Chapter 9
Rin moved towards the gate wondering uneasily where they would end up. Biting her lip, she entered the glowing cone of light, hoping they didn't end up on Talis. She wasn't sure she would be able to keep the Talisians from killing Kimmuriel on sight. To her knowledge, no other race had ever been to Talis and survived. The Talisians were the most inhospitable people she had ever known.
They stepped out of the gate, and into absolute darkness. Reaching out beside her, Rin felt for Kimmuriel's sleeve.
"Where are we?" Rin wondered, moving closer to him.
"Menzoberranzan." Kimmuriel answered, his disembodied voice sounding decidedly pleased.
As if sensing what she was about to do, the dark elf abruptly said, "Do not illuminate the air."
"But I can't see." She complained.
A small flame suddenly flickered to life, highlighting the angular features of two dark elves who stood just outside of the circle of binding that they were standing in. Rin's face broke into a delighted smile as she recognized them. They had been with Kimmuriel when she first met him.
"The next time you decide to embark on an adventure, a word of warning would be appreciated." The speaker's droll tone didn't fool the psionist. His wily leader wasn't going to give him a moment's peace until he had a satisfactory explanation.
Kimmuriel inclined his head.
Rin remembered the speaker immediately; it would be impossible to forget that ridiculously gigantic hat. The feather that adorned it was so large that it swayed slightly with the drow's every movement. His curious red gaze swept quickly over her before returning to Kimmuriel.
The wizard, who had been silent up till now, moved forward and wiped away a section of the circle that surrounded them. As soon as the circle was broken Kimmuriel stepped out of the ring, indicating that Rin was to follow.
"Once you have eaten and rested I will be most interested in what has transpired over the past week." The mercenary leader said, his fascinated gaze resting on Rin.
Kimmuriel nodded, agreeing to meet with his outlandish leader after they had freshened up.
Rin bowed politely to the ostentatious elf. "Thank you for finding us. My name is Rin. I am honored to meet you." She glanced up from beneath her lashes with a shy smile.
"Jarlaxle, at your service." The mercenary said, removing the huge hat with a flourish as he bowed deeply.
The drow mercenary stared raptly at the human girl standing unbelievably close to the normally taciturn psionist.
"If you will accompany me, I will see to your comfort." Jarlaxle smiled charmingly and held out a hand for her to take.
"She will remain with me." Kimmuriel's cold voice made the mercenary glance at him sharply.
"Of course, if that is what you wish. I was merely going to extend our hospitality to her." The mercenary replied calmly.
"I will join you shortly." Kimmuriel said, opening a dimensional doorway that would lead to his chambers. Taking hold of Rin's arm he propelled her into the portal, pointedly ignoring the way she waved happily at his leader.
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"I missed him." Jarlaxle grinned, watching as the portal closed.
The wizard returned his look with one of barely disguised loathing.
Jarlaxle's smile widened at his lieutenant's supposed hatred of the psionist. He was well aware of their secret alliance, and it suited him to play along. What truly had his attention was Kimmuriel's bizarre attachment to a human female. Like most drow the psionist considered all other races iblith, the drow word for excrement. The psionist was the coldest, most aloof being that the mercenary had ever met, which made his possessive behavior even more extraordinary. What was so special about this girl? The events of the past week should prove fascinating indeed.
The mercenary had been confounded as to what the powerful psionist might desire. After all, if he wanted to properly motivate his lieutenant he needed to know what he wanted. That Kimmuriel might want a human was mind-boggling. Jarlaxle rubbed his slender black hands together in anticipation. It was looking like it was going to be a most interesting day.
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Kimmuriel pulled Rin through the portal and into total darkness. Annoyed at her inability to see she immediately illuminated the air around her.
"What did I tell you about that?" The dark elf grumbled irritably, shielding his sensitive eyes.
"I can't see in the dark." Rin said, while looking around curiously. They were in a small complex of rooms that appeared to be caves that had been converted into living quarters. The craftsmanship was amazing. Elegant shapes had been carved into the stone walls; the floors were completely flat and covered in a thick carpet. Comfortable looking furniture was set strategically about the room, which was a surprisingly pleasant temperature.
