that a man named Cerrach Kao is responsible for the killings and not her, and she painted a none-too-pretty picture of this man. I was just pondering on her story when I spoke, nothing more. Though...she does not appear to be much at ease with your presence, Counselor. One would think that she would be relieved that you have come to help her, yet she looks terrified. Curious, no?"</P>
<P>"Ah. Of course. Once there was a Cerrach Kao, serving in the military as well. He died many years ago." Cerrach glances to Arahisie then back to the Commander. "Wouldn't you be terrified if you were being held like a caged animal, Commander?"</P>
<P>"She hasn't been like this until tonight. But even if she were, I would think that your presence here would be comforting to her, as you are here to help her. She does not look comforted to me."</P>
<P>Cerrach shrugs, as if to say, oh well. His enigmatic smile returns once again, though it is through clenched teeth. "Perhaps if you be so kind as to getting her a glass of water? Would that be too much of a burden?"</P>
<P>"Not at all. Armsman Branthal, could you assist us in getting Tespin Silentwrath a glass of water?" The armsman nods silently and walks off to get said glass of water, while the Commander remains where he is, perhaps five feet from the cell and Cerrach.</P>
<P>Blasted! Filthy Elf! "Thank you. Commander." The title was spoken with a venomous bite, his eyes slowly drifting back to Arahisie. "Lady Silentwrath? Do you require medical assistance perchance?" A quivering mess on the floor, his expression takes on the look of true pity for her. "Poor thing. Her brother informs me that she hasn't been in her right mind since Cirien was killed." He tsks. "They never did find her .." He glances to the commander, a knowing grin spreading slowly. " .. eyes."</P>
<P>"BLASPHEMER!" Arahisie has found her voice, and is on her feet in a snap, stalking towards the bars. The look of anguish, pain, fiery anger etched upon her sincerely beautiful face. "Don't .. you ever... and I mean EVER speak of my daughter again."</P>
<P>"Yes, I read that in one the report of Cirien's death while investigating this case. I even questioned Tespin Silentwrath about it, before she was indicted, and she seemed quite in her mind. She even works at one of the schools here in town and spoke with her employer who assured me that Tespin Silentwrath was quite capable, both in mind and body. Would have to be to work with children, don't you think? To gain their trust?" He doesn't comment on the eyes just yet, though that grin was seen quite easily and noted in his mind.</P>
<P>Cerrach is quite startled, taken by surprise at her reaction. Two steps are taken back, his faked limp forgotten. "I assure you I meant nothing ill by it, Lady Silentwrath." Shaking his head, he looks to the Commander, dusting off non existant lint from his left sleeve. "Of course. Lady Silentwrath seems to have a natural ability of mothering. Plus, she's quite stunning. Wouldn't you agree?" He doesn't look at her again just yet. "Her face is kind, her eyes are ... magnificent and warm. Its no wonder children and men alike are drawn to the beautiful creature you now have behind bars."</P>
<P>The steps are seen, though he doesn't comment, keeping that bit to himself as well. After all, such an outburst can oft times give enough adrenaline to make movements possible, even if normally hindered. "Yes, she is quite lovely, and I would have thought her quite incapable of such acts. She never mentioned men, though, not since her late husband, that is. She spoke fondly of him, though did not mention any others so much as speaking to her in a similar manner."</P>
<P>"Oh? I see. Well. I thank you for the insight, Commander. Now, I demand my ten minutes alone with my client. I have a case to prepare and I do like to be prepared before hearings and trials begin." Perhaps the twit Elf will take the hint now that he is just dying to get her alone.</P>
<P>"No need to be unpleasant, Vorfon. Oh, and I must beg pardon again. I spoke prematurely. She did mention a man when we first brought her in, and if we could inform him of her arrest so that he could visit. I would need to check my records for a name, but perhaps he may be of help to you?"</P>
<P>"Character witness, of course."</P>
<P>Cerrach's biceps tense, his left hand curls into a fist before being forced to relax again. This time, when he speaks, his tone is darker. Much darker. "What man is this? A co-worker, perhaps?"</P>
