::Writhe in Pain::

[Israfel Deu Ausgard]

Ugh...pain...so much pain...Why is it...so hot? My head is killing me...My legs...My groin...wait, what? Auugh!
The pain was simply unmentionable. His whole body felt as if it were on fire. Every muscle in his body felt abused whilst every nerve tingled with anticipation of more pain. It was as if his body was waiting, fearing what was to come next. His groin felt as though someone had beat him with a club.
What the hell? I don't remember...
Sweat poured down his body from the heat in which he was in. His shoulders were searing with pain while his hands and arms felt non existent. They were completely numb and dead to his body. Hisa back felt as though he were being stretched like a tight piece of jerky. Sweaty, shaking jerky, that is. And naked to boot.
What!?

Israfel's eyes snapped open and he was presented with a glimpse of Hell. All around him was rock. Jagged rock walls curved in around him like a cave with a low ceiling. Below him was also rock. Along the walls, for support were a few rotting wooden planks. Upon the wooden planks were two small torches lit with a fire. The fire cast haunting shadows and yet, the room seemed phosphorus by itself. The rock, though gray in color orignially, had a glistening brush of crimson and brown on them. The colors spotted the walls and the ceiling, but even more heavily colored was the floor beneath him. Israfel could feel his heart thump into his throat as he began to fully take in the scene around him. Scattered to his left were a collection of skulls. Some were smashes and others looked perfectly preserved. Directly in front of him, still chained to the wall was a rotting corpse. As soon as he had acknowledged it, the smell came to him in a hot, wafting breeze. The choking scent of decay and hot flesh was all but too much for Israfel. Shutting his eyes tightly, he had to struggle very hard in order to keep from retching all over himself.

I'm in the Blood Chamber!!

Slowly opening his eyes, he glanced up to see why he couldn't feel his arms or fingers. The simple answer was that he was hanging from them. Wrapped around his wrists was a thick cord of rope. From his wrists, they were tied to a metal hook that was jammed into the rock ceiling. Dried blood from his wrists were caked to his arms. He couldn't feel it, but he knew very well that his wrists had been rubbed raw by the rope. Glancing down, Israfel's emerald eyes could see that he was practically naked, save for a brown tattered loin cloth covering up his sore decency. His leg wounds had finally stopped bleeding, however, the pain had not. It was a deep, throbbing ache that would take weeks to get over. Just a few inches from his levitated ankles was a small silver cup filled to the brim with water.

Swallowing dryly, he stared at the water, willing it to come to him. But his parched mouth and sweating body knew it would have to go without water. Determined not to torture himself with the thought of cold water sloshing about in his parched mouth, Israfel shut his eyes and let his sore neck rest. The fear was slowly welling up inside him, crashing with dread and sadness.

I'm inside the Blood Chamber...Oh God...I never ever wanted to end up here. That's why I was always driven to be the best Knight in hopes of finding favor with the King. Especially...especially after...

"Israfel, I must tell you son. The King Osirus is not a gentle King, like his father. He is a truly horrible man with the soul of a demon..."
"Then why are you his Knight, father?"
"Well, simply because...If I were to leave, he would surely have my family killed before me. But listen to me...the evil King has a room. Its a forbidden room to anyone who does not work for him. But for those who find themselves victim of the King's discourse, its a living Hell in which there is no return from."
"Have you been there, father?"
"No son. I hope I will never end up in that horrible room."

"Ja'Dar, what's wrong? Why won't you play with me today?"
"Huh? Oh...hey'ya Isra...I'm sorry its just...A friend of mine...well, he's in trouble."
"Like, he got punished by his parents kind of trouble?"
"No, more like...got sent to the Blood Chamber kind of trouble..."
"W-what for?"
"For spying on the Princess...But he meant no harm! He just wanted to see what she looked like and that damned King...he...he sent Johv to the Blood Chamber!"
"Oh...did he die?"
"No...even worse...He was let out...but now he's like a completely different person. He's like a man brought back from the dead only...with no soul..."
"Scary...Ja'Dar?"
"Huh? What is it?"
"Don't ever get sent to the Blood Chamber, okay?"
"Heh...sure kiddo..."

