When Ivy left with a servant to arrange for the ritual that night, Dumas continued holding on to Talim's hand and they sat there in silence, in the tranquil and warm library room. When Talim's grip on his hand suddenly tightened, he immediately spoke up. "What's wrong?"

Talim took in a deep breath and held on to his hand tightly. "What I am doing for you is dishonorable to my family and I have betrayed a very important promise that my people, has made to the wind."

Dumas grimly closed his mouth and returned her hold on his hand. Ever since the first time they've met, he knew that her religion was one of the most important things she held dear. To betray her deity as well as her family for his sake, left a heavy and rare moment of guilt on his heart. Hugging her to his chest, he whispered sadly, "I... truly am sorry. I didn't mean for you-

"Dumas, I have no regrets." Talim interrupted him with a firm shake of her head as she let him hold her. "If opening a portal will help you find happiness, I will accept the consequences. But I want the both of us to tell each other some truths."

Running his hand through her long and thick emerald ponytail, he whispered, "It's the least I can do, for what you will be sacrificing for me." Dumas held her hand to his lips and gave it a brief kiss before letting go. "You first? Or me?"

"I will." Sitting up, Talim drew back from the close contact before tucking her legs comfortably to the side on the white couch they were sharing. She pulled off her transparent veil and held it in her hands and the red ribbons clinked as she swept them to the side and made herself comfortable. When she was ready, she said solemnly, "There are five great truths to Soul Calibur and Soul Edge. I wish to tell you about them."

He couldn't help but look at her suspiciously. "And why do you wish to, my pretty storm maiden?"

Talim bit her soft lips and whispered, "You are no ordinary malfested, Dumas. I'm beginning to realize that... but my questions will come later." She then remembered about the guests waiting for him. "I'm sorry, this may not be the best time since you have guests, but there is something very serious you must know since the portal is being opened."

He dismissed her concern with a wave of his hand. "Nothing is more important to me than your worries and needs. Those guests can get themselves drunk on my wine to amuse themselves for all I care. They are sufficiently entertained, my servants will see to it. Now please, feel free to continue, Talim."

Talim took in a deep breath and whispered, "Astral Chaos is where all the demons, the Tainted, and monsters created by Soul Edge is imprisoned. It was also the place where Inferno was sealed, ages ago." Her eyes met Dumas briefly as he shifted his position. "The spirit in Soul Edge is called Inferno. From the story passed down in my village, it was created through the pieces and souls of the Lower Ancients that wished to rebel against The Grand Creator and the four Ancients."

Dumas crossed his arms and replied, "I've done my research, Talim. The lore says, Soul Edge was a normal weapon that became cursed after the countless years of soaking in the blood and death of people."

Talim smiled at him sadly. "That is another truth. I stayed at a place called the Grand Labyrinth for a few years so I've learned that. Records of history was carved there, by people of the Ancients Tribes that used to live there. Unfortunately, time has destroyed most of the story so my master is searching for the truth. The secrets buried, the knowledge hidden, the four groups separated and left in different direction and so he's trying to track down any remaining survivors of the tribes, other than my own, as well as the forgotten tribe of the elves."

"Elves?"

"Yes." Talim nodded before continuing. "But first, the second truth comes from a tribe that has guarded Soul Calibur for many years."

Dumas listened patiently as Talim talked about a Hero King named Algol, who used to rule with Soul Edge before his son turned on him and took the sword. Tragedy followed as the son died, and in his sorrow, he created Soul Calibur with the help of the four tribe. Which apparently, wasn't the truth. They just released the sealed spirit of Soul Calibur that Soul Edge had somehow devoured in the past, but never 'digested'. He furrowed his brow in thought. It was very similar to the way he had devoured a piece of Talim's soul before she helped him absorbed it and use it.