<P>During this entire exchange, Arah's drifted back away from the bars once more. Ilthanas' last mentioning of another man has her wondering just where he is going with this. Cerrach's reaction answers her unspoken question. Please! Please continue this line of questioning. Just one more, I know he'll break. Please Lord, save me from my nightmare.</P>
<P>"It's possible. She only gave a name and where he lived that he could be contacted directly, as opposed to going through anyone else. I imagine she wished to keep all of it rather quiet. I did as she requested and spoke with the man. He was quite...distressed over the news and explained that he had planned to propose marriage to Tespin Silentwrath. He was certain that she would accept, despite the short time they had been seeing each other. Terrible shame, really."</P>
<P>"WHAT!?" Cerrach's voice raises, his hands curling into tight fists as he whirls around to face Arahisie once more. "You! Get over here. NOW!" Seething with blind obsessive passion, he stalks to the bars and grasps them, shaking (or trying to) so they rattle. "You whore! You have been mine since I killed Severik your precious husband!" As he speaks the word precious, spittle flies forth. "GET OVER HERE!"</P>
<P>Hearing his yell, Arah looks to him with wide eyed horror, then to Ilthanas and back again. Fresh tears fall freely, shaking her head as she tries to press herself back into the wall; not just against it, but hoping to simply melt into it. Clearly terrified, even behind the safety of the bars, the look of flight in her eyes. If she could claw her way through the concrete wall right now, she would.</P>
<P>"Vorfon Cerrach Kao, step away from the cell and keep your hands where I can see them," he commands, his voice still even and almost cold. It was. The bait had been taken all the way and the ruse of the blundering guard was gone. Both hands lower to the daggers at his belt, knowing that the man wouldn't go down without a fight.</P>
<P>There was no way Cerrach was backing away from the cell. Instead, he stalks along the length of the bars, his blazing eyes held steadfast on Arah. "I suppose you already gave yourself to this .. this .. man who thinks he can possess you, didn't you? DIDN'T YOU!? ANSWER ME!" His fist punches one of the bars, splitting the knuckles, his mind having forgotten the Commander was still there.</P>
<P>Cringing, weeping and desperate to get away. Arah's wild eyes searching for a way to accomplish her goal. Fight or flight makes people react in strange ways sometimes; however, trapped inside the cell where she is safe, she still feels vulnerable. Her hands cover her ears, eyes squeezed shut tightly and she yelps out when Cerrach's fist strikes the iron bars.</P>
<P>"Step away or I will move you myself. And no, she did not give herself to that man, as that man would be me. Got your attention now?" Whether he was telling the truth or not was irrelevant since even the chance would be enough to gain Cerrach's attention. Anything to get him away from that cell and take away some measure of utter terror from the woman.</P>
<P>Cerrach whirls on the Commander, throwing a right fist towards the man's jawline with blinded fury. "She is MINE!" Wild, like a rampant bull seeing red, seething with uncontrollable anger.</P>
<P>The reckless punch is dodged, though a step back is taken to ensure such. The elf's face remains is cold and emotionless as it had before, something that was almost trademark for the man. "She is no one's possession, least of all yours," he replies, taking another step back to try and bait the man away from the cell.</P>
<P>Baiting away from the cell is working as Cerrach throws another series of wild punches; so blinded and consumed with rage, his aim is pathetic. Hard to believe he was once the High General of the Militia. "She is mine! She'd never be with the likes of 'your' kind." Insulting the Elf, not a wise thing to do.</P>
<P>"Of course, psychotic, greedy, self-delusioned warriors are much more to her liking, aren't they?" And the steps slowly move back, his positioning entirely defensive though it wasn't taking much effort on his part just yet.</P>
<P>Perhaps to try to catch the Elven Commander off guard, Cerrach feins a punch to the Officer's right side, and at the last moment, he drops to the ground. Using his punching hand as leverage, Cerrach sweeps his left foot around in an attempt to knock the elf off his feet. "She has no choice! She's merely a woman! I OWN HER!" </P>