When the elf didn't say anything she turned towards him inquiringly. He was wearing his typical irritated expression, a sure sign he wasn't pleased.
"Come with me." He said shortly, heading out of the room. Rin trailed behind him obediently, intently studying her new surroundings. She wasn't sure what she had expected, but she liked Kimmuriel's living quarters. They were elegant and comfortable, yet serviceable. They suited him, she decided. He led her through a short maze of rooms until they entered what she thought must be his private chambers.
"Stay here until I return, and do not leave this room. Understood?" He said sternly, standing in the doorway.
Rin pouted slightly. "What am I supposed to do?"
The drow heaved a deep sigh before wearily replying, "Why don't you sleep. I shouldn't be long, but it isn't safe for you to wander around alone."
Rin's mouth dropped open slightly. He was worried about her? A sunny smile lit her face, causing the drow to look at her suspiciously.
"I won't leave. I promise." She said softly.
Kimmuriel studied her intently for a moment then nodded. Turning to leave he cast her one last glance, then set about finding Jarlaxle.
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"You could have changed first." The mercenary remarked as Kimmuriel entered the room. Jarlaxle sat comfortably in a large chair, one leg slung over the arm. Leaning back, he rested his elbow on the opposite arm and propped his chin on his palm.
"It has been an eventful few days, and I did not wish to make you wait while I rested." The psionist replied.
The mercenary's gaze slowly swept over Kimmuriel's new clothing. "I do not believe I have ever seen cloth quite like that."
"It is from the demon realm."
Jarlaxle sat up, his one visible eye widening. Kimmuriel knew there was nothing wrong with the other eye which sported a patch; a magical item to supposedly keep the psionist out of his head.
"You have been in the demon realm all this time?" He asked in astonishment.
Kimmuriel nodded silently.
Jarlaxle eyed the psionist knowingly, "The girl spoke the truth. Still, how did you survive?" He asked.
"The girl, Rin, was not a slave or possession as we had thought. The demons raised her as one of their own."
The mercenary remained silent, mulling over this shocking, yet extraordinary information. Jarlaxle now understood the psionist's possessive behavior. If he had managed to capture such a treasure, he wouldn't let her out of his sight either. The mercenary stroked his chin as he regarded the psionist; he suspected Kimmuriel was entranced by this beautiful little human. Too bad; he wouldn't have minded keeping her for himself. She was a pleasure to look upon. Of course, here in Menzoberranzan she wouldn't last long.
"I have heard rumors." Jarlaxle said, changing the subject.
Kimmuriel met his gaze expectantly. In Menzoberranzan, only a fool would discount rumors.
The dark elf mercenary grinned. "Rumors of a magical artifact of great power."
"Magical artifacts cannot compare to the powers of the mind." Kimmuriel said, losing interest.
Jarlaxle laughed. "Yes, but I do so love magical things."
Kimmuriel remained silent, waiting for his leader to explain.
"It is rumored that the artifact is a relic of the demon realm."
"You believe the girl may know of it." Kimmuriel said astutely.
"How well you know me." Jarlaxle smiled widely, his red eye gleaming from under the brim of his great hat.
Without having to wait for instructions, Kimmuriel opened a portal and extended his hand through it. A giggle sounded from inside the portal, and then a moment later Rin stepped through holding his hand. Smiling cheerfully, she let go of his hand and wrapped her fingers around his arm, which of course caused him to scowl furiously at her.
Jarlaxle watched, astounded as the human latched onto the psionist's arm. The mercenary's mouth dropped open; instead of striking out at the girl, Kimmuriel merely scowled. He didn't even pull away. For the first time in a very, very long time, the normally glib Jarlaxle was struck speechless.
"What do you know of a magical artifact from the demon realm?" Kimmuriel demanded.
Rin frowned in confusion. "What kind of artifact?"
"What have you heard about the relic?" Kimmuriel asked the mercenary.
Jarlaxle shrugged. "Not much. It holds great power. It is able to control a demon, bend it to the will of the wielder."
