Graceling

[Galadas]

Elliot wanted to follow to ensure Dedelean's safety, because he didn't trust Kasta when it came to enemies, pain and fighting. People could drop dead out of nowhere around her. Instead he went searching for Nech and hopefully Shona, who he had not seen for long.

Peter blocked the Master out once more and concentrated on what just happened, he was close, he could feel the Master's presence bitting on his soul, heart, or whatever it was where he kept his hold on. He did not want to attract attention, but he needed to hear with his own ears what was going on. The Master felt his followers depart, this could be a problem. As could the fact that they were preparing a new attack.
He wanted to escape, now. But how far would he make it out with everyone on edge? The Master's control took him back. Fighting it seemed useless, but he would not give up, he needed to stop The Master and his evil plan. Whatever that evil plan was?

[Cara]

Peter turned to see a young girl watching him with ice blue eyes. They were almost silver in the rising sun. He tried to remember her name. There were so many people, it was hard to keep track of whom.
"Peter, right?" she asked, with a smile.
He nodded. "Um... and you?" he asked.
"Elyssa," she said, her eyes moving past him. They stood almost alone now in the woods, the others having moved off after the fight.
"Oh, nice to, er, meet you," he said.
Elyssa laughed. It was light and airy sounding. "You're struggling, aren't you?" she asked, suddenly.
"What? Oh...No, of course not!" Peter said. "I would never betray the Master," he said, tough he wasn't sure if he was saying it because he believed it or not.
Elyssa smiled again, her teeth white as pearls. "You lie to yourself," she whispered, smiling.
Peter looked at her, taking her in for the first time. She had white blonde hair, silvery like her eyes. She seemed young though. Perhaps only fourteen years old, yet another glance, and she seemed ten years older.
"What's your Grace?"
Elyssa just smiled again and walked off.
"Hey! Wait!" Peter called after her. Catching her, he grabbed her shoulder. "Elyssa," he said. "Ok, sorry..." he said. "I don't think I've seen you before," he said.
She shrugged. "I'm usually good at not being seen," she said. Peter frowned. Elyssa wasn't like any of the others. The Master's ability affected each person differently. A few people lost all sense of themselves and were slaves, dead to all around them except the Master. Most people were still themselves, and could think, retaining their personality to the most part, but were utterly loyal to the Master... Why on earth would he be thinking such things!? Peter shook his head. He saw Elyssa looking at him with her unnerving eyes.
In that moment he gasped. "Your eyes!" he said, confused. "They're... the same color."
Elyssa's smile widened. "Yet, I'm still Graced."
"What? That's, impossible... Who are you?"
Elyssa shrugged. "A girl. A prisoner. A slave to the Master."
"What? How can you say such things?"
Her eyes narrowed. "The question should be, Peter, how can I not?" She smiled again, as if nothing else mattered. "The Master is weak, you should take extra care though, because nothing is more deadly and unpredictable than a wounded animal..."


Dedelean was roughly shoved towards the chair.
"Sit," Kasta said, as she paced the floor. Aris rushed in. Kasta could see that blood stained the silk dress she wore, but it didn't seem to be her blood.
"Kasta, there you are..." she said, her eyes going to Dedelean. "I heard..." she said, "and came right away."
She nodded. "Dedelean is it?" she asked. "That's what Elliot has told me anyway..." Kasta started. Dedelean looked up at the mention of Elliot's name. "Ah, so you do care," she murmmered. "And the Master?"
Dedelean's shrunk away from the name. "The Master?" she asked. "He... he's gone. I'm myself again."
"That's good to hear," Kasta said, as Aris watched her.

[Galadas]

Elliot walked in circles, he couldn't decide where to go. Back to Dedelean and face Kasta or searching for Shona. He couldn't decide, he walked and walked, feeling tears hoard under his eyes. "Darn!" he said to himself, turning once more and walking into the direction of Kasta and Dedelean, he had made a choice.

Peter looked confused at Elyssa, who was she? "I don't understand how you can say things like that, whilst you are the master's slave?" He wanted to understand what her Grace was, how she was able to take advantage of the Master's weakness. But before he could think clearer the control on his body and mind was retaken.

