Post: #1

OOC: Please do not post in this thread as it involves just my characters and Arkhan - see OOC thread for more details

Lesa slowly woke, her head was throbbing on the side it had been struck, and pain shot through her head as she attempted to open her eyes. Raising her hand to her face she felt something heavy on it, that moved with a metallic sound, forcing her eyes open she saw she was shackled, inch thick chains were wrapped around her arms and legs, the other ends securely bolted into the ground.
“What the hell?” she murmured trying to recollect how she had got here, after a moment the memory of the stranger striking her came back and she knew he must have kidnapped her. Well he had made a grave mistake, opening her mind she prepared to grasp of the arcane winds but immediately she knew something was wrong. She could feel only the faintest trickle of power, not nearly enough to break these bonds, again she tried but to no avail as the power eluded her.
“So you have finally awakened.”
That chillingly cold voice, the same one of the stranger at the top of the tower. Twisted round she saw the decayed creature walk into the hall where she was bound, taking stock of her surroundings for the first time she could see she was on a plinth at one end of a vast hall, its ceiling disappeared high above whilst two rows of pillars at either side of the room supported its weight. It was surprisingly barren, no tapestries or seats, just one large throne next to where she was chained. Her eyes were dragged back to the stranger as he spoke once more,
“The rumours were true it seems,” he said slight surprise showing in his tone,
“Rumours?” Lesa said puzzled as she tried to wrap her head round the situation, as she tried to speak once more the stranger cut in,
“Rumours that none can find you unattractive, that you can even rouse the lust of the dead. Here I stand, millennia’s dead and even I can feel the pull. Still it will not help you, I did not become the right hand of the Dark Lord by succumbing to base emotions.” At the mention of Nagash’s title Lesa felt fear race through her as she understood who was in front of her,
“You are Arkhan the Black?” she said as she slowly struggled to her feet, wary of the Liche’s supposedly vast powers. As she stood up a look of distaste crossed Arkhan’s face and he waved a hand at the bindings round Lesa, with a massive jerk they shortened dragging her back to her knees.
“You will remain knelt dog,” he hissed, “You are nothing more than a whore, a slut and you will learn your place.” Apparently satisfied with her position he sat on the black throne before continuing,
“Yes, I am Arkhan, first of the Dark Lords and you have something my master wants.” Lesa cursed inwardly as realisation hit her, the claw which she had secreted after if had been taken from Valda, it was stupid of her to think the minions of Nagash would not come after it, but in her arrogance she had thought herself untouchable. Arkhan studied her face as his words had the desired effect and he knew he had been right,
“You do not have a choice, one or way another I will find out where you have put the claw,” Arkhan said, the black pits of his eyes staring emotionlessly at her, “the only question is, how much pain will I have to inflict until you tell me?”

Post: #2

Lesa looked back up at Arkhan, eyes resolute,
“If you think I will tell you where the claw is, your brain must have rotted like the rest of you body.” the words were barely out of her mouth before Arkhan smashed his fist into it. Barely managing to hold in the cry of pain she fell back to the floor, spitting a mixture of blood an teeth onto the stone floor. Turning once more she felt Arkhan’s cold hands grab her shoulder before he lifted her up, with snarl he rammed his fist into her stomach, again and again he struck finally breaking her and making her scream in agony. Satisfied her dropped her back to the ground and seated himself once more,
“As I said, you will learn you place,” he said. Lesa had never felt so helpless or overpowered. Arkhan was much more stronger than she and the only hope she had was if she could manage to cast. Concentrating with all her might she tried once more to gather her powers, only to be interrupted by a low laugh from Arkhan,
“You are wasting your time. I have taken certain precautions to make sure you cannot use you magic, namely the collar round your neck.” As she heard his words Lesa touched the band around her throat and felt runes inscribed on it, it glowed hot and was no doubt of a magic nature.
“A Collar of Khorne, forged by the Blood God himself, and acquired with much difficulty from one of his servants. Whereas it makes the bearer difficult to hurt by magic, it makes the bearer unable to use magic at all.” Fuming Lesa refused to give up trying and pushed herself until she thought she was going to burst a blood vessel, she was rewarded with a sliver of power that she quickly grasped and threw at Arkhan in the form of a fireball. A look of astonishment flickered briefly over his face but Lesa has underestimated the amount of power, the paltry spell simply bounced off Arkhan who looked at Lesa in with a mixture of annoyance and surprise.
“That fact that you managed even that pathetic attempt is somewhat impressive against the collar, but as you can see dog, pointless.” As he stood back up Lesa tried to scamper away, fearful of how he would punish her. Again her grabbed her arm, almost gently before he looked into her eyes,
“Tell me, where is the claw?” Steeling herself Lesa replied,
“Go fuck yourself.” A hiss of rage came from Arkhan as with a savage twist he dislocated her shoulder, snapping her wrist at the same time.
“I will break everyone of your bones, flay your skin and put you in the utmost agonies slut. One way or another you will tell me.” With a backhand her sent her sprawling to the floor,
“Now tell me!”

