"There was screaming as I stood upon the path home, such terror I could no longer handle. What was familiar in my life is now strange and hollow.
Was I evil just like them? Did I cause the pain, and find it satisfying? And now that I have changed, would that past come back to me.
I have none to turn to, I am alone..."
-----------Ravnos Baneseek
Chapter 1
Reflections For years there was a silence over the lands surrounding Hells Keep, this place that was so full of malice that even it's very ruins seethed of an ancient anger. It is in this place, deep beneath the ruins where a soul has slept in nightmares for nearly a 60th year, he waits in dreams of the past and hope for a future he does not realize he may not be given. It was a dark battle, one that not only included him but also his companions and an army of different races who were bound by the laws of their gods, and the gentle urgings of the wondrous woman of light Alustriel. Heroes from all walks of life did battle that day but in the end darkness found a way to overcome. And the world would never be the same again... Unless... Unless strength could be found once again, and opposition would brave dangers untold to strike the Baatezu fools down. Dark storm clouds blew in as a small weary band of travelers humbly made their way to the ruins that once held a great battle. Feeling the unspeakable tremors in aura that this place held, Ral, the youngest of the travelers shivered with more fear then excitement. The troupe's leader, Mendel, needing help to excavate a large treasure that was by legend to exist in this very tomb, hired him. And now despite the great sum of money he was paid to join this travel he wished he had never taken the money, nor agreed to come on this suicide march. In front of him Mendel was as proud as ever, it seemed that not even the flames of a fiery dragon could send this egotistical wretches hopes far from the thought of money. He didn't even care of the risk that he was taking, just as long as he was able to get rich from the whole deal. This made Ral quite sick, Beneath the blond male his stately steed coughed and snorted, even this beast knew not to go any farther into death's door. Still they carried on as best they could, Suddenly as without warning Mendel held his arm up in command to stop, he then proceeded to point to the wreck before them. "Watch out for scavengers, they come in all races here." He said in a hardly concerned manner. Ral could take it no longer, pushing his way to the front he halted in front of Mendel. "Mendel, do you know what you are leading us into?" "Why yes, young Ral. I am leading all of you into a fortune of gold and jewels. More riches then either you or I could ever imagine, all that was left when the Baatezu abandoned the keep for more promising fortunes ." Shaking his head in disgust Ral pointed ahead. "That Mendel is a place that none of us shall survive. I know of its legends, and of its ghosts." "Then tell me, Ral, why did you agree to come with me on this journey if you were going to turn back and run?" Asked Mendel sarcastingly. Ral thought for a moment, then he looked discerningly at Mendel. "Because you didn't exactly say where we were heading straight into." Silence surrounded the crowd as Mendel became ever more impatient with the young male. "Ral, you will not stop me from getting the treasure that I deserve." Warned Mendel signaling his warriors to take the male captive. "Now you will do no more to stop me from my plans, onward." Mendel hissed as the group moved along at an even faster pace then before. The group headed farther until they were at the entrance to what looked like some dark underground catacombs. Mendel immediately jumped from his beast and called for Ral to be brought up to him. "Now, coward. You will face the fears that keep you from this place first hand. Move!" Pushing Ral forward Mendel took his charge into the vast abyss of darkness, into what would become their worst fears. It seemed like forever before the group came to a large dank room, the end of the decent it seemed. Happily Mendel held his flaming staff high above his head and looked around at the treasure. His greedy claws lifted up large amounts of the shiny and very precious metal, and he laughed in the most hideous of ways. "Now where is this legend that you have been speaking of Ral?" "He is here..." "You fool, there is nobody here besides us, the devils have long been gone from this place. And there are no ghosts haunting these walls." Mendel reached down and lifted his heavy axe up, "at the moment anyways." "What is that supposed to mean." Ral mumbled seeing the man's axe blade glisten against the fire, and the look in the man's eyes was enough to show his true intent. The flash of metal broke the young man's stare and he panicked. Fearing for his life Ral moved as quickly as he could to the side leaving nothing for Mendel to bury his ax into but a wall. The large weapon embedded into the stone giving Ral a sick feeling in his stomach, ignoring the nausea that almost overwhelmed him the young male grabbed a sword that lay in the gold beside where he fell. With it he lunged at Mendel, as the astonished group was helpless to stop him. He slammed into Mendel with a fdevile that knocked both into the room that hid behind the wall for so many years. Immediately despite his pain Mendel stood and smiled at Ral who still lay on the floor almost barely able to move. He heard voices, it had been so long since the last time he heard voices other then his own. Voices that were not in his dream, no these were living, he could hear a burdened heartbeat pace quicken. And the scent of fear fdeviled a breath pass his lips. Tightened joints began to spring to life and he rose to one knee, when one of his claws fell before him he scraped the elongated nail against the stony floor before lifting it up, palm towards the sky, and taking in the mark that covered his skin. "Adriara." he gasped her name with rage as a heavy thud shook the dirt from the wall beside him. He growled as another blow rocked his solitary prison, and another. Once again Ral was in the path of the Ax's deathly blow, the insanity in Mendel's eyes was serious. Ral realized that the curse of this place held truth, and the devil's did indeed leave behind an evil that would not die. "Mendel." Ral called out his voice was quickened by fear, "You've gone mad!" "Mad!!? No dear Ral, I've realized how weak I have been, and how much of a burden you have become. This place and it's ghosts belong to me now, me and only me!" "You speak claim of possession." came a voice heavy with a brutish dialect, "Yet you hold no ground over anything, or anyone that had been left here to suffer indignity and pain." "What in the hell?" Mendel muttered letting go of his weapon and backing away in awe. From the darkest corner came a tall shadow, one with broad shoulders hinting of it's owner's power. "Beastie's got your tongue human? For one so outspoken you're words have fallen still." the figure came into the slightest light available to them all and his eyes narrowed as he raised his claw, "you were partially correct on your assumption fool, though of the hells is a more appropriate response." This male wore a mane of long, yet matted red hair that hung in strands down his shoulders. His body was covered in blackened leather, buckles, and worn armor and his larger size made even the muscular Mendel look like a dwarf. Heavy boots thudded against the ground as worn chainmaille chinked against the metal of his spauldrons while the stranger carelessly approached the group, "Leave