[rant] *Sniff* ff.net won't let me upload html documents! Oh the
humanity! No more bold or italics! Noooo! God nooooo! I hope they get
it fixed soon.I like my format extras!! [/rant]
Another Softly scene. This time a lot of what you'll read will make the cut, but changed and reordered to fit the new scene. I wasn't going to post this, but today I got a review from "Crimson Rogue" (Thanks a bunch! :-) asking for an update (which might have been intended for Frog??) or if not, you can find the whole of Speak Softly at: http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1072302
And anyway, there's a scene coming up in Softly in a few chapters that I think posting this beforehand might be helpful, or more reassuring perhaps. I'm trying not to give away plot.lol. But you'll perhaps understand when you read. :-D Anyhow, I'll post the first scene that won't appear as is and then I'll post what WILL show up in Softly, where you can compare and tell me perhaps which you thought was better.
*
Version One:
"Sleep with us," the multiple voices breathed again, putting visions of sleep within his mind. He would be guarded by his own host of human angels, kept safe and peaceful until death took him. They wanted him, wanted his life, to watch him as he would watch Evelyn and savor her breath. The world outside seemed suddenly bigger and more frightening.
His attention fell to a sarcophagus nearby where he could hide and sleep, undisturbed by the priests. "No," he whispered, answered by doubt and fear. It was better to die here, to die peacefully than to fail at the blade of Imhotep, they were telling him. Better than dying alone, for Rick had betrayed him in his jealousy and Evelyn still had yet to hurt him. All would betray him. He would not believe it. This was a lie of Necromancer's.
He took another step and despaired at the hurt swelling around him. They were frightened of him heading this way and their want for him consumed so searingly that he nearly fell to his knees in sadness. Some of that was his own now. How could he hope to find the Staff of Osiris and escape against such hypnotic need?
Suddenly, they fled. All unnatural oppression went with them and was replaced by a voice. "This time you will not escape," Necromancer hissed and without warning, struck out.
If not for instinct, Ardeth would have been dead. Whatever blade the creature may have found in this place had missed its mark, allowing the Med- Jai a chance to flee. He did not have to question why Necromancer had turned on him. The creature himself had warned him not to trust him, but for the love in his heart Ardeth could not help but hope. Well, now he was proven wrong. Those rushing feet behind him intended only one thing-his death. He could hear that terrible hissing and rasping increase, followed by intent growling, and a chill spread through him. This was not his friend. Could anything human make such foul, demonic noises?
Ardeth felt along the coffins desperately, taking a turn here and there, but the advantage belonged to the creature. It could see in the dark, Ardeth had no sight whatsoever in this place. Yet without knowing how, he did seem to perceive ways before his fingers confirmed the existence of them. Were those sad voices aiding him away from this fate? Only to call him to rest with them, he imagined. These innocents knew evil when they felt it and without doubt Ardeth could feel their fear.
The sound of dripping drew his attention and the beings in this mausoleum confirmed the wisdom of following it. Where water leaked there would inevitably be a source behind the wall or ceiling, a place where more water waited and would hopefully offer an exit. But even so, he would have no time to dig his way out. Necromancer was hot on his heels, whispering wishes of death on his former friend.
A hand clasped around his wrist, urging him onward, and for a moment he felt reluctant to allow the touch. But it wasn't dead or terrible or papery. The hand was soft and as light as air. He felt inclined to follow this thing, though how much of that was him and how much was of these spirits' collective will, he could not say and right now he didn't have the luxury to ponder. Drawn by their innocence he allowed himself to be led deeper into the catacombs. Ardeth learned the error of that at the wall of a dead end.
The hands stopped him and his fingers brushed along a coffin before him. In a panic, he felt to either side of him where two more coffins lay. They had betrayed him to his death. Ardeth brushed his hair back and turned around, ready to face Necromancer to the death.
There was a dark laugh and slow, shuffling footfalls. "And now it comes to it," the dark version of Sajul mused. "My intention has always been to kill you, Ardeth. From the very beginning, for the priest. This is what gave you your freedom. Not Evelyn's sacrifice, but my promise. That is why you live, but to die here."
Ardeth backed against the coffin and held his hands up, waiting for the attack. He had suspected this would come, if not by a promise made to Imhotep, then by Necromancer's own delight. It hurt him no less, though. "Sajul," he said in one last attempt, knowing it would fail. If he could grab the thing's wrists and twist him around, perhaps he could escape in the other direction. Anything to free himself of this place. The Book of Amun Ra had removed Imhotep's power before and while the staff's ability to sever the priest's bindings to this earth would prevent him from returning again, they could live with having to guard his tomb. The important thing was to leave this place.
