Blood Trade [Concluded]

[Duplicitous Dame]

[align=center]"For we deal with the most heinous trade of them all. Blood."[/align]

 

Julius' statement had a nasty habit of ringing like a death knell over and over in her mind. A deep scowl etched itself across her features as she paced Mikh'a's office. At Ki's request, she had been granted refuge alongside him within the Dauntless household. Much had transpired over the past few moons and there was still more to do. The end of her tail flickered sharply, mimicking the ire on her face, as a multitude of thoughts and visions tumbled themselves through Nahare's mind. Part of her was surprised she hadn't imbed a permanent trail in the floorboards. She paused for a moment, the faintest of smirks toying with the corners of her mouth at the notion.

 

Bright golden hues drifted toward the bottle of pineapple juice on the desk, her smirk widening into a fang filled grin. Slender fingers snatched the bottle and brought it to her lips. She downed a good portion of its contents with relative ease, almost as if she were chugging her favorite spiced rum. Her penchant for juice was one of the few things keeping her nerves steady. Then again, she was counting the days until Osric started hollering at her for continuously swiping their much beloved beverage and she'd either have to reel back on it or proceed to ruthlessly destroy some other flavor. With the bottle in hand, Nahare finally settled herself down into the chair by the fireplace. "Focus." She inwardly reprimanded herself.

 

The flames danced brightly with small embers sparking and popping every so often. Tendrils of warmth curled out to embrace her and the fur on her ears lightly stood on end as the heat caressed them. She inhaled deeply through her nose, holding the air in her lungs for a count of three before exhaling softly. Her fluffy maroon tail curled itself about her waist, one of her claws idly tapping against the bottle now. Nahare tucked her legs beneath her and propped her forehead against the palm of her free hand. She wished she could recount her journey in the form of writing, but the risk of someone with ill or too curious intent finding the tome and reading it was too great. Or maybe it was just her ever increasing paranoia.

 

Alas, Nahare was trapped within the confines of her mind, forced to reflect on and memorize situations internally as a means to process and ingrain within herself just what in the seven bloody hells was going on. Sure, she had a select few people that she could bitch and moan to, but that required getting them to stop for more than five minutes and they were just as stressed out. Her lips pursed into a tight, thin line. For a split second she had hoped that if she thought on everything hard enough that it would all just poof into nothingness. Hahaha... haha... hah. It didn't work like that. Nor would it ever.

 

"Adin. Jin'li. Tengri." Nahare muttered the names with a tone of utter contempt. Those names were of three very dangerous men and each one was marked for death. At least in her eyes they were and she knew her mate, Ki, wanted to see them dead, too. She was well aware of the shenanigans two of them had caused and now continued to do so. Ki had gotten himself wrapped up in a job assigned by Tengri, only for both them to find out later on that Adin and Jin'li were extra links in the grand chain of things. Good 'ol Osric was the one to break that joyous bit of news. Just how much of a hand Adin and Jin'li had in this remained to be seen.

 

The icing on the cake included Osric being very much roped into this web, and as far as she could potentially assume, Mikh'a had been briefed or would find out soon enough. Her sister Nataru, Memith, and Julius were amongst the list of allies able to be called upon. Nahare slowly shook her head. There were too many involved playing a double game. On the same token, she wondered if they were going to need as many people as they could get their hands on when it came time to confront their quarry. While they supplied Tengri with weapons they were also desperately digging up every little bit of information they could to use against him. Something wasn't right and not a damned thing added up concerning this man and those he associated with.

 

Nahare heaved a long, drawn out sigh as she mulled over the names of four other high risk, high value targets that were to be pursued. Folks that were presumed dead but rumored to be walking the earth once more. "Why can't the dead stay that way?", was a another statement, this one made by Ki, that also made repeat runs through her mind. One of the four, or rather someone who knew of the person in question, was found and interrogated. She wrinkled her nose. In the back of her mind she had a feeling this man would need to be pinned down for a second time given that she had assumptions he wasn't entirely truthful. The way he spoke and the smirk upon his lips at certain questions felt out of place.