now and you'll live to see the morn." Feeling threatened Mendel pulled a knife from his belt and rushed at the stranger, digging its sharp blade deep into the cryptic stranger's stomach. The stranger, in turn slammed Mendel into the wall with so much force that the wall cracked from the pressure. "What in the hell are you !" Hissed Mendel as his throat was getting crushed more and more by the stranger's strong grasp. "A very pissed off killer, tough guy." Growled the attacker, "You were going to shed blood with no reason, I don't like your ways." Wriggling and kicking his feet Mendel looked back at his men, hoping for someone to intervene for his sake. Help would come... "Not this time." Mendel whispered weakly as he looked behind the stranger. In wonder the tall figure turned his head and saw two warriors pointing arrows at him mere seconds later those arrows were buried into his back and shoulder. Dropping Mendel the stranger pulled at the arrow, and after a bit of a struggle he ripped the one from his shoulder, his green eyes glaring at the fools who had fired those shots. After breaking apart the one embedded into his back he made a mocking move toward the two men. Both, fearful men in their own right, immediately made way after their leader Mendel. The fool had already left them behind to deal with this dark being. For a second the tiefling stood still, holding his claws out and stretching his muscles, he didn't seem to care of Ral's presence, then although seemingly confused the tiefling removed the arrows from his body. Finding this a good time to flee Ral tried to make his break but this caught the tiefling's attentions. Angrily the monster turned his sights to Ral who was trapped by the far wall. "Don't kill me!" Pleaded Ral, "He was the one who brought me here, I had nothing to do with any of this." Somehow the stranger knew this, letting go of his anger the tall male cracked his knuckles and stretched his long aching muscles. "It is bad luck to wake the dead boy, very bad luck indeed." Astonished that the stranger let him go Ral backed closer to the wall and looked for any sort of weapon within his reach. As he went to grab a knife the male quickly blocked him. "Uh-Uh, not a good idea. So what do you call yourself?" The male asked throwing the knife over to the far wall. "Ral." was the shaky response. As the young human tried to make another break for freedom the tiefling shoved him into the wall. Moving closer to the boy the tiefling checked him out seeing if there were any distinguishing features that he could find, but there were none. "Do I frighten you?" he asked as the human swallowed the lump in his throat. A trembling nod was all the boy could muster for fear of the large tiefling so Ravnos decided to continue the conversation. "What tribe do you belong to human?" he asked harshly looking for answers. The kid shook in fear "I-I don't belong to a tribe. My name is Ral son of Durman, and I meant nothing by coming here and waking you from your rest." "Rif Raf, I don't care what they call you! Are you telling me you belong to no tribe, no village? What type of mortal are you, a thief?" Ral gazed closely into the tiefling's glowing green eyes, "No, I'm no thief." he said not wanting to tell the tiefling that he had led those who were to this crypt, "I travel that's all. Before I came here I joined Mendel's band just for company, nothing more." "Then Ral, did you intend on taking any souvenirs?" "No" Replied Ral swallowing the lump that welled up in his throat. Eased the tiefling backed away from the scared human as he glanced around the crypt, "How long have I been down here?' he whispered to himself but was overheard by Ral. The boy spoke up, "It's been 60 years since you were killed in war tiefling. 60 years since this place fell into ruin." "that long!" the tiefling hissed baring his brilliant white fangs, "What a waste." he groaned. Reaching for a sword that was leaning against a wall the tiefling glared over at the young boy. He flashed his long, sharp, white canines. Then he cracked his neck before he pointed to the door. Ral needed no more motivation then that. He ran out of there as quickly as he could before he became meat for the beast. When he was gone the male licked his bloody lip and smiled looking at the entrance to his crypt of almost twenty years. Finally alone the tiefling looked at his wounds and surprising enough they began to heal on their own, adding to the fact that they barely hurt. He forgot this as the tiefling went to the door looking outside, all he knew was that he was alone in a world that was strange to him, and that for him to survive it was either kill or be killed. Besides Ravnos, the first born son of Heredon, was never one to give up without a fight. "Well Ravnos." He said speaking to himself; "We're at it again."
"You will die Ral, fate has already dealt you this card!!!"
"Good, now go before I lose control and eat your spleen for lunch."
From many miles away a dark figure sat down about to take his fill of the beast that he had just hunted down when the storm blew over his way. Long silver hair blowing in the wind made him look even darker then his persona would allow, this stranger took a deep breath of the air and stuck one finger up to wards the sky. Then nodding he tore a limb from the dead beast and smiled, " Ravnos, you've finally decided to join us after so many moons." a feline growl came as a panther, blacker then the night slipped pass the trees and took a place beside the cowled figure. "Alustriel will be pleased Guenhwyvar, the tiefling isn't a lost cause after all."
The panther purred at this and he placed the hunk of meat down before the animal, she didn't need the meat for sustenance per-say, but the panther did enjoy the savory taste of meat every once in a while. It was a change from her normal astral prey.
The drow snickered at her messy eating as he looked into the fire that he had just made, the tiefling would be coming to a place not as he had left it, and sadly those left behind were not all blessed with long lives. Drizzt was one of the lucky ones, to an extent when it came to that, but he didn't feel so lucky as he traveled the world that had become ever the more dangerous since the devil's gained control. Many cities had been overrun, their people killed or marked for slavery, and those few who were able to escape into hiding barely ever got a chance to come out under the starry skies without fear of being captured by the Baatorian scum.
Drizzt himself was not so fearful of the devils.
Around him the wind blew into a fury causing his mount to grunt in a little disgust. A leader is about to come home, and he won't be very happy when he finds out what happened to those he cared about. Drizzt knew this, but as best friends are good at doing, the drow would have to make him see, what he no doubt would like to forget.
Farther away in a rather fancy fortress the dangerous figure stood before a barred window that stared out at the lands that he now controlled with pain and torture. He sensed the life that had been awakened in that old crypt, and in a way the anger gave leeway to anticipation. Ixian had plans, and with Ravnos back in the fray, he felt things were beginning to work for him.
Never trust a devil, isn't that what his own mother always told him?
"You find the boring landscape all the more entertaining then I am?"
Ixian took a deep breath as his lips parted revealing a sneer, "Leedra your value to me leaves as the pleasure does, I don't wish to suffer your company any longer... Why are you still here?"
"How cruel you can be Ixian."
