#sylaess

His eyes turned to her, still unconvinced she was really there. It seemed… impossible. But he knew it was her. He could feel it, even without being able to touch her. She looked magnificent, even as a weary, time-tortured soul. Her defiance burned, an undiminishing aura that was so uniquely hers. He'd missed it so much.

Avehi was less sentimental in the moment. Of course, she didn't know this Sinafay too well. The similarities with her counterpart were strong, though; she blamed herself less for mixing them up the first time she encountered her, looking for the one she knew from Draenor. On second look… it seemed the two were inescapably linked, even across their different timelines. Curious. She shook her head, and turned to Sylaess; the provider and defender of their makeshift hideout.

"Any sign of Raetos?" Avehi asked her hooded elven friend, slinging her hammer over her shoulder once the cave opened up wide enough to allow it. "I don't know how much time we can spend looking for him."

A small shake of her head was all that was offered. The shaded hood didn’t offer much for expression, but it wasn’t really necessary in the Maw. She shifted, rummaging about the small quarry of supplies she’d netted. Two small packages bound in ebon cloth, to be fair. Food. Waterskins. Bandages. Inane things, but not to be expected of the Acherians.

She knew Argo would need these things. Hoped Raetos was good enough to find himself some forage--though it had a cost. Syl tugged the hemp straps tighter, securing them. A nasty Maw-sworn spear rested on the wall beside the entrance. Another thing she’d stolen. 

She didn’t dare steal more than a few glances at Sinafay. She was glad they’d found her, but the sight of her left Syl more confused than she wanted to wade through at the moment. She knew her, but did she really? She couldn’t exactly recall anything determinate about her, other than that she was Argonas’ mate and that she had caused the unlikely friendship between her and Argo. But there was more! 

She smoothed her hands on her greaves a moment and stood up, shaking her head again. “I can guarantee this place for but a few hours. They move fast on very little intel. Resources are not a concern of theirs.” Picked up the spear and stood quietly at the edge of the cave, watching outward. “I see groups moving up the pathways, but none returning yet. That may be our best bet. Won’t be easy.”

“Nothing worth doing is easy.”

Argonas moved just a bit further inside as Sylaess joined him at the cave’s entrance. He pressed his back to the wall, and exhaled a weary sigh. The Maw was taxing; he expected as much. But he had thought it would be taxing on his soul alone, not his body. And yet moving in this place felt like a chore. His body was an encumbrance, unfit for such a place. The Death Knights and Sinafay had no such burdens upon them; the former eternally strong and used to the feeling of willing their corporeal forms around. And Sinafay clearly didn’t have one to slow her down. Despite his physique, he felt fatigue deeply in this wretched place.

His soul was lifted, at least, as he looked to Sinafay. Getting this far was such a boon! Inspiring! He knew he would find a way to save her from this place. With her free from the Tremaculum, their journey was halfway done! He smiled at her, finding the fortitude to see this through.

Sinafay, for her part, seemed oblivious to everything around her. Everything but Argonas, anyway. Her tail swayed, eyes never leaving him. She didn’t know how many years she’d been in the Maw for, or even what it corresponded to on Azeroth. Argonas certainly looked older… or perhaps it was the beard? She noted some new scars on his features, and the longer hair! Her hand reached forward, but the ghostly limb simply moved through him.

She sighed. What she wouldn’t give to have her body back right now. Despite her disappointment in now being able to touch him, she returned his smile. That sight alone was enough to wash away the weariness of her soul. 

“We shouldn’t stay long, regardless. We need to find Sinafay a vessel of some kind, otherwise we won’t be able to pull her from this place.” Avehi replied to Sylaess, tail swaying in unease. “First, however, we’ll follow the group up the pathways you mentioned. Hopefully, it’ll lead to a way out of this place. In searching for both… maybe we’ll get lucky and find Raetos, too.”

This place was grating. It was the longest Avehi had spent beyond the veil, and it wore on her. The whispers were far too reminiscent of the Lich King’s reign. Worse, somehow. She hated it. 

“What do you think, Sylaess?”

“Yeah.” She side-eyed Argonas a moment. Offered him one of the neatly wrapped packages. She could be empathetic to his situation. It mustn't be fun. Wrapping her gauntlet around the spear, she slipped out into the bleak air. Quiet, despite wearing so much armor, and rather light on her feet. Seems she had recovered enough dignity to look professional. A single glance back was all she gave before she struck out. Scouting ahead.

It wasn’t until the hooded figure came near and handed Argonas a package. Sina tilted her head, taking a closer look at the figure.

“Syl?”

She glanced back, but hurried herself out. Nope. At risk of looking like she had just legitimately run away from a ghost, she tugged her hood and stepped it out. Aimed to melt into the motley grey and bleak of the landscape.

Not much use--anyone living stood out here. At least, in her own perspective. The dead carried a very certain...

What was it, exactly? Aura? No. It was something else. She just bloody knew. 

The eyes on her back raising the fine hairs at her nape was really making her begin to grind her teeth.

“The Jailer will have--!” 

She didn’t hear the rest of it. Took a mace to the head. Her stolen spear went skittering across the stones as if borne by a flood of spiders. Watched it skitter from her descending view.

Well, fuck.

The runes along her armor exploded into that terrible light. Pale blue, like her eyes had once been. Blaringly bright in this place. A massive spike of ice shot up under the scout--was it a scout? Who cares.--and through it’s oddly fleshy body. Syl stood up, roughly brushing herself off with a grunt. Scooped her spear. “I think we need to go now.” The mild displeasure in her voice was clear as the sun. Vicious self mocking at its best. These ... people? Whatever. Assholes, more like, came from thin air it seemed. Sometimes.

Sinafay couldn’t help but smile to herself. Yes, this was most definitely Sylaess. She’d fought along side the Kal’dorei long enough to recognize her movements in a fight. 

It was a bad sign that they’d been found already, though Sinafay wasn’t all that surprised. She stood up and walked over to the mouth of the cave to stand next to Argonas. Instinctively, her hand reached out for his… and of course passed right through.

The Maw was unchanged from when Avehi was here last-- but it was still an entirely new experience. Before, merely a fragment of her consciousness could wander freely through the desolate wastes beyond the veil. Now, she was here wholly, fully… with no guarantee of any way out again. Her body never felt more cumbersome, reminiscent of when she was first risen. That bitter, ashen taste. The way the air felt so thin and yet stifling at the same time. The amber skyline was piercing, a burning contrast to the somber grey dust beneath her hooves. Immediately, the wailings of the damned assaulted her ears, in a symphony of suffering. This was no place for a mortal. 

