A Villain.... or a Hero? (Continued from SO)

[Relairah]

The fight had quickly turned more hand to hand as Jolene kicked the crossbow out of her attacker's hands. She dodged his wide, slow attacks easily, bouncing in to knock some blows of her own before darting out and around him. She was a constant movement, her senses keenly focused and aware. In fact, she was even aware of her other surroundings, though they were more of dull background noises. She did more acutely notice the sound of the other guards approaching and Zenithe's movements to stop them. Jolene smirked to herself... perhaps she was a bad influence. He was going to get himself a bad rep if he pitted himself against the guard here. She did have past sins to atone for, after all. Though she was hardly intent on doing so.

The fight didn't last long. Where most of the people these guards dealt with were common, and human, she was more to handle. With another backflip movement, she gave the guard's jaw a nice upward kick and sent him flying. At first, he seemed to grunt and try and get up. Then he finally slumped into a pile of dust.

Jolene straightened herself, running a hand through her auburn locks. She hadn't even had a chance to tie it back... fortunately it should untangle for her easily. She turned her orange gaze Zenithe's direction, and within a moment, she was standing by his side. The rest of the approaching guards did not look happy as they recognized Jolene's face. The captain of the guard raised a hand, the guards behind him lowering their weapons. Perhaps they didn't recognize Zenithe quite yet, or perhaps they merely didn't care about his business since he was a mercenary. One could understand a job of killing for money... at least that was better than outright stealing, apparently. Especially since Zenithe's most recent victim had not exactly been liked around town either. Whatever the case was, this captain stared into the shadow of Zenithe's cloak. "Are you certain about your decision, traveler? This wench is no friend here and to ally yourself with her is death."

Well at least he was honest about what her punishment would be. That is... if they ever caught her. Jolene stared at the one who had spoken. "You guys may not forget the past, but I assure you you have nothing to worry about from me." At least in the market place. "Let me be on my way, and I won't be a bother to you, hmm?"

The captain didn't look like he was about to just let her go, but she wasn't going to give them the option. With a glance at Zenithe, she gave a light smirk, before she leaped as easily as she had on their chase earlier that morning and was soon standing atop a roof. The guards were already scrambling to get themselves in order, but she knew they wouldn't catch her. She had played this game with them more than a few times in the past. Though this time, she hadn't stolen a morsel for herself to eat. She trusted Zenithe could take care of himself, though she did pause at least for a moment to see if he followed. She had no intention of actually killing any of the guards if she didn't have to... she needed to get them off of her trail. Otherwise she'd never be able to go to her client's house. She quickly made her way from rooftop to rooftop, heading once more toward the outskirts of town. She knew if she made enough unexpected turns, she'd lose the guards. As soon as she felt she'd lost them, she crouched and lay on her stomach, staring down at the streetways below. Now that they were farther from the market, she could listen for more specifics. Hopefully, her ears would tell her she was safe.

Assuming Zenithe was beside her, she would talk to him in hushed tones. "Well... I suppose welcome to my world," she said. She would have laughed had there not been a chance she would draw unwanted attention.

[Xenoxice]

Maintaining his stance and holding the other guards at bay while Jolene finished her little fight with the single guard, Zenithe stared each of them down, almost as if looking into them rather than at them. Once Jolene was by his side and the captain came out motioning for the other guards to lower their weapons, he did the same, although still holding the blade instead of sheathing it. His gaze turned to the captain, staring at him intently. Upon making his remark, Zenithe retorted with his own statement. "Be mindful of your tongue, Captain. I've seen what your guard is capable of at their best, so if death is what you threaten, I'm not worried." Upon Jolene stating she intended no trouble and leaped up to the rooftops once again, he smirked slightly amused at how the guards seemed so disorganized and caught off guard by such a simple maneuver. Only confirming Zenithe's statement further about not being worried. Slightly bending his legs before leaping straight to the rooftop himself, twisting himself in midair and sheathing his blade so as to land facing the Captain that was still on the ground. "Don't take me for a fool. I know what you have done Captain. Your hands are no cleaner than any other persons."

As Jolene took off running from rooftop to rooftop, a good portion of the guards stayed back as Zenithe remained standing where he was.  After she got a head start with only a few chasing after her, he gave a hidden smirk and held his arms out to his sides, palms facing upward.  After a few moments, he quickly clenched his fists and brought his arms across his chest, crossing them.  That usual black smoke seemed to be gathering around him, becoming more and more dense very rapidly until it seemed as though his body had disappeared completely within it.  Let's see how well they can see in the dark.  His smirk widened as he pushed his arms out to the sides once again, this time the border of the orb of smoke exploded, sending it roughly a few blocks in every direction.  Though broad daylight, within the dome it appeared as though the city resided in the deepest caverns of the earth without any source of outside light, creating zero visibility to those with normal senses.  Standing straight, he could hear the guards down below him panicking as they didn't know what to make of what just happened.  Civilians could also be heard scrambling around below him in panic.

As everything was one large shadow at this point, he engulfed himself in the black smoke and jumped to the border of the dome, seeing that Jolene was just outside of the dome, he didn't even know if she realized what had just transpired behind her.  Stepping out from the shadow, he stood beside her, not even bothering to lay down, confident that none of the guards had followed far enough to make it out of its range.  "Welcome to mine." he retorted back playfully to her comment, pulling his hood and mask back.  If Jolene had turned around she would see an expansive dome that seemed to split the darkest night from the brightest day in a razor thin edge that seemed to be letting off masses of the black smoke into the sky.

[Relairah]

As Jolene had already taken off, she missed out on seeing Zenithe's spectacular performance. However, as she looked back to see if he was following, her gaze was met only with the penetrating cloud of darkness. She knew that that had to be Zenithe and she couldn't help a smirk to herself. Still, she had continued running. While with enhanced eyesight, she could see in the dark... she had a feeling that this dark cloud of magic might prevent even her eyes from light.