[Cara]

Elyssa watched Peter's expression. "Slave is just a term," she said lightly. "Servant, slave, worshiper, devoted, over loving... Each person bonds different to the Master," she said. She reached out, her slender fingers, clasping Peter's arm. "Remember who you were. Who you still are. Just because I love the Master doesn't mean I have to loose myself," she said softly. "Peter, you don't have to..." she said.
"Hmmm..." Peter said, frowning. It was so hard, but she was right. He still felt that utter devotion to the Master, wilst still keeping himself. It was... strange, but he liked it.
Elyssa smiled. "Yes, you will like it," she said, as if reading his mind.
"What is your Grace?" he asked suddenly.
"Is it not apparent?" she asked. "I'm a truth teller."

[Galadas]

Elliot walked in, taking away his gaze when he saw Kasta and Dedelean, at this moment he did not know what to do. Eavesdropping was his favorite option, if they saw him, needed him, or did not want him there, they could say so. He just hoped that Dedelean would notice him, that she would look that same way that she had looked when he opened his eyes.

Isaac followed the group as if he was a zombie, he could not think about anything but walking, walking till they would stop. He noticed Peter wasn't at his side as he would normally be, but it did not concern him. He did not mind, he only wondered, why Peter wasn't there?

"Sounds... What does a truth teller do?" Peter asked, sometimes lifting his head to where the last Gracelings of the group were waiting to walk away.

[Cara]

Elyssa smiled coyly. She was probably one of the youngest amongst them, but she seemed one of the oldest at times. Her gaze was sharp and almost wise. Elyssa radiated youthful confidence. She seemed about to reply, but paused suddenly, thinking better. A frown flitted across her pale features for a second. "I feel the Master wishes my presence..." she said. "Come, Peter. We must attend the meeting," she said, grabbing his hand and dragging him off, as she ran.
Peter couldn't fathom Elyssa. She was so strange. One minute she was speaking as if she knew his very soul, and the next she was laughing and running like a child through the woods...
He felt his heart swell when he saw the Master. There was no other higher purpose than to serve the Master.
Elyssa left him there, as she bowed before the Master. "Master, I knew you called," she said.
The Master smiled down at her. "Ah, yes, my child. We will talk later..." Speaking to the gathered Gracelings he said, "Druet has given us a blow, but not without its cost to them. They are weak. I want our espionage team ready by nightfall. Talk to the one in command. You have your instructions. "As for the rest of you. Be prepared for my word. Levia, Mae, Qunal. You're to take your groups into Druet. Be on alert. I want prisoners. Gracelings only. All other, kill them." The Master looked at Levia. "I want your arrow in Dedelean's heart. She knows too much."

The Master looked to Elyssa. "Can you say how all will fare?" he asked.
"Master, you know that I can't say truths of the future. There is no definite truth but death," Elyssa said, looking unblinkingly at him.
"Yes, yes. Then, tell me, has Kasta found out yet?" he urged.
"Only time... and patience can say, my Lord. Those words have not been spoken, but all can be revealed. Much blood will run before yours will though."
The Master frowned at this. "You speak in riddles," he said with an irritated sigh.
"As it is my Grace, my Lord," Elyssa said sweetly. She gave a bow and practically skipped off, smiling brightly at Peter. "Oh, Peter! I have to show you something!" she said.

Aris glared at Kasta. "Leave the girl alone," she said sharply, weariness on her face. "Our people need to rest and recuperate. We don't need another torture session!" she said, loosing her temper.
Kasta snapped up, her back rigid, eyes narrowed. She walked away from Dedelean who sat at the long table, gazing intently at the wood work. "Forgive me, your majesty, but who said my Grace was called for?" leaning closer, she whispered harshly, "Dedelean has for more than a month been under the Master's Grace. If we can find a sliver of information as soon as possible, that can mean the success or the doom of all of us," she said.
Aris seemed to become smaller. She sighed. "Fine, but my Court has seen enough blood and death."
Kasta gave Aris a tight lipped smile. "I'm offended," she said. "You seem to value me so little," she sneered. "Rest well, I'll not shed a single drop tonight..."

[Galadas]

Peter felt that he had to warn Elliot about the Master's plan. If Dedelean had to be killed, that should mean she was out of his control. Long distances? Didn't his grace work on long distances? He gasped, he jumped up to Levia, hoping he was one amongst the espionage teams, that was his best way out!

