Chance Meetings (Bellator (Brigade lands 1978 CE, Yalanze))

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

She'd been walking for what seemed like an eternity. Her feet were sore and she hadn't dared stop to bathe or rest for long. She'd been lucky to get out of the burned out remains of her home without anyone spotting her as it was. She'd been lucky that her parents had taught her how to identify plants and seeds because the moment she left the burned out wreck of the home she had grown up in she had had to scramble to find food and some midiocrum of shelter.

She didn't even know where she was going. She'd heard stories of the Brigade when she was a little girl. Her father had sold lumber to them so they could build their homes and various training areas. She'd seen the people from behind her mother's skirts as a child and marveled at how strong and regal they seemed. Such brave people to lend their skills to those who needed it. They'd always been kind to her when she had seen them, some of them bringing a rare treat from places she could only dream of.

Those visits had been like a holiday for her in the quiet buttoned up city of Myregal. Everyone was so proper and somber it made her fidget. She wanted to run and laugh and play but she could only do that on her family property. The locals were so dour that to do anything like that was to earn a disapproving frown at best and gossip or at worse a cuff and being drug off by her arm or ear to her parents. No one dared do more than that. The first time the school master had used a switch on her for what he called "impertinence" her father had threatened to demand payment for the man's home. The locals believed in reciprocity and the Lovelaces had rarely collected on the payments they were owed for the wood. They always could. It was their right and the constabulary would see it through if they asked but most people never wanted to test the kindness of the family.

At least that was what Merry had thought. She never realized the depth of resentment boiling under the surface until her gifts manifested. Never realized there were many in town that would love the Lovelace ledger to be wiped clean so that they could live in their homes and enjoy the benefits of never having to pay for what they had built.

Her parents and brothers deaths had shown her just how far people were willing to go. She'd at least had the presence of mind to head in the direction of the brigade and to not get herself killed but she often found her mind wandering as she put one blistered foot in front of the other. Now, tired, worn and with her hair straggling around her face from the braid it had been in she looked around. There were buildings here and somewhere there had to be someone who could help her.

Her knees buckled and she felt herself fall hard. She had to keep going. Licking parched lips she began to feel herself passing out as she saw the large shadow of a man in front of her, "Sanctuary, please Sir. I beg you..." she got out softly, her voice dry as she coughed and wheezed. She must look a sight, dark blue dress torn and dirty and smelling of smoke with blistered feet and hands rough from traveling.

Tagged: Bellator
Words: 587
Notes: First meeting.

[Deleted]

Bellator was doing his rounds in and around the brigade. He started with checking on the guards posted on duty, inspected the walls and gates, and then moved to make a round around the perimeter of their territory. He had been with the brigade for roughly 15 years now not counting centuries ago when he joined. His acts of valor, heroism, and legendary feats made him renowned in the Brigade and an idle among the fighters division. He made LT his first year in as a field promotion that was meant to be temporary. His leadership skills, tactical sense, and selfless deeds for his troops earned him the position permanently which was not common. His nearly perfect record of successful missions, bounties, and contracts completed as well as his talents in leading his men in larger battles allowed him to once more rise to a position as captain.

Although relatively new, the Commander of the fighters division singled Bellator out to groom him to be his replacement. Ten years later through the Commanders recommendation and a passed vote from the other commanders and head of the brigade Bellator rose to the position as the previous Commander retired. Bellator was still accustomed to doing things himself, he was not use to delegating tasks to the officers below him and likely wouldn't ever get use to it. He preferred to put his own life on the line before anyone else and ensure certain duties were upheld personally before handing things off. Today was no different. Generally patrols were done periodically at different times everyday by different people to prevent compromising certain members, being vulnerable to ambush, and to ensure no warrior was doing the same job over and over.

