Testament of a Shadow

[Candor Ignifer]

"Things are getting out of hand," Kiva hissed as he slowly made his way from Port Hampshire to Hlint. It seemed amusing at first, to be noticed and admired by so many females. He had disregarded it as childish playfulness. Then things became serious. Ash's love, fully bared, was like a envenomed blade. Kiva had offered himself to her, feeling it was his duty to ease her pain since he was the source of it. But despite her claims of love and open affection, she pushed him away. Kiva had always been patient, but not that patient. He quickly became irritated with Ash's over-dramatic attitude and ended what little relationship they had. It was for the best.
  Kiva had passed through Fort Hope and clung to the shadows as he weaved his way through the Broken Forest. A Treant groaned close by, but it seemed not to notice him. The other women of Hlint were becoming bothersome. He wouldn't have cared if Abigail hadn't kissed him. Their innocent teasing became something to be wary of as Abigail approached and kissed him without warning. Freldo found it hilarious.
  Fort Llast slowly slid passed him as he walked the exterior of the walls. And now the situation with Tegan was worse. He didn't even want to think about it. Everytime he did, his stomach knotted itself. It was disturbing to say the least.
  "Thank goodness for Lady Muireann," Kiva whispered. Despite her claims of being wild as a storm, she was a calm becon in the new chaos that was his life. She engaged him mentally, and he found her company pleasant.
  Kiva shook his head just as he was nearing Hlint's gate. "Things are getting out of hand, indeed."

[Candor Ignifer]

The last pirate turned on Kiva. The sailor's comrades, having fallen, lay strewn about, eyes wide open, frozen in the last moment of terror in which they realized death was upon them. The lone warrior drew his blade, "Bastard!" He growled. Kiva could not hear him, nor did he hear any of the death cries of the fallen men. His mind was frozen. He turned his dark gaze on the pirate, the force of his nocturnal eyes unsettling the human. Gathering his courage the man charged, his sword sweeping up at Kiva's neck. The movements came mechanically, there was no rage, no lust for death, no emotion at all. Kiva rolled into the charge, launching his feet into the pirate's chest. In the instant the man fell back Kiva's blade snaked out and severed the man's thumb from his sword hand.
  With a scream the men fell to his knees, clutching his maimed hand tightly to his chest. Kiva stood above him and glanced down. The pirate was young, very young. Kiva estimated that he was not yet twenty. "Stand up," Kiva demanded. The young pirate looked up at him, the pain from his injury reflecting in his eyes. "Stand up," Kiva repeated. The boystood. "Now go." Kivacommanded as he turned away fromthe boyand faded into the shadows.
  The sea was calm as Kiva sailed back to Leilon.Lady Muireann's words echoed through his mind, "Everytime you sail untroubled by a sea storm, you have been blessed byThe Lady." The two were in Hlint when she had told him such, a wry little smile on her painted blue lips.
  "She must truly like me, for I have rarely been acostedwhile traveling by sea." Kiva responded.
  Lady Muireann turnedand looked at him, her eyes glistening like theeastern sea at sunrise. "Or perhaps she doesn't notice you at all." Her words were trite, anda wicked smile curled her lips. But she was most likely correct, Kiva thought.
  Now, below the deck of the ship, Kiva could not help but think of Lady Muireann and herunwavering devotion to Mist."I understand all too well your fervor for your faith." Kiva murmured to himself.Pushing thoughts of the lovely Muireann from his mind, he sought out the tranquility of meditation. The ocean around the ship washed away, the wooden frame of the ship fading into nothingness, and finally the prison of his body released his soul. He let his mind relax for a long while in the comfort of nothingness.
  "You are changing, Darkchild," A familair voice interupted his mental rest. His mind's eye turned to see the faint form of his mother, Nathyrra, floating in the void nearby. She had always been there since the first time he died so long ago. He knew that she was most likely an incarnation of his subconscious, but the presence of his mother comforted him, so he never worked to dispel her. "Normally, you would have killed the boy."
  "He was too young," Kiva answered.
  "So? Has that ever mattered before?" Nathyrra floated to her son and lay her hand on his spiritual shoulder. "He chose the life of pirate, and he chose to attack you. Youth has nothing to do with it."
  "And Ichose to spare him," Kiva retorted.
  "That is unlike you, Darkchild." Nathyrra gazed at her son for a long while."Something has changed within you. What is it?"
  "I have found something other than darkness to love," Kiva whispered the words, hardly believing he could admit it.
  "The girl Tegan? I see..." Nathyrra's words faded as she drifted away into the void.
  "Are you leaving me once again, Mother?" Kiva called after her. Even he could not hide the panic in his voice.
  "You'll be fine for the time being," Nathyrra answered, "I always watch and will return again when you need me. You are now part of a complicated situation. You and Tegan are not the only ones involved. There is a third. You have made the great mistake of creating a love triangle. It can only end in pain. But you must suffer this burden alone, I cannot help."Then she was gone.
  Kiva pulled himself from his reverie and gazed out the port window of his cabin. The waves were choppy and the water had turned grey. Nathyrra was right. He had created a delicate situation. He loved Tegan dearly, and she had admitted that she felt the same for him. But there was Remiel, whom also loved Tegan and whom she also loved. He shook his head, "This cannot end well."
  He gazed out onto the horizon and saw violent grey clouds sweeping towards the ship. "Everytime you sail untroubled by a sea storm, you have been blessed by The Lady." Muireann had told him. A rueful grin creased his mouth, "Not this time," He mused.

[Candor Ignifer]

"Imbecile," Kiva hissed to himself. He stood on the platform over Hlint gazing at the distant crags of the Grey Peaks. He was in those mountians only shortly before, and he had made a terrible mistake. He had asked Jareg not to fly the flag of Shadon while around Lady Muireann. Needless to say, Jareg did not take it well. Kiva had never felt any tension between he and his partner before, but now it was evident.
  "I will always love the Lady more than you, Kiva," Lady Muireann had once told him.
  "And I will always hold you second as well," Kiva had responded to her words.
  He didn't think it was going to be a problem. The idea actually seemed appealing to him. A union where they each loved their own goals more than they loved each other. But never had he foreseen their union creating a hindrance. "I will not allow failure," Kiva told himself. If Muireann endangered his relationship with Jareg, then he would do what he must. Jareg was his partner and oldest friend, and no woman would break that. Kiva sighed deeply, "I hope she understands."

