Solum Reign discussion

Jakub soaked in the bath as water was boiling around him as he had regained his powers. He sighed trying to clear his mind, but all he could think about was if his recently discovered mother, Severity was okay. He may have had his eyes opened by the gods but that didn't stop the constant doubts hitting his mind and emotions as he realized more and more that the Kralitsa will never accept him into her family as he desires. He would never be treated as an equal part of this society.

Himeko knocked, announcing herself, her mind still cluttered with worries. When no one answered she walked in, spotting no Jakub, though she wasn't worried, she could feel his energy through the earth. He felt similar to his daughter. The smell of scented oils drifted through the steamy air. Bath. She knew and so waited in the living room area of the guest room. She knew when he was ready he would come and greet her. She had to take her time with Jakub, be cautious, he wouldn't understand a lot but would crave a lot. She made themselves tea as she waited, standing by the window.

Jakub got out of the tub drying off having no clothes in the bathing room or the powder room he wrapped the towel around his waist and walked in through the sitting room. He didn't notice the Kralitsa at first until the scent of rose petal tea hit him and he looked over to see his grandmother. He jumped out of his skin nearly tripping over a ottoman and walking face first into the wall next to the bedroom door. "Ouch!" He shouted holding his nose with both hands as his eyes watered steaming up before reaching the sides of his cheeks. "Sorry, Ma'am...I didn't notice you..I wasn't told you were coming I'll....get dressed. "He said nodding to her before hitting the door frame again with his knee. There went the gracefulness he once held in Xuin. He wobbled into the bedroom being sure to close the door behind him. It was silent for a moment before he could be heard screaming in pain into a pillow. He then wiped his evaporation tears and got dressed as quickly as possible into a pair of pants and boot and then a long coat with no shirt. "Kralitsa...to what do I owe the pleasure of such a visit?" He asked with a kind smile. He couldn't explain it but this palce was changing him...for the better. He felt warmer on the inside and out and it made him feel good. This was what he dreamed of Xuin to be like.

Himeko didn't look up when the boy walked out of the bathroom, didn't pay him much mind as he fumbled and stuttered around, waiting for him to go through and get dressed so they could get down to business. It had been a while since someone had ever been that flustered around her, normally she tried to give off a calming atmosphere so people felt welcome to talk and relax when around her. The sudden muffled scream caught her off guard though, wondering just how badly he'd walked into objects. "You don't have to be so formal." She offered, though knew he wouldn't take it. She looked to the extra cup of tea awaiting his attention before offering a kind smile. "I just came by to make sure you were alright, after all the commotion, I figured you would be a little out of sorts. Do you hold any troubles?" She wondered, sipping her tea with care.

((gtg))

Jakub nodded a thanks to the tea as he picked it up and sipped it. The warmth felt good on his throat. "Honestly..for a close-death encounter I feel great. I have some mental relaxing needed to be done, but beyond that..I am well." He assured her. "Sorry, abotu a few moments ago...you merely caught me off guard, Kralitsa. "He said with a charming smile. "Perhaps we sit? "He offers pointing to a chair across from him. "A beautiful morning isn't it?" he asked looking out the window as he sits. I expected you earlier but when you didn't show I decided to bathe instead. I simply thought I misunderstood you last night and believed to hear your that we would converge into communicating in Xuin this morning at first light." He said keeping his eyes averted from the Kralitsa clearly nervous about something. It was as if he were hiding something.

Himeko watched the outside as sun streamed down, causing a glitter of colours. "The tea will help relax your mind, many different herbal teas offer much needed purposes." She told him. "Yes I know." She replied in kind before taking a seat as offered, delicately crossing her lithe legs at the ankles. "But yes it is, surprisingly so." She murmured, placing her tea down for a moment as she regarded her grandson. "I apologies for being a little off schedule, it so happens my son was given judgement today for his crimes and considering his crimes, it was fair but light." She murmured, a hollow sorrow laced her voice briefly. "You can talk to me freely, I won't hold words against you, after all. What troubles you Jakub?" She asked, sensing a fluctuating energy within him.