Jolene was not so startled as Zenithe was suddenly beside her, stepping from the darkness. She should've expected as much. She got up, dusting off her clothes and glanced at him. Her gaze fell over his facial features. She couldn't help a light smirk at his retorted comment. Fair. She moved toward him. "I like it better when your hood is back," she said. After all, she could admire him better that way. But she also could understand why he kept himself so enshrouded.

She brushed past him lightly and turned so that she faced him and walked backward. "I suppose since the guard is averted, we should be heading to my true destination. Perhaps I should've avoided the market place... given my history... but sometimes out of curiosity I just can't help myself. Trouble does seem to find me," she said, placing a finger to her chin as if debating how that might even be possible. Her gaze was playful however.

She leaped easily downward from the rooftop on which she had stopped and began to move easily over the hillside where the buildings were more scattered. It was easier anyway moving on the outskirts of town toward the richer estates further inland from the coast. She glanced toward the sky. Good. It wasn't quite mid-day so she still had time. Though not much. She had better hurry...

"Thank you, Zenithe," she said as they walked, "for your help with the guards. I bet those ninny's are scrambling like bugs," she said with a giggle.

Jolene moved easily up toward one particular estate. It was an enormous mansion, heavily guarded and dark against the pale sky. "Sure you still want to be involved in my... less than honest affairs?" she asked Zenithe, her question only half serious as she began making her way toward the large iron gate.

[Xenoxice]

((ooc: Sorry its so short .  been a crazy fun and busy day!  Mind is elsewhere!))

With a small smirk, his gaze lightened as he turned towards Jolene and listened to her comment on she liked him better with his hood back. True, he could leave it back more if he really wanted to, and truth be told he had been debating doing just that since meeting Jolene. Especially after the night they shared together. He kept his thoughts to himself for the time being on that matter. Instead, he simply smiled at her deeply with her playful gaze looking at him. Following directly behind her as they left the guards in the darkness that very slowly began to dissipate. Upon reaching a rather magnificent mansion that dwarfed the other buildings nearby in comparison, Zenithe listened to Jolene's thanks and upon her question, he answered her with a smile, his hood still back as he hadn't put it back up yet. "Less than honest is as honest as anything else in its own right.  My work to some is downright dishonest and disturbing but it's all in perspective."  With a small shrug he gave her a more simple answer.  "So of course I would like to accompany you and be involved."  With a slight narrowing of his eyes and averting his gaze with a playful smirk, he continued.  "How else could I possibly get to know such a wonderful person better than being a part of their 'less than honest' business affairs?"

[Relairah]

Jolene simply shrugged at Zenithe's comment about his work in reply to her statement of hers. "I suppose," she said. "I certainly won't hate your company." She smirked and glanced at him once more as he asked his rhetorical question. Without a notion or a word, she leaped over the gate, not even bothering to notify the keepers of the mansion of her presence. She was a thief for hire... and she felt that moving in stealthily would be a far better demonstration of her skills than overt politeness. Easily, she made her way toward the large structure and slipped in through a window. She had been instructed to wait in a grand room which she had been told was down the hall from the main entrance and to the left. Now that she was here, she suddenly felt a strange sense of nostalgia come over her. It had been in a place not so different from this one where all of her adventures had first begun and she had discovered the very magical dagger she had kept on her person all this time. It had been in the basement of a long abandoned monster of a home.

But this one was not that place and was clearly occupied. The house itself was well lit and furnished with paintings on the walls and candlit chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. As soon as they had entered, already there was movement as a few servants were moving this way and that and a couple of the security officials were moving toward the main entrance.

Jolene easily found the room and silently debated whether she should wait to be noticed, or make her presence known. ((This is all assuming Zenithe moves easily with her given his own stealth abilities XD)) It was a quick decision, though before she could actually do or say anything, a maid was bustling in. "The master should be in any moment. Don't touch anything." The maid was a calloused woman who looked worn and her dark gaze was sharp and threatening. Jolene put her hands behind her back and smiled innocently. "I wouldn't dream of stealing from the man who is hiring me." The maid seemed to glare at her suspiciously, though quickly darted to the side as a large man was walking into the room.

He was flanked by two young, burly men and he stared at Jolene and Zenithe with a pair of spectacles. "I don't recall a mention of a... partner," he said. His voice was soft and deep, as one used to being listened to and thus not needed to talk louder than a certain volume.

"Does it matter? You'll get what you're asking for either way. Now... for the details."

The man stared at her a moment. "Of course payment will await once the item is safely in my hands and not otherwise. And if you fail, I hope you know your fate."

'Well he can try,' Jolene thought. She had had enough death threats in her life not to care. Or perhaps she should be taking this more seriously. "My reputation precedes me."

"Very well," the man said, moving toward a table on the far side of the room. "In the next town is an old group of mansions occupied by the wealthy new comers." The man pulled out a map and pointed to the town he spoke of to the east of Escavas and to the side of town he meant. He pointed out one particular mansion that was a mere dot grouped with several others, though was positioned on a street called Keirma. The man then produced another piece of parchment on which was an image of the item he desired. It was a box with intricate designs and carvings. Around the lid was a great serpentine dragon and around the four bottom corners were small gargoyle-like beasts. "The contents of the box are what I require, but you must bring the box as well. That is the only information you should need." The man searched Jolene's face, her gaze steadfast on the map and the image etched onto the parchment.

Finally, Jolene met the man's gaze squarely with her orange eyes. "Consider it yours." With that, she turned sharply and proceeded to leave.

"One last detail..." the main said, folding his hands in front of his person.

She stopped, but didn't look at him. "I'm told that the box itself is protected by an enchantment."

"My reputation precedes me," Jolene simply stated before continuing on her way out. This time... she used the front entrance. She would wait for nightfall before carrying out this job. It was always easier to steal at night anyway. She glanced toward Zenithe, wondering if he had any input. She wondered if he intended to tag along for her theft as well.