Leedra slid out of the bed not caring to cover her bare form before she stepped across the room and joined the tall, long haired tiefling by the window. Her arms wrapped around his waist as she ran her tongue over her vampiric fangs with delight, "You're troubled, and there is no real reason to be you know." Ixian glanced down at her, "Now you claim to be proficient in the knowledge of me and my troubles, yet you are more naive then you realize. Don't exclaim to know anything of me undead witch, there are things about me even my dam knows nothing about. Dangerous things, and I don't take kindly to your claims to understand or own me. Do so again, and I'll crush your voice to silence, if not more."
"You would do that?" Leedra mentioned hiding a sly grin as she twisted a lock of his long jet black hair with her finger. When he did not seem to ease up she choked and slowly backed away, "I've never laid claim..."
"It has already been told Leedra, the Erinyes have been gracious enough to relay your words to me." Ixian interrupted her as he turned away from the window and folded his wings to his back. Lifting his claw he stared straight at Leedra, "I should break your unending life cycle here and now for your insolence."
She continued to back up as he moved in on her, Leedra gasped as she fell back against the wall and looked back up to Ixian, "I didn't mean anything by it Ixian, really it was just something that came out. I didn't realize until it was too late"
He gave a spite filled look and reached for her neck, lifting her a few inches off the ground the tiefling pulled Leedra close to him. The loss of breath would only make her lose consciousness and he knew it, due to her vampiric affliction she was incapable of suffering from most traumatic damage, but the tiefling was beyond inflicting physical damage. He would hurt her where it would really ache.
Leaning in close the tiefling nearly pressed his dark lips against her own, Ixian never was afraid to admit that the female was enticing, and well worth the trouble of keeping her around but now she had stepped over a boundary that in his world meant a punishment of death.
She was lucky he did see her as valuable.
"Why you insist on instigating my anger female, I fail to understand. Does seeing my rage please you?" his claws slid down her side before nicking the skin and drawing blood, "Before I found ways of dealing with your foolishness Leedra, but you've been riding the razor's edge with me for far to long. And now you pushed my rage too far."
"Ixian." she gasped as his grip tightened and he pushed his body against her own, "I didn't mean anything by it, how can I tell you?"
"It's already been done." he pressed his hand against her chest and gave a morbid grin, "A slave you wish to be, then a slave you will become." Leedra felt an icy coldness rush her body, one not experienced since she was afflicted those years ago. She shrank back; her eyes matching Ixian's gaze even though it was not her desire, he was doing this to her. "See this Leedra, you've no power to claim anything." as a part of her essence ran through his body the tiefling gasped and pushed harder against the vampire, dealing her this pain was enough to please him, "You are a pet, know your place." It was enough, Ixian knew he made his point so he pulled away from Leedra allowing her to fall to the floor and catch her breath. She glared up at him but when his gaze was on her the vampress turned tail, "I understand." she coughed rubbing her sore throat with her hands. He faced her down, "Never claim any part of me Leedra, next time I'll take everything."
Ixian growled one last warning, "I have a task for you, an easy one that even you are capable of finishing." his arms folded, "Ravnos is awake now, and I want you to lead him here."
Her look was of surprise and Ixian wasn't shocked, but there was another look that the vampress gave, one of longing, and sorrow. He smirked at the fact that she still felt for the red maned fool.
"But." she uttered with a raspy voice, "Isn't that the last thing you would want to do?"
"Now is not the time to question me Leedra, you will return to Hellgate Keep. You will return to Ravnos, and he will be at your side when you come back to me. Mess this up, and I will not be forgiving."
She stood up with an uncertain stand, "But what if he asks more of me?"
"Something you will not give with hesitance am I right." Ixian responded showing some of his brute being in his tone, "Do what you must, but remember to whom you belong. A sacrifice for a better cause Leedra. One that I am willing to make."
As he left she spat on the floor where he had just been standing, "You fool make up your mind, I will not play your pet forever."
With Ravnos, Leedra may be able to make Ixian see.
It seemed like much time had passed before Ravnos came to the remnants of what used to be a thriving town. Remnant was the best way to describe the place as it seemed that many had abandoned it's streets for the promise of a wealthier life elsewhere, now all who remained looked the part of ruffians and scoundrels. The tiefling did not feel too out of place here, he thought he looked the part of a ruffian with his ragged cloak and dirty armor. But as he walked by the villagers would halt their cleaning and look at him strangely. This made Ravnos feel just a little uncanny about coming in here at all.
Looking for a good strong mount was his whole objective in the whole thing, though finding one here was probably not the best idea he ever had. Most of the beasts set out for sale had their flaws, faults that made them unworthy for his needs. Ravnos needed a strong sturdy beast built for travel, one that could trek through different terrain without any mishaps and who would fling his hide into a battle just as readily as his master without startling.
As Ravnos looked the animals over he shook his head at their strength.
Suddenly from out of nowhere snorting rang out and a 4-beast hitch came barreling down on him. Quickly Ravnos lunged to the side just as the carriage flew by; the poor beasts were gasping for a breath of air as they pulled harder just to avoid a snap of the whip on their sore rumps. The driver pulled back on the reins and the animals stopped on his command. Brutally he smacked each one as he walked by and entered the tavern already drunk out of his mind. Ravnos decided to follow him.
Finding him seated at the front of the bar Ravnos found a seat next to him and sat down.
"What'll it be?" the barkeep asked the rather large tiefling.
Ravnos smirked and slammed his hand upon the counter, when he pulled his hand away pure golden coins were left " Give me your strongest."
As he got his drink Ravnos looked into the clear glass but his true intentions were on the cruel individual beside him.
"Enjoy beating on creatures that try their best to serve you?"
"What?" The driver asked in a vicious tongue.
"Those horses pulling your stone wagon, you beat them senseless like it's your right to do so. Tell me do you beat your mother that very same way?"
Angrily the driver threw his stool into the wall and faced Ravnos with a burning look in his eyes. Ravnos just sat quietly taking a drink of his brew, when he was done he put the glass down slowly.
"You dare insult me and think you get away with it stranger! I'll show you who I have the right to beat!"
"Bold aren't you" Said Ravnos nonchalantly. The driver looked at him curiously, not ready for Ravnos to get up and face him. Not caring that Ravnos was about a foot taller then him, nor about 100 pounds heavier the driver hit Ravnos with all he could muster. But the blow was unmoving and the tall giant just stood firm, looking at him with a mocking smile on his face. "You'll have to do better then that I assure you. Look, I will give you a chance to take me down one time, with any weapon you choose. If I go down you can have all that I carry with me." the tiefling tossed a bag of jewels and gold onto the counter, "If you lose, then I get that team of beasts outside pulling your carriage is that a deal?"