Thankfully, she wasn’t one.

Foolishly, however, she’d brought two along with her. She looked back to her companions; imposters, both adorned in Ebon Blade recruit armor. Argonas’ barely fit over his muscular physique. An oversight on her part-- she should’ve procured a Tauren-sized set for him, just in case. Raetos’, however, fit just fine. Though his brighter skin tone betrayed his Light-suffused body beneath the dark Ebon plating. Both of them would’ve been easy enough to pick out… if anyone were looking hard enough. Too focused on Bolvar, Avehi presumed. She wasn’t sure about the Highlord. Helm or no helm, it was hard for her to reconcile how she felt about the presence that had set up shop in the back of her mind since the fall of Arthas Menethil. Familiarity, yes. But overwhelming distrust trumped it. Like an estranged brother.

She put it from her mind, for now, attention back on Argonas and Raetos. 

“Muster your senses.” she instructed. “We must move-- quickly!”

Argonas did just that; he was much more prepared for the terror this place instilled in the depths of the soul than Raetos was. Having died somewhat recently, he was already accustomed to this place, and the heavy draw that permeated the air. He expected it. Prepared for it. Shrugged it off, and moved to follow Avehi into the wastes. Somewhere here, they’d find Sinafay. And he’d make good on his promise to free her from this terrible place! That alone was all the drive he needed to suffer through.

Raetos wasn’t as fortunate. Despite all the time he’d spent on the Fel-suffused planet of Argus, it did nothing to protect him from the wave of absolute dread and hopelessness that permeated his senses.

“--Light,” he muttered under his breath, kneeling down and throwing his helmet off to bring his hands to his head. 

Thankfully, his Lightforged body offered him some protection. He couldn’t imagine how much more horrible this place would be without it’s soothing properties. It took him a moment, as he waited for his senses to acclimate. When he looked up, Avehi and the others were already far ahead. He removed some of the extra pieces of plate armor Avehi had told him to wear. The atmosphere was already too heavy, and the weight of the gear was unbearable. At this point, it didn’t matter if the Ebon Blade realized they’d brought a mortal through. 

Not like they could force him to go back...

Gritting his teeth, he got back on his hooves and followed after his companions. He was one step closer to finding Fable.

Sylaess’ skin felt prickly. Like someone had chopped the sides of her neck with the blade of their hand and jolted all her nerves at once. A cold sweat made her armor lining cling uncomfortably.

She wanted to vomit.

Two steps onto the other side, and she held it all back. Held her breath, too. Did a half-turn to check for an ambush and--

Came loose from herself. Drifted away from her own body. 

Ah, shit. The thought was haphazard at best. A remote acceptance. The world went away.

Sylaess stiffened up like she’d been struck on the head and went over like an ominous pillar of saronite. No hand came out to break that fall. Crashed to the ground unceremoniously with a dull thud. Absolutely unresponsive for a solid moment, other than a faint tremor in her hands. Unnatural.

“I waited, nonetheless.”

He took another bite, and  chewed that one too for a while. Thoughtfully. The only times Argonas was really so quiet was when he was eating or sleeping. His mouth stopped running long enough for his thoughts to get a turn. Most of his thoughts were on Sylaess, and his gaze followed them. He swallowed.

“Was it worth it?” he asked, motioning roughly over his own face where Sylaess’ exacerbated scarring was. “It looks as if you took a few hits. Did you learn anything of the truths you are seeking?”

She blinked at her hands, considering the question for a hanging moment. “...I don’t know if I feel qualified to name worth about this, but I learned enough that I...” Want to take a scalding damn bath, my friend, badly. “...want to leave. I have enough control, I feel.” No, you don’t.--

The taste of rust and dirt in her mouth. Black, watery rushing in her ears. A flicker of lights. Pushed away from the fragmented memory. Didn’t recognize much of it, anyway. Didn’t make too much sense.

And awake again. 

She gave a hell of a start. Limbs felt loose, uncoordinated. Standing up felt a little clumsy. Shit, how many times was that? Sylaess tensed, willing herself to look like iron again. Hoped beyond whatever frail hope she had that most of her companions looked past that little... episode. Destarion had made sound mention of her new ailment. She had an idea of what happened, but never a full understanding. Her skull felt like it throbbed, and yet was airy all at once. It was incredibly hard to refocus.

The fragment of memory, or fictitious image was fleeing her mind already. Little snippets. Some were true, but she couldn’t tell what was real. It was harrowing to try and winnow it all out.

Truthfully, she felt like her bones were made of windchimes. Hollow.

Avehi eyed the elf, a mixture of worry and annoyance upon her countenance. The poor thing shook and wobbled like a newborn talbuk finding its legs in this treacherous place. The Draenei couldn’t fault her too terribly for it, though-- everything about this place was an affront to the senses. She was, in truth, surprised Argonas seemed to take it in such stride. But then… he’d been here before, rather recently. She examined the trio, and grunted. This was it. This was the team. With no plan to get back out, and no telling what to expect inside… they proceeded.

“Stay close.” came her only instruction; her only warning.

The Vindicators trudged forward, driven by their respective purposes. Avehi had finally made it to the other side, and took strides now in correcting this problem that had haunted her for so long. Argonas’ purpose was far more specific. Yet both moved, in a show of their shared training, keeping a close-yet-loose and wary formation. Hammers drawn and ready for the horrors the Maw would surely throw their way.

Raetos stayed further behind, both to watch their backs, and also to keep an eye on Sylaess. She was the only one in the group he didn’t know at all. She was such a tall and skinny thing, so lanky and sickly looking. And from the looks of it, she’d taken the entrance into the Maw harder than he had. He wondered how long she'd been dead, but then Avehi had made it clear that it wasn’t a question to ask a Death Knight. A sensitive subject. 

Now wasn’t the time to make friends and start conversations anyway. Quite the departure from his regular self. Instead, his golden gaze scanned the rocky cliffs. Oddly enough, it wasn’t too far off from the rocky and desolate landscape that Argus had been… except Fel was replaced by… well… death and mist of some kind. So he had no issues blending and moving quietly about the area. Thankfully so, because the mist made it hard to see at a distance, and there were constant eerie screams in the background that made things difficult for his ears to pick up other sounds --not to mention the sounds of battle! It would make hunting the enemy harder for him. 

