Hawks in the Sky

The dawn of summer was really quite beautiful. The weather had warmed up a lot without a lot of pesky bugs. Many people turned to grills, picnic, and the All-American hot dog.

This did not change to icy cold temperature in Grand Mage Kerias office.

Although she had her perfect wedding and slight honeymoon she was the opposite of a blushing bride. She knew her dangerous actions in Ireland would lead to a horrible mini-war. They already had fought a large war with the Irish and it had drained a lot of their already limited resources.  She needed to be wise about how to approach China Sorrows.  A timid knock came to her door. “Enter.”

It was the new secretary. He placed a letter on her desk. “T-this came for you Grand M-mage Kerias”

She picked it up and looked at the seal. Three circles and a scorpion embedded in the red wax. “Leave me be.”

He dashed out and closed the door behind him hastily. She opened the letter. The hand writing was elegant and the letter had the faint smell of a strong perfume that was floral and fruity. She unfolded the letter and began to read it.

To the desk of Grand Mage Kerias,

Hello. It is I, Grand Mage Sorrows. It has come to my attention that Erskine Ravel has been missing. Now I understand that this particular issue but I have a few reasons why I believe you were involved. One, you were have known to have been a supporter of Ravel’s cause in the recent Skirmish. Some people would even say that you and Ravel had a relationship of the romantic kind. Two, two weeks before the said man escaped, there was a fight between you and Dexter Vex with the assistant of Vinette Riddle. Three, there was a period of a mysterious leave which was two weeks and four days. Four, when Detective Pleasant came, he was treated hostilely by you and you’re Detective which gives evidence that there is something you wish to hide from Ireland. I do not wish to use force. I simply wish to bring in a fugitive. If you are found of holding the fugitive and do not comply, we will be forced to use lethal force.

With all due respect,

Grand Mage China Sorrows

Zafira kept her face a cool stone statue. How dare that woman be so confrontational after seeing the power of the American and even the Supreme Council? Zafira took a breath and composed herself. She was the one at fault. She stood up and began to pace.

Jazaro was an Irish agent. He and his twin sister Ajourza had a special mental connection. No matter how far, they could communicate. Jazaro was inside the American Sanctuary, looking for Erskine Ravel. He managed to sneak in but he didn’t know how long it would last. He found the medical bay and heard a soft screaming. He ran down. It was empty except a sectioned off portion of the bay. Jazaro peeked ever so gently. It was Ravel. AJ, I found him.

Thank you Jazz, I’ll go find Grand Mage Sorrows.

I’ll be home soon.

He turned around and ran towards the stairs. Vinette was blocking his way. He tried to get by but she grabbed his arm and pinned him to the wall. AJ! Problem!

?!!???!?!!!?!!?! Jazz?!

“You may think you’re just going to be reported and kept prisoner. Not with me.”

“Go ahead. Start the war. They know about him.”

She pulled out an oddly familiar razor and slit his throat. Ajourza had witnessed the whole thing since he projected it. She ran to find Grand Mage Sorrows. She was panicked. “Miss Sorrows!”

“Yes Ajourza?”

“They have Ravel in the American Sanctuary and … They killed my brother.”

“That is terrible news. Thank you for alerting me.”

China was calm as she went to the Global Link room. She called Grand Mage Kerias. “Grand Mage Sorrows, What do I owe the pleasure?”

“Grand Mage Kerias, I know that you have Ravel and that you killed an operative of mine under an act of war.”

“What? I am not aware of this.”

“Well it is. I sent an agent in to look around your facilities and I was alerted only a short while ago-“

“Hold it, you sent someone. They were most probably sneaking around without any authorization. That is unacceptable.”

“But murder is?”

“Enough. If you want to make sure we do not have Ravel, I suggest sending an agent to come check. The doors are open. If you find him, he will go back with you. If not, we can say we forget this little … misunderstanding.”

“Very well, I will send over Detective Pleasant and Saracen Rue.”

“I will see to them soon.”

Zafira ended the call. She was distressed. She called in her new secretary. “Evan, get Detective Riddle in here immediately.”

“Yes Grand Mage.”

He left and came back what felt like an eternity later with her. She sat and the door closed behind Evan. “Do you know why I called you here?”

“I think I do but let me hear it from you.”

“Murdering an Irish agent?!”

“One, he was snooping without authorization. Two, he was going to tell-“

“He told them! Somehow he did. And they are sending Pleasant and Saracen Rue.”

“Saracen I could distract but Pleasant…”

Zafira sighed.  “Zafira?”

“What is it?” She replied.

“I have a solution but you may not like it.”

“Anything to stop this senseless war is a good solution.”

Vinette paused. “We need to kill Ravel.”

“What?! No.”

“Listen, if we can fake his death. Show them the grave and the papers. They’ll leave empty-handed. Why take a dead man back. No pun intended.”

Zafira did not smile. “Any way, when they come we can hide him on the outside of the city until they are gone.”

“Very well.”

Vinette stood up. “Remember whenever they come, you must act devastated, anything less and they will suspect.”

“I understand perfectly.”