Bellator had been patrolling when he spotted weary movement ahead. He moved to confront what ever caught his attention to assess the situation personally. When he got close he saw a young woman tattered and worn, barefoot and blistered, and on the verge of collapsing. By the time Bellator was within arms reach the young woman had already collapse and was losing consciousness. Bellator was a stern man, he was strict with the rules of the brigade, and harsh with his mens training. Physically he was fairly intimidating. 6ft5 and around 300 pounds in appearance of mostly muscle he was built like a brick wall. But if people only knew the truth, that he was a fairly old dragon, and massive in size and strength making his human appearance look like a nat.

In his heavy armor designed with iconic dragon shapes that held mystical properties in battle complimenting his natural abilities he was even larger than he normally seemed. But those who got to know him would find him to be a very honorable warrior who truly cared for his men and fellow brigade members. He was not quite a gentle giant but he had a softer side to him. Bellator rushed to the woman and picked her up as carefully as he could in his arms as he knelt down on one knee and held her he reached for his canteen of water. He slowly tried to give her small sips of water while out of sight to her with his hand that was holding her up applied mental healing to help alleviate some of the fatigue, stress, and pain she was feeling. Bellator let the woman keep his canteen as he now stood carrying her in both arms seemingly effortlessly. He started walking back to the brigade.

Bellator moved quickly despite his size, armor, and carrying another person. A brisk walk with purpose but he did not want to hurt the woman and he couldn't fly back exposing himself as a dragon. They were not far anyways. Bellator looked on determined but spoke with his baritone deep voice as comforting as he could. "Fear not miss, you are safe, and you will be cared for. Just a few more moments and you will be in the Brigades medical wing as good as new." Bellator finally came upon the gates and the guards mustered to him to help carry the woman to get medical aid. "I want two guards with her at all times and want a surgeon and healer to look her over to ensure all is well. I will be with her shortly."

Bellator moved to speak with his captains to prepare paperwork for a report he would need to do on the matter. He also needed to figure out who she was as well and what she was going to do from here. It was not all that important at the moment just a practicality and Bellator hated the paperwork anyways. He made his way to the medical wing where the surgean and healer were debating which approach to take as usual. Science and medicine over herbs and magic. "If she isn't healed and given something to settle her more comfortably in the next minute you will both need your own surgeon and healer." Bellator said demandingly.

Though he had no true authority over either of them and his expertise wasn't even in their realm, few questioned Bellator and risked his wraith. They moved quickly as the healer began healing away the blisters and bruises and the surgean offered a small white capsule to take with some herbal tea to ease her mind. Bellator pulled a chair close to the bed they put her in and sat down. He was not sure what to say really, he wasn't good at small talk or comforting people. But he spoke as softly as he could "I am Commander Bellator Draconis of the Fighter Division in the mercenary organization known as the Brigade. I hope you are feeling better, you will be given the opportunity to bathe and change your clothing soon, I just wanted to make sure you were doing better and if perhaps you could tell me who you are and what happened. If you do not want to speak of such things now then that is fine, when ever you are ready the brigade is here to help. And if not the others then I am here to help."

Bellators Armor Attire

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

Merry's thin form was limp but as she felt someone pick her up and a soothing voice she roused herself. The Brigade? Then she had made it here safely. For that she was grateful. Her father had told her the location once and she feared that she had forgotten it in her shock. It was nice to know that she could retain some things when everything was lost. Shuddering softly she nodded as she was passed from one set of hands to another. Quiet nods met Bellator's words and soon she had a bevy of nurses and doctors examining her and checking her vital signs.

Time seemed to go by in a blur. The doctors gave her some sort of medicine they said would calm her and it had worked remarkably well. Already she could feel the blessed calm overtaking her. That was not to say she forgot her troubles so much as the terror and horror connected with the last few days seemed to ease off. She'd been healed of the injuries she had suffered. Burns and blisters had been magically healed as she waited for the medications to take effect.

