Hello All,

I know it's been a while and for leaving you hanging I apologise. First I didn't have time to write and then I just got stuck.

I hope you'll have fun with this one.

Thanks for sticking with me.

Enjoy...

Alton La Fey was very rarely surprised. And hardly ever shocked. But right now his mind raced. This night didn't turn out the way he had planned. He tried to divide his attention between Nessa Moonshade charging at him with her blades raised and rain of bodies hitting the floor.

These were his best warriors. He chose them out of dozens of new recruits who attempted to join his organization. When he "adopted" them, they were still children. He was their teacher. Through merciless trainings he wanted to make them the core of his guild, elite army, with the help of which, he planned to take over Amarath. They didn't fear pain or death. The only thing they feared was his anger or discontent. Each disobedience was punished ruthlessly. But it was the only way to make them unconditionally loyal. In very special way they were precious to him, they were his pride. Extremely skilled and proficient killing machines. Therefore seeing them broken and defeated would hurt him. If he could feel like other humans. He felt loss but not pain or grief.

La Fey had foreseen that Nessa Moonshade would seek revenge. This was this one weakness that in his eyes would lead her straight to his trap. To her fall. She would not come just settle the score. She would come to make him pay extra. Which made killing this pitiful comrade of hers even more enjoyable. She acted more predictable that he'd ever expect. One piece didn't fit however. She was supposed to be alone. She always acted alone, she didn't trust anyone.. except for now late Jon. There was no other explanation for what was just happening. She must have brought some backup. And he was dying to know who it might be. Who would be good enough for Nessa Moonshade….

There was no time for such musings. He took a stance and prepared to repulse her attack. He could not help however the wave of excitement, satisfaction and lust flooding his heart. Her hair, her eyes, her moves, she WAS fire in it's pure form. Wild, dangerous and therefore incredibly fascinating. Through all these years which Alton La Fey spent on his way to the top of underground society, his life seemed to have lost something significant. Uniqueness and thrill that only true challenges could bring. Everyday his reputation provided him with more devoted servants. The smell of fear, at first sweet and stimulating, with time became obnoxious, strangling stench. Everyday turned out to be exactly the same. All this vermin crawling at his feet in hollow admiration. Blood has lost it's taste, killing has lost it's "charm". There was nothing he could not have; everything was at he reach of his hand. He could not stand it anymore. He tried to fight this state of mind with wines, beautiful women, luxurious life. But in the end, it all just led to a greater frustration. He was assassin, predator, a warrior. In order to feel, he needed challenges. And this outraged woman charging at him at full speed was what he needed. He truly believed that she would help him emerge from this emotional atrophy… His lips corners twitched. He haven't felt this good for ages. The adrenalin wave that was rushing through his veins made him ecstatic. And it was only beginning. With one swift move he unsheathed his blade. It immediately blocked one aiming at his throat. La Vey's lips stretched in wide grin now. The die is cast…

Nuada observed two figures from the above. He squatted by the last body of La Vey's guards. His face was still stretched in surprise. He didn't even notice where the spear that ended his life came from. Nuada wiped his blade in boy's shirt. He was merely a boy. This made his disgust for human rise even more. How could they use children? How could they deprive them of childhood so ruthlessly? Children and youth were the biggest value in the Elven world. They were community's future, and therefore they were cherished and loved unconditionally. Every offence against a child was punished severely. He wished his father could have been here and see Amarath. He wished he could show him how humans desecrate all values their people believe in. He wished he could ask him what really makes him stand up for this vermin. Guilt? Pity? Empty eyes of this boy didn't make him proud warrior. But somewhere deep inside Nuada believed, that killing him ended life, which nobody valued. That was just another reason for him proving that humans do not deserve to live. If they do not cherish their own future why should anyone care about their currents?

Clinging sound brought him around. He shook his head and returned to watching the scene that was happening below. He watched Nessa's dance with pleasure. He was warrior himself, perfectly aware of the amount of blood, sweat and tears that needed to be sacrificed in order to gain such smoothness in handling a blade. Her whole body worked in perfect harmony while giving and deflecting blows. At the same time there was something evanescent and light in her style. Her moves were quick, but at the same time gracious. She didn't fight opponent. She invited him to a lethal embrace of her twirling blades. This view brought back one blurry memory. Sword Dancers. This was now long forgotten class of elven female warriors. As a child Nuada watched them train. They impersonated unison of extremely powerful warrior and beauty and volatility of a dancer. Most of them fell during the war with humans. Then, when Fey world started to shrink dramatically, his father decided that no more of them will be trained. Females were too precious to endanger them. Since then Elven women were taught how to handle blade, but none of them was allowed to sacrifice their life to a sword. Now having his eyes fixed upon this human he could help his mouth corners twitch. Nuada Silverlance seeing Sword Dancer in human… He jumped off the platform and landed lightly on room's floor. All that he needed to do was to wait.