Zafira of the next few days had gotten Ravel removed and sent to a nice hotel where questions would not be asked. She also bought a tombstone and the paper work. The last thing she needed to was act the part.  It was harder. Thinking about never seeing him but … knowing he’s fine and just over an hour away. She thought about the consequences. If she failed, he really would be gone forever. She cried. It was a painful void in her chest. He was the peanut butter to her jelly. They were made to be together. She kept going until it affected her look. It changed from stone and calm to derange and out of control. She placed herself on the bed. She let herself stay awake to add to the stress.  Following this sorrow session was her showing up late for work. Pleasant and Saracen were waiting. “Oh … You’re so … Early.”

“Is something wrong?” Saracen asked.

“Just yesterday I heard he was outside the city. I sent some operatives to collect him but … He was dead before they got there. He choked on … His tongue.”

She began to cry again. Saracen put a hand on her shoulder to try to comfort her. “We examined him then buried him. I felt such a strong connection with him. We … Oh I’m sorry. You don’t want to hear me go on. Let me show you the paper work.”

“Actually,” Saracen said. “I need to … Err … use the faculties.”

He followed a rather attractive nurse and they began to converse. “You can show me Grand Mage Kerias.”

She led the way and showed the way to her office. He sat down and she showed him the portfolio. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, now, I need to deliver some flowers to a certain stone.”

“May I accompany you? He may have been a traitor but he was my friend.”

“Of course.”

She drove the two to the grave. It was the edge of a cliff with the fake tombstone and the ground raked up. It was highly convincible … except for some floral arrangement. Zafira laid the flowers on the tomb in silence. The world was cold and desperate. She cried silently. She could feel Pleasant leaving. She smiled. Good. It was over and his hotel was close. She shadow walked to him. He wasn’t in pain any more. “Zafira … Good. I assume it over.”

“They bought it. They are going back soon.”

“Good. Now, come here and let’s have a really short honeymoon”

Before she could agree, she got a call. “Hello?”

“Hello Grand Mage Kerias. The Irish agents just left.”

“Couldn’t this have waited?”

“What I’m about to say next is not.  Detective Riddle has gone missing. I think she fled due to the impending murder charges.”

“What?!”

“Yes. What do you want the next actions to be?”

“Nothing yet. I need to discuss this with the other elders.”

“Goodbye.” He said before the phone went dead.

She sighed and snuggled in next to Ravel. He held her close and she could hear his heartbeat. She tried to block out all the worries and enjoy the wonderful man that was so close to her. 

The Five

I just randomly thought this up, and had an extremely interesting research of the Volturi. -Zaffy

Sometime after 1100 B.C

The day was dreary, and the orphans were still asleep, but one. Sulpicia lay awake now nineteen years of age, she had lived in the orphanage since the age of eight. She helped out now, looking to do what she must. She helped teach the younger children what they needed. Though she had one thing no other had, she was engaged. She knew she would be leaving her home soon, and she knew what she had to do. Aro had warned her of what he asked, she still had agreed. She knew the risks that were with him transforming her. She just didn't mind. Dawn. Sulpicia got up and slipped out taking the only valuable thing she had, a ring her mother wore. She walked the town until she came to the place Aro had told her to meet. She waited. Her heart raced, she was excited and nervous. A quiet voice came from behind her.

"Calm down." Didyme spoke, smiling. Sulpicia jumped, unable to have heard the vampire approach. 

"Don't do that! You'll make me die of fright!" Sulpicia laughed. Didyme gave her a sly smile. "Come on, Aro is inside. He just came back from hunting, he didn't want to hurt you." Didyme led her inside where the vampires had stayed. They had gone underground, and they were in a room. Didyme stood beside her mate, Marcus. Caius sighed,

"Do not think we will kill you. Aro would probably have our heads. Speaking of him where is Aro?" Didyme spoke up,

"I can hear him coming." Didyme nodded to Sulpicia,

"I'm sorry, I should leave, I cannot take the smell of human blood easy. Caius Marcus and I will be upstairs. Athenodora will help in case, but Aro's turned me and I'm standing here!" With that the ones who couldn't take the blood left. Sulpicia shook her head.

"She's always happy. Even at the morvid things in life." 

"Yes, at least she can never make you upset." Aro entered the room. Sulpicia found herself smiling, she had missed him so much. It had been a month. 

"Lay down on the bench, it'll be easier." He said, and she lay down. Athenodora followed Aro. 

"Good luck." She said, "It'll hurt." 

"I've been warned." Aro took his own place beside his soon to be wife.

"Will you be upset if I listened to what you were thinking through the transformation?" He asked, he knew he'd have hell to pay if he did not. 

"Go for it." Sulpicia replied. She closed her eyes, not wanting to know when he bit her. He bit her wrists and neck, and she felt the pain come on strong, and like fire. 

Sulpicia could hear things, she could hear footsteps. Pacing. The pain was ending her heart was on fire, it raced. She counted, and waited. Then, her heart finally gave in, and the pain ended. She opened her eyes. 