Post: #3

With an exasperated sigh Arkhan let Lesa drop the ground, he had spent the last few hours torturing her in unimaginable ways and still had not yielded any results. He looked down on the mess that lay before him, skin flayed away in certain areas to where bone showed through, bald patches where chunks of hair had been ripped out, fingers and toes bloody where he nails had been torn out, arms and legs bent at odd angles where they had been repeatedly broken, and still that dammable bitch had not spoken!
With a bellow of anger Arkhan smashed his fist into the throne sending it flying across the room, he had to find someway, something that would make her speak. Nagash would not stand for failure and he had no illusions as to what would happen should he return empty handed.
As he paced around the room he could see Lesa stirring out of the corner of his eyes, even now she was already starting the healing process, though the damage he had inflicted would have normally taken weeks to repair. Beforehand he had managed to add an enchantment to the collar with great difficulty, the bearer would heal at an extremely fast rate, all the easier to torture when the victim would have no relief, he could inflict pain over and over and they would never die, and yet it was not working.
Looking up out of bloody eyes Lesa glared at the foul being in front of her , throughout it all she had remained resolute, thought the halls had echoed with her screams she had refused to give up the location of the claw,
“I hope your not getting tired,” she laughed sarcastically before coughing up a glob of blood, “I was just getting warmed up.” Arkhan eyes flared with incandescent rage yet he knew there was little else he could do without actually destroying her, striding towards her his hand closed round her throat, lifting her up to his eye level,
“You will pay of your impudence whore,” he said coldly, “What I have done to you is nothing to what awaits you.” Choking in his iron grasp Lesa simply laughed,
“An empty threat and both you and I know it, you will die Arkhan, if not by my own hand then by my husbands, so do your-” her voiced trailed off at Arkhan’s expression, at the mention of her husband his face at lit up as if he had realised something. Dropping her to the ground her turned his back on her,
“Yes, an excellent idea. Why not invite your pathetic husband to out little gathering? If you will not reveal the location I’m sure he will upon seeing your pain,” turned back to Lesa a cruel smile worked across his face, “or perhaps you will upon seeing his?” Realising what the Liche meant Lesa shook her head,
“No, please, I beg of you,” she pleaded,
“Give me the claw then.” Arkhan replied, looking down at the floor Lesa shook her head,
“I cannot.”
“Then you doom your husband as well as yourself!” Arkhan roared her before stalking out of the room, leaving Lesa to curl up on the floor, a bloody weeping mess.
Moments later a spectre left the fortress, a message entrusted to it for the Wraithlord’s ears only.

Post: #4

Stepping out of the mist Milosh looked at the gateway before him. After he had heard the words in Simon’s throne room he had proceeded here as fast as he could,
“I will not dally with my words Cromwell, you know my voice and who I am. I have your wife. If you wish to see her in one piece come to the fortress my messenger shows you. Alone. If there is anyone else with you I will destroy her.”
The following image that was implanted in his head was one he knew shockingly well, he was all the more glad he had not taken Sammael’s offer to help him find the Black Tower as he would have gone leagues in the wrong direction.
The fortress, if one could call something as small as this that, was a simple affair, the one entrance was made of black would with metal bandings, yet there seemed to be no guards. Feeling apprehensive at the lack of resistance Milosh slowly pushed open the gate, sword drawn and ready. Through the gate he entered a deserted courtyard, again there were no alarms raised, no skeletal warriors.
‘This is not right’ Milosh thought to himself as he proceeded warily across the yard, and through the double doors into the main hall of the building. It was the same throughout the place, room after room empty, though well furnished as would be expected of a castle this side, it seemed as if it had been abandoned not too long ago, there was no cobwebs or dust to suggest it had laid empty for years.
Scouring the place from top to bottom Milosh could find no trace of his wife, hours passed as he frantically searched and yet he could not even sense her aura. All the time he felt he was being watched and an air of foreboding settled upon the vampire. It was as if something was eating away at him, each step becoming harder yet he would not rest.
After what seemed like an eternity something changed, he was not quite sure what it was but his keen instincts told him the atmosphere was different, instead of the watchfulness now it was as if something was eager, anticipating something, and then he felt it. The pulse of Lesa’s aura reached him and in a second he had located her, hidden deep underground he set on his way to find what must be a hidden passage to her.
As Milosh finally entered the vast hall he caught sight of Lesa at the far end and he stopped in shock, his wife was bound like an animal, arms tied behind her back and thick chain bolted her to the ground. As he walked forward she remained still, eyes closed and the only thing that told him she was not truly dead was the fact that she had not been reduced to dust. She had obviously take a beating, black and red marks showed all over her body through the rags of what remained of her clothes, rage burned in Milosh’s heart as he took all this in and he ran forward to release her.
“Surely you are not so stupid to think it would be that easy?” As the chilling voice reverberated round the room Milosh involuntarily shuddered even as he brought his sword up defensively. Looking round he saw the towering form of Arkhan slowly walk in from a side door, Tomb Blade held almost negligently in his clawed hand.