The driver hesitated for just a moment, then seeing the large scythe that sat behind the bartender he smiled and shook his head,
"Then you have got a deal, crazy one."
Sighing Ravnos watched as the male grabbed for the large harvester weapon and walked over to him smiling slyly.
"I will make this as painless as possible for you. Not going to guarantee what actually happens though."
With that said the driver threw the weapon's blade straight into the males side causing Ravnos to groan in slight pain as his body took the blow of the heavy and rather sharp weapon. The sound of chains snapping could be heard as the tiefling's armor failed to withstand the entire blow and when the man pulled his weapon free blood covered part of the elongated blade, blood that steamed once it hit the air.
Failing to finish the job and not truly realizing his mistake the man turned to face the congratulating faces of those he considered acquaintances, but a strong claw taking hold of his shoulder and the shocked expressions on his friend's faces made his victory seem to diminish.
"I gave you one shot, and well I'm still standing." Ravnos muttered, "the animals are mine, as the deal was determined."
Then as if the man's attack meant little to nothing to him Ravnos turned his back and headed for the door. As he exited the building the driver lunged out with the bloody scythe in his hands, ready for one more swipe at Ravnos but the tiefling male was too keen and moved aside just as he came close. He watched the man lose his footing and fall head first into a puddle of equine manure, shaking his head at the human's stupidity Ravnos walked calmly over to the beasts and unhooked their slavery chains.
"Why do they always have to make things so much more difficult?" he asked himself as he rubbed one animals swollen ankle. It was an old grey animal, with a sort of pinkish tone to his coat and dapples that disappeared beneath the mud that had caked his hide. Ravnos stood and grabbed the animal's bridal in his claws staring deep into it's sunken eyes.
"You are probably an extraordinary animal underneath all that mud?"
The animal snorted and raised his ears in curiosity, then started to nuzzle Ravnos in a playful manner. He was a friendly old beast, no matter that the years of harsh treatment had taken their toll on this once will-full beast.
Finding a familiar soul in the world at last, Ravnos decided that it was time for him to search for whatever was left from his past, and that was if he would ever find anything more.
The dappled rose grey gelding began to swell back to life again now and Ravnos noticed this as he rode atop the once familiar animal. Taking greater strides with a confident gait proved that all the horse needed was a good meal to get him going like before. Behind them the other three horses tankered along, not at all in the hurry that the dapple seemed to be in. Ravnos himself clutched a claw to his sore side, unfortunately some of the chain from his armor tore through any padding beneath and embedded themselves into the wound causing even more pain and if not treated, a nasty infection.
Across large prairies under the starry sky and through thick forests they moved forward. Ravnos was still busy in his thoughts, certain memories were still there and they flashed across his mind but the faces seemed so distant, strange.
"I bet there is much that you wish to forget, Remenant." the tiefling whispered to his new equine companion as the horse lumbered forward. As if it understood the animal pricked it's ears back to listen, calmed by his rider's deep voice.
Within his equine mind he knew and he did indeed remember, from first steps that were not so regal to the smell of his dam and the sound of her nicker against his ear, the horse remembered. He remembered running side by side with her, and how black his coat was compared to her silver hide, and he remembered the beast that tore them apart.
But he did not feel sorrow as his master may, a horse's instinct begs it not to drown in such emotion. The need to survive is far too strong.
"I just wish I could remember." Ravnos finished turning the stallion down away from the path and down a slope to a running creek. After a small break Ravnos took the horse's bridle and looked to the path ahead of them.
A deep and dark wooded area awaited them and though he was brave the grey stallion's instincts knew that this was not the best place to be walking into. Snorting he stopped and looked at the dark thicket, then he stomped his hoof in kind of a territorial way. The other three beasts began to try to push back, scared of whatever lay ahead of them. He too felt something there but Ravnos wasn't in the mood for any interruptions, already his hand was on the pommel of the sword he had taken from the keep ruins.
"It's been a long time."
Ravnos was not expecting the face that he met with, hesitating his hand slipped from the weapon as she approached. But the way his eyes narrowed gave her enough reason to use caution, they both had changed so much.
"Didn't expect a warm greeting Ravnos, but it would be a lie for me to tell you that I'm not glad to see you well."
"Well?" he growled back pointing a claw her direction when she came too close, "You're eyes are deceiving you, I'm far from being well." his eyes flashed as he could recognize the face but he didn't know why. This confusion only angered him more and he bared his teeth in her direction, "Where have we met before, you seem familiar yet I don't know why?"
She smiled brushing her brown hair back and boldly taking another step toward the tiefling, "We were more then just a casual meeting Ravnos. Once long ago we had something special until.." her own eyes narrowed as she remembered his betrayal, "until fate drove us apart. You really don't remember? Do you?"
Ravnos looked away from her as he fought for any memory of this woman before him but he held no memories, only the feeling of heavy sadness, and of rage, "I've been robbed of any memories woman but you seem to know me well, tell me why do I feel like I should send you from me here and now, why do I feel such guilt when I see your face?"
Leedra almost sank at his words, a warm feeling long forgotten crept through her veins and the vampress wanted nothing more then to tell him it would work itself out in the end, but she had that anger and it wasn't going to go away so easily. No matter his feelings for her.
She boldly stepped before him, his chest heaved as he watched her carefully raise her hand and place it against his cheek. But Ravnos did not utter a show of aggression, not yet.
"You were my savior Ravnos when the drow tried to kill me." she smiled partially real, partially fake, "from the cave you came to me when I needed you most. Do you not remember?"
It was there minute glimpses of a past he had indeed lived, the tiefling nodded after a moment in thought. Ravnos remembered.
"Leedra." he whispered with pain and so she smiled back with satisfaction.
"Yes Ravnos, that is me."
In her there was an undeniable anger though her face did not show it. But Ravnos felt it, and the guilt became overwhelming, "This pain, what happened to make it haunt me?" he asked of her gazing deep into her eyes as if he was looking for the answer to his question there. She just looked away, "You betrayed what we had Ravnos, you... hurt me."
He glanced quickly at her with shock, hurt her? Was he some kind of monster?
"How did I hurt you? Why?"
Leedra looked back to the group of horses, "seems you've got a riderless mount there, let me ride one of those animals and I'll tell you along the way."
He nodded with curiosity, maybe he didn't want to remember that memory but in order to figure out what had happened, he knew he would have to dig deep. And the company would be a nice change.