"Good morning." Aro said, and Sulpicia smiles, her eyes focused on him, she never knew how handsome he was. Something was odd, how much her throat burned. Caius spoke,

"Calm. You're not going to be hurt." Sulpicia glanced at Caius, then stood and walked over to her mate. Aro didn't need to hear her thoughts to know what she was thinking.

"I will take you out hunting, we'll meet the others later." He decided.

Sometime in the future

That memory stuck with Sulpicia, human and vampire. She didn't know why, maybe because it was the happiest she felt. Corin was watching her. So much had changed, Didyme was dead, and things were quieter. She ran off and watched Jane and Alec train, she loved to watch them. They had gifts and she envied them. They had something cool, but she was lucky, she was with a loyal mate. Alec looked up,

"Sulpicia, come join us. Aro said we are allowed to." Sulpicia came over, laughing.

"You'll only win, I am not gifted."

"We will not use them against you." Jane promised, she usually was fair if the wives were fighting. Felix came over.

"I'll go with Sulpicia, you two fight together." He said. 

"Hey! I'm able!" Sulpicia exclaimed. Felix smirked,

"No. Come on." 

The fighting session lasted for a few hours. Sulpicia actually won. 

"Alec, I've been curious, what is it like to have your gift used against me?"

"You're curious, Sulpicia?" He looked a bit uneasy, "I'll do it for you, I hope Aro will not be mad." The vapor came across towards Sulpicia, and it touched her, and her vision went dark, her smell was gone, and she couldn't feel anything. She could hear Alec's laughter, and then her senses returned. 

"That is scary." She breathed. Jane smirked,

"I know. I find it interesting, Aro said the same thing when Alec did that 

 to him. You both are alike." Sulpicis smiled, and then went to the throne room. Aro was reading, but looked up when she entered.

"Ah. Did you train?" 

"Yes." She gave him her hand, showing him the memory of Alec's gift. 

"You think like I do." He murmured. He kept her hand, letting her show him what she was up to, a much easier task now. Caius came over, looking annoyed.

"I want to investigate. There is a sighting of a vampire in America. Near the Cullen coven." Sulpicia looked stunned, she always had wanted to go back, but Aro never wanted her to go. Aro nodded.

"Very well. Take Jane, Alec and Dimitri." Sulpicia kept her thoughts about wanting to go. Caius turned and went to retrieve the guard. Aro called his name, Caius would hear.

"Take Sulpicia with you." Caius came back looking stunned.

"You never...the wives...Marcus...." It was apparent Caius lacked the thought to simply show Aro his thoughts. 

"She survived going to Forks once, I have faith she can do so again. She can fight, and perhaps with her you will find the Cullens less hostile. Sulpicia, wear your cloak." She nodded taking her cloak off the chair it was on. She put it on, and looked up at Aro.

"I'll stay safe." She promised. Caius left to get the chosen guard members, leaving Aro with his wife. 

"Do not do anything rash." He told her, taking her hand. He was coming with of course, leaving Marcus in charge. She nodded.

The trip was quick, and then they were in Washington. They found Carlisle. 

"We have looked into the situation, I assure you it is not a threat." 

"Then you will allow us to be shown proof?" Aro asked. Carlisle nodded.

"Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny, you may want to come back with us. You will not make it out of the sun in time." After a moment Aro nodded, and they went to the place where the Cullens lived. 

The family waited, and by the smell, that wolf. Sulpicia kept close to Aro, unused to this many vampires, not entirely friendly. They looked stunned to see Sulpicia of all, one of the wives. She remembered Edward could read her thoughts, which did not bother her. It was Rosalie who asked the question, once everyone had relaxed.

"How did you come with them?" She asked genuinely interested. Sulpicia grinned,

"I asked. I proved I could handle it." Then Renesme came over,

"Are you Aro's wife?" Sulpicia nodded.

"What's it like living in Italy?"

"A lot more sun." Sulpicia laughed, "I don't hunt either, my prey is brought to us and we feast. I also mostly stay within the tower. We have sunlight come in, and it is nice. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, Aro is very nice." She said. Alice came over,

"I thought I would ask you, would you like to come hunting with us? If Aro doesn't mind." Alice glanced at Aro who heard her. He gave Sulpicia a nod.

"Sure. I'll come. I've never hunted animals." Jasper came with Alice and then Alec came beside Sulpicia, it was obvious she was going with a guard. They went out into the woods, Sulpicia unused to this. 

"Try for mountain lions, deer, any animal. You'll want meat eaters more." She said casually, while they ran. The two vegetarians easily found their meal. Sulpicia stood beside Alec, scenting a mountain lion. Alec watched, more interested. The lion didn't appeal that much to her, but she found it and quickly drained it, confused by the taste. The others waited for her, Alice grinning.

"Hard?"

"Extremely. I am used to the scent of a human, not animal. It must be difficult to simply ignore the scent." 

"For me it was, I turned vegetarian after I was created and used to human blood." Jasper answered. The four ran back to the house, Sulpicia racing them, Alec keeping a close eye. 

