Chapter 28 - Caged
Legolas removed his hand from the doorknob, and turned towards Faramir as he marched closer, his blue eyes querying why the Steward and armed guards would be looking for Vezely as his thoughts strayed to the evening past and her unknown whereabouts. But before he replied to Faramir's question, Vezely had opened the door, and stepped out into the hallway. She stood right next to Legolas, but she didn't acknowledge him; instead her eyes were fixed on Faramir's, watching expectantly as his demeanor became cold when looking upon her.
"Lady Vez," he said curtly, "We need you to come with us."
Vez narrowed her eyes, "Why?"
Faramir tilted his head ever so slightly, silently commanding his guards to encircle her, adding calmly as they did, "Your name has been associated with an incident in the Dim Quarters. We ask you come quietly for questioning."
"My name?" Vez returned skeptically, her eyes keeping attuned to the guards positioning themselves nearby, "And this warrants accompaniment by your friends?"
"What is this incident you refer to, Lord Faramir?" Legolas asked politely, as he noted perhaps he was the only person there confused.
Faramir's gaze did not leave Vezely's as he explained, "Two men were found in an alleyway last night in the Dim Quarters. One unconscious, his arm broken, the other dead, stabbed in the stomach. After awakening, the unconscious man remembered your name. He claims you broke his arm before knocking him unconscious. It is unlikely you would be mentioned at all in such a place if you were not there."
Vez knew Shelbi's blurting of her name before knocking her attempted rapist unconscious would come back to haunt her. She replied nonchalantly, not letting any emotions seep through, "I was in the Dim Quarters last night. I may have broken a man's arm. I even may have knocked him unconscious. But you are suggesting I did something else. Say it, go on," she taunted him to convict her of murder.
Faramir adjusted his stance slightly, the request to accuse her of killing the other man made him uncomfortable for the possible reaction it could garner. He was not convinced Vezely was a cool headed individual, having witnessed her hit a Variag prisoner repeatedly without what he saw as a good cause. Before a reply could be garnered, however, his attention was turned to the guard who had entered Vezely's room and returned to the hallway holding her blood stained dress out to him. "Steward, we found this, hidden under her bed."
Faramir's stern eyes returned to Vezely's, who gritted her teeth and tried to shake off the desire to crack the guard's skull against the wall.
"No Lady Vez," Faramir finally replied to her request, "You say it."
"There must be a mistake," Legolas interjected calmly, even though seeing the dress as evidence and hearing Vez confess to injuring the one man did little for him to see how she couldn't also be responsible for killing the other.
"The mistake is not asking why," Vez added angrily, "You believe I am so base that I would simply murder an individual without due cause."
"From what I know, you do not have a clean record," Faramir replied forthrightly.
"There was another woman involved," Legolas again added his voice, attempting a defense, "That Vezely returned with to the villa last night."
"This is not your concern, Legolas, stay out of it," she responded to him sternly in Elvish so Faramir would not understand; her eyes remained diverted from his, however, she simply could not look at him right now.
"Another woman?" Faramir queried looking from Legolas to Vezely, "Is this so?" He interrogated.
"No, he is mistaken," Vez stated steadily to Faramir, "I was alone."
"Then you admit to it," Faramir responded.
"Yes," Vezely replied, holding her head high, "But the man deserved death."
"That is not for you to decide. We have laws in Minas Tirith and ones that protect life and everyone's right to it. Put her in chains," he ordered the guard next to her.
Vez breathed in deeply, saying with warning through clenched teeth, "Those won't be necessary," watching the guard come closer to her with irons.
"I'm afraid they are," Faramir replied undeterred, unconvinced she wouldn't try anything on the trip to the prison.
Seeing no other choice, except for ones that would land her in worse trouble, Vez succumbed to being chained, getting an unpleasant and unsettling reminder of her past. Faramir commanded his guards, "Take her." The two guards grabbed her roughly by the forearms and coerced her to walk with them down the hallway. Vez remained quiet as they locked her in the back of barred carriage which would transfer her to the second level prisons, the same ones where the prisoners of war were located.
Faramir stayed behind momentarily to engage in conversation with Legolas, who spoke concerned, "Vezely is many things Lord Faramir, but she would not kill without reason. Regardless of her past discretions."
He knew Vezely held meaning to Legolas, so he replied gently, "I promise she will be given a fair prosecution."