He heard Necromancer stop and he felt a rush of adrenaline as he readied himself. But the creature did not attack. Rasping in quick, frustrated breaths, Necromancer growled low and seemed to pace not more than ten feet away. "We will not let you have him," the voice that seemed many whispered into the dark. "We want him. We want him to sleep here with us."
"And so he shall!" the dead thing boomed, stopping somewhere to his left. "He is life! He is to be despised!"
The sadness in this terrible place increased and soft wailing, barely heard above a whisper, sounded in the depths. "No," the voices echoed intently, yet with a hint of envy. Ardeth suddenly felt dizzy and dropped to his knees under the soft caress of many needful hands. They wanted him to stay and rest here, but he kept fighting. He had to escape. He had to get to Evy. But right now if he stood he had no doubt that he would fall over again. A hand found his chin and raised it up as if someone were looking into his face. "He is life. He is to be enjoyed. You should never have brought him here, for his beauty is our peace."
"No," Ardeth breathed, finding it hard to even stay on his knees. But the hand touching his face kept him up. The ease of the bending of his will bothered him. Necromancer gave a surprising howl of fury, jolting him partially out of his dizzied worry. "Hhhrrr! You will pay for barring my way! When I am Master of the Dead I will bind you to my service and you will suffer unlike anything the high priest has done!" Ardeth looked up in the direction of the dead mage's voice, but did not hope for sight. What could stop him, this tangible being, from brushing past a few ghosts? Necromancer growled at the question and ignored it. "It matters not, Ardeth. These things are no less hungry than I! They will keep you here, savoring you until your last breath! I have the Staff of Osiris and you will fail! Die here in the despair they will share with you!"
Given no time to reply, Ardeth sank to the floor and gave over to his sudden illness. He could almost say let them keep him, but for the knowledge of what that would mean. Necromancer laughed as he stalked away into the dark. Ardeth dropped down to his hands, reaching one out towards the Necromancer, knowing he would not escape without help. Even now he could feel the promise of peace lulling him into sleepy haze. "Leave me!" he hissed, but these things more frightening than Imhotep and
Necromancer together would not let him go. They used his own betrayed emotions to draw his strength.
Necromancer ignored his unsaid plea, his guidance complete and his goal of leading Ardeth to failure seeing all too near.
Version Two:
"Sleep with us," the multiple voices breathed again, putting visions of sleep within his mind. He would be guarded by his own host of human angels, kept safe and peaceful until death took him. They wanted him, wanted his life, to watch him as he would watch Evelyn and savor her breath. The world outside seemed suddenly bigger and more frightening.
His attention fell to a sarcophagus nearby where he could hide and sleep, undisturbed by the priests. "No," he whispered, answered by doubt and fear. It was better to die here, to die peacefully than to fail at the blade of Imhotep, they were telling him. Better than dying alone, for in the end all would betray him. He would not believe it. This was a lie of Necromancer's.
He took another step and despaired at the hurt swelling around him. They were frightened of him heading this way and their want for him consumed so searingly that he nearly fell to his knees in sadness. Some of that was his own now. How could he hope to find the Staff of Osiris and escape against such hypnotic need?
Suddenly, they fled. All unnatural oppression went with them and was replaced by the sound of footsteps shuffling against the cement floor. And a voice. "This time you will not escape," Necromancer hissed in low tones that neared and paused a few feet away. "You feel tired."
With a swallow, Ardeth shook his head and crossed his arms. "I will fight." They were slowly returning to them, their injured silence coming upon his back in interest of the conversation that took place. He meant that he would fight them, but they believed he would fight his former friend. From Sajul's tone he guessed that may be so soon.
"No, you will not fight. And now it comes to it," the dark version of Sajul mused. "My intention has always been to kill you, Ardeth. From the very beginning, for the priest. This is what gave you your freedom. Not Evelyn's sacrifice, but my promise. That is why you live, but to die here."
His friend and brother meant to kill him here in the catacombs beneath Imhotep's temple. He did not have to question why Necromancer had turned on him. He had suspected this would come, if not by a promise made to Imhotep, then by Necromancer's own delight. The creature himself had warned him not to give over to trust, but for the love in his heart Ardeth could not have helped but wait for final judgment. Now he was proven wrong and it stung for what little hope he had clung to deep within. That soft hissing before him prepared for one purpose-his death.