Jakub looked up at her as if he hadn't caught her question. "Oh..nothing...I'm fine really. After last night I expect you are right I am just a bit shaken." He said obviously lying as his eyes became averted from her once more to the window. In truth Jakub's mind was working on if Amelia was able to do the task she was presented with on top of which what would become of Gabriel and his mortal infatuation. Then he began to wonder how if at all possible the KRalitsa plans to break the bonds of the Lycans to their masters and what if the Lycans do not all want to or even know how to cope without a master. Then he tried pushing his mind into the darkness. What would happen if his past resurfaces. He informed the Kralitsa of killing his brother, but what if it came back upon him. If all of this came to be his entire world would crumble. Even more so if the Kralitsa questions his true motives of being an extended ally to her. He wasn't just here for an ally. He had some research he wanted to get done as well something that would shed a little more light on the prophecy he was apart of and how it would come about.

Himeko was not born yesterday and knew when people lied and she did not enjoy the fact that Jakub was denying her and himself the truth of all things considering his situation, though considering where he'd been born deception, lies and other such dark matter probably came easier that the strangeness that was kindness to him. "Jakub, I'm going to be frank with you considering we have so short a time to converse over matters at hand, but though we have only just been introduced, I'd prefer it if we didn't start this introduction off with lies and secrets, after all half my family is being picked off because of such matters." She told him. "So I would prefer it if you were honest with me, and if you didn't feel ready just yet then I shall respect your wishes. But respect the light and be respected in turn. Treat those around you the way you wish to be treated. So would you like to start this over again?" She asked.

Jakub downed his head being caught quickly. He never was a good liar when facing someone who needed to ot be lied to, but he managed lying to his father his entire life and vice versa. "Forgive me Kralitsa...I am just unprepared to speak my mind and what troubles it as of right now. If you would like I would be more than happy to attempt a connection with one of our possible allies." He said feeling it was hard, but in fact a bit easier to simply say he did not wish to talk about it. He felt the Kralitsa, his grandmother was quite wise and he should listen to her wisdom more closely.

Himeko smiled softly, her long years weighing heavily in her eyes for a brief moment. "Then I shall respect your wishes, but when you are ready, do talk. I do not intend to hide anything from you for I have no need and it gains nothing for anyones benefit." She told him before nodding in agreement. "We do need to make a link, however, I need to know you are mentally prepared and physically prepared. Your descent injure wasn't long ago so I do not want to push beyond your limit." She murmured, sipping her tea. "I must inform you that our link may last longer than last time. I have found a way to break the links of servitude however it depends on those in service if they have the desire to break the link."

Jakub nodded..."May we start with one who has been held close to my heart for quite some time since his birth...Kayne. My father's trusted Lycan. he is the only known Lycan to be born as a Lycan and be allowed to live. I want him to know freedom. He only has known servitude and I can't accept him being tied by chains on his heart. His spell is far more advanced than normal Lycans. He is bound by dark magic that not even demons can fully understand. My father did it that way to ensure that he remained loyal without challenge." Jakub said plainly.

Himeko regarded the boy for a moment, contemplating such as request before nodding. "Of course, it will test my theory of the spell." She told him, taking her paint brush and palette out, laying it out on the table between them. "I will make a link with him, though there may be backfire considering how deep this magic might go. Chains on a heart is a soul sacrificing thing which may cause more harm than good." She told him, readying him. "I'm going to have to be very delicate and there may be walls, so do be ready because this may be a harsher link than the last." She warned, gesturing to his hands. "Take a deep breath, match it with the pulse of the heat. It will make it easier."

Jakub nodded holding his hands over Himeko's just as last time with one under hers. "I'm ready." He said breathing deeply through his nose and exhaling out his mouth. He tried his best on focusing on warmth, light, heat...pure fire. Then he focused on Kayne. His presence his spells that retrained him and could one day kill him.

