He'll show ... he promised he'd show up here. There isn't any reason why he wouldn't show ... the letter he gave me said he'd be here ... He'll be here ... right?
Rheina, a young woman in her early twenties, sat quietly in the depths of the Salty Sailor Tavern in the clutches of Booty Bay.
Why would she come to a wretched place like this, a woman as beautiful ... and as nervous as her?
Spoiler:
Rheina my love,
Our fights in Northrend are hard and bloody, but the thought of embracing you in my broken arms after the war is over brings me comfort. I cannot wait for us to walk hand in hand once again and bask in the beauty of Stormwind, as well as the beauty of my future wife. Your beauty is intoxicating my love, like an endless valley swept by the blossoming of elegant roses and the gentle song of birds you stood before me that fateful day in Stormwind. I will always love you, no one can take that away from me. I may lose limps out here, my face broken, but my heart will never stop beating as long as you are alive and well. I may see your face again soon, if you're willing to do this for me.
Our regiment is heading back to Booty Bay on Tuesday to resupply. I hope to find you there, so that I may strengthen my memories of your beauty for when I return to Northrend. My love, if I do not arrive on the due day, return to Stormwind as quickly as possible. I wish naught to happen to you should the swine's in Booty Bay try to harm you.
Please be there.
Your love xxxxx
*A very small spot of blood stains underneath the words*
The letter would forever be in Rheina's small leather pouch on her belt, for when she received the letter in Stormwind she packed her bags and headed for Booty Bay as quick as she could. She had to be there when he arrived from Northrend, she just had to be!
Two days had passed since Rheina arrived in Booty Bay, and all day she would sit in the corner of the Salty Sailor, with drinks of water and the occasional bread, and wait the day away. Now and then people of all races sat and spoke to her, but maybe her nervous and constant stuttering either annoyed or left them speechless, as the conversations were short. She learned of two names from the uncountable amount of people who spoke to her. Avenya and Gwen. Gwen was a Draenei woman, and Avenya was a Blood Elf woman.
To Rheina, it was as though Gwen's actions sapped all the emotion from her body, her face remained motionless the entire conversation. Each movement had purpose, had reason, had feeling, like it took all ounce of energy to accomplish such an act. She was rather kind to Rheina, but like the others, didn't stay long
Avenya was a very hearty and energectic Blood Elf, surprisingly friendly to Rheina. She and Gwen had shown Rheina the first signs of kindness in Booty Bay since she arrived. Though she too, left after a short while when a man, apparently the leader of her organisation, stepped in. Avenya muttered something about having him as her 'man.' And once again Rheina was left to herself.
He'll come ... he said he would ...
Another day, the due date! Rheina's heart constantly raced, the thought of being in her lover's arms again almost cried to her from the skies of heaven itself. Every moment she would stare out the window, watching ... waiting. Waiting for that fateful boat to pull up to Booty Bay, waiting for the cries of barking orders for the men to leave and resupply the ship. Waiting, for a rugged, tall handsome man donned in simple equipment to step off the boat, searching for her as desperately as she was for him. The day passed ... and no boat ... no barked orders ... no lover stepping off a boat ... only news of a terrible storm 20 miles off the coast of Booty Bay ...
He ... said to leave if he doesn't show ... but ... he said he'd be here ... he said he would ...
The next day, Rheina remained in the corner of the tavern, silent as death itself. Her head slumped and allowed her hair to cover her face. No one spoke to her ... save one person ...
Rheina watched the Draenei walk away from her before her glance slowly fell to the bag of coins in front of her. Shadovarn? Slaver?
Perhaps Rheina should return to Stormwind as her lover suggested. If he is indeed alive he would send another letter. She grabbed the pouch of coins, and decided to sleep. Her fateful day to return to Stormwind ... and rid Azeroth of a Slaver, would come tomorrow.
He said he'd be here ... He said he would ...
The next day, Rheina said farewell to Booty Bay after discovering that Shadovarn had left Booty Bay a few days earlier. Deciding that Karast would want her gold back, she traveled the path through Stranglethorn Vale alone ... until Karast stepped onto the road with a hand on her hip.
''Didn't take the bait I assume?'' Karast asked bluntly, to which Rheina slowly shook her head.
"H-he ... wasn't around." Rheina replied.
The two spoke for a few moments, before Rheina gave Karast back her pouch. With that, Karast offered to escort her out of Stranglethorn Vale, and took her as far as Sentinel Hill in Westfall before paying for a flight to Stormwind for her. Rheina would never forget her kindness ...
Stormwind, a few days later, a beautiful early morning sunrise. The suns rays glistening off the cobblestone pathway, reflecting gracefully off window's, and shown beauty on the waking gardens; Rheina basked in the peace of all it, sitting quietly beside the Canal hoping it would calm her mind. It didn't.
He said ... he'd be there ... why wasn't he there?
She was suddenly interupted when a man and Gnome male sat beside her. They spoke to her for quite some time. It was refreshing for Rheina, they seemed quite friendly, and joked with each other. The man had to go shortly, mentioning he had to take care of 'business' before the Gnome revealed his name as "Haim." He convinced Rheina to journey with him towards Goldshire. According to him, there was a festival happening just outside.
"I w-wasn't aware ... I h-haven't visited G-Goldshire for ... m-months" Rheina said as she followed. What transpired next, was the beginning ... of a nightmare.
Haim stopped dead in the depths of Elwynn Forest, and turned to Rheina with a devilish grin, his evil eyes pierced right through Rheina's. He began a relentless assualt against Rheina, who could do little to defend herself again him. The last thing of the fight she remembers is desperately throwing a shield created from holy magic over herself. It proved fruitless as the force from the little warlock's attack sent her flying into a tree, crashing into it with a heavy thudd. She blacked out before she hit the ground ...
Why wasn't he there ... ?
When Rheina woke, her eyes fluttering open, she stared up at a dead roof. That was the best word for Rheina to describe it. It was black, old, green fog seeped through the cracks, and a spider skittered across the roof top. She'd been kidnapped!?
