Here we go, another small burst of inspiration, which resulted in a new chapter :D
Not much to say, just continuing the story simply, except for that I maybe want to excuse for the slow update rate, but A Thorny Relationship takes up most of my thoughts of course ^^ -still excusing-

The general thing, fav and follow if you want, drop a review if you'd like, all those things, the most important thing is that you'll enjoy the story! :D

A Reunion That Could Not Be

….

She waded through the thick and cloudy fog that surrounded her, it faintly drifting out of the way for her ghostly feet as she was walking. Having summoned the Black Mist on a whim back when she rose from the dead, she was getting used to these new whereabouts by now.

Time was something from another plane, one that didn't belong here. When she entered the gloomy dusk, she felt that she left a world where time mattered, into a realm of eternal stillness. Around her, shrouded by the gloomy mist, Kalista heard the echoing and sibilant voices of beings that crossed, whispering in their wanderings. Some sounded of a burning anger, some were in doubt, some felt sorrow, some...alone.

If it weren't for her resolute quest for vengeance, perhaps she too would be one of the wandering spirits here. But she was not here to cross over to the beyond or to wander without purpose. The Spear of Vengeance was here to transit her former world using the Black Mist, giving her access to any given place with appropriate swiftness.

As soon as she had noticed she was wandering about in this purgatory after all, Kalista started to near her former world again, where she felt the burden of time pulling at her being again. However, being a spectral form now, it didn't matter in the slightest. Instead, it was a good omen, knowing that she neared the place again where she had to be to perform her rancorous task. She was pretty certain that once she would know how to bend the dusky haze completely to her spectral being, she could be anywhere in an instant.

When she stepped out of the Mist again, Kalista found herself on the battlements of a castle. The castle where she had been posted a for long time, even when she had been a high commander. The castle where she hopefully would get her answers.

One of the first things that made her wonder is that she wasn't noticed by any form of surveillance. Yes, the castle was placed within a safe environment and normally didn't contain individuals that were important or even key elements to the army or the government, but still, a blueish-green, tall, ghastly form of a warrior appearing on top of the walls should at least cause some commotion. Not even mentioning the thick, black fog that accompanied her apparition. It could not matter less to her now, but it still disappointed her that her former place of residence lacked at least that tad bit of discipline.

If I were still there, certain people would get some serious preaches...

The woman shook her head and drove the thoughts out of her mind, focusing on her cause again. Her normally so cold eyes, with their ghastly hue, were filled with a faint trace of melancholy because of all the memories linked to this place as they searched past all the windows that were still lit at this time of the night. He had always been a night owl, and if luck was with her, Kalista's source of answers was still awake, behind one of those lit windows.

It weren't only answers formerly...

She slightly looked to the side with a soft smile and she even caught herself with a faint blush on her translucent cheeks. Quickly, she straightened herself and released a breathless sigh to gather her thoughts again. Those feelings were of another life now. The reason she was here was that she, because of some unknown reason, still had spent unexpectedly much time in the realm beyond after she had stepped into the Black Mist, although it didn't feel like that. When she had returned to the world of the living, an undefined amount of time had passed, and quite some things had changed. And because she didn't feel the urge to travel across the whole world on spec, Kalista was here now.

For answers.

Once again, she stepped into the Black Mist to get further into the castle without problems. Her spectral form may not have been noticed on the outer walls, but walking through the inner halls and corridors would certainly get her noticed. Time didn't toy with her lifeline anymore, but it did so with her targets. Any form of unnecessary delay was wasting that time, no matter their age.

And so, the Mist departed along with her form, onwards to the next destination.

It was late at night, and the moon had already shared her room in the sky with the stars for a couple of hours now, as a secretary was working on finishing the last correspondence. He pursed his lips and gazed outside a bit, ticking his writing tool against his cheek.

Sometimes I wonder if it was worth it giving up my position in the army, no matter the accident or not... The man's gaze shifted to his right arm for a second, which was adorned with scars, from the wound that made it impossible for him to further serve as a normal soldier. Memories of his friends and comrades in battle waved through his head, and a smile appeared on his face.

But with the memories of former comrades, so did memories of their late commander, Kalista, lost years ago, come flashing through his mind. The always present, always honourable Kalista, proud, but without arrogance. The strong woman her men were willing to follow into death, if necessary. The woman with her calm, but friendly face, the shimmering blue eyes...A lump appeared in his throat as he remembered the woman he had shared love with for all those years, unnoticed by all the others. Quickly, he shrugged it off and tried to focus on the last bits of today's job.