The day passed on, sunny. When night came the group left, Aro had the evidence from Edward that the problem was fixed. The way back to Volterra was quick, Sulpicia found herself in the city quickly. They slipped to the tower, and they went where they needed. Aro beckoned his wife and they went up to where they kept their belongings. They had their own room, which was where they hid. Sulpicia took her cloak off, not used to having been out. Aro grabbed her hand, and she looked stunned.

"I am sorry, I forgot you are still trying to relax." He said, letting go. She moved closer to him, not afraid.

"I am fine." She said, and stayed where she was. They hadn't been alone at all. This was the first time since they had left for America. Aro sighed happily, taking her hand. He loved to do that, despite being able to hear her thoughts. Sulpicia didn't mind, why should she? 

Stormy Skies

China had called Pleasant. There was an 

issues that needed to be addressed. "You called me, Grand Mage Sorrows."

"One of the prisoners has been unaccounted for since the incident in the boiler room a few days ago."
"That should be no problem."
"Erskine Ravel."
"What?! How is that possible?"
"3 weeks ago, Grand Mage Kerias and another woman were caught down by his cell. They had a small scuffle with Vex and they escaped."
"So you think they are involved?"
"I know they are." China assured him. "And I need you to go collect him." 
Pleasant nodded and left.
********************************
Zafira had finally had a moments rest. She was home. She was in her bed and on the verge of sleep. From 3 weeks of restless nights stalking the sanctuary, the injuries from the rescue mission, and 3 nights at sea, she was exhausted. She yawned. It was a relief that she could. Sleep.
She awoke to birds chirping and a beautiful sun shining. It WAS going to be a good day. She went to the court and got the papers. Today was going to be her wedding day. She sat up and stretched herself out. A simple white summer dress. It may have been a touch too cold for it but it had to play the role of wedding dress and ...
She got into her dress and threw her robes over it. She grabbed the papers and a single white rose. Since her house was across the road from the sanctuary, she shadow walked. She smiled and waved to the administrator. She went the the world contact room and Marissa Spiritheart was in view. The look on her face screamed 'problem'. "Elder Spiritheart." Zafira started. "What is the trouble?"
"Grand Mage Sorrows spoke to me last night. She believes you and Detective Riddle were involved in an incident a few days ago."
"Why would she say such a thing?"
"She says that you are a supporter of Erskine Ravel, who was found missing."
"I assure you, Elder Spiritheart, there is nothing to be afraid of." 
Zafira quickly ended the call. She left the room. It was upsetting. Marissa had been a good friend but this issue had been very sensitive. She went to her office. The time went by slowly but it did pass. It was time. She threw off her robes and went into the bathroom. She added a touch of make-up and prettied up her hair. She grabbed the papers and rose and went down to Ravel. He sat up and looked at her. "What's the occasion?"
Zafira smiled. "Our wedding."
She walked over to him. He was laughing lightly. "I feel underdressed."
She sat beside him. He smiled. "Give me that pen, Zaf."
Zafira gave him the pen. He signed his name with a great flourish of the pen. She took the pen again and signed her name. "You may now kiss the bride."
And then the two were together. A full bodied passion that could never die or be separated. Together, for all time.
*********************************************
Vinette was looking for the Grand Mage. She found out the the one truly dead man was on his way. She entered the sanctuary and saw the administrator on the ground, unconscious. He was here. She ran toward the medical bay and saw him. She grabbed his arm and twisted it. She was in shock when it came off. He turned around and spoke "Hello. You seem to have my arm. May I have it back?"
"Why? So you can hurt decent people?"
"I'm just collecting a fugitive. I haven't hurt anyone."
"So you didn't 'hurt' the administrator?"
"They don't have a knife in their leg, now do they?"
Vinette glared at him. Pleasant lunged forward, reaching for his arm. She stepped back and moved the arm further out of his reach. He pulled out his gun and fire it into her side. She slid down onto the floor and tried to make the bleeding stop. He picked up his arm and began to walk off. Vinette kick out his legs, but, he used the air so his landing was graceful. She began to black out but before she did, she screamed out, hoping Zafira and Ravel would hear her.
*********************************
A scream. Zafira looked at Ravel. "That was Detective Riddle."
"That's not good. Go. I won't go anywhere." He said, smiling.
Zafira got up and got dressed. She was ready to attack at any moment. A well-dressed skeleton stepped through. He had an odd look on his face."What are you wearing?"
"Never you mind!" Zafira hissed. "What are YOU doing here?"
"Collecting a fugitive."
"I won't let you take him."
"Why? He's a criminal. A murderer!"
"No."
Pleasant clicked his fingers and threw a fireball but the shadow consumed them. She lashed the shadows at him but he dodged them. Pleasant ducked underneath Zafira and punched her in the jaw. She stumbled back and gathered more shadows. She slapped with shadows and he flew across the room. He stood up and adjusted his tie. She braced herself as he summoned flames. His fist- now bathed in flames- made contacted with her stomach. As she doubled over, he punched her in the jaw again. The flames were eating away at her face. She used the shadows to douse the fire and then used it to pull pleasant apart. She let herself breath for a moment. She glanced around. She saw a box of medicine. Large enough for a dismembered skeleton. She quickly emptied the box and shoved Pleasant inside. She looked around for something to keep it shut. She luckily found a staple gun. Zafira took the staple gun and stapled it shut. 2 cleavers came down. She looked over. "Take this over to the mailing department. Tell them to send it to the irish sanctuary."
They nodded and took it away. She went over to Ravel. "We don't have a lot of time, Zaf."
"I know." She said just before she kissed him.
They stayed together until time was up, and even after that. They had found their happily ever after.
In each other.