"Mmmmnn!" the girl tried to scream, realising she had a very tight linen gag stuffed roughly in her mouth. She looked around, her chest heaving up and down quickly with terror and fear as she discovered she was chained to a sort of lab bench. To the side, the small warlock watched with a grin.
"I have a gift for you" the gnome said as he raised a needle full of thick fel blood. With no mercy, he jabbed it into Rheina's neck, allowing the blood to separate and spread through Rheina's system. She was powerless to stop him, and watched him walk out. The blood ... she could feel it slowly making it's way through her body. Slowly, it sent shivers down her spine, until shivering turned to itchiness ...
Itchiness ... turned to Aggitation ...
Aggitation ... turned into unbearable pain
Rheina flailed, her muffled screams of pain barely heard. The pain was so fierce, so ferocious, that Rheina quickly passed out, her heavily shut eyes twitched wildy, and her body shivered, desperately trying to shake the pain ...
So here lies Rheina, kidnapped by the Circus Heretics.
------------------------------------
End of Memory One
Will write her next memory to bring people up to speed when I have time. Thank you for reading <3
"When it rains, do you run from door to door, getting wet all the same, or do you walk with dignity and accept it's raining?" "On a rainy night, does the sandman send the mud-man?"
.<=='"Characters"''==>. Karast - The Unlikely Paladin. Tarlak Nightstride - The Lone Hunter. Salinia Windrider - Princess. Alaszun Nightglade - Priestess of the Elune.
"Think about the rain dance for just a moment. Don't you think you'd need rain dance practice? I mean some guys don't know it, some may have forgotten. You know what I wonder? Does it rain during practice? If it doesn't how do you know you got it right? And if it does ... why bother with the dance in the first place. Hey, need a little rain? Call a practice!"
Nightmares ... each as blurry as the next filled the woman's painful sleep. Indescribable monsters, unimaginable landscapes and even more terrifying shrieking ... the screeching of the monsters ... each more piercing then the next. None would ever be forgotten by Rheina
She knew it, she could feel it in every inch of her body. The felblood had now taken it's course, and would forever torment Rheina ... for the rest of her life.
Why wern't ... you there ... my love?
Her eyes opened slowly, oh how she wished she was dead. The pain coursing through her veins, the felblood, was just unbearable. Rheina blinked, the same roof greeting her weary eyes before she blinked heavily and peered around. Not a single gnome in sight. Had he simply left her here? Was this poison that was slowly killing her? Rheina had no idea, and the thought of knowing nothing frightened her terribly. Where exactly was she anyway?
What ... did I do? I'm sorry ... for whatever I did ... I really am ... please let me go ... please ...
Rheina was left alone for hours, in the eerie silence of the dead looking room. No sound to wash upon the ears other then slowly maddening sounds of bugs skittering across the walls and roof. The chill of the dead's whisper sent shivers up her back. She would soon go mad, before she felt a tingly feeling in her back. What's going on? The poor girl began to think desperately, as the sensation quickly built into pain so fierce, so unbearable, that it caused Rheina to arch her back tightly almost as though it would snap! Her eyes rolled behind the back of her head, as her iris-less eyes flickered throughout the pain. Rheina ... would slowly come to call these surges, and they would never stop until the felblood was all but gone within her. The pain quickly subsided, just as quick as it washed over her, and she slumped against the rough wooden surface of the bench. A single tear fell down her face.
Why? ... What did I do? ... someone ... please help me ... my love ... where were you?
The stone door loudly creaked open behind Rheina's head. She couldn't look up to see who it was but the newcomer would soon show there face.
"I see your awake" The familiar voice said, eventually stepping to where Rheina could see him. It was the man who was with her in Stormwind, who came with Haim to kidnap her! She had to break free! She had to get away from here! And as Rheina tried with all her might and more, her tiny body and even tinier muscles simply couldn't force the chains to break free. She whimpered, the sounds of help muffled by the gag stuffed in her mouth, as she realised she wouldn't be going anywhere. Or was she?
"It's okay, I'm here to get you out" The human male whispered to her, before setting her chains free and removing the gag. At last! Rheina gasped for air, and gently rubbed her jaw. He asked her to follow him and remain quiet, but as she went to slide off the bench, she felt a wave rush over her. Unable to stop, Rheina swayed side to side, her energy was completely sapped. But she had to get out, and this man seemed as though he was going to help! Forcing herself to her feet, she stumbled after the man, using the wall whereever she could to aid her, and rested against it whenever they stopped for a passing patrol.
"W-what ... d-did he do to ... m-me?" Rheina could barely ask the man. He was quiet, very quiet, as he leant and whispered. He told her of how the felblood is an experiment designed to test the different responses it had on people. Most of the time the body had no choice but to accept it and outer appearances would form on the test subjects body. Larger muscles, horns, wings, even nightvision! Some, such as Rheina herself, the body would reject, and attempt to flush out. He also mentioned that many who's body rejected the fel blood died within a few hours of being injected by it.
Does that mean I'm ... going to live?
Rheina followed him deeper and deeper into the place he dubbed the 'Catatombs,' unable to register the fact they were going down ... and down. All she had in her mind was to get out of this place and get back to Stormwind as quickly as she could. There she'd be safe, no one to kidnap her again, and she certaintly wouldn't allow strange gnomes to convince her to leave again! The travel was a blur to her, she desperately struggled to stay awake ... or alive. There was no line between the two for Rheina right now. She felt if she shut her eyes she would surely fall to the ground and never wake again. Must! Stay! Awake! Alive!
"Here" the man said after what seemed like an eternity. Rheina peered up from under her hair and glanced around. The only door ... was the one behind them, and in the middle of the large room was a pool of water. This didn't look like escape, in fact ... the altar down the end of the end was less then convincing. She turned to the man, only to find him greeting with her a evil smile.
