Review Responses:

popo: Thanks for reviewing!

bahamut: Yeah, bad me and my evil cliffhangers. I too have had my account suspended for the past few days. :(

Smoke: As for the punishment issue, I'd agree that it's the worst punishment possible. Kain and Marina sort of have a love-hate relationship at the moment..

phoenix: Men only say it under the possibility of death it seems. I guess Kain's more Kainish in this chapter because he's written more in character.

NeoSparda: Writer's block does suck, partially why I'm updating the story so slowly. I think it's finally coming together though. Thanks for your review!

Danaee: Thank you for your kind review. Good luck on reviving your fic!

Shiva: Why, thank you! Marina does eventually breaks her bonds and becomes more independent as the years go on.

Selphiefan 89: Yup, Kain's pretty arrogant, but you have to love the tragic hero appeal! ;)

( )

I watched the tall, pale, muscular male lounging there. Casually, he was examining his sharp ebony talons that were of considerable length. A shaft of sunlight rested on his mane of white hair, but he seemed oblivious to it. At last he noticed me even though he was keenly aware of my presence all the while. "You're back."

"And you're here," I responded bitterly.

"I have been waiting for you for nearly…hmm…three hours now," Kain informed me leisurely, absently gesturing to an hourglass whose sands had long since drained. "I feared the worst."

I disregarded his apparent concern. "Three hours? Imagine being locked in here for over three hundred."

Kain instantly scowled at me. "Still so brazen. I had hoped this time would've made you reflect more on your attitudes."

Ignoring Kain for the moment, I let my eyes roam the room patterned with light and shadow that I now knew every crevice of until my icy gaze rested on an indigo rectangular object hastily thrown down on a polished wooden end table near the intruder himself. My journal. Except I had left it in my drawer. Kain had found it. And read it, presumably. From cover to cover.

"You read my journal?! After you gave it to me as a gift to pour my thoughts into? You had no right…"

"I had every right. The journal is in a bedroom that I own; a room I have a right to access, Marina, at any time I choose. It's in my castle. Oh, and for your information, I quite enjoyed reading it, though I suspected it would be filled by now."

"You honestly had nothing better to do than to rifle through my things?" I was indignant. Did this man mean to control everything?

"Only if it will help the person in question." Kain sent me a reproving glare and broke his leaning position so that he was back on his feet. Lightly, he paced the span of the room never taking those intense gold eyes off me.

"So? What did you wish to discuss? Was I not supposed to leave—again? Victor said I could go wherever I chose."

"Victor was not mistaken. I asked him to give you the message personally, but that is not why I am here." Kain moved towards me furtively and peered at me closely. His own burning gaze locked on my lower lip. "It's healed. Believe me, I am sorry for striking you, Marina. I confess; my temper got the better of me. But, I at least can admit my mistakes."

"And I can't?" I ventured. "Yes, Kain, I admit my actions were a little…"

"Marina, I have decided to extend to you an avenue of greater freedom." Kain went on smoothly, running over my words like the ocean waves skimming across the shore.

I was not sure I had heard correctly. "My lord? You mean that?"

"Oh, and suddenly I'm your "lord" now? I thought I was a bastard the last time we met."

"It was a reflex," I replied, narrowing my eyes. "I harbor no ill will towards you, and technically you are my overlord. You are the master of the entire span of Nosgoth."

"I know my current position in the world. But the real question is, where do I stand in yours?" At my abrupt and total silence, Kain continued. "I have decided to let you roam where you wish. You are not a fledgling anymore, and I am sure you can provide for yourself. However, I would strictly advise you not to wander on enemy territory, for obvious reasons. And if I forbid you to enter an area, I expect you to obey my edict, like any general or lieutenant would. Do we understand each other up until this point?"

Mutely, I nodded. I felt the most threatening part of the storm pass. So whilst the hail and lightening waned, I made my inquiry. "Um…about the journal. How much did you read?"

"Enough. Some pages were far more fascinating than others; especially the last entries." A smug smile spread over Kain's usually sober features; a smile more sinister and conspiratorial than I would've liked.

I was ashamed I had ever put such thoughts down on paper and ashamed that I was embarrassed about such a trivial matter. Still, I felt mortified. My personal space had been breached, and the man they were directed at knew all my hidden emotions and passions. Stop it! You're acting like a bewildered mortal girl that had her diary read by the desired object of her affections. He wants this reaction from you. It's not the end of the world.

Breaking into a forced smile of my own, I attempted to level with the beast. "Well, I hope it held your interest."

"Indeed it did. I can remember my favorite passage: "'why must the man I love be my enemy?'" He took me in superiorly. "Now that interests me."

