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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Nov 25, 2007 14:19:29 GMT -5
Having been basically ordered by Dylan to leave the infirmary and get some sleep, D'rorah had briefly attempted to do so, even making a gainful stop in her dormitory. She found herself soon chased from bed by monsters of past and present. The nightmares of her own attacks had started before she had even properly shut her eyes. And when she lay there awake, her mind fumbled through the concerns of the Shadow Wars and Dylan's attack. So it was, dark circles still laying heavily under her eyes and a few new streaks of silver woven through her hair, which was severely pulled back of course, she donned her robes and made her way to the astronomy tower. She thought that perhaps tonight she would be able to simply think.
She trod through the corridors carefully, not wanting to be spotted out and about this late by any teachers. Before this year, she never would have thought to do anything as brash as breaking curfew, but things had changed... even she had changed. She entered the tower quietly, hopping up into the window and taking a seat looking out over the grounds of the castle. A slight breeze suddenly stirred, as though greeting the Warrior of Wind. Already, it had begun to take on the chill of early winter and there was a slightly biting quality to it that was exhilerating.
Her head leaned back against the frame of the window as she looked out into the night sky, watching the stars twinkle languidly in between the cloud breaks. Her mind began the complicated process of untangling the many thoughts whirling around in her head while pulling her emotions back into a more firm version of control. She hadn't realized until just that moment how long it had been since she had truly had some alone time. It felt a bit odd, to be honest. She took a deep breath and went about her silent mental task as she watched the heavens unfold before her.
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Post by Alexander Archer on Nov 25, 2007 14:45:19 GMT -5
Quite unable to sleep, Alex was headed to the only sanctuary he knew of. His sleeping quarters had driven him away with their eerie stillness, their separation from the world. At times it was a comfort, to simply hide away within and never be disturbed; tonight, however, no such thing was true. He yearned for the feel of a soft breeze passing over his skin, the atmosphere provided by his tower and the view it gave of both the grounds and, more importantly tonight, the heavens. Treading quietly along the seventh floor, he traced his way easily, almost subconsciously. His footsteps reached the base of the spiraling stairwell quickly, having come this way so often already this year, and he began to ascend.
Finding a slight inclination of the door, which appeared ajar, he stopped and tread very quietly from then on. Pushing it lightly, he wondered at the occupant for a moment before being able to view them quite clearly. Her face was hidden by the cloud cover present of the night, but Alex could quite clearly identify the staunch posture, the thoughtful nature that was so often present with the Ravenclaw prefect. “Good evening, Miss Philosophy. I do hope I’m not disturbing you…” he commented quietly, approaching her easily. He made no mention of the curfew, nor the heavy circles that he now saw residing beneath her eyes, both of which appeared to have darkened even since he had viewed them in their last Defence class.
“It seems I am not the only one unable to sleep this night,” he added quietly, moving to face her and leaning against a piece of wall which rose up to form one of the large, hollow windows of the classroom. He recalled once more the offer he had made to Caira, to keep an eye on her and Dylan. He had not done so out of a pure desire to rat on them and inform the Headmistress of their every move; he had simply thought that by him accepting the task it would mean that no other, more untrustworthy party, would be likely to do so. Right from the beginning, Alex had taken a particular liking to the young woman, and while Caira’s words and opinions had left him quite shell-shocked, he was determined to find the truth himself. Hearing that she was interested in the Dark Arts did not put him off in the slightest, for he was much the same and had been since his younger years. Not having seen Dylan in a few days, he wondered for a moment and realised that D’rorah should know the answer to the question on the tip of his tongue. He held back, however, sure that there would be a better time to pose such a query.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Nov 25, 2007 15:09:35 GMT -5
D'rorah looked up as Alex queried her. "Actually, I suppose I should be the one who hopes she is not disturbing you, Professor." She looked back out over the grounds at his next query. "So it would seem," she agreed quietly. "Sleep only seems to provide an opportunity for the mind to relax just enough to run amok."
She looked back towards him, her eyebrow arched slightly with curiosity. "So then, what is it that has chased you from your bed this evening?" She waited, interested to hear what he might have to say, absently tucking a strand of hair which had worked free from its tight confines. As she did, the hair caught the moonlight and she could see all too clearly the lack of color in it... soon her hair would be as white as her skin, no doubt.