He wondered if Avehi knew where she was going. She seemed to anyway… So he followed. For now.

The worst of it faded slowly. Not that the ominous air of the Maw itself was helpful in any sort of recovery. 

To be fair, she’d been here before. A few times. They had to find Sinafay as fast as they could. Every second in this place was a threat to the very fabric of a soul. 

She should not be here. So many should not be here. That would have to be solved later. It was a much grander scale issue.

Sylaess shook her head slightly, chasing off the thoughts before they took hold. Glanced over the rest of the party and resolved to ignore her indiscretion. Such as it would be. A brief flicker of concern for Argonas, but she let it slide. Had to. No room for that here. She wasn’t particularly concerned with Raetos, disguise or no. 

There was a feeling that the Jailer would be able to sense them regardless of any shade or misdirection and that bothered her. Bothered her a lot. She slid a hand into her cloak, a hidden pouch there. Reassurance. The tiny vials were wrapped securely in cloth and leather layers, protecting them from a lot of damage. They seemed intact. “Avehi, do we have a specific direction, or should we try to command a soul to give us an idea?”

Her voice was quiet and gravelly, but clear enough. Such an odd thing to hear out of her own face. She sighed softly through her nose. At least she’d spent the last few weeks with the ritualists in Acherus, learning what she could of the other side of being a death knight. Less battle, more magic fuckery.

"Once we have our bearings, that's a good idea." Avehi replied without breaking stride. "Let's get up this ridge, and see what we can see."

"--Command a soul?" Argonas repeated, clearly uncomfortable with the notion. "Have they not suffered enough without such compulsions?"

"Probably. You can ask your wife the specifics after we compel a wayward soul to lead us to her." came Avehi's curt response.

It silenced Argonas well enough.

“Geez… I mean, it doesn't hurt to ask nicely at first,” Raetos couldn’t help but throw his opinion in, “If they’re being a pain in the ass, then by all means, but Argo’s right. No need to hassle an already suffering spirit if it’s not putting up a fight.”

He held his rifle ready, keeping his senses sharp despite his mouth working. 

“Like… from the looks of things, there are some obviously bad things picking on helpless looking spirits,” he mentioned, taking a peek over the ledge where he spotted the commotion, “We intervene, the nice spirit tells us what they know out of gratitude, and then we can compel the baddies for extra information. Win win. Oooh! Leave that hound-thinger down there alive, though. I want that.”

“Was it worth it?”

The memory echo gave her half a pause, but it slid away like oil on water. She sighed softly, the tightness in her jaw not settling.

Maybe it was the half-echoed whispers from the souls damned to this place. She could hear them. Assumed Avehi could, too. “More than half of these souls are ... remnants. Shattered pieces. The Maw is where they are sent to be slowly obliterated. Now that all souls are sent here, it's ... the worst fate you could wish on anyone. No hope for rebirth here, just swift annihilation if you’re lucky.”  Sylaess said. Gave pause, side-eyeing Raetos. “They’re constructs, but ones that feast on souls. Fine sport, I’m sure.” She had meant to be calming, reassuring even. But her words raked like gravel, gashing out the hideous truth of this place. The end was colored by sarcasm. No mercies indeed. There was regret, but she couldn’t pluck the words from the air. Nor did she feel she could’ve found better to say. The elf tugged her cloak over her shoulder, black hollow eyes scanning the area in a slow sweep. Old habits were never far. At least, she assumed it was a habit.

She eyed the hound. Then it came together. “But we could harness it to travel faster. At least, one of us.”

This place was grating on Avehi’s nerves. The sounds most of all. Words no mortal could hear, but registered as whispers to the Death Knights, one foot in and one foot out of their graves. Half-truths and intrusive thoughts given soundless voices, all speaking directly to her mind.

“You belong here, too.”

“None escape…”

“The Jailer sees all!”

It was distracting. Overwhelming. And Argonas’ and Raetos’ sanctimonious protesting only irked her further.

“Feel free to see how far asking nicely gets you.” Avehi chuffed, growing in irritation. “But if you want your respective loved ones saved from this infamously-inescapable place? Cast aside your Light-bleached sensibilities and be prepared to do whatever it takes. Let the undead handle the undead, if you can’t stomach it.”

The ridge crest overlooked everything… and nothing. There wasn’t much to see of this desolation. A ‘river’ of aetherial miasma cut through the land some distance ahead. And following it to their left revealed ramparts of some manner of fortification. Beyond that, ever-looming in the sky, was an infinitely tall tower. Unsettlingly menacing, it dominated the skyline, casting its shadow over the already dismal landscape. 

“--There.” Argonas spoke up, motioning to the fortifications. “I… I saw Sinafay near there, when I died. I remember the wall.”

“You’re certain?” Avehi asked, turning to him.

He nodded once, eyes affixed to the distant keep. It was recent enough, still fresh in his mind. Avehi grunted, but nodded in response.

“Then we make our way there. Any soul we manage to find on the way, we question.”

She waved her hand dismissively at the construct and his ‘dog’ down below.

“Leave those sentries be, if we can. The creature will serve us no purpose, anyway.” she directed. “Splitting up here is the worst thing we could possibly do.”

And yet, that was exactly what Raetos decided to do. As the others turned away and continued their journey, the Lightforged kept his eye on the hound and its rider. He always worked better alone anyway. And it would be easier to sneak around without the heavy plate wearers. Brows knit into a frown as he looked over to his friends once more, only to see them already a good distance away; pushed forward by Argonas recognizing a rock formation. 

Fable wouldn’t be with Sinafay. It was a gut feeling the Draenei had. Their times of death had happened so far apart and differently. The chances of finding them together in this hell hole was slim to none. His three companions obviously cared more about finding Argonas’ mate than his. Avehi had promised to bring Raetos into the Maw. That done, it was time for him to walk his own path. His partner needed him, and he wasn’t going to waste any time following the wrong trail.

Silently, he stepped away from the group and hid into the cliff. And just like that, he was gone, silently moving down the cliff to stalk the hound and rider, hunting rifle in hand.

“Perdition...” It was more of a mumble to herself, thinking over the location. She frowned, watching Raetos go--but who was she to stop him? If you want to disappear into hell, literally, by yourself, then that’s on you. She honestly wished him well. 

The wash of voices became loud in her ears for a moment. She grit her teeth.