"There are a lot of demonic things that hold power, but I don't know of one that fits that description." She paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "I wonder if Master Myoga would know."
"Master Myoga?" Kimmuriel inquired.
"He's a flea." She answered.
Kimmuriel just stared at her for a moment.
"A flea?" Once again the mercenary was at a loss.
Kimmuriel looked at Rin doubtfully. "You can talk to fleas?"
"He's a demon." Rin said helpfully.
The mercenary sat back and studied the human intently. "Is she lying?"
"No." Kimmuriel said with a disturbed expression.
"A Demon flea?" Jarlaxle just shook his head. "How am I supposed to convince Rai-guy that he needs to summon a demonic flea?"
Kimmuriel had no answer to that particular problem. He held back a smile as he imagined the outlandish mercenary trying to explain to the proud wizard that he needed to summon a demonic flea. The image was so entertaining that the psionist considered spying on the conversation, except that Jarlaxle would probably know—that one knew far too much—and leave him to explain the flea situation to the wizard. Perhaps he would just wait.
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Their interview at an end, Kimmuriel led them back to his rooms.
"Why would a dark elf want to control a demon?" Rin asked, as she trailed behind the drow.
Kimmuriel glanced back at her, his expression one of disbelief. "To gain power of course." He said stating the obvious.
Rin's eyes examined the thick carpet covering the floor. "Isn't that dangerous? Most of the demons I know would kill anyone trying to control them."
The drow shrugged. "On occasion the gain outweighs the risk."
Kimmuriel stopped in front of one of the rooms. Turning to look at her, he said. "You may bathe here. I will return shortly with some food and clothing."
"You're leaving again?" Rin pouted. She didn't like being alone. She also found she felt lonely when he wasn't around. She was surprised at exactly how much she enjoyed his company, especially considering how grouchy he was all the time. Then again, her family had never been normal.
Kimmuriel left without further explanation, leaving Rin to her own devices. She brightened her illumination a bit to get a better look at the room. Until now she had kept the blue light extremely dim because of the dark elf's sensitive eyes; he tended to squint at the faintest hint of light.
Dominating the room was a natural hot spring that had been cleverly converted into a bathing pool. The dark stone of the floor had been polished to a high shine, and hanging from hooks anchored to the wall were towels and robes.
Rin gratefully shed the clothing she had gotten from the citadel, and sank into the steaming water. Finding what looked like soap, she set about scrubbing herself clean. She couldn't remember the last time a bath had felt so good. Once finished she grabbed one of the robes and went to explore Kimmuriel's home. It consisted of six individual chambers; the first two seemed to be common rooms where he might entertain visitors. The second two rooms included the bathing chamber and a kitchen of sorts; and the last two rooms were a bedchamber, and a strangely barren room which didn't seem to have any real purpose.
The bedroom had a large, comfortable looking bed that was elevated off the ground with a few chairs scattered about. Not feeling at ease enough to take the bed, she curled up on a large soft chair instead, falling asleep almost as soon as her head hit the cushy padding.
Rin was rudely awakened by someone roughly shaking her shoulder. She blinked blearily, and looked up to find Kimmuriel leaning over her, looking annoyed as always. She grinned at his irritated expression. She noticed that he had changed, and his hair was still damp from the bath. He must have bathed before looking for her.
"Get up." He told her.
Rin stretched, momentarily forgetting that the borrowed robe tended to gape alarmingly at her slightest movement. Quickly pulling it back together, she glanced up to find the elf watching her intently. Without seeming to realize it, he reached down and lifted a long lock of hair that had fallen over the arm of the chair, sliding his fingers through the dark strands. Catching himself, he abruptly let the hair fall.
"Come over here." He said, moving away from the chair.
Rin got up and followed him obediently to the bed.
"Lie down."
Rin's eyes popped wide open. "What?!"
Kimmuriel heaved a long-suffering sigh. "I am going to enable you to see."
She just stared at him blankly.
"Lie down." He said more forcefully.
Rin complied, and he sat down on the edge of the bed beside her.
"What are you going to do?" she asked, looking up at him trustingly.
He held up a small vial of glowing liquid. "This will allow you to see in the same manner that I do."