As soon as Kasta had turned to Aris Elliot saw his chance. He ran around the wooden table, slided over the ground with his feet and fell to his knees just besides the chair where Dedelean sat. "Lean! Are you okay?" he asked, his voice cracking when she turned to look at him. She was herself. "Lean! Lean, tell me what happened?!" He lay his hand on her cheek, hoping to get her total attention, she was distant, silent, like she normally was.
"Elliot," Kasta said.
He ignored her, he had seen the way she tortured Mila, she wouldn't do that to Dedelean. "Talk to me, Lean. Tell me something... nice."
Dedelean laughed softly, finally meeting his eyes. "You forgive me, right? For what I've done?"

[Cara]

Kasta waited with level patience, no observation escaping her eyes. Dedelean glanced up at Kasta for a moment and caught her watching. She smiled at Elliot. Aris tapped Kasta on the shoulder, drawing her attention.
"Just got word... Our spies have informed us that the Master is on the move. Or something has galvanized him. As soon as this is done, report to Securities," she said. "And later tonight, we need to talk," she said, softly enough that no one else could overhear. Kasta gave a nod. She looked back to Elliot and Dedelean.
Where was Lorn? She had seen him earlier, during the battle, after he'd been healed. Mech had seen to that. As soon as her duty here was over, she would look for him. She sighed, closing her eyes briefly. What would her uncle say to all this? Had she proved her uncle right? Her stomach twisted; no she was sick of all of this. Dedelean's "return" was held hope...
"Dedelean," Kasta softly interrupted. Elliot looked guardedly at her, protective. She ignored his glare. "I know with everything you've been through that the last thing you want is to deal with all of this, but it is to the utmost importance that you tell us as much as you can about the Master and any plans you know of." Kasta paused. "And why do you think that you are no longer under the Master's control? Do you know?"
Dedelean looked thoughtfully into the flames of the large fireplace. "It's... hard to remember, but it's coming back," she said. She shivered. "When I was with the Master, I was... still myself in many ways, but I felt entirely loyal to the Master, devoted, like I would do anything for him. It didn't matter what....I did such horrible things!" she cried, shaking. She looked at Elliot. "I'm so sorry," she said. "I...I never meant--"
"That's alright," Elliot reassured her. "I forgive you...Go on..." he said, curious too to see what she said.
Dedelean closed her eyes in concentration. "You asked why I'm... myself again?" she said. "Well, I think, and I'm not sure, but I think that during the battle, there was too much strain. No one really knows how the Master's Grace works, not even his daughter, Mila."
"So she told me," Kasta commented.
Dedelean gave her a look, but continued. "It could be because of the battle or the numbers, or the distances. There are many factors. Here's my theories. I know that his Grace has something to do with mental control. He somehow controls your loyalty and feelings to him and to others. There were Gracelings there that saw him as their savior, as the Father that they never had. He called us all his Children. I never felt that way towards him, with that sort of love, almost affection. What I felt was... extreme devotion. I could still think in a distorted way for myself. I don't think I ever lost my... real personality. There were a rare few who lost themselves. They were nothing but tools; people without personality at all. They didn't think at all. They were... slaves," Dedelean said. She gave a slight shiver. "It was strange being with them. Even when I was being influenced by the Master, I remember not really liking them. The only lived for the Master. I'm not sure why or how his control varies from person to person, but it may be that those who have stronger ties to loved ones were not as influenced. That's my guess," she said, looking at Elliot.
"So you think that previous loyalties and emotional ties made it harder for him to control people?"
"It's a good guess," Dedelean said. "Another factor is that the more Gracelings he has under his control, the lesser his influence it. Levia. You met her. She is one of his most devoted. I have a feeling that she was devoted to the Master before he really took her. That's what made it so strong. But going back to the Master: lately a few newer followers aren't as... brainwashed, to say. They question and think more independently, though still undyingly love the Master. They have been giving us problems. Small fights amongst us would break out, with arguments, that the Master would have to separate. It's putting a greater strain in the Master's powers. I'm not sure how many he can control though."
Kasta nodded, thinking on everything Dedelean had just said.
"Oh! I forgot something," Dedelean said. "I just remembered. There was this one girl... What was her name again? Oh, it was Elyssa! Elyssa was this small girl with the most peculiar Grace. She was Graced with truth telling. She spoke only truths. The Master many times seeks her advice. She is the only one who has ever been able to talk back to the Master and live. She speaks many times with brutal honesty. It's very strange. She must be about 12 years old, though at times she seems so much older than that. I don't think she can say things she doesn't know, or how much truth she can tell. She's a mystery. She's the most independent of all of us. Always was. Yet she's deeply devoted to the Master at the same time, which is the same case for many of the children. There are children as young as five, and being so young, they're entirely devoted to the Master... But back to Elyssa. Elyssa speaks her mind, because it is the truth. She isn't influenced the same way the rest of us are..." Dedelean paused. "And her eyes! They're the same color!"