And now I'm here...oh God...just please let me die...Maybe if I beg Osirus...he'll let me go...
The very thought of Osirus letting him go after losing the sword made him chuckle. The chuckle grew into an insane laugh as he realized just what was waiting for him. Soon enough Osirus or one of his lackeys would come in here and do...well, Israfel didn't even want to think about it. But he had a feeling whatever it was...It would change him forever.

"Oh God...Laties...you better have thought this out...I don't want to have to be tortured just for your lust for the Princess..." Israfel muttered.

[Lord Nikanoru]

"Already cracking under the gravity of your situation, boy? I must say that I had expected more of you. The heroic Sergeant Israfel Deu Ausgard falling apart after moments of consciousness within the Blood Chamber... how utterly disappointing!"

So rang the shrill, mocking voice of a familiar Shade throughout the cavernous room. At the other end of the room a blood-rusted, metallic door opened to reveal none other than the director and head of the nightmarish Blood Chamber itself, Lord Nikanoru Magrace. The skeletal man stood facing the disgraced sergeant, dark eyes fixed directly on his tattered face. Though one would expect his eyes to have a sadistic glint considering what he was about to oversee, they held the same listlessness as always.

Nikanoru slowly approached the dangling grass man, hands clasped behind his back as usual. He came to a sudden and abrupt halt halfway between the door and the newest addition to the man-made hell, resting a bony hand on the stone wall to his right. His hand slowly traced down the bloodied wall, as if trying to feel the pain of those whose blood painted it. He'd always been fond of the Blood Chamber's disgusting interior decor; it was his intention to leave the chambers so horribly neglected that it would make the prisoners' stay that much more uncomfortable.

After taking in the features of the wall he returned his gaze to Israfel, lips curving into an amused smile as he started again: "You should be grateful that I decided to hold you in this particular cell, Ausgard--there are worse rooms you could have been assigned to. Of course, you will be visiting each and every one of them sooner or later during your stay in the Blood Chamber. Doesn't that sound exciting?"

Nikanoru continued without giving his captive a chance to answer--he didn't really even want one, anyway; "...I can imagine what must be going through your pretty little head, boy. As I tell all my captives, the dread and anticipation of torture is far worse than the actual thing....."

"Unfortunately for you, that's not the case."

[Israfel Deu Ausgard]

Israfel watched as Nikanoru stepped closer to him. With each step, Israfel's breathing became harder and louder as he stared at Nikanoru, putting on his fiercest face. He tensed every muscle in his body as he struggled to reign in what little courage he had to face this hell and its overseers. The last time Nikanoru had encountered Israfel, Israfel had been the one on the offense while Nikanoru was bullied into defense by the Generals. It hadn't been a pleasant experience, seeing as how Israfel had gotten into Nikanoru's face like a common bully. But now, the case was different. Nikanoru was now the master while Israfel was the cowering dog.

Taking a shaking breath, Israfel spit at Nikanoru's feet, glowering at him.
"Go yank yourself, Nikanoru. I'm not afraid of you. You're just a little worm under the manipulation of something more hairy and slimy than you!" Israfel growled. Gods, how I wish I could feel my hands. If I could, perhaps I could some how escape these bindings... Israfel thought as a bullet of sweat slipped down his face. His hair was matted to his face and back as he glared at the man before him.

"No matter what you do, what happened tonight will remain the same. Ultimately, you lost...I don't know if Laties escaped or not...but you only have one sword and now the King has been injured...Pathetic," Israfel smirked.

[Lord Nikanoru]

Nikanoru couldn't help but smile as his captive put on the fiercest, bravest face he could muster while the pain surging through his body ripped away at him. Even though Israfel was in the bowels of Hell itself, he refused to give up that defiant attitude of his--as was the case with many who entered the Blood Chamber. He wouldn't be able to sustain that obstinance for much longer; for it required spirit, strength, energy, a working mind... all things he would soon be stripped of. A shell of a former human wouldn't be capable of feeling resentment--or anything other than pain, for that matter.