Prosecution. Legolas was left standing there milling over the word, disbelieving the reality of the situation. Such horrible business typically fell far outside the borders of his kingdom, or all present day Elvendom for that matter. Elves of the Third Age rarely fell prey to committing assault or murder, or any other foul play against their kin. Now he again wondered whether his suspicion about Vezely was correct. Did her corruption run so deep that she could not control herself even now, even with the light of his people returned to her?
Just minutes before he was close to an attempt at reconciling. He would have walked through her door and apologized for turning from her after he said he would not. He would have told her that his heart had not abandoned her. If all had been set right, Legolas had planned to respond to his father's letter that evening, telling him not only that he had heard the call to leave these shores, but that he would be leaving with her by his side, when she could go. Now all was again uncertain. Perhaps she will never be redeemed for she could not make it a few weeks without re-staining her hands. Yet he also wondered why Vezely desired to keep the young woman she returned with last night a secret. He suspected she was the reason for the incident to begin with, or at least that was the conclusion he could make. It made no sense to him, but he made it a point to find out.
The guards not to politely escorted Vez through the prison grounds, Faramir following them close behind. "Thought you'd appreciate the company," Faramir announced amused as they brought Vez to a holding cell right next to Remi's; the man stood up upon their entrance, watching the affair curiously.
Once inside the cell, the guards unlatched her iron cuffs before leaving; slamming the door shut and locking it behind them. Outwardly, Vez remained calm and collected, her eyes narrowed on Faramir's, seeping no emotion, but inside her head she was screaming, as memories of her captivity in Dol Guldur were inescapable, gnawing at her insides.
Remi starred at her curiously long after the guards and Faramir had left, prompting Vez to reply annoyed, "Wipe that smug look off your face."
"What did you do?" he asked intrigued.
She looked at him briefly, "What didn't I do?" she remarked, trying to brush off her discomfort with sarcasm.
He cracked a half smile, "It must be fate, to have your company again," he spoke assuredly.
"Don't flatter yourself," she said crossing her arms while going to lean against the back wall of the cell.
"Ah, but what else could it be? First, you and I find ourselves reunited at the end of the war, now we share a cell next to each other," he spoke optimistically while pacing slightly in thought over it, making Vez roll her eyes.
"Divinators," Vez remarked disdainfully of his trade, "They all think they are blessed by the stars because they pretend to know how to read them."
He smirked, "Well, I am one of the thirty-four still standing," he reminded her of the number of Variags remaining. She didn't reply, her thoughts taking her away for a moment. Noting the discomfort seeping through her cocky demeanor, Remi asked wondering, "Do I make that harsh a company?" He went to the back wall before sitting on the floor and leaning against it, stretching his legs out. "We had some good times, you and I," he noted of their past.
Vez looked over at him, seeing a more neutral demeanor on his face, as if he knew she was uncomfortable being there and wanted to help settle her nerves through more polite conversation. She uncrossed her arms and after a moment sat on the ground as well, "They were okay," she replied unimpressed.
He smiled slightly, "Ah c'mon, you and I in Devonporta, practically got ourselves into worse trouble than we are now."
Vez smirked, amused slightly in remembrance. It was an undercover mission to acquire militia supply documents from a major iron merchant in the area. The resistance hoped to ascertain the locations of shipment ports and the size of shipment orders to deter them later. Vez often went alone on such assignments, but the region was hostile to single woman, and male traders without female servants were not worthy of societal consideration. "You only enjoyed that mission because I had to pretend to be subservient to you."
"That and the outfit you wore," he smirked, for she dressed as one would expect a concubine.
She shook her head, "You continue to remind me why I hit you," she added thinking back to the incident which almost blew their cover. He had gotten too frisky in his acting, thinking his role gave him leeway to put his hands on her inappropriately. She had hit him hard in view of other men, a big mistake in the understandings of the culture.
"It was worth it," he said amused.
"Ha," Vez scoffed, remembering Remi had to explain under the threat of dismissal that their relationship was intentionally rough because he liked it that way. She added with disdain, "Devonporta was lucky. If I had marched through there with my legions, I would have destroyed them simply for their disgusting customs."