"Oh, then I won't have to illuminate the air anymore." She smiled. Kimmuriel nodded in agreement, and then brought out some rope from beneath his robe.
"You are going to tie me up?"
"This will be painful, and you must remain still until the procedure is complete." He explained, waiting for her to try and make a run for it.
Rin smiled trustingly, and giggled. "If you only knew how often I have been told that I will have to endure something painful for my own good!" On Talis, there was a saying; pain is part of life and to be expected. Kephren had lovingly chanted that mantra to her for years. It wasn't that Talisians enjoyed pain, they just accepted and embraced it; pain was just a part of life. Acceptance of pain had been part of her training; not a pleasant lesson, but a useful one. To this day she didn't fear pain; at least not in the way that most people did. It was a strangely liberating feeling.
Kimmuriel stared at her in surprise; that was not the reaction he had expected. Terror, screaming, begging, pleading would have been normal, but not laughter. Shaking his head, he set about securing her to the bed. Once done, he leaned over her and pushed her hair away from her face.
"Try not to blink rapidly or close your eyes too tightly." He instructed her. Resting his palm on her forehead, he lifted one eyelid with his finger and poured some of the glowing liquid directly into her eye, and then repeated the action with the second eye. It only took to the count of five for her to start screaming. The dark elf knelt above her, holding her shoulders with his hands and bracing her legs with his knees. She twisted and struggled, alternately screaming and whimpering as the potion did its work on her vision. At one point she opened her eyes, and the drow watched as the eerie silver that ran through them actually glowed and seemed to move about, slithering across her eyes. It was by far the most unnerving thing the elf had ever seen.
The process was time consuming, and Rin was exhausted when it was finished. Kimmuriel untied her wrists and ankles when he could see the majority of the change was complete and she had stopped fighting. To the drow's amazement he had taken no pleasure in her suffering; even stranger was the fact that it had actually bothered him to hear her scream.
"That hurt." Rin complained, rubbing her wrists.
The dark elf was looking at her curiously. "You were not afraid?"
"Why would I be afraid?"
Kimmuriel raised an eyebrow. "Most people, when they realize they are helpless to prevent themselves from being hurt, are overcome with terror."
"Oh. I learned not to be afraid of pain a long time ago." Rin laughed. "Although I can't seem to keep the screaming under control, It's so embarrassing."
Kimmuriel stared at her in disbelief. "You truly were not raised by humans."
Rin grinned and struggled to sit up, only to find her limbs didn't want to move.
"Lie still. The process takes time and a lot of energy." He said, pressing her back onto the bed. "Can you see anything yet?"
Rin looked around the room and then gasped. "Wow, this is so strange!"
"How so?"
"Everything is so colorful." She whispered, eyes wide.
"You are seeing the heat in everything around you." He said calmly, stretching out beside her on the bed.
Rin turned towards him at the movement, and studied him slowly. "You look so different."
The drow didn't say anything as she examined her surroundings, becoming familiar with the different spectrum. Heat sensing vision would be unsettling to someone who had never used it before. The dark elf was amazed; she was coping far more easily than he would have thought possible.
Rin was astounded. Heat vision was like seeing everything in a rainbow of colors. It was beautiful, yet disorienting. It made her feel light headed. There was so much color it was difficult to focus on the different shapes. She hoped she could get used to this. She wondered how hard it would be to see things in the light again.
"Your eyes will be far more sensitive to light now." Kimmuriel said, answering her thoughts.
Transferring her new eyes to the drow, she studied him slowly. He looked so different like this. The heat of his body glowed brightly, making him almost gleam. Fascinated, Rin reached out and touched his exposed collarbone. Feeling his eyes on her, Rin looked up to meet his gaze.
"I feel dizzy." She frowned.
Kimmuriel rested slender fingers against her cheek, studying her eyes. "It takes some getting used to. Rest for tonight; it will be easier after you are rested."
Rin nodded in agreement and curled on her side so that she was facing him. Curling her fingers into his robe she inched closer, causing the elf to glance at her sharply.
"I'm not tired. I just can't see well enough to walk." She sighed.