An amused chuckle escaped the traitorous Shade's lips as he slowly shook his head in disbelief. Already with the personal attacks! To any logical person it would be obvious that insulting your captor wasn't exactly a good idea, but he knew that didn't matter to Israfel. He had encountered many like him during his time as the Blood Chamber's director--yes, many like him. "Ausgard, you show know that I'm not the type who's easily angered by such frivolous jabs. And if I were you, I wouldn't waste my strength on barking out insults."

Nikanoru slowly approached the green-haired sergeant, hands once again clasped behind his back. Stopping right in front of the man dangling from the ceiling, he ran his dark eyes over Israfel's well-sculpted, rather girlish form. He chuckled inwardly as he imagined how horribly maimed and unrecognizable it would be after about two weeks within the chamber. "What you speak is the truth: Luhma did escape, yes, and his excellency only has one sword in his possession. But that isn't of my concern at the moment--nor are you, for that matter."

He paused for effect before continuing: "The terms of your torture are not up to me. Because of your failure to retrieve the Cruor Sword, King Osirus needs me at his side more often to provide him with advise and information regarding the swords--in other words, I'm temporarily resigning as the head of the Blood Chamber. Your life lies is the hands of the new director, Lord Eltana Remarque."

[Israfel Deu Ausgard]

What? Oh God...
"W-what? Eltana Remarque!?" Israfel couldn't hold back the shock on his face. His eyes were wide with fear as he began to remember just who Eltana was. Eltana was like a nightmare. He was everywhere where you didn't want him to be. Not only that, but Israfel had a vague memory of angering the elegant man. Israfel shook his head slowly.

"No!" Israfel looked at Nikanoru with a look mixed of anguish and pleading. If Eltana...if he... Israfel suddenly began to thrash his body against the bindings, his hair flying about wildly. The ropes ripped open his raw flesh anew as he struggled to will feeling back into his hands and arms. His slender figure was sleek with sweat as he began to panic.

"No! I won't be his play thing! Let me go! It wasn't my fault that the sword was taken! The General brought a vampire with him! We were never trained against vampires! They outnumbered me! Please, it wasn't my fault! The General of Lumen, he's an elf with a vampire under him! Please!" Israfel didn't care anymore. He would scream like a coward and beg for his life, as so many before him did. He did not want to be stuck in this Hell with the very devil himself.

He thrashed for some time before he slowly came to a stop, gasping for breath. He weakly looked at Nikanoru, his face pained.
"What's he planning to do with me anyway? Why didn't the King just kill me? Wouldn't that have been easier? With Laties and I gone...He could find slaves more willing to deal with his foul orders..." Israfel muttered. He watched as blood seeped from his wrists and fell down a trail from his neck, over his left breast, and down his stomach.

[Lord Nikanoru]

Though he remained cold and stoic on the outside as always, Nikanoru was giggling like a hysteric child on the inside. Only a moment ago Israfel was ready to fight against the world and brave the Blood Chamber, but at the mere mention of Lord Remarque he was reduced to nothing more than a cowering little boy. That actually happened to a lot of people who had the displeasure of spending an extended amount of time with the girlish weapons dealer. If only Laties were so easy to crack! Well, he'd get another go at breaking his mind and flesh soon enough.

"Don't expect me to listen to your ranting, boy. I haven't the patience for it," he said coldly, raising a hand to silence him. Hundreds upon hundreds of captives pleaded their innocence to him over the years and he honestly didn't care for what they had to say. Even if they were innocent, King Osirus ordered that they be sent to the Blood Chamber--and that's how it was going to be. And did they actually expect him of all people to show them mercy by pardoning them? Absolutely laughable. The idiocy of people never failed to amuse Lord Nikanoru.

"The King has quite a lot planned for you, Israfel Deu Ausgard. Don't worry--you won't be executed, nor will you spend the rest of your days in the Blood Chamber. He intends to use Eltana to craft you into a perfect little soldier boy--a puppet, if you will. That's all the knowledge I have of his plans."

Once he finished speaking, the door behind him slowly began to open.