Remi laughed slightly, not disapproving of her malevolent thoughts, making Vez appreciate being able to make such remarks about her past freely without much concern for her present character, something she couldn't do around Legolas who might see it as condoning what she did. Thinking of Legolas further twisted her gut; their relationship was over, she thought, for she had just proven her inability to redeem herself. She knew not what would have been the outcome this morning if they had engaged in conversation; whether they could have reconciled their differences and moved on in their relationship. Now, she thought perhaps she would not see him again. How could he still care for her or even desire to look upon her when it appeared she remained her past self; that she couldn't go a few weeks without causing trouble. The most she could hope for was a quiet banishment from Gondor; to return to Rhun with her men and not be seen from again. At least that is what she would bargain for if they did not accept killing that man in self-defense as good enough reason.
She knew not where her compulsion to protect Shelbi came from. She did admit to feeling responsible for the incident, for not giving the gamblers her coin and instigating a fight, and then being too involved in that fight to notice Bayler's whereabouts. Shelbi's words, about her life being ruined by this incident rang true to Vezely's understanding of culture in the West. She was so young, Vez thought woefully, and she deserved a chance for a better life than working the streets or serving drinks at filth infested taverns in the Dim Quarters; or worse, to be locked away because the men of this city care little for girls who kill in self-defense. If she could divert that fate, shouldn't she?
Vez had become unnervingly silent, her thoughts taking over that she did not reply when Remi brought up another topic to discuss. His words seemed to fade into the background noise of the prison. She had brought her knees up, clasping her arms around them and resting her head on the back wall appearing cool and unfazed, but her heart was breaking within her. Why she once held hope for her own blissful future made her feel foolish. If she was lucky, she would return to Rhun, do what she could to help its people, and then quietly fade from existence. To have hoped for a better future was selfish, considering all the wrong she had done in her life.
Remi attempted to break her silence, but to no effect. To him, she appeared to be meditating; knowing that Elves did not sleep. He couldn't help but wonder about her thoughts, but he would never have expected much of them were occupied by matters of the heart.
After asking several of the guest villa's workers, Legolas discovered one house maid had not reported for work that morning; her boss being told that she was sick. Sensing the Elf's urgency, they told him where her room was located. He knocked on her door, but no one answered, yet he could hear her movement inside. "Lady Shelbi, my name is Legolas. I am a guest of Lord Aragorn," he spoke at the door, hoping she would listen to him, "If you would be so kind as to speak with me about what happened last evening. I know you returned late here and with Lady Vez by your side."
There was still no answer. Legolas continued. "Please Lady Shelbi, she has confessed to killing a man and was taken by Lord Faramir this morning. If there is any information you have which could aid in her defense..."
The door unlatched and opened, and the young girl stood in view of the Elf who stood shocked by the view of her bruised face and neck, her eyes red from crying, "They took her?" she asked concerned.
"She is being held in the second level prisons," Legolas spoke carefully, noting the girls emotional instability. "What happened to you last night?"
She shook her head, "I can't talk about it."
"She aided you, did she not?" he asked, prodding her on the subject.
"She did, she saved me, but then," she stalled, looking aside, "I can't talk about it. I can't be involved. I'm sorry." She quickly shut the door on him, returning to the inner confines of her room.
"She needs your help, Lady Shelbi," Legolas spoke up, "If you could tell Lord Faramir what happened, then..."
"I'm sorry, I cannot help," she called back adamantly, causing Legolas to query whether he should have Aragorn intervene in the situation, or if the young woman truly had a good reason to stay quiet, as Vez also desired not to mention her.
"Lady Shelbi," Legolas desired to leave her with one more appeal, "Lady Vez and I are to be married. If you could help her in any possible way, I would be indebted to you." He waited a few more moments before leaving, not knowing if she would reconsider.
"It does not add up," Legolas remarked concerned when discussing the situation with Aragorn, "Vezely would not simply kill a man without reason."
"This young woman, she appeared badly hurt?" Aragorn asked for confirmation.
"As one would after they are roughly handled by someone with mal intentions," Legolas told him, "She holds a great fear of intervening, but I have no doubt her story would explain why that man is dead."
"Perhaps I can persuade her to do so," Aragorn considered, deciding to go talk with the young house maid. But when the two showed up at her door, she was nowhere to be found; she had disappeared from the villa, letting none know of her whereabouts.
"She will come back," Aragorn reassured him, placing a hand on Legolas's shoulder to calm his worry.
"And if she does not. What is to be Vezely's fate?" he asked uncertain.