Nessa gasped when her blade was stopped by La Fey's. His black eyes searched for hers. The ocean of anger which he saw, sent electric impulse down La Fey's spine. How he wished to win this…

Nessa felt that the rage filling her whole was weakening her discipline. Anger is a flaw that needs to be eliminated. Otherwise it always leads warrior to fall. This was mantra that was running through her mind. She needed to erase painful memories, to wipe out the grief. She needed to become Rhys' heir…. Very slowly she started to move her blade downwards as if she was trying to sharpen it. Her left arm shot sideways aiming for La Fey's abdomen. La Fey jumped back deflecting both attempts. With a growl Nessa lunged forward with cunning combination of high and low attack. La Fey was no amateur. He spent years on perfecting his combat skills. He deflected the blows again. The force of his block made Nessa take a step back. He didn't give her much time for reaction, within the fraction of second her crossed blades stopped this sword falling on her head. He took a step forward forcing her to recede.

"I'm so glad you came…" he mocked making her take another step back –"Get used to this place for this is going to be your hell."

Nessa just let out a hiss, twirled around and lead her blade horizontally aiming at his neck. He dodged but it did not deter her. She started sequence of fast attacks leading her blades high and low. Now he was forced to give away his ground. Her intention was to back him against the wall, to cut off all escape routes. La Fey's mind was not entirely focused on the fight. He managed to build a wall that her fierce attacks did not manage to crush so far. His thoughts revolved around two things. Winning the duel without killing Moonshade was one of them. And second, more intense was to know intentions and allegiance of the stranger who was watching their fight with cold indifference. As long as La Fey didn't know elf's role in this, he could not entirely focus on his first aim.

One unguarded moment cost him huge cut along the rib line as Nessa's sword finally found a loop in his guard. He grunted and jumped back. Blood appeared on his white shirt the moment after. He looked up to see Nessa's face stretched in malicious grin. She started to circle him, revolving the blades slowly.

"This.. La Fey .." –she spoke in a low voice – "was just an introduction to a night of pleasure. I'm afraid… however…." – she paused narrowing her eyes – "that we might slightly disagree on perception of it….."

"We agree on one thing for sure…"- Alton La Fey smiled back wolfishly – "This night belongs to us…. And if we are to enjoy each other's company, I think It would be extremely impolite not to introduce all parties…" he cast a glace at Nuada – " I know you, and you know me, but I would like to know who your white haired friend is…who was honored with your priceless trust…"

Nessa stopped half step. Being so focused on her aim, she didn't give much attention to her unexpected ally. "White – haired friend" made her heart skip a bit. Very slowly she turned her head to see Nuada leaning against the wall with arms folded upon the chest. He tilted his head and sent her a dim smile. She smiled back. Perhaps she was not fair in all her judgments. First of all she owed him life. As her reason has now returned to her, she realized how reckless she was. If it hadn't been for her silent shadow, she would have fallen in the rain of bolts. She could not win this battle. Not alone. She did not understand elf's motivation but right here and right now, she really didn't care. She came here to settle the score, to win and smash the bastard's skull against the floor. His help was very welcome, and lack of interference very appreciated. Now she could entirely focus on her objective, being sure that somebody is watching her back.

Alton La Fey sensed silent agreement that bound those two. But the reason why the elf did not attack him yet was very unclear. And without sorting that out, he could not feel save. Perhaps she had asked him to finish the job if she would not be able to do it herself? He needed to know. With clenched teeth he confronted another assault. Now his mind was blank. With eyes focused on twirling blades and burning need in his soul he accepted her invitation to dance. His attacks were fast and well aimed. For several times the tip of his blade stopped hair trigger from Nessa's chin, ribcage or thigh artery. And she was not given the slightest opportunity for counterattack. Finally she caught him lose his pace. With a growl she charged at him. La Fey seemed to have lost his impetus. He stood still waiting for her to come.

"I didn't expect you to get tired that quickly" – Nessa mocked almost reaching him

"And I didn't expect…" he started taking a step sideways – "that you'll fall for an old trick that easily…"

Nessa's eyes widened in surprise when she felt his fist coming in rough contact with her ribs. As she was fighting for breath, La Fey's handgrip fell on her temple. She managed to make a few steps more before her lights went out. La Fey smiled at the sound her falling body made. He glanced back to assure himself that he wouldn't be disturbed and turned his head to look at Nuada. He did not change his position, as if nothing happened.

"My name is Alton La Fey, and I'm the host of this… haunt… Welcome to my home… Stranger…" – he bowed to Nuada – "May I ask you what business brings you here?"

Nuada remained silent. He acted as if he was there alone. Such manifestation of disrespect angered La Fey. He turned his sword blade down and spoke louder, doing his best to hide anxiety in his voice.

"As a host I have right to know what is it that you seek in my home….Reveal your intentions, or we fight…." – man violently raised his blade and aimed it at Nuada.

Nuada crooked his head and granted outraged man with quizzical look. Without changing his position he answered

"What if she is my business here? What if you are playing with my property?" – he pushed himself away from the wall. The spear appeared in his pale hands out of nowhere. He sauntered LaFey's direction with his head crooked to the side – 'What if it makes me mad to see my property handled this way?"