[Israfel Deu Ausgard]

Israfel shut his eyes tightly as Nikanoru's words peirced his mind like a hot knife. Puppet...a puppet...a puppet... Israfel's chest rose and fell rapidly as he grimaced at the thought of Eltana molding him into a slave of Osirus. However, Israfel couldn't help but think this was punishment. Of course its punishment...punishment for the sins cast against my father and brother...I must bleed in order to cleanse my name of the traitor band...But...perhaps this is what I get for going against my father and Ja'Dar's wishes...They were good Knights...They stood up for the Shade who died in the South...

Israfel gasped and opened his eyes.
"Nikanoru! You are a Shade! And you work under the very man who massacred your race! Why!? My father and brother died to keep people like you safe! You're nothing but a hypocrite! Nikanoru...don't let Eltana do this!" Israfel yelled. Then the door began to open slowly. Israfel's breath was caught in his chest as he turned his gaze away. Laties...anyone...please...don't leave me alone with this man! Laties, come back! I'm sorry for being so rude to you! I never meant to be such a brat to you and Lourette...Lourette...please, I know you're here some where...please! Please, someone! Someone hear me! Someone help me!

[Eltana Remarque]

((OOC: I'll be using both Nikanoru and Eltana in this post))

Those were the words that Nikanoru had expected to hear from Israfel for quite some time. Even though he claimed that his loyalty to Osirus was unwavering in response to the accusations that he was no different than his brother or father, Nikanoru knew better: once he heard that Israfel had joined the ranks of Osirus, he suspected that the boy would end up in the Blood Chamber sooner or later; after all, he had the blood of his brother and father. As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

"Are you truly that foolish, Ausgard? Trying to strike some cord of humanity within me by mentioning my past ties with the Shade. As far as I'm concerned I don't belong to that pathetic race. They're nothing more than a bunch of deluded, cowardly fools hiding behind the protection of their goddess Lumen--and their trust in that lying wench lead to their ultimate downfall. You can call me a traitor and a hypocrite as much as you'd like, but that doesn't change the truth: Lumen and the Shade betrayed me first."

Almost immediately after the advisor's little speech Eltana came striding into the room, wearing the usual violet dress decorated with designs black vines and gold-trimmed bow combination. The pleasant fragrance of his strawberry perfume overpowered the scent of rotting flesh that plagued the nightmarish stone chamber. Without even giving Israfel a glance he darted over to Nikanoru, pulling him into an embrace and planting a quick kiss on his cheek. "It's so nice to see you again, Nika-kun!"

Nikanoru didn't respond physically to the younger man's bizarre and unexpected greeting, remaining as cold and stoic as he always was. The rouge Shade managed to slither out of Eltana's embrace after a moment or two, taking one or two steps away from the unbalanced weapons dealer. "Hello again, Lord Remarque. I trust that you're ready to enjoy your time with Sergeant Israfel. There are matters with King Osirus I need to attend to, so unfortunately I won't be able to reside over this session. Have fun."

With that rather rushed greeting he took his leave, not even giving one look to the disgraced sergeant as he closed the door behind him.

A childlike smirk crept onto Eltana's alluring face as he slowly approached Israfel, hands resting on his hips. He clicked his tongue disdainfully as his amber hues traced over the man's tattered body, slowly shaking his head in disappointment. After a moment or two he stopped this, gaze fixed directly on his troublesome, rebellious grass man.

"...So we meet again, grass man. You've really done it this time, haven't you?"

[Israfel Deu Ausgard]

Israfel could only hand there in defeat. Even now, he still could not feel his hands or his arms. The numbing feeling, however stopped at his elbows, so he could feel every drip of blood and droplet of sweat that fell down his arm. But even more torturous than the numbing feelings in his arms and the retched heat was the strong waft of strawberry perfume. Unfortunately for Israfel, he could smell the perfume coupled with the rotting stench of death. They clashed like water and fire and yet, together they made an even more sickening stench. Israfel had never really been able to deal with heavy perfumes in the first place, but this was far worse than anything he had ever encountered. Even worse than Lourette's attempts to cook, or when Laties would throw his boots in Israfel's face. The stench was so thick, Israfel couldn't keep his mind off of the sickening smell.

Instead of focusing on this, he tried to ponder the reasons why Eltana would address Nikanoru in such a way. To Israfel, it was both familiar and strange. He could remember when he would address Ja'Dar in the same manner. But Eltana and Nikanoru aren't...are they? No...