"I meant every letter of it," I shot back without thinking.

"Of course, or you wouldn't have written it. Out of curiosity Marina, do you love me enough to be your enemy?"

He's mocking me. Right this instant. Why do I put up with it? Damn Kain and his mind games both! Obviously, I had no answer for him. My mind could not compete with Kain's manipulative intellect.

"There is a gossamer line between love and hate, Marina. Which sector do I fall in?" Kain was acutely watching me, eager to hear my reply. But where Kain surpassed me intellectually, I exceeded intuitively. The wrong answer could send him out of this door forever. I decide to respond in the same evasive manner he had. "We are always most hurt by the ones we love."

Before I could make the smallest reaction, Kain growled deep in his chest and charged at me. I couldn't defend myself from the crushing force of Kain's lips against mine. Shocked, my mind froze, but my body did the exact opposite. Hungrily, I willingly accepted Kain's advances. It had been far too long. In the past year, we had barely touched each other. All hateful emotions rushed from me like a floodgate opening; transforming into a waterfall of passion. Our fierce, frenzied kisses generated pure energy. It was almost as if I could perceive red and blue crackles of it behind my closed lids, intangible, but ever present. Serene sapphire and raging ruby: both merging into an unearthly amethyst.

Cleary, Kain's passions were not something to be reckoned with. The wildfire had been unleashed. I had the sense those two lonely weeks had a profound effect on Kain I couldn't even begin to imagine. Ardently, Kain craned my head so that our noses were nearly touching, and possessively looped his arm around my waist, pressing me up against him. I had learned, with the exception of the incident a fortnight ago, that Kain exercised great restraint on his emotions such as his substantial anger and vexations. However, I had not known that this passion, which in saner and more measured circumstances could be termed "love," was included in that baked, turbulent landscape of feeling as well. I had just assumed Kain was growing colder and more distant as the centuries passed. I now knew better. He needed me as much as I needed him.

Gently, I touched his face, daring to entangle my fingers in those long locks of white hair. What color had it been before? Blonde? Jet? Strangely, it didn't matter anymore. Here was now; not the distant past of over a millennia ago, or the near future where Nosgoth could very well collapse on itself. Kain's rough, demanding gestures did not scare me. In fact, it made me more determined to show him my own brand of affections. I was certain that my firm yet tender hand could quell the ravaging lion. With a shiver of the unexpected pleasure of being nurtured to; Kain yielded to me. The aggressor had become the victim. This time, I was the one who guided us over to that cobalt, velvet-covered bed.

( )

When I regained awareness again, dusk was upon us, tinting the skies a heady golden smeared rose. The last of the conflagration had been extinguished by a sweet, coursing rain. Our passions were sated, and I felt whole again. I only hoped that the one slumbering next to me felt the same. For the first time, Kain hadn't left me alone and retreated back to his own chambers where he always reassumed his role as a cold, rigid ruler of this cruel wasteland. For now, we were but two lovers sharing the same warm peace under a stunning sunset. Secretly, I never wanted it to end. However, the outside world intruded, thrusting me back into reality with the slamming of a door. Darien, the Turelim, stood in the latticework of the orange glow coming in from the windows and the approaching inky darkness from the interior corridors that promised night would soon be here. The expression on proud Darien's face was coolly composed, until he peeked at the bed and found the unexpected "guest" and I together.

"My lady," he sputtered. "Oh…my lord, I…uh…"

Kain groaned irritably and pushed himself up in the sitting position so he could face his guard. "Darien? Whatever is the emergency? As you can plainly see, I'm attending other matters at the moment."

I giggled out loud at the pure irony of this. Years ago, Kain and I had caught the Turelim in nearly the same compromising situation with a Rahabim female that had since returned to her own territory. Kain sent me a mischievous grin but kept his imposing eyes locked on his grandchilde.

"S-Sire," Darien stammered on. "I w-wished to tell the lady Marina that—"

"That can wait," Kain relied impatiently. "I shall meet with you outside, when I am fully clothed." To illustrate his point, I wrapped the bed sheets more tightly around me, hiding my modesty from Darien's often prying eyes. Had the Turelim the opportunity to redden with embarrassment, I strongly believed he would've. Finally leaving us in private with his disappearing form and the slam of the door, Kain turned to me earnestly. "Come outside with me, Marina. I want to hear this too."

I had expected this business finished. Reluctantly, I rose from the comfort of the bed and slipped on a silky silver gown that would reflect the light similar to the fair moon herself. I arranged and settled my raven hair over my bare shoulders. I no longer felt the need to prove myself. My trusty, well-used, oiled leather armor could rest for one evening. My perpetually masculine mode of dress did nothing for my wellbeing or self-esteem anyway. I was ridiculed all the more for it.