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva's least favorite librarian walked passed him, as he sat at his desk in the Great Library. She shot him a courteous smile and then moved on to a distant book shelf, all the while humming to herself. Kiva wondered if she ever found herself tiring of that song. He turned his attention back towards the book that lay before him. Yet another documentation of the Drow language. His eyes coursed over the page, but he wasn't truly concetrating on the characters. His mind was elsewhere.
  "Pink..." He mused to himself, a smirk curling his lips. Still he couldn't believe that he had dyed his clothes pink. He had been threatening to do so for quite some time, in order to deter the peoples of Hlint from flocking to him, but they were always empty threats. Until Tegan came along.
  "You won't. Chicken." She teased. And that pushed Kiva over the edge. He knew that no one else could affect him like Tegan could, but he had no idea that she could affect his actions so drastically. A few moments later he returned, proudly sporting a pink outfit. Those around could not stop laughing.
  Kiva smiled as he thought of it, "I hope you appreciated it, Tegan. The only reason I did it was to see you smile." Normally he would be troubled by such a sentiment, but for some reason his attachment to Tegan gave him peace. He thought it was over between them when she told him that she was going to remain with Remiel. They shared a moment and then kissed, for the first time, as a good bye to one another as romantic prospects. Then came the talk of the bond. Though Kiva and Tegan seemed to agree that they would never be together, they acknowledged the bond that connected them. And then came the real kiss.
  Alone in Hlint they had been playing around with one another, hiding, emptying canteens over each other's heads, teasing. Justhaving a funtime together. But something happened, and before Kivarealized it they were kissing. Not like they're good bye kiss. This was something entirely different. He had kissed Ashduring the short time that he had offered himself to her, and he had kissed Muireannwhile they had spent so much time together. But this was in a realm of its own. His kiss with Tegan was...absolute.
  Kiva pushed the thought of the kiss from his mind and sighed. "Life seems tobe likeawild stallion." He observed absently, "You can catch it,break it, and ride it. But you never know when that stallion is going to bolt, taking you along for the ride."

[Candor Ignifer]

"All my life, I have struggled for control," Kiva quickly scribbled the words on a parchment as he sat against the small tree in Hlint's lawn. Some adventurers wondered passed and paid him no mind, for which he was grateful. "My very strength comes from control. Absolute mastery of mind, body, and spirit. That internal control has always found a way to manifest in exterior ways. For which Tegan has constantly reminded me. 'Control Freak', She calls me, and I suppose she's right about that." He set down his quill and pulled his hood off his head.
  "And though, I never walked the true path of a monk, due to not having an Order to which I adhere. I have always had the same discipline and structure as any monk, and so I was only a non-monk in name only. I was a martial artist. I use the word 'was' because I have broken a promise, and in doing so aided another in breaking her promise. Thus, I have fallen." Kiva gazed at the word "fallen" for a long moment. The full magnitude of it didn't seem to sink in. He continued to scribble, "Tegan once spoke to me of a promise between her and Remiel. And I told her I would not help her break that promise. But with the kiss we shared, I did. I broke my promise, and I helped her break her promise. An unfortunate cascade of broken promises."
  "She isn't aware that I have fallen from my path. And I do not want to tell her for fear that she may blame herself. But it is done. I will continue as I always have, pursuing the ways of shadow. But I will have to do it as a warrior and not a martial artist anymore. Perhaps one day I'll atone for my broken oath and reclaim the path of monk. But that day is not today."
  Kiva gazed over the parchment, reading the words carefully. Then it finally hit him, he had broken a promise. His unblemished honesty and discipline was shattered. He could feel a great swell in his throat, and he could hear the words whispered from his lips, "Forgive me, Tegan." His eyes began to well with warm tears and only for a moment did they stream down his cheeks. Then he regained control of himself, and wiped away the moisture from his face. He stood and strolled over to the trash can, where he ripped the parchment into several small peices and threw them away.
  He gazed down at the bits of parchment, "Please, Tegan. Forgive me."

[Candor Ignifer]