The look of dark amber eyes made La Fey take a involuntary step back. The aura that surrounded the elf was extremely powerful. La Fey knew that he awaken the force he was not able to confront. All senses told him to flee. Suddenly Nuada stopped and cast assassin a look which predator gives a prey before final attack. La Fey knew he had to act quickly in order to save his head

"If I mistreated your property, please accept my apologies…." –he blurted out – "She assaulted me and I was just defending myself…." La Fey was sure this lie won't help him much, but at the same time he was positive that in current situation all he could do was to lie. Seeing that for some reason elf did not attack him he decided to continue:

"If she is your business here, she's yours to take… However I can offer fair price for her head. I assure that you won't regret throwing her weight off your shoulders…"

"Is that so?" – Nuada laughed out loud – "And what can you offer me in return for this pretty head of hers? I must admit that she was endless source of …..excitement…. And she's kind of precious to me…. And now you need to add your head to receipt. For now you have to give me a good reason not to kill you and then regain my property…."- his voice was calm, emotionless and therefore hidden threat made LaFey's face cover in sweat

"Name it….. I'll give you anything you want…. Gold….. women….. just name it." – La Fey declared eagerly.

Nuada cast La Fey amused look. How pathetic little rat he was. When he recalled Jon's death, ruthless way this blubbering scum took his life away, he could not help deep overwhelming disdain he felt for this man. He had earned every single thing that was waiting for him this night. Black lips grinned at La Fey and took a step back

"My price is……More entertainment….Try to last the longest you can…."

"What do you mean, Sire…." – La Fey seemed to be completely thrown off the track – "What is it …." He was cut off by the voice coming from behind

"What he means is…. It is very unwise to leave a rogue behind your back… even unconscious one.." – before he managed to twirl around, her blade ran across his back. Burning pain took over his mind for a moment. He turned around to see her with her blades raised, ready to attack. Left side of her head was covered in blood, which made her image even more disturbing. She resembled the outcome of necromants' twisted experiments. For the first time in ages he felt afraid. And he didn't like the feeling.

"So I advise you to last the longest, for when he is dissatisfied with your performance, you'll loose your head for sure." - smiling devilishly she continued

La Fey simmered. Months of preparations, plans and fantasies. It could not end this way. If only he could be left alone with her. If only… He clutched his sword and started for the one of the walls. Both Nuada and Nessa watched him in bewilderment. La Fey did not slow down even a bit. Nessa was about to lower her blades when something unexpected happened to the wall. Without any hesitation Nessa dashed forward. She scolded herself mentally. How could she not take it into consideration? It was certain that this rat would flee. And she forgot that guild's building was a fortress of hidden doors and passages. La Fey was disappearing behind one of those right now. And she managed to slip through in very last moment.

Nuada found the whole scene quite interesting. He decided to withdraw to allow Nessa finish what she had started. She did the same when he was forced to stand against his own kind. A traitor. He understood the significance of administering the justice with one's own hands. It was necessary for her to accept her fate and overcome grief. Although being silent witness was not what he was used to, he accepted the price. When man started to run, he even felt relieved. Nessa didn't look too good. Blood falling from cut eyebrow ridge was blurring her vision. The blow she received to the head affected her balance. Average person would not even notice the difference, warrior's eyes were able to spot such subtle difference. When he saw her pursue her prey, great anxiety appeared in his heart. He didn't follow her down here to let her get killed. That would be terrible waste of his time and her potential. Unfortunately his raction came little too late. Stone doors closed before he managed to reach them. He slammed his fist against the wall. Te door must have been secured with some kind of mechanism preventing unauthorized intrusion. He searched for any clues any hidden buttons or levers, but apparently there weren't any. He kicked the wall, not being able to control growing frustration

Firestorm!!!!

Nuala jumped off the bed. It's been almost a century she hasn't sensed her brother's thoughts. He managed to shield his heart from hers. Only evidence she had for him being alive was her own heart beating in her chest. From time to time she noticed a new scar on her skin which meant that her brother did not follow the path of peace. She sensed powerful magical aura surrounding him. He must have met powerful ally. But this knowledge was based on dim assumptions. She tried to reach out to him continuously, but her calls were left without any answer. Only silence.

Recently however she had slight impression that Nuada's mental guard was weakening. She sensed that her brother was feeling extremely strong emotions. Most visible among them were grief and fury. Nuala felt that her brother has been hurt… by someone close. She rested her eyes on a small sheet of paper.

Venegance

Traitor…

My people…

Friendship…

Sister..

Father…

Human…

Firestorm

Each time she felt something, she tried to write it down. She treated it as a kind of letters. This way she could assume what was happening with her beloved Nuada. She approached the window and looked at Fey's realm now asleep. The placed her pale hand on her heart and spoke to the darkness

Manke lle amin Toron? Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au…Nae saian luume..

Manke lle amin Toron? - Where are you my Brother?

Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au…- My heart shall weep until it sees thee again

Nae saian luume.. - It's been too long..