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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:00:19 GMT -5
before the others could help her. After that, Ghost and the magic using Kenetari had taken the body and disappeared. The fourth Kenetari cut deep into the back of Markus’s shoulder and he dropped to his knees, turning to slash at her legs. Her knees hit the earth as well and they both held their swords against each others throats. “They…don’t pay me enough for this.” The fourth Kenetari panted. Markus swore, realizing what had happened. She smiled and disappeared. Markus pounded the earth with his fist, swearing again. “What do we do now?” Dasher asked. “Blade’s still unconscious.” “She must be around here somewhere.” Markus said, wincing as he stood. Dasher’s star flashed and he felt the pain in his shoulder disappear. “I guess we’d better find Raythor and Anella and tell them what’s going on.”
****
Anella wasn’t sure what to do from here. When she’d seen Raythor dash after Kenetari she knew something awful was going to happen. She’d waited a few moments before following them, not sure what she could do even if Raythor did get into trouble. When he did she’d had to think fast. Kenetari thought Anella was dead. She was Calthan… Anella pulled the collar of her dress down just far enough to reveal the scar. The sound of Raythor’s wrist cracking against the wall made her jerk her head up long enough to get an idea. She took the sharpest edge of the crystal that made up her cross and used it to reopen the wound, ignoring the pain as best she could. Then she walked right into the room, making sure to make a very obvious entrance, so that Kenetari would turn around and stop suffocating Raythor. “Let’s see if you can kill a ghost, Kenetari.” Anella said, keeping her expression blank. She held up her hand, which was now dripping with her blood. Kenetari’s eyes flickered and she took a step back. “You can’t really be dead.” Kenetari said with forced confidence. Anella’s face still betrayed nothing. “I could not confront my killer in life, so I do so in death. Once the blood of the damned touches his skin, he shall perish.” Anella drifted past Kenetari as though she wasn’t afraid. Inside she desperately wanted to scream. Raythor sat up with effort and started backing into the wall, his eyes wide with as much fake fear as he could muster. He was, of course, terrified for her. She knew just how much of an effort it was to make that show on his face. Kenetari watched coldly. She had warmed up to the idea of Raythor being horribly killed by his dead fiancée. Now she just wanted to watch it happen. “Anella, please forgive me.” Raythor begged. “I didn’t mean to kill you.” “I should have known you’d revert to the monster you’ve always claimed to be one day. And now you shall join me in hell.” Anella said icily. She knelt down before him and he kept trying to back into the wall. “Anella… please… I loved you…” Kenetari expected some hesitation to give the younger girl away, but she rubbed the blood on Raythor’s throat as though she had been sent to do it, making a strange shape she seemed to know by heart. He cried out and held his neck. He kept backing into
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:00:36 GMT -5
the wall, clawing at his own skin as though it were on fire. He struggled for a few more painful seconds before he fell to the side, his eyes closed and his breathing no longer visible. Anella fixed her gray green eyes on Kenetari. The dark girl flinched. She kept her eyes on Raythor, but he had yet to draw a breath and she was beginning to believe that Anella really was a ghost and that her brother was dead. “The body is mine.” Anella said calmly. Kenetari wordlessly left the room and Anella heard the pounding of her feet on the stairs, as if she were running away. They air hung with silence for a few moments before Anella said, in her normal voice: “I don’t think she’s coming back.” “You had me convinced.” Raythor said, sitting up and opening his eyes. He took a huge breath in. “You’re scarier than she is.” Anella blushed vividly. “I didn’t know what else to do.” She said. “She was going to kill you this time.” “Would that have been such a tragedy?” He asked. She kissed him deeply. “Yes.” “We’d better go see if that sword broke on its way down.” “I hope she didn’t go back for it.” Anella agreed worriedly. Raythor got up on his own and didn’t show how much it hurt. “I think she broke my wrist.” He said lightly. “Do you need help?” “I’ll be fine.” “Are you sure?” She asked, just as they heard footsteps on the stairs. They both froze. “Please tell me the sword I just found beneath the window and destroyed was the real Kenetari’s.” Markus said.