 

Still, she had garnered quite a bit of intel and it was nothing to scoff at. That left three to be dealt with while they maintained their facade. Time was of the essence and it had to be spent wisely. In a sense, she was high risk, high value herself. Her hand fell from her forehead to rest upon her belly with another sigh. Not only was Mikh'a Ki's apprentice, he was a self-proclaimed doctor, and she was thankful to have his expertise to call upon as it would be needed in the coming months. Her movements within the field were restricted now and it frustrated her to no end.

 

She wasn't one to lurk in the shadows because by the Twelve she had to be right there in the thick of things! Nahare grit her teeth and a low growl rumbled in her throat. Despite the severe consequences, she had already made up her mind to get as close as possible and help in any way she could. Like hells was she going to be forced to stay idle. If anything, she'd likely need to be tied, gagged, and locked in Mikh'a's office with the door boarded to ensure she stay put. Too much was at stake. A deranged smile plastered itself across her face as she imagined curling her fingers around Tengri's neck and watching the light fade from his eyes as he bled out.

 

His pain, along with Adin's and Jin'li's, would be her sick pleasure. If her hands weren't stained crimson by the time this was over then she didn't do her job right, or she was dead. Nahare downed the last of the pineapple juice and set the bottle on the floor. She rolled her neck in a long, slow circle, her joints releasing one loud pop after another. However, she was brought out of her reverie by a knock on the door. Sazi's voice rang out on the other side as she had come to check on her. With a grunt, she hoisted herself from the chair to answer the door, forcing a smile so as to not worry the little Lalafell.

[Duplicitous Dame]

[align=center]Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.[/align]

 

That infernal, insufferable clock ticking over and over and over the linkpearl. Caused by the same infernal, insufferable little shite out of his warped sense of kindness. Ki had been missing for over a week now. The first night he didn't return home she thought nothing of it, as he had been known to become occupied with other work. It was the second night he didn't return home, and without having so much as uttered a single word, was when worry began to creep its way into Nahare's mind. Desperately she called her mate's name, only to be met with nothing but silence in response. Eventually a voice rang out to her, but it didn't belong to Ki.

 

No. This voice was soft, careful with their words, and held the slightest air of amusement in regards to tone. Jin'li Epinoch had come upon Ki's personal linkpearl with Nahare and took great joy in communicating with her over it. "Pardon me, did this one hear correctly you were attempting to reach a Ki?", began their proverbial game of cat and mouse. This time, however, he was the predator and she the prey. Nahare didn't appreciate having the tables turned around on her. "Who tha feck are ye an' why do ye 'ave Ki's pearrrl?", was her counter. Already from the beginning Jin'li put her on edge and growling low in her throat.

 

"It would appear that he sounds very dear to you? Well, to avoid being ever so rude, this one obtained the pearl after stumbling upon a battered Mister Ki in Limsa. So, to whom does this one have the pleasure of addressing, and perhaps, you can also explain your relationship?" So, Ki was injured and being held hostage, a statement Jin'li had uttered casually whilst sipping upon tea. How grievous were his wounds? Had he received any kind of medical attention at all? But most of all, where was he? "Ye'll aftah excuse me trrransgressions, Mistah Epinoch. I dun take kindly ta things bein' stolen from Ki. Now tell me where 'e is so I may retrrrieve 'im!" Nahare wasn't known for her patience, or tact. Especially when it came to someone with ill intentions against her loved ones.

 

She refused to answer his question at first, attempting to see just how hard she could squeeze for information before having to divulge any of her own. "Mister Grimsong is out of your reach and no longer in my possession, but within another's. As such, you will have to deal with them instead. Was that comprehended, my lady?" Oh, it was comprehended alright. Nahare wanted nothing more than to find a means to reach her hands across their connection and encircle them around Jin'li's throat. Smug bastard. "I can comprehend ye jus' fine, ye smart arse! If'n ye dun 'ave ye 'ands on Ki, then who does!?" Anger quickly mingled with her words, the level of her patience ever waning. "Please forgive me, Lady Unknown. But this one doesn't feel very compelled to cooperate, not without wondering what you gain for such a trade of information." 