"W-why are w-we?" Rheina began, before the man pushed her violently into the water. She tried to get to her feet quickly, but the man held her down by the shoulder and told her to stay there. He stood some distance away from her, and raised his arms into the air. His body lit up in brilliant shades of blue and purple, shadow magic, as a beast slowly faded into existence beside him. It was big, red, growling ... and held a very large polearm that looked like it was forged with the fires of hell itself. A felguard! He was a warlock too!
Rheina was unable to get away from the felguard as it rushed at her after a few commands muttered in Eredun from the man. The demon grabbed at her shoulders. How could she resist? Walking after the man took all her energy, there was no way she could defend herself against such a monstrosity. It pulled her off her feet, and she dangled in the air. The demon, with barely any effort threw her across the water, letting her crash with a loud splash before chasing after her. It grabbed the back of her head and threw her back the other way like she was nothing. Rheina, poor Rheina, could do nothing as she tossed like a beach ball. All she could do was endure, and at each grab at her body she yelped desperately hoping her cries would be heard by a wandering hero. No such hero came for her this day ...
Why ... what did I do?
After an hour of brutal near death experiences in the water, Rheina was laid on the altar beside the pool. The man stood beside it, his arms held proudly up to each side of him. There was nothing Rheina could do. She was barely alive as it was, how could she muster the strength to run? He spoke in Eredun, and as he did flickers of black magic sprout forth from his hand, wavering around the alter like lost souls clutching to salvation.
"Welcome home!" the man roared
"When it rains, do you run from door to door, getting wet all the same, or do you walk with dignity and accept it's raining?" "On a rainy night, does the sandman send the mud-man?"
.<=='"Characters"''==>. Karast - The Unlikely Paladin. Tarlak Nightstride - The Lone Hunter. Salinia Windrider - Princess. Alaszun Nightglade - Priestess of the Elune.
"Think about the rain dance for just a moment. Don't you think you'd need rain dance practice? I mean some guys don't know it, some may have forgotten. You know what I wonder? Does it rain during practice? If it doesn't how do you know you got it right? And if it does ... why bother with the dance in the first place. Hey, need a little rain? Call a practice!"
The Catatombs ... Such a desolate and ... Dead, place. Nothing lived here. Graves littered the soil above, the bodies mere feet away from the roof. The dead's stench seeped through every crack in the roof, and their whispers were as cold as Northrend. Nothing lived here ... save the horrid men who captured Rheina and brought her here.
She was presented to a man, a male Kal'dorei who's name she would address him by was simply "Top Hat." He showed her around the Catatombs, and the evil inhabitants who lived here. They had no souls! Each one gazed her anxiously, already planning the horrific methods of torture she would soon endure. The man, Top Hat, led her to a small room. It ... wasn't quite what she had expected. It seemed as though everything was stuffed into the one room. Simple bunk beds were to the right, bookshelves and tables to the right, and a large well decorated ... though rather messy, table in the middle. Rheina learned quickly that Top Hat was in charge as he sat down in the chair. He was the leader of those who kidnapped her! Oh how she felt hatred for him, and all his lackeys who stood around her. As each one was addressed by Top Hat, they stopped gazing at Rheina and debriefed the Kal'dorei. She feared what was planned for her now ...
What did I do?
Spoiler:
The memory was as clear as day.
Rheina stood in her best dress, standing on the bridge of Stormwind. The crowd ... was large. every woman and child who's father, husband ... lover, were choosen to be sent to Northrend were there. Each face was filled with a mix of sadness and pride. The man's names would forever be remembered by Stormwind for their deeds they were to commit in Northrend.
Rheina stood in her best dress ... hands linked in front of her as a small elegant rose is held between the palms. She watched her man, standing tall ... proud ... yet a simple man. She watched him receive his orders from his captain before he came to her quickly.
"My love" his deep voice whispered into her ear as he embraced her
"M-my love ..." Rheina would whisper back, nuzzling her head affectionately against his chest. She didn't want him to go, not now ... not ever. He had to ...
They reluctantly parted, like peeling dried melted cheese off a bench it seemed impossible for both to let each other go. He bid her farewell, and slung his Stormwind crested shield on his back and followed after the group departing the town. She was the last person to stand there.
Days later ... in the brown landscape of the Barrens, Rheina was taken to the largest Goblin capital on all of Azeroth ... Ratchet. Top Hat had spoken to her earlier. She was not to speak to anyone without direct permission from himself, and she was to follow him where ever he went. Even when Avenya stepped up bravely to them, Rheina wandered past without saying a word. How could she? Top Hat had already harmed her once ...
Spoiler:
Days earlier ...
Rheina laid on the floor in the small room that belonged to the Circus ... writhing in pain. Top Hat held an outstretched hand, his palm wide open, and his eye lit with shades of purple and blue. His shadow powers were invading the poor girl's mind, leaving her thrashing about on the floor.
"Don't disobey a direct order slave" Were his words
Now and then, Rheina found his attacks on her mind halted now and then, but every time she gasped out for breath and looked up at him, he seemed to still be concentrating. Was he simply giving her time to recover? Or was something else happening she was unaware of? Top Hat seemed very surprised after the fourth stop in her painful experience. She didn't know what was going on ...
The two, Rheina and Top Hat, sat in the tavern in Ratchet. He had sent his minions off to complete some chore, some so called mission for him. She stayed silent for as long as possible. After all, she was belittled enough to being forced to sit ... on the floor ... at his feet!
"How are you feeling?" Top Hat asked her. How is she feeling? How is she ... Rheina cringed in her mind at those words. She was kidnapped ... forced as a slave, and is now sitting beside Top Hat as though he held her down with an invisible leash and chain. Like a sick loyal dog!
"J-just ... k-kill me" she mumbled. What happened next was mostly a blur. She was ordered to follow Top Hat and follow she did ... walking until they were out of sight. He lunged at her, and wrapped his hand tightly around her neck.
"You want to die? Very well" he said with no mercy, his hand almost crushing her neck! She struggled and squirmed, but as he lifted her off the ground she found herself unable to fight back. She begged for him to let her go, but he didn't fufil her pleas. Her eyes ... slowly began to roll back behind her head ... and her squirming feet slowly fell limp ... One last twich ... one final twitch it seemed ... a helpless twitch of her eyes.