Chapter Thirty Eight Home
“Why didn’t you come back with Anella?” Markus asked, kissing her again. “Only one of us could and we thought Anella might be able to stop Raythor from hurting himself.” Laura replied. She messed up his hair, grinning. “I really missed you.” “I missed you too. The four of us have been at each others throats this whole time.” “It’s just the strain from everything, that’s all.” She assured him. Laura put a hand against his cheek. “What about you? Are you all right?” “I’m fine, sweetheart. I would’ve known if you were dead, I’m sure of it.” Markus told her. Laura hugged him and pressed her lips against his, laughing. “The two of you don’t miss a beat, do you?” Rose said, sighing loudly. Markus just smiled at her. “I just missed my wife. Speaking of which, I’d better give everyone their stuff back. Does anyone know what happened to the horses?” “They came back with us. Didn’t you notice?” “Nope. I only really noticed one thing.” “Oh, Markus.” Laura said, rolling her eyes. “I hate you both.” Rose said absently and they just laughed.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:00:52 GMT -5
“Where’s Ross?” Laura asked in a sing song voice. “I bet he’s missing you.” “Ross doesn’t have human emotions, he has rat emotions: he eats, he sleeps and he tries to reproduce with every female in a fifty mile radius.” “Ouch.” Markus said. “That is no way to talk about someone who said he loved you before he was viciously murdered.” “You told him that?” Rose said, her mouth falling open. “Eventually the phrase ‘I tell him everything’ is going to sink in.” Laura said teasingly. “And you didn’t tell me not to.” “You haven’t talked to him about it yet?” Markus said, surprised. “No. It was just a theatrical stunt. That’s the way he is.” Rose said gruffly. “He isn’t like you, Markus. He doesn’t mean what he says and he doesn’t try to spare my feelings.” “But he cares about you, Rose, I know he does.” Laura insisted. Markus nodded. Rose frowned at both of them. “No he doesn’t.”
****
Ross tapped his finger on his knee rapidly. Rose had not spoken to him since they’d all ‘died’, and for some reason he had more energy than usual. It was nervous energy this time, pent up and unhappy. He missed kissing her. He missed talking to her. He even missed fighting with her. Ross promised himself not to do anything about it. If he was, God forbid, in love with Rose then he couldn’t let her know that. She would lord it over him like nobody’s business. “It didn’t hurt that much.” Anella’s voice drifted to his ears. “Dying could be so much more painful, and it would have been if Kenetari had been the one to kill me.” “I don’t like thinking that I hurt you at all.” Raythor answered. “I didn’t like cutting you to shreds either. So we’re even. All right?” “I guess so…” “Raythor…” Anella said, putting her hand against his cheek. “What am I going to do with you?” He put his hand over hers. “I have no idea.” He kissed her. “Hey, do you two mind?” Ross demanded. They both turned around. “Oh, sorry.” Anella said but she didn’t look very sorry. Raythor moved away from her automatically, but Anella put a hand on his shoulder. He gave her an odd look. “Sure.” “I made the right choice.” Anella said. Ross just stared at her for a moment. Then he smiled, nodding. “I guess you did. Congratulations.” He stuck out his hand and she formally shook it. “I still love you… like a cousin.” Anella smiled too, hugging him. Raythor just stood there looking confused. “Thank you, Ross. I’m glad you understand.” “Why can’t Kylara understand?” Raythor asked, more to himself than to them. “Kylara is crazy obsessed. Watch out for that.” Ross said warningly. “I had a girlfriend like that once. It makes me shiver to think about her even now.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:05:49 GMT -5
“We’ll figure out how to handle Kylara. Somehow.” Anella said. “That doesn’t involve poison.” “Or does.” “I’ve got to keep my non poison related options open.” “Sure, take the legal way out. See you later, dear cousin. Karian.” “Rocelin.” Raythor said. Ross smirked and left. Anella was still smiling, so neither of them could complain.