Kimmuriel watched the delicate girl who curled against him so trustingly. He couldn't quite figure out if she was simply a fool, or was so powerful that she wasn't afraid of him. Either way it was a strange experience. What truly surprised him was that he had no desire to push her away. He had thought that once he returned home this bizarre desire he felt for her would disappear, but it hadn't. What was happening to him? Of all the beings that he could be attracted to, why would it have to be a human? Until now he had found them revolting; actually he still did, just not this one. Why? She was beautiful, with her smooth delicate skin, and slender, almost fragile body. She was definitely human, yet she was built slighter than most elves. Her hair was perhaps her best feature. One any race would find beautiful. The shining length fell almost to her knees, that rare shade of black that reflected blue in the sunlight, and was soft as silk. He found himself wondering if he would still enjoy kissing her.
Rin's new eyes fell on Kimmuriel's lips. She mentally kicked herself. Why couldn't she stop obsessing about kissing him? He had made it quite clear he didn't desire her. Now if she could just stop thinking about kissing him. She glanced up to find him looking at her speculatively. Oh no, he was reading her thoughts again wasn't he.
"You know, it just isn't polite to intrude on people's thoughts." Rin huffed, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"Even after going through a vision alteration, all you can think about is kissing me?" He inquired in disbelief.
"Well, if you would stay out of my head then it wouldn't bother you." She retorted, a dark flush heating her cheeks.
"I never said it bothered me." He said, leaning down. The long white hair slid forward, curtaining off her face.
Rin swallowed. "It doesn't bother you?"
Kimmuriel didn't answer as he closed the distance between them. His lips moved softly against hers in a strangely tentative gesture. The hesitation didn't last long. He became more insistent, parting her lips to slide his tongue into her mouth. Rin's eyes rounded; this was something new. She felt his tongue touch hers slowly, encouraging her to respond. Her eyes drifted shut as she sighed in pleasure. She didn't think she would ever get tired of kissing him.
"You do realize there is more to this than kissing?" He murmured, his lips caressing the corner of her mouth.
"There's more?" She said in an excited voice.
"You truly are a hopeless fool." He said with a trace of amusement.
"Does that bother you?" She asked breathlessly.
Kimmuriel had to stifle a laugh. "No, the fact that you're a fool doesn't bother me."
"That's good." She sighed in relief. "You said there is more than kissing?" She asked casually, trying to hide her avid curiosity.
"How much do you want to learn?" He asked, pulling away to look at her.
"Everything."
Kimmuriel's gaze rested on her intently. "You may not like everything. The first time can be painful."
"More painful than my eyes were?"
This time the drow did laugh. "If the first time was that painful I doubt many would wish to experiment."
"How long will the pain last?"
Kimmuriel shook his head; this was the strangest conversation he could ever remember having. "It won't last long."
Rin smiled happily up at him. She believed him wholeheartedly. The drow sighed. When was she going to learn?
"What should I do?" She asked, chewing on her lip.
"What would you like to do?"
"Can I touch you?" She inquired uneasily.
In answer, the dark elf removed his robe, leaving on only an undergarment to cover his lower half. Propping himself up on one elbow, he waited for her to take the lead; allowing her the illusion of control.
Rin's eyes widened as they slowly traveled over the drow's tightly muscled chest and abdomen. Glancing up to make sure he wasn't angry, she hesitantly explored his lean frame. His skin felt warm and smooth under her fingers as she ran them along his hard stomach. She started when he drew in a sharp breath, and looked up in alarm. His red eyes were glowing intensely, and his breathing had increased.
"Did I do something wrong?" She worried.
The elf leaned forward, pushing her back into the blankets, "You did nothing wrong." He murmured against her skin.
Moving his mouth back to hers, his lips were intense and demanding. He reached down, loosening the ties of her robe and pushing it back. Altering his position so that he was lying beside her, he slipped the robe off her, letting his gaze roam languidly over her body. A bright red blush bloomed in Rin's cheeks as he slowly examined her. Embarrassment getting the best of her, she started to cover herself, but he stopped her with a slight movement.