She shifted slightly where she sat so that she might see the Professor, making room on the window sill in case he wished to have a seat as well. Though, she wouldn't go so far as to actually offer the seat, she thought he might understand that she was opening the space for him, even if she didn't explicitly state that that's what she was doing.
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Post by Alexander Archer on Nov 25, 2007 16:06:43 GMT -5
Smiling lightly at her response, he pondered her question for a moment. “This evening in particular is no different to any other that I am out of bed,” he replied in a slightly evasive manner. Noting a space free up on the sill, he obligingly took the seat that she had offered through movement only. Regarding her for a moment, he wondered how often this situation might occur throughout the year. He himself was often found to be roaming the halls, heading for this very tower when bad dreams or ill feelings plagued him, and it seemed D’rorah was much the same. She never seemed to really sleep, from what he could tell.
Deciding to elaborate, for he could see no harm, he spoke once more, his voice quiet to suit the atmosphere of their location. “I simply couldn’t hold onto sleep, tonight. My sleeping quarters became less-than-familiar and I needed to find solace somewhere else,” he explained softly. “And what about you, Miss Philosophy? You of all people look as if you may need some sleep.” His tone mirrored his slight concern for her wellbeing, and thoughts of Dylan’s absence remained predominant within his mind.
Taking a deep breath, he felt the cooling, brisk breeze energise him in a way nothing else could. Looking over the grounds, the only movement came from the trees and plants, swaying lightly with the small force of the wind impacting upon their more exposed areas. The extensive area of Hogwarts school was laid before his eyes, a glory to view at this time of night.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Nov 25, 2007 16:25:00 GMT -5
D'rorah nodded at his explanation and thought for a moment before answering his return question. "I suppose my problem is an overly active mind. It seems to require a certain degree of alertness on my part to control its activity. It does make sleep a rather difficult pursuit. I suppose, given the many tasks I have set for myself, it is good that I have a few extra hours added onto my days." She smiled a bit as a particularly brisk breeze blew through her hair. "Ah, the east wind seems to have some disagreement with that last statement," she said, a light joking tone in her voice.
She shook her head a bit. She wondered whether the Professor knew that Dylan was in the infirmary. She had hoped the teachers had already been informed so that they would not mark his absences from classes against him. But then, perhaps that was her duty as a house prefect. "Were you already aware that Mister Cooper is in the infirmary? I do not believe he will be back to his classes for the next several days," she remarked nonchalantly, as though the news were nothing more to her than the duty of a prefect. "I should collect whatever assignment you have for him so that he will not fall behind in his studies." Her head turned quickly towards the window as she felt a lump form in her throat at the thought of Dylan lying in his bed in the infirmary, alone. She did not wish for any tears which might intrude upon the serenity of her face to betray her.
"I suppose I should put more effort towards sleeping," she added noncommittally. "Perhaps a dreamless sleep draught would be helpful." She wondered whether it would truly be dreamless for her. Of course, she had heard that it was not as good for the body as a true night of sleep, but perhaps it would be better than nothing at all. The bits and snatches of sleep she had gathered since her return from Tel Aviv were hardly enough to keep her going much longer.
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Post by Alexander Archer on Nov 25, 2007 16:47:05 GMT -5
Producing the smallest of laughs at her joking comment, he nodded in response to her words. About to broach the subject of Dylan, he found it wholly unnecessary as she began speaking once more. Suddenly his concern for the boy increased, and he wondered at what could have had him in the infirmary for such a while already, only to have him delayed within for more days to come. “I hope he’s alright,” he commented quietly, a slight expression of concern overtaking his features. “I believe I heard a snatch of conversation between two other staff members about him, but I didn’t have the time to grope for details,” he added thoughtfully, assuming that perhaps he was the last to know about such a thing. He wondered if Caira had already been notified; surely, if it was anything too serious, she would have known immediately.