He returned his attention back to her when she said that the tribe caused Soul Edge and Soul Calibur to come back forever, in an eternal circle of wane and wax. When Soul Edge becomes too powerful, Soul Calibur will revive and stop it. Once Soul Edge disappears, Soul Calibur also fades until the cycle starts all over. His hand curled into a tight fist as hate ran through him. Damn that accursed sword... if Soul Calibur was always fated to stop Soul Edge, he must find a way to destroy that sword at all costs.

Talim ran a hand through her long ponytail and murmured, "Of the five truths, I have obtained four. The origin and birth of Inferno, Algol's responsibility for releasing Soul Calibur, resulting in the never ending cycle of the two swords, and the true power between the two swords." She then pointed at Dumas. "And you know other other truth, that Soul Edge bathed in the blood and death of many lives to become so cursed. If I have to guess, Soul Edge somehow reawakened through countless years of bloodshed and Algol then managed to obtain it." She sighed wistfully, "But until my master finds the last piece to this picture, I won't understand how everything fits together."

Dumas agreed with her words, however, he couldn't help but ask, "But what... is the true power of the two swords? And is there any hints or clues to the other truth that your master is searching for?"

Talim smiled and her brown eyes showed him the answer. "The true power of the two swords, is mine to carry for my grandmother. To protect this world, I won't tell anyone."

"You're always doing that," Dumas said with a displeased expression. "The burdens you carry can be shared, Talim. Why not let the ones who care for you help you?"

"You're not a wind priestess. You don't need to know or shoulder this burden," Talim replied firmly. But then her eyes softened. "I am grateful for your concern though... Dumas." Returning to the subject, Talim said, "From the records I gleamed from the Grand Labyrinth, there was something that to do with opening a portal to Astral Chaos. It seemed to have brought a great catastrophe..."

Dumas realized why she had told him all of this in the first place. "You're worried, about the consequences of opening the portal and unleashing some great evil." He laid a reassuring hand on her smooth shoulder. "Talim, Ivy is an adept alchemist. I'm sure the ritual will go well."

She put her hand on his hand that was on her shoulder for comfort. "I pray you are correct. If anyone gets hurt... I..."

Dumas interrupted her with a small smile. "I will protect you and my people... Have no fears, Talim."

His words were reassuring and confident, to a degree it calmed her nerves. His very presence made her feel safe and she thanked him.

It was starting to get late and Talim decided that it was time to ask him some questions. "Dumas, I want to know... how you came across a Soul Edge shard. And how did you become a malfested?" She shifted to face him fully and looked at him straight in the eyes. "Dumas, your aura is so dark. When I met Raphael, I had thought his malfestation was serious. But now that I met you... I'm..." She paused for a moment before saying, "I'm very frightened for you. Your condition is very serious and even though you have a strong will, I'm scared that it might one day overwhelm you."

Dumas started to grow hot. He fiddled slightly with the neck of his white collar as he pondered about his next words. What was he supposed to tell her? That he was the lord of all malfested? That HE was Nightmare, the monster of all monsters? Dumas averted her gaze. He would consider telling her only after the ritual was done and she knows that he was Raphael. He was confident that her love for him would let her accept this... horrible truth.

To Dumas's luck, they were interrupted when a servant knocked on the door and politely said that the guests were beginning to get restless.

Dumas murmured, "I will tell you everything after the portal is opened." Getting up, he adjusted his red mask and the red pendent at his neck before smiling at her. "But first, we have a party to attend to. How do I look?"

Talim got up and donned back the transparent white veil before giving him a hint of a forced smile. Though the truth was delayed from his lips but she was still determined on finding out later that night. Reaching up, she smooth his collar before saying gently, "In my eyes, you look very handsome." He did indeed look magnificent, wearing the expensive silk white shirt, black pants and brown thigh boots. The red pendent and his mask added the bright splash of colors to his outfit, giving him a regal air that defined his grace as he walked and moved.

"Merci, ma petite prêtresse du vent." He took ahold of her hand and they walked down the stairs to exit the library.

At the ballroom...

