Mynx

The time is nigh, yet again I must depart, my dearest friend You knew from start that I couldn't stay For eons past it has been this way The time has come, as those before My feet are heavy on the floor My dearest friend, I wish it not so But I hear the song, and now must go The time is here, so please don't yearn If fate is kind, I will return Until that time, please let me past For Ka's wind blows and leads my path The time is gone, and so am I Perhaps I'll live, mayhaps I'll die "Our efforts to improve"

Happy belated Birthday!

The second the beast appeared in the room a wash of cold dread enveloped Samantha as the real possibility that it had appeared to take her life manifested in her thoughts. It wasn't until the beast had stalked past her that she realised who it must have come for, her instincts already conjuring a ball of blue fire to her fist before her reason returned and pointed out that whoever had sent this creature would not have sent one that could be so easily destroyed. Never the less she kept the flaming ball in her hand, it's power giving her a kind of comfort as she otherwise watched on helplessly as Duke was disembowled by the demonic beast. It wasn't until the beast had disappeared that Samantha let the fire die out, walking slowly up to the remains of the party's host before turning and looking out into the faces of her fellow candidates, all faces she knew, but Samantha struggled to find any that she trusted implicitly. "I think," she spoke softly, but loud enough to attract attention amidst the panic, "that there is someone here who is no longer playing by the rules." The question was, of course, just who might that be?

Samantha watched Sol holding discussion with Sabastian and decided to hold off going to speak with him. Katelyn's absense from the party left Samantha feeling somewhat unseasy, especially as they had been alone in the church not so long ago. She had been hoping to talk with Sol to see if he had any idea as to the whereabouts of his fiancee, but the darkness and anger in his stare made her reconsider. Turning away to leave the gentlemen at their discussion, Samantha decided she would try have speak with Sol later. Until then, she decided to wait and see what their host had to say.

I haven't a copy of what I sent you Katz but it wasn't urgent so don't worry. I'll send it again when I get home

Happy happy Birthday! *psychotic cheerleader tacklehugs for all!*

*laughs* Spoken like a true diplomat

CheerMynx comes bounding into the room squealing happily, a large bundle of brightly coloured balloons and streamers clutched in her paw. Hitting the breaks a little too late, CheerMynx lost her footing and crashed into Gwai, the balloons and streamers flying everywhere. The dust (and glitter) finally cleared to reveal a slightlys tunned but still grinning CheerMynx, who promptly licked Gwai on the forehead. "Like, Totally happy birthday!"