“I will of course excuse him from being absent,” he said, as if there was any other option to begin with. Wondering if the young Ravenclaw was even up to thinking about homework, he assumed that perhaps he wasn’t too injured if D’rorah was offering to take assignments to him. “He’s an able student, I’ve noticed, but he’s still in his O.W.L year, so he should focus on the assignment about Giants, first and foremost. If he’s at all up to it, or willing, he could do the added assignment on Acromantula, but of course he’ll be exempted if he doesn’t wish to do it,” he explained quietly. Noticing her expression, he discerned that it was one of concern only as far as a student was worried about another, as opposed to anything closer. Slightly confused after what Caira had told him, he decided to mention it. “I thought you were close?” he remarked quietly, not caring to expand. He assumed that she would know what he meant.
“It’s quite effective magic, yes,” he replied, responding to her comments about the Dreamless Sleep Draught. He himself had used it various times, and had a small store remaining in his quarters.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Nov 25, 2007 17:09:38 GMT -5
"I am certain he will be relieved to have something to do with his time," replied D'rorah. "There are painfully few things to occupy one's mind while in the infirmary. I had assumed the staff had been properly informed." She shook her head. "Communication certainly seems to be a bit lacking at Hogwart's."
Hearing Alex's statement that he had thought she and Dylan were close, she looked back to him with an arched eyebrow. "Where did you get that impression?" she asked pointedly. She and Dylan had made a few small slips at first, appearing once in the Great Hall hand in hand, but since then, they had been relatively discreet. Even in the common room, they had done little more lately than study. She studied Alex for a moment, his statement seemed to be prompted by genuine concern for Dylan. But then, if he knew of their relationship, that meant that someone else knew, someone who had thought the information relevant enough to pass on. "We have researched together," she added noncommittally. "I suppose we could be considered friends." Now there was an understatement so spectacular that it was practically a lie. No matter, she would gauge his reaction before deciding how to continue.
She shifted a bit as she waited to see what his answer would be. Could she trust him enough to open up at all? That was certainly the issue of late... opening up to others seemed to invite deception and betrayal. Though, perhaps having a teacher on her side would simplify things when she began lobbying to have Mordred back onto the staff at Hogwart's. Perhaps Alex could even be an ally in the Shadow War... yes, her mind was practically racing with possibilities now. The big question she had to ask was whether he could be trusted... and now she just had to figure out some reliable way of determining his trustworthiness.
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Post by Alexander Archer on Nov 25, 2007 22:42:43 GMT -5
Nodding contentedly at her comments of Dylan, he felt it was safe to assume that at least he was able enough to attempt assignments. He would wait until he received the completed copies, however, until he determined how much mental damage may have been done. Perhaps the young Ravenclaw had simply fallen off his broom during Quidditch training, but he couldn’t prevent his mind from trailing to the first Defence lesson of the year, in which Dylan had stood up to Gat. Knowing and realising completely how blatant the Slytherin was, and that he had a reason to dislike the Ravenclaw, Alex couldn’t help but worry that the reasons behind Dylan’s stay in the infirmary were decidedly more sinister than a Quidditch accident.
Noting her seemingly surprised expression, and platonic comments, Alex looked slightly taken aback. Realising that before Caira had ever mentioned anything he had heard nothing whatsoever of the pair being a couple, he had a slight inkling that perhaps their relationship could very possibly be under wraps. Indeed, the Headmistress of Hogwarts had come across them in their own common room, or so she said, and if such a thing were true, he assumed that others would not have been present for such an intimate moment. Clearing his throat lightly, he looked directly at her. “Headmistress LaPointe saw fit to mention it to me, when she expressed her concern for Mister Cooper,” he said pointedly, looking for a reaction.
He was still slightly confused about everything; D’rorah was a very pleasant young woman, whom Alex personally happened to like. But Caira had made arguments against the trustworthy nature of the prefect, arguments that he could not, as of this stage, debate. He knew almost nothing about the entire situation, but what he did know was what Caira had told him. D’rorah had gone missing after the incursion into the forest, gone missing and taken into the Shadow Realm. While the Headmistress had by no means left her thoughts on the matter go unknown, Alex was in two minds. Had she gone willingly, or been captured?