Concerning his current job, at least he had his workspace neatly placed. His office was located on a comfortable height up in the southern tower of the castle where he was working. After serving among the army here, it seemed no more than easy and comfortable for him to change to a different kind of work in the same place.

He had insisted for his bureau to be on this side, since it was always enjoyable here, although it still could get too warm if the temperature skyrocketed on exceptionally hot summer days. But on pleasant days, like this one had been, the room had a good temperature, even long after the sun had set.

Suddenly, a shiver ran through him.

Had it become colder just now?

The man shook his head at the thought, probably he was just imagining things after the long day of work and the broad, exotic dinner this evening. As he was finished a last paragraph, another shiver worked its way up his body.

He straightened himself and frowned. This wasn't his mind tricking him again. His body wasn't lying, somehow, the temperature of the room dropped at least ten degrees. The man shivered once more and rose from his seat to close the window, that would probably help to at least preserve some of the warmth that still lingered in his office.

As he walked towards the window, he failed to notice the small wisps of black fog that started to appear from under his doorstep. With a slight squeal of the rusted hinges, the clerk closed the window, firmly pushing it shut, but almost got a heart attack when he turned around again.

The door of his room was completely concealed behind a thick, black mist, from which a blanket of the same dark fog was spreading through the rest of the chamber. In an instinctive response stemming from his former career and the years of training, his right hand immediately grabbed down to where his sword would've been clasped to his belt. But now, there was only his bare belt, nothing more, nothing less. He moved backwards and his hands clutched the balcony tightly while he tried to press himself to the window as much as possible.

'Martin...'

A voice called out to him from somewhere within the dark clouds, chilly as a winter wind, almost drained of emotion, but somewhere, something felt familiar, a recognizable hint...

Now, a figure stepped forth from the gloomy shroud. A tall and slender woman appeared in front of him, her expression as stoic as her voice had sounded. Her skin was blueish and translucent, glowing in an eerie light. She wore the trademark armour of the army this castle was a part of, the same armour he had worn for so long, but the elegant colours were roughly stained by a large, black spear sticking through her breastplate, obviously the cause of her death.

The specter remained motionless after the first steps and just stood there, tall and solemn, waiting for a response, keeping him in her undying gaze with her glowing eyes. The appearance of the spectral woman seemed like an aftereffect of eating too much of the wrong salad or certain plants, but still, her figure, the long ponytail, the armour, it all did ring a bell somewhere, but he just couldn't place it.

'Fear not, Martin. I am only here for answers.' the female figure spoke up again, deciding it took too long for him to properly respond, the stoic expression on her face softening a bit. Once more, the voice pierced through him, cold as the grave she probably belonged in. Although he could almost feel his heart beating so hard it seemed like it could jump out of his chest, his mind finally changed into a state of recognition at hearing that faint tone again. No matter his fear or astonishment, the words just rolled out of his mouth before he realized.

'...K-Kalista?'

The spectral woman in front of him now stirred, involuntarily stepping back a bit at his unexpected statement. Her shoulders seemed to drop a bit and her gaze lowered.

'Kalista...Yes...that was my name...' Kalista responded, and she caught herself smiling a little bit at her friend of a former life remembering her. Seeing that smile on her lips, Martin could catch a small glimpse of the woman behind the veil of death, the commander that people would willingly follow, the proud woman, with her tanned skin and glinstering eyes, of a blue in which he could drown...

By now, he was sure that he was seeing things and that he never should've touched that fourth glass of wine after all that suspicious salad. There was no way his former commander and love would appear in front of him again.

'Martin, do you know where Ethan, Venna and Glorin have set off to?' the ghost of his former commander went on, focusing on the cause of her appearance here again. Although her voice sounded...softer now, Martin still tried to calm his breath, to at least be able to answer her, whether she was an illusion or not.

'...The other commanders?...They-The others decided to disband, since they all were in deep grief of your demise on the battlefield. They...found it not worthy anymore without you...it weren't "the four of you" anymore...'

Kalista tilted her head a bit, eyes narrowed in displease at their disgraceful act of deceitfulness. Martin, thinking the displease was aimed at himself, took another deep breath, hoping he wasn't upsetting the spectral reappearance of his former friend.

'A-After that battle in which we lost you, Glorin has been able to become the king of a land in the southeast, for some reason...'
Her eyes widened a bit again at hearing that. She let out an inaudible growl.

So that was it...

'Venna has simply disappeared, traveling to the south, and Ethan decided to still stay in our ranks, currently leading our men...in the outpost to the east, w-where we all had our training...' Martin went on, seeing she didn't feel the need to say anything, although her body language had given away it was a harsh revelation to her.