Glancing up she saw the massive form of Bellator come into the room. The sheer number of people she had seen in the last ten minutes had been surprising. The fact that they cared for her injuries without judgement or censure made her relax as much as the medication they had given her had. "Of course, Commander. My name is Merry Lovelace. My family sells --or used to sell timber to the Brigade for their buildings." Her voice caught as she closed her eyes a moment and forced herself to take a series of long deep breaths. "My family and I were attacked in our home by vampires. My parents made me hide in the cellar and tried to save my brothers but the vampires...killed them and my parents. I hid as best I could and wedged myself in a hole where they couldn't get me. They were talking about how the Mayor had paid them to kill my family. They decided they didn't want to kill me they were going to take me to their homeland..." she trailed off, "I refused to leave where I was hiding no matter what they said and then the locals locked the doors and set the house on fire. The only reason I survived was because I was in the basement made of stone and crawled my way out via the storm doors."

She blinked and thanked one of the attendants who handed her a glass of water before she continued, "I hid in the woods. I was afraid of the locals. I could hear their thoughts. I didn't know they hated me and my family so much. They Were glad we were dead...." her voice cracked slightly and she forced herself to continue as the glass shook in her hand and the water rippled, "My father said if there was ever an emergency that I should head to the Brigade for protection. He made sure to tell me the coordinates of your outlying area so I could find you if I needed to..."

Her lower lip trembled, "Please don't send me back there. They'll burn me for a witch if they find me. I can cook and garden and help with mucking out stalls; just don't send me back there please..." Her eyes welled up with tears and they fell silently. The proof that the medication was working was the fact that she was not hysterical. She was distressed but holding up well under the strain and she was grateful for that. She'd hate to embarrass herself in front of such noble people. "I don't have any money but I'm not afraid of hard work." she said firmly as she looked up at the hulking man. Th-Thank you for bringing me here, Commander Draconis." she said shyly as she realized she hadn't thanked him, "Even if you send me away this has been a blessing to me."

Tagged: Bellator
Words: 679
Notes: The beginning.

[Deleted]

Bellator listened as Merry explained who she was and what had happened. Bellator was familiar with her family, he was still a Lieutenant when the brigade more actively bought timber from her family but it was not lost to him who she was. He did not remember seeing Merry before though, his attention wasn't exactly on matters of trade, nor of small children running about so it wasn't surprising. The Lovelace were not exactly nobility but they were upper class, influential, and renowned because of their services. Bellator sat calmly as she spoke of the vampires attack on her family and home. Bellator had suffered a similar experience. His family attacked and father killed centuries ago by vampires and demons. It was why he left the brigade to avenge his father and take care of his family until his mother found another husband. As she explained that the village was in on it and it was sanctioned by even the mayor a fire inside Bellator brewed.

He hated vampires because of his bad experiences with them and the fact that they were naturally toxic to each other as if nature itself had pitted them as natural enemies but it was in their nature to be how they are. But people condoning such creatures and behavior have no excuse, they were worse than the vampires in Bellators eyes. Bellator learned to get past his feelings as there were vampires within the brigade that did not act like the monsters of Sythanis or the demons they too often worked beside. But Bellator has hundreds of years to work out his frustration over his loss and over a decade to work with more civil examples of what vampires could be other than monsters. Merry had a long road ahead of her however she felt now. Bellator took Merry's hand gently as she began to plead to not be sent back. "Do not worry Miss Lovelace the only thing you need to do is relax and rest now. No one will be sending you anywhere you don't want to go, you have my word."

Bellator took note of Merry mentioning that she would be burned as a witch. If Merry was in fact a witch her talents could be used in the brigade for sure and certainly not as a laborer. Bellator reassured Merry once more by informing her on what would happen. "Do not worry about payment Miss Lovelace. Until you recover fully and feel you are ready to move forward however long that may take you are my personal guest here and guests do not pay for their stay in the Brigade. After you get back on your feet and feel better if you still wish to stay with the Brigade then myself and the other Commanders along with the head of the Brigade will discuss where you would best fit. You mentioned being a witch, if this is true then you would most likely go to the Mage Division of the Brigade. We do not discriminate or judge anyone on race or ability, being a witch and wielding magic is a gift and you would be taught to wield your gift as I would teach one of my men to wield a blade. The only thing that matters is the person behind the skill or power. What you do is important not who or what you are."