[Xenoxice]

Watching as Jolene leaped over the gate without a word, Zenithe followed without saying anything himself, figuring there was a reason Jolene didn't bother to ask anyone to open the gate. Placing his hood and mask back up, into the mansion they went through a window and down the corridors to the room where they awaited. The mansion itself reminded Zenithe of his old home... the home from his childhood. His parents were well respected and had fairly hefty sums of money themselves. Before they had passed, Zenithe lived in a building very similar to the one they were in now. Extravagant paintings and chandeliers around them only further pushed him into his memories which he had long since tried to block out of his mind. But it seems for some reason, this place was forcing him back to those days. It would soon further push him into memories he would rather have left forgotten.

His memories were beginning to swarm in his mind and he struggled to keep his head clear. Zenithe listened to the maid but only just barely. Struggling with the thoughts in his own head, Zenithe stepped back a little bit and let Jolene take care of her business. He payed the man that entered the room no mind, nor the two bigger men on either side of him as Zenithe was confident enough in his own abilities that he may as well have considered the client to have no protection at all. On they went about their business until he showed Jolene the image of the item he wished to acquire. Zenithe's pupils rapidly narrowed and his eyes widened greatly. No.... It can't be... How....?! he thought to himself in a sense of shock and at the same time.... anger. Luckily for his face being mostly hidden as Zenithe's gaze turned to the man slightly as it rapidly turned into a scowl of pure discontent and hatred. I'd rather die than see you holding that in your hands!!! His thoughts were becoming more resentful of this client of Jolene's and his emotions becoming harder to control. Luckily for him though, Jolene had begun to walk off after telling him to consider it his, so he quickly followed in her footsteps, avoiding any eye contact with the man to prevent his true expression from being discovered. Hearing mention of the enchantment and Jolene's retort, he once again thought to himself silently. Jolene.... you have no idea what you're getting into...

Following her out the door and past the gates, if she would allow him, he would pull her aside behind a few bushes and trees that were nearby to get themselves out of the open where he could speak a little more freely. Pulling his hood and mask back, his expression was clearly showing he was rather displeased with the man they had encountered and rather frantic about something he was about to reveal. "Jolene...." He stated with a momentary pause before taking a deep breath and continuing. "Under no circumstance can you let him have that box, you must not even go near it!" His voice seemed a little shaky and at the same time worried for her own safety rather than his. A much different tone than the ones she had heard before to be sure. "I don't know why and I don't know how he managed to find out about that box, but it's even more apparent to me that we did not meet by coincidence or accident, but fatefully." With a heavy sigh, he attempted to calm his nerves and steady his voice. "I know that box. It's the only one of its kind in existence because it was made by MY father. The dragon on top is the image of my grandfather whom I never got to meet, the head and protector of my race, which is why its on the lid. The gargoyles around the corners represent the servants of the guardians. I saw that box placed in his coffin after he had passed. How someone got a hold of it I don't know. What I do know is whatever is in that box, is something my father wanted buried with him because it was something that nobody else should possess. It's a secret he kept even from me and my mother." His gaze seemed to soften as his past that was so long buried behind him was coming back in full force to meet him face to face.

With a long heavy sigh and slight pause between his sentences to give Jolene time to take in the information he was giving her, he continued, only now his voice was full of concern and it was obvious. "The enchantment upon that box is nothing to take lightly or laugh at. It's infused with the spirits of the servants and anyone who touches it with intent to disturb what is inside or pass to someone with that intent will have not only misery and illness befall them, but death shall follow them, taking everyone they get close to for the rest of their lives..." His voice seemed to trail off as he closed his eyes and slowly take in a deep breath. Gradually letting it out before he finally spoke again. "I understand now what my father meant so long ago.. when I was a child and he told me I would understand what it meant to truly share my power to protect the ones I love. I never understood because I thought I would need all my power to myself and use it to protect others..." Slowly opening his eyes, his pupils narrow and a small smirk, not of happiness or playful nature, but of understanding and acceptance crossing his face, he finished the remainder of what was on his mind. "The only way you will ever get within twenty feet of that box, is if I'm by your side and I share my power with you. Literally, to imbue you with my own magical ability allowing you to use all of my skills so long as you're near me. The enchantment was created to stop anyone not related to the guardians in some way from going near it. I can only perform that ritual at night, and it is mentally taxing in ways you can't even comprehend until you experience it. Unfortunately you wouldn't receive just my abilities..."

With a smile and a half nervous, half amused laugh he informed her of what she can expect should she follow through with the heist. "To imbue my power, I sacrifice a little piece of my own mind to fuse with the one person of my choosing who's to receive my power. With the fusion process of that mental piece comes visions and emotions as bits and pieces of my entire past are experienced in rapid succession." Stepping back away from Jolene, and awaiting just a few minutes to let the information process in her mind, he asked her his final question. "Knowing what must be done now, do you still wish to steal the box for that man? If you'd like to, I will not stop you for reasons of my own, but keep in mind to do so, you will come to know me on a deeper level than you could possibly imagine, and once that person receives my power, I am bound to them for life... it is why it's usually only reserved for the mate that is chosen by the guardian. If you want it put another way...." with a slight grin and a quirked brow of curiosity to see her response, Zenithe finished his sentence. "It's the marriage ritual of my race."

[Relairah]

As they departed, Jolene could sense something wasn't right. But before she could ask, Zenithe pulled her aside swiftly and she could clearly make out his face for herself. Her brows furrowed and soon he was frantically urging her against this particular job. She didn't imagine that Zenithe could easily become this worked up... he seemed so in control of so much, including his emotions. Clearly, this was something worthy of worry. As Zenithe explained more and more of what he knew, Jolene felt herself become somewhat torn. She didn't exactly fear her client's threats if she didn't carry out the job... but she was certain it would be no small task merely leaving as if she had never known a thing. Now that he had given her the secret information... he would be after her head on a platter.

Rather than an enchantment... this sounded like a curse. Though she was not merely a mortal, she had a feeling it was just as Zenithe said... that regardless of race, immortality, or magical capabilities... only a true Guardian of the Night would be unaffected. Her gaze had fallen, contemplating, but it returned to his face carefully and searching when he began to trail off, speaking of his father. She felt the urge to reach out and touch him... perhaps as a comforting gesture.