Levia looked down at Peter with narrowed eyes. "What do you want?!" she hissed. "Get--"
"Over to your group," the Master interrupted, his black and red Graceling eyes watching Peter with measured stillness.
Levia looked surprised, but didn't say anything. She bowed her head in acknowledgment, as the Master turned and left. Peter gave her a smug smile.
"What are you looking at?" Levia snarled. "You heard the Master. To your post!"
Peter turned to see Elyssa watching them, her strange grey un-Graced eyes flashing. She didn't say a word. "You're leaving then." It wasn't a question. "I had wanted to show you something," she said, with almost a child-like pout.
"Sorry," Peter mumbled. Elyssa followed him, keeping pace as he walked. He could feel her heavy gaze.
"Dedelean."
Peter stopped. "What!?!"
"Dedelean..." she paused. "And what of your friend? Isacc?" she said. He felt as if she'd punched him. "You hold your love for him more than that of the Master," she said, her voice a whisper. That too wasn't a question.
"No... my loyalty to the Master is unquestioned!" Peter said, swelling with indignation. It was true.
"Of course it is," Elyssa said, mysteriously. "Yet you still defy the Master. If you go with the others and attack Druet, you will test your loyalty to the Master, but you may not break free."
Peter frowned. Whatever Elyssa said was true, wasn't it? She'd told him that she was a truth teller. "It's worth a shot."
"Ask if it is worth losing your friend, for he cares more for the Master than personal freedom. Go to Druet, and lose him... I never lie."

[Galadas]

[I'm kinda stuck now. You probably have a plan, can you lead me the way with one more post? ]

[Cara]

(well i don't have much of a plan... i have a few different ideas, but no solid direction
as far as your character, Peter is concerned, I'm only developing my new character, Elyssa. So feel free to move that character along And as far as the Master's Grace goes, I have an idea on how his Grace works and I'm revealing a little more about the Master. That's basically it though. ;D)

[Galadas]

Elliot hugged Dedelean for a moment. He could not believe she was back, but sadly, he wasn't very happy yet. Both Peter and Isaac were still under the Master's control, and that was all his fault. He brought them into all the trouble.
"So, what are we going to do next?" he asked Kasta.

[Cara]

Kasta shook her head, pacing. "I don't know..." she said. Glancing at Elliot and Dedelean, she turned on her heel and walked stiffly out of the room. "For now, you're both free to go just stay close..." she said over her shoulder.
Aris hurried after her, followed by her Guard. "Kasta," she said, dropping pretense. She had to practically run, pulling up her skirts to catch Kasta who hadn't paused or slowed her gait. Her eyes flicked to Aris when they finally were abreast.
"What are you thinking of doing?" she asked, slightly breathless.
"First, I'm going to see how Lorn is doing, and then I'm going to get something to eat, hopefully some rest too if I'm lucky..." she said curtly.
Aris's eyes narrowed. "Remember who you are talking to," she warned.
"My apologies, Your Majesty," Kasta said, mockingly.
Kasta was yanked back, so she was forced to face Aris.
"Kasta, don't forget that you are here in Druet because of me; because I allowed you sanctuary after you fled your uncle. After everything you have done."
"Yes, Aris--oh, I mean, Your Majesty-- did you let me into Druet? I wonder... Was it because you needed me? Just using me for my Grace?" she snarled, her nerves frayed. "You're just like everyone else, using me!" Kasta stepped closer to Aris, threateningly. "Don't you forget who you are taking to either," she said, her voice low. "And I don't just mean my Grace either. I have just as much birthright to my throne in Rada..."
Aris interrupted her. "No, did. You did have right to the throne of Rada," Aris snapped back, her temper rising. "But you lost that right after your murdered your own--" Kasta slapped her hard across the face. The Guard was there immediately, ready, swords and spears bristling. Aris was in a state of shock, her mouth a perfect O.
"Don't you ever..." Kasta hissed. "talk about my father that way!" her voice cracking. "You don't know anything."
"I know enough," Aris said, her face dark and composed again. "I know enough that you murdered my brother," she said. "And the only reason I ever let you back into Druet, was because my people were in danger and we needed more people to stop the Master..." she said, her voice sharp and controlled. "But I'm starting to regret my decision..." Kasta's handprint was red upon Aris's pale cheek.
"You don't know what you're dealing with!" Kasta said, tension high. "You don't know anything about me, or what happened with your brother--"
"Get. Away. From. Me," Aris commanded. Kasta shot her a withering glare before turning and walking swiftly away. As soon as she was out of sight from Aris, she started to run. Lorn would understand this. She desperately needed to talk with him. He had always been there for her. He was the only one who knew the truth, all of the truth.