Bellator took he hand from hers and sat back wondering what to do. He could not just ride into the town and arrest anyone, he held no authority to do so even if hired, and if he started cutting down people or carrying them off to be thrown into Brigade dungeons he might make things worse. Without a contract specifying a specific task Bellator could not do a whole lot especially since a political figure and entire town of people was involved. The Brigade could do plenty but this was a case for a law enforcement official to handle whether a Marshall or Sheriff would was unlikely considering the Mayor himself was involved by the Brigade did not interfere with politics of nations, at least not publically anyways. The mayor need only make some lie that the Lovelace were conducting criminal activities and with the support of the entire town behind a political figure it would be that against the word of a scared and shaken young girl. The Brigade didn't have a leg to stand on with this. Not openly however. Perhaps the Assassins Division could do more where Bellator could not.

Bellator looked to Merry "If you do not want to stay in the Brigade that is fine too. We will not kick you out, you can stay until you are prepared to leave and escort you where ever you wish to go. What ever you decide just know that this horrible act against you will not just be forgotten. There will be justice one way or another for your family and yourself. I promise you that. Did you have any questions or anything you need from me?"

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

The chestnut haired witch relaxed at Belator’s calming words.”Thank you, Commander. I know this is an unexpected burden upon you and I apologize if my arrival has been a hindrance to you and the Bridgade. Thank you for your kindness.” She said quietly as she listened to his words.

“My family grew trees from seedlings and spoke with animals.” She said quietly, “My mother was teaching me but she died before she could finish.” Her lower lip trembled at the thought of her mother and she blinked hard to keep the tears at bay. “I promise I’ll study hard.” She was afraid they would send her back where she had come from. The medication was keeping her calm but the sorrow and horror she felt kept peeking through, “I should have been faster. If I had been my family…” Her voice trailed off, “Those vampires came looking for me. If I hadn’t been there maybe my family could have gotten away…”

His promise that she was not forced to do anything relaxed her, “Would the brigade mind holding a memorial for my family? My brothers and parents were good people. They never hurt anyone and the town will probably do horrible things with their remains as a warning.” That thought was horrifying, “I know I might be asking too much but I can’t stand the thought of them being left outside hanging somewhere…” Her mind was starting to go numb but she knew she had to hold it together to honor her family. “I don’t know what else to do. I never thought people hated me so much…”

One of the nurses looked at Bellator, it was obvious that she wanted to give Merry something to help her sleep but she would not administer it till Bellator was ready. The nurses and doctors were busy, some were seeing to patients others were making notes on what Merry would need so that she would not have to worry about anything. Word was getting around the Brigade of what had happened and while it was obvious that Merry had free choice the Brigade was clearly rallying to her side--if abit silently. By attacking the Lovelaces Mythregal had fostered a small seed of resentment from the Brigade. It would die in time as Merry grew in confidence and power but for now it would be used to make sure the surviving Lovelace was cared for.

[Deleted]

Bellator looked at Merry and smiled kindly. It still astonished him the fragility of other races but this was why he chose to be here, among them, to help them. He remember when he first sought to over see them himself. But over time they showed strength and courage and the ability to overcome their many weaknesses all on their own. Creatures that were not blessed with the size, strength, and power of a dragon charged fearlessly into battle against superior foes. It was remarkable and beyond anything Bellator could experience himself. "The brigade has been called many things by many people. People fear us, respect us, loath us, and praise us but in the end one truth will always remain true; we take care of our own. It is as much a duty as it is a kindness but you will see for yourself."