Kalista straightened herself again and nodded, the grim expression disappearing from her ghostly face as she took another look at him.

'Thank you. And please, do not fear me, Martin...I would never lay a finger on you, you have always been a good friend...and more...Know that I would rather defend you from any mischief that might come over you...'

She outstretched a spectral hand, and as if he was guided by a higher command, he felt his own hand being stretched out, until their fingertips touched each other. For him, it felt like his fingertips were immersed in ice, but in between the cold, he could feel a warm feeling of lost friendship and love flow through, the warmth that still remained in her spectral heart because of all the good memories. She smiled, retracted her hand and stepped backwards, towards the Black Mist.

'This is most likely a farewell, Martin. If you would ever be in dire need, you have but to call my name, and I will be there to aid, in honour of what we had.'

She halted a bit, but then lifted one hand a bit, and a spectral spear appeared, not as long, like some kind of miniature version of the spears she used. The woman outstretched her hand and Martin, now knowing what to do, reached out and took over the small throwing weapon. Now, she tilted her head a bit and retracted her hand.

'So long as you keep that with you, I will be there, guarding you.'

The words hadn't left her mouth completely, or Martin could feel the spear warm up in his hands, sending images through his mind, of their memories, but not vague or blurred, like memories could be in one's head, but full, coloured, complete. Before he knew it, it was as if he was sucked in and became one with the memory again. From afar, he felt a faint voice becoming louder...

'Hey, Martin...'

From the door, the voice of Kalista softly sounded, breaking the silence he had shrouded himself in after leaving the dinner in a rush without thinking. He looked up, into the blue eyes of the woman that stood there, leaning against the door frame with a mild, knowing smile on her face.

'You shouldn't take Venna's provocative words and rude comments as bullying or take them too serious. You know she has a high opinion of herself, and certainly now she's had more than enough drinks...A few more rounds of rum and she'll be counting giant coloured elephants.'

An involuntary smile appeared on Martin's face as he heard Kalista's words, but he shook his head.

'I just can't stand that she's always picking on my "inadequate skills with the sword" or that I "even don't know the front and the back of an arrow"...I know she's better at arms than me, but that's already clear from the fact that she's a commander and I'm not, but does she have to rub it in every single time?'

Kalista sighed a bit and brushed a long lock of black hair out of her face.

'If it really becomes too much I'll show her what it is to be lesser at arms and how it feels to be humiliated...' A somewhat darker tone appeared in her voice, and Martin knew that you could better not get on Kalista's bad side. She might be on par with Venna in terms of rank, but she easily outclassed the other female commander in terms of talent for fighting. The way Kalista swiftly dashed around the battlefield, uncatchable, always remaining alert and never losing sight of her opponents thanks to her unique martial pose already made her rise above the haughty woman. And she had already experienced that Kalista wasn't solely a grasshopper which wielded the spear like she was born with it. From multiple duels, it had already been clear, spear, sword, bow, no matter what, Venna would lose on all fields.

'Hey, Kalista...' Martin began this time, curiousity replacing the depressed mood.

'Yes?'

-'You have so much more talent at arms than most of the other commanders..And no, don't give me that face, it's true.' he continued, silencing Kalista before she could complain. 'But what I wanted to say is, why did you remain on our level, here, instead of going for the highest rankings, on par with the high generals or maybe at the royal court?'

The tall woman moved her gaze downwards a bit, silent for a moment after his question. She seemed to go over a few subjects in her mind, but shortly after, she raised her head and fixed her deep blue eyes on him again.

'Simple...I choose companionship and friends above the unnaturally strict behaviour up there in the higher positions. Trust is worth more than anything. And...'

She pushed herself off the door frame she was leaning against and walked up to him, bending over to the chair he was seated on. Before he could say anything more, he felt her soft lips touch his. The initial surprise over, he returned the loving kiss, which soothed him more than any words could.

Way too soon, their lips parted again, and she looked at him again, a warm smile adorning her face.

'And I choose love above higher positions.'

Martin felt his inner being filled with a warmth, but he sighed nonetheless. Looking down, a feeling of regret washed over him as well.

'But even if-' he started with a lower voice, although he didn't reach further than those three words. Almost immediately, he was silenced by Kalista giving him another, deeper kiss now, taking away all the negative feelings he had, fading, washed away by the moment of bliss as their lips touched. She halted the kiss again, to softly pull him out of the chair.

'Even if it is a hidden love, yes, Martin...'

The female warrior now subtly led him to his bed and made him lay down on it. Slowly, she followed, untying the knot that held her ponytail together. As she laid herself down on him, her long, black hair fell down, released from its state of tied up. Now, he saw her face nearing again, and in her brilliant blue eyes, he could see the love reflecting...