“If we’re headed that way, we should get going. “ A pause, and she stared at Avehi. Tried to gauge how much she knew of this place, gave up. “He’s watching.” Softly. “There’s not much I can do about it.” Stepped up to be vaguely beside the other Knight a moment. “The best thing is that he’s busy with the sudden swarm of Acherians. He can’t focus.”

The Draenei’s tail flickered in irritation, as Sylaess put so well into words what she was feeling. The master of this domain exuded a too-familiar omniscience in this place. The power behind the Helm of Dominion worn by the Lich King could be felt here. Its origins, perhaps? It felt far too similar to be coincidence. 

“There’s nothing any of us can do about it.” she affirmed, bluntly. “May his focus be elsewhere as we get done what we’re here to do. Everyone stay cl--”

She narrowed her eyes in search; the brightest of their group was nowhere to be found! For his otherwise inept and naive countenance, Raetos was particularly adept at forging his own path and vanishing when he felt it was time. His impatience and disobedience would be his doom here, Avehi thought, as she shook her head.

“We need an escape. A rally point. Somewhere to fall back to and regroup as necessary.” she grunted, eyes flickering to Sylaess. “Can you secure one? Argonas and I will go ahead into the keep, and see if we can’t find Sinafay.”

Sylaess nodded. “I’ll hold to one spot as well as I can, but I feel I might need to move. May this be a quick endeavor.” 

“No rest for anyone, it seems.” Astaloren replied, tone growing severe. “If what you say is true.”

Avehi’s smile vanished; the elf had a nasty habit of changing both subjects and conversational tones with little transition. She was used to it, and usually managed to shift back and forth without issue. But with this particular change in topic, Avehi felt that brief moment of comfort and indulgence stripped out from under her. She’d almost managed to forget about such peril, for a while… With a grunt, the Draenei swung her legs over the edge of the bed to finally get up, and join Astaloren in getting dressed once more.

“It is true. I’m certain you’ve felt it, too. As close as we are to the Citadel, especially.”

Avehi had come out this far to seek Astaloren’s help. With everything her research and investigation had yielded, she knew the problem wouldn’t be one she could impact alone. Let alone solve. It was a growing concern that even the Knights of the Ebon Blade as a whole wouldn’t be enough to undo whatever damage had been done to the afterlife. And the Ebon Blade was far from whole, anyway. So many Knights had splintered off. Astaloren included. Avehi had too, but recently came back. Given the circumstances, she hoped her long-time friend would consider doing the same.

“I’ve felt something. You’re right; it’s not easy to ignore such things around here.” he huffed, in mild frustration. “You’re certain the Ebon Blade aren’t behind it?”

Astaloren’s tenure with the Ebon Blade was short-lived. Long before even Avehi left their ranks, he found himself at odds with the organization as a whole. Of course, the elf took issue with just about anyone who tried to tell him how to live his unlife, after the Lich King fell. Distaste turned to distrust, and festered into disdain. It didn’t surprise Avehi that he blamed them for this.

“Trust me. They were my first suspects as well.” she reassured him. “But it’s not them. It’s not even the Lich King, as far as I can tell.”

She set to getting dressed again, as the two spoke. Astaloren was thoughtful, and as such took many long, thoughtful pauses. Considering. Appraising. Assessing. She admired that about him; his reserved and calculative demeanor. He wasn’t as brash as most elves she knew. Arrogant, certainly. But tempered with a patience she wished she possessed, herself. 

“... Then we need to find out who - or what - is behind this.” he nodded to her. “I’m skeptical, but… I don’t doubt you, Avehi. You wouldn’t have come here if it weren’t severe.”

“Then you’ll rejoin the Blade?”

“Mm. On… tentative terms.” he sneered, slightly. “In the context of helping sort all this out, anyway. Being divided on this helps no one. Hopefully they’ll see it that way, too. And won’t drive me out of Acherus.”

“Their leadership is much more amicable than it was back in the day, Astaloren.” Avehi assured him. “They were fair in hearing me out. Accepting me back, after my laundry list of transgressions against them.”

She stood beside him after pulling up her plated gauntlets, nudging him in a playful manner.

“Not as long a list as you boast, but still - I’m confident they’ll see due cause to work with you on this. I’ll even vouch for you, as I am able.”

She brushed a few loose strands of his golden hair back from his face, smiling at him. Astaloren turned to Avehi, hands finding hers. He smiled, leaning into the Draenei, affectionately. He gave her plated hands a squeeze, nodding slowly.

“I appreciate it, Avehi. And… I appreciate you coming to me about this. In truth, I’ve been worried about it for some time. I wasn’t sure when to try and step in, or even how to--”

The two of them felt it in an instant; heat. Not just any heat, but a crackling, sizzling heat that permeated the air. It was faint for now, but grew stronger by the second. Avehi’s gaze turned to the stained glass. More light poured in through it. More than was usual. It wasn’t an ordinary glow, either. Such radiance could only be exuded by a truly powerful paladin. Or a Vindicator. Avehi didn’t have to guess who.

“... Argonas.”

She cursed under her breath, parting from Astaloren to retrieve Rokaa, her hammer. The elf, too, brandished his blade in preparation for what was to come. 

“You were followed here?” he scowled, a tone bordering on accusatory.

“--No. Not… not knowingly.” she huffed back.

The two stepped out from the bedchamber into the main hall of the Cathedral. Already, Astaloren’s enthralled Scarlet corpses rose to defend their home, rallying in a loose formation. Mindless as they were, a Death Knight’s dominion over them directed them well enough to stage a proper defense. Ten or so shambled along the worn carpet, hollow eyes affixed to the entry. Avehi took her place beside Astaloren as he stood in front of his throne, hammer at the ready. She knew Argonas wouldn’t let things go, even after thoroughly thrashing him last time they met. That damned Vindicator considered himself some manner of Light-chosen hero, sent to dispense justice wherever he’d tread. 

“Who is this, Avehi?” Astaloren asked, brow furrowed. “And how did they find you here?”

That, she didn’t know. Argonas must have been following her at a distance for a while, waiting until she was far from the crowds of Stormwind or Boralus to face her again. Smart. And very much like him. Or did Sylaess tell him where to find her? No, she wouldn’t have. They’d only talked recently. Too recently for her to have gone back to Argonas, and then for Argonas to have arrived. Sylaess had said she didn’t opt to join him in the hunt… and she believed her. 