Post: #5

Arkhan walked until he was between Milosh and Lesa, never looking away from Milosh’s eyes for a second. Hearing the doorsteps stirred Lesa out of her stupor, and as she saw he husband her eyes opened wide, in a mixture of horror and longing,
“Milosh, no!” she cried before a gesture from Arkhan caused the air around her to ripple, as Lesa continued to speak, Milosh realised whatever spell the liche has cast made him unable to hear his wife.
“I have heard enough of your whore’s words,” Arkhan said looking at Milosh, seemingly relaxed even with the deadly blade pointed at him, “and the stupidity of your kind never ceases to amaze me Cromwell. I order you to come here alone, and that is what you do, like a trained cur you come to heel, leaving yourself powerless to help her, and now yourself.” Lesa was screaming wordlessly, impotent in her rage to do anything to help her husband.
“Look," Milosh started, “I do not know why you have done this, but you are wasting your time, we have nothing.” His blatant lie obviously didn’t work as Arkhan simply stared before replying,
“A liar as well, the whore has already admitted she has the claw, I will be blunt Cromwell.” Arkhan ran his finger across his blade as if testing it, “I want the claw of the Lord Nagash, and I want it now. One way or another I will force the information from you or your wife.” At the mention of Lesa and the possibility of her torture Milosh felt cold, the marks on her already told of the pain she must have suffered, yet he would not let her actions be in vain.
“You are wasting you time Arkhan,” he said, confidence returning as the thought of protecting his wife bolstered him, “Neither myself or my wife will tell, if you could have forced the information out of her, you would have done so by now, and nothing you can do to me will break my resolve.” Instead of the angry response he was expecting Arkhan simply stared, with those cold, dead, unfeeling eyes.
“I expected as much.” he said after a moment, “and do not think I have not foreseen such an eventuality, how long do you think you can keep your silence, after you have seen the skin flayed from her body? After her eyes have been gouged out? When her screams after echoed round this hall? Do you think she can after seeing the same done to you?” Milosh snarled and half stepped forward, only the recent memory of Arkhan’s power in Karak Eight Peaks stopped him from attacking,
“You will do nothing you bastard,” he spat, “I will die before I allow you to lay another hand on her head.” A mocking laughter was Arkhan’s response as he threw back his head in mirth, it was the chance Milosh had been waiting and hoping for, and he took it. Speaking as fast as he could an ancient incantation left his lips before bolts of dark power shot from his eyes, a black explosion enveloped Arkhan yet the hideous laughter did not stop.
“Your kind are a mistake, a mutation, and like a mistake I intend fix it,” the cold voice came somewhere from the settling dust, and it was more second sense than anything else that told Milosh to duck.
It was not a moment too soon as the Tomb Blade sliced over his head, rolling backward Milosh stood ready to defend himself as Arkhan charged at him. Straight from the start he knew he was overpowered, the strength of the blows were horrific, whilst the speed was dazzling, Arkhan lived up to his deadly reputation, proving more than a match for the vampire lord.
It was more strength of will more than anything else that kept Milosh alive for the first few minutes, he knew what would happen to Lesa should he fail, and he could not allow that. Barely parrying another blow his senses screamed at him to move, but his reflexes were not fast a enough. A gash was sliced from his shoulder and through his chest, a following nicked his lobe and Milosh realised Arkhan was not even trying yet. Every time Milosh tried harder Arkhan simply got stronger , and he knew the liche was just playing with him, testing him.
Rage flared within him at the insult, the gall of this creature to kidnap his wife, and to treat him like he was a mere whelp. Readying himself he launched a flurry of blows that were effortlessly blocked, before suddenly out of nowhere a blow struck him round the head, the world seemed to cartwheel around him whilst he threw up stale blood from the shock, as everything continued to shift he slowly realised he was falling but there was nothing he could do to stop it. He never felt the impact, he was unconscious before he hit the ground.

Post: #6

“I believe that is mine.
Milosh looked up startled by sensuous voice, he had not heard or sensed anyone approaching, yet he could see no one. Scouring the room still he could not find the source of the alluring voice, and tentatively he reached out for the blade once more. His hand closed on air and he gazed in shock at the place where the Master Sword has been moments ago.
Like many others he had heard of the rumours of this sword , the pinnacle creation of the colleges of magic, it combined the properties of other powerful blades into one destructive weapon.
As soon as he had heard of it he knew he had to have it, the many years after his creation had been spent wandering the Empire, not able to settle, each time a more powerful foe driving him on. The Master Sword was a symbol to him, a symbol of taking control of his fruitless life and becoming the Lord he was destined to be.
He felt his anger rising, since he had been turned his already fiery temperament had got worse,
“Who are you?” he snarled twisting round and trying to locate the usurper, “and what have you done my sword? He heard laughter, yet it was like no other, tinkling in the air, it was what loveliness would sound like,
“Possession is nine tenths of the law,” the wonderful voice said out of nowhere again, before Milosh suddenly felt something pressed against his neck, looking down he saw the glowing runes of the Master Sword, its razor sharp edge pressed against his throat. Slowly looking up the sword to his bearer, Milosh had to stop himself moving out of pure shock.
Stood before him was the most stunning creature he had ever encountered, raven black hair cascaded over her pale shoulders, stunning green eyes pierced into him as full sensuous lips twisted in a smirk. Nothing about her was flawed, each and every single part was beautiful, when added to the whole created a woman that could only be described in one word, perfect. Something else was there as well, a pull so strong, a desire to do anything and everything she commanded, and it took all of his will to stop him throwing himself at her feet.
“Well?” she asked, “if you really want it I can give it to you.” The threat was plain yet at her words Milosh could not stop images dancing across his vision, carnal acts of perverseness that would have made Slaanesh himself blush, and grin lit his face. The woman looked puzzled at his reaction until she suddenly grinned back,
“A dirty mind have we?” she laughed, though the blade did not leave his neck, “mmmm a pity. You are a handsome one, and if it wasn’t for the situation.....” her words trailed off as Milosh gulped at the thought of what she was saying, her eyes flickered downwards causing her smile to grow all the more,
“That looks rather uncomfortable, you must regret wearing trousers so tight.” Milosh would have blushed if he could have done, his state of arousal was clear and yet his mind was foggy, the woman was having some effect on him, trying to figure out what suddenly he caught her scent,
“Vampire?” he said finally finding his voice, “you too are a vampire?” In his lonely years he had not encountered another of his kind, so recluse were they, and to find one here, doing exactly what he was doing could be no coincidence,
“Who are you?” The woman stared at him thoughtfully before removing the blade and stepping back,
“The cattle call me Siren, but amongst our kind I am known Mistress Lesa.”