Thehuman mercenary approached, his hand already drawing his sword. "You wandered into the wrong part of the woods," He boasted. The man advanced, his sword arching up from his scabbard. The blow never connected. Kivahad stepped into the attack, locking the man's weapon mid-strike, while Kiva's second blade snaked forward, piercing his belly. The man grunted as blood gushed from his mouth.
  "I am in no mood," Kivahissed. He twisted the blade and the man fell dead. He stooped down to clean the blood from his weapon, but as he did so he heardhustled footsteps behind him. He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see a group of warriors charging him. One was ahead of the rest, holding an axe over head.Kiva rolled aside, dodging the first axe fall. Then he stood and launched himself at the warrior.
  His movements were as quick and precise as they had always been. Fighting with accuracy over power. And his mind was lost to the battle as the mercenaries swarmed around him, each trying for the death blow. "If I must die today, so be it," He whispered to himself as he parried a blow and sent a deadly riposte at an attacker, severing his jugular.
  Today had not been a good day. In fact, it wassafe to say it had been one of the worst days. He,Tegan, and Jareg had ventured to the Firesteep Mountains in search of adamantine. During the trip there, the trio were in high spirits.Once on the volcanic peak they had even managed to fell the kobolds, drakes, and fire elementals with little trouble. And then the mining started. Kiva and Tegan mined while Jareg kept watch. They worked for a little less than an hour before Jareg turned, "It's time to go," He said. But it was too late, kobold reinforcementsleaped from behind the rocks and ambushed them. The three were caught completely unaware, and each one fell.
  The event had caused Jareg to become sour, and he made a comment, an idiotic comment,"The next time I say we need to go, I'm just going to leave." As soon as Kiva heard the words he knew trouble would follow. Jareg and Tegan both walked off. Kiva pursued Tegan whom expressed that she wished to be alone, and of course, Kiva did as she bade. Upon returning to Jareg his mood was no brighter, and the Teiflingquickly vanished into the forest. Kivahad stood there as the woman he loved and his best friend turned thier backs on each other and on him. Needless to say, he was not in a good mood.
  Blood now ran down Kiva's arm from adeep wound in his shoulder, and he could feel his strength waning. The last warrior, also injured, sent a clumsy thrust at Kiva's chest.Dropping one of his weapons, Kiva dipped against the thrust andsent the heel of his palminto the man's nose. There was a muted crunch and the warrior fell, his eyes glazed with death.Kiva bent down, gathered and cleaned his weapons, and then stood.He looked about at the corpses and he knew remorse.These men died becuase Kiva was in a dour mood. What a waste.He stepped over the bodies and continued to make his way toLake Rillon. He let theblood drip from his finger tips all the way there.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva had met Jareg shortly after being Dragon Called. The teifling's high spirits and good humor was always a pleasant contrast to Kiva's dark demeanor. And though they seemed almost complete opposites, the two formed a strong alliance which soon blossomed into a close friendship. It wasn't longbefore they agreed to create a guild together.In the beginning, the guild was a nameless concept, completely devoid of shape and direction. All the pair knew was that they were going to make a guild of some sort. Kiva, having attained great skill as a tailor and alchemist at the time, prompted the idea of a crafters guild, and so for a while that was what he and Jareg strived for.
  Upon purchasing their first real estate venture, the nameless crafters guild bloomed into the true nature of what they both wanted; an intelligence organization.A shadow network. Ideas spilled forth from them both from then on, and the two were driven with ambition to see their goals realized. They even began early recruitments. Grympint, Armolas, Tyrian, and Ash were among the first to join.Kiva and Jareg's dream was about to be realized, all their work seen to fruition. But the worst happened. Kiva left, seemingly vanished, and Grympint followed shortly after.
  Duringthe time Kiva had gone the idea that was the shadow network was shattered. Armolas joined the Far Striders, Tyrian walked her own path eventually into the arms of her future husband Creighton, and Ash resumed her role as a loner.But it affected Jareg the most. He neverlet go of the dream that he and Kiva had shared, and so he exiled himself to Dregar, vowing never to return to Mistone until he hadpurchased theguild hall that he and Kiva had aimed to buy. Were it not for Jareg's sheer stubborness, the shadow network would have been lost to obscurity before it was even born.
  Then, just as suddenly as he had vanished, Kiva reappeared.Having suffered at the hands of an unknown assailent, he was weaker now. But his mind was still intact, and he still held the dream of theshadow network. Kiva and Jareg's reunion was a joyous one,it was as if the two had never been apart. And as was expected, their plans became re-realized and they once again took up the tasks needed to create the network.
  Wiser now, the two created the final stanges of their plan. Thecrafters guild and the shadow network would actually be one in the same. The crafters guild, The Tradesmen Elite, would be the public front to the intelligence organization, The Shadow Network. All that was left now was to finish the final stages. And the two worked vigorously. While Jareg still scored Dregar for funds to finance the purchase of the guild hall, Kiva turned torecruitments. Nepp'akyo, Dur'Thak, and Talenbecame the new members.But Kiva's efforts were not finished yet. During his time away he had thought long and hard about the nature of the Network and how it would need to operate.
  The Network would be comprised of sixteen agents,divided into four seperate teams.Each team of four would also have two captians, and above each captian would be a commander.Superior to thefour commanders would be Kiva and Jareg. There was just one last peice. The person above the pair.This last position had troubled Kiva. He needed someone trust worthy, someone to lead the guild, someone to act as a figure head to inspire anddelegate the Network. He could only think of one person, Ireth Telrunya.
  Now he was standing with Ireth, both cloaked in the shadow cast by the low sitting dogwood outside the Hlint cemetary. Her eyes were distant as she studied him. He could feel hisanxietybuild within him. He had spent the last several hours divulging every aspect ofThe Shadow Network to Ireth, and if she didn't accept then his time and effort would have been wasted. In addition, a non-agent would be educated as to the nature of The Network, an idea he did not relish. The silence was grating against him and the time passed slowly, cutting at his patience like a keen knife. Ireth's eyes glimmered in the moonlight, her lips curling into a smirk. "I accept," She answered.

[Candor Ignifer]

The wind roared, wrenching the sand from the Anuroch desert and whipping it into Kiva and Jareg's eyes. The pair stumbled on, shielding their eyes from the onslaught with outstretched hands. "I should have kept my cloak," Kiva whispered to himself as he pushed through the stinging winds. Jareg turned back and shouted something to Kiva, but his words were lost on the wind. Kiva strained to hear him, but it was useless. The winds wailed, draining the world of all other sound. Kiva pushed on, all his determination forced into each step, for he knew with each step the two were closer to sanctuary.
  He sought to lose his mind in the torrent of sand that ravaged his face and body. Meditation was impossible in such conditions, but he was able to summon a warm thought. Tegan shimmered into his mind's eye.She was smiling. Her joyful smile brought a swell to his heart everytime he saw it. Despite the whipping winds and the agonizing sands, Kiva was able to find peace and comfort in the image of her smile. A month ago the affect would have annoyed him. He would have troubled over the idea of a woman holding sway on him. But not now, he had come to embrace his love for her. He took strength in her presence, both by his side and in his mind.
  The winds died as suddenly as they had started and Jareg turned to Kiva, his face browned from the sand. "I need a drink, mate," He laughed and flicked some sand from his hat.
  Kiva couldn't help but grin. He approached his oldest friend, "Not now," He walked passed him, making his way for North Fort. He and Jareg had walked until the sun began to set, then they found a spot behind a dune to light a fire to shield off the nocturnal desert's brutal cold.
  "It's worse than Black Ice Isle at night, har!" Jareg joked and wrapped his arms tighter about himself. Kiva agreed, the desert was incredibly cold during the night. TheElf leaned back and gazed up at the debris filled sky. The sky had troubled him. Hehad overheard a rumor that the sky would be filled with dust and debris for at least a century. Normally this wouldn't have worried him. But it occured to him, that if the rumor was true then Tegan wouldnever again see a bluedaytime sky, or the eternal glory of the stars at night.That thought had bothered him so deeply that he sough out Ozymandias, something he tried toavoid. He asked the ancient Bardif the rumor was true, it seemed it wasn't. The sky would only remain clouded for a decade at most, or so said Ozymandias.
  "I hope he's right," Kiva murmered.
  "The cold is gettin' to ye, mate. Ye're talkin' to ye self now, har!" Jareg laughed as he pulled a bottle ofXeenite wine from his pack and offered it to Kiva. "To keep ye bones warm." He grinned wide, baringhis sharpTeifling teeth.
  "No thanks, old friend," Kivadeclined. Jareg shook his head, amused, and raised the bottle to his own lips. He took one swig and then hedropped the bottle and stood. Kiva was with him. A loud thump sounded nearby, and the groan of a giant was heard. The two quickly doused the fire with sand,then drew their weapons. They stood back to back for several moments, casting thier eyes about the featureless sand. Normally they could havetaken an entire clan ofSand Giants, but these were not normal circumstances. They had no time to prepare, there would be no magical protections. It would be skill against skill.
  "Steady, mate," Jareg whispered to Kiva. The thumping had stopped and the two were able to breath a single sigh of relief beforefourSand Giants leaped the dune and fell upon them. Thepairrushed forward, their swords meeting the axes of the giants. In the first frantic moments of battle, Kiva and Jareg always had the advantage. As a Demon-kin and shadow-altered Elf the two were gifted with unparrelled speed and agility. One of the giants was imediately felled as Kivacollided his foot into the Giant's knee and as the massive form fell Jareg leaped upon it, driving his rapier deep into the Giant's throat.
  The battle turned in favor of the giants then, as their superior strength and size began to weigh against the pair. Kiva and Jareg were fighting back to back now. A massive axe fell, threatening to cleave Jareg, but Kiva whirled deflecting the blow with his short sword. The axe slid away and fell upon Kiva's shoulder, wounding it badly.As the Giant's axe fell, Jareg leapt forward stabbing his dagger into the Giant's chest. It was by sheer luck that the blade pierced the heart and the giant toppled.
  Kiva sheathed the sword of his wounded arm and backed away. The last two giants descended upon Jareg now and the Teifling fought ferociously to deflect thier attacks. As Kiva watched he reached into his belt and gathered several shurikens into his palm. Then he waited. Jareg turned aside a deadly axe sweep, then he leaped to meet the other giant, lashing at its massive hand. In a rage the giant dropped his axe and raised his fist. In that moment Kiva's hand lanced forward with blinding speed. The shurikens whistled through the air and peppered the giants face, ruinning both its eyes. The giantthrashed blindly, and though he tried to dodge, Jareg was taken in the face by a heavy fist. The Teifling was tossed to the ground, stunned.
  Kiva reach for his bow, ready to loose several arrows at the blinded giant. But the beast turned away andfrantically ran into the endless sands of the desert. Kiva breathed easy, but he had forgotten about the last giant. In the last second he saw as the giant charged Jareg's fallen form. In a panic Kiva dashed to intercept the attack. Hiswounded hand automatically drew his second sword and he realized he was forcingthe muscle, tissue, and bone of his bloodied shoulder to repair itself.Hethrew himself beteween the Giant and Jareg, sweeping his sword up into the axe's path. The giant, surprised by the deflection stumbled back for a moment before charging again. Kiva leapt to meet the monster.
  The last few months had beenheading for this moment. He had been robbed of his power andstrength, all his abilities drained from him.Since his return to Hlint he had done nothing but seek his old power. His swords swept through the air parrying each axe strike. His feet struck into openings the giant had created. And he realized that each move the giant made, he was predicting. His swords always in the right place at the right time, his fists and feet flurrying into the giant's unprotected body. Every move Kiva made was precise, calculated. He saw the giant's eyes gleam with fear as realization of defeat struck the beast. Kiva fought further, pushing the giant further and further from Jareg. Then he leapt forward, aiming a dangerous strike at the giant's waist. The beastwas forced to twist the axe down to defend itself, and Kiva whirled, lancing his second blade into the giant's neck. The beast dropped his axe and stumbled back, his hands grasping wildly at the blade lodged in its flesh. Kiva ran forward, hurling himself into the air and sent a forceful punch into his sword's hilt, driving the blade through the giant's skull and sceweringits brain. The beast fell.
  Kiva knelt, drew and cleaned his blade, then returned to Jareg. The teifling was standing now, a satisfied smile on his face. He clapped Kiva on the shoulder, "It's good to have the old Kiva back, mate."