Talim couldn't help but clung to Dumas as he chatted with the nobles in a amicable manner. Originally, she had wanted to look for Hilde and reassure her friend that she was alright. However, the multitude of rich and rather snobby people made her uncomfortable and as she was very unused to this type of thing, she had to stay by his side.

Music spread its wings from the orchestra that was playing and many couples were openly gliding to the dance floor. Laughter and chatter mingled in the air and it was a very warm and comfortable atmosphere.

While she stayed quiet and listened to Dumas's talk with the other nobles, she noticed Buffy and Alun sneaking around to pilfer some snacks from the wandering guests or waiters. When she tried to call to them, the baby bat and round bird made sounds of delight before hiding underneath the large table holding up an assortment of appetizers and drinks.

Talim quietly laughed behind her veil before returning her attention to Dumas's conversation. The way the aristocrats were talking and acting, made her feel dizzy and confused. Though the words and smiles that were exchanged sounded genuine, she had a feeling they were lying. Dumas seemed especially skilled as he gave charming words as well as a few occasional flattering comments while maintaining a strong aura of power that made the others look up to him in respect and admiration.

A few commented on Talim's presence and she had lightly blushed when Dumas told them she was his 'favorite' songstress and was the most beautiful woman he had ever met. A few gentleman noted the adoration in his voice for her and they exchanged some more words of amusement. Talim had caught a few whispers of 'The graf is truly smitten with that exotic songstress' and 'I don't think I've ever seen him look so attached to a woman before'.

After awhile, they finally excused themselves to get a drink. While Dumas was sipping some wine from a glass a passing waiter had offered him, Talim asked curiously, "Why hasn't there been a single word of truth spoken between you and those other men, Dumas?"

Dumas immediately choked on his wine in a effort to stop himself from laughing. She was so innocent and endearing sometimes... this life of court must be something entirely foreign to her and he quickly remembered how different their lives were. A priestess of nature with a malfested man of court, fate was certainly a interesting figure. He smiled and leaned down. "My sweet dearest..." He whispered into her ear with some amusement, "We lie in a nest of snakes, ma petite. Lies, are the greatest weapon at court. Look at Dampierre for example."

Talim turned and she giggled when she saw a crowd of ladies flocking around the con man. Dampierre's voice carried quite far as he made witty and poetic remarks as well as pleasing comments. Gisele seemed slightly annoyed as she stood to the side in a black and white dress that enhanced her shoulder length red hair.

The party was going well as everyone had a rather merry time. Food and wine were abundant and enticing as they sat on the table while occasionally, a few waiters carried platters full of drinks and appetizers to satiate the guests. The beautiful giant crystal chandelier shone brightly and its light reflected off the crystals embedded in Dumas's ceiling, making it resemble a beautiful starry night sky. Outside, it was night time and since the dark blue draperies didn't cover the huge windows, the guests could enjoy the view of Dumas's beautiful garden.

"My my, what a lovely little flower you've found Graf Dumas."

Talim and Dumas turned as the voice of a handsome dark haired man came towards them. His eyes were a piercing black that had a hint of blue in them while his clothes were stylishly tailored and hugged his slim frame. They were also a deep black with some silver stitching on them and he gave the two a small bow before letting a smile cross his chiseled face. "May I have the honor of knowing who's your lovely companion, Graf Dumas."

Dumas smirked and put an arm around Talim. "My songstress is named Talim." Proud of his love, Dumas added, "She's also a very talented dancer as well a fighter."

"Oh? How does she fight?"

"With dual elbow blades."

"Elbow blades..." The man looked at her with interest and Talim couldn't help but notice a strange undertone to his voice. She shifted closer to Dumas as she felt a strange chill around him and Dumas seemed to notice as he changed the subject. "Duke Corby, I've heard that you recently visited Italy. How is it over there?"

The dark haired duke smiled and drew back. "Pleasant enough. I'm saddened to say that I'm not very fond of that country anymore."

"Ah yes." Dumas made a small gesture as he said, "If I remember correctly, your brother died while he was in Venice, correct?"

