Night Falls

[lilyrose]

As Lily followed Melacham through the castle to his private quarters she made sure that she paid attention to where they were going, memorizing her escape route for later. As they entered his quarters Melacham motioned for her to take a seat by the window, she smiled and sat. After watching him for a few moments Lily realised that he was toying with her, knowing that she was going to have to play her part well she said "I'm really sorry to have bothered you I can see that you are busy" Walking over to him slowly and deliberately she began to turn on the charm, "They took all my money and my bag, everything I had" she said looking up at him through her big dark eyes "I really don't know what i'm going to do now" Melacham continued flicking through his papers so Lily tried a different approach "I can see your busy " she said "If it's ok with you I will just clean myself up and be on my way "

[narym]

" He's suspicious," Narym reported to Cassandra. " Lily is trying a different approach." She looked at Cass and Kaden, almost pleading. " Let's get in there as soon as we can, she may not have long."

[cassandra]

"Calm down Narym! Has Lily actually saidthat she's in trouble? No, she hasn't! Let her go until shethinks she's in trouble. As hard as that may be, I can promise you what will happen if we go in too soon. Let her signal you when she either needs help, or when she has him totally distracted," Cassandra said firmly.

Taking a few steps closer to Kaden she whispered in his ear, "That is the right thing to do, isn't it?" She was starting to wish she'd never stepped up as the strategist for this one, too many people's lives were at stake...people that she loved.

[melacham]

Melacham raised his head swiftly at Lily's words, frowning slightly, he'd wanted to toy with her longer, and here she was saying she was leaving. Trying to read her, he drew a blank.

What if the girls story is true?He wondered to himself. Am I going to let such a beauty as this leave this quickly? I think not! Coming to a decision, Melacham turned to the girl and said, "I'm sorry for ignoring you my dear, so many things needing my attention. I can understand your wanting to clean up, please..step into my private wash room and help yourself to whatever you need. Meanwhile, why don't I have some refreshment sent up? While we eat, you can let me know what kind of...help...you might require of me."

[narym]

" I'm a professional warrior Cass, I am calm. But I promised I'd look after Lily and I'd like to keep that promise."
She bent down and picked up her pack. " I just want to be ready to go at a moments........" she trailed off, listening to Fallow.
" Ok, she's bought some time. Melachem's going to entertain her. He must be curious enough to find out what's going on."
She shook her head and smiled slightly. " Apparently she's moaning she forgot her lipstick!"
Gods, that girl was putting her through hell!

[cassandra]

Feeling contrite, Cassandra turned to her friend and said, "I'm sorry Narym! You see, I'm not a professional anything, unless you count spoiled brat as a profession! And I'm worried sick about Lily as well, its me that needs to calm down!"

[narym]

"Ah well, and you see it's a good friend you are Cassandra," Narym said smiling.
" It would seem our Lily has it under control for the moment," she continued. " But I wish I knew how Cassiel was doing. It's a pity she's not linked with Fallow as well."
She shifted her pack higher on her back and strapped her small crossbow to her belt.
" However, I'm not standing down now, I want to be ready to go at a moments notice."
She stood tall and proud, a warrior first, mother hen second. For now!

[Alledyra]

Smiling softly at Cassandra's words, Dyra spoke quietly, "For better or worse, we're in this now, Cassandra. Now we can only wait, and pray, until whatever will happen, happens." Feeling slightly unsettled herself, Dyra was doing her best to stay calm, and not let her own excitement and fear change her hold on her gift. Settling back down on her heels, she idly felt the edge of each dagger she had chosen earlier, until she knew by touch every waver in their lines and could feel their weight comfortably in her hand...her grey eyes taking in the few stars she could see as though they would never shine again...

[Kaden]

Kaden nodded to Cassandra's question, but there was still a slightly worried expression on the young wizard's face. Lily seemed to be doing perfectly, but they had no way of knowing just yet how Cassiel was doing.

[Cassiel]

Cassiel took a second to get everything set in her mind and stepped into the light. She really hoped that Cassandra's information about him being attracted to shifters was true because her eyes were stuck in panther form.

"I'm afraid I am, just a little," Cassiel said with an apologetic smile. "And I don't mean to intrude, only I was taking a walk on the other side of the wall when my bird flew over here, and I just had to come and find him." She pouted a little. "I'm Alana by the way."

She walked to the man with her hand outstretched to shake his when she spotted a hole in the ground. Cassiel knew then exactly how to get in. She stepped on the edge of the hole and sunk down to the ground. Immediately she grabbed her ankle. "Ow, my ankle," she cried.

[lilyrose]

Lily felt relieved. For whatever reason Melacham had decided to play along with her.
" Refreshments would be wonderful, it's been a very trying evening," she said, walking toward the bathroom. As she reached the doorway, she turned and said, " I just wanted to thank you again for coming to my rescue. You've already been a great help." Smiling slowly she added, " I'm very grateful."
Closing the door, she breathed a sigh of relief.
' So far so good,' she sent silently to Fallow. ' Please let Narym know I'm ok and that I'm pretty sure I have him curious enough to distract him for a while.'
Turning to her reflection in the mirror she cursed. She had definitely looked better!
Running her fingers thru her long dark hair and straightening her clothes, she took a deep breath and prepared to rejoin Melacham.

[melacham]

Melacham directed the servant to set the wine and cheese platter on a low table by the loveseat and began to pour 2 glasses. Hearing Lily re-enter the room he looked up and smiled at her. "Won't you sit down and join me?"

[narym]

Narym passed on Lilys message to the group. All eyes turned expectantly towards Cassandra.
" Ready when you are, Boss," Narym said and saluted. It sounded like a joke perhaps, but Cass had planned and put all of this together. Narym knew only too well how difficult it must have been for someone inexperienced in strategic planning. Cass deserved respect and Narym, in her awkward way, was showing it.

[cassandra]

"Damn! Does anyone see Eli? I need to know what's going on with Cassiel before we go!"

[Cecil]

As she stepped into the light, he noticed her eyes for the first time. She's a shifter... Cecil thought, interest now increased. He was barely even listening to her story from that point on; much too entranced by her eyes. This reverie was abruptly broken when she stumbled. Gasping slightly, he dropped to his knees as well. "Here...Alana, you said? Let me help you." The king said softly, gently picking her up and carrying her back inside to his room.

"I've told my groundskeeper plenty of times to keep this area completely smooth; I'm terribly sorry this happened." Resting her in a soft chair, he continued. "You can rest here for a while if you'd like."