"I believe as you do that this man's death was not intended. Yet I am also beholden to the city's laws and Faramir is yet the city's protector. I will talk with him and hopefully her fate will not be grim," he said encouragingly.
Footsteps coming down the hallway jerked Vez from her thoughts. As Faramir entered their view, Remi remarked, "Yavonka," a word in their language meaning an individual whose sole power comes from heritage. A disrespectful term reflecting the disdain many in Rhun had for the concept of kings and lords which were so prevalent in the West.
Vez smirked, for her impression of him was not much different at this point. The Steward was followed closely behind by none other than Shelbi's attacker, who appeared to be acting completely opposite to how he was the evening before.
"Is this her?" Faramir asked the man, coming upon her cage, not actually paying any attention to her inside.
"That's her, she was wearing a headscarf last night though," he stated nervously, protecting his broken arm and hiding behind Faramir, not desiring to be in complete view.
Vez's eyes narrowed on him, she stood and walked slowly towards the cell's barred door, as if stalking the man as an animal to its prey.
The man added hastily to Faramir, "Can we go now?"
Faramir noted the man's fear, taking it as a sign of Vez's previous aggression against him, "You can go," he said, allowing the man to hustle off in the direction they came. Vez refrained from making a comment, though she desired to speak of his foul deeds, his attempted rape of a young woman, yet doing so would require discussing Shelbi's involvement.
"You place fear in the hearts of men," Faramir stated, looking upon her.
"Someone needs to," she replied bluntly, holding her head high.
Unsurprised by her reply he added judiciously, "You will have a hearing tomorrow. We handle things civilly here," condescendingly implying that her own culture did not, "You will be given a chance to defend yourself before a verdict is given."
"I want this handled privately," Vez insisted back, "I would accept punishment if dictated by King Elessar," she knew Aragorn was not yet crowned, but felt she could swing his title around to deject Faramir's authority slightly.
"I will consider it," he replied, though Vezely did not think he would. He left and she would return to her position on the ground, wanting nothing more than to be on the other side of the bars and away from the White City if she could, not looking back on its inhabitants.
"A Balchoth warrior willing to accept punishment from a Western king?" Remi remarked disdainfully overhearing the conversation, "You have grown soft."
Vez was overtly displeased that his words echoed Öldür's, who would often say the same thing when she appeared to use less violent tactics. Yet as prior, she had her reasons and gave a truthful reply, "I am not in a position to do otherwise. My only goal is to return to Rhun with you and the others remaining within these walls. My pride need not deter me."
Remi considered for a moment her words. Perhaps, he thought, she was a true leader, willing to make sacrifices for the good of the men. He supposed he could respect that, though it presented a different image of her than he'd known while in the resistance. She cared little of anything but herself then.
As the hours passed, Vez tried to remain calm, but the walls felt as if they were closing in on her, suffocating her. She kept her eyes closed, slowing her breathing to relax, but memories of Dol Guldur haunted her - the darkness, the hunger, the cold, the loneliness. She survived that ordeal because she held on to anger mixed with pride; because she was determined not to succumb to her enemy in that way. She was a Balchoth warrior; she would not die as a caged animal. But now, she had no enemy to hate, and none to plot revenge against. How does one hold up such walls without these strengths, as she saw them? Vez knew her mind was overreacting; for her imprisonment would be temporary. They wouldn't hold her prisoner forever and at least, the following day, if there was a hearing, she would have reprieve from her cell. But her mind cared little for being rational, and the darkness of nightfall only added to her anxiety. Thinking of Legolas only brought her sorrow. She felt guilty for accepting his love, and putting him through such a period of confusion and now hurt. He did not deserve such turmoil; he is too good and kind an Elf to inherit her constant troubles. Perhaps, she even thought, this whole ordeal is for the better. Maybe it would prompt Legolas to sail West, not needing to wait and fret over her uncertain return. There in Valinor, he could live in bliss among his kin and their love would be nothing more than a forgotten memory. He deserved such relief from this life in Middle Earth, from the centuries of peril in his home forest, and the destruction and death that surrounded him in this war. He deserved peace, something she knew she could never provide him.
That evening, Legolas stared at his father's letter, re-reading the words:
I am not and have never been a father who sways trusted son from own path, but I do seek to place warning in your head for darkness that could follow such unconsidered desires.