I'm ... going to die? My love ... where are you? ... What ... did I do to deserve this?
Fate, it seemed, as breath drew back into Rheina's lungs, and she gasped out loudly. She struggled to open her eyes as she desperately caught her breath. He let her live? Why? What sick game has he planned now? She blinked, and looked over to Sagi. Something was wrong ... why is he staring at me like that? And why is he holding his head? Did something hit him across the head ... maybe someone's come to save me! Slowly she sat up, still breathing heavily.
"What? How are you able to use shadow ... no matter" Top Hat said somewhat confused and surprised.
Shadow? What is he talking about? I'm not a shadow user ... what did I do? ...
Back at the Catatombs, Rheina was left alone near Top Hat's desk for hours. She twiddled her thumbs, not wanting to open the stone door to see who was waiting for her out there. Unfortunately, a few others had plans with her while the master was away. The large door loudly opened, and there stood a Human male and ... someone who Rheina assumed was a woman ... who hid behind layers of very frightening cloth. Her face was hidden by a mask. How could she stop them? She was weak ... powerless, and she would soon learn these two to be named "Cha" and "Edwina." She was pulled by her wrist down and down ... deeper into the Catatombs dispite her pleas for him to stop. He threw her onto a table, and had her chained down before she realised what was going on.
"L-let me go ... P-please" she begged. Once more ... her plea's fell on heartless, soulless monsters. No pity for the girl, as Cha moved to a large bag and brought it back.
"You know what's in this? Saronite ... Now girl, you're going to tell me ... exactly what you see, otherwise I will leave you on this table and let you rot with the rest of the dead here!" Cha snarled, opening the bag up and placing the heavy ore down on the table ... beside Rheina's face. It hit with a very loud "thump!" She was powerless ... how could she resist.
Rheina ... Rheina ... Rheina.
The poor girl's eyes widen with fear, and quickly she looked around. "W-who's that?" she whimpered with trembling lips. Cha growled, ordering her to describe what she saw. She didn't want to ... How she tried to shut her eyes tight and block out the whispers. But as her lids sealed together, her eyes flashed ...
Darkness ... only darkness welcome her in her vision. "Tell me what you see" Cha ordered. Darkness ... only darkness.
Rheina found herself slowly walking forward. Each step landed on trembling legs, her own knees nearly buckling from beneath her. Breathing quickened with fear, heart racing. Eventually, she walked to a deep tunnel, unable to turn away and run. Unable to scream for help. She shivered, thickened water ran down from the roof, dripping off her shoulder and face. She couldn't stop walking forward in her vision ...
"Darkness ... Only darkness" Rheina whimpered as her first words, eventually describing to him everything she was seeing as she saw it in her vision.
Down the tunnel she crept. The walls convulsed in and out as though she walked through a living being. Creatures ... indescribable creatures slowly began appearing and skittering across the roof and sides, each one staring at Rheina with cold blood eyes, and razor sharp teeth. The poor girl whimpered. Why can't I turn and run away? Why? The floors ... soon littered with maimed corpses. Each body ... Rheina could not put a face to any of them. She recognised none. How could she? There was nothing humanely left of them. Some has nothing but bloodied ribs left ... some had brains spilt out on to the floor ... some had limbs missing and broken bones poking out. It was a nightmare, that was the best way Rheina could describe it. A nightmare. Another flash, and she found herself standing before a very large monster. It's tentacles slammed the ground around her, shaking it fiercely and deafening all those who had to listen. "Rheina" the monster whispered as it lunged for her, wrapping a tentacle tightly around her neck. It ripped her off her feet and held her dangling in the air. A brief flash again as she witnessed Top Hat taking hold of her neck in Ratchet, before it slowly fades back to the monster Rheina would describe to Cha as Yogg-Saron ... The beast, showed her no mercy, the tentacle wrapping tighter and tighter around her neck ... until ... SNAP!
Rheina flinched on the table at the sudden-ness of her end, and screamed out "No! P-please stop!" Cha ... seemed to be swept by compassion ... or had he simply finished writing notes in his journal? The Saronite was put away, and Rheina was let go. She quickly returned to Top Hat's office, only to find himself and a Night Elf woman speaking. Top Hat eye'd her as she stepped in on weak knee's.
"Rheina, this is your new master. Her name is Shivala. Slave, Master ... Master ... your slave" He said, leaving the two to talk.
This woman ... would change Rheina's life in the Circus ... forever.
Shivala ...
"When it rains, do you run from door to door, getting wet all the same, or do you walk with dignity and accept it's raining?" "On a rainy night, does the sandman send the mud-man?"
.<=='"Characters"''==>. Karast - The Unlikely Paladin. Tarlak Nightstride - The Lone Hunter. Salinia Windrider - Princess. Alaszun Nightglade - Priestess of the Elune.
"Think about the rain dance for just a moment. Don't you think you'd need rain dance practice? I mean some guys don't know it, some may have forgotten. You know what I wonder? Does it rain during practice? If it doesn't how do you know you got it right? And if it does ... why bother with the dance in the first place. Hey, need a little rain? Call a practice!"
Oh, how they loved to torment and intimidate her when her master wasn't around. Constant glares, threats, cackles of laughter at her nervousness. Could you blame her? Poor Rheina, whenever Shivala departed on a mission she remained in the Catatombs, and every day was gruelling ... and ever night was torturous. There was little Rheina could do, as each time she was left alone more would come and take her and experiement and torture her. Each one just as painful as the last, each one just as traumatising ...
Why? ... I should have stayed in Stormwind ...
When her master, Shivala, was around, only the physical pains were held at bay, the mental abuse Rheina endured as passing characters would torment her even more. Though ... strangely, Shivala barked at them to leave each time. Why is she showing me kindness? I'm her slave ... she should be treating me like dirt ... just like Top Hat did ...