Himeko nodded and placed her hands in position, murmuring softly as the paintbrush swam over their hands once more, offering up a bundle of heat, this time it felt almost alive like holding a heart between them. She zeroed in on Jakub's thoughts of Kayne, taking in memories and feelings before being plundered into darkness. Her eyes turned white but it didn't stop her from gasping at such a great fall. Not only did she feel Kayne's pain but she felt his hopes, dreams, his fear and anger. He felt like but a boys Kayne, can you hear me? Do not be alarmed. I am Kralistra Himeko of Eldingar. I have Jakub here, safe. I am talking to you on his behalf but also wish to offer a proposition. Kayne's senses disregarded her and flared to the sense of dangerous and foreign magic. If not him his chains threw up a solid wall. Focusing harder, whispering a spell or two the walls took time to crumble and melt. Get out!l punishment at last. Get out! Fear and rebellion for so much power was all he knew.

Jakub winced feeling Kayne's pain as well and then the power of his heart blocking the Kralitsa magic. At last Jakub was able to say something to Kayne..."Kayne...calm down...relax..please it's okay we only want to help you. Take hold of your chains and command them. You are not a slave you are far greater and you should have feared by my father and anyone else who stands in your way. You must concentrate on helping us get to you." Jakub spoke inside of Kayne foreign the Kralitsa would need help breaking those walls.

((gtg shortly))

Himeko was surprised with Jakub's interjection but didn't mind if he could help the poor soul on the other end. Kayne instinctively flinched away from vast power, it only meant punishment for him though it was soft and welcoming he didn't want to let his guard down at be duped. His mind sparked at the sound of Jakub. Young master? You're alive?! Feeling shaken, torn between duties. His chains didn't like the sudden change or heart and power and began squeezing his already tender muscle. Argh! I can't, leave me be... Please young master. He almost pleaded through the pain, his chains reinforced his walls.

Jakub frowned, "Himeko...help him. It's not him deny the power, it is the curse upon his chains." He told Himeko pleading. Jakub couldn't believe it, but he felt it was safer to let go of Kayne...for Kayne's sake. "Please..." He said Then he focused hard again. "Kayne please relax and open your mind. we are only trying to help. Please!" Jakub was begging for Kayne to be okay. He couldn't do anything and felt like he was worthless because he wasn't able to do anything.

Himeko was struggling as she focused on Kayne, trying her best, but distance made the conjuring of magic harder. Only those highly practise could do what she was doing right now. "I know, just..." Her features contorted into pain, sympathetic pain for Kayne. Young master! He cried across the link as Himeko began etching shapes in the air, muttering a complex spell as a fine mist coated her forehead. So much light. I can't... Kayne struggled himself as he tried to focus on breaking down his own walls, having had them up all the time, made this him feel like baring his soul. The pain was making him see grey spots. His walls fell from being too weak and the need to subdue the chains. Himeko jumped at the opening and slithered in. Her muttering became faster and faster as the air in the room became dense. She picked up a dagger with telekinesis and stabbed it in the air between their hands. Argh!! Kayne erupted into a soul wrenching scream, clawing at his chest as his cry soon turned to white noise. The shadow of black chains shot down the link, forcing Himeko to block it causing sparks to fly from between their hands. Kayne! Himeko barked, sensing he was still alive.

Jakub felt nothing but Kayne's inner pain. He was unable to help him and somewhere there he could have sworn another form of light came back through just before the shadows. He spoke aloud, "There is no light in Xuin..who?" Jakub felt power from Himeko and Gabriel. He couldn't believe it but he was feeling more than a fair share of light that he was not used to. He felt the wash of darkness shooting through and nearly flinched at the sparks he felt coming from their hands.

Himeko was ignoring everything and focusing on the magic. The spell was stubborn. She'd shot through Kayne's walls but Markus's chains were different. She felt a lift of light from Kayne's end and smiled. Well there was at least one ally she could trust there, though the boys feeble attempts proved his ill education on magic. She grabbed the other light like a sword and stabbed it through the chains. She felt a carnage of pain, having known the Lycan wouldn't get out unscathed. It felt dead for a moment until a jolt had her jumping a little. What happened? Kayne asked barely above a whisper. It took a moment and Himeko was smiling. Your freedom She told him, caressing his mind in comfort.