 

Jin'li maintained his calm, near nonchalant facade. The sound of tea being partaken of had now been accompanied by the chewing of a muffin. At least someone seemed content enough to eat, because it most certainly wasn't her. "Me name's Nahare, an ye assumptions on Mistah Grimsong bein' very dear ta me were correct. Does that suffice 'nough ferrr ye?" He had barely twisted her arm and she already caved. Then again, if Ki was injured, she didn't exactly have the time to play games. Minutes wasted could have been minutes put forth into rescuing him. A sour feeling rumbled through her stomach at her admittance. She didn't want to say too much, either. Her ears wilted themselves against her head.

 

"Is this one to assume that, perhaps, you two have become intimate? Oh, how interesting..." Twelves dammit. A sharp shudder jolted itself down her spine. He'd continue, "This little bit of information does, indeed, garner a satisfactory exchange of information. However, this one shall press further. Might you inform me if you have access to one Mister Melkire?" Nahare rolled her eyes, silently mocking and mouthing Jin'li's words back to him as he spoke. Insufferable. Little. Shite. "I may 'o may not know Mistah Melkire. Ta what purpose do ye 'ave with 'im be the bettah question." By this point she'd defaulted into her pacing routine, with golden hues darting around the room and fists clenched at her sides.

 

"This one would like you to inform the sergeant that he and I should meet, though you may certainly join him. However, no one else. I can discuss something that Mister Melkire might find /very/ desirable to know, as well as the location of your mate." She felt like she was finally getting somewhere, but now it involved convincing Osric to play in this little game. A deep sigh escaped her lips. "Hn. I'll pass on ye message ta Mistah Melkire at me next opportunity. Though /where/ fer us ta meet ye is anotha question." There was a long pause as Jin'li mulled over his next response. More tea being sipped, more of the muffin being eaten. A knife scraping as jam was spread across a piece of toast.

 

Nahare rubbed her hands over her face, the end of her tail swaying sharply to and fro behind her. The moment of silence was driving her mad. "Oh, let us say, Fallgourd Float. Once you arrive, further instructions will be given via this linkpearl to prevent... unwanted guests. Does this seem acceptable?" No, it didn't. In fact, none of it was acceptable. But she had no choice but to sing and dance to his tune for the time being. "Ye conditions 'ave been noted. I'll be in touch..." She felt defeated, kicked while she was down, once more a marionette doll. "For your dear one's sake, I'd advise you not delay. Should you take too long, Mister Grimsong might very well pass from beneath my realm of influence. This one did leave him... purposefully placed. T'was a pleasure to speak with you, Lady Nahare. This one does look forward to seeing you in person."

 

For the next few nights she would achieve little to no sleep. The woman was running on fumes with high stress and anxiety surging through her veins. Thankfully, she was able to pin down Osric and convey to him what was said, as well as what was at stake. Unfortunately, him being currently detained in Thanalan posed a problem. He couldn't leave, and she absolutely needed him to go with her. The only other options Osric presented to her were: Take Kanaria in his stead, or they implemented the use of a body double. One of their loved ones was up shite's creek without a paddle to begin with, so taking Kanaria was out of the question. Instead, both of them agreed upon the use of a double, which would stay behind whilst the real Osric accompanied her.

 

No sooner had Nahare thought herself free of Jin'li's banter did he return, and with a clock. He was so kind in reminding her that he was still waiting for both of them to make their appearance. The clock was wound and the pearl was filled with loud, monotonous ticking. "Should you delay any longer, one would advise you'd be better off building a coffin for Mister Grimsong. This one has provided you with a timer. As soon as the ticking has stopped, you'll know you're too late." She was damned if she did and damned if she didn't. On one hand she couldn't turn the pearl off, lest Jin'li tried talking to her further and now she had some sort of indicator on Ki's condition. But on the other hand, the continuous ticking would prod at her already shot nerves. The seemingly lesser of the two evils was chosen, the pearl remained on.