Ignoring the brilliant flush spreading from her face to her neck, Kimmuriel placed a slender black hand against the base of her neck, tracing the indentation there. Using nothing besides his hands and fingers, he took his time inspecting her body, paying attention to what made her gasp and writhe in pleasure. There was no hurry, and as a race the drow loved beauty, so he took his time enjoying the beauty beside him.
Rin decided this must be some kind of strange torture, because she felt like she couldn't take any more, and the elf looked totally happy just touching her.
"Isn't there something more?" She asked while gasping for breath.
The elf glanced up sensuously. "What else would you like?"
"I don't know." She whined.
The drow smiled at her discomfort. Sitting up, he removed the remainder of his clothing and leaned against the back of the bed.
"Come here." He said softly.
Rin's wide eyes fastened on his lower body. Seeing her hesitation, he reached out and pulled her hand down to touch him.
"You've never seen anyone unclothed before?" He inquired curiously. Drow were proud of their bodies, and it was common to see others unclothed, both male and female.
Rin shook her head and scooted closer. At first she was too embarrassed to look at him, but her natural inquisitiveness soon got the best of her. This part of him was quite different, and she ogled him shamelessly.
Even though Talisians had absolutely no modesty, Rin had always averted her eyes whenever they removed their clothing. After all, she was answerable to Lord Sesshomaru, who was extremely traditional when it came to things like modesty, hers in particular. Unfortunately, when it came to resisting the tempting dark elf she failed miserably.
"Has your curiosity been satisfied?" His dry inquiry drew her attention.
"I'm sorry. It's just that I've never seen … you know." She trailed off in humiliation. His soft laugh caught her by surprise.
"I know." Having come to the conclusion that he was not averse to finding passion with her, Kimmuriel decided to move things along. Motioning for her to come closer, he adjusted her position so that she was straddling him. He needed her to crave him more afterwards, not less, so he took care to make her first time memorable. Unfortunately, a female's first time was never the best, so it was going to be a bit tricky.
"What do I do?" Rin asked. She knelt above him, just barely touching.
"Ease down onto me slowly. It may hurt at first." He warned.
Rin did as he instructed, gently easing him into her body. It was somewhat uncomfortable, and when she felt like there was no more room to work with she frowned in consternation. "Is this right?"
"Almost." His voice sounded strained. "Can you move down anymore?"
"No."
Kimmuriel sighed; he was going to have to hurt her somewhat. "What I am going to do will hurt."
"Okay." She said, staring at him out of trusting eyes again.
Kimmuriel couldn't help but see the irony of his situation. Here he was, a drow, a race that reveled in the suffering of others, going out of his way not to hurt this foolish human. He consoled himself with the knowledge that by this unfamiliar act of kindness he was gaining control over her, and thereby her power.
Lifting her up, he twisted around and laid her back on the bed, hovering above her. Rin grimaced, as much as she wanted this, it sure was uncomfortable. She felt him move in and out of her a few times, pushing in a little further with each stroke.
"I need you to relax." He said softly, covering her mouth with his. Then with one swift movement, he took her innocence.
Rin's eyes went wide at the sudden pain. It had hurt! Once inside her he remained still, and after a few moments the pain started to recede, but she was still awfully sore.
"Look at me." His calm voice broke into her thoughts. She looked up and met his inquiring gaze.
Cupping her face in his hands, he captured her lips in a kiss, and began to slowly move inside her. She was still hurting, but to her surprise she began to enjoy it again. His movements were slow and steady, and although she didn't realize it, he was remarkably careful. She found release in a shockingly short space of time, much to Kimmuriel's amusement.
"Can we do that again?" Her body was still humming in pleasure, and Rin wanted to try it again. It would be much better without the pain.
"No."
"No? Why not?" She whined.
Kimmuriel rolled onto his side and propped himself up on one elbow. "Your body needs time to heal."
"I'm just a little sore. That's all."
The drow sighed, not all happy with the role he found himself in. He directed her attention to the sheets.
"That's blood!" Rin exclaimed in shock.
"Why do you think it hurt?" He asked in exasperation.
"Is that going to happen every time?" Maybe her assumption about the pain had been wrong.