Instantly, a headache peirced his mind and he couldn't keep the items in his stomach from racing up his throat and out of his mouth. Filth leaked out from the sides of his mouth and down his chest as he closed his eyes and turned his head away from Eltana, trying anything to get rid of the strawberry scent. The muscles in his abdomen ached as he struggled to keep from heaving again.

"Guh...G-get away from me..." Israfel muttered.
"I don't care...what you do...to me...Either way...I swear...Eltana...one day I will kill you..." Israfel growled as he opened his eyes and looked back at Eltana. He frowned and once again, spit whatever content was in his mouth at Eltana.

"Filthy dog..."

[Eltana Remarque]

And the time had finally come for the villain to flaunt over the hero's defeat.

The death threat thrown at him by his captive didn't really affect him at all. Quite a few people wanted to have him killed for what he did--and he didn't mind in the least. This was his world and his epic story, and therefore he couldn't die; he would live on forever and author many more tales and legends of heroism in all of which he would play a starring role. In his mind, Eltana had transcended mortality and broke the shackles that bound him to humanity: he was well on his way to becoming a god superior to those foolish siblings Lumen and Nocens Atrum.

Eltana grimaced in disgust as the sergeant released the contents of his stomach all over himself and the floor below him, the bile staining his exposed body. If there was one thing Eltana hated it was vomit; he could stand seeing it, but despised being close to it. The effeminate weapons dealer stepped back as Israfel vomited, making a mental note to deprive him of food for a day or two until he was able to hold down his food.

"Must we resort to threats already, Israfel? No matter--I actually find them quite amusing. Resistant and brave to the very end! Well of course this isn't technically your end, but it is the end of your free will--oh, you know what I mean. Very befitting of a hero, I must say; unfortunately, your tale of heroism and valiance will soon become one of nightmarish atrocities and tragedy. Won't that be exciting?" he teased in a tone that one could expect from an amused child.

The strange grin gracing his lovely features faded somewhat once Israfel spit whatever was in his mouth at Eltana; of course it missed because of the distance now between them, but the disrespect of the action succeeded in slightly annoying him. "My dear grass man, you should be thankful that I'm presiding over your torture instead of Lord Nikanoru. My older brother has always held a great hatred for Shade sympathizers and those aligned with them. I on the other hand do not hold such malicious feelings."

[Israfel Deu Ausgard]

Israfel stared at Eltana for a moment, then chuckled. He pressed his face against his right arm, giving Eltana a coy side smirk. So it is true...they are brothers...No wonder why the King uses them to do his dirty work... Israfel snorted in reply to Eltana's words with his coy smile still on his face. He tensed his leg muscles for a moment, testing to see if he could move. Well, he could move alright, but the pain was another thing to deal with. It made him wince slightly as a bead of sweat seeped down his cheek. He would have to wait the pain out for a bit longer if he wanted to do anything about escape.
Not even escape...there's no way...But...at least I can piss off pretty boy there...

"So...essentially, you two have the King wrapped around your tiny finger, don't you? While your brother works at his side, you run around like a little rat doing all those "small things" that make the King happy, like finding the swords and torturing his men...I'm surprised the King has enough brains to function by himself...Or is your brother the King's chamberlain as well?" Israfel asked. While he spoke, he allowed all his muscles to relax. He had to store energy if he wanted to attempt this feat. So, talking would keep Eltana from doing anything.

"I can't believe the King would allow someone as hideous as you or your brother in his court considering how beautiful the Queen and the Princess are. But I guess the both of you have a thing for skirts and dresses, huh? If I were Nikanoru, I'd be disgusted to have a brother like you," Israfel said, his coy smile still placed on his face. There's nothing to lose now...

"You know, with Laties gone, the King won't have anyone to compare to when deciding the beauty of his court. Once he finally notices you, he'll have you tossed out of the country," Israfel said. Then, he glanced at the small cup next to his ankle. He glanced back at Eltana, then to the cup and managed to get his foot behind the pewter up. Even though his leg screamed in pain, he managed to kick the small cup of water at Eltana, spewing its contents at him.