 

[align=center]Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.[/align]

[Duplicitous Dame]

How long had it been? Nahare paced around the inn room, burgundy ears flexing downward. She lost count of the moons by now. 'Too gods damned long.' She concluded and hissed to herself. Her lip curled, a low growl rumbling forth. Slender fingers clenched themselves into fists to the point her knuckles shown white. Jin'li Epinoch was an abomination, a mastermind of chaos, and saw fit in making her one of his marionette dolls for a spell. Effortlessly the warped man plucked at her strings and it was a wonder the woman hadn't buckled from it all. Well, technically she had, just not entirely. Much to Jin'li's chagrin she was too stubborn for her own good. At every opportunity she made it a point in being a thorn in his arse, be it through speech or defying orders. Considering she couldn't cause any harm physically, she did what she could otherwise. It sated her all the while until her freedom was secured.

 

Golden eyes cast a concerned glance to the bed. The sleeping male nestled beneath the sheets grunted and rolled over, his bomb earring jingling faintly from the movement. Good, he was still resting, and desperately needed to. The sun began its ascent to the sky, bringing about dim lighting through the curtains. It was there Nahare diverted her attention. She forced an end to her pacing and instead sauntered on much lighter feet toward the window. Along the way she grabbed a cigarette and match. The curtains were carefully pulled an ilm or two to the side and one of the panes cracked open. She then placed the cigarette between her lips and set the end aflame. Nahare lazily rolled her wrist to put out the match, taking a long drag afterward. Thin trails of smoke curled to form a veil that skewed her visage. Her brows furrowed, nose wrinkling with a snort, as she continued to ponder.

 

Tengri and Sarangerel came to mind first. She hadn't seen hide nor hair from either in quite a while, and considering she couldn't trust them as far as she could throw them (which wasn't far at all), she was more than happy to let their contract job fall by the wayside. She'd deal with it later. Jin'li slithered his way into her life instead and took center stage. Nahare reflected on their conversation through link pearl, back when the arse kidnapped his older brother in Limsa. She and Osric met with Epinoch in Coerthas only to be told that he passed Askier off onto someone else that wanted a piece of him. It took a good full moon to ensure Askier's return, and when he did, he was severely ill. The contagion made it difficult for any type of healing to take effect while simultaneously acting as a leech, draining his body. And if any healing efforts were made, it spread to the person making the attempt. It took another moon for a cure to be found and it came at the hands of Delial Grimsong and Franz Renatus. Though Delial knew of the second party involved with the kidnapping, she refused to tell Nahare, and Nahare respected the woman too much to be rude and push for an answer. The contagion no longer ailed her husband and that's all that mattered.

 

As Askier recovered and got back on his feet, her own condition worsened. She was loathe to admit that Jin'li had infected her with a disease of his own just before Askier went missing. The longer she remained afflicted, the harder she found it to control its effects on her. Outbursts of anger became more frequent, as did her panic attacks and bouts of insomnia. In a similar vein to her husband, healing did more harm than good, though only if it was through Conjury. The vision in her right eye slowly waned, as did the color of her iris. She felt herself weakening and breaking down, with only the countermeasures Jin'li instilled upon her to make use of when trouble arose. Not only that, but the bastard had access to her mind. She heard his voice often and could easily be subject to his whims by a specific three word phrase. For the next two moons she fought hard to hide what was going on, throwing her focus into work, or isolating herself when commands were given and playing them off as 'business trips.' Two of those said trips involved the alleged attack and deliverance of messages to Roen Deneith and Warren Castille. Instead of following through, she danced around her orders and warned them with her own message. She'd be damned if anymore harm came to those that didn't deserve it.