Bellator rested his hand on her shoulder as she spoke about what had happened with the vampires and questioned if she could have helped. Bellator shushed Merry and spoke once more "I am much older than people think Merry, with that I have allot of experience in many things, one of those is fighting vampires. I can assure you than the only thing that could have possibly have happened had you not hid was that you would have perished with your family. There would be no distraction, no escape, vampires are too fast even if your family had found a break to run. That said no decent parents would ever leave their children anyways, your gesture would have been futile, your parents would have never left you and would have sacrificed themselves again to protect you." Bellator tried to be sympathetic but he was not all too well with it.

He motioned to the doctors to give Merry her medicine. "They are going to give you something to help you sleep. You will feel a little better when you wake up. But you will have your ceremony and memorial for your family. I will personally see to a honor guard myself and the other members will no doubt contribute. I will speak to the more covert divisions and see if your families remains might disappear mysteriously from Mythegral so you may have a proper grave for them here but we will see how things go. I will stay until you are asleep then make preparations. I have some things I must do but I will try to return when you awake. Do not give in to despair Merry, I know how easy it can be to wonder what if and to blame. But you are stronger than you realize, time may not heal this wound entirely to be honest but it can certainly help you become strong enough to make things right." Bellator sat back in his chair to give the doctors a little space to work but he remained as he had said he would.

[Duvessa]

Even she was not unaffected by such atrocities; the scene she witnessed had been appalling. Yet for all of her power she could not have stopped that many assassins without preparation. When it was all over the bodies were carted out of the family home before it was burned to the ground. Yet her first task had been guiding the girl to the Brigade HQ so that she was safe from the greed of man. Duvessa knew that the girl could read minds and had a small working knowledge of where the to run to. Yet she owed a debt to a man who had called her bluff and won a wager against her. Protect my little girl, that was the deal she was here to uphold and she had done so by guiding the girl with subtle suggestions via thought and magic to keep her moving.

Duvessa did not directly intervene in the beginning until it was time for her to collect the bodies of the girls poor family. Despite her usual unwillingness to participate in the politics of the other races she moved to stop the caravan. It was actually a simple matter as the humans who took the corpses were not skilled at magic nor did they know how to wield a blade any better than a farmers son. A flick of the wrist, a few well placed whacks of her staff and the guard was unconscious and the cargo was hers to do with as she pleased. All of this trouble for one silly little girl who was as common as a wild flower in her eyes.

Still, a deal was a deal, so within the hour she too arrived at the front gates of the brigade base. Yet unlike the vagabond who had come to them earlier, she was known to some for her assistance in setting up the magical warding that kept other unwelcome magical folk out. Faerie magic was some of the strongest magic on Yalanze as it came from the source; the core of the world it's self. The fae could feel magic at all times, channel the power of the magic around them and use it's power for their own craft. Walking softly down the halls towards the medical wing, she remained unannounced for a while longer as she listened to the conversation from afar.

The entire time she kept her eyes upon the girl- trying to get a read on the person who was now in her charge. Clearing her throat gently, she stepped out from the shadows and made herself known to the two of them. Long dark hair, tall horns and feathered wings sat upon her back and made her a sight to behold. Rarely did one get to look upon Fae in this world unless they were going to become the unsuspecting dinner of a hungry fae. "It will not be necessary to send anyone after the bodies. I have brought them myself." she stated. Her eyes fell upon the hulk of a man before her next, unsure what to make of him. She knew of him but never before had she laid eyes upon him or held a dialogue with him.

"The assailants have fled back across the Sylthanus borders. For the moment she is safe but I will have to act to keep them from trying again." she explained. Then she realized she had pretty much come from nowhere and that was unsettling to some. Perhaps not to Merry as she was aware of the thoughts about her but to the nurse who thought the three of them alone, she was most likely startled. Her green, goat like eyes flashed green for a moment as a smirk spread across her lips.