"Sajul," he said in one last attempt, knowing it would fail. If he could grab the thing's wrists and twist him around, perhaps he could escape in the other direction. Anything to free himself of this place. The Book of Amun Ra had removed Imhotep's power before and while the staff's ability to sever the priest's bindings to this earth would prevent him from returning again, he could live with having to guard his tomb against resurrection instead. The important thing was to survive. The advantage belonged to the necromancer. It could see in the dark and he had no sight whatsoever in this place. The beings in this place seemed to tense in wait for whatever would take place and he could sense if a contest took place they would want for his success. But that gave him no comfort. They wanted him to live that he could die here. They desired him.
He felt a rush of adrenaline as he readied himself. But the creature did not attack.
To his preparations Necromancer laughed terribly and a chill spread through him. This was not his friend. Could anything human convey such a foul, demonic intent? "No, my friend. I cannot kill you. I would if it were possible, make no mistake, but it is not. Not in such a state as you are in now. And so I shall do the next best thing. I give you to the spirits here."
More footsteps sounded and the Med-Jai backed away, but Necromancer's focus was now on speaking with the denizens of this place. "His grace is beautiful, is it not? That which is repugnant to my eyes fills you with hope, my children?"
Affirmative, sickening sweetness seemed to fill the atmosphere as cold hands met his flesh, pawing at his clothing, touching him personally. He would have thrown them off had there been something there to grasp. Necromancer chortled at his discomfort and fear. "We want him," the voice that seemed many whispered into the dark. "We want him to sleep here with us."
"And so he shall," the dead betrayer agreed, moving somewhere to his left as if to inspect the gift he gave. "He is life. He is to be despised."
The sadness in this terrible place increased and soft wailing, barely heard above a whisper, sounded in the depths. "No," the voices echoed intently, yet with a hint of envy. Ardeth suddenly felt dizzy and dropped to his knees under the soft urge of needful hands on his shoulders. They wanted him to stay and rest here, but he kept fighting. He had to escape. He had to get to Evy. But right now if he stood he had no doubt that he would fall over again. A hand found his chin and raised it up as if someone were looking into his face. "He is life. He is to be enjoyed."
"No," Ardeth breathed, finding it hard to even stay on his knees. But the hand touching his face kept him up. The ease of the bending of his will bothered him. How could he fight this? How could Sajul leave him to this failure? "Please." His will was failing.
Necromancer rasped softly and the beings waited for an answer from their master. "I would have seen you dead, but I think this will prove better," he said in a quiet, unreadable tone. "These things are no less hungry than I, but you will live under their care. They will keep you here, savoring you and your despair until your last breath. I have the Staff of Osiris and you will fail." The footsteps retreated and the spirits seemed to swell with a quiet, mournful joy. He felt his hair being touched as if he were some sort of pet.
"Don't do this, Sajul," he said in husky tones, losing himself to the sleepy haze of peace they wanted to give in exchange for his failure. "She needs me. This world needs me."
Sajul snorted in contempt. "This world needs you? How arrogant you sound. You are nothing in the eyes of this world. Look at you, reduced to this. You wish me to help you, Ardeth? But you have accused me of requiring payment for my help. What can you offer?" He inhaled thoughtfully. "Lust no longer moves me or I may have demanded the use of your Evelyn. I wonder, for the world would you have given me permission to do that? To hurt her?"
"No, I would not have, you filthy creature!" Bay replied harshly, but the weakness washed quickly over his spirit again. He needed to get up, but the hands were too numerous and too heavy.
The necromancer laughed lightly at that and paced a little. "No, I thought not. Even you have your limits of heroism. So you would not let me hurt those you love, even for the sake of saving the world. Hmmm. But you would let me hurt you. I know you all too well. Do you loathe what I am, Ardeth? Do you find me repulsive and beneath you?" Ardeth bit back a biting reply and Necromancer took a step towards him. "Of course you do. I am far beneath you and a break in your pride would be the price I would demand."
Bay exhaled as the sorrow around him increased. They waited for his reply, greedily wanting for him to fail this little test. But he would not. "What would you have me do?" he asked, fearing any number of things this evil being would ask. But whatever would come, no matter how much it hurt, he would do it for her. For his purpose.