Jakub allowed tears to stream from his eyes which burned streaked burning scars down his cheeks like cracks in the earth. Jakub couldn't believe it. He had been doing a lot of research on unbinding Kayne, but he was unsure of his own talents. The Kralitsa had accomplished what almost all believed to be not accomplishable at all. Jakub opened his eyes..."How? You...How?"

Himeko finally relaxed, slumping, her hands shaking as she stared at Jakub, giving a faint smile. "With a equally challenging spell and difficulty..." Her eyes became bleary as she swayed. Kayne enjoy, help Amelia, live, don't be afraid. I must go. We will be back. She told him before dropping the link, huffing as she braced herself on the table. A demon had made those chains, it was lucky Kayne had lasted so long. "I'm sorry. You will see him soon, but he is free. I'm afraid I must rest for a moment." She told him, leaning back with a soft huff, fanning herself delicately.

Jakub frowned, "Thank you Kralitsa. I am so honoured to have been allowed into your kingdom. You have done so much for my friends, Kralitsa and I can't be more thankful." He said with a smile. "Kayne may not know how to react to this, but I have hopes." He said feeling a great weight has been lifted from his chest.

Himeko gave a faint smile as she looked to Jakub, her face had grown pale and her eyes looked drained. She lurched, clapping her hand over her mouth, knowing what was to come. The chains were almost possessed and would latch onto anything nearby. She had absorbed them through the link but it was dangerous because it meant she could be enslaved if the chains managed to get to her heart. However she had to force it out of her body and bring it to light. She slipped a vile of water from her pockets and downed it. Almost immediately she tilted her head back and reached into her mouth, pulling black and thickly blood coated chains from her lips. The chains squirmed like a snake trying desperately to retreat back into the dark hole it had come from. Getting her handkerchief she coughed the last bit of chain out, catching the blood as she dabbed her lips clean, huffing. She threw the chains to the floor and stomped on them, light immediately sizzling and eating up the evidence of dark magic. "Your lycan is one lucky wolf to be alive." She whispered through a raw throat.

Jakub frowned immediately standing to pour some tea. he added cream and sugar and gladly handed it to the Kralitsa. "Are you alright? I can't thank you enough for saving Kayne form my father's power, but are you okay? That looked deadly." He gestured to the spot where the chains had been on the floor. "How can one woman be so courageous as to sacrifice her own freedom in the quake of war just for one life." He said not actually aksing. "You are far braver than I could ever be Kralitsa." He was astounded by how powerful she truly was.

Himeko took the tea gratefully, taking a long few sips finding it far more soothing to her body. The chains were far more than just dangerous, they'd latch onto your soul and eat it if given the command. When she finally felt a little more able she nodded. "Deadly is an understatement, your father is dabbling in more than just dark magic, this is something powerful demons use as a contract. Your wolf is extremely lucky." She reiterated, taking another sip. "And I am not brave, nor courageous or anything as self righteous as that. As I once told my husband, no life is worth more than another. King, queen, peasant, beggar, child, elder, status is just a lifestyle it doesn't make you who you are. You make you and your soul weighs your rights. Just because I have been gifted doesn't mean I hold anymore importance or rights as the next. Even the smallest, weakest of beings can hold more power than those who have an abundance of all of those." She told him, closing her eyes as she leaned back. "If you give me a moment we will try another link, if you are up to it?" She offered.

Jakub nodded haven't not noticed the scars on his cheeks like cracked earth from where he had cried and his element mixed in the tears. "Kralitsa...I didn't mean to offend you..I simply have never seen such courage to do such magic. My father is a dark ebing. It doesn't surprise me that he would sue demons in his magic. They are unpredictable beast and he hopes to use them in this war if he does not have the strength alone to attack your kingdom." He said trying quickly to change the subject. He felt a bit embarrassed now that he had offended her as if belittling those lesser in status. In reality eh simply was granting the Kralitsa with a compliment but he saw how quickly she took offense to it that he noted to not compliment her ever again and simply stick to business.