[Candor Ignifer]

The blue flame blazed in the hearth casting a pale light over the office. The room was silent, save for the shallow breathing of the Elf lounging against the wall. Kiva had been sitting there for hours, his gaze and mind lost in the dancing azure fire. "How curious life is," He mused to himself. Recent events had been good and bad. He had expirienced great successes but also a disturbing setback.
  Matterswith The Tradesmen Elite and The Shadow Network were progressing nicely. He and Jareg, having taken up selling diamonds, were acruing the needed funds at a rapid rate. Soon they would have their guild hall in Pranzis and the real work could begin. Kiva had high hopes for his two-sided guild. Jareg seemed ever more eager as the days wore on as well.
  But aside from the guild, there was something greater,a larger success that caused him to smile. He and Tegan weregetting alongnicely. They shared many moments now, and she seemed happy with his advances. As long as he made them in the right way, of course. His smile grew as he recalled the night almost a week ago when they simply stared at the blue flame together. He had explained that the fire was all that remained from his days as an alchemist. They both had become lost in the moment, and before he knew what was happening they were lost in each others' arms once more, locked in another passionate kiss.
  "Gods, how I love that woman," He whispered to himself. The flame licked up, crackling. He locked his eyes on the charring wood beneath the searing heat, "I think I'll ask her for a date the next time I see her." Until now all his invitations to meet in private had been through carrier hawk and letter. And tthey had always been chances to talk, never an official romantic involvement. He imagined that asking her in person may have an amusing affect on Tegan.
  Though he looked forward to seeing her again. And the very thought of her caused him great joy, he knew that for every good event there was a bad event. And there was indeed a bad event. One of his commanders, Talen Sgath, seemed to have a slightly more slippery mind than Kiva had estimated. The human, it seems, was already a member of The Free Lancers, and he had somehow forgotten this. Upon confronting Talen, the man chose to remain with The Free Lancers. Normally this wouldn't have troubled Kiva. But Talen was now a non-agent who was educated as to the Network's operations.
  "I'll have to watch him closely," Kiva said aloud.
  His mind was troubled for just a moment more before Tegan's dazzling smile and gleaming eyes entered his mind. A smile crossed his face once more and all his troubles were forgotten. Settled with this new peace, Kiva closed his eyes and dreamed of the woman he loved.

[Candor Ignifer]

The house was massive and empty. Kiva couldn't help but enjoy the collosal silence that filled the place. He sat on the floor, leaning against a wall, in one of the larger rooms. His eyes scanned his surroundings and he imagined all the different ways the place could be remodeled to suit his needs better. "This is going to be just as expensiveas buying the place," He said wryly. But he was right. Jareg and he had thought thehouse would be better designed, but it seems that the original architech was a novice at best, or extremely disorganized. The house was an array of rooms and halls with little to no style or structure what-so-ever.
  Kiva turned away from his new home and gazed down at the book in his hand. The Drow lettering was becoming familiar to him now, and he noted it with a certain satisfaction. He had always loved languages, and he strived to learn as many as possible. Once he hadmastered Drow he'd move on to Halfling. Communication, he knew, was paramount to his goals. And he wished to be a master of communication, in whichever language was necessary.
  He looked up again, taking in the large room that surrounded him. It was amazing, he mused to himself, just a week ago he and Jareg only dreamed of owning this building. And now they did. 260 Haft Lake District was thier's, and it was to be the future home ofboth The Tradesmen Elite, and The Shadow Network. But even more importantly than the house, in purchasing ithe and Jareg discovered a new ally. He hadalways watched the Sea Elf, Auuumi, with a distant interest. She didn't speak Common and she seemed timid around everyone except for Tegan. Kiva smiled, he knew all too well how easy it was to feel comforted by Tegan. But Auuumi had come to he and Jareg and she expressed how she could that she wished to help. She was a great help. She expedited the process incredibly.While Kiva, Jareg, Tegan, and Auuumi were in the house for the first time, Auuumi disclosed something that truly surprised Kiva. She was fluent in both Common and Elven.
  The woman had been silent all this time, listening and learning while in the presence of others, and now she chose to reveal her new found skills to just these three. Kiva and Jareg decided right there to make Auuumi aCommander in The Shadow Network.She was a stout ally, and anyone who could listen, learn, and keep secrets that well would certainly be an asset.
  Kiva's mottled sanguine eyes turned back to the book. "Things are working out nicely," He mused to himself. Heand Jareg now owned their second home. Thetwo-sided guild would soon be announced to the public. The Shadow Network was already receiving contacts from people in need ofthe Network's services. A new ally was discovered. And Kiva was soon to have another date with Tegan. A smile crossed his face, and he continued to read the Drow script.