"You have a good memory, my good graf." Duke Corby reached for a glass of wine from a passing waiter and he took a small sip. "My poor younger brother... to this day, I still don't know who did it. All I knew from the information collected, was that some duke from France might be responsible for it." He looked at Talim over his glass. "Cecily, have you ever been in Venice?"

Talim noted the strange piercing look in his eyes and mumbled a quiet yes before adding, "And I'm sorry about your brother."

He smirked and tipped his wine glass towards her. "You're too kind, my lady." To Dumas, he politely asked, "My Lord? Are you alright?"

Dumas had a strange look on his face before replying curtly, "I'm fine."

"So, will your songstress be performing for us tonight? I'm sure your lady will have a most beautiful voice."

Dumas chuckled before guiding Talim away. "She'll be dancing and singing but you'll have to wait and see. But I can assure you, you will not be disappointed." Once they were out of earshot, Dumas said distastefully, "What a irritating man. If not for his successful business, he would never have been made a noble."

"Oh?"

Dumas replied, "He's a very rich man, Talim. Though his family did not come from noble stock, his wealth helped him rise quite high. I'm not fond of him and I've heard he's ran some shady deals involving illegal coliseums and such. Not only that, he's a strong supporter of Matthias."

Talim looked over her shoulder to see the dark hair Duke chatting with the Archduke in hushed tones. "I don't know... but he gives me a strange feeling."

Dumas smirked and held her hand. "You feel... creeped out right?"

"Eh?" Talim was puzzled by his use of words. "What do you mean by that?"

With a chuckle, Dumas swept her to the dance floor. "You were clinging to my arm while talking to him." To the orchestra that was playing, Dumas caught their attention and made a gesture. With that, the conductor politely nodded and tapped on his board for his orchestra to start playing a slower classical piece. Dumas then gently put a hand on Talim's lower back and guided her steps.

They danced around the other couples and when Talim didn't speak, Dumas knew that she was worrying over the ritual later that night. To reassure her, he said, "Relax dearest. Everything will be fine tonight."

Behind her transparent white veil, Talim forced a pretty smile on her face. "I hope you're right. I'm just alittle worried about the ritual... and you also have that announcement you're making tonight right? What's the order of the events Dumas?"

Dumas gently spun her in a circle before having her face once more and smoothly placing his hand behind her back. "I thought it might be a good idea for you to perform your dance for my guests and then we'll all settle down for the main course. Afterwards, I'll make my announcement." Behind his mask, he smiled. "There's going to be alot of chit chat about the political announcement so you'd best go and prepare yourself for Ivy's ritual while I talk to everyone. As for the rest..." He pulled her close just as the music began slowing down. "You'll finally be happy, Talim."

Talim felt her heart speed up slightly as her body pressed against his. She could almost feel his breath on her skin as their eyes met. Time seemed to still and she felt every single touch. His strong hand on her lower back and the other one holding on to her right one while his heart seemed to beat almost right across hers. Her heart immediately started pounding at the close contact. They were too close, even for the dance, and she felt everyone's eyes boring down on them. "Du-Dumas, we're too close. Please, behave yourself tonight."

His red eyes glanced sideways at the audience they've attracted and he smirked before returning his attention back to her. His grip loosened and he released her before holding her hand and giving it a chaste kiss; ignoring the silent crowd.

Dampierre quickly seized his chance and started clapping. "Magnificent! Le Bello has never seen such grace, my lord! You were both excellent dancers!" Gisele, Alphard and Ludovigo took the cue and followed their boss and a sudden applause shook the ballroom as everyone cheered.

"Lord Dumas, that was simply splendid."

"You and your lady danced so beautifully together!"

"Simply splendid!" cried one of the noble, gesturing the pink priestess. "Why have we never seen such a sweet and lovely maiden before?"

Dumas bowed and said in a silky voice, "Gentleman please, you're embarrassing my sweet songstress." He put a arm around Talim's shoulder and said, "In a fifteen minutes, she shall perform an even more stunning and beautiful dance for you all. I've arranged it as the highlight of my party for you and I hope you will all be pleased with her performance."