<P>And amazingly, he does catch the elf off-guard, though that wasn't to say that the commander was done for. He falls to the ground with a soft thud, laying on his back. A moment later, his right leg is bent and then shot forward for his foot to strike at Cerrach's closest knee.</P>
<P>During all of this, tear-filled emerald eyes follow their movement, the tears blurring her vision to the point of making Ilthanas' and Cerrach's motions streaky. Weeping, down on her knees on the floor, her hands over her ears still.</P>
<P>"Gah!" Cerrach bellows, as the Commander's foot strikes its intended target dead center. Years in the battlefield and his training comes back to him. As his body curls and his hands move to clutch at the knee, a pant leg is jerked up. Strapped against his leg, a dagger is removed and he twists onto his stomach, eyeing the Commander while preparing to rise.</P>
<P>The elf uses some of the momentum of the kick to roll backwards, both hands reaching again to the daggers at his belt. Both withdrawn, he slowly moves to a crouch, his movements matching Cerrach's. Skilled with a bow, yes, but few saw his skill with a dagger.</P>
<P>With a snarl, Cerrach pushes up onto his feet. The pain in his knee only adds fuel to his raging fire. "Let's see what the Elf boy's got, shall we?" He'd taunt. His way of insulting and antagonizing the Commander.</P>
<P>Both daggers spin across the palms of his hands as he comes to a stand, the slightly curve to the daggers reflecting the torchlight at odder angles. It wasn't so much for show as it was to get a comfortable grip on the weapons. No words are returned to Cerrach, as they were merely a waste at this point.</P>
<P>Cerrach laughs, a deep bellow. "Ahh, I do hope you are watching, Arahisie. In the end, I plan to use this Elf's endtrails to wrap around that pretty neck of yours; then I'll choke the life out of you with them." Sadistic with his grin, his feet move like a man who has danced with the blades all is life. Working his way in, he takes a few quick testing jabs or swipes, testing the Elf's reflexes.</P>
<P>Each jab is deflected pretty easily, and didn't seem to take much effort from the elven commander. "One problem. Should you kill me, the rest of the guards in here will never let you get out of here, let alone in that cell."</P>
<P>Stepping in then spinning on the ball of his right foot, the dagger swings around, attempting to be plunged into the Commander's back (between the shoulder blades).</P>
<P>He manages a step to the side to keep the dagger from striking its intended mark, though the blade does slice across his left arm, along the bicep. Not too deep, and not enough to cripple him in the slightest. He turns to face Cerrach, still staying more defensive.</P>
<P>His mind is gone, completely snapped and there's no getting it back. As the Commander turns to face him, a low blow is taken as he attempts to slice the left cheek of Ilthanas from an upwards strike that comes down on a gentle diagonal slope.</P>
<P>His head snaps back just enough to avoid the blade, and with Cerrach still off-balance, Ilthanas takes advantage by sending a booted foot towards the man's stomach. Right at the part where all air exits one's lungs.</P>
<P>"The hounds sure enjoyed feasting on Cirien's brilliant eyes." More of his taunts, only this part was fact. He had fed them to the hounds, along with her endtrails and her heart. Imagine what Cirien's tiny body looked like when Arahisie found her. That is what she sees each night when she closes her eyes. Now, he just adds to her nightmare. Being off balance aids Ilthanas' strike, sending Cerrach to one knee as the dagger is dropped from his hand and that same hand presses against his diaphragm; gasping for air.</P>
<P>He quickly kicks the dagger away as it is dropped, keeping it out of the reach of the gasping Cerrach. Another boot is sent towards Cerrach, aimed at his head and intended to knock him backwards and onto his back, a bit further away from the dagger.</P>
<P>Being down as he is, unable to return precious air back to his lungs allows Ilthanas' kick to send Cerrach reeling flat onto his back with a thick thud. A gasped groan as he rolls onto his side, blinking back dizziness and almost able to breathe once more.</P>
<P>But there was still that moment or two of time where he was dazed and the commander takes full advantage of it, moving to the man and knocking him to his back again. Knees are placed to keep the man's arms controlled, the same cold, emotionless look on his face. "You shall never harm Arah again." Words spoken, the daggers are spun around his palms again before gripped and driven down into each of Cerrach's eyes. A slight twist is given to each blade to ensure they did their work.</P>