[Candor Ignifer]

"After all I've endured, have I truly not reigned in my anger?" Kiva asked himself as he slowly made his way to Pranzis. He was clinging to a cliffside in the Deadman's Pass, hundreds of feet were between his feet and the horizontal ground. It was dangerous, and hard work to climb the sheer rock face, but he welcomed the struggle. It helped him to clear his mind. Lightning streaked the sky instantly followed by a bone shaking crack of thunder. Kiva reached higher and hauled himself up.
  It was a ...ed dragon. How could it have gone so wrong. They all knew the dragon was there. He, along with Jareg, Tegan, Wren, T'ashr, Bakee, and Daralith had been resting in a nearby cavern, gathering their strength after a lengthy battle with a sizable giant clan. As Kiva lounged against the hard rock, he cast his eyes about the small subterranean room. He wished to look upon Tegan's beauty and relax with her smiling back at him. But she wasn't there. He heard a loud roar from down the cave's corridor. His heart cringed as he realized what was happening. Springing to his feet he dashed towards the roar, he didn't take time to protect himself magically or steel his mind for the coming battle. He simply rushed forward.
  As he turned a bend he watched in horror as a massive Blue Dragon cornered Tegan against the cavern wall. "Tegan! Run!" He shouted as he drew his blades and charged the beast. His effort was wasted. The dragon turned and sent a powerful blow into Kiva's body. The Elf flew through the air and crashed against the stone wall with a sickening crack. He fell to the floor, his back broken, and struggled to stand. The pain surged through his body, wracking his senses. He watched helplessly as Tegan was ripped apart by the dragon. It was useless to struggle, darkness took him.
  Kiva had died in the past, and he had watched as Tegan had been killed before. But never by something so brutal as a Dragon. The expirience shook him deeply. But even more deeply because for the first time in his life, Kiva felt the cold touch of the Soul Mother reach into him and extract a sliver of his soul. It wasn't the loss of a portion of his soul that troubled him, nor was it the icy touch of the Soul Mother upon his heart. He feared more for Tegan. He suddenly realized that he could be taken from her. This thought unnerved him like nothing else. He would need to be more careful in the future. His life was no longer only his. He had offered it to a person he cared for. If he died, she would feel the pain of loss.
  This new thought and the fact that the Soul Mother had finally touched him festered within him, worming its way passed his mind and into his emotions. The small seed of anger slowly turned into rage. He released it upon the nearest person, Bakee. His words were mostly harsh and untrue, and he knew this. But he could not stop himself. In turn Bakee became hostile and spurned Kiva. Not able to cope with this or the emotions he felt, he left for Pranzis.
  Kiva pulled himself up onto the ledge and made his way into the Serpent Mountians. His mind was troubled for he knew he shouldn't have said the things that he did. "Once I have gathered my wits I'll seek her out and apologise. Bakee didn't deserve that." He whispered to himself. As he passed through the mountians his thoughts returned to Tegan. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you," His voice trembled andtrailed away.

[Candor Ignifer]

Kiva paced back and forth, his feet working mechanically with no direction from his mind, for his mind was not with him at that moment. His swords had been discarded and thrown to the bed along with his hooded overshirt and now he walked in his office, naked from the waist up. He was reliving the events of the day and night, and as each small moment replayed his smile grew. The day was an interesting one. He had taught Tegan the sword. As much as she could be taught anyway. She had a natural feel for the blade and all Kiva need do was provide her with a target. The rest came on its own. But it was that night that truly held his mind captive. The night had started innocently enough, he was merely sitting by his tree in Hlint as he always did. Until of course, Tegan, Ash, and Nepp arrived.Ash andNepp's behavior was certainly entertaining, but despire the amusementKiva and Tegan made their escape from the soon-to-be parents and headed for the Haven outskirts.
  Tegan had been vigorously pursuing her crafts lately and she wanted to try her hand at some roasts, thisin turn meant she needed ingredients, which in its own course meant Kiva would be alonewith her while they walked the lands of Mistone. The solitude wasn't as comforting as he thought it would be. Having seen Ash's temperment with Nepp, Kiva found himself curious if all women expirienced such a mood swing when with child. He made the mistake of asking Tegan this question.It wasn't her answer that now tugged at his mind, it was her amusement. And it only grew when they happened upon Sa'kura and another nameless adventurer. These two along with Tegan spared no words to tease Kiva. Looking back on it now, the situation was humorous.
  But as entertaining as the encounter was, it was the small talk that he and Tegan had immediately following that made his heart swell. Through their words they established that they were in fact a couple. This was something Kiva had been yearning for. And now that the words had been spoken, he found that his soul knew a strange and pleasant peace. He was calm, more so than he had ever been.
  He stopped pacing and gazed at thefire burning in the hearth, "This has been a good day."

[Candor Ignifer]