"I'm sure she won't disappoint."

Everyone turned as Matthias spoke up. Dressed up in a rich brown suit trimmed with white fur, the Archduke said curtly, "But I've also wanted to return the favor to you for preparing such a welcome for us all, Graf Dumas. My own dancer Viola, would like to perform on my behalf." He stepped aside and gestured to Viola who stepped up.

Dressed in a traditional red and black gypsy outfit, Viola brushed aside her red side skirt embroidered with a pattern of white roses and the pink ribbons dangled from her arms. "The moon shall dance with the sun tonight," said the seer in a light tone of voice from behind her transparent black veil.

The merit to her words was that all parts of her outfit had a moon symbol to them. The circlet, neck choker and even the claw gauntlet had the phases or full circle of the moon on it. In contrast to Talim's outfit that had sun symbols on her belt, ribbons, and her ruby tiara, the two slender and beautiful women were a great contrast to each other.

Talim didn't reply; the wind around the seer was strange and the only one who had a similar wind was Zwei. Who was this woman? Though she looked and had an aura similar to the malfested, she wasn't a true one. She turned her attention to Dumas and noticed his forced smile.

"Well well, this should be amusing. What do you say to having the two dance and perform at the same time, Archduke." Dumas suggestion was a direct challenge towards Matthias. It was a typical play at court battles to have your underlings best the other one to prove your superiority. While this Viola was just as beautiful as Talim, he was confident in his priestess's performance. No other dance, not even his, could match hers in gracefulness and fluidity. He adjusted his mask and smirked. "Let's see who shall shine brighter today."

Viola said curtly, "The moon and stars shall shine for the night. Nothing will change that."

Talim could see that Dumas was irked by the comment and she quickly intervened. Politely dipping her head, she replied, "Then may the moon and stars guide your steps, Viola. As the wind and sun shall guide mine." She looked up at Dumas. "When shall we begin?"

Dumas snapped his fingers for the orchestra to resume and he smiled at her. "In ten to fifteen minutes." Bending down, he whispered into her ear, "You may have this moment to talk to Hilde."

Talim squeezed his hands in gratitude and watched him leave. As if sensing her moment, Hilde arrived right by Talim's side. Wearing a handsome hat with a long trailing feather and an outfit that resembled that of a feminine musketeer, Hilde was also dressed up for the party. "Talim, I'm so sorry..." whispered the princess as she put a hand on the priestess's shoulder and quickly steered her towards a marble column for some privacy. Looking at her friend, she said, "You must have suffered alot of hardships these past months."

She shook her head and smiled. "Everything is fine, Hilde. After the party is over, I shall leave this place with Raphael by my side."

"Dumas promised to let you two go? Just like that?" Hilde asked with disbelief.

A light pink color dusted Talim's cheeks. "Yes. I just have to do some entertainment for the party and assist him with something first." Talim noted the look in Hilde's eyes and said, "Hilde, Dumas is not as bad as you think. Although he has his faults, I owe him my life and he has done many things for me and for the malfested. In my eyes, he is not the monster or tyrant you think him to be." In a beseeching voice, Talim added, "Please, do not hate him."

Hilde crossed her arms and said shortly, "He's changed you."

Talim briefly thought about what she was going to do later that night before saying softly, "No, he didn't. I am… the same Wind Priestess I've always been. Nothing has changed and it never will. My love for the wind and my love for Raphael is eternal."

Hilde put a hand on her hip and gave Talim a hard look. "This man is responsible for the 'Purge' that you so hate. Because of it, many innocent people were accused of witchcraft and killed. Can you still say that Dumas is not a bad person?" Hilde took a step back when she saw the answer in Talim's eyes. "You... knew he was the one responsible? And you still think that way?"

Feeling slightly guilty, Talim kept silent before asking, "Hilde, why are you here? And who is that person with you?"