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Nov 25, 2007 22:56:35 GMT -5
D'rorah's eyebrow arched further at the mention of the Headmistress. "I see. What exactly did Headmistress LaPointe see fit to mention, I wonder? And she expressed concern for Mister Cooper as well?" She looked at Alex thoughtfully. "Odd to hear that she expressed concern, as she has not yet set foot in the infirmary to visit him during his recuperation. I would happen to know that for a fact, as I have been in the infirmary ever since I learned of his injuries myself and have left only to attend classes... and tonight of course, after being practically ordered away."
She paused. Of course mere frienship wouldn't prescribe remaining so diliently at Dylan's bedside. And the Professor, being an obviously bright man would surely pick up on the slip. But then, if he had been speaking with Caira, he had almost certainly heard of their encounter in the Ravenclaw common room. "Perhaps you are correct," she finished carefully. "Perhaps there is more to our interaction than just friendship." She watched Alex for his reaction, wondering what he might have to say upon the confirmation of his suspicions. And, curious to know what more he might have to say about the Headmistress.
Certainly, now that she had hinted to the severity of Dylan's condition, she could expect the usual questions regarding his well-being. She saw no reason to keep any secret about that... though, for Dylan's sake, she decided to spare him the details if he asked.
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Post by Alexander Archer on Nov 25, 2007 23:17:42 GMT -5
“Headmistress LaPointe mentioned her intrusion upon the both of you within the common room,” he noted quietly, feeling uncomfortable even at the unintentional knowledge he had gained; it was almost as if he himself had imposed upon such a thing. He wasn’t particularly uncomfortable about their intimacy in itself, just the fact that Caira had delved into it so freely with him and with such fervour to her hateful speech. He didn’t wish for her to think that he was disapproving of such actions, nor make her feel uncomfortable, and while such things should perhaps be kept for out of school, he reasoned that they had done so in what should have been a private place; for what’s more private than a deserted common room in the middle of the night. Okay, there were a few places, but he still believed no wrong had been committed by the couple.
“She expressed concern about his relationship with you, Miss Philosophy. She seems to believe you may be aligned with the Shadow Mage… and while I’m hesitant beyond reason to believe such a thing…” he commented quietly, not entirely wishing to continue. “She was clearly intending to have someone keep an eye on the both of you, and I obliged, I’m afraid to say… Do not get me wrong, I don’t wish to return your every word to Caira,” he said seriously, his tone depicting exactly what he said. Wondering if his words at this time were very prudent, he continued. He would not leave the job half done. “I merely thought that if she used anyone else, she might gain a far better picture of you, and obviously one she wishes to see. She doesn’t like you in the least, Miss Philosophy, and I offered to keep an eye on you so that I could determine for myself the facts, and divulge information I and only I felt prudent. Information that would not harm you,” he expressed quietly, his eyes averted from her own for good reason. His intentions had been the best and most logical, but still he worried that she would not see it that way.
He only told her all of this because of her little speech about the infirmary. Surely, Caira, being the Headmistress of the school, would have heard of his injuries. And if she had not, indeed, been to visit the boy, he highly doubted that the concerns she had expressed for his wellbeing were truthful. Indeed, he suspected it was more of a show to convince him to practically spy on the prefect; something that gave him a plausible reason to believe that he was not snooping, but merely looking out for Dylan. He realised the deception now, and while he by no means regretted his actions nor words, he felt suddenly vulnerable. He had genuinely believed her concern for Dylan, and it appeared that it had all been a lie. He needed to tread very carefully about this school.
Hearing her admittance of the nature of her relationship with the boy, he nodded solemnly, his mind still largely focused on the deception Caira had carried out so easily. Pushing the thoughts aside to tear them apart at a later time, he looked back up to D’rorah. “He is a lucky boy… though, I somewhat doubt that given his extended stay within the infirmary. I do hope he’s alright?” he asked in a questioning manner, genuinely concerned. “Perhaps I should visit him…” he mused quietly, almost to himself. “Do you know how much longer he might be there?” he added, directing the query toward her.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Nov 25, 2007 23:45:41 GMT -5
D'rorah listened to Alex speak about the Headmistress' charge that he observe her and Dylan. His reasoning seemed valid... and, why would he admit such a thing if he were truly attempting to spy on her? She wrestled with that internally for several moments. A true spy of the Mage wouldn't admit to spying... or perhaps he would, to gain her trust. "I suppose that, regardless, I shall have to watch my words around you, Professor Archer," she replied wryly. It was somewhat laughable, considering that she spoke little anyway, and tended to give up as little as she felt she could get away with in most conversations.