It didn’t really matter at this point, though - the heat of his righteous rage grew hotter and hotter. The sounds of the undead falling against him outside grew louder and louder. A wave of worry washed over Avehi, causing her tail to twitch. It felt different than last time. Unbridled. Unrestrained.

He certainly hadn’t come to talk.

The doors crashed open, splintering as the holy reckoning barreled through. It was the Vindicator alright; his entire body crackling with vengeful Light. The undead rushed in to swarm him, each falling one after the other as Argonas swung his crystalline sword. Astaloren’s grip tightened on his own blade, as he stepped down the stairs. Avehi stepped down right alongside him.

“--No.” the elf held his blade out sideways before Avehi, to impede her advance. “I’ll handle him.”

“Astaloren, he’s--”

“He’s invading my home!” he quickly snapped, brow furrowed. “I will deal with him myself. He’s not the first Vindicator I’ve killed, after all.”

Avehi scowled, but hung back as the other Knight advanced towards Argonas. She kept her hammer up and ready, prepared to intervene as necessary.

As Argonas cut down the last of the shambling Scarlet corpses, he set his glaring gaze to the two Death Knights in the back of the room. He bore his fangs, growling at them. His focus settled on the elf as he drew near. Who this was, or what he was doing with Avehi, didn’t matter. He could feel the foul unholy aura emanating from the Knight. Sickening. This cathedral’s defiling had his stench all over it. 

It ended here.

“I don’t know why you’re here, Vindicator, but you’re not welcome!” Astaloren commanded. “Depart this place, or I’ll--”

The Vindicator gave him no time to finish, before he charged in. A wide swing of his blade nearly cleaved Astaloren in half, if he weren’t so nimble. He parried, knocking the blow off-center as he jumped back. Argonas pressed his attack, swinging again in a diagonal arc. Astaloren quickly sidestepped and thrusted his blade - only for the Vindicator to bat it aside with the back of his gauntlet. Astaloren had to jump back yet again to evade the third heavy strike. Still, he kept the rhythm by riposting; a firm jab against the behemoth’s shoulder plate. Harmless. But at least he connected somehow.

The two traded swings and jabs in vain - Argonas’ heavy hits never landing on his agile opponent, and Astaloren’s quick strikes doing nothing against the plated embodiment of the Light’s fury. Avehi watched, tail twitching tensely as she beheld the battle. Her every instinct to her to step in. Fingers tensed and loosened around Rokaa’s handle, hooves scuffing along stone steps. 

Finally, one of them connected - ducking beneath a broad swing, Astaloren thrust upward and drove his blade into Argonas’ side. A small gap in his armor. He pressed his sword in deep-- before a swift kick knocked him away, his blade still lodged in Argonas’ midsection! The elf caught himself from falling over entirely, landing on his hands and feet, skidding along in a kneel. He stood up, and scowled.

“The Light has no justice to serve here! It left this place long ago!” he called out. “We’re sovereign Knights!”

“You are defilers!” Argonas growled back.

Rather than pull the blade from his side, he slammed the hilt of his own sword down against it, shattering the runeblade in half! The broken hilt fell to the ground with a clatter - the force of the runes breaking apart blasting Argonas back towards the door.

“--NOOOO!” Astaloren cried, cradling himself as if he himself were struck.

He might as well have been - the Knight’s connection to his runic weapon was strong. He felt the runes shattering at his very core! Losing his blade was akin to losing a limb - a part of him! Argonas regained his hoofing with little effort, despite the localized blast. The explosion shot the jagged side of the blade out his back. But the wound didn’t last long. Latent Light energies swirling around his body both cauterized both the wound’s sides, and expedited the healing within. He hardly looked fazed. With a roar, he charged in for Astaloren once more!

Avehi could stand idle no longer. She rushed in, swinging her hammer broadly. The head connected with Argonas, knocking him back from her fellow Knight just in time. The Vindicator smashed into a pillar, stumbling off down the center aisle. He shook his head, as if to shake the blow off, before narrowing his eyes on Avehi. The real reason he’d come here, after all… The Light sparked off of him, shifting from an amber hue to a malevolent red. He charged at her again, holding nothing back!

Avehi braced herself, hammer ready. She timed her swing well, managing to slam a sturdy hit into Argonas’ side as he neared - but the Light fueled his advance, undeterred. He tackled her, ramming her into the wall a few feet behind her with righteous fury! He cast his blade aside, opting instead to pound his plated fists into the Death Knight. Blow after blow, he let loose a flurry of pummels into Avehi’s chest and midsection - the Light surged through her with every hit, causing her body to writhe. She brought her hands up to protect her face from the onslaught, but couldn’t block them from her chest and stomach at the same time. The plated armor seemed to do little to mitigate them, as even protecting her body from being crushed did little to stop the surges of Light that shot through her. Rokaa fell to the ground beside her as she braced herself as well as she could. But she knew she wouldn’t last long...

Suddenly, he was torn off from her, tackled sidelong by Astaloren. She collapsed to the ground, still reeling from the barrage of hits. Astaloren wrestled with Argonas, grappling the Vindicator with all his unholy might… but the size difference was insurmountable. Argonas kept steady, crouching to a kneel as he slammed the elf into the stone floor. His hands still blazing with holy Light, he pinned him down with a snarl. One hand took hold of Astaloren’s chest. The other, his neck. The Light filled his gauntlets, searing Astaloren’s body with intense righteous heat! He could barely scream, only managing to hiss as Argonas’ grip tightened.

“By the Light…” Argonas growled. “Be purged!”

The Light filled Astaloren, burning him away from within. Without even the ability to scream out in pain, he felt his entire form engulfed in righteous fire. Avehi watched in horror as the elf’s body burst, nothing left behind but a pile of ashes beneath the Vindicator’s massive hands. Argonas was stoic throughout, simply staring into the elf’s eyes as the lich fire within them snuffed out. He rose as the deed was done, and turned his glare back to Avehi.

She screamed.

No normal scream; an unholy, shrill scream echoed throughout the Cathedral, shattering what little stained-glass remained. Argonas quickly covered his ears, wincing from the piercing sound. His mind felt warped… scrambled! He barely had time to react before Avehi rushed at him. She shoved him back, causing him to trip up the stairs leading to the throne. She lashed out at him, clawing for him in a frenzy. Her nails scraped against his plated armor, swipe after swipe - the latter of which left trails of blood in their wakes. Argonas reached out to grip one of her wrists, staying Avehi’s assault for just long enough to slam a fist into her face. He knocked her back into the same pillar he’d struck - this time, the blow collapsing it fully. Rocks and stones buried Avehi in seconds as the vaulted ceiling came down atop her. When the dust settled, Argonas stood up, and approached.