<P>Cerrach's eyes widen as he peers up to the Commander, a masochistic chuckle beginning low in his throat, sounding labored as his chest still ached. A deep rooted howl of pain as both of the Commander's daggers are plunged into Cerrach's. Then there is silence. Pools of crimson form at the inner corners until they are so full, it must go somewhere. Blood rolls down along the side of his nose, branching off midway to follow a course set by the tiny hair's upon one's face. His body jerks and twitches a few times. </P>
<P>Then he is still. </P>
<P>Perfectly fitting he meets his end this way. An eye for an eye . . . literally.</P>
<P>She couldn't watch. She couldn't bear to witness what Ilthanas was about to do to Cerrach. Her mind is having a hard time grasping everything else that has taken place. Weeping uncontrollably, she turns her head and closes her eyes. The moment Cerrach howls in pain, Arah feels a weight lifted from her shoulders as she whispers "Cirien, I love you." Her daughter's killer has finally met justice. After all these years, her soul can now rest in peace and Arah's has found its own peace.</P>
<P>The daggers remain there for a couple of moments to ensure that the man was dead, before they are removed, each blade wiped on the man's clothing before being returned to their sheaths. A soft breath is exhaled as the commander rises to his feet, turning slowly towards the cell and stepping towards it. Finding the correct key on his ring, he unlocks the door and pushes it open.</P>
<P>He'd come back from the grave once, and her mind thinks he has done it once more. Still trembling and crying, tucked up against the backwall like a scared caged animal, eyes of emerald slowly shift sidelong towards the cell door as she hears it opening. Her eyes drift upwards, over the legs, torso and chin of the one entering. It's when Arah's eyes meet Ilthanas', that her shoulders slump and she lowers her head into her hands; sobbing harder with relief.</P>
<P>He steps into the cell and towards Arah, still little emotion on his face. Once at her side, a gentle hand is placed on one of her shoulders, softly urging her towards him. It was the softer side of the elf that few ever saw, though it was an appropriate time for such.</P>
<P>Guided into him, too weary to refuse even she wanted to, Arah clutches at the Commander's tunic as her face is buried against his chest. Raised to be a proper lady at all times, it's rare to see Arahisie in such a state. However, present circumstances take precedence over formality.</P>
<P>Almost awkwardly his arms would slip around Arah's body, one hand lightly pressed against the back of her head in a comforting manner. "It's over, Arah. You're safe now." Something that she likely knew, though there were times when verbal confirmation from another was needed. If just for that extra sense of truth behind it.</P>
<P>Her body quivers, her tears moisten Ilthanas' tunic and whatever make-up may have still been left on her face might stain it, washed away by her tears. His words enforce the peace that has passed through her soul, her daughter's name murmured one last time.</P>
<P>Nothing more is said for now, his arms remaining around her quivering, shaking body. She would likely cry for a while now, thankfully tears of relief. It would likely cause her to sleep, though the sleep would hopefully be peaceful.</P>
<P>----<BR>As the fight were about to take place, other on duty guards rushed to the cell area, weapons drawn and ready to aid. The Commander gave a silent command that this would remain between he and Cerrach; thus, they respected his authority and stood back. </P>
<P>Though, they didn't like it. Their eyes were ever watchful, ready to jump Cerrach and take him down should the Commander need their assistance -- or if worse occured. </P>
<P>Now, their murmured voices are barely heard as Ilthanas and Arahisie remain knelt on the floor for the next half an hour. Proper notes are made and Cerrach's body is removed by the Coroner. </P>
<P>With Ilthanas' help, Arahisie manages to rise to her feet, still deeply shaken. Leaning into the Commander's side, his arm around her shoulder, he whispers in Elvish, "Arwenamin, Lle ume quel."</P>