 

Eventually her unusual behavior caught up to her when Mikh'a and Siha noticed a pattern, and it didn't take long for the rest of the Dauntless to raise a brow, either. Unfortunately the cure founded by Delial and Franz proved ineffective for Nahare and Jin'li issued forth the threat that her only chance of freedom lie with the end of his life, but that'd mean hers would cease in the process. There had to be a way, and so everyone persevered to find a means to Jin'li's end, for he terrorized more than just one person at a time. Another two moons passed while they threw themselves sun in and sun out against their shared foe. During which Askier took off to Coerthas for work and once more Nahare was taunted over link pearl by her brother-in-law of her husband's demise, except this time he taunted with death and not kidnapping. At first she refused to believe the claim, deeming it absurd, until she was presented with Askier's severed ear, the bomb earring still looped through the lobe.

 

'A gift for a widow', as told to her, along with the promise of finding Askier's killer so long as Nahare continued to aid him where he saw necessary. Her head had been filled with a half truth. Indeed Askier's airship crashed in Coerthas, though not by the will of assassins, but by Epinoch himself. So blinded was she by emotion that she failed to realize the killer stood next to her and lingered within her mind all along. Mikh'a finally experienced a breakthrough with his research of a cure and immediately sought to administer it. She spent five suns in the infirmary, and while she vomited into bucket after bucket purging her body of the disease, it gave her the occasion to mull the whole situation over. The more she nitpicked the more she figured out that certain pieces didn't quite add up. One of those pieces came to her in the form of a slave named Khole.

 

Part of Jin'li's philosophy included the freedom of slaves, even making it a point to release an entire cage of them before her eyes. Khole was one of those many freed slaves, and it was through his guidance did the complete story unravel itself, and with it, a chance to bring Askier back where he belonged. Nahare took it without hesitation, and here they were now, hidden in Mor Dhona until the coast was clear. Mikh'a had succeeded in both finding a cure and the trick needed for Jin'li's demise. All that remained now was to wait. Nahare finished her cigarette, exhaling one last cloud of smoke, and flicked the butt over the window sill. The pane was closed quietly, the curtains pulled to, and she made her way back to bed. It was still early and she hadn't garnered much sleep. She crawled beneath the covers and cuddled herself against Askier's back, draping an arm over his waist and pressing her forehead between his shoulder blades. It would all be over soon.

[Duplicitous Dame]

One eye opened and was greeted with the sight of dark, cold stone. She grunted and wheezed, her mind fighting against the sedative that had been administered. Eventually the other eye opened and a thousand malm stare settled in. What happened? Nahare grunted again and winced from the hoarseness in her throat. Slowly but surely the puzzle pieces drifted together. She was back home at Dauntless headquarters. Her fingers gave a weak twitch and as she attempted to look around did she finally realize her precise location. The gaol. More specifically, lodged beneath the bed and against the wall of her cell. She had taken a prone position, cheek flat on the floor and attention diverted to the wall. Her right arm held itself tucked close to her chest while the left lay flat with forearm bent inward, palm facing up. Heeled boots were shoved into the corner, legs straight and with knees locked. Her entire body ached, though she felt far too despondent to even consider moving. Why bother? Nahare pushed further through her drug induced stupor in an effort to recollect just how she ended up here in the first place.

 

An image of Mor Dhona floated forth. For the past few suns, she and Askier kept themselves sequestered to the inn. Out of sight and out of mind being the intent. Only she knew of Askier’s return and secrecy was paramount due to a certain Epinoch roaming unfettered. That is, up until now. The moment Mikh’a called to arms those privy about the plan of trapping Jin’li is what lured Nahare from hiding. Those in attendance included Osric, Kanaria, and Aigiarn. It pained her to deny her husband the opportunity of finally ceasing his little brother’s existence, but she’d be damned if she lost him to Nald’thal a second time. Too much risk presented itself already. Tension permeated the briefing. Osric even made it a point to tell her they needed her calm and composed. “Trust me." Mikh'a added afterward. Calm, composure, and trust were three things in short supply. Taking into consideration what they were needed for ran it shorter. The idea behind their plan incorporated the use of a small scale bomb to shatter Jin'li’s form. Mikh'a, in an ironic twist, took Askier's schematics and improved upon them. The second part involved capturing the disintegrated pieces into a crystal where the disturbed man would spend the rest of his days, so to speak. Once the brief ended and everyone indicated they were prepared, they whisked away to a remote location in Mor Dhona. Nahare and Aigiarn set themselves up behind piles of rubble, guns aimed and at the ready. A few fulm ahead Osric claimed his own rubble pile, crouched low and with the crystal clutched in a tight fist. Further on and out in the open stood Mikh'a, the bomb hidden on his person. Kanaria, however, opted to stay behind and on standby for any wounded. A lone white raven sat perched upon one of the many pillars, its ruby red eyes scanning the newcomers.