Instead, he suddenly was returning to the box and now mentioning there was a way that she could get close to it. She remained utterly silent as he explained, leaning back against one of the many surrounding trees. She was glad for the cover of the start of this forest. The shadows swayed around them and they would be hidden from any passersby that weren't paying attention.

As he further explained just what giving her his power meant... she wondered if the whole process would be overwhelming. It sounded like something that should be done without distraction or other things going on. Being overwhelmed with such visions and emotions... and a greater surge of power, it might alter her normal abilities and she was worried that if she did choose to carry out the heist, she wouldn't be able to concentrate well enough to be successful. Then again... she had no idea what Zenithe's power truly entailed and she may very well be able to do the whole thing that much better.

She remained silent for a while, this time stepping away from the tree and pacing slightly. She put her hand against her neck, before letting her fingers flow through her dark brown locks. Her orange gaze met his red one, searching his face once more. Indeed... their meeting must have been fate. But now, she was also troubled by something else. Her natural curiosity. She desperately wanted to know more about that box, and she wondered what secrets it held. Perhaps Zenithe was right... and she shoudn't give it to the man. She knew he'd probably use his henchmen to open it so that he would be unaffected and then probably use it for whatever it was he had planned. Normally, Jolene found herself detached from her clients and whatever it was they wanted stolen, including their plans. But... the way Zenithe was being made her consider things more seriously. This was no small decision.

Finally, Jolene released her breath slowly, stopping once more in front of Zenithe. If this was her only option, so be it. But it was more than that. It was true that they had not known each other very long. And that she was scared and uncertain. But he had already demonstrated he meant what he said. And somewhere in her gut... she knew that she was meant to be with him. Even if her fears clouded her judgement... somewhere inside she felt a small light of certainty. Her heart raced in her chest, and words still hadn't come to her lips. There was so much on her mind... it was difficult to process. "Zenithe..." she whispered finally, "Are you sure... I mean... you trust me that much?" She just didn't understand how he could.

If he confirmed that he did, her face would become more set, her gaze firm. "I'll do it. But not just for the box..." She paused, almost finding it hard to believe these words were coming from her mouth. "I love you. And I know in my gut that this is right. I've never been fearless with other things in my life... so this shouldn't be an exception I suppose. Just..." she paused, moving closer to him, reaching a hand out to grasp one of his again. "Don't ever leave me," she said, the words as soft as she dared. This was the greatest leap she had ever made in her entire life. Even if she knew in her gut... she was still terrified. Her orange gaze held steady with his, almost pleading with him. She desired more than ever at that moment to feel as he had made her feel the night before. But she merely waited his response.

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe awaited Jolene's response with an inquisitive albeit anxious and serious look.  He couldn't even imagine what was going through her mind at this very moment with all the information he had just given her.  He watched as she paced slightly and seemed to mull things over a bit.  Finally when she spoke his name and gave her whispered response, he took hold of her hand as she reached out for his.  He reached his free hand out to grab her other hand if she would let him.  Her gaze captured his and he stared back into her bright orange eyes with his own crimson ones and smiled warmly.  "I do trust you that much.  Those feelings were only confirmed when I realized it was fate that we met."  He paused, his own voice growing soft and tender.  "I too feel this is right."  Stepping closer, he released her hands and embraced her in a comforting hug if she would let him.  Letting only his wings shift out, he slowly curled them in around them.  The wings blocked the sun and the world around them save for the sound of the rustling tree leaves in the afternoon breeze.  In this moment it was just the two of them.

With a gentle voice laden with compassion he spoke to Jolene once more.  "I will do this for you.  No matter what is in that box, no matter what lies in the future or beyond, you will forever be mine and I yours.  I will never leave you."  His voice drifted off as the sound of the leaves above rustled in a serene musical chorus in the wind.  "It will take some getting used to on your part, but after the ritual you will find yourself stronger both physically and mentally.  The mental capacity to wield the magic I use and a fraction of my physical strength I possess in my true form... even which a mere fraction is substantially large compared to normal humans."  He continued with his voice as soft as her whispers.  "The only thing we must do is wait for nightfall."

[Relairah]

At the moment, Jolene felt she was experiencing something profound. She wondered if she even deserved this. But regardless, she had it... she may as well accept it. "I'm sure I'll adjust," she said as he gave his warning. "Good thing I'm not exactly a normal human."

---

Nightfall had finally come and the moon was already on its ascent across the sky. Already, the venture to the next town which held the box had begun and Jolene moved noiselessly across the earth. The town they came to was probably close to the same size as Escavas, perhaps a little smaller, though was richer... at least at a glance of the homes. She wasted little time in observation - only enough to take things in and know what she was doing.

She easily found the street the man had shown her on the map, her fiery gaze bright in the darkness as she hunted for the particular house in question. At last, she was stepping alongside its frame. She glanced at Zenithe. She wasn't sure exactly how he planned to do this... or when. She had assumed he would want to imbue her with power long before she actually got close to the box. She looked at him, waiting wordlessly. She was ready when he was.

OoC: If you were planning on doing it before they left for the town, just tell me and I can adjust XD Or just work it in? Wasn't sure n.n;

[Xenoxice]

The sun had gone down and they continued to make their way to the house in which the mysterious box was contained. Soon upon arriving there, when Jolene had begun to look up to Zenithe, he stared back at her and closed his eyes. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly as he prepared himself. "I have to be honest with you..." he spoke quietly so as not to alert anyone who may be nearby. "I can't tell you what to expect as far as how difficult this may be. From what I know from my parents, the more one desires the union and is willing to accept it, the easier it is on their mind and body. It's still a hard thing to process and get used to, but it's smoother."  Stepping closer to Jolene, he once again shifted so his wings were revealed, this time instead of curling them around them, he stretched them straight out and angled them in slightly. Something was different this time however. The interior webbing of the wings instead of being black, seemed to catch the moonlight and the stars of the night sky above as though they were crystal mirrors. Reaching out, he would place his right hand upon her cheek and his left upon her shoulder if she let him. Bowing his head and closing his eyes with a slow breath, the reflections within his wings began to distort and ripple as though someone had thrown a stone into a pond. The reflection itself began to change until it began to show unclear and vague images, muffled and blurred sounds could very faintly be heard from within as though they were portals to another place or time.