Mistress Lesa

Lesa

“Lesa!” gasped Milosh as he came to with a start. His head was thudding, a dull ache that grew into a striking pain as he opened his eyes. He was lying on the floor where he had fallen, in the middle of the barren hall. He was not bound and it was as if Arkhan had simply left him after defeating him, sitting up lights flashed across his vision as the pain worsened, the final blow the Liche had dealt had obviously nearly killed him. As thoughts came flooding back he looked for his wife and a wave a relief washed over him as he saw her, still chained to the ground she smiled as she saw him notice her, yet the spell Arkhan had cast meant he could still not hear her.
“Do not move,”That hated voice spoke, the voice of Arkhan as he walked into the chamber to seat himself back on his replaced throne, “unless you wish to become a pin cushion that is.”
Looking in the direction of his gesturing hand Milosh saw two rows of cowled soldiers lined up on the balconies to the hall, each bearing a crossbow that was trained on him. As he slowly moved his hand around looking for his blade Arkhan held up a sword,
“An interesting and powerful blade. Dwarf forged to be the bane of the dead. But a crutch no less, a tool for those who are not doing what is needed by themselves.” A sinking feeling filled Milosh as he realised he was totally unarmed and defenceless, and without the element of surprise he had no chance of besting Arkhan in a magical duel.
“Now Cromwell,” the Liche spoke once more, “we will begin again. My lord demands his claw back. You have the claw. Tell me where it is and your deaths will be swift. Defy me and you will not like the alternative.” His hand stroked Lesa’s hair if she was a dog, yet the threat could have not been more apparent. Looking into his wife’s eyes he could see her resolve burning strongly, and knew she would want him to be as strong. Rising to his feet he looked the Dark Lord of Nagash in the eyes,
“Never.”

Post: #7

“Never!” bellowed the Bright Wizard, “you will not pass as long as I draw breath, unholy creatures!”
“Easily accommodated,” purred Lesa, before a beam of pure light lanced out of her hand, impaling the mortal on the glowing spear. He fell the ground, blood bubbling out of his mouth as his life slipped away.
“I’mâ€ÂÂ​¦.impressed,” Milosh admitted reluctantly, “that was not dark magic, that was from one of the other winds.” Lesa smiled cheekily,
“It was, surely you are not limited to just the natural magic our kind knows? I would have though a man like yourself would have….expanded his horizons.” The last part was said mockingly, but Milosh was finding it hard to be angry with this lovely creature. As she had told him her name they had been attacked by the college’s wizards, intent of keeping the Master Sword in their hands. During the fight she had been, well magnificent, there was no other way to describe it. Like a divine creature she danced between the blows that rained at her, whilst effortlessly dispelling the crude spells of her enemies.
Everything about her enchanted him, and he had found it hard in the battle to keep a clear head. Still he had made a good account of himself, and now they found themselves alone, surrounded by the dead.
“So…..what do we do now?” he asked looking at her, the sensuous curves of her body again giving him images whether he liked it or not.
“Good question,” Lesa replied huskily as she moved closer, “what do we do now hmmm?” The tone of her voice made it abundantly clear of her intentions, and despite the situation Milosh found it highly arousing. As her green eyes seemed to fill his view he threw caution to the wind. In moments they were locked in lovers embrace, hands feverishly tearing clothes, searching, grasping, probing. Passionate kisses made his head dizzy, tasting blood as she bit his lip in animal lust. Surrounded by the dead the two lay entwined, writhing in ecstasy, until eventually a scream of unrivalled pleasure filled the room.

The scream tore into Milosh like nothing else. At his words of refusal Arkhan had lifted his wife’s head and smashed into the thick wooden arm of his throne. The force of the blow was strong enough to reduce the arm to splinters and cave Lesa’s nose into her face. Heedless of the dangers that lay before him he ran forward to help his wife, only to be hit on the chest by a magical blast.
“I did not give you permission to move.” Arkhan snapped before he realised the bloodied head of Lesa, rising from his throne he walked over to the vampire lord, before stopping in front of him.
Milosh’s fists clenched in apprehension, unsure of what was going to happen,
“How strong are you Cromwell? I sense that you will do anything for your wife.” It was not a question but a statement. Milosh knew Arkhan knew the answer as well as he did, and he wondered what new torture was going to be inflicted on him,
“Let us see how strong you are.” the Liche said cryptically before walking back to Lesa. She had lain there, watching terrified as her face had healed rapidly under the collars effect. The spell which stopped Milosh hearing her also stopped her hearing their discussion, and she could only image as to what was said.
“How long you stand depends on how long she lives,” Arkhan said to Milosh, “should you ever fall, for even a moment, her life will be forfeit.”
“What?” Milosh said, puzzled as to why Arkhan was doing this, “I thought you wanted the claw, if you kill her, then you lose any chance.” All the response he got was a cruel smile as Arkhan stood next to his wife before asking the vampire once more.
“Tell me Milosh. If you do not I will hurt her more.” Looking at his wife Milosh saw her shake her head mouthing words he could not hear.
“No,” he forced the word over his cracked lips, shaking his head as is in disappointment Arkhan raised his hand. From the balcony three crossbow bolts thudded into Milosh’s body. A moment later a scream echoed through the chamber. It was a scream of pure pain and it took a moment for Milosh to realise who it was coming from. The unholy sound came from him as he felt his body burn, nerves flaring with pain. As he tried to control himself, he looked down through bloody tears of agony. Where the bolts had hit home his skin had blackened, shrivelling and atrophying. Gripping one of the bolts he wrenched it out, gritting his teeth to stop himself passing out. As he held it up he could see it was pure silver, with something on the tip that was no doubt poison to him.
As he caught sight of his wife’s face he know knew why Arkhan had done this, this game he was playing, and he knew whatever happened he could not fall.