"Hungry? Thristy?" Shivala asked Rheina, who froze on the spot. What? She's actually asking me? Why? Perhaps she's just trying to soften me up to do whatever she asks later on. Though all this went through her mind, Rheina nodded and followed Shivala with her head down. She wanted to avoid all evil glares as much as she could. The less she saw the better. She was asked to sit. Wait? Asked? Rheina looked up to Shivala, watching her walk to a shelf and take two pieces of bread. She ... didn't tell me to sit? She asked? Quickly Rheina sat down at Shivala came over with a loaf of bread and some water. The last thing she wanted was to disobey Shivala, who seemed to be the only person who hadn't laid a finger harmfully on her. Was this simply Shivala's way of breaking Rheina's spirit and getting her to obey her new master?
"Well?" Shivala pressed, motioning an outstretched hand to Rheina's simple lunch. She nodded, apologising quickly and began to nibble at the bread. Shivala continued to ask her questions, each one less relevant then the next. What's your favourite colour? What's your favourite food? What's your favourite animal?
What? ... These ... aren't questions you'd usually ask your slave ... They're so ... Trivial? Shivala was different in Rheina's eyes. She looked out for poor Rheina, kept her away from harm whenever she was around. She held her warmly whenever Rheina was upset, an arm kept protectively over her. Is this really how Shivala treats her slaves?
... Does she even consider me her slave?
Days pass, and Rheina's days are comforted by Shivala's hold and her protectiveness over her safety and well-being ... but she couldn't protect Rheina forever. One night they slept, Rheina the bottom bunk, Shivala the top. Rheina did not sleep easy as she held her pillow very tightly in her grasp and curled around it, hiding as far into the corner of the wall as she could. She had to shut everyone out, they had to be gone! She had to see no one. Rheina's paranoia made it difficult to sleep. In and out of a light sleep she fell, until she woke up suddenly to find a hand covering her mouth ...
"You scream, and you die ..." A very familiar voice whispered into her ear. When Rheina was allowed to look, she found Cha leaning over her bed with a long knife held in his hand. It was aimed at Rheina's heart. Was there any point in screaming? The silent girl nodded quickly at Cha, who took his hand away from her mouth and pulled by her wrist out of Sagi's office. She remained silent as he led her deep into the Catatombs and into a small room where he mercilessly bound her wrists together. With a strong arm he threw Rheina onto a table, and bound her arms down to it. Was there any point in screaming? ...
Let me go ... please ...
Rheina didn't want to see what was going to happen to her this time. The thought of having to remember another tormenting memory was unbearable for her. She just wanted to curl up and die. Dying would be better then living through this suffering; Someone would have to be mad to not want to end their life. How she pleaded in her mind for whatever was to come to end quickly and mercifully, or she hoped she would at least pass out before too much pain was felt. Suddenly, Rheina felt her clothing torn away from her body, and she laid against the table in her undergarments only. She opened her eyes, eyes going wide when she saw Cha standing there with a needle full of the same Felblood liquid that Haim injected her with earlier. She wanted to plea with him to stop, to not go ahead with this. Her sudden surges from Haim's injection earlier was bad enough, she didn't want more or worsened surges. Was there any point in screaming? ...
Suddenly, the door crashed open, causing Rheina to peer up to the door. There stood Shivala, donned in golden armour, fists tightly clenched and slightly leaning forward as she glared at cha with furious eyes. She breathed heavily with anger and stepped towards Cha. Shivala looked as though she was ready to kill him. After some arguing, Shivala yelled.
"She's mine! You will release her now! Or I will kill you where you stand!" Shivala roared fiercely. Cha blinked a few times at Shivala in disbelief before cutting the rope that led from Rheina's wrists to the table and throwing her to Shivala with wrists still bound. With a yelp, she was caught by Shivala who pulled her out of the small room by the wrist. She seemed angry as she took Rheina around the corner.
"You idiot woman! Why didn't you call for help!? I would have come to your side without a second though" Shivala growled as she cut Rheina's bonds holding her wrists together. Strangely, Rheina was not punished. Instead, Shivala embraced her in warm affectionate arms. "I don't want anything to happen to you Rheina" Shivala said quietly. The two fell quiet as Rheina remained in the hold. Why is she treating me like this? Shivala hasn't harmed me at all, and a moment ago she was scolding me, why did she not torture me? She's different. Her golden armour shined as though my last flickering light in the depths of darkness. This light ... is my last hope.
... Does she even consider me her slave?
Shivala ... protect me ...
Spoiler:
Another beautiful day in Stormwind. It was always beautiful here, at least in Rheina's eyes.
Wether it was raining or the sun was bright, it was a beautiful city. Rheina would be caught watching the sun rise every morning, and again watch it set. Not today though. Stepping into the shop she worked at, a rather large bellied man greeted her as he rubbed his temples. Seems he's had another very late night and didn't get much sleep as his eyes drooped gently. His hand outstretches and points to a box on a table to the side. "Take that box to the Blue Recluse Rheina" is what he told her.
Certainly ...
Perfect day, as Rheina took the box happily, and took off. The sun was shining brightly, reflecting off the cobblestone pavement, and the thin white clouds in the sky decorated the light blue sky. Just a perfect day, until her foot caught on a loose cobblestone pavement. She fell forward, landing face first into the ground, the box flying out of her hands and the food scattering. That's it … I'm in trouble … I dropped the food …
“Are you okay?†A voice asked her. It caused her to look behind her, and instantly she froze and her face flushed bright red. There he stood … her future love. He was a tall man, in his late twenties. His face was rugged and well defined, and a gentleman's smile and an outstretched well developed arm was offered to her. He was … perfect.
“S-sorry!†Rheina said quickly, before taking the hand silently and being pulled to her feet effortlessly. His smile continued to greet her, and she felt she would simply melt against him.
“I'm Kellas†he said with a smile
Rheina …
“What the hell were you thinking Cha!?†Sagi's voice could be heard roaring at Mordus behind closed doors. Shivala and Rheina were outside, Rheina being held protectively by an arm around her shoulder. Shivala seemed pleased with herself as she held her head high and proud, as though happy Mordus was being yelled at. Rheina however, was not pleased. What if he comes for her because of this? She shivered at the thought, watching Mordus step out of the office and glare at her. That's all she needed to see … he was after her, and she knew it as she hid her face behind her hair. Mordus cackled wildly before leaving.