Old books and tomes were stacked around Kiva, walling him off from the rest of the Great Library of Voltrex. These documents had been placed here, at his desk, by him over the many years he had come to study here. At the moment however, he studied something not of the archives. Talen had brought him the contract granting the service of The Network to the Freelancers. The contract was simple enough, but he wanted to study it more closely to search for any loopholes he hadn't previously noticed. There were none.
  Placing the scroll on his desk he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. There were so many matters drawing his attention of late. Of course, the most dominating facet of his life was now Tegan. He knew only joy when he was with her. And his happiness lingered passed her departure and stayed with him as he thought of her. He had never thought such a sensation was possible, but life it seemed, still held some surprises for him.He had watched as Tegan grew from the fledgeling caster to the skilled and powerful sorceress that she had become. And he was very proud of her.She had gone from being the young Half-Elf girl seeking to learn Elven from him, to being a lovely andbright young woman. And she was the love of his life.
  But there was more to Kiva's life now. The Network was taking shape and the roster was growing rapidly. Jareg and Ireth had come to talking, which was good. Until now Kiva felt as if he was the liaison between the two. With any luck, and their continued correspondence, that would change.
  And there were new people in his life. The most noteworthy was T'ashr. She was an odd girl. She seemed totally innocent, almost as if she were a child. But she carried the same power Tegan had, but to a lesser degree. Judging from her attitude one would never guess she was a Teifling, not until she bared her fangs. Rhynn was seeking him again. But not for council now, but simply to talk. She had finally chosen a course for her life, and now it seemed she was content to simply speak with Kiva as a comrade. Then there was Auuumi and Ashiel, both now members of The Network. He knew little of them and it seemed that despite their enrollment in his guild, he still knew little of them. He'd have to fix that. And finally, there was Jaleel. The man was not part of Kiva's life. But he was noticed. In all his life Kiva had never met someone so ingorant yet so conceited. He even managed to anger Jareg, which was no small feat. The human seemed content to bask in his world of personal opinions, which were never justified by fact, and spout his accusations at the world. "No matter,"Kiva thought to himself, "He's merely human. And if his tongue doesn't get him killed his short life span will end him soon enough."
  "Hello?" A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. Kiva opened his eyes to find a small face peering at him from over the stacked books. "Oh, you are here. I'm sorry!" The face vanished and Kiva lept up. In all his time here the small librarian had never spoken to him. She only went about her chores humming to herself.
  "Wait!" He called as he emerged from his book constructed shelter. The girl turned, her face showing her fear. It was a reaction he was used to. How else would someone react to him? His eyes were the mottled blue and violet of the night sky, speckled with silver. And his lips were black. Even had he not been clad in dark clothing and sporting two sowrds on his back, he would still appear unwelcoming. He knew how he looked; how it appeared when he grinned or smirked. He looked evil. He looked molevolent. "Wait," He called again, softer this time.
  The girl waited, her hands figdeting together in frontof her, "Yes?" She asked, her voice barely a whisper.
  Kiva tried to spoften his expression. "Why have you never replaced all the books I've stacked here?"
  She glanced from him to the towering books and back to him, "I thought you may want to read them again. I'm sorry." Her hands twisted more rapidly now.
  He shook his head slightly, "Don't apologise. I'm not upset. But you can replace them anytime you like. I'm not so lazy as to not seek them out again should I need them."
  She studied him for several moments, perhaps gauging his sincerity, "Alright," She finally answered and the fear seemed to fade from her eyes. "I'll do that." Glad that she no longer seemed afraid of himKiva smiled to himself. "You have dimples!" She excliamed. His eyes widened for just a moment and he didn't know how to react. The young Elven girl giggled and moved off into the bowels of the library.
  Kiva stood nonplussed. That was the secod time this week he had heard someone say that to him. Tegan was the first. He lightly touched his cheek, "Dimples, huh?" Then he recalled exactly what Tegan had said to him regarding his dimples and he laughed to himself. "I'll take all the helpI can get!" He moved behind the wall of books once more. He pushed aside the contract he had been reading and turned to a tome written in Drow. "I wonder what the Drow word for dimple is?"

[Candor Ignifer]

The malar panther padded along the River of Shadows, first drinking deeply from the dark waters, then turning and continuing its course along the river bank. As it passed a nearby tree its head raised and it sniffed the air, testing a faint scent it had caught. The beast, unable to pinpoint the source of the smell, growled and loped off into the darkness of the wood. Kiva stood for a long while, watching the path the large cat had taken, waiting for the animal to return. It didn't. He breathed a slight sigh of relief. It had passed right by him. If he wished he could have reached out and touched its fur. Once again, he knew gratitude for his inherent stealth capabilities.
  Peeling himself from the tree he dashed along the river, skirting the bank and avoiding the cluster of trees that most likely hid more panthers, or possibly vampires. Finally, he dove head first into the river and swam with the current until he reached the far bank. He scrambled onto the bank and removed his tunic and undershirt, baring his chest to the cool forest air. It wassweet and refreshing to feel the breeze on his wet skin, and he savored the caress of the wind as it encircled him. He tossed his clothes over a river-side rock while he walked the short distance to the stone that was his mother's final resting place.
  There was no mending necessary. During the last few months he had visited many times, each time peeling weeds and moss away from the rock, and chiseling the dirt from the engraved words. He sat, cross legged, before his mother's grave and stared for a long while at the letters he had carved when she died, "Nathyrra Seidai". He wondered now if he should have also written a small lymeric to honor her. He pondered over what words he would use, but finally decided to leave her grave as it was. To change it now seemed unsincere. He hadn't come here to toilfor hours over words that would serve no purpose, anyhow. He had come here to talk.
  He closed his eyes and he sought out the void deep within him, the emptiness that was meditation. The rustle of the wind tossed leaves and the rushing of the river slowly faded away, and he knew peace.He floated in the haven of his mindas he addressed each issue that had tugged at his mind of late.Soon, he was at ease, andhis body relaxed.
  "I knew you would come, my son," Nathyrra's voice came to him from the darkness of the void. "You never could stay away for long. Why is that?"
  Kiva struggled with the words, trying to keep his voice steady. His mother always had an odd effect on his serenity, "I miss you, Mother. I come to tend your resting place, and to speak with you."
  Nathyrra slowly materialized in Kiva's mind. She looked the way she had before the Dark Forest had drained her of her vitality. She was sleek, and beautiful, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, and her eyes of deep emerald peircing at him. "My resting place is here, Darkchild," She lightly touched his chest over his heart, "Not in this place. This spot is merely a rock on a river bank." She smiled at him, and he felt her presense soothing him. Even in death, her motherly love was comforting. "And you have no reason to miss me, my son. You are no longer alone."
  Kiva watched his mother with dark eyes, not knowing what to say. His mouth was dry and his mind was blank. He wanted to talk, but now he found that he could only listen.
  "The woman you call S'layl is with you." Nathyrra continued, "You will love, and you will be loved. Don't let the fears of your curse affect that. Be with her, go to her, give her what she desires. There is a doubt in your mind that has plagued you since she spoke to you of an issue you fear. Don't fear it. Your curse is a blessing as well, if it passes on, it will be your child's blessing."
  Kiva's breath caught in his throat, "Are you telling me to conceive a child?" He could hardly believe this to be true, and he hoped his mother did not confirm it.
  "No, I'm not." She smiled at him with soft lips, "Though the idea of being a grandmother is appealing."
  "Mother!"
  "Calm down, Darkchild, I'm chiding you. I'm not telling you to have a child. The Gods know what kind of father you'd be," She laughed teasingly at that. "However I imagine your heart would melt like snow in the summer if you were to sire a daughter. But that's neither here nor there. And you certainly aren't ready for a child. What I'm telling you is to stop fearing yourself and what it means to give yourself to another. If she is truly your S'layl, then let her have you. She deserves it, you know. She stands with you, holds your hand, walks beside you. It is because of her that you are no longer alone. And you two make a beautiful couple." Nathyrra laid a gentle kiss on her son's brow. "She's good for you, Kiva."
  Kiva jerked back to reality, the tranquility of meditation shattered. Nathyrra had called him Kiva, she hadn't called him by his name since she first called him Darkchild over a century ago. The shock of it had jeered him, leaving his face flushed and his eyes wide. Gradually he regained his composure and stood, glancing down at the words, "Nathyrra Seidai" carved into the base of the boulder. As he dressed and began his trek back to Pranzis a small smile creased his lips, "She's good for me." He shook his head amusedly, "How is it that even in death mothers always find a way to be right?"