*
Hehehehe. I had to cut it off there. ;-D Hmmm.what would Necromancer do to Ardeth to lower his pride? Make him walk about in spotted undies, perhaps? ;-) Anyhow, just thought I'd post a little taste of what's to come. :-O
Another Softly scene. This time a lot of what you'll read will make the cut, but changed and reordered to fit the new scene. I wasn't going to post this, but today I got a review from "Crimson Rogue" (Thanks a bunch! :-) asking for an update (which might have been intended for Frog??) or if not, you can find the whole of Speak Softly at: http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1072302
And anyway, there's a scene coming up in Softly in a few chapters that I think posting this beforehand might be helpful, or more reassuring perhaps. I'm trying not to give away plot.lol. But you'll perhaps understand when you read. :-D Anyhow, I'll post the first scene that won't appear as is and then I'll post what WILL show up in Softly, where you can compare and tell me perhaps which you thought was better.
*
Version One:
"Sleep with us," the multiple voices breathed again, putting visions of sleep within his mind. He would be guarded by his own host of human angels, kept safe and peaceful until death took him. They wanted him, wanted his life, to watch him as he would watch Evelyn and savor her breath. The world outside seemed suddenly bigger and more frightening.
His attention fell to a sarcophagus nearby where he could hide and sleep, undisturbed by the priests. "No," he whispered, answered by doubt and fear. It was better to die here, to die peacefully than to fail at the blade of Imhotep, they were telling him. Better than dying alone, for Rick had betrayed him in his jealousy and Evelyn still had yet to hurt him. All would betray him. He would not believe it. This was a lie of Necromancer's.
He took another step and despaired at the hurt swelling around him. They were frightened of him heading this way and their want for him consumed so searingly that he nearly fell to his knees in sadness. Some of that was his own now. How could he hope to find the Staff of Osiris and escape against such hypnotic need?
Suddenly, they fled. All unnatural oppression went with them and was replaced by a voice. "This time you will not escape," Necromancer hissed and without warning, struck out.
If not for instinct, Ardeth would have been dead. Whatever blade the creature may have found in this place had missed its mark, allowing the Med- Jai a chance to flee. He did not have to question why Necromancer had turned on him. The creature himself had warned him not to trust him, but for the love in his heart Ardeth could not help but hope. Well, now he was proven wrong. Those rushing feet behind him intended only one thing-his death. He could hear that terrible hissing and rasping increase, followed by intent growling, and a chill spread through him. This was not his friend. Could anything human make such foul, demonic noises?
Ardeth felt along the coffins desperately, taking a turn here and there, but the advantage belonged to the creature. It could see in the dark, Ardeth had no sight whatsoever in this place. Yet without knowing how, he did seem to perceive ways before his fingers confirmed the existence of them. Were those sad voices aiding him away from this fate? Only to call him to rest with them, he imagined. These innocents knew evil when they felt it and without doubt Ardeth could feel their fear.
The sound of dripping drew his attention and the beings in this mausoleum confirmed the wisdom of following it. Where water leaked there would inevitably be a source behind the wall or ceiling, a place where more water waited and would hopefully offer an exit. But even so, he would have no time to dig his way out. Necromancer was hot on his heels, whispering wishes of death on his former friend.
A hand clasped around his wrist, urging him onward, and for a moment he felt reluctant to allow the touch. But it wasn't dead or terrible or papery. The hand was soft and as light as air. He felt inclined to follow this thing, though how much of that was him and how much was of these spirits' collective will, he could not say and right now he didn't have the luxury to ponder. Drawn by their innocence he allowed himself to be led deeper into the catacombs. Ardeth learned the error of that at the wall of a dead end.
The hands stopped him and his fingers brushed along a coffin before him. In a panic, he felt to either side of him where two more coffins lay. They had betrayed him to his death. Ardeth brushed his hair back and turned around, ready to face Necromancer to the death.
There was a dark laugh and slow, shuffling footfalls. "And now it comes to it," the dark version of Sajul mused. "My intention has always been to kill you, Ardeth. From the very beginning, for the priest. This is what gave you your freedom. Not Evelyn's sacrifice, but my promise. That is why you live, but to die here."
Ardeth backed against the coffin and held his hands up, waiting for the attack. He had suspected this would come, if not by a promise made to Imhotep, then by Necromancer's own delight. It hurt him no less, though. "Sajul," he said in one last attempt, knowing it would fail. If he could grab the thing's wrists and twist him around, perhaps he could escape in the other direction. Anything to free himself of this place. The Book of Amun Ra had removed Imhotep's power before and while the staff's ability to sever the priest's bindings to this earth would prevent him from returning again, they could live with having to guard his tomb. The important thing was to leave this place.