Days passed, not a single devious hand attempted to steal her away in the dead of night for painful experiments as Shivala kept an ever watchful eye on Rheina. Shivala even went to the extremes of chaining Rheina's wrist to her own. Sleeping with Shivala was awkward to begin with, who continued to embrace her protectively every night. She seemed determined to keep Rheina safe. No longer did Rheina see Shivala as her master … she saw her as her protector, her last hope in the depths of darkness …
My … Golden Angel …
The very first night … the first night Shivala decides that it's safe to unchain Rheina from her own wrist … the very first night … Rheina felt a dagger pressed against her back.
“Scream and you die. We need to talk about what happened a few days ago†a very familiar voice said. Rheina was silent. She didn't want to die! Shivala, you should be awake! She shivered, before prying herself out of Shivala's quickly tightening grasp. Was she aware of Rheina leaving in her sleep? Getting out of bed, Rheina turned to find Mordus standing there. His eyes said it all … he … was … angry. She was forced to follow him, and eventually he led her to a secrete chamber before a moving bookshelf. The moment she was in there. He backhanded her across the face and bound her wrists very tightly.
(This section is rather explicit where Mordus exacts his revenge upon Rheina. It's rather rough, so if you feel uneasy about such things. Please, please please, don't read this)
Spoiler:
â€ÂYou b***h! … How dare you rat me out†Cha roared as he brought his leg off the floor and violently landed into her stomach. Rheina couldn't avoid it, as she fell down to the floor, coughing out blood at the force of the attack.
“I'm s-sorry!†she whimpered as tears ran down her cheeks. Mordus wanted nothing of it as his foot landed into her stomach again. Blood flew from her lips as her eyes went wide, the blood flicking back and splashing against the bridge of her nose. He stepped back as Rheina curled in desperately trying to end any more suffering, and began to chant as he threw his arm into the air. Felish shadow wrapped around an invisible object beside him, and slowly a Succubus was pulled from the realm beyond. It seemed happy to oblige to Mordus' commands to harm Rheina whatever way possible. The Succubus cracked her whip …
“You'll pay for rating me out!†Cha screamed as the Succubus began to whip wildly at Rheina's back … while Mordus began to stomp his foot violently into her belly … and even as far as stepping on her face. Rheina's cries for help fell on deaf ear's … no one would come to save her. Mordus, enraged, grabbed Rheina by the base of her hair and brought Rheina to her knees.
“You tell anyone about this! And I swear! I'll tear your soul out and it shall forever be my Felguard plaything!†Mordus growled. Rheina whimpered in response, yelping out quickly his fist struck her in the eye. He let her go and let her fall back down to the floor. The Succubus seemed to be enjoying herself immensely, between harsh and heavy lashes from her whip she would scratch deeply at Rheina's body. Blood trinkled from each last ... and every scratch. From the side of Rheina's lip was blood, from her nose poured blood ... her whole body ... covered in blood. Bruises and cuts littered her body just as much. Every kick, stomp, punch, whip and scratch was felt ... as the poor girl cried out loudly in terrible pain. No matter how loud she screamed ... the blows got heavier and harder ... no one came to rescue her.
Hours later … Rheina … bruised, beaten and bloodied on the floor, was finally granted a pause in her torture …
Mordus stepped back from Rheina's beaten body … he seemed … different? Tear fell from his eyes as he stepped to Rheina. “I'm s-s-s-s-s-sorry†he said. Things were a blur for poor Rheina as she stared straight ahead with bruised and beaten eyes … flickering wildly. She felt her paling hands freed from the restraints. Next she was pulled out of the Catatombs and carefully thrown onto a mount of sorts. Rheina was unable to tell … her vision and mind was too blurred.
Hours … hours later … the she felt the sun flickering against her warming skin, as Rheina was dropped at the tavern in Goldshire. She knew little of why she was put here, or … why Mordus stopped and suddenly felt compassion. It didn't occur to Rheina that Mordus pretended he found Rheina on the side of the road and brought her here to heal. People seemed too afraid to come to Rheina's side … as she used what little energy she had to drag herself to the fire. She sat, and curled herself up, her arms around her knees and her head buried into them. An eternity later … an arm wrapped around her shoulder that caused Rheina to weakly peer from her knees to the person who comforted her … Shivala!
When Shivala saw Rheina's bruises, her beaten face with black eyes and blood on her face, she went wide eye'd and snarled her teeth.
“Who did this to you!? Was it Cha again!? I'm going to kill that bastard!†Shivala growled.
No … you can't … he'll harm me again Miss Shivala.
“N-no … it w-wasn't C-cha†Rheina could barely speak. Her throat hurt from the beating. Shivala was unable to get Rheina to tell her who attacked her, who simply fell silent and kept Rheina in her hold.
My Golden Angel … protect me …
(( I apologise if the post seems ... dry. I spent the last week dealing with my BF's computer continually crashing on me and I continued to lose work with this post. I really hope it's still enjoyable <3 ))
"When it rains, do you run from door to door, getting wet all the same, or do you walk with dignity and accept it's raining?" "On a rainy night, does the sandman send the mud-man?"
.<=='"Characters"''==>. Karast - The Unlikely Paladin. Tarlak Nightstride - The Lone Hunter. Salinia Windrider - Princess. Alaszun Nightglade - Priestess of the Elune.
"Think about the rain dance for just a moment. Don't you think you'd need rain dance practice? I mean some guys don't know it, some may have forgotten. You know what I wonder? Does it rain during practice? If it doesn't how do you know you got it right? And if it does ... why bother with the dance in the first place. Hey, need a little rain? Call a practice!"