"Just imagine how long that's been sitting here. Probably a lot worse than what I spat at you, pig," Israfel growled.

[Eltana Remarque]

Eltana couldn't help but frown in disappointment at the mere stare given to him by Israfel in response to his revelation. He had expected something more along the lines of a shocked expression, a look of absolute disbelief that would show how badly the bombshell rocked his world; but all he got in response was an annoyingly playful smile. After a brief period of consideration, he realized that his grass man couldn't allow himself to show any emotion other than resentment and anger--because that would show that Eltana had gotten to him.

Israfel was insulting his looks, was he? Normally Eltana would be very hostile to such gross indignities, but in this case there was no need to be: Israfel was in his grasp and at his mercy; whatever insults his grass man could possibly throw at him would have little-to-no effect. Would a spider get flustered over the heckles of a fly stuck to its web? Surely not: with the fly in its grasp, the spider could do whatever it pleased to the insignificant little insect. Getting upset over the words of someone whose life you could end at any moment would be positively silly.

Without any warning at all, Eltana emitted a completely psychotic chuckle; high pitched, shrill, and positively inhuman. The bizarre sound abruptly came to a halt, and Eltana rested his gleaming orbs on the sergeant. "Try as you might, my little grass man, but you won't get to me with those foolish words of yours. And aren't you quite the hypocrite, Israfel! Were you not badgering me for information concerning the swords not too long ago? Didn't you want to present them to your liege to gain his favor? We're actually quite alike, you and I: while you were serving as his lapdog so that you might shake off the horrible reputation--"

And he quickly silenced himself as soon as the repulsive water splashed all over his violet dress.

The amusement vanished from his stunningly beautiful visage almost instantaneously. Without even glancing down at the disgusting stain on his dress Eltana stared blankly at his captive, the amusement and playfulness almost always present in his eyes replaced with soulless listlessness. Slowly he walked over to Israfel; then in a quick motion he buried a sharp nail into his exposed chest, pushing it deep into his flesh. He fixed those cold eyes of his directly on Israfel's face, remaining eerily silent for approximately a full minute.

"You," he began in his usual voice, except that--like his eyes--it lacked the playful tone it naturally had; "are nothing more than vermin. Restive in face of your helplessness, thinking... what? That even though you failed so horribly, your friend Laties will save you and slay your captors just in the nick of time. Unfortunately for you, Israfel, you are not the author of this story--I am. Laties is as good as dead: every bounty hunter and soldier in Alyssus is already on his trail. Whatever hope you believe there is for you faded long, long ago."

A pause.

"...With every transgression you make during your time in the Blood Chamber will come consequences--but not for you. After all, I couldn't bare the thought of hurting my adorable little grass man more than necessary. Should you defy me or any other of your caretakers, I will personally see to it that you wrong every single one of your little friends once you become Osirus' puppet. Gurella will be razed--that's already been decided upon--but I can see to it that you lead the attack. Imagine how Luhma will react if he's alive to see it! And that bunny girl Lourette you're so close to... picture this: a group of knights crowded around her, having their way with her voluptuous frame--and you'll be among them, willfully participating... and enjoying every minute of it."

Eltana chuckled in amusement as he stepped away from Israfel, crossing his thin arms against his chest. "So, are you going to behave now or not?"

[Israfel Deu Ausgard]

Israfel's accomidating smile of play and coy had diligently done just what he had intended it to do. It had pissed of Eltana. But, the sinewy male had done a good job of not letting it show until he suddenly let an unhuman laugh issue forth from his mouth. Israfel had to wince at the sound, but it was quickly replaced a pained expression as Eltana jammed his finger into Israfel's chest. Israfel hadn't even seen him coming and the shock had quickly turned to fear as he watched blood drip from the puncture hole. His stomach clenched as he brought his head up to stare at Eltana in pain as he spoke. Swallowing hard, Israfel struggled to keep his calm as Eltana spoke nothing but of the dark truth.