****
Laura leaned up against her husband, lost in her own thoughts. Ross and Rose hadn’t moved and were forcibly not speaking. “What do you suppose will happen now?” Markus asked, absently playing with Laura’s now short hair. “They think we’re dead.” Ross said with a shrug. “That has to be a good thing.” “So they’ll look for you, Dasher and Blade to violently murder now.” Rose said to Markus. “The last of the living.” “Mmm…” Laura said, putting her hand over Markus’s. Ross smirked. Rose glared. “Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t worry. The undead aspect gives us an advantage, for now.” Markus said. “What do you think Anella and Raythor talk about?” Rose asked no one in particular. “Raythor’s numerous issues.” Ross said dryly. “I’m sure he’s saying ‘I’m so sorry for all these awful, terrible things I didn’t do.’” “Yes, and she’s telling him ‘oh, it’ll be ok, idiot I refuse to loose faith in.’” “‘But Anella-who-I-will-call-nothing-else, can’t you see how dreadfully dreadful I am?’” “‘Of course, but I stopped caring a long, long time ago.’” “‘You mean two years ago, which no one will shut up about?’” “‘Yes, that’s it exactly!’” “Can you do us?” Markus asked. Laura gave him a secretive smile. Ross and Rose had just tricked themselves into talking again. “Sure, why not?” Ross said. “Uh… ‘Gee, Laura, why do you look at me like that all the time? Are you sick’?” “‘Oh no,’” Rose replied, “‘I’m just madly in love with you.’” “‘That’s good. I was afraid you were sick.’” “‘Didn’t you hear me?’” “‘Of course not. I have absolutely no idea what you just said…’” Ross said, a smile unwillingly curling his lips. “I don’t think you do either.” The green fire blazed in Rose’s eyes and she got up and stormed off. “She hasn’t been that mad in a long time.” Markus said. “Good job.”
****
“I can’t.” Blade said simply. Dasher frowned.
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:06:10 GMT -5
“Why?” She asked. “Because even though you told me there are others like us they aren’t really like us. We both carry some part of the fate of our countries on our shoulders. So I can’t marry you.” “You’re just going to go home and marry Nightshade?” “Yes.” “Why must you be so stubborn?” “Because Lakita wants me to be stubborn and I submit to the wills of my country and the goddess it is named for.” Blade said pompously, just to annoy her. She certainly was annoyed. “Besides, you just proposed to me and I said no. So I think I should warrant the same respect a girl would get.” “What respect?” Dasher scoffed. “I’ve had this one guy ask me three times and he doesn’t seem to care about respect.” “Yes, well, that aside it can’t be done.” “Blade…” “You can’t ignore me, break up with me, lie to me and then kiss Raythor and expect me to marry you.” Blade said. “And then insult him repeatedly because he admitted it was a mistake and didn’t do it again.” “You mean you knew?” Dasher said with disbelief. “For him, it was a grief ritual. For you…” “You’re backing him over me?” “It’s not a contest.” Blade said. “You just don’t understand emotion at all. The way you treated him and me and everyone… I can’t marry you. I’d be breaking my own heart.” “I am not in love with him!” “No. But you want to be.”
****
Markus felt the brown hair slip through his fingers. “It’s no use, Laura. It’s too short.” He said. “I can’t tie it back for you. Maybe a girl could do it…” “Markus, come on, try a little harder. It really bothers me that it touches my neck.” Laura begged. Markus shook his head but tried again. It slid between his fingers and he sighed slightly. He bent his head and kissed her neck. “Sorry, sweetheart. I can’t do it.” “That’s fine…” “It really does look pretty.” Markus said. “My pregnant little page boy.” “Markus!” Laura said jokingly. “They can’t be much of anything right now. How can we feel their heartbeats?” “Oh, Dasher explained that to me. She says it’s the projection of the life they’re going to have.” “I see…” Markus said. He wrapped his arms around her and they both thought how Audrion had almost succeeded in breaking them apart.