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

The beleaguered woman nodded as Bellator spoke to her. She had no illusions that her life would be easy even in this place. She was alone and would have to earn her place here if she decided to stay. She’d all but made the decision to join but she wanted to hold off till she had time to get her head together. Making an impulsive decision was never a good thing and even distraught as she was Merry knew this. Hearing him talk about how she couldn’t have saved her family did comfort her somewhat but it also strengthened her resolve. She would not let herself fade into misery. She would study hard and maybe someday become a mage so she could give back to others. This may be a defining moment in her life but it would not be the only one.

“Thank you for your kindness, Commander. I appreciate it. I know you probably have many things vying for your attention at this moment.” She took the tea cup and tablet that the nurse offered her and nodded as she looked at the hulking man sitting across from her, “I appreciate anything you and the Brigade can do, Sir.” The sound of another entering the room caused her to look up a moment.

Taking in Duvessa’s appearance she blinked, passing the tea and pill to the nurse to hold for a moment and giving the other woman something to do rather than stare, “Thank you for your kindness, My lady. You and the Brigade have been most considerate given the unexpected nature of my request and arrival.” The idea that vampires would want to kill her baffled her, “Why would vampires wish to assassinate me? I am not anyone of import and have only recently started studying magic with my mother. I’m no one special.”

This was not said with a lack of self esteem as much as confusion. Merry had had a good childhood and up until this moment her most traumatic event had been when she stubbed her toe in the dark when she was going upstairs to bed. She had her insecurities to be sure but those were just parts of her personality as a female in a male dominated world. Her name had rung true since the moment she was born and even with the sadness she now felt it was doubtful she would remain sad beyond reason.

[Deleted]

Bellator sat awaiting the doctors to tend to Merry his eyes focused on her when he heard a voice respond to his mention of possibly obtaining Merry's family bodies for a proper burial. Bellator didn't react at first, the divisions were run relatively independent of each other, it would not have surprised him if one of them had gathered intel before Bellator had a chance to and acted upon said intel. The assassins were particularly good at it. But when Bellator turned his attention to the source of the comment he saw an unfamiliar figure before him. Bellator rose from his seat and placed his hand on the hilt of his blade unsure if the woman was a demon or not. Bellator stood in place not moving to do anything without more information.

"I take it you didn't bother to be cleared by the guards on duty so that we might have been notified of the arrival of someone with information on a situation of interest to the brigade did you?"Bellator grumbled irritated as he was a stickler for security. Hearing that the vampires fled home Bellator was hardly surprised. His eyes still fixed on the arrival of this mysterious figure, at least to himself, Bellator responded to Merry's inquiry on why the Vampires might want her dead even after she was already gone from the town and not a threat. "Many vampires need no real reason to conspire and inflict pain and suffering on others. They often live to feed and toy with their prey.

It might be something more significant or it might just be vampires reveling in the torment of you always looking over your shoulder. But it is of no concern now, if anything you should prey they do attempt to get to you here, it will be the last thing they ever do and your worries will be gone in a swift strike of a blade." Bellator cleared his throat and spoke sternly "Forgive me if I am suppose to be familiar with you stranger but I am still catching up on many matters of duty, paperwork, and general relationships of my predecessor. I am Commander Bellator Draconis of the Fighters Division, might I ask for an introduction so I know what to write down for visitors this day?"

Bellator would have a talk with the guards on duty and see that better magical alarms and wards were saw to by the Mage Division. Bellator didn't like disorder, surprises, or possible security threats popping up uninvited. Bellator began to question whether taking over the Division was the right path for himself. Things seemed much less troublesome as a Captian, less responsibility, and more time to train and interact with his men. The paperwork alone Commanders were responsible was enough to drive Bellator mad. Diplomacy, bureaucracy, politics of leadership, and technicalities of paperwork were not something Bellator was fond of and his predecessor purposely left out this aspects significance to the job during their transition.

[Duvessa]

It amused her to no end when people were silent for a length of time upon seeing her. Not many were used to seeing creatures such as her, she knew this, and every time it drew a smile. Once the silence was finally broken the timid girl seemed to be filled with gratitude for her swooping in and saving the bodies. Of course had the old fool not distracted her she would have noticed the vampires crossing the border to begin with and stopped this from happening. The oh-so-amused expression on her face remained as she bowed slightly to the girl. Her actions seemed benevolent on the surface yet there were not taken for that reason but Merry never needed to know this as far as Duvessa was concerned.