"No. It only happens once, but during the first time you are ripped inside. Your body needs to heal." He said, repeating his earlier observation.
"Oh." Rin said, her disappointment obvious from the tone of her voice.
Kimmuriel slanted a look her way. "If you want more instruction, I would be willing to oblige once you have healed."
A bright smile lit Rin's face, causing the drow to roll his eyes as she snuggled against him contentedly.
"You really shouldn't be this trusting. One day it's going to get you killed." He commented.
Unexpectedly, Rin giggled. "It already has, although when the wolves killed me it was because I couldn't run fast enough."
Her head buried in the drow's chest, Rin missed the look of fascination that flashed across his face. This was the second time she had mentioned having been dead once before. Although the drow had magic spells that could animate the dead, he had never seen it firsthand. Although he had no interest in magic, he was curious as to what means the demons used to bring the dead back to life.
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Rin awoke to find Kimmuriel had brought her a new set of clothes and some food. She looked around wondering where he had gone as she reached for the plate of food. She frowned as she studied what she assumed was food. It smelled similar to food, but it didn't look anything remotely like the food she was used to. To start with, there were no chopsticks. How was she supposed to eat it; with her fingers? She had seen the dark elf use a knife to eat with, but she would probably just cut herself if she tried that. Picking up something that felt similar to meat, she held it up, turning it slowly. She was seeing it with the heat sensing vision, which might have explained the strangely bright colors. Wanting to know what it really looked like, she illuminated the air.
She immediately squeezed her eyes shut as the brilliant light assaulted them. She had only used faint light, so why had it seemed so bright? Dimming the blue glow further, she cautiously opened her eyes. It was still extremely bright, but at least she could see.
Looking back at her hand, the stuff she was holding was definitely some type of meat; as to what kind, she had no idea. She tentatively took a bite. It was good! It was a shame they didn't bother to cut it. She was busy tearing into the meat with her teeth when Kimmuriel came back.
She glanced up to find him watching her with the same irritated expression he always wore.
"Do you have something against utensils?" He asked as his eyes followed the juice that was running down her fingers.
"There were no chopsticks, and it wasn't even cut. How else was I supposed to eat it?" Rin shot back, equally irritated. Really, did he think she could just will the meat to cut itself into bite size pieces?
"Chopsticks?" He queried. Picking up a piece of cloth from the table, he walked over and wiped the juice from her hands.
"Don't you know what chop sticks are?" She asked in surprise, holding her hands up for him to wipe off.
"No."
"They are two sticks carved out of wood that are used to pick up food." She said, demonstrating the movement with her hand.
Understanding lit the drow's face. "They were what you used to eat the soup the demons had given you."
Rin smiled and nodded. Kimmuriel picked up a strange looking tool that resembled a miniature pitchfork.
"This is what is used to pick up the food after you cut it." He explained. Picking up a small knife that was on the platter, he proceeded to cut the meat, using the little pitchfork to hold it in place. Spearing the meat he had sliced off, he held it up.
Kimmuriel watched as Rin copied his earlier demonstration. He noticed that she had illuminated the air, although it was far dimmer than usual. It must have been disconcerting trying to figure out what she was eating with her new vision.
"Once you have eaten, there is a change of clothes I brought for you. We need to leave shortly, so don't take too long."
Rin nodded, hurriedly finishing up her meal, and then picked up the clothing. She held up the pieces, wondering how to put them on.
"Um, Kimmuriel?" She called.
"Yes."
"How do I put these on?" She asked, a blush creeping up her neck.
The drow walked over, shaking his head in disbelief. It was truly a wonder how she survived from day to day. After a short explanation, he left her to finish dressing. When she came out he had to admit that the elven clothing suited her.
"I don't have anything to tie my hair up with." She said, combing her fingers through the dark strands.
"Leave it. We are expected."
Kimmuriel opened a dimensional doorway, and indicated for her to enter. He wondered why she showed none of the disorientation that others seemed to suffer when passing through. It was something he would have to look into at a later date.
They exited the portal to find the wizard carefully examining the circle of binding with a distinctly sour expression on his face.