He laughed uncomfortably at the word "unconsidered," especially since he felt ever since he met Vezely he has been considering their relationship; milling over his initial attraction to her, whether it was simply pity or her odd differences that peaked his curiosity. Upon discovering it was something more and that she held similar feelings, he had to consider whether he truly desired changing his life's stance as a detached warrior and enter into a partnership. Other concerns, from the war's uncertain outcome, the unexpected call of the sea, to Vezely's shaky redemption, all motioned more consideration. If anything, he had considered more and understood deeply the darkness his father spoke of. But a warning in one's head does not change the feelings in one's heart. His father would encourage him, no doubt, to sail away from these shores and let time mend a heart put asunder. He may even further encourage seeking a relationship with Lady Adele, to try and replace those longings with ones new. But neither for him would suffice for he had already given Vezely his heart. If darkness, also in the form of familial and social complications was truly his future, he would accept it, for wouldn't a broken heart bring worse?
Vezely's hearing that morning would be private, per her request to Faramir and with Aragorn in attendance. Legolas came to Vezely's cell alone, before they would escort her to the hearing, desiring to exchange words in private.
He had not expected Remi to be in the cell next to her. Upon seeing the golden haired Elf, neatly dressed in blue robes, the man stood up and walked to the front of his cell, smugly starring him down as if sizing him up to fight. He distrusted Elves, as many men in Rhun did, knowing little about their culture or history. They were only known as immortal beings that would rather make peace than war; a concept laughable to Variags and many other warring tribes. Some enclaves in Rhun even viewed them as gods, or demons depending. For some reason, despite Vez's Elvish appearance, her Easterling manners tended to gain her a pass from many of these associations. Even Remi often forgot about her race.
"This one's prettier than you," Remi mocked in Easterling to Vez, hoping to gain her amusement. Legolas was staring back at him with equal intensity, his previous behavior around Vez being enough of a reason to dislike him.
Vez shook her head at the remark. "Stand back Remi, he is more dangerous than you think." She then switched her tongue to Elvish, asking her visitor perturbed. "Why are you here?" It broke his glare and that of Remi's who had not heard her speak in that tongue before. Though while Legolas turned his attention to her, her eyes remained cast away from his for fear of seeing his true emotions.
"I apologize that you are moved to ask that question," he said with regret in his voice, "For the other night I left you when I said I would not."
She stood up but remained turned from him, "I should have expected that reaction," she confided steadily, crossing her arms, "I was foolish to think telling you more of my past would bring confidence rather than disapproval. And I have already disproved the cause I claimed to hold. If you came here to break final words between us, know I do not desire to hear them nor require they be spoken."
Legolas realized she believed he was there to properly end their relationship. "Vezely," he interrupted her, hoping she would turn her eyes to him, "That is not why I came."
She slowly did as he desired, "They why?" she asked forcefully but with hidden trepidation.
The fear in her voice caught him off guard, "To tell you, my heart has not abandoned you." The unexpected revelation brought confusion to her demeanor; she searched his eyes discovering they still held the love she had known. He added with care, "It never can."
After a moment she responded, regret present in her voice, "If this is true, I am so sorry for the despair I continue provide you. You need to let me go, Legolas. You should sail West and be at peace, you deserve better than this," adding adamantly, "Than me."
Legolas shook his head, and placed his hand on the bars wishing the barrier was not there, "I cannot do as you wish, even if I desired to."
Disregarding that the two were having an emotional conversation, the guard had come and unlocked the door, entering her cell to put her in cuffs. She didn't resist as the cuffs were locked in place; instead she starred listless at his blue eyes, hating herself for the choices she had made that ended her there now. The guard pulled her arm, forcing her to walk with him.
Remi noted the delicacy of the conversation, the fear and sorrow apparent in Vezely's voice and now painted on her face. He disliked the effect this Elf had on Vezely's typical cocky attitude and strong demeanor; he softened her. He glared at Legolas as he left; a hateful glare the Elf returned momentarily as he followed the guard down the corridor.
"Ah, there she is," Gandalf's voice hit Vezely's ears unexpectedly after she entered the room where she was to be sentenced, "And unnecessarily bound," he chastised a moment later.
She had little more than a few seconds to register who was there before running towards her was none other than Shelbi. The young maid clutched onto her as if a hurt child to her mother, sobbing into her shoulder. "Oh Lady Vez. I am so sorry for asking you to keep this secret. I told them everything."