I followed Kain out into the corridor where Darien was waiting silently, shifting from one foot to the other. Didn't he know about Kain and I? Everyone else seemed to. Perhaps, some didn't really know until it was right in front of their face. Although Darien's features were friendly and calm enough now, his posture remained wary. "Now, Darien, what do you wish to tell Marina?" Kain asked.

The Turelim coughed. "Well, I wanted to inform the lady that I support her even though she is in public disgrace…"

"Public disgrace? Where did you hear such a ridiculous thing? Zephon got away with worse throughout his miserable existence—and still does."

"Yes, my lord, but Zephon is a lieutenant," Darien replied heatedly. So. The truth comes out.

"Was my lieutenant. Does not Marina, a general by all rights, deserve the same consideration? Or were you visiting her chambers for another purpose? You have quite a reputation yourself, Darien."

Again Darien was struck speechless. I sensed that Kain had guessed correctly. Darien had figured he'd take advantage of the poor, hapless, possibly friendless female and offer his consolation and "understanding". Yes, I was beginning to see a picture here.

Darien ran a shaky hand through his loose ebony hair. "I was thinking of nothing of the sort."

"Good. Have you any other proclamations to put to voice? Then, I believe your shift has begun. I'd start with the courtyard." Kain spoke these words in a courteous tone, but underneath there was an icy timbre that rang with unquestioned authority. Darien nearly tripped over his own feet scrambling away.

Kain chuckled darkly and switched those presently mirthful eyes on me. "You don't have to stay in this cold, damp palace anymore, Marina. Go enjoy the night air and mingle with your friends, if you so desire."

"Friends," I muttered. "Should there be any left."

"Don't be discouraged. They'll have all eternity to get over it." Oddly, this opinion sent a shiver through me. What if you never got over it? What if your burning hatred preserved forever, even beyond the grave? Not a pleasant thought. "Will you accompany me?" I blurted out.

Kain appeared to be shocked for a moment before he quickly recovered his wits. "I am sorry, Marina, but not tonight. I am meeting dignitaries in the Assembly Hall around midnight. Dumah will be among them."

I froze. "Dumah? Why ever would he return? Hasn't he been banished?"

"Certain circumstances need to be addressed," Kain replied tersely. "You may listen in as well. I'll be taking precautions against the war-hungry Dumahim."

I nodded. That was about as far as I going to get. "I'll meet with you later, then."

"Later," Kain agreed. Silently, I watched him whisk away; the crimson of his cape fading from sight until it faded into the pooling dimness.

Feeling a bit dejected, I left the presumed safety of Sanctuary and wandered outside. The Dumahim would be here in mere hours. I had not seen Dumah in four centuries and honestly wouldn't care if it were four centuries more. I couldn't help but wonder what he would think of me now, in this slinky fabric. Perhaps I should've worn my thick armor after all. No. I couldn't let him, or anybody else get to me. I would be tougher than that. I was stronger than that.

Wandering down the craggy rock formations of the familiar mountain slope, I spotted a figure. Curious, I approached it, instinctively already knowing whom it was. Melchiah was walking my way, from the direction of his territory. His head down, he did not notice me at first. "Melchiah, I called to him softly, "it's me."

With a jerk, his bald head snapped up. Recognition lit his eyes. "Marina! You're here."

"Did you think I had been executed?" I teased.

His face darkened. "I was worried," he admitted. "Ever since that night, Rahab has stayed in his territory. He's perpetually moody nowadays."

"I am not surprised," I murmured, gazing up at the darkening sky and at the hoary orb rising into it.

"Don't be too hard on yourself. Though it was indeed reckless of you; it was undeniably brave. I myself have never wandered into the Human Citadel. My siblings are more suited to that terrain."

"Speaking of which, Dumah is arriving soon."

"I know," Melchiah cut in. "That's why I'm traveling to Sanctuary this eve. And you? Are you going…swimming?"

"No," I sighed. "I suspect my heavy heart would sink me."

"Is it about Dumah?" Mechiah shifted feet.

"Yes," I whispered. "That must be it." A strange depression was starting to weigh on me. I hoped it would be a passing stage, and not a permanent handicap.

"You're wearing a dress," Melchiah said out of the blue. This irrelevant comment disrupted my gloomy thoughts. I simply looked at him. "It's nice," he added. "You should wear them more often." Inside, I gladdened. It was so refreshing to meet a male you could consider a friend, without treating you like a child or a cherished possession.

"Come, let us go for a walk before presenting ourselves at Sanctuary," I suggested. And under the illuminated indigo and obsidian skies, we did.