Opening his eyes for a moment to gaze upon Jolene, his crimson eyes seemed brighter and reflected beautifully in the moonlight in a way they had not before. In a soft and gentle whisper, he gave her instruction. "Close your eyes and clear your mind of any thought. Even the smallest thought can greatly increase the time this will take." Waiting until he could see she was ready, he would proceed when she gave him the all clear to continue. "Get ready...." he murmured quietly. After a momentary pause, all noise seemed to drop silent. The cool night breeze and the few people roaming streets nearby were as though they had vanished from existence. Forming from the reflections of his wings and slowly creeping through the air towards Jolene, was a thick black smoke. It traveled sluggishly compared to the usual appearance of when Zenithe used his abilities. But this time was completely different and unique all its own. It moved in a way that would make it seem as though it had a life of its own. Creeping and slithering through the air as though it were tendrils and snakes. "Here we go... It may feel as though I vanish, but know that I am here by your side Jolene... Don't panic, keep still and keep your mind as clear as you can. When this is over, you will remember bits and pieces of my own past that I haven't even told you about.  Afterwards they will begin to reconcile as your mind processes them and pieces them together like a puzzle so you will begin to see more complete memories, even if not all of it." His words were hushed, slightly muffled even, but still audible.

If she managed to keep still, the moment the first of many thousands of smoky tendrils touched her, she would experience a brief vision. Just enough to flash before her that she would receive a quick glance, an almost inaudible snap of sound that accompanied that particular moment within the memory she had witnessed. The flashes started slowly as Zenithe attempted to make it as easy as possible on her as he could. But each passing moment the flashes occurred more rapidly. Faster and faster the visions of his past would invade her mind to the point she would witness several memories within a mere second. Each memory she witnessed would bare an unusual sensation along with its entrance to her mind. A burning, achy feeling not only within her mind, but within her entire body. Every muscle fiber as it experienced thousands of small surges of his strength could be felt as a sting. Like countless tiny needles sticking themselves within her body. If she managed to make it this far, Zenithe would speak to her the same as he did in his true form so as to instruct her with a clear voice.

"You're doing good Jolene, I know it is unpleasant but you must mentally prepare for the final step that's about to take place... Imbuing you with my magical prowess. This is going to hurt... a lot.... but only momentarily then it will be as though it never happened and you will have full knowledge of how to use my abilities to suit your needs and strengths as though you have had it all your life, but you will need to be near me to use them."  Although not seen if her eyes were still closed, the thousands of tendrils that had invaded her body were now converging into a single point upon the temples on either side of her head.  A soft slithery feeling would be felt from each one as it inched its way to its final destination.  Like thin black strings that attached themselves from his wings to her mind.  "Brace yourself... Three..." he began to countdown slowly to give her time to shake off the feelings that had been so abruptly thrown at her from before.  "Two...." he continued in a soft voice.    "One...." a moment after he gave the final count, every shadowy string attached to his wing would detach simultaneously with soft snaps.  They would converge into one large end, looking as though they were giant needles about to pierce her skull.  Within the blink of an eye the tendrils would force themselves into her mind all at once.  To any who had ever experienced this ritual before they described the sensation as a building behind dropped on either side of their head, not knowing whether their skull would splinter into tiny pieces or crack clean in half. Their ears rung so loud they couldn't hear anything for a few moments before it began to dissipate, and a few even mentioned blurred vision and a feeling of shock as though they had taken a severe blow to the head.  But as Zenithe promised, the feelings would disappear quickly and her senses return to normal.  The sensations would vary of course depending upon the threshold of pain Jolene would be able to handle and how stressed her mind already was from the first half of the ritual.

With a silent gaze, Zenithe would watch Jolene, and help her steady herself as needed if she wished him to.  "Take it easy for just a few moments Jolene.  Get used to what you feel and regain control of your new senses."  His wings, still unfolded if Jolene would gaze upon them, would now show clear reflections, each one lasting a few seconds showing clear segments of memories of years past. They lasted for a few more moments before fading back to their normal jet black color.  If she concentrated enough, she would be able to remember short events of his very own memories from past jobs, his childhood, travels even to the last few moments of his accident that left him permanently partially shifted as though she were him.

[Relairah]

They had ducked into a side street to avoid unwanted interruptions and her gaze was now fixated on his. She felt drawn into his eyes... focused. As he spoke, she only nodded, and offered a small smile. There was no point in being nervous, uncertain... there was no going back. Especially now. But at his words, she couldn't help a brief moment when her heart stuttered. Was she ready? How badly did she really want this? And for what purpose? Sure... it had come to this so quickly because of a mere job. But she didn't want this because of that. She did want Zenithe. She was certain. And her only reason for hesitation before was because of fear. Not because of lack of wanting, lack of desire, lack of knowing that she belonged with him. She closed her eyes, breathing in deeply and focusing on him and him alone. She opened her mind, just like when she had been in training before she had returned here. When she had bettered her abilities. But this time it was to accept Zenithe. And his magic.

She continued to breathe slowly and controlled. He was right in all that he explained. Except thanks to her instincts, she could still sense his physical presence. But at the same time, she could sense the movements of the memories as they began to focus on her. She was glad he didn't talk for a while, because even the sound of his voice and comprehending his words was too much of a distraction. Even with how much she enjoyed his voice. As the memories flew into her, there was a pang in her head as her brain processed it, particularly as the process grew in speed. Her brow furrowed and she continued her controlled breathing. She had a high pain threshold... but even so she could feel a headache coming on.

He was speaking again and she could barely register what he was saying. She got the gist. This was going to be more than the memories she had experienced. And it would hurt. She was already hurting. Jolene braced herself, her fists clenching and then unclenching. She continued her breathing. He gave her a count down.