"So then, she was concerned I would attack Mister Cooper, lead him astray and then leave him for dead whenever he was no longer convenient? Perhaps the Headmistress has been speaking with Mister Cooper's mother... she seems quite convinced of precisely the same thing." She shook her head. "Perhaps she was correct though... since meeting me, he seems to meet with ill fate after ill fate." She shifted slightly in her seat before elaborating. "We went to his hometown for a funeral and on our last night there, he was attacked by his foster brother. Mister Cooper's mother, quite certain that I was the perpetrator, ordered me from the house." She shook her head a bit as the memory of the following days came to her. "And now that he was nearly recuperated from that incident... he was attacked again." A frown crossed her face and her eyes darkened at the thought of Dylan's torture. "Right here, within the very walls of Hogwart's. I imagine he may be there for several more days yet. The damage was... rather extensive."
She turned and tucked her knees slightly so that she faced out the window. A softer breeze flew through. "And now I find myself having been ordered from the infirmary to sleep... yet here I am..." she trailed off. "I wonder, what does sleep feel like?"
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Post by Alexander Archer on Nov 26, 2007 0:06:21 GMT -5
Nodding in resignation of the fact that she would not trust him fully with anything, he accepted that it had to be after he’d made such an announcement. He didn’t like it much, though. Listening to her explanation of Dylan’s recent misfortunes, he held a sympathy for the bright young boy. Her elaboration on the wonderings of Dylan’s mother caused a small smile upon his face. With the diligence she had maintained in remaining at the other Ravenclaw’s bedside, how could anyone think her capable of hurting him? Noting the facial expressions she took on as she concluded her description of the boy’s condition, as well as the fact that Dylan had sent her from the Hospital Wing in an attempt to have her get sleep she obviously needed, he could see that ‘more to our interaction than friendship’ might be rather an understatement.
“Rather extensive…” He trailed off, his voice holding a trace of concern and his mind drifting into numerous possibilities. Not for the first time, Gat came up. Obviously, the boy was either aligned with the Shadow Mage or just malevolent to the extent of physically damaging his peers in a potentially lethal manner. He had a reason to cause harm to come to Dylan, but Alex’s mind reminded itself that surely more than one person within this school was equally as capable, even if they didn’t show it as stupidly as Soldier did. It could have been anyone, really. He knew he could never commit such an act upon another, and he quite genuinely believed D’rorah would not have done it, either. That only left the rest of the school.
“Perhaps I should go and visit him, afterall. He must be getting lonely when you’re in classes and such,” he added thoughtfully, intent on going during one of his free periods. Now that all of the years were combined, he had a lot of them; more than he would have had he taught last year, anyway. At her final, thoughtful words, Alex found himself quite answerless.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Nov 26, 2007 0:19:08 GMT -5
After a moment, D'rorah emerged from her philosophical stupor with a shake of her head. "Yes, I am certain he would enjoy a visit," she replied several moments after Alex's initial comment had already come and gone. "If I ever find..." she stopped abruptly, already feeling her anger mounting internally as she thought once again of Dylan's unidentified attacker. She wanted to push it aside, but was finding the task rather difficult. As she struggled internally, a somewhat stiffer breeze stirred through the window, a warning against the darkness of her own emotions.
"Yes, yes, I know," she muttered absently, a slight air of annoyance detectable in her voice. She appeared to be speaking to the wind, which seemed to calm slightly as she spoke. While she was certainly no Elemental Master, the Elements were not entirely heedless of their Warriors. Indeed, their very purpose was to protect and serve Warrior and Master. Though, it was the Master who truly commanded the Element.
"Did you know," she ventured after a moment more, pulling her emotions under control. "Professor Kade seems to be alright after all. I was able to make contact with him and he expressed a desire to return to his position at Hogwart's." She glanced over at Alex. "What would be your position on such a thing, Professor Archer? You have spoken with the Headmistress recently. Is there any hope that such a thing might be possible? I had the thought that he might perhaps be useful given the current state of affairs at Hogwart's. What with Shadows and the like about." She hung the last sentence purposefully, waiting to see what his reaction would be at her mention of the Shadows in the Forest.