Post: #8

The cold voice of Arkhan filled Lesa’s mind,
“Look at your husband, the one you love. Are you willingly to allow him to suffer so?” Tears of red spilled down her cheeks as against the odd’s Milosh refused to fall.
“You know he will simply stand there, stand there to be tortured simply because he will not let you down. Is the claw worth more to you than him?” The insinuating voice wheedled its way round her mind but she knew she could not give in, she knew what Milosh would want,
“I will not tell you,” she gasped. With a snarl of rage Arkhan mentioned to the guards once more. Lesa screamed in fear as two more silver bolts lanced through her husbands body, one pinning his arm to his side, one shattering his shin causing him to drop to one knee.
“Ah ah,” Arkhan’s voice cut through the agony, “you know what will happen should you fall Milosh.”
Through the encroaching darkness Milosh looked at Lesa, his whole being was engulfed in pain and yet he still would not fall.
“I will always be there for you, I will never let you down” The promise he had made all those years ago still held strong in his mind, he had never broken it and he would not start now. A rushing sound filled his ears as the pain tried to take over his mind, stars danced around his vision and yet through it all the thing that burned the most was the sight of his wife crying, bound, helpless and scared. He would not, he could not fail her now.
Arkhan watched the knelt figure, bolts of silver stuck through his body, skin blackening from its touch, bones broken and yet Milosh still would not surrender. Even now the vampire was rising to his feet once more, he realised that however much he despised the race there was one before him whose pure strength of will matched his own, and he felt a meagre of respect towards him.
“Tell me Milosh,” he repeated walking slowly to the bound form of Lesa, “or do you really wish me to hurt her?”
“No!” Milosh cried staggering forward ignoring the searing agony from the bolt imbedded in his shin, “if you kill her you will never find the claw. I swear it.”
Arkhan moved so fast that Milosh didn’t see the blow coming, the gauntleted hand smashed across his face bursting his lip in a spray on blood. The force of the blow sent him staggering back, a wordless cry escaped his lips as he put weight in his shattered shin, crumpling back onto one knee.
“Do…notâ€ÂÂ​¦ever…threaten…meâÃ​¢â€šÂ¬Ã‚¦again…vermin,â€Â​ the cold voice breathed hatefully by his ear. Looking up Milosh saw Arkhan’s eyes glowing in fury before he stepped back,
“My patience is growing thin, tell me where the claw is,” the Liche asked once more. Wordlessly Milosh shook his head and heard the hiss of frustration from Arkhan. Suddenly he felt a hand grasp his hair before his head was wrenched back.
“You will learn what it means to disobey me,” Arkhan said, before he thrust the pointed talon on his thumb into Milosh’s eye. Another cry echoed through the chamber as the eyeball burst in a shower of gore, and was then ripped out of its socket. Milosh had never been in more pain in his long unlife, and this time he could not stop himself as he started to fall.

Post: #9

A splash of blood hit the floor.
It grew as more and more of the crimson drops rained down from the weeping face of Lesa. In her many long years she had never felt so afraid as he did now. To see the ruined body of her husband slowly fall ripped her heart apart, cries of despair leaving her throat hoarse. She knew he couldn’t hear her, yet she couldn’t stop screaming his name, in hope that somehow it would reach him.
As he neared the ground by some miracle he managed to stop his fall, his palm flat on the floor as he supported himself. How he could go on through so much was a testament to his pure strength of will, to make sure he did not let her down.
Arkhan said something she could not hear, before the monster left Milosh to stride back to where she lay. As much as it shamed her, she could not help but pull back in fear. Without her magic, chained like this she was utterly defenceless, unable to protect herself against the whims of Arkhan.
“Do you not yet realise the pointlessness of your situation?”came the Liche’s harsh tones,“Both of you pathetic creatures, are entirely within my power. Neither of you have the strength or abilities to overcome me. There is no hope, so salvation. Only pain, misery, torture……â€Â​ he turned to look as Milosh slowly struggled upwards once more, his face a twisted shape of agony as he moved his arm that was bolted to his side. As it was pulled out the silver barb left a gaping wound, out of which stale, dark blood flowed.
“…..and death,” Arkhan finished. “Your husband has not the regenerative collar you wear. He cannot survive much more.” Casting his gaze back on the Lahmian he crouched by her side, as if he was speaking to her with sincerity,
“Give me the claw and I will allow both of you to leave.” The compulsion in his voice was so strong Lesa wanted to believe. To think there was a way out of this hellish situation, yet she knew it was a lie. As soon as the location was revealed there would be no more use for her, or Milosh. They would be killed instantly, or maybe taken to the Liche’s fabled Black Tower for more punishment.
Milosh had managed to fully stand up, though leaning heavily on his left leg, his right shin a shattered mess from the embedded bolt. Even as he shifted a piece of bone ripped through his trousers, and she only image the sound as the bone shards grated on each other, sawing through the muscle and skin in his leg. Noticing that Arkhan was not looking at him he smiled weakly at her, mouthing something she knew all too well.
“I love you.” Just those three words was enough to light a fire in her heart, to give a back a sliver of her strength and dignity.
“Go to hell bastard.” she snarled back at Arkhan , before spitting a glob of phlegm in is face, “take your false words elsewhere.”