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:06:26 GMT -5
Markus looked up at Imperia and beamed. “We did it.” He said, looking back at everyone. All of the ones who were listening smiled back. “Worst three day vacation of my life.” Raythor said and Anella laughed, smiling at him too. “Come on, Laura.” Markus said. “Let’s go and greet my father.” The two of them dismounted and walked through the main doors. Lila rushed out and hugged Markus, mumbling something incoherent into his shirt. She lifted her head and was about to repeat it when a servant ran up with Emma and instructed Lila to return the child to her parents. “Markus-” Lila tried, but the servant shooed her away. Markus and Laura exchanged glances. All the servants were dressed in black and staring at the floor. Laura became worried. “They must think you’re dead.” She said in a whisper. Markus nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s it.” “Lynn,” Laura said, as her friend passed by. Lynn glanced up and gasped. “Laura! You’re alive, both of you!” “It’s that what’s wrong here?” “You didn’t hear?” Lynn said. Markus didn’t wait around to find out what it was he had missed. An icy sensation had covered his whole body, starting from his feet and winding up his spine to freeze his senses. All black… he strode forward as quickly as he could, banging open the door of his father’s throne room. His mother sat there alone, dressed completely in black and crying bitterly. She looked up and into his eyes with disbelief. “Markus?” Ivy said, holding out her arms. “Darling, come here.” “Where’s father?” Markus asked, feeling his heart sink. Ivy held up a crown, the tears flowing a little faster. “The king is dead. Long live the king.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:06:45 GMT -5
I'm finished! *shoots book two in the face*
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:07:47 GMT -5
I took part of two out and changed it but here is the old version: “Anella?” Laura said, and she immediately became filled with worry. Anella was just sitting there, staring into nothing. She started at the sound of Laura’s voice. Anella just nodded in response, a half hearted, listless movement that just worried Laura further. “Is something wrong? You look a little off.” Laura persisted. Anella shook her head. “Are you sure?” She shook her head again. Laura put an arm around her friends shoulder. It had been four days since Anella and Raythor had split up and Laura suddenly realized that she couldn’t remember Anella saying anything in all that time. The princess had been so caught up with Markus that she hadn’t done a thing about it. “Anella, come here.” Laura said, leading her to some shade and sitting her down. “You and Raythor… you’re really finished completely?” Anella nodded, looking away. She wrapped her arms around her legs, letting her forehead touch her knees, and sighed. “What did Raythor say?” Laura asked. There was no answer. “Anella?” “Kenetari’s the reason we can’t be together…” Anella said. Her voice sounded as dead as Markus’s had so recently. “Even… after she’s dead… he won’t be with me anymore…” “Why not?” Laura said. Anella shook her head again. “He said it was permanent.” She hugged her legs so tightly that she could feel her own fingernails through the cloth of her clothing. “He still loves you.” “I know… I mean, before we were together… I did like being in love with him, being around him, when he didn’t know… but it was different after he knew… I’ve never felt like that before… and now I’m never going to again…” “Because he’s the only one…” Laura said. Anella nodded. “He needs me too, I know he does…” “I felt that way since the first time Markus kissed me.” Laura said with understanding. “And I can’t see myself with anyone else either.” Anella nodded again. “But, the thing is, and we never think about this,” Laura continued, “they feel the same way. Raythor isn’t going to be able to live without you either. Just give him some time.”