For days they traveled and on the fourth night with the horse's travel weary, Ravnos found a nice spot by a lake and stopped Remenant, there he let the animals have a drink and decided that was where they would camp for the night. Finding some trees just away from him he tied the horses up, then went back over to where Remenant stood grazing by his fire. Leedra had gone, she did not explain her reasons but he did not try to stop her. There was a look in her eyes, one of a blackness bleak as death.
Flames jumped into the sky like spirits running rampant in the trees, and as Ravnos stared into it he was mesmerized.
Things began to run through his thoughts, things remembered from long ago, and how such things could change so quickly. There were companions, a drow, another as he was, and two women, there was also another elf one that he felt was so familiar to him. He could'nt quite remember the details but he could see their faces and somehow knew they were not the enemy, Ravnos knew that in order to gather himself he had to find these individuals and find out what they knew.
But that would come in time, right now he was at some peace as he sat near the fire, the flames begged him into a sleeping thought and he sighed.
Why was he here? That crypt, though dark and lonely, kept the memories away. He hurt so much inside, a feeling of hopelessness that he had never felt before until now.
And in this feeling he dwelt as he drifted into a light sleep.
The Barbed devil found his master, she lay seductively upon an adorned bed, and when he entered she ordered her other servants away.
"Master, the red haired tiefling has escaped your son's prison. He killed one of your personal pets today."
"Then tell me Myzervac, why is Ravnos not here shackled and miserable at my feet? You ran the opposite direction instead of taking him prisoner as was your duty."
"We know much of that tiefling mistress, he has supernatural strength, there are few in this army who are fickle enough to face him."
Ashamed of course of the fact that he ran from the tiefling, the devil did not dare look at the menacing face of his master. Adriara rose up, sliding her legs over the edge of the bed she stood and with a daring sway to her hips she stepped toward the devil. The erinyes twiddled her fingers around the sharp barbs of his skin as she pursed her lips, "I knew Ixian did not kill him, he has something brewing in that half centered mind of his." she commented partially to herself before coming up behind the barbed devil, "and as for you, I have sent you on a simple task. One that you've failed miserably..."
The barbed devil didn't even see the Baatorian dagger that slit it's throat from right to left. Wiping blood from the dripping blade Adriara began to think that she needed help of more then the feeble fools that were now under her control. Most of these inhabitants of the material plane were of the light, the goodness in the world, what if she would take away this light. What would they do then?
And as of Ravnos, he had yet to find out the true nature of his rebirth. The erinyes closed her eyes and found her connection with Ixian, he did not seem thrilled to be in contact with her.
But she didn't care and summoned him immediately to meet with her.
It did not take Ixian long before he was strolling into his mother's chamber, a sneer of discontent on his face and an even viler look glowing in his eyes.
She returned his look as she turned around to greet with him.
"Ixian, I know of your betrayal."
He didn't seem fazed but stood as still as stone before the she devil. Adriara continued, "You do not even attempt to save yourself from whatever I intend to suffer you for this, foolish behavior?"
"Why would I do that?" spat Ixian as coolly as he could, "You enjoy making me suffer every chance you get."
A bolt launched into the tiefling's shoulder and he growled as Adriara came up to him
stopping only next to her son who was upon one knee with his head down.
"Ravnos, where is he? as he did not succumb to the battle?"
His breathing still heavy from frustration the black haired tiefling glanced out from behind the long locks of hair that fell before his eyes, "He was taken captive mother." There was an eerie silence and Ixian could feel the anger seething from his mother's very being. The big warrior feared nothing but the wrath of his own mother, and when she was angry, he was the one punished. Slowly her fingers trailed over his shoulders, his broad back before taking some of his long hair up as if she were brushing it, "Ixian, you know I want him back at any cost."
"But he was a fool, a waste of our time."
This comment displeased the Erinyes and to show her displeasure she was all to willing to allow her son some torment, shoving her own ability to cause pain through his veins Adriara smiled as Ixian hunched forward growling angrily. He had become so strong, so obedient. If only Ravnos had remained so.
Through blackened lips she spoke, "Then what is it you plan to do Ixian?"
"I will bring back your pet." he growled back, somewhat jealous of all the attention Ravnos was taking from him when it came to Adriara, "Alive."
"And..." she responded expecting a good reply.
"And unharmed as much as possible."
"Good." Adriara explained signaling for Ixian to rise to his feet, "find some rest Ixian, you have a journey ahead of you."
Her fingers slid down his stomach before the Erinyes turned away from the tiefling.
Ixian himself let out a heavy breath as he watched her walk away, a growl of discontent left his lips as he folded his wings and turned to leave. Ixian had grown jealous of his father, it was the way. A mother's affection in a place where blood was the strongest when kept within a family held more privileges. And even the sons and daughters of a devil could find jealousy in their own sire or dam.
Fortunate for the Erinyes she had sent her spiteful prodigy out into the world of the material for in one day's time, the celestial army banished the diminished devil army back to Avernus.
She moved down the street, keeping up her guard, knowing that this was a hard town to be in. Actually her entire world was wracked with danger since the occupation of the Baatezu. But despite everything she was still willing to face whatever confronted her, for now she was all alone. A week has passed since her family was taken, almost her own city was taken by the devils for slave labor or worse. She herself was in a secret place when this all happened, and discovered the horrifying outcome upon her arrival home.
Some how she found herself in this desolate looking town, it's facade clearly a lie to the truth, but now all she worried for was to find food to fill her stomach and a warm place to stay.
Unknowing to her she was to find more then that...
Quietly she entered a bustling inn, slipping pass the devils who now occupied it without a problem so pressing her luck she snuck into the back of the inn though Her naivety would be her mistake this time. Slinking against the wall as silent as she could the girl seemed to be ignored as the brutes continued their rounds of gambling, or their torturous play at the sacrifice of a young elf or two. She soon found herself underneath a table and as she reached for a bowl of fresh fruit that sat upon that same table she accidentally bumped her arm against warm skin. Gasping the girl held her hand to her mouth as the one she had brushed against took notice of her, slowly he peeked down at the scared girl. His eyes narrowed then as if he didn't care of her presence at all he sat back up more concerned with his surroundings then of the weak female. He was quite a strong being by the broadness of his shoulders and he had kept his face hidden behind a dark cowl until she interfered with his concentration. The male was not like the other devils here, his face wasn't grotesque but rather handsome even if it were seething of a deep pain.