[Candor Ignifer]

Snow drifted over the rooftopsof Leilon, the wind softly spreading through the alleyways and streets, with the white flakes finally resting on the frozen cobblestones of the roads. It was late, and save for thegentle murmuring wind, the city was silent. It was a calm and peaceful night for Leilon, but not for Kiva. In his home he struggled with a very large bed, straining his back and legs to push the heavy wooden fame into place. Panting, he straightened himself and eased his muscles. He was naked from the waist up and sweat was pouring down his abdomen. He glanced down at the bed, he could have sworn it was watching back in defiance. Heloosened his arms a bit and then threw his weight into the bed frameonce more. Slowly but surely it slid the last few inches into position. The headboard rested against the far wall of his room.
  He stepped back and wiped the perspiration from his face and body before he turned to study the rest of the room. Other than the bed, it was empty. He had been working all day, and now all night, to rearrange his room. It had once served him as his office, his library, and his bedroom. But now circumstances had changed and his room would serve only one purpose. It would be simply a bedroom.
  He cringed as he gazed over the empty floor and realization struck him that he would soon be dragging more heavy furniture into the room. He suddenly found himself wishing he could trade his unearthly grace for just a small portion of strength. He strode from his room and somberly began to wrestle and drag with a large bookshelf. As the battle between Elf and furniture ensued Kiva's mind drifted off into those far recesses that only he could find. And while his body toiled and ached to move the lumbering shelf, his mind thought about the passed few days and the events that had ensued.
  The first, as always, was Tegan. His S'layl. But there was nothing turbulent to meander over, nothing mind consuming that he needed to sort out. Things were going well with her. Very well. And for that, he was grateful. What really tugged at his mind was another woman, a long time friend of his. Ash Willo had finally had her children, they were triplets.Kiva smirked to himself at the thought of it."Leave it to Ash and Nepp to have children while he's off traveling the world with another woman."A conversation he had recently with Tegan flashed though his mind. They were talking about the idea of children, it was a conversation that Kiva had been dreading since he last spoke with his mother.Now with Ash and Nepp being parents the reality of it set in. Children happen, it was the question of how one approached the topic that begged concern. Kivasilently swore that hewouldnot take the approach Nepp had taken. He would be there for Tegan, every step of the way.
  While the rest of Ash and Nepp's comradescelebrated the birth with joy and all flocked to the new mother baring good tidings and well-meant advice, Kiva sat back and watched. The birth of the triplets meant something entirely different to him thanthe others. Ash and Nepp had made Kiva and Jareg their children's guardians. And though he loathed to admit it, Ash and Nepp were not long for the world. Both had been raked deeply by the Soul Mother and neither had long to live. In a way, Kiva was glad for that. They would go together, or atleast close together. Buthe also knew sadness. They would leave their children behind, and in the care of Kiva and Jareg, no less.
  Ash had once explained why she had chosen them, her reason was not solid. "Because you two would be the coolest parents ever!" Kiva could hardly agree with that reasoning, and it was Nepp who explained the issue more thoroughly. Kivaprefered Nepp's perspective. He explained,"By choosing you, Kiva,that means Tegs will be there too. So we really get you, Tegs, and Jareg. And what more could we want? Your honor to guide and protect them. Tegs' sweetness tocare and nurture them. And Jareg is just plain fun!"
  "And drunk," Kiva had added.
  "That's why he's so fun!" Nepp justified. Looking back on those words now, Nepp made a lot of sense. And that comforted him with the idea of children of his own. His honor to guide and protect them, Tegan's sweetness to care and nurture them. Kiva hated to admit, but Nepp was right.
  Kiva pulled his mind back into focus as his body mechanically shoved the last of the furniture into his room. He looked about, judging the new atmosphere that the room now had. He found that he liked it. He hoped Tegan would too. But that would come later, for now, he was exhausted. With the full toll of his work finally settling down on him, he lay upon his bed. It wasn't long before his eyes closed, his body relaxed,and hedozed peacefully. Outside the streets of Leilon had accumulated more snow,and still all remained quiet. Kiva had worked for hours, and he often caused loud crashing and banging noises. But Leilon continued, undisturbed, as the night silently passed by.

[Candor Ignifer]