He heard Necromancer stop and he felt a rush of adrenaline as he readied himself. But the creature did not attack. Rasping in quick, frustrated breaths, Necromancer growled low and seemed to pace not more than ten feet away. "We will not let you have him," the voice that seemed many whispered into the dark. "We want him. We want him to sleep here with us."
"And so he shall!" the dead thing boomed, stopping somewhere to his left. "He is life! He is to be despised!"
The sadness in this terrible place increased and soft wailing, barely heard above a whisper, sounded in the depths. "No," the voices echoed intently, yet with a hint of envy. Ardeth suddenly felt dizzy and dropped to his knees under the soft caress of many needful hands. They wanted him to stay and rest here, but he kept fighting. He had to escape. He had to get to Evy. But right now if he stood he had no doubt that he would fall over again. A hand found his chin and raised it up as if someone were looking into his face. "He is life. He is to be enjoyed. You should never have brought him here, for his beauty is our peace."
"No," Ardeth breathed, finding it hard to even stay on his knees. But the hand touching his face kept him up. The ease of the bending of his will bothered him. Necromancer gave a surprising howl of fury, jolting him partially out of his dizzied worry. "Hhhrrr! You will pay for barring my way! When I am Master of the Dead I will bind you to my service and you will suffer unlike anything the high priest has done!" Ardeth looked up in the direction of the dead mage's voice, but did not hope for sight. What could stop him, this tangible being, from brushing past a few ghosts? Necromancer growled at the question and ignored it. "It matters not, Ardeth. These things are no less hungry than I! They will keep you here, savoring you until your last breath! I have the Staff of Osiris and you will fail! Die here in the despair they will share with you!"
Given no time to reply, Ardeth sank to the floor and gave over to his sudden illness. He could almost say let them keep him, but for the knowledge of what that would mean. Necromancer laughed as he stalked away into the dark. Ardeth dropped down to his hands, reaching one out towards the Necromancer, knowing he would not escape without help. Even now he could feel the promise of peace lulling him into sleepy haze. "Leave me!" he hissed, but these things more frightening than Imhotep and
Necromancer together would not let him go. They used his own betrayed emotions to draw his strength.
Necromancer ignored his unsaid plea, his guidance complete and his goal of leading Ardeth to failure seeing all too near.
Version Two:
"Sleep with us," the multiple voices breathed again, putting visions of sleep within his mind. He would be guarded by his own host of human angels, kept safe and peaceful until death took him. They wanted him, wanted his life, to watch him as he would watch Evelyn and savor her breath. The world outside seemed suddenly bigger and more frightening.
His attention fell to a sarcophagus nearby where he could hide and sleep, undisturbed by the priests. "No," he whispered, answered by doubt and fear. It was better to die here, to die peacefully than to fail at the blade of Imhotep, they were telling him. Better than dying alone, for in the end all would betray him. He would not believe it. This was a lie of Necromancer's.
He took another step and despaired at the hurt swelling around him. They were frightened of him heading this way and their want for him consumed so searingly that he nearly fell to his knees in sadness. Some of that was his own now. How could he hope to find the Staff of Osiris and escape against such hypnotic need?
Suddenly, they fled. All unnatural oppression went with them and was replaced by the sound of footsteps shuffling against the cement floor. And a voice. "This time you will not escape," Necromancer hissed in low tones that neared and paused a few feet away. "You feel tired."
With a swallow, Ardeth shook his head and crossed his arms. "I will fight." They were slowly returning to them, their injured silence coming upon his back in interest of the conversation that took place. He meant that he would fight them, but they believed he would fight his former friend. From Sajul's tone he guessed that may be so soon.
"No, you will not fight. And now it comes to it," the dark version of Sajul mused. "My intention has always been to kill you, Ardeth. From the very beginning, for the priest. This is what gave you your freedom. Not Evelyn's sacrifice, but my promise. That is why you live, but to die here."
His friend and brother meant to kill him here in the catacombs beneath Imhotep's temple. He did not have to question why Necromancer had turned on him. He had suspected this would come, if not by a promise made to Imhotep, then by Necromancer's own delight. The creature himself had warned him not to give over to trust, but for the love in his heart Ardeth could not have helped but wait for final judgment. Now he was proven wrong and it stung for what little hope he had clung to deep within. That soft hissing before him prepared for one purpose-his death.