Post: #10

The two lay in grass, staring up at he night sky. In the dark woods the stars seemed to shine all the brighter. After the carnage they had wreaked in the nunnery earlier, they had lain there exchanging stories of their pasts.
Milosh had listened, opened mouthed how he realised how ancient Lesa truly was. Stories of meeting the man-god Sigmar before his ascent to power, how she had lain with him before battle. Of travelling through Bretonnia, where a misunderstanding after she was seen bathing in a lake, had seen her brought before the King. Being held by Drachenfels, used for many years yet learning much of forgotten lore from him. The last story has made him laugh out loud,
“It was true!” she said joining in his mirth, “The poor fools, unable to see through my guise, began to think they were attracted to men!” The final story had been how she helped found the colleges of magic, under the guise of man, yet her intrinsic magical aura still held an attraction.
“Oh I can imagine the torment it caused them,” Milosh chuckled, pulling her close to him. Since their escape together they had become inseparable. Two seemingly kindred souls, twistedly perverted, both thirsting for more power and knowledge in the arcane arts. They had spent hours talking, engaging in depraved acts and simply having fun. Milosh had never felt so relaxed around another person, and Lesa seemed to feel the same.
Looking searchingly into his eyes she grew serious,
“Why?” she said, Milosh looked at her in puzzlement, not quite sure what she was asking,
“Why what?” he asked, worry creeping over him at her sudden change of mood. Lesa sat up, turning her back to him she looked upwards at the sky once more. For a moment he thought she was not going to reply, but then slowly she began to speak.
“All my life, I have been used or used others. Men, women and others who thought to use me, have me as a trophy. Think they love me, when in reality they know nothing of who I am. I have done things that most would find disgusting, depraved. Things that would make people turn away from me.” She stopped, faltering for some unknown reason. Sitting up beside her Milosh put his hand on her shoulder reassuringly, only to have it shrugged off.
“Tell me Milosh, why would you be any different? Why should I waste my time, risk my heart to someone who is just going to use me?” As she said the last part she turned to look at him, eyes alight with a mixture of anger and hope,
“Well?”


“Well, what will it be Cromwell?”
Milosh didn’t know what to say. He had watched horrified as his wife at suffered at the hands of Arkhan. His rage at being spat upon was vast, smashing his fists repeatedly Lesa until her skin split, bones snapped and she dropped to the ground unconscious. He had tried to intervene, but another bolt through his stomach had stopped him.
Though he could see the injuries healing, he knew he could not see that happen to his wife again. Yet what could he do? His mind racing Milosh tried to think of an answer, yes none seemed to come.


As the silence stretched Lesa shook her head, before slowly making to rise,
“I thought so,” she said in a sad tone.
“Stop.” Grasping her shoulder once more, this time he pulled her close,
“I know who you are. I know the legends and the story of the Siren. Even if they are all true, I don’t care. After everything I have heard, before and here tonight, my feelings or thoughts have not changed, not will they ever do. It is who you are, and who I…….”
“You what?” Lesa pushed gently. She felt him tense behind her, before he finally answered,
“Who I love, “he said in a quiet voice. Turning round she saw the truth in his eyes, and a smile lit up her face. Holding him tight she kissed him hard, conveying in that single moment her happiness and relief. Pulling back the look she gave him set his heart aflame, as she said the words he had dreamt of so often.
“I love you too.”

“I love you too”
They had been the final words she had mouthed back after spitting at Arkhan, before he had beat her. His lack of response to Arkhan’s question seemed infuriate the Liche. Finally loosing his temper he picked up the Tomb Blade before walking over to Lesa.
“I will not play games with you anymore Milosh!” Arkhan bellowed as he raised his blade over Lesa’s throat, “you will tell me or she will die. I swear by the Lord Nagash, she will die and her soul will be tortured for eternity by the Lord of Undeath.”
Looking into the cold pits of Arkhan’s eyes Milosh knew this was no bluff, that if he defied him this time, his wife’s life would be forfeit.
Whatever he decided now would not only affect those in the room, not even just the Council but the whole of the world. Milosh knew he was an unholy creature, to some pure evil, but he still felt, still cared. There were those he would not see hurt, many he would have live full and fruitful lives. To hand over the crown, over just one person would be madness. To unleash the horror of Nagash in all his unstoppable might, plunge everything into an undead hell, just for Lesa was unthinkable…… yet….