White Dove Fly

Again, slight LSODM spoiler, written by Vinette Riddle

Zafira and Vinette sat in the roof top. It had been 3 weeks since they 1st visited Ravel. They were watching the sanctuary for the thirty-seventh time. She knew because Vinette had been counting. They wanted to see where the cleavers were not and when it would be the best time to go. Zafira was determined to save Ravel from the Irish sanctuary. The cleavers still circled the sanctuary, but more arrive when it came closer to Ravel's hour without pain. Vinette type some more things on her laptop. She was taking notes for when they execute the plan.  "What do we have so far?" Zafira asked.
"Night time is tighter as well as the time around Ravel's pain-free hour. Its mostly cleavers but as soon as his hour start they put some sorcerers. Uh .... Lets see .... We already have a plan to use a bundle of explosives as a diversion then we sneak in and grab him."
Zafira sighed. Not much to go on but its still useful. Explosives. Zafira was partial to explosives. "When should we go?"
"Tomorrow at noon." 
"Isn't that risky?"
Vinette smiled. "That's why it perfect. Most people don't try theft in broad daylight."
"You do have a point."
"That's why you hired me, G.M. Kerias."
"Don't get too cocky. We still need you to get him out."
It went quite. Two sorcerers. Vex and Saracen Rue. Two dead men, guarding another. Zafira felt a hand on her back, pulling her down. Vinette looked at her. "Saracen." She whispered.
And when Zafira peaked, Saracen was pointing at them. She felt her heart sank. They were going to be caught. After a few moments, they were continuing there circle around the sanctuary. The two looked at each other. "We need to move. It isn't safe for us up here."
"Agreed."
The roof was vacated. It was the roof of the hotel so all they did was go into the hotel and go into their room. Vinette jumped onto her bed and fell asleep instantly. Zafira went into the bathroom and changed into her night clothes. A pair of sweat pants and an oversized t-shirt. She sank into her bed and flicked through the television channels. It was quiet expect the voices nearby- recorded and not- and Vinette's light snoring. Zafira swore Vinette was NOT human. She barely ate and her sleep patterns were animal-like. There was a knock on the door. Zafira got up and answered. It looked like a business man but Zafira knew better. "Hello Grand Mage Kerias."
"Who are you?"
"I'm Staven Weeper. May I step in? I would like to talk with you."
Zafira hesitate but let him in. He sat at the chair at the desk, near Vinette. Zafira sat on the edge of her own bed." Grand Mage, we know you are making plans to relieve Ravel of our sanctuary. Please do not make matters on yourself. Turn yourself in."
Zafira was angry but when she spoke, her voice did not show it. "Turn myself in? For what? I have committed no crime."
"You have broken into the sanctuary, assaulted one of our operatives and  conspired against the Irish sanctuary."
Zafira went quite. At about the same, Vinette stopped snoring. She was waking up. This would be good for Zafira but bad for Weeper. "Grand Mage, we can make this easy or hard depend on how you treat the situation. I would turn myself in if I were in your position."
Suddenly, Weeper was on the ground, unconscious. Vinette smirked. "God, I thought he was going to put me back to sleep."
Zafira rolled her eyes then she went into the bathroom to change back into her regular clothes. When she came out, Weeper was tied down to the bed. "We better get going. Its not safe here anymore."
The two left Weeper in the bedroom. The got onto Vinette's motorcycle and drove to a 24 hour diner. It was still close to the sanctuary but a little farther than the hotel was. It was 3 in the morning. Zafira was exhausted. She wanted to sleep but she knew sleep wouldn't come to her tonight. Today. Whatever it was. Vinette order some coffee for the two of them. Zafira added a dash of milk and 2 spoonfuls of sugar into her coffee. It tasted perfect. "Ok, now we have coffee. What do we do now?"
"I have a suggestion, Grand Mage."
"Very well, let me hear it."