<P>Feeling just how badly she is still shaking, the Commander scoops her up into his arms. Arahisie's cheek rests against his shoulder, arms draped around his neck, closing her eyes which rid themselves of tears.</P>
<P>Those gathered guards step aside, clearing a path as the Commander exits the cell, no look given to any man nor woman as he passes. As he steps from the hall into the main foyer of the guardhouse, one command is issued.</P>
<P>"Summon a carriage. I will personally see her home."</P>
<P>Exiting the guardhouse, Arah still cradled in his arms, Ilthanas stands on the porch in silence. It doesn't take long for a carriage to be pulled around, drawn by a single horse and reined by Armsman Branthal. The Armsman/Driver for the night keeps his eyes forwards, knowing that it is best to do so. It's never easy to take the life of another, even if it was the only means to a final end. Branthal is well aware that the Elves take life and nature in a way that no other does. It's sacred. So, it's out of nothing but sheer respect that he does not look at either Ilthanas or the woman in his arms.</P>
<P>The female night clerk steps out, a hand placed against Ilthanas' shoulder, just affording him the knowledge of her presence. Without a word, she steps down from the porch and opens the carriage door.</P>
<P>Ilthanas' hardened green eyes only shift slightly, watching the night clerk step down the stairs. Without a word, he too, steps down, and over to the carriage. </P>
<P>Once inside, Arah seated on his lap andstill in his arms, the door is shut and Armsman Branthal snaps the reins gently, a click-click of his tongue accompanying to send the horse off into a slow gait.</P>
<P>[Nearly forty-five minutes later]</P>
<P>Ilthanas, finished explaining everything to Jerich, looks to Arahisie as she sleeps soundly on the couch in the livingroom of the De MonteForte/Silentwrath household.</P>
<P>"Again, I extend my apologies, Vorfon De MonteForte. Had I been able to inform you of what were to take place, I would have."</P>
<P>Jerich De MonteForte, Arahisie's older brother, slowly follows the Commander's glance over towards his sister.</P>
<P>"She's been through enough. More than she deserves. I only hope she will forgive me of my brash actions and harsh words."</P>
<P>A few minutes pass, the two looking at the young, beautiful woman on the couch.</P>
<P>The two men look to each other once more. </P>
<P>"Commander. In our homeland, your . . . Elves, that is . . . are discriminated against. Humans are taught from birth that Elves are beneath us."</P>
<P>Jerich pauses, regarding Ilthanas with much scrutiny.</P>
<P>A meaty fist is made, placed over Jerich's heart and he bows deeply at the waits. Nations all over recognize this as a warrior's bow of respect. Rising slowly, his fist lowered, Jerich's eyes once more meet that of the Commander's.</P>
<P>"Cormlle naa tanya tel'raa. Diola lle, Commander Lanthalasa. Creoso a'baramin."</P>
<P>Ilthanas knows Jerich has just bestowed a high honor upon him. The Commander's response, quite appropriate and from the heart.</P>
<P>"Diola lle, mellonamin."</P>
<P>"The Magistrates may wish to question her, still."</P>
<P>"She'll be there if she is needed. But, please allow her a few days? At the least?" Jerich asks, glancing to Arahisie once more. "She's been through much and needs the rest."</P>
<P><BR>Ilthanas nods.</P>
<P>Jerich shows Ilthanas to the door, small conversation passed as he accompanies Ilthanas down the walk to the carriage. Needing to be alone, Ilthanas sends Armsman Branthal and the carriage back to the guardhouse, choosing to walk this night.</P>
<P>The two exchange handshakes and Ilthanas walks off into the night . . . </P>
<P> </P>
<P><BR><BR> </P>
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<P><FONT face="Garamond, Times, Serif" color=#330099> ~Smidget~</FONT></P>
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<P><EM><FONT color=#000099 size=2>The three hardest tasks in the world are neither physical feats nor intellectual achievements, but moral acts: 1) To return love for hate; 2) To include the excluded; and 3) To say 'I was wrong.'" - Ernst Heinrich Haeckel</FONT></EM></P>
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<P><EM><FONT color=#0000cc size=2>"When his life was ruined, his family killed, his farm destroyed, Job knelt down on the ground and yelled up to the heavens, "Why god? Why me?" and the thundering voice of God answered, "There's just something about you that pisses me off." - Stephen King. </FONT></EM></P>
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