Later that night they had made love again, before falling asleep under the sky. Hours later he had awoke, in was still dark and Lesa lay in his arms. In the moonlight she looked stunning, her raven black hair contrasting so starkly with her ebony skin. Flawless and perfect he hesitated to touch it. He had never felt like this before, so content as she slept next to him, the thought s that normally plagued his mind did not bother him. All he wanted was to freeze time and stay in this moment forever, to stay in the moment where he was in his lovers arms and the world felt at peace. Yet he knew he could not, even now she was slowly stirring and Milosh knew that whatever he did from now on she would be his life. He would adore her, care for her, love her, and he would never let any harm come to her.

Milosh often thought about that night, about the thoughts that had gone through his mind and each time he knew in all his years, he still felt the same. Even as he looked at her know, still defying Arkhan despite her life being at stake, he loved her all the more. For her beauty, for her strength, for everything she was and would be. Lesa was his life, he had given his heart and soul completely to her, and he could not let her die. Without another moments thought he damned the world for the one he loved,
“I will tell you.”

Post: #11

The blade that was so ready to end Lesa’s life, slowly lowered back to the floor. Arkhan looked at Milosh as if not quite believing what he had just heard.
“But, I have one condition," Milosh said. Arkhan continued to stare before nodding,
“Which is?”
“Lesa is allowed to leave, healthy as when she came, unmolested by yourself or any that would follow you.” Arkhan appeared to consider the offer before slowly shaking his head,
“You ask too much. My Lord will not be satisfied to see his enemies simply walk away, he will want retribution.”
“Then take me,” Milosh answered raising his head and looking proudly into his foe’s eyes, “If you swear a magical oath to release her I will willingly surrender myself.” Arkhan looked at him thoughtfully before replying.
“You will be tortured throughout the ages. Your body and soul will be ripped apart in the most horrific ways imaginable. You will be worthless, your mind will be nothing more than a playing to use against you. You will be broken down until you cannot take anymore, and just when there is nothing more to you, you will be made whole once more to begin all over again. Do you understand what you agree to?”
Before he could reply Milosh saw Lesa slowly came round, looking puzzled at the apparent calm discussion between Milosh and Arkhan. Seeing her awake Arkhan gestured and she could suddenly hear their conversation,
“Well Cromwell, do we have an agreement? The release of your wife in exchange your willing surrender and the location of the claw?” Hearing those words Lesa looked horrified and screamed out to her husband. Yet whilst she could hear him, he still could not hear her.
Looking at his wife the reality of Arkhan’s words hit Milosh. Tears ran down his face as he realised that this would be the last time, if he agreed he would never see her again and she would carry on with her life without him. Yet she will still be alive, whatever hell he might go through, whatever Nagash might do to him he knew Lesa will still live on.
“Allow me one last hour with my wife, alone, and you have my agreement.”

Post: #12

Arkhan realised his grip on Lesa letting her drop back to the ground, walking forward he stood in front of Milosh blocking his view of his wife.
“Weakness or strength, it does not matter why you have made that decision. In the end you will come to regret it. But if you choose then so be it.”
The ancient Liche held out his hand as if offering to shake it but Milosh knew what it was for, the ritual for the magical oath was simple but unbreakable. Clasping hold of the skeletal hand with his own Milosh felt the claws tighten round him like steel. Around them dark magic began to gather as Arkhan began to intone the words of binding. Speaking in ancient Nehekharan the liche gathered his power, incanting the correct words to bind Milosh to him.
Looking into the cruel pits of Arkhan’s eyes Milosh felt a twinge of doubt before the image of Lesa in his mind spurred him on,
“I, Milosh von Carstein, swear an oath upon my life, that should Arkhan the Black release my wife Lesa Cromwell, unharmed and unmolested by him or anyone else from this place, and does not pursue her, that I will willingly turn myself over to his power, peacefully and without resistance until the end of time.”
The smile on Arkhan’s face could not have been disgusting as it grew in triumph at Milosh words, pausing a moment he then spoke his part of the spell,
“I, Arkhan the Black, swear an oath upon my life, to release Lesa Cromwell, unharmed and unmolested from this place by myself or anyone else and she will not be pursued. In return I take Milosh Cromwell as my slave, to reveal to me the location of the Claw of Nagash, and to do with as I wish for the rest of his days.”
Milosh felt his hand burn as they both intoned the final verse to seal the unholy pact. The ground vibrated as the oath was sealed, a second later it was as if no spell had been cast, there was no mark, not different feeling yet Milosh knew he was bound.
Pulling himself out of Arkhan’s grip he grimaced, a feeling of revulsion of having touched such an evil creature. Apparently satisfied at the ritual Arkhan turned, mentioning to the guards to leave,
“You have your hour. Treasure it Milosh, as it will be the last you will experience, and one that will haunt you in the many, many years to come.” So saying he swiftly walked away, leaving Milosh to finally slump down from his wounds. A grinding noise signified a slab of stone sealing the room, before Lesa’s bindings flared and disintegrated, leaving only the collar in place.