Slowly, he was pulled out again, the afterimage of her beautifully blue eyes remaining on his retina for a few seconds. Now, he started to see his own room again, the thick, black fog still present, the spectral form of the current Kalista in front of him, her head tilted a bit, apparently she had been examining how his response would be.

'How was it?' she asked, her voice unexpectedly soft now for a being so cold. Martin nodded and rubbed his temples, being reminded of the experience.

'Like it was real again...' he said with a slight lump in his throat. Kalista nodded in satisfaction and straightened herself again.

'May this be my last and everlasting gift, then.'

Her voice turned a bit solemn again, but a smile still lingered on her face. Kalista turned around and stepped forward, but before she placed her foot in the fog, she turned her head one last time.

'And I always enjoyed the times I spent with you, Martin. I was a warrior, but you treated me like a real woman...Even now, I can feel the regret I had in my former life that our love couldn't be more than a secret between the two of us...' she said in a voice that resembled the warm voice of her former life so much it was almost like the old Kalista stood in his room, and one last, soft laugh lingered in the office, even long after the Black Mist had left the room, it still left Martin taken aback, her parting laugh echoing in his head.

'A-After that battle in which we lost you, Glorin has been able to become the king of a land in the southeast, for some reason...'

Lost in thought, Kalista had just been wandering through the Black Mist, not paying attention to any lost spirit or ghoul that quickly scurried away when they saw the Lady of Vengeance nearing, the spectral spears through her chest emitting their haunting glow, almost lighting her path. She went over the things Martin had said to her, and that particular sentence kept ringing through her mind.

He needed me out of the way...so he could make or maybe complete a pact that would get him there...foul, treacherous play to get an undeserved throne...

She gritted her teeth in a hissing growl, and from her ghastly eyes, the normally tranquil, green un-light started to emit a feeling of animosity, an eerie glow that would let any onlooker have a bone chilling shiver run down their spine. With the thoughts in her head growing stronger, an eerie spear started to form in her hand again, gaining form along with her hate. The ghostly specter halted and closed her eyes, calming herself, making the weapon in her hand dissolve again. Vengeance would be hers, the oath would be fulfilled.

She looked down, at the three gloomy javelins that were pierced through her chest, the greenish wisps of spectral matter slowly waving out of the wounds they had created. Three spears that each had their destined aim and were to take their respective lives. Three souls that would come to an end in the same way as their perfidious act had ended her life.

But first, she needed to know what the reasons were of the two others, who seemed to have gained nothing out of it. So, she turned to the west, mind set on a place also filled with memories, but soon, one person would lose all his memories of that place, that was for sure.

Her first spear shall find its target.

And it won't miss.

...

So, as you may notice, this time, I went over the Kalista she had been, showing some more emotions and flashbacks^^
She may have become a merciless revenant that has the sole purpose to execute revenge for those who ask for it, she had been a woman in life, one with feelings:3

Time to respond to the people who were kind enough to drop a review :D

Erindor: A damn good story is being written now.
I hope you can update this soon.
Thanks for the nice words^^ -and no matter how much I have heard it already, still, the puns.. xD- I guess I have to excuse for the slow update rate, but the main story just sucks up all my attention more or less :c Still glad you like this one :D

FG SilentFox: It's finally up! This story seems really nice and might have some good potential. I look forward for the next burst of inspiration you have!
Well, that next burst took a while :$ I hope you'll enjoy this chapter, and that it makes up a bit for the wait ^^

RazorC: ADamnGoodName with ADamnGoodStory. Very nice work
Thank you:3 and the puns with the names, again x)

Guest: AWESOME!
Why hasn't RIOT yet copied that story as a lore?
Dammit u are just incredible! This atmosphere was just so stunning, I still can't believe it!
I actually got one question: hiw is she removing/piercing her spear(s) into her chest.
Because in her picture she got pierced from her backside.
I couldn't imagine an better lore for our stacking-queen, everything totally fits!

Thank you once again!
~Nostro
W-Wow...I'm so...I'm almost proud that I could convey the atmosphere that well, I really wanted it to feel like that, and apparently I succeeded:3
Your question, the big black spear, she pushed that back in, the hole was more or less big enough, since the shaft is slimmer than the tip, and the three spectral spears, they have a really sharp backside, she used those tips to force them through^^ Not to mention her rage to fuel her strength D:

I hope you have enjoyed it up till now, see you the next time perhaps, and enjoy the rest of your day/night/matches/life:3

ADamnGoodName out