"Sajul," he said in one last attempt, knowing it would fail. If he could grab the thing's wrists and twist him around, perhaps he could escape in the other direction. Anything to free himself of this place. The Book of Amun Ra had removed Imhotep's power before and while the staff's ability to sever the priest's bindings to this earth would prevent him from returning again, he could live with having to guard his tomb against resurrection instead. The important thing was to survive. The advantage belonged to the necromancer. It could see in the dark and he had no sight whatsoever in this place. The beings in this place seemed to tense in wait for whatever would take place and he could sense if a contest took place they would want for his success. But that gave him no comfort. They wanted him to live that he could die here. They desired him.
He felt a rush of adrenaline as he readied himself. But the creature did not attack.
To his preparations Necromancer laughed terribly and a chill spread through him. This was not his friend. Could anything human convey such a foul, demonic intent? "No, my friend. I cannot kill you. I would if it were possible, make no mistake, but it is not. Not in such a state as you are in now. And so I shall do the next best thing. I give you to the spirits here."
More footsteps sounded and the Med-Jai backed away, but Necromancer's focus was now on speaking with the denizens of this place. "His grace is beautiful, is it not? That which is repugnant to my eyes fills you with hope, my children?"
Affirmative, sickening sweetness seemed to fill the atmosphere as cold hands met his flesh, pawing at his clothing, touching him personally. He would have thrown them off had there been something there to grasp. Necromancer chortled at his discomfort and fear. "We want him," the voice that seemed many whispered into the dark. "We want him to sleep here with us."
"And so he shall," the dead betrayer agreed, moving somewhere to his left as if to inspect the gift he gave. "He is life. He is to be despised."
The sadness in this terrible place increased and soft wailing, barely heard above a whisper, sounded in the depths. "No," the voices echoed intently, yet with a hint of envy. Ardeth suddenly felt dizzy and dropped to his knees under the soft urge of needful hands on his shoulders. They wanted him to stay and rest here, but he kept fighting. He had to escape. He had to get to Evy. But right now if he stood he had no doubt that he would fall over again. A hand found his chin and raised it up as if someone were looking into his face. "He is life. He is to be enjoyed."
"No," Ardeth breathed, finding it hard to even stay on his knees. But the hand touching his face kept him up. The ease of the bending of his will bothered him. How could he fight this? How could Sajul leave him to this failure? "Please." His will was failing.
Necromancer rasped softly and the beings waited for an answer from their master. "I would have seen you dead, but I think this will prove better," he said in a quiet, unreadable tone. "These things are no less hungry than I, but you will live under their care. They will keep you here, savoring you and your despair until your last breath. I have the Staff of Osiris and you will fail." The footsteps retreated and the spirits seemed to swell with a quiet, mournful joy. He felt his hair being touched as if he were some sort of pet.
"Don't do this, Sajul," he said in husky tones, losing himself to the sleepy haze of peace they wanted to give in exchange for his failure. "She needs me. This world needs me."
Sajul snorted in contempt. "This world needs you? How arrogant you sound. You are nothing in the eyes of this world. Look at you, reduced to this. You wish me to help you, Ardeth? But you have accused me of requiring payment for my help. What can you offer?" He inhaled thoughtfully. "Lust no longer moves me or I may have demanded the use of your Evelyn. I wonder, for the world would you have given me permission to do that? To hurt her?"
"No, I would not have, you filthy creature!" Bay replied harshly, but the weakness washed quickly over his spirit again. He needed to get up, but the hands were too numerous and too heavy.
The necromancer laughed lightly at that and paced a little. "No, I thought not. Even you have your limits of heroism. So you would not let me hurt those you love, even for the sake of saving the world. Hmmm. But you would let me hurt you. I know you all too well. Do you loathe what I am, Ardeth? Do you find me repulsive and beneath you?" Ardeth bit back a biting reply and Necromancer took a step towards him. "Of course you do. I am far beneath you and a break in your pride would be the price I would demand."
Bay exhaled as the sorrow around him increased. They waited for his reply, greedily wanting for him to fail this little test. But he would not. "What would you have me do?" he asked, fearing any number of things this evil being would ask. But whatever would come, no matter how much it hurt, he would do it for her. For his purpose.
*
Hehehehe. I had to cut it off there. ;-D Hmmm.what would Necromancer do to Ardeth to lower his pride? Make him walk about in spotted undies, perhaps? ;-) Anyhow, just thought I'd post a little taste of what's to come. :-O