Vez looked noticeably uncomfortable at being clung to in such a manner, her eyes querying what exactly they knew.
"I came upon this little one heading away from the villa and urged her to come this morning," Gandalf explained, as one of the guards was directed by Faramir to unlatch Vezely's cuffs.
Shelbi looked up at Vez, saying sorrowfully, "I couldn't let you take responsibility."
"We know you did not kill that man, that you even tried to save him, and the reason behind the assault of the other," Faramir spoke judiciously, "You wanted to protect her."
She held Shelbi by her side defensively and narrowed her eyes on the Steward, "I still do. What is to be done with her?"
Aragorn politely interjected, "She will not be charged and her job will be under my protection. She was brave. That man intended fatal harm," for Shelbi's bruises appeared as one would expect from her story.
Vez accepted these terms with a small nod. Shelbi then left her side and returned to her mother, who she left the villa to stay with; with her daughter in her arms the mother spoke to Vez, tears in her eyes, "Thank you for protecting my child. If I could repay you for it somehow."
Vez replied bluntly, appearing unmoved by the gesture, "That is not necessary."
The mother thanked her again and she watched as the two left the room, leaving her alone with Faramir, Gandalf, Aragorn, and Legolas, who yet stood by her side.
"I am no martyr," Vez spoke to them, holding her head high, not desiring praise for her act or apologies for her imprisonment, "I did what I did because she is young, and I have seen too many girls punished for incidents outside of their control. I did not trust this city was any different in handling such cases."
"A regrettable truism," Aragorn added, "One I do not desire to be so here."
Faramir agreed in reflection, "As well as the incident itself. Corruption has overrun the Dim Quarters for far too long and we should seek measures to clean it up..." Vezely refrained from making any other remarks as the two men discussed briefly this business further. She desired to respectfully keep out of the city's affairs, as well as out of the Dim Quarters for the time being, despite desiring more coin.
Gandalf approached her side, saying slyly, "You are too good a liar my dear. An unusual trait for an Elf, but an asset in your case," having known of her tasks in the resistance, "Try to keep out of trouble."
Vez smirked slightly, watching him leave with Aragorn and Faramir following behind him. She exchanged a brief glare with the Steward, knowing their relationship would remain tense. This left her alone with Legolas, who had heard Shelbi's story before going to her cell.
"You knew?" Vez queried, her eyes searching the now empty room, as she crossed her arms appearing uncomfortable.
"I did, but even if I did not, I would have spoken the same words to you," he replied carefully, coming closer to her.
Vez closed her eyes momentarily, appearing upset to hear this, "You should still let me go. We are not well-suited for each other."
"My father believes the same," he revealed carefully, now standing in front of her, her eyes inquisitive on his, "A letter arrived two days ago. He desires I marry another, to honor a new alliance between our kingdom and Lothlorien."
"It is for the better," she appeared strong, though internally it pained her to hear of his father's rejection and his intentions for his son to wed another, "I am only trouble."
He could see through her facade; her attempt to do what she thought was best for him, even if her heart desired otherwise. "You are trouble," he agreed forthrightly, "You are stubborn, unpredictable, completely uncouth," lecturing her caused her to narrow her eyes on him, "And being with you will cause me grief with my father, and among my kin. But being without you," he voice softened, "That is grief I could not bear."
Vezely felt her heart jolt; she shook her head, "Legolas," her voice cracked, thinking what he said could not be true, "You do not mean that. The other night you..."
Legolas grabbed her forearms and pulled her into an embrace, something his heart desired to do that night when she revealed the cruel aspects of her past, but his head could not move past them. "I should not have left you," he finished her sentence softly in her ear, apologizing for his behavior which he knew grieved her, though she would not admit it.
Vezely allowed herself to be pulled into him and with a single breath all resistance she held onto was gone. She uncrossed her arms, enclosing them around him, and she buried her head into his shoulder. Unexpectedly, tears fell from her eyes. He was surprised by this, for it was not something he had witnessed of her strong character before, but he said nothing as she silently cried. He simply held her, his heart needing her return embrace just as much.
A/N: Ended on a soft note since I've been cruel the last couple chapters. ;)
You may have noticed a new avatar for the story. I want to thank artist lika-143 for her work. She captured Vezely's image perfectly. A full version of this pic and more of lika-143's art can be seen on the tumblr and her Deviant art account. [vezely tumblr DOT com ]
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