And then suddenly the pain was unbearable. She gasped, shrilling sucking in her breath and clenching her fists. Her nails had lengthened instinctively and they dug into her skin, blood pooling about her fingertips and filling her palms. It was all she could do not to shove Zenithe away from herself and attack him. The instinct that something was harming her and she needing to protect herself was overwhelming. And then it was gone.

But she still had a headache. It was fading... slowly. She put a hand to her head, seemingly forgetting about the sticky liquid still present. "Ugh..." she said first. She slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurred for a moment. She blinked, her gaze coming into focus. She watched as his wings changed from reflections to black, and then shifted her gaze to meet his. She could feel it. Every thought. Every memory. Every emotion from his life. In part, she suddenly felt overwhelmed... the instinct to cry also welling in her. So much pain... and yet more than that. She also now got a glimpse of how he felt about her.

She reached toward him, blinking a few more times. "Zenithe..." She now also understood his urgency about the box. She felt an uneasiness in her gut. But despite everything.. they were already here. She might as well follow through. She breathed a final time, letting the air in and out as a representation of her gaining control. "Let's go get that box..."

Jolene spun, a little too quickly and faltered. She put her hand to her head and then glanced at Zenithe, smiling slightly. "Guess I'm still adjusting..." She straightened her self and flicked her wavy auburn locks. Soon, Jolene was heading into the building, orange eyes fierce. She didn't know it, but they glowed slightly with the presence of Zenithe's magic.

She was surprised that the front door was unlocked. Was there anyone even living here? The floor boards creaked... She paused, listening intently for movements. She could hear the sound of heavy breathing in one of the rooms upstairs. She hoped whoever the inhabitant was was a heavy sleeper... The house was enormous, the main hall dimly lit by a chandelier hanging high above them. A long rounded staircase started to the left and lead up to the upper level and a short hallway at the end of the stairs. Before them was a short hall that lead to a kitchen at the end of it and a large room to the right and to the left. Beneath the stairs was a door. She wondered if it lead to a cellar... or merely a stair closet.

The question was... where was the box? She closed her eyes, focusing. She had a feeling she would be able to sense the box via magic. Or at least... she tried. She wouldn't be able to do this for just any item. But this box was special. They were connected to it somehow. There. Her eyes snapped open, still glowing. It was upstairs. Go figure.

Rather than climbing the stairs, she gave herself a running start and leaped, landing silently and easily about halfway up the railing. She leaped again, landing on the short hallway at the top of the stairs. This was where not only her skills as a thief came in handy, but also her cat abilities. She slipped easily toward the upper rooms, peaking in the first one. The inhabitant was stretched across a large bed, snoring. The box wasn't in this room.

She slipped to the next one, and it was there the box was held. It seemed that there was no guard around it. It set atop a mere mahogany dresser. A soft glimmer reflected off of the surface from moonlight drifting in through the window. She paused. She had a bad instinctive feeling. But she remembered that Zenithe's magic was coursing through her. She stepped forward, feeling a resistance as soon as she entered the room. It was increasingly difficult with each step, but she was able to move. She had a feeling that it would be far more difficult without having Zenithe. At last, she was at the box and she reached for it, feeling a slight shock as her fingers came in contact with the metal and wood. It was more like a static shock... but it was quick and then the box was safe in her hands. Rather than leaving the way she had come, she moved toward the window. It was a long leap down... but she wasn't afraid. Her eyes scanned briefly, taking in this side of the building with easy and with haste. She trusted Zenithe could handle himself.

At that moment, she heard a stir from the next room over. Time to go. She tucked the box under her arm and leaped... She landed atop the next roof, a little lower down and from there slid to the ground. As soon as Zenithe would be with her again, she would swiftly head out of that town as fast as she could. Once they were back in the forest between this town and Escavas... they could breathe easy.

OoC: Argh so once again I'm sorry for the wait DX My week was awful. I passed out and literally didn't wake up for 11 hours last night o.o; Also let me know if the whole box stealing part should be different according to Zenithe's magic XD I figured it was more her ability to actually obtain the box than anything since the real danger is the contents n.n

[Xenoxice]

As Zenithe watched Jolene regaining her composure, he looked around to ensure nobody had seen them. With a small smirk to her comment about still adjusting, he nodded his head. "Yes, it will take some time for everything to take its full effect. But you'll be safe from the box when you get near it now." With his response, he awaited to follow in Jolene's footsteps. Into the mansion they went. It was a quaint little place as far as Zenithe was concerned. He had seen so many buildings just like the one they were in, they began to look the same to him. As Jolene maneuvered through the mansion silently, he kept up with her without issue until she found the box. Stepping into the room with ease, he watched as Jolene seemed to struggle a little with each step. Well, there's the resistance barrier enchantment... at least she can move through it much easier than others now... he thought to himself. Observing around them as he grabbed the box and scanned around the room. Zenithe heard the stirring in the next room just as Jolene had and quickly turned himself to the window nearby, figuring it the quickest way out which apparently Jolene had as well. After she had jumped out, Zenithe looked behind him to see the door to the other room slowly opening. Jumping out the window before the door fully opened, he landed on the roof below next to Jolene.  Off into the forest he would follow until she decided to slow down and take a breather. 

Upon their small break, Zenithe would pause a moment and look towards Jolene with a slight smile and soft voice.  "If we ever run into anyone who is knowledgeable about dragons, or more specifically the Guardians, it may benefit you to know what my actual title is among my race as it does command a degree of rather high respect."  Gazing into her eyes, he awaited to see if a fragment of a memory from his past may come to Jolene's mind.  After a short delay, he would finish his sentence.  "My title I am referred to is 'Zenithe Kodalis: Third Generation Guardian of the Night to the late Alistrixia and Zelator Kodalis; Grandson of Salathen Kodalis'.  Anyone who knows anything about dragons will know those names very well.  And I have a feeling our little friend who so desperately desires this box knows quite a bit.  It may serve well to know that information."  After a few moments he gazed into her eyes with a gentle look in his eyes, crimson pupils glowing in the moonlight.  "Since you have completed the marriage ritual of my race you may refer to yourself as my mate or wife if you wish or so desire..."  He smirked a little as he spoke.  "Doing so may even protect you and save your life from some."