( )

We arrived early. Kain sat upon the dais with every usable guard arrayed around us. This was a protective measure; something we desperately needed against the wily Dumahim. Eventually, midnight came and went. Ten minutes passed. Then twenty. Kain uttered an annoyed sigh and tapped his claws on the smooth marble surface of the throne. Dumah would come late, of course, for when it convenienced him.

Nearly thirty minutes passed before the arrogant Dumah breezed through with his entourage of ten soldiers behind them. Their cold eyes and haughty laughter sickened me. The richly embroidered purple silk of their capes were offensive. Purple: the color of nobility. Did Dumah fancy himself royalty all along?

The Dumahim leader bowed mechanically to his maker with a malicious, ironic smirk twisting his lips, loathing the deed, I was sure. This Dumah was not the same man I remembered. He had always been difficult and self-important; always the first one to fight for the base desire of glory to further his own gains, but I had never seen him so vindictive. Rather cowardly, I slipped behind a nearby column, not wanting to be spotted.

"Welcome Dumah," Kain's voice boomed. "As to what may I owe this honor? What did you wish to discuss?"

"Greetings my lord. The honor is mine to be in your presence," he replied affably. I traded a guarded look with Melchiah standing some feet away, and snorts of derision could be heard around me. What did Dumah really want? Surely, Kain wasn't that stupid to believe his prodigal child's words.

"Indeed. Now, explain your purpose for calling a meeting here tonight. I'll excuse your tardiness." Kain shifted in his seat.

"Well, I have a request, sire. A request only you can grant me."

Kai leaned forward. "And?"

"I am asking permission for my clan to have rights to settle on the abandoned Razielim territory." With that, the room exploded. Short, shocked gasps were exhaled and whispers were legion. The word "blasphemy" and "cursed" were multitude. I too was appalled. How could Dumah ask for such a thing? Next to Kain himself, he already had the largest territory in Nosgoth. Why did he need more? The Razielim lands were too close for comfort. They lay just to the west of here.

Kain struck the Soul Reaver against the marble floor. "Silence!" he roared. Those flaming eyes fastened on Dumah. "Why exactly do you want it?"

"It's not like Raziel is going to use them again. I wish to expand my city," Dumah replied with a shrug, as if this were entirely acceptable.

"Hold your tongue!" Kain hissed. "Those lands will remain vacant for the time being. You will keep to your own."

"Why? What will they be used for?"

"Certainly not for a military base for your own exploits!" Kain countered.

I could listen to no more. Wandering into the cool, polished hallways beyond, I went to the lavish entrance chambers that had recently been built. Priceless vases were on display here…and two individual pools of clear water. This disturbed some vampires, but luckily this place wasn't used much. Most preferred to use the original means of entry to the Throne room. Exactly why I chose this secluded spot. I sat on the lip of a tiled pool and gazed into the liquid for an indefinite amount of time. The numbness at hearing the fallen being's name coupled with such outrageous designs attached to his once beloved city needed to dissipate. Then I heard it. Footsteps. More than one pair: all marching together. He had discovered me.

I stood and sharply faced him. His proud face was directly in front of me. "Hello, Marina. I thought I had caught sight of you."

"Hello, Dumah," I responded formally. "You look well."

"You look better." Dumah's gaze raked me up and down lustfully.

"I see you haven't changed," I said disgustedly.

"No, and neither have you. Or perhaps you shall surprise me yet."

A titter came from behind Dumah. Upon glancing behind him, I recognized the features of a Dumahim I detested. Marcel was his name. I remembered how his friend and he had attempted to capture me on their frozen, snowy territory after emerging from that accursed Time-Streaming Chamber.

"I suspect you haven't changed much either," I remarked dryly. "Where's your friend?"

Marcel scowled. "Jasper is dead. Humans."

"I'm sorry--"

"Don't feign sympathy, Marina. We know your type," Dumah snarled. "You and my two idiot brothers are too good for us, right?"

"I never said that."

"And you never shall." No warning came when Dumah swiftly and fiercely pushed me into the water below. From below the tepid, shallow depths, I overheard Dumah tell his partner three words, and those three little words could reveal so much about a person's character. "Say she tripped…"

However, the joke was on him. I surfaced, my skin still intact; much to Dumah's dismay. Up above, the Dumahim leader looked down at me. He was astonished, but recovered quickly enough. "So, the rumors are true. I thought they would be in this particular case." This information have proven correct, Dumah and his crony went on their merry way.

Angrily, I scrambled back on the tile floor and made my way, dripping wet, back into the main interior of Sanctuary where Victor, the Rahabim, immediately took note of me. "My lady? What happened?"

"Ask Dumah!" I snapped as I rushed to my chambers to change.