 

Jin'li’s fondness for his nephew knew no bounds, so for him to answer a summons came as an easy feat to accomplish. The two exchanged words, though part of Mikh'a's banter struck hard with the way he disparaged Askier. “Trust me.", echoed in her ears again. For a fraction of a nonce Nahare shifted the barrel of her gun toward her stepson's back until it clicked that his demeanor was but a ruse. Her limbs shook and teeth gnashed from anxiety and adrenaline. What occurred next flew by in a matter of moments. Mikh'a spread his arms wide akin to beckoning for a hug. Jin'li, in a morbid gesture of wanting to test his nephew's resolve, stepped forward to plunge the edge of his gunblade into the young boy's chest. It was then the bomb detonated, the blast having been crafted to affect Epinoch and Epinoch alone. A dome barrier erected itself around the group and everything around him slowed. Too sluggish was he to dodge the onslaught of bullets from Nahare and Aigiarn. Osric took to the air in a magnificent leap, twisting and coiling to land a crystal laden fist straight to Jin'li’s face. At one point Nahare temporarily ceased fire, scaling the rubble and darting over to take Mikh'a into her arms and away from the abomination. The gunblade found itself wrenched free and thrown to the stone behind them. She covered her stepson's body with her own and twisted around to take fire once more.

 

A sardonic laugh erupted from the mad man. His mouth hung wide in an open yawn, wider still until it detached completely and flew with fangs bared right for Osric’s throat. They missed their target for Mikh'a summoned a rock barrier in its stead. Not to be outdone, Jin'li then sent forth numerous tendrils, directed at the assailants. Osric made use of his Chakra, the tendril bouncing clear. Aigiarn laid hers to waste with a hail of bullets. As for Mikh'a and Nahare? Their positions turned and he bore the brunt of their blows to his back. The vicious mouth took its place upon Epinoch’s visage, black ichor oozing from where the crystal punctured an eye. His body had begun to disintegrate from the explosion. “Destroy me and I destroy the souls of everyone you love. Everyone.” He extended a hand and produced the image of Askier. Nahare's gun clattered to the stone, and she and Mikh'a shifted to gaze upon the man they held dear. Askier lay a crumpled mess at his brother's feet, coughing and reaching out for help. “If letting him go frees him from all the pain you’ve caused him, then so be it.” Mikh'a retorted. “M’so s-sorreh, sweet’eart.” Nahare uttered. It was too late at that point. The trap had been sprung. Askier's expression twisted into one of hatred and wrath. Vitriol spewed from his lips, damning his wife and son both. Judging those an oh so lovely set of parting words, Jin'li rose his foot and crushed the skull of his eldest brother.

 

Askier's image faded with Jin'li not far behind. He rose into the air and a deranged cackle surrounded them. The last of him dissolved into minute pieces, only to be absorbed within the crystalline prison. With a rustle of its feathers the raven took flight, circling the area once before disappearing into the horizon. Aigiarn lowered her gun and simply stared, awestruck. Osric cautiously moved forward and stooped to collect the crystal. He, too, barely muttered a word. Though Nahare escaped physical wounds, her mind scarred further. Did she lose Askier? Was what he said true? She pushed Mikh'a away in a fit of grief. Scream after scream ripped from her throat and her fists pounded the stone. Drool seeped from the edges of her teeth and everything around her became distant. Her vision blurred and any noise took on a muffled tone. Mikh'a, too weak from his injury, lay still a fulm away. It was at that point Nahare blacked out. Osric and Ai were forced to carry the two home. One was taken to the medical ward, the other… Well...