Himeko opened her eyes in confusion, tilting her head to the side to observe him. Her tone must have suggested offence but she had not meant it as such, her body was just struggling. Her eyes softened with warmth, her lips granting him with a sweet smile. "Jakub, you misunderstand, I am not offended, not by any means. I am just trying to say that I am not as mighty as you seem to make me out to be or as you might see me." She murmured. "But no, I do not put it past your father to use any and all means, he is very persistent I give him that but to go so low in the realms of magic is a far more haunting idea." She told him. "But thank you for your kind words. I suspect you underestimate yourself and your abilities.

Jakub nodded, "I hold fire that is one of the most destructive elements in raw power. Fire destroys without second thought. Earth is stability, Air is life, Water is nourishment, Fire is death." He stated prepared ot drop thsi subject jsut as quickly. "Will Kayne be alright? I know he has never known freedom and could see it as a curse...Is there anyway you can help him s e freedom to be good?" Jakub asked triyng to push the subject to avoid anything abotu his previous words.

Himeko could see he had been in Xuin too long to think of anything but death and destruction when it came to things. "Yes Fire is destructive, but it is also kind. You just need to understand it more. Fire is love, passion, light, warmth. It is how you choose to use fire that makes it destructive or not. Trust me when I say each element can be just as hazardous as fire." She told him, sipping the last of her tea. "Kayne should be alright, though he will be wounded but alright. Some magic might linger but it shall fade. And I cannot change his thought on freedom, it has to come from him. If he prefers servitude then so be it, but he now knows he has the freedom to choose."

((gtg sorry))

(( Okie dokie ))

Jakub nodded disagreeing silently with Himeko about fire as he felt it was the only element destructive by nature. It can only be peaceful when tamed by man. "Thank you Kralitsa. I just hope everything goes well. YOu only have two days now before my father attacks and it won't end well if Amelia and Kayne do not succeed in gathering forces and the blade to kill my father."

Himeko could see him nodding but his eyes held more and knew that he had only ever experienced pain and destruction from power. It was a shame her daughter was in Xuin because her of all people could show him what Fire truly was in the eyes of light. Sighing softly she looked to the window, slight concern creasing her brow. "I hope so too, I hope so too, for the sake of humanity and balance." She murmured, feeling the effects of darkness devouring light. She hadn't noticed it before but light was struggling and it was a sickening feeling. "My hope is that in our next link Amelia will have good news, if not, to break those in servitude will be too late I fear and a lot more than life will be lost." She looked to Jakub. "When your ready, tell me." She told him, knowing this link would be the hardest, this link would drain her mentally and physically over such a vast distance.

Jakub nodded, "You look weak Kralitsa. I'm not going to be ready until you are ready. It doesn't drain me half as much in power as it does you. It only drains me mentally." He said clearly seeing that she would probably pass out if she pulled another link like that again. "I think we should rest until this evening." He said plainly before knock at his room door could be heard. "Come in." Jakub called out as Damian entered. "I have been assigned her to be your personal servant...mother? Are you alright?" He said completely ignoring Jakub now as he raced to her side on bended knee. "What's wrong...you look ill and troubled. "

Himeko knew they didn't have time to wait for the evening, they needed to do the link sooner rather than later, every minute counted. Her health didn't matter in the face of war, not right now. She could heal or be healed rather quickly, so she wasn't going to argue. Shaking her head she smiled. "I'm fine, the water and tea helped." She told him, finding Damian looking at her with wide worried eyes, waving said worries away. "I'm fine honest, I just had a bit of a struggle with some of Markus's magic, but its gone now, its safe, I'm fine." She told him, cupping his cheek tenderly. "See. Nothing wrong." She opted for a warm smile. "And you know you shouldn't be so informal. I'm sure the servants told you what is expected. You have only just been judged, we don't want you making mistakes. Go on now, if you must worry, worry over Jakub as you should be." Trying to help him, guide him and keep him in favour of his judgement. "Please sunshine, I'm fine." She told him beckoning for him to stand and go serve.