By the looks of him he was a tiefling, but with hair of crimson. In her travels she had never met a tiefling of any sort before, she wondered about him.
Ravnos on the other hand thought little of the girl though he noticed that there was an overwhelming need to reassure her, but she was a human, what gave him the urge to be so kind?
Finding her luck not to be wasted the girl grabbed the fruit and as she stuffed it in her pouch she moved to leave. The door was not far and her escape would have come easily if she had seen the weapons leaning against the wall, and not have knocked them over.
When she turned to her dismay she saw a grotesque looking male smiling slyly at her. His clawed hand grabbed her arm so Coldly she shoved his rugged hand away and turned around.
"I don't want you to touch me."
"Oh no pretty one, who says you have a right. You are no one's possession are you?" Hissed the male as he noticed that she bore no binds or marks of possession, "you've still got your tongue, ahh a nice addition to my beauties you will be." As he was to grab her arm he felt a claw around his throat.
Groaning he looked to see the tall red haired tiefling glaring menacingly at him, squeezing tighter and tighter.
"Females have more right then animals, big ugly."
As the male released his grip on the assailant's throat he turned nonchalantly to take a drink of ale.
Disgruntled and a little embarrassed the devilish looking creature pulled a club from the bar and shoved it into the tiefling's back.
"C'mon devil boy! Show me what you've got!"
"My pleasure."
Replied the red haired warrior as he turned to face the male.
All was silent for a while until the tiefling cracked his knuckles,
"Well, I'm getting bored."
Angered by the tiefling's's sarcastic behavior the devil lunged at Ravnos, his weapon ready to split the tiefling's skull. Ravnos had already planned his move knowing well the devil would be predictable in his actions, but he didn't think about the girl who was now standing between them.
Seeing the female was in harm's way the tiefling got between her and the attacker, grabbing the club, and slamming it into the other male's head.
The aggressor didn't know what hit him and soon he was laying face up on the floor.
Shocked by the fight the female stood to thank the strong tiefling.
"Thank you" she said gratefully as she watched the tiefling finish a drink and head out the door.
He stopped and smiled at her, long locks of red hair fell in front of his face, covering his haunting green eyes.
"Be careful." was all he said to her leaving.
The horses seemed to know the dangers around them, devilish beings moved about in the darkness and the air was heavy with the acrid scent of brimstone. Still Remenant merely shook his head as his heavy hooves trodded forward. A light rain fell turning the dirt road to mud and as they moved halfway down the street a figure ran out in front of them startling the three remaining horses.
"Do you wish for death stranger!" Ravnos yelled gaining control of Remenant, his mount.
"No more then you crimson tiefling!"
The reply came, and to his surprise it was female.
She pulled back her hood revealing long brown hair and striking blue eyes.
Ravnos recognized her from the inn.
"I have no money nor possessions, but I would ask of your help."
Shaking his head the red haired tiefling turned Remenant the other way. He was never known to do a good deed for nothing and he didn't wish to change for anything.
"I am not a knight good lady, nor am I one to give charity." Replied Ravnos looking down at her from Remenant's back. He turned the horse away and started to leave when the female yelled after him.
"I have nowhere else to turn! My family, I can't do this alone!"
Sighing Ravnos stopped Remenant and looked over at her. He felt sorry for her, and for some reason knew that he had to help her.
"Your family. What of them?" he asked as she ran up to him. Sorrow overtook her elven features as she tried to hold back the tears.
"They are gone, taken by a lord I have never heard of. A priestess told me of this before she perished. He took them all, males, females, even the children. I know nothing of their whereabouts."
The tall tiefling was silent, but curious "Do you know the name of their captor?"
"Yes, Ixian." She replied.
Hearing that name made Ravnos almost explode with outrage. He was hunting the same damned devil, to get his revenge.
"I know of him." replied the tiefling with malice, "far too well." he shifted in the saddle, "I don't typically play a hero woman but I will not allow children to fall to danger if I can help it."
Seeing the horse she smiled with gratitude at the strangers and hefted herself up into the saddle, "My brother was pushed away from our village by the devilish takeover along with his fighters. I know where they are, they can be of help just as you are of help to me."
"Then take me to them." Ravnos cut in showing his anxiousness to leave this place, he had seen shadows behind them and knew the longer they remained in the village. The more enticing they became to the devils who stalked them.
She gave a nod and with Ravnos at her side, she hurried the brown horse out of the village gates and of the village itself.
In an ancient ruin rested a group of warriors, wounded and tired they sat, awaiting a sign that they had a chance of getting their loved ones back. Many are fathers to newborn babies and infants. Each knew in their hearts that their children held little chance of survival now, if they were still alive. The frustrations held up between them all would soon give way to anger and hostility.
One of the men hit his fist against a rock in anger.
"She is not coming back!"
"My sister will not fail us, I know she escaped and she will find us."
Yelled a young male with long blond hair who was tending to one of the wounded. Angrily he stood to face the arrogant soldier, showing his authority.
"And she will bring help."
Breaking up the fight, another blond male stood between the two.
"It is a long journey." Elric said to both Palidin and the tribesman.
"That distance takes time to cover, and she was alone."
"Then we should have sent someone more capable!" Hissed another soldier coming up to the elves in a threatening way. Elric pulled his sword and was ready to defend his prince when a taller male grabbed the clansman by the throat and lifted him up above his head.
"No Thergran!" Palidin commanded as the large brute of a male let go his release.
"He is not worth the anger, we must focus on the one who took our loved ones."
Palidin knew his people were desperate and acting out in ways they normally would never do.
"Who were we to send Fetor? None of us are able to make the journey alone, most would have bled to death before they reached the second moon of the trip!"
"And to send a helpless female was better!" Fetor hissed back looking around at his fellow warriors,
"We are in greater danger then we realize."
As an uproar filled the wind three riders appeared on the skyline. Elric whistled and Palidin ran to him.
"There in the distance, your sister has come back and she brings company."
"I knew she would" Palidin added happily.
As they rode up Palidin ran to his sister's mount and helped her to the ground. They embraced and she turned to Ravnos.
"Palidin, I've found help!"
He nodded, looking at the strange newcomer.
"So you have an army, how vast?"
"Um" Whillow interrupted, "Not an army exactly."
"She brings ill news! She was a mistake to send"
Came a cry from the crowd.