Only when Eltana had moved to his new threat did Israfel drop his shocked expression for pure fear.
"...With every transgression you make during your time in the Blood Chamber will come consequences--but not for you. After all, I couldn't bare the thought of hurting my adorable little grass man more than necessary. Should you defy me or any other of your caretakers, I will personally see to it that you wrong every single one of your little friends once you become Osirus' puppet. Gurella will be razed--that's already been decided upon--but I can see to it that you lead the attack. Imagine how Luhma will react if he's alive to see it! And that bunny girl Lourette you're so close to... picture this: a group of knights crowded around her, having their way with her voluptuous frame--and you'll be among them, willfully participating... and enjoying every minute of it." The very words made him sick. Sick, frustrated, angry, and sad all in the same painful emotion.

Israfel turned his head away, clenching his teeth. Eltana has total control...I have no other option... He opened his eyes as he stared forlornly at the opposing wall as sweat dripped from his face. Laties...look what you left me to do...Are you sure I'm strong enough for this? Of course I'm not... He then slowly turned his head back to look at Eltana. He frowned, baring his teeth.

"You're a pig...a filthy dog...a pest..." Israfel growled. His heart was heavy with the dire situation in which he had been placed. He then looked away, his hair falling over his face.

"Fine Eltana...do what you will with me...just please...leave Lourette out of this. I may not be able to save Laties his dignity, but...please don't do anything to Lourette," Israfel said weakly. Laties would forgive me for even the destruction of his home...but not if anything happened to Lourette...

[Eltana Remarque]

Finally, the gravity of the situation had hit his grass man like a ton of bricks! The expression of absolute terror staining Israfel's girlish face reminded Eltana of the fine red wine he enjoyed every time he'd attend an opera at the Du Aurellan Opera House: something to be consumed slowly so that you could savor every second of it. The obstinate fool had finally been broken into a helpless child! Eltana felt positively giddy on the inside, though he refused to show it outwardly. An arrogant, somewhat amused smirk formed on his lips as he took in every tightened, fearful feature on Israfel's face.

The weapons dealer-turned-torturer's face brightened as Israfel begged him not to bring any harm upon Lourette. Silly little grass man--it's not exactly a good idea to let your torturer know who's dear to you and close to your heart! A mad chuckle escaped his lips as he addressed Israfel again: "Firstly, you're begging a favor of me after calling me a filthy dog! Grass man, I believe I'll have to teach you a thing or two about bargaining before you leave the Blood Chamber. As for whether or not any harm will be done to the bunny girl--that would depend on your co-operation, won't it? If you prove to be difficult, I'm afraid that a group of lucky men will be enjoying a nice carrot cake."

Eltana cackled at his own joke as he turned on his heel and headed toward the exit. Stopping right in front of the metallic door, he cast a glance over at Israfel. "Consider yourself lucky, Ausgard: not only am I not going to torture you today, but I'm also going to provide you with a small meal later on this evening--one that isn't composed primarily of human remains, though there will probably be some skin or excrement in there somewhere. Au revoir!"

With that, he left the chamber and closed the door behind him.

-exit Eltana-

[Israfel Deu Ausgard]

Israfel held his head low as Eltana made his way out from the room. He waited until the man's footsteps disappeared before Israfel let out a pained breath and simply hung from his wrists in despair. There was no fight in him. There were no ideas coming forth. There was nothing. Just a flaming torch for light, a corpse, and his own disgusting self. He was in Hell and there was no way out. He would hang here until Eltana came back or until he died; which the latter seemed more welcoming.

"Tch...he can shove that carrot cake up his ass..." Israfel growled. But the minute the words came from his mouth, he was hit with instant guilt. Lourette...I'm afraid I've made you a target...

"Lourette...leave the castle...leave and find Laties...leave and don't come back..." Israfel muttered, his voice echoing in the room. Hearing his own voice the only thing responding to him struck a chord of loneliness in his chest. Commonly, the only silence Israfel had been used to was whenever Laties was asleep. Even when he went on missions, his men would be constantly talking. And with every word Israfel uttered, Laties would have a snappy come back or some lame joke. With Eltana gone, Israfel began to fully realize just how lonely his situation really was.

"Laties...I never got to give him those chocolates..." Israfel muttered, his eyes on the rotting corpse. But alas, the corpse gave no answer and Israfel sighed. It was the ending of a peaceful chapter and the beginning of one soiled in chaos.

::Israfel Fin::