"Ah good, you are here." Jarlaxle's voice drew their attention away from the grumbling wizard. Doffing his hat, the mercenary walked over to examine Rin's eyes. "I see you have used the potion."
"Yes, last evening." The psionist replied.
Jarlaxle leaned down slightly to get a better look at her eyes. "It was successful?" He inquired, when the human didn't cringe away.
Rin smiled. "I can see, but it's strange. I still feel disoriented." She was once again using the heat-sensing vision.
The mercenary's eyes widened in surprise at how at ease she was. He had only seen a few surface dwellers endure the procedure; without exception they had been traumatized by the experience.
"Did you find it painful?" Jarlaxle inquired curiously.
Rin laughed. "You didn't hear me screaming?"
Jarlaxle slanted a look at Kimmuriel, who remained by her side.
"She is resilient." The psionist shrugged.
"You are most unusual." The mercenary murmured, threading his fingers through her hair. Jarlaxle nearly laughed out loud at the way the psionist abruptly stiffened. Apparently he didn't like anyone else touching his prize. The mercenary smiled widely and released her hair.
"Everything is prepared." The wizard said flatly, rising to his feet. He had just finished lighting the last of the tapers. "What is the name of this demon?"
"Myoga the flea." Rin said cheerfully.
The wizard sighed, feeling very put upon, and began to chant.
"He is still pouting I'm afraid." Jarlaxle whispered to Rin.
"About what?" She asked.
"My abusing his considerable talents to summon a flea." He murmured into her ear, while watching the psionist's reaction with interest. What was it about this delicate girl that had so effectively caught Kimmuriel's attention? It had to be more than the fact that she was raised by demons. Curiosity was eating at the drow; there were not many things that happened in Menzoberranzan that he didn't know about. This mysterious attraction this girl held for his arrogant psionist was one puzzle he intended to solve.
"The portal is opening." The wizard announced, dead-pan.
Wind whipped around the cavern, lifting Rin's long hair away from her neck. As the wind died down, a figure came into view.
"That is a rather large flea." Jarlaxle remarked as the figure rose to its feet.
Long silver-white hair fell forward as the being straightened. With a flick of a pale elegant hand, the being flicked the heavy hair back over his shoulder, revealing the crescent moon on his forehead. Inhuman slit-pupiled eyes slowly scanned the room, narrowing as they came to rest on Kimmuriel.
"Are you the one called Myoga?" The wizard demanded.
The golden eyes transferred to the wizard. "Who are you that you would dare speak to me?"
"I am the one who called you." Rai-guy said boldly.
Without hesitation, the being took a step forward. Energy crackled around him as he touched the barrier.
Rin, who had been standing behind Kimmuriel, glanced around at the sound of the stranger's voice.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" She shrieked happily, causing all three drow to wheel around and regard her in shock.
Authors Note: Yeah! My proofreader is back! What did you think of this chapter? Personally I find the thought of dark elves and Myoga the demon flea hilarious.
ColdHeartedVixen: Sorry I missed you last time. Your review came in right after I posted! Kill Kogame? So, you have a taste for blood and gore too, huh. I will try to make her stop whining. I agree, it's annoying. The question is; will she stop? :)
Lost-In-Eternal-Bliss-15: Oh yes, reviews make me very happy! Nothing gives you more motivation than knowing your story is being enjoyed. So, you want to know if Kagome is going to die. Now would I do something like that? :)
Missing'Nin'Akiko: Be patient, things are about to get interesting. :)
Zenith19: LOL. I have stunned you with my awesomeness? I like the sound of that. Awesomeness. Yeah, I like that word. Thanks for the compliment. :)
Musa uchiha: You mustn't forget. Kimmuriel is an evil drow, interested only in his own welfare. Of course, Rin is very good for Kimmuriel's welfare. And even though he would never admit it; that would be very undrow-like, he likes her. I've never tasted pocky, is it good? :)
New Fan: Hehehe. Oh, I have plans for the city of dark elves. And yes, I think Inu Yasha will be…just a little upset. Believe or not, I am actually trying to get everyone back together, but things keep conspiring against me! :)