"We go ahead with our plan."
"Maybe we should move our time forward." Zafira suggested.
"To when? I know your concern to move him but there is no better time to follow through."
Zafira sighed. Vinette opened up her laptop and scanned through the notes. "The only other time that could come even remotely close to noon is 6 am. When most operatives are switching."
"Then we should go ahead with it."
Vinette shook her head. "Are you disobeying orders?!" Zafira demanded.
"What? No. I'm telling you the facts. It won't be as affective as we originally planned."
Zafira glared at Vinette. Vinette sank lower into her chair. "I guess we could do it at 6."
"How much longer?" Zafira asked.
"Soon. I have everything we need."
"Alright."
Zafira finished her coffee and they stepped out. Vinette brought her bag out and opened it. Inside there was a large white ball with a blue thread. C4. Zafira smiled. "If we set it off in the boiler room" Vinette explained "it'll draw a lot of attention."
Zafira nodded as Vinette closed the bag and got on the bike. Zafira held on as they spend through traffic. They stopped nearby."I want to clear something up."
"Ok. Go."
"I have permission to do what is necessary. Right?"
"Yes."
"Even kill?"
Zafira nodded. Vinette went in the opposite direction. Zafira knew she would get the job done. She followed the map down to Ravel. He was quiet but she could tell he was having difficulties. He knew what the plan was and was trying to help her. She went over and silently picked the lock with the shadows. Ravel's face twisted into something that didn't look right. In her heart, she could tell he was trying to smile but was keeping quiet. She went over and kissed his forehead. She sat in the cell until...
BOOM!
There was smoke everywhere, it was hard to see. The floors were soaked with scorching hot water. Zafira felt her legs and feet were on fire. It was times like this she wished she was an elemental. She trudged on in the darkness of the smoke, ignoring her own pain. She had Ravel on her back and as long as he was there, she could continue on. The only-
The world tumbled and shook as she fell down the stairs. Ravel was awkwardly positioned and he pinned her down in the scalding water. Zafira was quietly cursing in spanish. She wiggled her way out from under Erskine and quickly picked him up again. She kept moving forward and finally found her self outside. It was very chilly compared to inside. Again, another time she wished she was an elemental. She laid Ravel down in the dead grass. She sat beside him. Luckily, they were out of sight. She brushed the hair out of his face. He almost looked peacefully asleep had his body not been shaking. The only man she ever loved. Erskine Ravel. A horn. A car horn. Vinette was driving. She looked like a mutant. She was probably badly scalded. Zafira grabbed Ravel and placed him in the rear. Sitting next to him, they went out. "Where to now?" Zafira asked.
"A familiar place for you, Javert." She said jokingly.
Zafira frowned. "Do you mean the docks?"
"The shipping docks. We'll sneak on and we'll be in America in no time."
"You hear that Ravel? We'll be free soon." She said tenderly.
Ravel's eye glistened with hope. He knew he would be with her all the time now. He used all his energy to grab her hand. She smiled and all was good. 
***************************************
It was time. His hour was here. He was on the ship. Zafira was beside him. She saw him and was lit up with happiness. He smiled. "Zafira. You look so beautiful."
She hugged him tightly. "Ravel! You're ok."
He hugged her back. "I'm always ok when your around."
The other woman came over. She had a lunchbox. "I thought you could use some food. Its not much but its better than starving."
Ravel took it. "Thank you."
"No problem." She said and she left. 
Ravel opened the box and began to eat. Zafira watched him. "Erskine, we are going to find some way to cure you."
"Zafira, there IS no cure."
She put a finger in front of his lips. "Hush, there is always a way."
Ravel swallowed his food and leaned in closer to her. In that single kiss, he knew that everything would be alright.