****
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:08:14 GMT -5
Anella…” Raythor said, but it sounded a little strained. “I mean… I really love you but… until we get out of Caltha, I don’t think we should be together. You’re too much of a target and it isn’t fair to you.” “Nothing’s fair.” “And… maybe…” He let out all the air in his lungs. “Well… We really shouldn’t be together while Kenetari is alive. And I’m sure you’re sick of waiting for me so this might be… permanent.” “Oh…” She drew back slightly, a frown creasing her face. “I mean… I guess if you still want to be with me after all that, I’ll try not to act… act like this again. I promise I’ll take care of you.” “Yes…” “If it wasn’t for Kenetari…” “A lot of things would be different, if it wasn’t for her.” Anella said, crossing her arms and looking away. “I… I always knew you would say something like this eventually.” “Why the hell do you love me?” Raythor asked suddenly. She turned slightly and their eyes finally met. She kissed him and his arms wove around her waist. He whispered ‘goodbye’ against her lips, and they drew closer together. It took them awhile to remember that Rose was still there, but when they did they drew apart quickly, not daring to look at each other again. Rose got up and walked over, standing between them. “This is going to be pretty hard for the two of you, if you kiss when you make eye contact.” Rose said, looking back and forth between them. “Shut up Rose.” Raythor said. Anella was too embarrassed to say anything. “Just don’t talk to each other until we get out of Caltha or when ever. It can’t be that long anyway.” “What?” “Oh, come on. You didn’t talk to each other for two years. Heck, for most of your lives. You’ll live.”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:09:10 GMT -5
And a random scene mash: Markus found Laura still with Anella. They weren’t talking anymore, just sitting there. Laura smiled vaguely at Markus, Anella didn’t react. Laura could tell that Markus had come to the same epiphany about Anella’s well being just by the look of his face. “Anella?” Markus said. Her head bobbed up and down. “Jeez…” He knelt next to Laura and told her everything Dasher had said. Anella didn’t seem very interested. “It won’t work.” Anella said, somewhat hollowly. “I think what Dasher is getting at comes from our wedding.” Markus said, gesturing to Laura. “Because when Raythor first came back, and he saw us together he was thinking of you. Whenever he sees us happy together, he thinks of you.” Anella concentrated on her feet. You’re my Laura; I’d fall apart if anything ever happened to you. She shook the sound of Raythor’s voice away, and nodded slowly. Laura patted Anella’s arm and got to her feet. “Do you want me to find someone to stay with you?” Laura asked. Anella shook her head. Laura glanced worriedly at Markus and they started off, leaving Anella there hugging her knees. She never wanted to move again. **** Raythor wandered around aimlessly, no longer caring when and if he returned to the others. He’d been leaving them for increasing periods of time each day and getting back long after the moon rose, and everyone else was asleep. Yet, no matter how late he returned, Anella was always awake. She always tried to look as though she wasn’t but he knew. He knew every line in her face… Raythor slammed his fist into a tree and cursed at himself a few times. No more thinking about Anella. That part of his life was over; he had no choice if he wanted to keep her safe. Lila, in charge of firewood for the day, wanted to get past him as quickly as possible. “Purple…” She said hurriedly. “Uh… sixteen…” Raythor answered blankly. His hand was still against the tree and she looked at him oddly. “Are you all right?” “I’m just stupid.” “Why?” “Because there’s no way I can ever be with Anella again, not after what I said.” He told her blandly. “But I’m keeping her safe, that’s all that matters…” “If you’ve saved her life before, how is it keeping her safe?” Lila asked. Raythor turned his head to look at her, eyebrows raised. “Because I’m the Karian Killer.” “Not in Carina.” “What?” “Not in Carina. In Carina, you’re just Raythor Karian. You might not be able to live with that, but Anella can.” “They… they don’t know me there, do they?” A smile spread across his face. “They’ve never heard of me. Carina…” “Are you going to go apologize to her now?” “No…”He sighed. “We can’t be together.” ****
Raythor picked up another stick. He and Anella had been out here for about ten minutes and neither of them had said a word. Anella didn’t seem to have the desire to look at him. They both reached for the same stick. Raythor drew his hand back first and their eyes finally met. “Sorry.” Raythor said. She nodded. They went back to not making a sound. Raythor knew this was for the best. Even in Carina, if someone found out who he was, he would be a death sentence on everyone around him. After all they’d been through together; it seemed ironic that it would end because he was too dangerous. That’s exactly how it had started in the first place. He could almost feel the softness of her lips against his every time he looked at her, and knowing that he would never kiss her again, never speak with her, never touch her… “I love you too. I just wasn’t strong enough to tell you before.” Anella felt dead inside. She had never thought she’d give herself so completely to someone. She never thought she’d fall in love at all, especially with someone she belonged with. Anella wanted to hold him in her arms and beg him to take her back, but she couldn’t do that. It was over; she’d have to accept it. Raythor was so stubborn that if he’d decided they needed to be apart for her protection, he’d never go back on it. Even if he wanted to. “I love you. I love you now, I loved you two years ago, and I’ll probably always love you.” Their eyes met again and they felt the familiar sensation of being unable to look away. This time, of course, they had to. **** “Anella,” Tallith said carefully, approaching her slowly. Anella gave him a weak smile, feeling awkward already. “You and Raythor aren’t speaking.” She nodded. “Why?” “We had a fight. It’s nothing important.” Anella told him dully. “I’m worried about you. You’ve haven’t looked well lately.” “I miss him.” She found herself saying. Tallith’s expression was so gentle that she wanted to tell him everything, but she pushed down the impulse. Something in his eyes reminded her of… “I must be off.” Tallith said, taking note of her obvious conflict rather eagerly. “Tallith… see you soon.” “I shall miss your company.” “I’ll miss you too.” Anella said and Tallith left smiling.