The walk from Hlint to Leilon was one that Kiva knew all too well, and he found that the passing scenery of Fort Llast and surrounding lands had etched a place in his memory. He knew when to expect a rise in the road, or where each tree and bush grew. He knew where the puddles gathered when it rained, or which course the wind would follow. He had made the journey many times, though the frequency had increased lately. His feet carried him speedily along the gravel road, his legs pumping hard, augmented by his Ki. His mind drifted as he ran, losing himself to thoughts of the days passed. Matters with The Network were smooth at the moment, though he was still engaged with the Freelancers' contract. The guild had become official, being recognized as a true organization, rather than a loosely affiliated group of allies. Now all that remained was the reconstruction of the guildhall in Pranzis. That task was most likely going to take quite some time.
  Kiva's feet carried him passed Fort Llast and onto the realm of Blackford Castle. As he watched the grassy fields fly passed him he sought out the faimliar song of the shadows. As always he found it easily, his ears drinking in the haunting melody of darkness. He yearned for a way to show Tegan this music. Where his life had always been darkness, now it was both darkness and light. And his light was Tegan. The two had grown extremely close, so much so that he often had to remind himself that they were a couple and that they were deeply in love. It seemed so surreal. Only a few short years ago she was the woman that he watched from afar, now she was his other half. He wished for a way to reconcile the two aspects of his life; Tegan and the shadows. He wanted her to hear the music that he heard. "One day I'll find a way," He told himself.
  His stride quickly drank in the distance between he and Leilon. Lake Palden slipped by him until finally he reached the city wall. He nodded to the single guardsman as he opened the door to the city and stepped out onto the cobble stone street. He always liked Leilon, it had all the flare of a large city without being too boisterous, like PortHampshire. The recent snow storms only seemed to increase Leilon's appeal.
  Kiva's mind was still attuned to theshadow's music as he made his way to his home, but then he stopped. His feet froze to the ground. The song had changed. He had heard fluctuations to the music before, often when a torch barer approached him, or the sun was about to rise. The shadows always seemed to retreat from sources of light. But this time it was different, the music became louder. Hecast his eyesabout, searching for any irregularities. There were none, yet the shadows began to wail and scream now. No longer singing, they now shrieked as if they were in pain.His ears grated against the crying, then there was silence. The screaming stopped, and there was no music. It seemed even the wind had died. Kiva hearda single word, "...Darkchild..." It was barely a whisper. Then he felt it, theextreme coldbehind him. He twirled on his feet just in time to seea black claw strike at him.
  Kivafell, rolling on his shoulder and springing back to his feet, but the Shadow was just asfast. "Come to ussssss, brother," It hissed and lunged again. Kiva swayed and drew his first blade, his sword arched up against the outstretched arm. But itmerely glanced off the shadow flesh. Kiva backed away, watching the Shade closely. This wasn't good.He was in a city, and people would see, an armed Elf fighting a Shadow in the streets would draw attention. He did the only thing he could think of.He ran.
  He dashed with his full speed into the streets of Leilon, a glance behind him showed that the Shadow was close on his heels. But luckily Kiva knew Leilon well and was able to manuever to gain some distance. As he weaved throughout the various alleyways he made his way to the docks.There was a spot he knew that would serve his purposes well. He turned on his heel suddenly and his hand flicked forward, several shurikens launching at the Shadow's face. Thebeast shrieked then continued its pursuit, but Kiva was already running.
  Kiva made his last turn into the alley he sought. He could feel the icy essence of the Shade just behind him. The alley ended in a sheer wall and Kiva pumped his legs towards it, filling his legs with Ki. As he reached the wall he stepped onto it and used his sheer speed to run vertically for several paces, then he launched himself backwards, somersaulting in the air. He landed just behind the bewildered Shadow and sent his sword into the Shade's unprotected back. The beast wailed and fell to its knees, flailing its arms at the weapon plunged into its back. Kiva drew his second sword and impaled the creature again, then gripping bothhilts tightly he wrenched them apart, nearly severing the Shadow in half.
  The Shade lay spasming on the cobblestones for several moments, its essence quickly fading. "You haven't essscaped, Darkchild. There will be more." Then it was gone. Kiva glanced behind him, checking to see if anyone had seen. But it was a foolish notion, of course people had saw.A small crowd was gathering outside the alley. City goers stared at the white haired Elf with wide, terrified eyes. Kiva sheathed his blades and pushed passed them. No one said a word to him, they just watched as he left the scene. He quickly made his way to his house, seeking to escape questioning from the guards. How was he supposed to explain how a Shadow had followed him into the city? He didn't even know the answer. He entered his house then closed and locked the door. He strode to his room where he sat upon the couch that he had placed before the hearth. He sat for a long while, his eyes glued on the flamesin the fireplace, replaying the event over and over again in his mind. Finally, still with no answers, he stood and undressed to bathe. As he settled into the warm water of his tub he could only think and say one thing, "Not good,"

[Candor Ignifer]

The trees' canopy blocked out the blaze of the sun, casting only a pale green light over the forest floor. A white stag nibbled at a shrub nearby, but the animal paid Kiva and Tegan no mind. The pair sat in silence, enjoying one another's company, as they watched the waters of the lake shimmer and ripple. Kiva cast his eyes about, "Odd," He thought, "Such a peaceful spot and yet I've never been here before." He looked about some more and realized that he had no idea where he was. But it didn't seem to matter and any worry he had quickly slipped from his mind. He was content enough to sit with Tegan, and to hold her hand.
  A soft wind blew through the trees and the water's serene surface coursed in the wake of the breeze. Kiva stared at the dancing water surface, there were such beautiful colors. Reds and blues of the most brilliant hues, but there was no reds in the forest, and the azure of the sky was blocked by the canopy. It made no sense, but he couldn't grasp why. And even as he realized that something was off, the doubt vanished from him and he once more sat in peace. Tegan turned her head and mouthed something to him, but there was no sound, no words. Her lips smiled and her eyes twinkled at him with delight, and his heart swelled with love at seeing her so happy. But why hadn't she spoke? Why were there no words?
  His mind struggled with the idea of this being wrong, and he toiled to maintain his focus on the abnormality. But he could feel his attention slipping again. He turned to Tegan, and his breath caught in his throat. Her eyes were wide with fear, and he saw in the reflection of her eyes that his face had turned dark. He lifted his hands and stared at them in horror, they too had turned black, and his skin's substancewas fading. Tegan rose and slowly backed away from him, her mouth agape and her eyes shining with terror. Kiva stood and made to appraoch her, but as he did he caughta familiar chill in the air. He turned to find himself surrounded by Shadows. Instinctively he reached for his swords, but they were gone. The Shades laughed, "You can't run from usss, Brother."
  Kiva quickly glanced to Tegan. Tears were streaming down her face and she mouthed something again. But as with before, there were no words. Then she turned and ran from him. He tried to follow but the Shadows leaped into his path and fell on him. Filled with fear, rage, and desperation Kiva lashed out, striking at each Shade with blind hatred. His fists and legs lashed out in a torrent of attacks that drove his enemy away. The Shadows hissed and backed away. Kiva ran after Tegan.
  Tegan glanced behind her to see Shadow-Kiva following after her, and fear gripping her heart she ran faster. No matter his efforts, Kiva could not catch up to her. He felt his strength rapidly draining from him and soon he tripped and toppled to the forest floor. He looked up just in time to see Tegan disappear into the distance. And as he tried to rise he felt the freezing stab of Shadow claws in his back. The Shades were on him. "Welcome home, Brother." They hissed and darkness took him.
  Kiva lurched upright in his bed, a cold sweat drenching his body. He struggled to catch his breath. It took him a moment to realize where he was, safe in his home in Leilon. He looked to his hands, they were normal. He felt his face, he could feel the warmth of his flesh. "It was just a dream," He breathed a sigh of relief. He glanced to his left, Tegan was sleeping soundly beside him. Apparantly his dream hadn't disturbed her, and he was grateful. He reached for the canteen on his bed stand and took a long drink before he settled back down. He lay still for a long while, watching Tegan rest, but sleep never found him. Angry and frustrated, he lay his arm over the woman at his side and he forced himself into the Elven Trance. This time, there were no dreams.