Book of Shadows

It took all the energy Shae possessed to teleport once more for the evening - once more before the blessing of sleep.  

In all reality, she was surprised she’d not folded in holding a portal so long. The one called Blackgate recalled later she’d never been hit with magic akin to that which the group endured within the trap it had so freely entered.  It was nothing Shae had ever felt - a different kind of current flowed within her - electric, yet not of any Arcane, Fel or Holy magics she’d dealt with in her past.  

Equalize....

Barefoot, once in Winterspring, the caster knelt in the soft white powder, crunching it within her fingers and compressing her temples.  

As her skin melted the white crystals Shae inhaled...exhaled.   You’re going to need to do better....  Strategy had surpassed combat the last two decades and she knew she needed to step up her game.  The pool was icy with Elementals guarding as the light robes and gloves were left behind in the snow as she stepped from them delicately, the cold air bringing some color back to her skin.

Cleanse. 

The large chunks of ice that coated the surface parted as though they expected her, an ever-welcoming, comforting chill.  As she moved further in -- knee deep, waist deep, steam rose in her wake, the ice chunks shrinking as they struggled to close the gap behind her. 

Heal.

The only thing she knew for certain this evening was that it was a different kind of magic.... there was research to do and each new encounter would be a test. She took solace - or perhaps even pride in he fact the fighters of Panzer were up to the challenge.  She was not so attached to their leader but the pit of her own stomach twisted slightly at the thought of leaving him behind.  

As she submerged within the icy depths, clouds of steam rising above the ripples in the water, she made a list.  It started with a single name. 

((photo source motherless.com))

Shiny black locks blew away from the Mage’s face as her eyes blinked from the sea spray that cleansed her tanned skin.  Shaeverah was content in her vantage point, seated upon the high railings of the ship.  Only the spikes of the bow separated her from the sea and it’s vast blue and white foam nothingness.

Even the waves washing and splashing the sides of the bow couldn’t mask  the feeling of a presence behind her.  Shae smiled, grabbing the line of the front rig with her right hand before gathering the soaking skirts of her robe between her legs and extending her left out into the spray.  Gazing over her shoulder, she squinted at the glowing red eyes of the woman that had joined her. 

ebonconclave

Shae leaned back in the floating basin in which she now bathed, black candles on floating pedestals surrounding her.  It had been an interesting evening much less week.  With Liyarah caring for the ranger’s child, Shae was out an assistant - at least until the Farstrider made it home in one piece.  Admittedly, it was nice not to need to occupy the girl - Liyarah’s strength had always been submission and subservience but structure had been the thing Shae had always been able to offer until now.  Still, she missed having her around.  The bath was certainly more fun with her here at 13 Falcolnwing.  

Lady Blackgate, the red-eyed woman with claws....   Shae’s lips curled into a smile at the thought.  Not at all what she had expected when Lord Elenviel ordered her to seek his officer.  She liked the woman instantly, there was a sense of humor and fun within that ought to make the coming weeks more interesting.  

She was still learning names, but made a mental note to get to know the other scholar that seemed rather new to the Organization.  Perhaps that one would make her upcoming tasks easier.  At any rate he was a mind to pick.  

The ranger was also there this night.  Humorless and easily agitated.   Interesting choice for a guard, Shae supposed.  She smiled, knowing she’d need to hold her tongue until she could get a better gauge on the creature.   

Blackgate, however, interested her.  Shaeverah Emberlight’s eyes flicked across the room to where the black cross given her lay within a circle of runes, awaiting cleanse.  Closing her eyes, she mused at what an interesting project might just be at hand.  

Hmmmm....   massage is the message, yo.   She LOVES Silverwine!  It’s one of the comforts of home Shae misses most!    Spiced bath salts are lovely - especially in a drawn, hot bath....  tigerlilly are her favorite flower.  Hmmm, what else?  She is also partial to dark chocolate....