[Relairah]

His words caught her a little off guard. But of course everything that had transpired before the heist was important. And needed to be fully discussed and felt. It was a big deal. As he spoke, the images she had seen flashed once more through her mind. They were a part of her now. He was a part of her. Even with them, she listened as he completed his sentence. She liked hearing him say it. Zenithe was probably right about the man who had hired her to take the box. That is... that he knew about dragons. Jolene nodded slowly and then smiled. "I'm sure that no one in their right mind would want to piss off the ancient Zenithe Kodalis: Third Generation Guardian of the Night and have you hunt them down."

She sighed and threw her arms about his neck. "Well... while the night is still young... perhaps we should make this whole thing a little more official." They didn't need to return to the mansion until the next day... If he allowed, she would kiss him. Where they had stopped was somewhere hidden where they were unlikely to be disturbed. She would then demand for clothing to be removed... hoping he would also let her.

Whether he did or not... some time later, she reached toward the box they had stolen. Images suddenly burst through her mind again. Now that she had regained herself and her union with Zenithe was complete, the memories of his life were something that popped in her mind as freely as if they were her own. Involuntarily also. It was something she needed to get used to... All at once, she not only saw the box being buried. She felt all the emotions associated with it... and any other memories Zenithe had of the box, even if it had been in passing. She blinked, turning her gaze to meet Zenithe's. "We can't let him have it..." she said. She now understood Zenithe's reaction at first seeing the drawing of it. She understood completely.

This was not something that should ever be placed in any human hands. She had a bad feeling about not showing up though at the mansion. But there was no way to make a forge box... at least she didn't think so. Not without someone who specialized in that type of magic. Regardless, they needed to find an alternative. Maybe they should return to the edge of the world and send it floating through space never to be recovered again. Or perhaps they should try to burn it. Had that been tried already? She didn't know...

And then... there was that other part of her... the curious side. In spite of the memories and the emotions, she found herself asking. Why? Why was it so bad? What was inside? Could it really be that much of a danger? After all... the only things she had to go on were images and emotions. Memories of emotions, rather. They could have been inspired by a father's warnings to his son. Zenithe would probably kill her if she opened the box. But she really wanted to know its contents. That urge to touch, to discover. She pushed the box away and toward Zenithe's hands. "It's not wise for me to be near that thing. And also... we should leave Escavas for a while. I'm not sure if you were already planning on moving to the next town soon... but already the amount of people hunting me will be growing when we don't return with the box."

It felt like there was one more thing she wanted to do before they left. She became silent, gazing into Zenithe's eyes. She found comfort there. Something she once had never thought she would find with anyone.

[Xenoxice]

Zenithe chuckled lightheartedly at her comment about the word 'ancient'. "Well, ancient I'm not so sure. But to the hidden villages in the surrounding areas who specialize in dragon lore...." his sentence paused for just a moment. "Revered would be an accurate term, even worshiped by some." As she threw her arms around his neck and spoke, he quirked a brow with a smile of interest and approval. Gladly letting her kiss him, and returning it with his own. Upon her demand being known for clothing to be removes, Zenithe felt his heart race once again as it did before that special night and obliged with a smile full of happiness and excitement.

Later on as he watched Jolene reach for the box and her gaze turn to his, her words actually caught him off guard and surprised him a bit. He tilted his head in shock for a couple moments while he observed her reactions to the box as well as listening to her final comments about leaving Escavas and not being near the box. "It was the memories wasn't it?" He asked with a serious expression. "You're able to feel why I reacted the way I did at first now aren't you?" With a heavy sigh he nodded slowly and took hold of the box himself in one hand. Closing his eyes momentarily, the box began to become enshrouded in the usual black smoke that came with Zenithe's magic until it was completely covered. In the blink of an eye most of the smoke had vanished along with the box with it, leaving behind only a small bit that was slowly rising and dissipating into the sky. "It'll be safe with me for now then until we can figure out what to do with it. And the answer is yes, I have already thought of and planned to leave Escavas for a while after all that has happened recently. I know of one of the hidden dragon lore villages and it's not too far, but it's very secluded and nigh impossible to enter unless you're a dragon."

Looking around slowly, Zenithe gave a heavy sigh. "Now that we've completed the marriage ritual, you have regained your senses and you are my wife, I need to tell you everything that comes with mating with and marrying a dragon while we have a moment. More specifically, a Guardian of the Night. There's actually quite a few benefits...." he looked at her with a gentle gaze, but one that also demanded attention. "I'll start with what you already know and work to what you don't know. The last thing I mention will probably be more shocking to you than the rest." He stopped his speaking as he patted the ground next to him where he was sitting, motioning for her to sit by his side. He would await for her to sit and get comfortable before he began to his explanation of what she can expect. "Alright, so you already know you have gained my memories and my magic abilities. Speaking of which, once the memories stop coming on spontaneously and they place themselves correctly in your mind so you can recall them at will instead of them coming up on their own, we'll start practicing with you wielding my abilities.  Over the next few days you'll notice a large increase to your physical strength which you'll be gaining from me as well.  Now, for the things you don't know..." A smile began to creep over his lips as he continued. "First off, even your longer than normal life-span has been greatly extended to match that of mine. To put that in perspective for you, my grandfather is right at 3,589 years right now and my parents were in the range of 1,600 years when they died. My grandfather is approaching half his lifespan within the next century. So you can expect if you're not killed to live to be around 7,200 up to 7,500 years. All thanks to the small portion of my own mind and soul that has merged with yours." He awaited out of curiosity to see how Jolene would react to the information he was giving her before continuing. "Secondly, much like I can speak to you in my dragon form, even if we're apart, you can still talk with me in your mind from any distance, but it'll take some practice."