Elliot and Dedelean had started to make their way back to Elliot's room, where he was told a change of clothes and food were waiting for them. They paused, has they heard an argument breakout ahead of them. Hiding behind many of the large stone columns, Elliot and Dedelean watched Kasta and Aris arguing, though they couldn't really hear what was being said, the tone and body language was enough.
Dedelean gave out a little yelp when Kasta had hit Aris, but no one seemed to hear it. All the Guards were focused on Kasta, ready to strike. Elliot watched Kasta walk away before breaking into a run. Should he follow her? Probably not a good idea, but what had Lady Aris and Kasta been talking about?
They skirted the columns as the Queen (Aris) and her Guard started walking their way, Aris discretely rubbing the sore spot of her face. After they'd disappeared from the other end of the hallway, Elliot looked at Dedelean to see what she thought.

[Galadas]

"You want to follow?" Dedelean asked Elliot, her hand on his back. She wanted to feel close to someone again, all the time she had only felt close to the Master. Now thinking back about that made her scared.
Elliot shook his head. "Kasta needs some time with Lorn, alone. I don't want to deal with her within the next day or so," he said, leading Dedelean to his room. He needed some clean clothes, she needed them very badly, and he wanted food. He had ignored his stomach long enough.
"No, you're right. I kinda think she's scary," she said with mocking tone.
Elliot laughed. "She is," he agreed.

Elliot looked out of the window as Dedelean changed her clothes. Now that she was back the whole 'i think I love her' feeling was gone. Instead he felt like her brother again, taking care of her and caring for her in a way that showed him as a brotherly figure.
"Done," she called while still putting on a pair of black boots.
He turned, taking the leather jacket and folding his old clothes on the bed. "Well, lets eat then."
Dedelean smiled, but she seemed so unhappy. He was thinking about asking how she felt, but he decided not to, not yet.

[Cara]

Kasta felt like punching something, but that would either result with a broken hand or another injury on her hands and she didn't need that.
She knocked on the Healers Wing. Mech opened up, stepping aside to let her in.
"Mech, how is Lorn doing?" she asked, worried. The image of her blade slicing into his stomach was almost too much. There had been so much blood. She hadn't been sure if she'd gotten him here soon enough...
"I'm sorry, Lady Sarce---"
"What!? What happened? Is he--"
Mech put up a calming hand, stopping her rapid questions. "What I meant to say, my Lady, is that Lorn is fine."
"Great. Is he up? Can I see him?"
"He is no longer her, my Lady."
Kasta froze. "No longer here?" she asked, her voice flat.
"No, Lady Sarce."
In a quavering voice, Kasta stared Mech down. "Tell me, where is he?"
Mech swallowed. "I know not, my Lady. It took all my Grace, but I managed to keep his heart from stopping and sealed and repaired the damage to his flesh. You will be happy to hear, he healed very well indeed. There is barely a scar. But--"
"Yes?"
"If my Lady will let me continue..." Kasta nodded, as she started to pace. She was never very patient. "Lorn desperately wanted to rejoin the fighting, although I advised against it. But he left anyway. I don't know where he went."
Kasta put her head into her hands, thinking. "How long ago?"
"More than a few hours ago."
She closed her eyes, thinking. Why didn't Lorn let her know about this? Where did he go? Where could he have gone? Why!? "Thank you Mech," she said curtly.
"As always, my Lady."
Kasta hurried from the room. She had to find the Druet Seer. She would know where Lorn was. Then she had some other issues to attend to.

[Galadas]

Elliot walked through the hallway, Dedelean at his arm. He looked around, hoping to find anyone familiar heading the same way. Silence before the storm, he did not like it at all. Everyone was most probably preparing for another fight.
"I'm really hungry," Dedelean said, smiling childishly.
"I hope there is any food to eat," he answered, not sure whether live was continuing the way it should. He wondered where Kasta was, how Lorn was.