Elwynn's colours were a refreshing blend compared to the Catatombs. Lovely shades of green and blue as sky met forest were the setting here, not ugly combinations of death, stench and filth. Yet ... it held no comfort for Rheina, even the grain of the wood in the room Shivala hid her inside Goldshire offered no conclusion ... no satisfaction ... just ... nothing. For days Rheina remained lying in bed inside the tavern silently. The cuts and bruises still constantly reminding her of the pain and horrors she endured while under the grueling whip of the Circus Heretics. Curled up tightly on her side, the words of others fell on deaf ears ... save but one.
"Rheina ... who did this to you?" Shivala asked of Rheina.
I can't tell her ... I can't tell my Golden Angel ... Cha will torture me forever ... Oh how I failed you my Golden Angel.
Only Shivala's hold gave Rheina any comfort, only her whispers of assurance kept her from sinking further into an empty depression. Rheina felt free, escaped from her own horrors and nightmares whenever Shivala was embracing her. How just a hold offered Rheina reprieve was beyond her thoughts or logic, all Rheina knew was that she did not want Shivala to leave any time. She wanted Shivala to be with her forever.
Shivala … don't leave … I need you with me … I can't do this alone
Spoiler:
Everybody dreams … even if they do not remember. Dreams convey thoughts, feelings. They give comfort … or take away security. Such is the way of the dream…
The beauty of Stormwind would never cease to amaze Rheina. Such vibrant colours, such wondrous sounds … maybe Rheina was just easily captivated by such mere elegance. She knelt down at a small garden boxed by cobblestone bricks, and took in a deep breath of the fragrance brought on by the several blossoming roses in the garden bed. It was a heavenly scent, and Rheina melted onto her knees and sat down on her legs. She cupped a flower gently in her hand, and smelt it again with a heavy sigh of content.
“They are as beautiful as you are Rheina†A familiar voice spoke behind her. She peered over her shoulder before her eyes went wide. Again Kellas was right there, with a gentleman's smile. He looked exactly how she saw him yesterday, and the day before that, and the days before that day. She flushed bright red again
Squeek!
His hand was outstretched to her … just like it was the first time she met him, and just like every other time her eyes had the privilege of looking upon his perfect smile. She went to grab it …
The sky … fell dark, blackened by nothing by smoke and the buildings and surroundings went blood red. Only Kellas remained coloured … but … something was wrong. He expression changed from a gentle smile to a … something else. His smile faded and his eyes were wide … almost shocked at something unseen. In the blink of an eye, Kellas arched back tightly, holding his head as he roared in pain.
Rheina's hand held outstretch to him, as she watched with fear as he trembled on weak knees. Kellas fell onto his knees after some time, as his body started fluctuating wildly. What started like small finger sized pokes from under the skin soon changed to his entire body warping as the skin stretched unnaturally. With no warning, he suddenly burst! Pieces of his body flew from where he once knelt, and the same blood colour that enveloped Rheina's surroundings splashed against her body. Where Kellas was, there now stood a shadowed creature, tentacles flapping about wildly from its back and claws that looked ferociously sharp …
It pounced for Rheina with a frightening roar …
Rheina sat up quickly, screaming loudly. Beads of sweat ran down her face as she panted desperately for breath. Her eyes were wide, as the ending of her nightmare slowly sunk in. It was very difficult for Rheina to believe that is was not real. It felt real … it almost looked real. Reaching up and shifting strands of hair clinging to her sweaty face, Rheina looked around the empty room in the tavern at Goldshire. Only her panting breath … was heard … only her.
The door crashed open, and Rheina nearly screamed once more. She'd just calmed from a frightening nightmare, what more could possibly go wrong?
“Rheina! What's wrong!?†Shivala growled with her weapon drawn and scanning the room quickly. She seemed very determined to kill the imaginary threat Rheina was so frightened over. Bringing her legs up, Rheina buried her face into her knees as she hugged herself tightly. She couldn't bring herself to tell Shivala of the dream, however it seemed Shivala had guessed as she studied Rheina's condition. Shivala sat with Rheina and held her tightly, attempting to gain the story of Rheina's nightmare. She would not say … the memory was too horrid for her to willingly recall it. Realising this, Shivala fell quiet, and held Rheina in her arms … protectively … affectionately.
Days passed by, each nap Rheina forced upon herself ended with a quick rise to her knees and a loud scream. Sometimes Shivala was there, but if she wasn't she was quick to enter the room to embrace Rheina quickly. Soon, Rheina would force herself to stay awake. What was the point in trying to sleep when an hour later she would wake to the end of a horrible nightmare? She wanted no more, each one was just as traumatizing as the next, and each different by all ended the same … with a shadowed monster leaping at Rheina with fangs bared and claws armed … Even Shivala had difficulty in getting Rheina to sleep, and it took quite some effort on her part to make sure Rheina stayed asleep.
My Golden Angel … she's there for me … She's all I want … Shivala … keep me safe …
Another quiet day in Goldshire for Rheina as people of all shapes and sizes came in to see Rheina. They were all kept at arm's length by Shivala … save for one woman. She was human at least, and strangely she was the first person Shivala let near Rheina. Despite that, she still cowered for protection against Shivala, not wanting to be hurt anymore. Peering up to Shivala, her eyes said it all.
Don't let her harm me please …
The woman introduced herself as Annabelle, who suggested to Shivala that Rheina be kept under her protection from now on. Immediately, and as Rheina had hoped, the offer was turned down almost as quick as it was asked. Annabelle nodded respectfully and approached the cowering Rheina. Soon … Rheina felt … warm, and relaxed. Quickly, she broke her face from Shivala's shoulder to find Annabelle healing her wounds over her entire body. She couldn't really describe the feeling, but it was wondrous. Rheina slumped forward, nearly sliding off the bed if it weren't for Shivala catching her and embracing her body that hung over the bed. The heavenly feeling slowly faded as Annabelle was given a glare to back away after healing Rheina. Near the door, Annabelle seemed quite interested in Rheina's story, who was very reluctant to tell her. After some pushing from Shivala, Rheina finally began to talk.