Suddenly a sword touched the throat of Fetor, he looked to see the cloaked male upon the horse glaring down at him.
They gasped as he pulled his cloak back to reveal his red hair.
"The only mistake I see here is a bunch of hot blooded elves not fighting for their own. Though they complain fine enough."
Elric went to Palidin's side.
"He's tiefling, an offspring of the very evil we fight, you know my lord how I hate to judge but... How are we to trust him?"
He whispered to his leader,
Glancing up at the dark figure who stared back at him the young lord gave a welcome smile, "I do not question my sister's choice Elric."
Palidin said kindly as he walked to the warrior.
"Come, let us talk."
He welcomed as he led them to a large fire.
Ravnos looked far more evil then in truth as he stood before the flames that heated the encampment's soldiers. He didn't know any of these men and thus did not trust them for a second. But he would hear them out, for the sake of those captured by his brethren.
And from what was obvious, the men did not trust him either. They remained on the other side of the fire, away from his reach, and to this Ravnos could only give a light hearted snicker.
It was rather funny.
"You're of devil blood aren't you?" came a question from the crowd. The girl stepped forward quickly to stand up for him, "He is not our enemy!"
"I am." Ravnos hissed causing all to quiet and stare, he bared his sharpened fangs as his green eyes illuminated, "my dam was of devil blood, but blood does not sway my decisions elf. They are my enemy just as they are yours."
He would not tell them of his close connection to the one that caused their sorrow, not just yet. It took a few moments before another spoke from the gathering.
"Then, devil, tell us why you hunt those who share your blood?"
Ravnos looked back, where the speaker had come to stand and speak. He narrowed his eyes and looked down momentarily as if the pain of what he was about to say would break him. "They took my life from me." a sigh left his lips, "Their ends will not bring back what was taken, but if it stops them from torturing others then it will be my solace." Nobody spoke, most were shocked by his answer expecting a more selfish reason to be his way but Ravnos knew of his loss though he couldn't find out exact memories. Still he felt the pain it left behind.
"We thank you for your help Ravnos." Palidin called out walking up to the tall tiefling and holding out his hand, "And I pray that you find what you seek in the end."
Ravnos looked down at the gesture as if he was uncertain how to take it, but looking back up at Palidin he clasped his hand around the elf's small wrist, "I make no promises elf, but if your loved ones still live we will free them. I will do what I can." To this Palidin smiled and nodded he wasn't so sure of the tiefling's blood line, but he could see caring in the baatorian's heart.
Later...
Whillow sat alone in her tent, her mind stuck on one being in particular. The red haired warrior tiefling.
She had left the fire some time before somewhat because of exhaustion, but also to give herself some time to think. Alone she nearly fell asleep.
It was then that Palidin walked in.
"He's in your thoughts isn't he?" the question came up.
She did not hesitate to tell the elfin warrior, and to her surprise he had known something was different with her all along. "I don't know what it is Whillow, but Ravnos is different. The light seems to have gone from him, and I can't find the devilry to have caused it."
"Then what shall we do? He is still on our side, we cannot condemn him for something he has no control over."
Her words shot through him like a knife and the elf looked away from her, "Whillow don't be a fool, keep your feelings from his Palidin." he went to the entrance of her tent before pausing to turn and look at her, "I don't want to see you get hurt."
Whillow put a hand to her shoulder as he left her, could her brother be right? Was she confused?
Morning came and she had to admit that as her eyes blinked the first light she had gained her first night of uninterrupted sleep. For some reason there was a comfort around her that wasn't there before. Whillow thought nothing of it as she readied herself for the day. Humming a tune her mother had taught her the young elf dressed herself before she decided to go down to the creek and wash up.
Carelessness proved her youth, without checking her surroundings Whillow was about to remove her clothes when something whizzed by her. She didn't see the culprit but felt it's breeze against her clothes, looking back up she saw the tiefling staring back at her where he was leaning casually against a tree. Arms folded over his bare chest.
"What are you doing!!?" she gasped immediately grabbing her clothes and glaring at him. She wouldn't admit her curiosity, not to him. Ravnos just shook his head, "Do you normally bathe without checking to make sure everything's safe?"
"No?"
He began to walk toward her leaving Whillow a little apprehensive, she trembled as he came near all different kinds of thoughts flooded her brain and when she felt his warmth she nearly melted. But when he walked past her she gave a cross look, "What are you doing?"
Ravnos reached into the water, seconds later he pulled his arm out along with the snout of a toothy beast. Within moments there was a large and very dead alligator laying at her feet, the tiefling's dagger protruding from it's skull.
"Not to pretty to look at." the tiefling mentioned as he tore his blade from the beast's body, "but they do taste decent."
Whillow didn't have a word to say. Ravnos smirked and cleaned his dagger, "better then the alternative." he said to her as the dagger went back to his belt, "you could have filled it's belly."
"But...how?"
"How what?" he asked before sending a sly grin her way, "How did I know it was there is that what you want to know?"
She nodded so Ravnos replied, "I saw it's eyes, in the night, watching and waiting just there." he pointed not far from the embankment where the beast lay dead, "knew you'd stir the water, and he'd target you like nothing. Like I said, next time, take care to know your surroundings before you go wandering alone."
Whillow had to admit she was transfixed but he didn't seem fazed by her nearly bare form, he was a tiefling, why wasn't he being so bold? She noticed his back was scarred, but they did not end there. She almost found herself following a large one up his spine when he turned around and caught her.
"You've never seen scars before?" he asked her. Whillow shook her head, "No, I haven't." she told him softly, "what did that to you?"
"Not what.." Ravnos told her, "but who..." the tiefling's voice trailed off as his memories burned him, "you're lucky to have come from a peaceful home Whillow, take some solace in that."
"they must have been horrible." she told him with a gentle tone, "to have done that to you. How could they have been so cruel?"
Ravnos's eyes closed as he knelt down beside the dead reptile to gather some meat, "sometimes, it was deserved on my behalf." he commented with a heavy heart, "You don't learn to be a killer without doing the deed Whillow."
She knelt down beside him her hand falling to his opened palm, slowly her finger followed the lines of a sharply etched scar placed there. "A killer would not have saved me Ravnos, nor would they risk themselves to save innocent people they do not even know."
The tiefling glanced at the girl, "I've been told this before Whillow." his hand clenched and he stood up. Ravnos backed away from her, "I'm still not convinced..."
With that the tiefling walked away.