 

At last she made sense of her plight. While they succeeded in disposing of Jin'li, she also hit an all time low. For the first time in her life Nahare was in gaol, and not because of crime, but because of a psychotic snap. She wanted nothing more than to rush back to Mor Dhona and see if Askier still lived, to see if what Jin'li had done was a ruse of his own. Exhaustion and drugs prevented her from doing so, and as she concluded to just resigning herself and succumbing to sleep, the sound of metal tapping against metal caught her attention. Finally, after many bells, she turned her head and shifted just enough to bring herself partially from beneath the bed. A bird sat on the other side of the bars with its head tilted. In its beak it held a familiar wedding band. Askier's wedding band. The piece of jewelry was dropped between the bars for Nahare to collect. She gave a nervous lick of her lips and used her forearms to crawl out completely, palming the ring afterward. Her brows furrowed as she studied the bird, a white raven, having recognized it as the same one from before.

[Duplicitous Dame]

The cry of seagulls and white capped waves crashing to shore filled the air. A balmy breeze whipped along the coast, and the setting rays of the sun burst and glittered over the water like numerous gemstones. Stray clouds drifted and coiled lazily within the sky, and as the sun lingered closer to the horizon, a multitude of pinks and oranges greeted any that averted their gaze upward. Aside from natural ambiance, all was quiet. The beach's usual inhabitants had retired for the evening and local fauna were bedding themselves down. Except, a few in particular took advantage of this serenity.

 

A redheaded Miqo'te ambled in the surf, her feet leaving soft impressions within the sand. Golden eyes held a tranquil look about them and roamed the view before her. A soft smile curled the edges of her lips and for once she seemed to be at ease. She wore a gauze dress, the excess fabric rippling with the motion of the wind. Instead of her hair being swept back into a ponytail, it cascaded in loose waves about her shoulders. Nahare slowly stretched her arms into the air and the smile upon her face widened. She began to sing with a gentle, melodic lilt.

 

"Me heart is pierced by Valentione,

I disdain all glitterin' gold,

There is nothin' that can console me,

But me jolly sailor bold..."

 

Her voice carried in the wind, soft, but loud enough to reach the jolly sailor in question. Nahare was not alone, for a male Miqo'te wandered a few fulm behind her. A whiskey bottle dangled from his fingers and a smirk toyed with the edge of his mouth. He gave an amused flutter of his ears, his own golden eyes taking in not only the beauty of the environment, but the beauty of his wife as they walked the beach together. The bottle rose to his lips and he took a long pull from it, licking his lips afterward with a low grunt. All of this felt too good to be true. There was no danger, no tension, no sadness, and no rage. Jin'li Epinoch's reign of terror had ended, and though many suffered throughout it, now was their time to heal.

 

Askier exhaled a sigh, corked the bottle, and slipped it into the pocket of his shorts. He then quickened his pace to catch up to Nahare. Her ears flickered backward, gazing over her shoulder, and she'd chuckle as his arms found their way around her waist. They stopped where they were, the surf washing over their feet. He pressed his bare chest to her back and held her tight. Nahare nuzzled his cheek with her nose and he turned his face to catch her lips in a tender kiss. "I love you, Powder Keg." He murmured. Another chuckle escaped her, and she'd murmur in return, "I love ye, too, sweet'eart." Nahare laced their fingers together and squeezed them. "Welcome home."

 

High above them, atop a cliff, stood Jin'to. A look of contentment played across his facial features while he watched his family revel in their newfound respite. He had played his own hand of cards throughout the madness, manipulated both sides, but in the end their destiny was now their own. He gave a nod of his head, feeling satisfied in his actions and the outcome produced from them. Jin'to turned to walk away, shifting the board upon his back, and sang a couple of verses heard only by him. Blue smoke enveloped the man's body and his form shifted to that of a white raven with ruby red eyes. A moment later he was gone, leaving the Mergreys in peace.

 

[align=center](I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this story arc with Nahare. It's been a wild ride, one full of twists and turns, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. <3 xoxo)[/align]