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Post by Alexander Archer on Nov 26, 2007 0:46:05 GMT -5
Nodding and planning to visit the infirmary tomorrow, inbetween classes, he smiled lightly. Her next words, however, and moreover, the tone behind them, sobered him up quite effectively. She sounded incredibly angry, and Alex could only assume her thoughts were dwelling on Dylan and his attacker. From the sounds of things, they did not know who had done such a thing. Noting her muttered words, words which did not appear to be directed toward him, he wondered who on earth she was talking to. Perhaps just herself… The action slightly worried Alex, no matter the intended destination of her utterances.
Her next words causing his ears to perk up a bit, he paid close attention as she continued. Glad to hear that Professor Kade had made contact with D’rorah and appeared alright, he recalled Caira’s words and wondered if, in fact, he should be glad. Given all of the previous misconceptions the Headmistress of Hogwarts had placed before him, he was loathe to believe her words. How could one explain away the leading of students into the forest to battle the Shadows, though? Hearing that Kade wished to return to his position, the one Alex was currently filling in for, he felt slightly admonished that his days in the teaching of Defence Against the Dark Arts might be numbered. He truly enjoyed both preparing and teaching the lessons, despite the slight hiccup at the climax of the first one.
Pondering her words and query, he considered Caira’s description of Kade and his actions. “There is always hope, Miss Philosophy,” he responded quietly. It did not surprise him in the least that she mentioned the Shadows; talk of them was everywhere. “Headmistress LaPointe, however, dislikes Professor Kade almost as much as you. She expressed to me how he had purposefully lead students into danger, directly into the Forbidden Forest, and one was killed while another…” Trailing off, his eyes found hers momentarily. “While another was taken into the Shadow Realm,” he finished succinctly, looking directly at her. He surveyed her with his light gaze, reconsidering his earlier action of telling D’rorah about his appointed task. He soon recalled, however, Caira’s blatant leading of him into an offer he could not have failed to make, of deceiving him to suit her own purposes. Reassuring himself of earlier decisions and words, he shook his head lightly. “I’m afraid Caira would be quite against the idea of re-appointing Professor Kade, and to the rest of the world she has a good excuse for denying him his previously-held job, whether her version of the story is true or not.” He knew now that Caira’s words were not to be trusted, but he realised fully that she had not blatantly lied to him. She had presented her own opinions, her own ideas about certain events and people, and allowed him to make his own decisions. The way in which she had described such things, however, had made it seem as if no opposing argument was possible.
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Post by D'rorah Philosophy on Nov 26, 2007 1:03:51 GMT -5
D'rorah did not interrupt as Alex spoke of Mordred and the battle of the Shadows. "He did, in fact, lead the students into the forest. However, it would be prudent to mention that all of the students volunteered for the mission and were well aware of the dangers presented by the task." She met his eyes again. "Of those who did survive, I can say that none of them regret the decision to make the attack. The numbers of Dementors and Shadows in the forest had simply grown too great to ensure the safety of the student and staff population at Hogwart's." She nodded. "Her words were most likely true. And perhaps the loss of a life does make the price far greater than the reward." She frowned slightly. "Though I stressed the importance of remaining together, certain members felt we would clear the forest more quickly if we separated."
Certainly, she would not forget that. It had been not long after the group had divided that the Mage herself had appeared along with two reapers. She had killed Mongol without a second thought... and the reapers had brought in D'rorah as their prey. She absently rubbed her hand over her sleeve, over a small patch of the vast network of scars that covered her body. "Yes, we were all quite aware of the dangers," she reiterated quietly.
"We were able to destroy several of the Shadows and Dementors. And the forest was cleaned out for the most part. At least now we are able to venture forth in the daylight once more. Since then, things have been a bit too quiet though."
She huffed a bit. "Taken into the Shadow Realm? It does seem a rather understated expression for what actually happened. I believe I prefer that to the actual occurrence. Yes, taken... very good." She nodded, deciding to adopt the phrase for herself should up again. "the Shadow Mage is not a particularly pleasant hostess to her guests in the Shadow Realm."
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