The White Dove

 

Spoiler alert: READ LSODM BEFORE THIS

Written by Vinette Riddle

Grand Mage Zafira Kerias had not gotten a lot of information on what happened in Roarhaven. She only just got reconnected with her lead spy and detective, Vinette Riddle. But by then, she decided to go over herself. She already was on an airline since most of the teleporters were unable to assist her. Vinette had sent her an address after she told her the plan. She kept the real reason behind her visit; Erskine Ravel. She had always believed that the two of them had a secret and unspoken love. He had always been a tiny bit nicer to her than any other of his supporters. She wanted to believe that he loved her, she knew she loved him however. Zafira was already on her way to the rental cars. They seem backwards to the cars in America. That's how weird Ireland was. Zafira paid for her car and punched in the address, a café in Dublin. Zafira followed the automated voice to the little café and immediately saw the detective outside. She was sipping tea and checking her e-mail. Zafira circled at least 20 times around the block to find a parking spot. She walked up and sat beside the detective. "You know" Vinette began "If you don't tell someone all the details but they want you're help, you look very suspicious."
"Detective, I do need you're help. But this is a sensitive matter."
"I'm assuming you want me to properly fill you in."
Zafira nodded.
"In short, Darqusse came out and ended the battle. She didn't kill anyone truly important but ... Erskine."
"What happened to him?!" Zafira demanded
"Darqusse did something to him. He feels 23 hours of pain. He has 1 hour to do whatever but it starts up again."
"Can't they use painkillers?"
Vinette shook her head. "No. Nothing will help."
Zafira looked down at the ground. She felt warm tears roll down her cheeks. "I heard" she began "that he was dead. I wish it was that over ... This."
"I'm sorry Zaf. Must be hard."
Vinette offered Zafira some napkins. Zafira took them and wiped her face clear. She looked at Vinette. "I can take you to him. His pain-free hour is in about 22 minutes."
"Where is he?"
"Well, he's in the sanctuary's medical bay."
Zafira frowned. He was in the jaws of the enemy. To go would practically BEG to be arrested. But Erskine Ravel ... Every moment wasted is a moment she could be with him.
"Take me to him. Now."
Vinette smiled. "I knew you'd take the risk. Stay put." 
She ran off around the back. Zafira decided to look at her laptop. Most of them were e-mail's tapped. Ravel to Ghastly. Pleasant to Cain. Countless tapped e-mail conversations. That's why she was sent over here. She was the best. Vinette came back riding a motorcycle. Zafira hesitantly got on. Vinette started and she was not even remotely slow. Maybe triple but definitely double the speed limit. In a matter of minutes they arrived at the sanctuary. Vinette opened a secret passage. The two Americans walked down the corridor. After some time, they arrived. Nye was right there. Vinette pulled out a rather large wad of cash. "Tell no one Nye."
It didn't object. It walked over and began counting the money. Zafira didn't need Nye to find Ravel. He was still screaming in pain. She followed the screams into the holding cells. There he was. Laying on a prison bed, in pain. A few moments, he was still. She smiled. "Erskine."
He smiled and looked at her. "My favorite American. Hello Grand Mage Kerias."
"I had to come to see you! I didn't know how you were!"
"Grand Mage, it is good to see you. You took a great risk by coming here. If you were caught ..."
"It would be worth it. To see you again."
He sat up and went closer to Zafira. She put a hand through the bars. His hand was as cold as ice but she didn't mind. "I wanted- no, needed- to see you."
"I feel the same way." He whispered.
A moment passed and she could see every detail on his face. The faint lines on his face from all the pain and stress. The shimmering traces of tears in his eyes. An explosion. She felt an explosion in her whole body. Not of pain, but of passion. They were as close as two people could be. Another moment and they were separated again. "Zafira. We should be this close. All the time."
Zafira smiled again. She felt she couldn't stop smiling. "I agree." She paused. "Is this ... A proposal?"
He smirked. "I guess it is."
They kissed again. And again. And again. They were entwined in each other.
"I'll get you out of here. Some how, you'll be with me. In America."
"How?"
Vinette coughed. "Sorry to break the honeymoon plans but someone's coming."
Vinette drew her scythe. Zafira stood next to her, dagger in hand. Footsteps neared. Zafira knew who was going to come around without any hints. Karma was going to show its ugly face. Vex walked around the corner. "Grand Mage Kerias. And friend."
"We aren't here to fight, Vex." 
"Too late now." Vinette muttered.
Vex moved first and threw energy at Zafira. She dodged the beam but only just. She took some shadows and whipped them at Vex. Vex was hit and stumbled backwards into Vinette. Vinette used the staff part of the scythe and jammed it into the back of his neck. Vex, on the ground, rolled over a threw energy at Vinette. Vinette's shoulders were bleeded and a chunk and been blasted off. She backed away into the wall near Zafira. Vex stood up, only to be knocked over by a blue haired girl with a tray of food. "Oh, i'm sorry Vex. My mistake." The blue haired girl said as she was getting up. 
Vex was already on his feet. Zafira threw her knife and grabbed Vinette. She shadow-walked away.
Vex walked away but with a knife engraved into his leg. He went to find China. China looked upset. "Vex, what happened."
"Grand Mage Kerias and another woman broke in."
"What were they doing here?"
"Making plans with Ravel."
"Well then, we need to tighten security. Also, get some people to search the country. They may still be around."
*************************************
"They're going to come after us. Are we still going to go ahead?" Vinette asked.
"I'm not leaving him here." Zafira replied
"Operation ..." Vinette began, trying to give it a title.
"Operation White Dove. Yes."

The Plan: Memories Memories and Memories

Again stop reading if you haven't read LSODM

Zafira watched closely as the doctors worked on her. She had been in a bloody fight and was recovering. After a few minutes she was cleared and went to her office. The events of Ravel's plan had been tragic for her. She held her tongue though, she was found out and many people wanted her head. She had no resigned from her position yet because she did not want to. The Grand Mage went into her chambers and put her robes on. She had a meeting with China and Kribu. 

The three Elders stood in the room seeing one another. Zafira kept her gaze even not showing anger. Yet. China spoke,

"You know why I wanted you here, Zafira. You worked with Ravel on his plan. You knew it and yet did not report him or anything, why?" Zafira didn't speak for a minute. "Well. Simple: he charmed me. I didn't know why to not follow him. So I followed. And you know I was married thirty years to him. I trusted Erskine with my life. I didn't think it'd end so badly." The two looked at her. Finally China spoke,

"Zafira you realize if the international community seems it fit you can be tried and sentenced for helping him? I know you think you're safe." Kribu spoke looking at Zafira

"Grand Mage Kerias, you best not mention this to anyone." Zafira nodded and the meeting ended. Her heart heavy, Zafira went to bed. 

The dream. Right? It's a dream it can't hurt. Wrong. Always wrong Zafira was. The things that could happen. The memories. 

Ireland, first Mevolent war

Zafira stood with Bisahalani and his group. Zafira felt the cold wind on her face. Bisahalani had led the Americans in battle but now they were in a barn with the Dead Men outnumbered. Mevolent's forces would surely come get them. Suddenly Bisahalani went for the door.

"Renato you can't you're a fool they'll kill you." Zafira said. She felt Ravel put his hand on her shoulder. They watched as Renato went and scared the men by telling them to go. They survived. 