Damian nodded, "Very well mother...Sir Rosa...how may I be of assistance?" Jakub appeared a bit shocked..."I'm fine simply straighten up my bedroom if you must do something." Jakub said having no need for a servant as he was always sympathetic to the Lycans of Xuin he never asked for much of anything. Watching Damian bow and leave the room Jakub looked to the Kralitsa concerned, "What exactly do you mean by judged, Kralitsa? What has the Ruhtinas done wrong?" He asked curiously. Even though he clearly understood it was none of hsi business not to mention the Kralitsa probably didn't trust him enough to inform him because he could very well be the source of the darkness just as anyone else.

(( Lol you mean damian right ))

Himeko could see that her son was unhappy but it was the best she could do to keep him safe and within reach. Watching him being dismissed was hard but looking to Jakub knew he was only helping. Sighing she shook her head, not ready to go into such depth. It still pained her. "He committed treason twice and is now serving his punishment after being judged by the council fairly." Was all she could muster as a reply. "It had to be done, lying gets no one nowhere, it always comes back to haunt." She murmured, taking a deep breath before smiling. "We must do another link, can you handle it?" She asked, offering her hands.

((yeah sorry))

Jakub nodded, "Yes I can handle any link that needs to be made...but who are we connecting with now? "Jakub asked curiously handing the Kralitsa his hands. Damian was in the other room cleaning, not happily, but glad that Jakub wasn't a snoot abotu things.
Jakub began to wonder what the results of this war would come to. If the Kralitsa won for her kingdom and Vada what would become of Xuin. If Vada fought with Xuin against Ӕldingar if they won what would become of both Xuin and Vada and it's residence?

Himeko placed Jakub's hand in position whilst doing the same with her own. "We must connect with Amelia, see if she has made it out and whether she had the metal, if not then I will try and sever the connection between vampire and lycan, though only those who wish it will be free." She told him, taking a breath, finding her mind was a swirl of worries these days. The paint brush rose and painted another pattern, muttering a spell as the link grew in light and warmth. Amelia? Are you there? Talk to me child. She reached out, trying to focus on the link.

((I'll wait for her to reply.))

(( Okie dokie ))

Amelia was curled up on her bed in the fetal position. She blinked when she heard the voice of Himeko in her head again. Hello? Kralitsa? she asked, recognizing the voice. She was tired and weak. Her whole body ached. It had taken her several tries to make a crack in the walls around her father's mind and he had been able to punish her quite thoroughly before she was able to stop him.

Himeko sighed in relief, feeling the pain she was in despite her immortality. She sent a light relief down the link, offering up warmth. Thank the gods child, I'm glad your safe. I know this is asking a lot but I need to know if you have located the metal or if you are in possession of said metal, I'm afraid time is not on our side and I know you are suffering but your help is much needed. I have freed the lycan known as Kayne, he should be able to help you now." She told her.

Jakub began to wonder what was to become of Gabriel and Annabelle..Gabriel's infatuation. Then hsi idn swirled to whether or not his mother was okay. He was unable to keep hsi mind clear enough for the link. He tried hard focusing as much as possible on Himeko and Amelia. Jakub tried focusing then a loud crash in the other room signified something just got broke and he winced trying even harder to stay focused on the link with Amelia. Her pain affecting him as well making it a bit harder to stay focused.

With the light that Himeko sent to her, Amelia was able to sit up in her bed. Her arms trembled as she pushed herself into a sitting position. I have it, Kralitsa. I will try and find Kayne, but I...I have to feed first. My father's power is strong and it was not easy to break free. Even his light punishments have left me weaker than this before.

Himeko smiled at such good news and found that it was a weight off her mind. Good Amelia, good. Feed, get your strength back and then find Kayne. You must help each other despite your differences. I know what I am asking is a lot, but for your freedom and everyone else's this must be done... Stay.. safe...The link was wavering. If you stay on .. a little- while.. longer I am going to try and break the link to the rest of the lycans. Can you focus on lycans in general for me and the power that made them? She asked.