Hilde smiled slightly before tilting her head at Viola who stood at a distance. "She's Zwei's girlfriend."

An expression of joy crossed Talim's face and one could see how happy she was, despite the white transparent veil she was wearing. "Zwei finally found someone he liked?" Talim asked happily. He was good looking, kind, easy-going and a very good hearted person. But because of his powers and his past, he was always alone and even though he made friends and was very loyal, he never considered the idea of having a lover or getting married since he was afraid they would get hurt. But to hear that he finally found someone, made Talim extremely happy. Best of all, the wind around Viola was very similar to Zwei. Their powers would protect them and they would be able to bond since they were the same. Talim thought about Zwei's own moon symbols and the tattoo on his chest. They were both moons and they should get along fine.

Hilde rubbed her arm, alittle sad to be the one to ruin Talim's cheerful moment but she must tell Talim the truth about Dumas. "Talim, listen to me. There's something you should know..." When the priestess saw her solemn look and turned alittle more serious, Hilde said, "Dumas is after Zwei. He has sent assassins and other hired killers to try and eliminate your student."

Talim's eyes widened and despite the warm ballroom, she felt her blood turn cold. "No... it can't be. My Zwei? Is being hunted by Dumas?" She turned her head and looked at Dumas who had walked over to Viola and asked for her hand for a dance. Biting her lips, Talim immediately worried for the girl since she was Zwei's lady. "Hilde, why is Dumas after Zwei?"

"It's a long story." Hilde stepped up to Talim's side and watched as Dumas began dancing with Viola. "Talim... you must reconsider your belief about Dumas. He's a monster that has taken many lives under his tyrannical rule and he's after Zwei. You can't afford to even consider him your friend."

"I..." Talim looked down at the ground and tugged on one of her red arm ribbon. She thought about his words to her last night, about how he wouldn't stop the purge. If she must sacrifice her life to stop him from harming more people, and from hurting Zwei, then she would do it. Things must end... Before she leaves with Raphael, she must change Dumas. Looking up, Talim's chocolate brown eyes turned slightly green as her hair moved slightly from a sudden stirring of air. "I know what I must do, Hilde."

Viola's eyes were cold as she and Dumas waltzed around the ballroom. This was the man who had sent assassins after Zwei and made their journey a near living hell for some parts. If she could slit his throat with her claws, she would have immediately done so to protect Zwei from getting hurt by this man ever again. She was rarely angry but seeing the man who had hurt Zwei so much made her seethe with a boiling and simmering rage. The last time the assassins caught up to them, Zwei nearly lost a hand in trying to protect her. Even now, he still had to keep his left hand bandaged since it still hadn't healed.

Dumas returned her frosty look as he whispered, "I know that you're malfested... Viola. I'm quite sure, you can sense your brethren as well as me, can't you."

"That changes nothing," Viola said icily. "I know who and which side I'm on. It doesn't matter whether I'm human or malfested; I only have one person and one goal to live for. The road he walks is the one I shall follow. Just as the stars follow the moon, I will do the same."

"Oh, and who is this man you've given your heart to?" Dumas asked mockingly as he spun her gently in a circle before returning his hand to her waist.

Viola's claws twitched as it rested on his shoulder. "Someone like you can never understand." In a clipped voice, she added, "I am empty but you are emptier still."

"What did you say?" Dumas asked thinly.

Her red eyes met his firmly head on as she said, "You are a evil and twisted man; no one can possibly be happy around you. Talim is coming with us. I will protect Zwei and her."

Zwei... His eyes burned at the mention of that name and his grip on her hand immediately became a crushing and painful hold. "So, you're that accused werewolf's mate."

"Insult him again, and I'll make sure your face will become so hideous that not even that mask will hide it," Viola replied threateningly, not showing a hint of pain at the tight grip.

"I'll do more then insult him. I'll make him drown in the pit of despair," Dumas replied darkly as he leaned in closer to whisper the threat.