The Death Knight grunted, struggling to free herself from the pile of stones and debris. Argonas watched a moment, before scoffing. He made no effort to help her.

“You brought this upon yourself, Avehi!” he scolded her, wiping her blood from his armor. “I warned you to cease your defilement! But you would not listen!”

“Y-You idiot!” she grunted in response, straining from beneath the stones. “You have no idea what you’ve just done! You’ve damned him!”

“He damned himself, harboring you here.” Argonas grunted. “His death is on your h--”

“--SHUT UP!” 

Avehi shouted, a burst of stones slamming against the wall as she finally broke free. She stood, glaring at Argonas. Her body was in rough shape; one arm broken, one leg clearly misaligned. She was in no state to keep fighting, but it didn’t stop her. She hobbled for Argonas, lich fire eyes aglow ominously.

“You damned him to the Maw! No souls rest anymore, you fucking fool!” she berated him, unable to close any distance. “I’ve been there. I’ve seen it! I’ve seen those who are there, and shouldn’t be!”

She spit up blood, in a blue globule on the stone floor beneath her. A huff.

“Those like your wife.”

Argonas’ eyes widened - shock clearly rushing through him. What did that mean? That was.. Impossible! There was no way she could’ve seen Sinafay! Not when she’d joined with the Light! He frowned.

“You lie…”

“You dipshit!” Avehi retorted. “I’ve been trying to tell you this all along, but you just won’t LISTEN!”

She lashed out for him, only to fall forward. Collapsed. She brought herself up to a kneel, wincing. Definitely some broken ribs, and internal damage. Too much to ignore outright, this time. For all she was, she was still dependent on her body to do anything. A damaged corpse was still damaged. Pain was less an issue, but incapacitance couldn’t be shrugged off in the same manner.

Argonas simply shook his head, brow furrowed resolutely.

“You lie!” he repeated, sternly. “Sinafay joined with the Light! She gave herself to--”

“Are you deaf!?” Avehi barked. “Death is broken! She’s in the Maw, with everyone else!”

“No! No! You are wrong!” he repeated, stepping back from her.

He felt sick. Confused. That couldn’t be possible! But after everything she’d said before, and everything Sylaess had told him when last they spoke… he thought they were maddened ramblings. For Avehi to repeat them so precisely, for the two accounts to tie together like this… he wasn’t entirely sure it was made up anymore. 

He turned from Avehi, and scooped up his blade. Nothing felt right. Nothing added up. He needed time to sort this out, before passing his final judgment on her. Sheathing his blade, he turned for the door, and made his way out.

“--W-wait! You… idiot!” Avehi groaned, unable to do much of anything to stop him.

Her cries fell on deaf ears, as Argonas vacated the shattered Cathedral. Like a tornado, he’d come in, destroyed everything, and left without a trace. She crawled over to where Astaloren was killed, grasping a clump of the ashes of him that remained. She could see the charred outline of his body now permanently stained into the stonework. It was over so quickly… she’d been so powerless to stop it. And now, it was too late. She couldn’t even try to bring him back, like this.

It felt so cruel that she couldn’t cry. A tearless mourning of her lost friend. Astaloren had been a comfort to her, in ways few others could be. He was one of the few people on the planet who understood her. They didn’t always see eye to eye, but she’d come to rely on his guidance and support. He taught her so much. Protected her. Strengthened her. Loved her. 

And now Argonas’ short-sightedness had robbed her of one of her dearest friends.

She let the ashes fall from her hand, and rolled over. The healing process for her wounds would take time - and would be anything but comfortable. But she set to work, her hemomancy slowly piecing herself back together. She glared at the shattered ceiling above her, cementing her resolve. Argonas had killed her friend, and destroyed her home. All in the Light’s name! She was tired of ignorant zealotry taking such things from her! The Light blinded him of the truth of things… but he’d see. She’d make him see.

One way or another.

~*~

There was only one way to know for certain. Avehi quietly peered out from behind the pillar once more, to see the intruder. It wasn’t a Naga, but… it wasn’t Mierne either. 

“--Sina?”

Sure enough, by some coincidence, Sinafay had wandered upon her! The two blinked at one another, surprised and confused to see each other in such a place! 

"Avehi?"

“What are you doing down here?” the Death Knight asked, as she stepped down from the ledge and sheathed her hammer.

Sinafay shook her head, seemingly exhausted from simply recalling all that had transpired! She let out a light sigh.

“Well... “ she shrugged. “I was on a boat and a hole opened up in the ocean so…”

"--Aah... you were on that ship? Tch..." Avehi frowned. “Not ideal... Glad you're okay, at least.”

Unsurprising - Sinafay had been working with the Seventh Legion a while now. But to bump into her here and now, immediately following that heated conversation with Argonas was… alarming. Sinafay nodded, seeming relieved to see another familiar face in such a dour place.

"Indeed. This was an unexpected detour.” she understated. “Sylaess is here too, but... I was unaware you were on the ship as well."

“I wasn’t.” Avehi shook her head. “I had High Vindicator Khanaros beam me down here."

Her expression curdled, unable to help but morph into a scowl.

“The Naga... they took Mierne.”

Sinafay’s luminous eyes widened a bit… as her brow raised both to compensate widening eyes, and in some small measure of confusion. She couldn’t quite place the name…

"Mierne... who is that again?"

The Death Knight scoffed a bit. 

“My friend. My shaman friend, remember?” she snapped, as if it should have been obvious! “I know I've talked about her to you!”

“Oh! The one Argo slept with?” Sinafay replied.

‘Sure. That she remembers…’ Avehi thought to herself.

“The very one.” Avehi said aloud. “--Aah, speaking of, he's down here too.”

“Oh?” Sinafay replied, seeming both excited… and worried. 

A part of why she had embarked on a Seventh Legion mission was to distance herself from Argonas a bit, and distract herself from the pregnancy. It came as a surprise, to be sure - for both of them. She simply needed some time to process it, grow accustomed to it… and accept it. Especially after…

"He's scouting ahead around here, somewhere." Avehi added, breaking Sinafay’s train of thought. 

A welcome deviation, all the same. Sinafay didn’t want to dwell on it too long. Especially in a place like this.She nodded, looking off into the distance. 