Post: #13

OOC: If you're interested, the theme tune to this post is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-vzjZenAQM

Finally free Lesa ran across to Milosh , wrapping her arms around his broken body, she held him like she would never let him go,
”What have you done?” she said, stroking the hair out of his face, …”you can’t be serious, you know what is at stake Milosh.” A half smile lit his face as he cupped her cheek in his hand,
”I know. But I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t stand there and watch him hurt you anymore.” Shifting himself, he sat up, holding his wife as close as possible.
”You are worth more to me than anything, than the world.”
”As you are to me,” she replied, …” I thought I was going to lose you back then.” Running her hands over him she could feel his various wounds, and she felt scared at how close her husband had truly come to death. They lay there for a while, simply content in each others arms. As time went on Lesa sat back up. Glancing round the room to make sure they were truly alone, she whispered into Milosh’s ear,
”What now? I assume you have an idea of how we are to escape?” As Milosh pulled back and looked in surprise Lesa realised she had been wrong,
”I thought with you pretending to agree with that bastard you had a plan.” she explained, …”never mind, we have some time to think of an escape.” There was no response from Milosh, sitting forward he closed his eyes and for a moment Lesa felt a flash of panic,
”What is the matter? Are you ok?” she said, not sure what to do. Milosh looked back up, and as he opened his eyes, she saw they were red with tears.
”Do you remember?..do you remember the promise I made?” he asked. Lesa stared at him, wondering why this was important now,
”Why? I don’t und-”
”Do you?!” Milosh said again, this time is voice betraying his pain.
”Of course I do,” Lesa said, …”I never forgot.”

Sat in the corner she was crying, feeling stupid and knowing for what she had done she would end up alone once more, suddenly strong arms wrapped around her, holding her as if they would never let her go.
”I’m so sorry, I’ve messed everything up,” she sobbed, ”please don’t leave me.”
”Don’t be silly my love,” a strong voice soothed, ”Lesa, when I married it I made a vow and I will always stick by it, whatever mistakes you make I will always be by your side.”

”But why is that important now?” Lesa asked, uncertainty making her worried. Milosh looked down at the floor, taking a deep breath that he didn’t need.
”I have never lied to you Lesa, and I have never broken a promise.” he said,
”I know. I know” Lesa said, trying to soothe her husband, but he held up his hand,
”But today I can’t keep that promise any more. As much as I want to...I can’t” Lesa felt her insides turn cold, not yet realising what Milosh meant,
”I don’t understand?” she whispered, lifting up her husbands face, ” I love you! What do you mean you can’t keep your promise?” Crimson drops trickled down Milosh’s face as he saw his distraught wife,
”I can’t stay by your side anymore. You are everything to me. There is only one way for you to leave here alive.” He paused, the pain of this hurting him more than Arkhan ever could, ”and that is without me.”
”No!” Lesa cried, ” I thought it was a lie, just something you said to him, to give us a chance to escape.” Shaking his head Milosh tried to pull Lesa closer, but she pushed him away,
”You can’t leave me!” Lesa sobbed as she finally broke down in tears, ”Please! We can think of a way, I know we can. I won’t leave you here with him.”
”There is no way,” Milosh replied, trying to reach out to her, ”I am already bound to him. I had to do it. To make sure you would be safe.” Turning back to Lesa snarled,
”Why won’t you fight? Why aren’t you angry? How can you just accept this?!” The last part she screamed, her voice echoing in the chamber. Milosh knew she was hurting, he could see the pain etched in her face,
”Because it’s the only way! Do you think I want to do this? To spend the rest of my without you?” he said back, before slumping back to the floor, ”I did it because you always have and always will come first. As long as you are ok, nothing else matters.”
”It matters to me,” she said, ”I can’t live without you, I won’t-”
”You will!” Milosh said, his head snapping back up to look Lesa in her face, ”You will carry on, and you will live a full and happy life. For me, you will do that.” Forcing himself to his feet, he pulled her towards him, holding her close.
”Whatever happens I will not stop loving you. This is the only way. I could not carry on knowing I had failed you. But this way, whilst we may not be together, I know you’ll be ok.”
Finally breaking Lesa wept into Milosh’s chest, knowing that she could not change his mind. Milosh was the only man who accepted her for who she was, even loved her for it. He had always been there, whenever anything had happened, she knew she could rely on him. In over a thousand years he had never failed her, and even now, his final act would be to save her.
”You know I will never give up,” she whispered, ”I will look for a way to release you. To bring you back to me.” Looking up at him, Lesa could barely see through the haze of tears, knowing this would be the last time she held him.
”Even if I have to bring the gods themselves to their knees, I will bring you back.”
”I wouldn’t expect anything else.” Milosh whispered back.

”Time is up.”

That sentence was the most horrific thing either of them had ever heard, and they clung to each other, desperate not to let the other go.
”I love you.” Milosh said, before pressing his lips against Lesa’s. In that single kiss Lesa felt everything that was her husband. His strength, his honour, his power, and his overwhelming lover for her. And her heart shattered as it was taken away.
”I love you too” she said back. Holding him tight she tried to stay in her husbands arms, only to be cruelly pulled off by Arkhan.
”No! Please, take me with him,” she begged, clawing at the Liche with all her strength. He answered her, not with words, but with incantations. Screaming she felt magic wrap around her and the last thing she saw was her husband, running to her, before a silver bolt hit him in the neck.

Hours later Lesa awoke. Opening her eyes she was blinded by the glaring sun, before her body registered the burning sand she was laying on. Yet the pain of that was nothing to what she felt inside. For a moment she could not remember what the feeling was, it was something she had hoped to never feel again. As it washed over and consumed her she fell back to the sand, crying her heart out she knew for the first time in centuries, she was truly alone.

OOC: This thread is now closed. I would really appreciate any feedback, as this is the most indepth piece I have written. Thanks. DoN