"You are not only empty, but filled with darkness." From behind her black veil, Viola said, "It's just as we all thought. You don't love Talim, you only love yourself. You put your needs and wants above everyone else and you dominate them with an iron grip. Those around you have no freedom and you only make them suffer because of your selfishness." Her voice lowered as she said, "Zwei is Talim's student and he is almost like family to her. If you kill him, she will be devastated."

A cruel glint appeared in his eyes as he replied, "What she doesn't know... won't hurt her."

"Lies can't be hidden in the darkness forever. The light of truth will one day reveal how ugly and monstrous you really are."

Dumas gripped her hand even tighter as they stopped dancing. "Once I kill that werewolf, you'll be the next to follow him."

"Just try," Viola said evenly.

Dumas glared at her hatefully before letting go and regaining his normal composure. Quick as a snake, he smiled and said, "Let the performance begin, between my songstress and Viola!"

When Talim came to his side, Dumas pecked her on the forehead and said, "Promise me you'll out dance that wench."

"Dumas," Talim said firmly as she held both of his hands and shook her head at him, her long green ponytail swinging back and forth from the shake. That look was enough words for him and she went to Viola's side and dragged her into the middle of the ballroom as the crowd made way for them. Once they got into position, a servant fetched her Double Crescent blades and Talim smiled at Viola as she put a hand on her medallion. "The sun and moon are both very beautiful. Together, the both of us will step in for each different quality of our dance and highlight each other's individual beauty." She then whisper to Viola softly, "I'm very happy to see that Zwei has found such a nice young lady friend. I just wish we could have met under different circumstances, Viola."

Viola forced a smile on her face since this was Zwei's teacher and most respected idol. "I have heard alot about you from Zwei, miss Talim. I'm glad to have met the most Beautiful Breeze of Dawn as well."

Talim gave the younger woman a warm smile from behind her veil. "You're too kind." Talim then readied her stance. "Come now Viola, let's start." Closing her eyes, she let the wind play for her as she raised her elbow blades up high while Viola also prepared herself. But then Talim whispered, "May I test you?"

Viola grew slightly apprehensive. "On what?"

The seer saw a hint of a smile under the priestess's veil as she merely replied, "You are a strange one."

From the standing audience, Duke Corby took a sip of his wine as his eyes narrowed in on the moon shaped elbow blades. "It is her..." The combatant from seventeen years that belonged to the master who had assassinate his brother at the Phantom Pavilion. When he had called her Cecily earlier, she had answered him without noticing the bait. Now with those weapons, it proves that it was her. To Matthias who was beside him, he whispered, "My lord, you brought that lizard freak I've sold to you, correct?"

"I assume you have something in mind?" Matthias asked quietly.

"My brother's death will be avenged..." Corby replied resolutely. His dark eyes also narrowed in on Dumas as he whispered, "And I shall make that man pay for killing Lady Tira all those years ago."

At the empty dance floor, Talim gently tapped on the ground three times. The dull sounds moved through the air in seemingly slow motion before she whirled her elbow blades towards Viola. When the seer jumped back in slight surprise, Talim moved with ease and her red ribbons fan out from behind her as she continued the attacks. When Viola failed to dodge one, Talim missed on purpose to avoid injuring her before spinning like a fluid ballerina. From her lips, she said, "Let there be music."

The orchestra heard her and they immediately began to play. To coordinate with her steps since she was their master's lady, they made it light and airy and the sound was bright in its composition.

Viola pursed her lips for a moment before going along. Leaping at Talim's feet, she slashed at her but Talim just flipped back in a graceful arc and seemingly gave a small chuckle. As they engaged in their 'dance', Viola was slightly frustrated by the immense gap in their skills. She could blame it partly on the fact that she was only using her claws and not her orb but at the same time, the wind priestess seemed to know her every move and just elegantly danced around her.

As they danced and hide their fighting with steps and additional dance moves, Viola remembered Zwei's words.