"Here to rescue her as well, I assume?" she inquired.

“At the High Vindicator's direction.” Avehi all but scoffed, shaking her head. “Personally, I don't need him. He's slowing me down."

“You will think differently when the naga begin to swarm.”

“Perhaps so.” Avehi shrugged, joining Sinafay in gazing out across the alien landscape. “I’m tearing down that keep over there brick by brick either way.”

Sinafay gave Avehi a tired grin. The Death Knight’s arrogance was amusing, in a way. She wondered if Argonas was sent along with Avehi to make sure she didn’t get herself killed. Again.

"He is also good at assuring you will not rush into situations blindly."

“Hmph!” Avehi scoffed! “You sure about that? He seems to have rushed into this little situation blindly…”

She motioned to Sinafay - specifically, her midsection. It wasn’t too hard to realize to what she was referring - a topic Sinafay wasn’t keen on discussing. Her expression changed immediately to one of hurt. She turned, stepping closer to a pillar and leaning against it, tail dragging behind her.

"That was my fault.” she said, somberly. “He was taking precautions. I was not."

“Clearly neither of you were.” Avehi retorted, skeptically.

“He was taking herbal tea.”

"If he were taking the tea, you wouldn't be pregnant. Isn't that the point of the tea?”

“Nothing is one hundred percent effective.” Sinafay sighed, knowing that well, now. “Perhaps if we both had been taking it, but…”

"--Now you're trapped down here, carrying his baby…” Avehi interrupted. “I guess he's slowing both of us down, in different ways.This works out, though. When he sees you, he'll come stay with you down here, and I can press on with finding Mierne.”

"Are you done?" Sinafay asked, shooting Avehi a nasty look.

“--Settle down, I'm joking.” Avehi replied with a light shrug. “... Sort of.”

“Are you?”

“Yes, yes…” the Death Knight waved a hand - apparently she’d irked her friend. “He's actually keeping pace with me pretty well, for a living person."

Sinafay's tail flickered, before she relaxed slightly. She went back to looking out over the terrace.

"You were paired up for a reason.” she counseled. “Whether you like each other or not, you need to work together to help rescue your friend."

Avehi sighed - Sinafay was right. The High Vindicator didn’t know Argonas had any personal connection to Mierne. He selected him to join Avehi on this important mission all the same. She knew Khanaros wasn’t a fool. Even in an emotionally charged situation like this, she knew he had the tactical details in the forefront of his mind. Argonas was clearly a good pick for this. And as much as she hated admitting it… it was never a bad idea to have back-up.

"... Maybe.” she admitted, spitting out the word as if she wished to keep it in her mouth forever. “I suppose it wouldn't be bad, having someone watch my back. Just in case? I mean… it didn't do his wife any good on Argus, but…”

Avehi shrugged. 

"I'm already dead."

Sinafay sighed. Heavily. That subject was touchy as well, but… Avehi wasn’t exactly wrong. She opted to ignore the comment. 

“What's the situation down here, Alliance-wise? They have a base set up, I presume?” Avehi glanced to Sinafay, inquisitively changing the subject. "Or are you and Sylaess the only ones who made it?"

“There are ruins to the southwest of the maw. Survivors are taking care of injured and gathering what supplies they can salvage.” Sinafay reported. “We have allies.... fish-like people. I forget what it is they are called. But they were battling the naga before we arrived.”

“Mm. 'The enemy of my enemy...'” Avehi nodded once, letting the quote trail off. “Argonas and I should stop by, I suppose. He'll need rest, at some point."

“A good place to recharge for certain.” Sinafay agreed. “Those of us who were fortunate enough to come out uninjured were sent out to explore and secure footholds.”

“Makes sense. What are the options for avenues out of here?” The Death Knight followed up, eyes cast to the sky. “Beaming down here from the Vindicaar was a one-way trip. We don't have a return beacon or anything... and we'll need to get Mierne home immediately.”

She clenched her fists.

"No telling what those savage Naga are doing to her..."

“Some of the battle-mages are attempting to create a portal to Boralus.” Sinafay looked to Avehi, brow askew. “...Do you know why your friend was taken? I thought she lived away from all this, on the Isles.”

Avehi hesitated in answering that, going quiet for a moment - oddly stoic, even for her. Her tail flickered once or twice, as she debated confiding in Sinafay. What would she think of her? Her lichfire eyes looked over other Vindicator. Why was she worried? Sinafay was her friend. The type of friend she could tell anything to, honestly and candidly. 

“Did she join the war?” Sinafay began guessing, bridging the awkward silence. “Was she taken from the boat?”

“... Can I tell you a secret, Sister?”

"Who am I going to tell?" Sinafay asked, with a shrug.

"It's my fault."

The Lightforged raised her brow at Avehi.

"How so?"

“Did I... tell you about Nedemus' relic? The one the Ebon Blade is after?”

“I do not believe so.” she shook her head. “...Nedemus is the dog you sleep with, yes?

The worgen I used to sleep with.” Avehi corrected, quickly. “I've found--”

She cut short, before shaking her head. That wasn’t important. 

"... That's another story." she dismissed the thought. “But... this relic... it's empowering, yes? And... he gave it to me, for safe keeping.”

“You gave to Mierne, then?” Sinafay began guessing once more.

“No, no... I…” Avehi frowned, shoulder slumping. “I used it. I went to the Isles... I killed... so many Naga…”

The icy blue flames of her eyes flickered excitedly at the recollection. Despite the repercussions… she enjoyed doing that. Sinafay noticed - her own tail flickered a bit, in concern… but she listened on nonetheless.

“The rest ran away... so I left. I hid the relic, and thought nothing of it.” Avehi continued, before shaking her head. “But they came back. In force."

“Oh.” Sinafay frowned, as she pieced the rest together, slowly. “--Oooh… I see.”

“She... fought them off as well as she could, I'm sure, but…” Avehi nodded slowly, looking out across Nazjatar. “They took her. Down here, somewhere."

“Well…” Sinafay was at a loss for any response - and probably should’ve kept it that way. “At least I know I am not the only one who can fuck things up.”

“--This isn't the same.” Avehi snapped. “Her life is at risk.”

"Bah.” Sinafay smiled, confidently. “I have faith you and Argo can rescue her."

“That…” Avehi's stern expression softened. “... is appreciated, actually. Thank you. So far, I've just been so focused on it, worrying if I'm up to the task. Argonas has been no help with that, either. We're constantly bickering... I don't know what you see in him, frankly.”