Each word that flowed from her lips came more and more difficult, more hesitant and quieter … She had barely explained what had happened to her before she hugged herself tightly and began to whimper. Both Shivala and Annabelle knew that Rheina said enough … and left her to calm. Would she ever be the same Rheina she was before her introduction into the circus? Even now, half of her wanted to die, to take her own life would help her forget all the horrid events that took place. Of course … she couldn't bring herself to follow through on an empty threat … not with Shivala here … not with her Golden Angel to help. Rheina was quick to pass out minutes after the two left her in peace. As of late she no longer slept … each time her eyes shut she would pass out for 30 minuets or less. Each nap more taxing then the last. She didn't want to sleep, she couldn't … but she had to …
A gentle nudge quickly woke Rheina from her sleep, and she glanced up to find Shivala leaning over her with a comforting smile. However as Rheina looked around, she saw a Kal'dorei male who Shivala introduced to Rheina as Tirius. He seemed friendly enough, though his rather sarcastic and blunt humour made the poor girl uncomfortable. The last thing on her mind was jokes … bad at ones at that! As long as Shivala was here she could face any new dangers … any obstacles … only as long as Shivala held her the entire way. Rheina's mind was distant throughout the conversation between Shivala and Tirius until she heard something that made her eyes go wide …
“Come on Rheina, we're taking you outside now …†Shivala told Rheina. She froze. She couldn't go outside, not now … what if the Circus is waiting for her? Despite her squeaks of protest and her pleading eyes, Tirius … of all people … Tirius picked up Rheina. In a few seconds, her heart raced and her body trembled. She silently begged to be put down, or to be held by Shivala instead, but neither would listen, neither would hear Rheina. She was taken outside, and she simply wanted to die. Curl up in a deep dark corner where no comfort or warmth would reach her, and just rot away … out of sight out of mind.
Despite her despair, the sun's rays soothed her paling body and warmed her lungs as she was set down by a small pool of water near Goldshire. It was peaceful … calm, but Rheina still desperately searched around for someone … or something. The Circus was still out to get her, she just knew it. She had seen too much, was told she was to be apart of many experiments. She knew they'd be after her, she could feel the imaginary eyes always watching her, waiting for the perfect moment to snatch her away. Tirius and Shivala spoke to each other; with Rheina cuddling into her side and watching the tiny fish swim idly in the pond. They seemed care free, something Rheina currently longed for. If she could shed herself of these worries and problems then she'd be as happy and unrestrained as the fish. The day passed very slowly for Rheina, who constantly searched for nothing …
Rheina was taken inside and placed back in the comfort of her bed once again, Shivala remaining at her side until she fell into a dream state ...
Spoiler:
Rheina … Rheina … Rheina …
Another dream … another nightmare later.
A clawed shadowed figure leaps at her. Fangs bared and claws sharp as ever and teeth snarling … Each nightmared was forced upon Rheina to end this way …
Rheina …
Again … Rheina sat up quickly, her breath very dry as sweat ran down her forehead after a violent end to a nightmare. These soon became customary for poor Rheina … each nap was infected with horrid nightmare and nothing she did would ever rid herself of these dreams. She noticed a pale parchment folded on the table in the corner, and hesitantly approached it. Why she approached an in-animate object with such caution would forever confuse her, but Rheina unfolded the letter …
Spoiler:
Rheina, it's Shivala.
I've departed Goldshire for awhile, needed to take care of a few things. I meet you to meet me at the bridge that meets Westfall the moment you read this letter. I hope to see you there.
Signed
Shivala
Rheina blinked at the letter. Why would Shivala leave? What is that important that she needed to leave Rheina alone in Goldshire? Still … she had sent a letter, one that Rheina felt she needed to comply to. Shivala wants her to travel to Westfall Bridge? So be it …
With a heavy sigh, Rheina held her breath as she took her own steps outside of the tavern … alone. Immediately she peered around, as expected looking around for people to kidnap her that never came.
No, I don't have time for this … I have to meet my Golden Angel at the brigde towards Westfall. She wants me there … I have to be strong … for her …
She took another deep breath in, and headed for the bridge. Her thought remained the same. If she saw Shivala at that bridge, then everything would be fine. Shivala would be there to protect her … hold her … embrace her from any danger or harm. It was a long trip for Rheina, who was constantly on the look out with watchful eyes. Yet they were filled with fear. Rheina knew her own limits … they paled in comparison to … ANYONE. She sighed, nearing the bridge of Westfall. The only figure … was a human woman dressed in dark leather gear. Something wasn't right … this woman stare at Rheina, and seemed to know her. Rheina herself could have sworn she knew this woman also, perhaps have seen her once or twice in the Catatombs.
“Hello … girl†The woman said, and before Rheina could react, her wrists and ankles were bound … There was nothing she could do. “Did you really think the Circus would forget about you? We've … missed having you around†the woman added as she gagged Rheina. She couldn't resist, as much as she tried, there was nothing she could do. Rheina was thrown over the woman's side after being blindfolded. Her destination … was unknown…
Her vacation from the circus … came to an abrupt end …
( Sorry my progress to catch up to Rheina's current RP is slow ... I really have been RP'ing more then I have time to actually type these posts up. I hope people don't actually get bored with all this)
"When it rains, do you run from door to door, getting wet all the same, or do you walk with dignity and accept it's raining?" "On a rainy night, does the sandman send the mud-man?"
.<=='"Characters"''==>. Karast - The Unlikely Paladin. Tarlak Nightstride - The Lone Hunter. Salinia Windrider - Princess. Alaszun Nightglade - Priestess of the Elune.
"Think about the rain dance for just a moment. Don't you think you'd need rain dance practice? I mean some guys don't know it, some may have forgotten. You know what I wonder? Does it rain during practice? If it doesn't how do you know you got it right? And if it does ... why bother with the dance in the first place. Hey, need a little rain? Call a practice!"
![[Image: Anime_Kiss_by_Amari_Chan.jpg]](http://th00.deviantart.net/fs9/PRE/i/2006/057/d/c/Anime_Kiss_by_Amari_Chan.jpg)