"I only bring with me more sorrow, your thanks is perhaps a bit premature." she said in reply. Indeed she was sure that once Merry saw what was done to their bodies she would be overcome with sorrow once more. Perhaps it would have been better to let the humans have them for whatever purpose they had taken them to begin with. They were a funny species, humans, nothing they did made any sense to the immortals but they were to be respected for their power given their short existence in this world.

While the girl was filled with questions, Duvessa could not contain her amusement. She held the answers to those questions yet she was unsure she should answer them. This girl was a fount of power that was untapped by even her own meager understanding of what lay within. In this situation she could used that to her advantage to gain control of such a strong magical beacon yet she chose to bide her time for now. She had a job to do and taking the girl from the brigade into harms way went against the deal she made with the troublesome father of hers.

"They came for you because you are the key to something wonderful. Through you great things will begin in the coming years. Your power will be the catalyst for something beyond your current comprehension. For now do not think too hard on this, your mind is too distracted to understand even if it were explained." she said. Grief distracted people from moving forward and this girl needed time to heal before she was ready to complete whatever task it was that Yalanze had in mind for the girl.

Turning her attention to Bellator she let out a rather amused laugh. "Your guards are aware of my presence but only because I made it so. They have in their possession her parents. My coming and going is usually not so.. obvious so it is no surprise you do not recognize me. Though if you would like to get to know me, that might be arranged." she teased with a smirk. It would do nothing to ease the every alert watchdog's mind about who was coming and going however. Even the mage division who she traded magic with knew very little about her beyond the useful nature of her magic and how it could protect them. "Duvessa is my chosen name." she replied in kind to his request for an introduction, bowing to him briefly.

"As for why I came," she started, pointing a finger towards the girl. "..she is the reason. I am to care for her as she is too important to place in the hands of those who have no idea what she can do. In her is a magic so volatile that if not properly managed could destroy this world long before it has a chance to save it." she stated. Perhaps she divulged too much information , she had no intention of scaring the girl further than the events of the night had.

[Merry Noelle Lovelace]

Merry was too ill to notice that these two people were not connected via the Brigade at first. The idea of vampires hunting her made her blink. She didn’t know stories of the undead but it was clear that she was feeling overwhelmed with all of the comments going on around her. Slow on the uptake she blinked her dark eyes and looked between the two, “You don’t know each other?” It was hard for her to really make all the connections at this point. Her traumatized mind was hanging onto wakefulness with an iron grip. It was obvious that these two did not particularly like each other. She did not know what this would mean for her and she had this childish feeling that had crept on her when her parents had fought. Two powerful people were at odds with each other and that did not bode well for a small person like herself.

Duvessa’s admissions made her bite her lips, “It is an unpleasant task none the less and I thank you for it.” She was not ready to see the bodies and it was doubtful that she could handle the damage done to her family. She was beginning to feel like a piece of property with all the discussion about her as if she was not laying in a bed before them. “Mother never spoke of the power you speak of.” She looked baffled as she looked between them, “I do not understand. How is this to affect me? I am here in the Brigade but you wish to train me. I am uncertain how to proceed.” She was being honest. All this talk overwhelmed her and she was feeling slightly ill from her journey. She did not wish to promise anything when she was this ill.

Shifting slightly she glanced about for something to drink. Her throat was dry and she was feeling slightly ill from moderate dehydration. She craved water and a chance to refresh herself. Absently she took a wetted towel and cooled her own wrists to revive herself a bit. “I have no desire to hurt anyone.” She said quietly as she looked between the two powerful people before her. She exhaled softly as she felt suddenly tired and worn out. She didn’t want to be torn in two by people. It was unsettling to be in the spotlight.