"Would you ask him to change?" came a voice startling Whillow. She turned to greet her brother and wondered just how long he had been watching them.
"No, he doesn't need to." she answered with an honest look as she turned back to where Ravnos had gone, "He just needs to understand that he's not what he thinks he is. I can feel it."
"How do you know this?" Palidin asked. Whillow sighed, "He could have done so much Palidin, we were alone. He could have let the creature devour me, or he could have taken advantage of me but he didn't. What evil being would have backed down from such a chance?"
"None would have." Palidin replied understanding where his sister was coming from, "Whillow he's not what you're looking for."
"You don't know that now do you?" she replied swiftly and followed his steps.
Palidin saddled his mount as Whillow walked up to him.
"So what is the next step?"
She asked patting the beast's neck.
Her brother turned to her and nonchalantly finished packing his saddle.
"We are going into town to find more warriors. Alone our army is not enough."
"But who will we find? There are not many who would fight."
Warned Whillow.
Nodding in agreement he jumped into the saddle and took the reins up,
"We have to try, The stranger speaks of alliances and I believe he is heading us in the right direction. We will pick up others along the way."
As he rode away Thergran brought Cairobi up to her owner.
Whillow smiled at him as she took the beast's reins.
"Thank you Thergran. So what are you thoughts of the strangers?"
The look the large male gave her made Whillow understand that he did not care for either of them.
But maybe they would give great help when needed.
For hours it seemed the troupe moved on, barely stopping only for the cleaning of horse and horse hooves of the rocks that covered the path. Soon a town was ahead. Ravnos took in the air as it tickled past his cheeks, there was no devilish scent in this place, but it did not mean that the stench of poverty wasn't strong here.
He slowed Remenant's pace causing the others to follow suit, and when Palidin rode up beside him the tiefling spoke.
"The town is safe from Baatorian plaque Palidin, but don't expect a warm greeting from those who live there." he gave the elf an honest look, "I can sense the suffering they have gone through and it is vast."
Palidin shifted his weight nodding an understanding for the tiefling, "Then we will take things slowly, hopefully they will warm up to our cause."
"Hopefully." Ravnos echoed as he tapped a heel and the horse began to move.
Once they were inside the town's mud gates the condition of things proved that the tiefling was correct in his assumptions, and that they were indeed stricken with poverty. Most of the villagers were older farmers, hunched and worn from years of abuse.
Whillow noticed something out of the ordinary, "Why are there no children here?"
"Why have children?" came the raspy voice of a woman as she tended to a goat's wounded leg, "the devil's would take them for death or slavery.. it has been done before."
"No.." Whillow nearly cried out but a sharp look from Ravnos stilled her voice. The tiefling didn't seem to mind the stares as he turned Remenant near an older building and dismounted. His heavy boots sloshed before sinking into the mud that made the streets of the town, Ravnos turned away from the horse taking with him his sword just in case.
One could never be too safe.
The elves were uncertain of the tiefling's intentions and one spoke out.
"Why do you carry your weapon tiefling? Do you foresee these elders becoming a problem?"
Ravnos gave a sharp sidelong glance, "I've been around too long not to have a back up for the just in case, elf, and I've seen the most innocent of things turn deadly two fold. Lower your guard as you wish, just don't expect my sword to come to your aid should something go horribly wrong."
He passed by the elves as they stood silent. Ravnos looked for Palidin and found him standing on the town's worn fountain calling out to the villagers to come hear him out.
The tiefling rolled his eyes and without a word took a place at the base of the fountain, his arms folded over his chest as he looked out at the gathered villagers. Every so often his lip would curl revealing a sharp fang.
"Times are dire, we need all the aid that can be given!" Palidin spoke continuing on with the reasons to defy the devils and plans on how to destroy their reign.
Some villagers agreed, others scoffed and went on their way. But none could deny that Palidin fought hard to find help.
Across the way a female stood on her own, black haired and full of fight she smiled as she scanned the crowd and caught sight of the blood maned tiefling. Pursing her lips she nodded, working a plan out in her mind.
Later that night in the town inn Whillow was sitting at a table alone when Palidin sat down by her. He could see his sister was worn, she was not her lively self.
"We have much help from the locals, some dwarves, some humans, but all are help. Things are looking much better for us Whillow."
She only smiled in response, staring at Ravnos who was across the room alone as usual and seemingly in deep thought.
"Why does he insist on solitude." she mumbled causing Palidin to look back at the tiefling and shake his head. Palidin turned back to his sister shrugging his shoulder, "He's a strange one Whillow, maybe he'll warm up to us later on? But I think he's got more on his plate then he will admit. Only time will tell."
"Well I'm growing impatient." Whillow whispered as Ravnos glanced her direction. She did not turn her eyes away, Whillow wanted him to wonder what her intentions were.
She wanted him to know her interest in him.
Ravnos in turn kept his gaze at her, he was confused and somewhat irritated that she was staring his direction but the tiefling merely sent her an uncertain glance before returning back to the drink before him. He could hear the villagers speaking of him even when they made certain to keep their distance and their business on the other end of the room from him. But it made Ravnos laugh inside more then angry by what they said.He scared them, and the devil in him found humor in that fact.
As he tapped his mug with a claw he saw a shadow move around him.
Suddenly a female stood in front of him. Bearing raven black hair and quite a strong physique she smiled putting her claw on his chest.
"You know blood mane tieflings are a rare sight in these parts."
"And so are warrior maidens."
With her hand still on his chest the female moved ever closer to him, trying to entice him it seemed.
"Are you in the army against the devils?"
She asked.
"Yes, and what of you?" he replied as he pulled her hands from him.
"That I am."
She added licking her lips. She wanted this male, and knew that it was only a matter of time before she had him where she wanted him.
"So what do you call yourself?"
"They call me Ravnos. And you?"
"Lina." She said with her smile never fading, "So Ravnos, is there a female that you claim?"
Understanding now what she was trying to do Ravnos stood up quickly to get away from her.
"NO!" He replied as she backed him into a wall,
"I am yet to be taken." was her rather quick reply as her hands slid down his stomach and pushed pass his belt, thus causing the big warrior to flinch and pull her hand out.
"You're straight to the point, aren't you?" Ravnos uttered in a somewhat trembling tone.
"Only when it comes to taking something I want handsome."
Lina replied, "Just making myself known that's all. Remember the invitation is open anytime, anyplace."
Ravnos watched her leave, then shook his head and sighed.