Closing his eyes and smiling gently with what seemed to be a tinge of sadness in his ever so slightly quivering lips as he had a flashback of his mother which may possibly be seen by Jolene as well, he finished. "And last but probably most interestingly...." He cracked his eyes open half-way as he stared at the ground with his head down, reminiscing of his mother with a brief glimpse of a memory in her dragon form. "You.... like my mother.... now have the ability to transform into a dragon yourself..... but not like me or my father.... who were born with the ability...." His words were slow and drawn out as he clearly imagined her in his mind.  "She was so beautiful.... shimmering scales of amethyst.... the glowing sapphire and pearl white webbing of her wings and underbelly..." A tear for the first time in so many years rolled slowly down his right cheek. "She was a normal human you know.... No abilities, no special skills and no magic.  And she was sick.  Very sick...." His voice trembled lightly as he expressed what had never been shared to anyone before. "But she still fell in love with my father with her numbered days... and their union healed her completely. That's the unique ability specific to the union to a Guardian of the Night. To heal the body and grant the ability of shape-shifting into the same race." His voice regained its composure as he breathed deeply.  Eyes still only half-open he turned his crimson gaze to Jolene. "You have to create it...." He paused momentarily to see if she would understand what he meant by those words before he continued. "It's extraordinarily challenging and takes months at minimum to perform.... but if you so wish, you will have to create your own form. Unlike my father, grandfather and I who were born with the ability to shift into our dragon forms, anyone married from outside the lineage has to create their own form in their minds eye and literally force their bodies to gradually shift into the form they imagine. It's the shared magic that allows this to happen. And once the shift is finally completed, it can be done effortlessly like any other shift... partially or completely." He turned his eyes back to the ground once more. "It's entirely up to you if you want to, but be careful if you choose to as the moment you begin the creation process, whatever you have imagined is what it will be for the remainder of your life. There's no changing it afterwards. Choose carefully what you want your strengths, weaknesses and appearance to be should you go through with it. Size, colors of scales, webbing and eyes, scale texture, spikes or smooth, hair or not, longer thin tail or shorter and thicker...  everything is what you make it to be." His eyes opened the rest of the way with a semi-serious expression as he turned them back to her. "Slender frame with more narrow and sharp wings for agility and superior speed in the air while sacrificing strength.... average all around.... bigger frame and thicker wings to sacrifice more aerial ability for sheer strength and power.... mix and match to come up with your own form to suit your needs. Just pick carefully. As for mine...." he paused and smiled at her. "I had no choice in the matter. I was born with what I am. But I lucked out and was born with a form of above-average strength and higher aerial capabilities. Not the strongest on the ground nor the quickest in the air, but better than an average all-around build.  If you want to do it, I can only tell you how to get the shift started, the rest is up to you.  There's nothing else I can do in regards to that."  Standing up, he stretched his arms and back.  "I'll let you mull things over for a few minutes."  Looking up to the trees above, he leaped up to the thicker branches as he went up the trees to look above and get a breath of fresh air from the breeze above the tree-line, awaiting for Jolene to call him back down.

[Relairah]

Jolene merely nodded a response when he asked if her reaction was due to the memories. She watched as his magic surrounded the box in a dark cloud and it vanished. Part of her was curious where it had gone. Then she remembered the transformation technique he had been teaching her only recently. He had probably made it a part of himself for the time being. She couldn't help feeling somewhat impressed.

When he mentioned venturing to the village, she gave a slight smirk. Under different circumstances, she might be tempted to prove she was one of the few who could reach it without being a dragon. She was always up for a challenge; now was not the time.

As he began to explain more of what it meant to be his bride, she met his crimson gaze with her own and listened with every bit of her attention. It was all quite fascinating... but also important for her to know. Jolene was relieved when he said the memories would settle and not be so... sudden... and headache-inducing, not to mention a flood of random emotions. She was also eager about the increase in strength and abilities.

When he mentioned the age, her jaw dropped, if only for a moment, before she clamped it shut once more. She shouldn't be surprised, she told herself. It was common knowledge that dragons were basically ever-living. Especially according to human standards. But still. Hearing him say it was almost unbelievable. She was having difficulty even wrapping her mind around it. She couldn't imagine herself living that long. Thousands of years past when any mortal could dream of. She couldn't help herself. She stopped him. "Wait... so... then..." she had to know, "How old are you?" Even with the memories, they hadn't exactly given her exact numbers. By any definition... she was incredibly young. She couldn't help but find their whole situation even more odd... and amusing.

She became excited when he mentioned they could talk mentally from great distances. He would always be with her... and she with him. It was warming. He had stopped, his voice changing slightly. She could hear it... and from the memories, she knew he loved his mother. Jolene listened in silence, contemplating all that he told her. "I suppose your father was the greatest gift to her life." She could relate to that feeling, in a way. She still felt in some ways that she could never measure up to her husband. The very word in her mind was almost unreal. It still felt a little odd to even think it. And she hadn't even said it yet.

At the same time that Jolene was enthralled by it all... she couldn't imagine herself becoming a dragon at the moment. What would become of her cat form if she did? She had grown to love that part of herself... and only so recently embrace it and discover so much of it. Though when Zenithe said it would take some time, she felt perhaps that was even more of a good thing. She would need time anyway to decide if she even wanted to be a dragon. Though perhaps it would certainly make things easier for non-human form, she thought with a mental laugh. In many, many ways.

Briefly... she thought of their venture to the edge of the world and how much greater that could be if they were flying together. It was almost a dream.

With a shake of her head she pushed it from her mind. She had time to think about it.

"It sounds like a lot... and I'm sure I'll adjust in time." She silenced herself also and closed her eyes. She wanted to try speaking to his mind... she was curious if that meant only in a certain form... or in any form, now that their union was as one. She focused, letting everything but him fade from her mind. Then, as soon as she felt there was only him and her alone, she thought, "I'm eager to spend my life with you... and learn all that it means to be yours." She peaked an eye open, hoping he had heard her thought, and smiled slightly.

Snap!

She turned sharply, fingernails automatically turning into claws out of instinct. It was just a squirrel. Jolene let out her breath and laughed. "Well... perhaps we should venture to this village. Before something actually hunting us closes in."