She paused a moment, then shrugged. She remembered now.

"Besides his body."

“He is honorable, patient and loyal.” Sinafay said, matter-of-factly. “He is amazing to fight alongside with in battle. A great teacher…”

Her eyes welled up…

"...And he is willing to stay with me through this..."

“Hmph. Of course he is.” the Death Knight huffed. “He loves you.”

“We do not love each other.” Sinafay corrected. “That is for certain. He loves his dead wife. And I…”

Sinafay trailed off, emotions building up. Avehi caught notice of it, and glanced sidelong to her friend - brow askew. 

“You what?"

No words came out… only tears. Sinafay began sobbing heavily, tears glistening in the illumination of her eyes as they streamed down those pale cheekbones of hers. Avehi fidgeted uncomfortably. This was the part of friendships she hated. Even in life, she was never very skilled at comforting people. Except men, in only one or two certain ways, but… that wouldn’t help her here. She stepped closer to Sinafay, and gave a single, gentle tap on her plated pauldron. Nailed it.

“Tch... there, there…” she said, mustering all the caring tone she could. “This is... just hormones, yes? Flaring up your emotions…”

“--I had love! I had it... and and... and he left me!” Sinafay exploded in lamentation.

"What?” Avehi blinked. “What're you talking about?"

Sinafay removed her gauntlets and started wiping the tears from her eyes - a folly task, at this point, as more and more tears streamed down her face.

"On Draenor... we fell in love... on Draenor... and now it is over... and I am alone...." she sobbed. “He... he travelled time and space to come rescue me... brought me here. We were supposed to be together... when the war ended... together in Pandaria... but then he found out about the baby…”

Avehi blinked again! She shook her head, brow furrowed in confusion. Nothing Sinafay said was making sense. She’d never mentioned a lover before. Definitely not one that saved her from captivity.

"Wait... I thought you said some Orc saved you from Dra--" she stopped, as it clicked. “...enor…”

Sinafay winced, sobbing slowing only slightly as she looked up at Avehi with eyes wide. She’d let it slip, inadvertently…

"Please, do not tell Argonas.... do not tell anyone..."

“You're in love... with…” Avehi spoke lowly. “An Orc.”

Sinafay hesitated, but nodded after a moment. It was too late, now.

“... His name is Grakkar.”

Avehi found herself at a loss for words. Of all the things she’d expected to hear, that certainly wasn’t one of them! She remembered in her youth, before the Orcs and Draenei were at odds with one another, a few of her friends would talk about them fondly. It was something of a taboo back then too, of course, but that made it all the more alluring. But even back then, Avehi never saw the appeal. Now… even less so. She had no idea what to say. No idea how to react. Sinafay seriously went from being enamored with a strong and handsome - albeit conceited and arrogant - Draenei Vindicator… to falling in love with some savage orc mongrel? Her lip snarled in disgust, as she shook her head.

“... Gross.”

Sinafay growled. She expected a response like that was possible, but had hoped Avehi would at least have the decency to keep it to herself in a moment like this! She turned and faced Avehi - face contorted into a tear-glazed scowl!

"Can you NOT right now?!"

“--I'm sorry! I find out my friend is in love with an orc, and I'm not allowed to comment?” the Death Knight raised her hands, defensively. 

She shook her head, and sighed - Again, Sinafay was right. This wasn’t the time. She had disclosed something personal to her, just as she’d done earlier about Mierne. Avehi knew she could hold her tongue, and let her friend vent. She looked at Sinafay, somewhat apologetically.

"--Fine, fine, not the time..." she conceded, as she brought a finger to her lips in a hushing gesture. "Your secret's safe with me."

Sinafay grumbled lowly, agitated and hormonal. Avehi’s poor response already sank in, setting the Lightforged into a sour mood. She huffed at the Death Knight. 

“...You fuck dead worgen, but an Orc is where you draw the line?!” she muttered.

Avehi’s tail flickered, eyes narrowing. Restraint became all that much harder to keep.

“--That's way different, first of all…” she began…

Sinafay simply stared at Avehi.

"Dead. Worgen."

Again, the Death Knight’s tail flickered. She clenched her plated fists, air around her growing cold.

“I am dead. You may have noticed.” she replied, through grit teeth. “So don't say 'dead' like it's some horrible trait. I already know. Thanks.”

She pointed a frosted finger at Sinafay, accusingly, as she leaned in. 

“Second - at least worgen are sentient, allied creatures. Orcs are simple savages! It's like saying you fell in love with a Naga!” she exclaimed. “Or a Murloc!”

That was too far. Sinafay snapped. She gave up EVERYTHING defending the Orcs, keeping them from her people’s oppressive overreach! For Avehi to refer to them as anything less than equal was a grievous affront! She reached down, grabbed one of the gauntlets she’d removed, and threw it with force at Avehi’s face!

"Do NOT call them that!"

Avehi didn’t flinch - the gauntlet struck true, slapping the undead Vindicator across her icy face, before it fell harmlessly to the ground at her hooves. Her fists clenched, eyes flaring - then… 

“... Kill her…”

Avehi blinked. She’d never heard the Hunger’s voice so clearly in her mind before. It was jarring, far more so than the actual strike Sinafay had landed on her. She felt like she did in days long past… those days interrogating Scarlet Crusaders, or striking down Argent footmen. 

She felt like a monster.

Her tail began to intermittently flicker, to and fro in no pattern or rhythm. Her expression hid it all - the shock, the confusion, the shame… she simply shook her head, turning away from Sinafay.

“... I don't have time for this.” she muttered. “You're hormonal. And... whatever he is... you loved him, and he dumped you. I know that can't be easy.”

Sinafay looked confused, and disappointed. Clearly, she was ready for some manner of retaliation. But… not that. She reached down as Avehi stepped away, and picked up her gauntlet. With a snarl, she backed up to the ledge once more, and sat upon the low wall beside the pillar. She was fuming… and now had no outlet for it. 

"Brood about it somewhere safe.” Avehi advised, voice level and impassive as if reading instructions aloud. “Get home as soon as you can. I'll send Argonas your way, to cheer you up."

‘Clearly I can’t...’  she thought to herself.

Sinafay just shook her head in silence, going about wiping fresh tears from her face. She had nothing more to say to Avehi. And the feeling was mutual. Avehi strode off without another word. She had other business here, anyway...

~*~