"My mentor specializes in transition steps. She can flow like the very wind itself and only in certain moments, can you interrupt her. If you can't see the currents in the wind, you can't defeat her. She may not be the fastest or the strongest in terms of physical power, but it's the fact that she can attack in all directions and seemingly never stop moving that makes her opponents fall. Heh, now that's the physical part where you face her whirlwind of blades. For the spiritual part, just run. None can stand up against a tornado."

Knowing what to do, she began trying to discern a pattern. But she couldn't find anything. Their steps trailed across the dance floor in rhythms that was pleasing to the ear but it had no pattern nor purpose. Talim was truly a whirlwind of blades that sometimes move alittle slower but when she let down her guard, the priestess's blade immediately sped up. Her pink ribbons and Talim's red ribbons moved through the air as they spun, stepped and danced. The crowd was enraptured by their performance but she could distinctly hear that they thought Talim was superior. She especially hated the smug look on Dumas's face.

Talim could see that Viola couldn't understand the purpose of what she was doing and she was slightly disappointed. With a twirl, she stepped behind Viola and her breath passed by the seer's ears. "Now we dance for real then." With a whisper of words, the wind blew out all the candles in the ballroom.

Silence immediately reigned the ballroom and only the few twinkling crystals from the ceiling above their heads gave any light. Talim slowly lowered her elbow blades to her sides. Closing her eyes, she listened to the wind that came from the opened way that led to the balconies. Gently, she glided and danced.

Viola looked to the stars that flickered outside the three windows, oblivious to the looks of the crowd. Somehow, they seemed to be dim tonight. Following their light, she also began to dance, albeit in a slow manner as well. Though there was no music, no one could deny that there wasn't sounds. The sounds came from the crickets and other insects that lived in Dumas's garden, coupled with the aria of the air. The flute players listened, ashamed of their skills when compared to the sound of the wind.

The two dancers moved back and forth, coordinating their steps without trying. Their different appearance and style only served to enhance the others. No other beauty outmatched the other, they only highlighted the other's grace and uniqueness. The dance was beautiful as their forms weaved back and forth, not missing a single step in their sudden routine. But there was something almost sad and peaceful about the atmosphere they've generated. The dance was not just a display of art, it seemed to display a message.

Finally, Talim and Viola both stopped at the same time when one of their ribbons connected and twined with each other. Talim smiled and reached out with a hand, that Viola took. With a bow, the two curtsy. After a stunned silence, the crowd clapped loudly.

But then Talim raised a hand and shook her head. Taking off her veil, the beauty then asked, "Is there anyone, who could see the meaning in our dance?" When no one answered, Talim took a small step forward. "Anyone?" She looked at each and everyone of them straight on before saying softly, "By dancing together, we enhance our performance. The moon and sun have always worked together, even if they're so different. I... am Talim. The priestess of winds and I have come here to ask that all of you here, support me in my fight to help and protect the malfested."

Audible gasps rang out through the ballroom and Hilde put a hand to her mouth. "Talim, what are you doing?"

Dumas immediately said to a servant, "Take my songstress to her room this instant. She's tired and she doesn't know what she's saying." He glared at Talim. Didn't she realize that she was putting her life in danger as well as making a fool out of him right now?

"I am not tired and I know perfectly well what I am saying," Talim replied in a firm voice. She then repeated once more, "Graf Dumas, you hold my life in your hands but I am not afraid. I... am not afraid to say what's in my heart!" Putting a hand on her medallion, she looked at all the nobles and shouted, "I will not stand aside, and let innocent people die all because of fear and discrimination. Today, I will make a stand and fight. Not through combat or blades, but through words and love." Talim stood up alittle straighter and said, "I shall say everything I have to say, right this very night and change this corrupt and twisted way of hate and despair for both sides."

*Corby is actually raven/crow for scottish lol. Yea, So Tira had a fanboy who was Duke Corby. He's also the Baron of Denoise older brother who was assassinated by Raphael in the 'Returning to a Destined Journey' story.