Zafira woke with a jolt. The dream scared her. She had thought of the choices she made. She thought of how to stop this madness. She remembered her comversation with Dexter Vex, the fact he blamed her for the war. What had she done? She hadn't wanted to kill Sult. Now here she was thinking the spider creeps killed him on the Global Link and now because Ravel was caught she'll be in trouble next. 

The day passed and silence. No calls. She felt her heart break. Alexis came and saw her but Alexis had other things to do. Finally Zafira heard the voice.

Let me out! I want control you never give me cotrol!!!!!! 

Justaria was arguing. Zafira grit her teeth. Stupid damn true name. She didn't shut up. Ever. Zafira contined papers. What now? 

The Plan

Again I strongly encourage you to not read this post if you have not read Last Stand of Dead Men

The American Sanctuary was in total chaos. Zafira was in the main one just getting out of the meeting with Grand Mage Strom. He would be in Ireland along with Sult. Zafira's phone vibrated and she looked at the text. Irish number. 

Zaf I know you and I have gone our separate ways but I have come to ask if you could speak to me? I know you are busy and can get in a lot of trouble with Bisahalani but I must ask of you. 

Ravel.

Zafira put her phone down. Finally she decided to just reply with a yes. He gave her instructions to a cafe in New York how he'd gotten away with the Argeddion thing was beyond her knowledge. She put her robes down and pulled on her usual jeans and black shirt. She hadn't left the Sanctuary since the Argeddion thing. She walked into New York City blinking back the bright light. Finally she took the subway and entered the cafe. There he stood looking at her. Thirty years together and he still made her nervous. Ravel managed that with her. He nodded to her and they left to go to her apartment. Once there Zafira turned

"Look what do you want? I shouldn't even have contact with you, you're Irish I'm American!" Ravel smirked,

"You forget you're from Ireland, Elder Kerias. I do believe you are safe to speak to me." 

"Look Erskine I don't have time. Get on with it." 

He shook his head, "You used to be more fun. Anyway, I know you agreed with me that mortals should know about magic yes? Well listen closely...."

Sometime during LSODM

The room was dark. Zafira felt her hand shake as she waited for the assassin. She did not know what to do. But Ravel had been so convincing those golden eyes of his seduced her and here she was paying someone to murder Bisahalani. She had hoped Vex would have worked with her but with the murder of Sult this whole thing was going exactly how he wanted. The assassin came to her,

"Payment, Kerias." He said as she slid the envolope to him,

"You killed him?"

"Yes. Dead. Go." Zafira left and as soon as she came back the Global Link was on as the offfcials where Bisahalani was in charge of told of his death. The Elders gathered together with the higher ups. Shakily Zafira spoke,

"I would like to step up to be Grand Mage if nobody disagrees?" No objection came. "Very well then we can elect an Elder later. Now we have to worry about Ravel's sadistic plans." They all knew now what Roarhaven had become. They all knew Darquesse was out. 

The memory hit Zafira like a bat. Ravel with her a few months ago. 

"Zaf you promised to help you know I need the American support. You're aSupreme  Council member." He hugged her. After their divorce Ravel had never spoken to her until he became Grand Mage and he began to get her help. Now she felt her heart beating fast. How she had missed him. 

"Alight." She said. "I'll do this for you." Ravel smiled again and they walked to Zafira's living room. Maybe they'd be together after this all happened. 

That memory had been good. They spent that night like they used to. Now here he was doing this....someone interupted her thoughts,

"Grand Mage." She looked. "Ravel is no longer Irish Grand Mage." Zafira went to the meeting room and waited until the figure of China Sorrows was facing her. Zafira's eyes were cold,

"Sorrows you have no authority what did you do to Ravel?" She asked. Sorrows smiled. "Grand Mage but I can let that slip. Ravel has been punished he is in Ireland. Don't think me a fool I know why you care. It's so...sweet." China smiled that smile that made Zafira's insides burn with hatred, "Who made you the Irish leader?" China was laughing,

"Mutual agreement. Would you rather Skulduggery?" 

"Yes. I would. Now answer: what did you do to Ravel?!"

"Not me. Ravel is cursed with twenty three hours of pain one to eat or whatever. You want to see him? I can allow that. Though I am not stopping my mages from attacking you." China vanished. Zafira decided China was the witch.

In Ireland Zafira waited while the Cleavers took her to Ravel's cell. The warden explained they had no way to lessen the pain he writhed and screamed for twenty three hours and then he stopped for one. His screams were like daggers. Finally it stopped. The Cleavers took him to where prisoners were allowed some visitation. Zafira looked at him those golden eyes always so charming,

"Ravel....you..." Zafira was at a loss.

"Was stupid? Maybe. I did what I thought was right and look where I am. Zaf if you can help me, you know your true name!"

Zafira took one of his hands,

"I can try. I can't do much yet I'm bound legally here China is Grand Mage she has authority if I can come into the country. But I'll try. I never will give up." The Cleavers allowed her to stay with him until the hour was nearly up and he was escorted to his cell. Zafira left and once in her hotel she realized she may be dead if the people knew her part in the plan.