**** Raythor tried to look as uncaring as physically possible, but she could still see everything in his eyes and it hurt. Anella gazed at him slightly expectantly, though she wasn’t exactly sure what he would say. “Hey,” Raythor said finally. “Good bye. You’re still my… best friend.” “Yes… I suppose so.” Anella said, a little coldly. “Good bye.” “See you later, I guess.” “Yes.” “Yeah…” He stuck out his hand and for a moment she just stared at it dumbly. “You’re supposed to shake it.” He said, with forced lightness. Anella did, and as soon as their hands touched they held each other close. She was scared to let go, she had no idea what would happen next. All she could seem to feel was his hot breath on her neck. “I-I’m a-always g-going to…” Anella stuttered. She hadn’t been this nervous around him in a long time. They both pulled back slightly, meeting each others eyes. “Me too.” Raythor said awkwardly. “R-Raythor… do you really think that I-I’m going to be happy without you?” “You’ll be alive without-” “What if that doesn’t matter?” “Is this,” He kissed her gently, “worth your life?” He felt her tremble slightly. “If it’s not, you are, Raythor. I can’t lose you.” “Anella.” He took her face in his hands. “I’m not going to let you die. I’m not.” “Isn’t this my choice too?” “Suicide is not a choice for you. That’s what being with me means.” “No it isn’t.” “My sister isn’t just going to kill you; she’s going to torture you within an inch of your life until you’re begging for death. Then she’s going to find me, torture me and make you watch it before she finally kills you. By that time you won’t even care if I’m dead or alive.” “That isn’t true, no matter what happened to me I would want you to live.” “You don’t mean that.” “Why don’t you ever believe me?” Anella said with frustration. “I’m sorry-” “Don’t be sorry.” She snapped. “Fine, you win. This is obviously what you want. I don’t even care anymore.” Anella twisted out of his arms and started walking away. Part of him instantly started screaming that it wasn’t what he wanted and he telling him that he couldn’t take letting her walk away from him again. The unfamiliar burning sensation started at the sides of his eyes but he managed to push it away. The strange thing was… that tiny part of himself that felt every single pinprick, the part he ignored and beat down and refused to acknowledge was winning for the first time in his life. “Anella!” Raythor said, almost unwillingly. Anella turned around, her face filled with confusion. “W-what?” “Please… please don’t leave me.” He said, voice fading down to almost nothing as he finished. Anella just kept staring at him. Raythor looked away, clenching and unclenching his fists. When he looked up again, Anella was right in front of him. “Raythor...” She said. “Tell me what you want. Not what you think I want and not what you think is best for me. Please.” “You.” Raythor said helplessly. Anella pressed her lips against his. “Stay with me.” She said hopefully. Raythor just nodded, closing his eyes. The burning sensation was back at the side of them and he fought it down a second time. “My… my sister isn’t going to touch you ever again. I promise you.” ****
Markus looked after the three receding forms with a sigh. Raythor was standing there watching them leave as well. Neither of them moved for a long time. “Raythor?” Markus said finally. “Yeah?” Raythor said, trying to sound as normal as possible. “What happened? I mean, it’s none of my…” “I couldn’t let her leave me.” He admitted, sounding guilty. “I made the same choice. I understand.” Markus said. Raythor just shook his head. “Tell the watch not to wait up for me, all right?”
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Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 16:09:55 GMT -5
In no particular order and it probably makes no sense at all. *shoots Raythor in face*
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