Co-written with Tanny ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Samantha smoothed the creases her dress had gathered in the past few hours as she walked through one of the many hallways of the courts, her mind still turned to the meeting she had held with her parents. All this news of the assassinations and deception that seemed to be running stronger than usual within the courts had caused deep unrest amidst all the families. Duke's message had only added to this feeling. Samantha's parents had called a meeting with her to discuss the families that held alliances with her own, the potential ones to be made, and the ones to avoid. As well as the usual advice to guard all of this close to her heart. Had she not been raised to the standards of such a society, it would have been enough to make her head spin. As it was, Samantha was sufficiently distracted that she did not see Katelyn hurrying around the corner. The two bumped into each other in surprise but were both quick to gather themselves. Samantha smiled and inclined her head in greeting to the twin. "Greetings, Katelyn. How are you today?" Katelyn was slightly slower to recover from the surprise, and didn't answer immediately - she stil felt a bit light-headed, and she knew it was because of Karen's sudden disappearance. I can't sense her... can't reach her... is she's alive? "Greetings, Samantha. I'm sorry, it seems I'm somewhat distracted with my sister's absence. I hope you are well?" "I'd heard news that something had happened to your twin. I apologise for not sending your house a message immediately but there has been so much going on..." she sighed and shook her head. "This game of politics is fast losing any semblance of honour." Katelyn murmured and agreement at that comment. Samantha tilted her head and raised an eyebrow at the twin. "I assume you are going to the Duke's meeting. You are already on you way?" Katelyn shook her head. "No, not really... it is still early for the meeting, I was just finishing up some errands." "Would you like to walk with me then?" She looked at Samantha without hiding her curiosity and surprise - it wasn't common for the young diplomat to make such a direct request, and Katelyn certainly cound't deny her the time after that. It was also clear that they could hardly stand in the middle of the Boulevard talking, but neither Katelyn nor Samantha wanted to go into the other's Ways, or be seen going into them. Samantha murmured, "Shadow". Katelyn hesitated, not willing to offend Samantha. Following her into another Shadow would demand of her a trust she wasn't sure she had. Her eyes wandered across the Boulevard, and rested at the imposing building at the very edge of the Courts. The Cathedral of the Serpent. Samantha nodded, having followed Katelyn's eyes. Both entered in the Cathedral, and Katelyn shifted to her demoness form as soon as she entered. It was a reaction both she and her sister had always had - it was their private way to show respect for the Church. Samantha smiled softly at Katelyn's response, before showing her own respect by bending to one knee before the centre alter and touching a loosely fisted hand to her forehead. They didn't sit, but walked to one of the side altars, and started talking quietly. The niche was positioned in a way that the shadows protected them at least partially from view, while allowing them to watch the entrance. Samantha stared at the altar again after they had seated themselves, before letting out a soft sigh and shaking her head. "You'll have to forgive me Katelyn, but in this current situation I am finding it so hard to trust anyone. I even find myself questioning you at times...although the absence of your sister speaks in favour of your innocence..." Katelyn listened intently to Samantha, but at one moment she turned her head towards the arched galleries across them. Her expression didn't change, and she turned back to Samantha in the same smooth movement. I didn't expect it... but I'm glad for it.. Samantha noticed the movement and allowed her voice to trail off as she looked at her seated companion. "Is there something wrong?" "No, nothing to worry about." Katelyn smiled, less tense. "We are safe here for now." She could see the suspicion in Samantha, and nodded once. "Trust is something hard to place well in these times. I'm honestly glad that you don't suspect me outright, Samantha, and I cannot blame you for not trusting completely. I don't, either." Katelyn knew that talking so directly was risky. But Samantha also was being direct, and so she kept that line. "We won't be attacked here in the Cathedral. I'm certain of it, and you have my word that nothing that might happen is of my doing." She stood up, turning to the entrance but keeping her intense violet eyes on the diplomat. "What do you want to talk about, Samantha? House Minobee is angry, as angry as any House can be. House Sepharis has answered positively to our need so far. We are hunting those who took my sister, and I will have them with my own hands if I can. Whether that means also the throne or not. I lost half my soul with Karen, and nothing will stop me while the responsible ones aren't punished.." Samantha nodded her head at that. "I can understand your House's anger Katelyn. My own House is running under heightened suspicions of even those who have been allied with us for years. I fully understand how hard it is for us to trust anyone in this current situation." Pausing to see if Katelyn had any comment to make, Samantha continued when she showed no sign of speaking. "Right now, I do not offer alliance. Instead I offer...well...shall we call it a truce? At least for now? No one is entirely trustworthy in this game, but sometimes it is nice to have someone to share your thoughts with." Rising from her seat, Samantha curtseyed gracefully to the twin. "Think on it if you wish. It is merely a simple offer. I have to go and tend to things back at my House now but I'm sure I will see you at the meeting." That said, Samantha turned and walked fluidly from the Church, leaving Katelyn to ponder what she had just heard.

Boisterous, blustering brown bears bellow boldly behind biting blue buglike baracudas

Samantha sat in her study and read over the note the messenger had delivered. Strange for Duke to call such a sudden meeting for all in line for the regency. Could it be a trap? Perhaps. Getting all of the candidates in one room would make it easy to eliminate them all. But such a foolhardy and public attack would have every family screaming for Duke's blood. Samantha pondered the invitation. There had been too many disappearances and assassinations of late. What was meant to be a match of wits and politics was becoming a bloodbath. Making her decision, Samantha scribbled a reply of confirmation and sent for one of her own messengers to deliver it. Rising from her study, Samantha moved through to her room to prepare. She would to go the meeting and see what Duke had to say. And if the meeting happened to reveal those who had been less than honourable in their tactics, so much the better.

...and suddenly the world of politics makes sense...

Samantha sipped at her coffee as she listened to her gaggle of family 'friends' gossip about every viable topic under the sun. She was paying enough attention to take in what they were saying, but remained without much interest until the General's assassination came up. "I just can't believe the audacity of whoever it was!" one of the girls exclaimed as she accepted the refill offered by one of the servants. "Some will do a lot to get closer to the throne," another commented. "Although if they got caught it would destroy their reputation within the courts." Samantha nodded and made a small noise of agreement at this. Whoever was skilled enough to remove the General would have no small level of confidence about his or her skill. "The problem is," she pointed out to her friends, "what if whoever is doing this does not get caught? How are we to know the difference between good politics and less than honourable actions?" Samantha watched as the group fell into a troubled silence, before one of them - Annalise? - broke the spell with a story about yet another suitor who had decided to pursue her. The rest leapt on the change of topic with a furor, and were soon gossiping loudly again, leaving only Samantha to her worried thoughts about the rising possibility of deception in the courts.

*hugs*

More coffee? Aren't you already consuming enough to take out a young elephant? I really enjoy these poems. They give an interesting view to both sides of the topic and I like seeing the different perspectives of murder (and other related activities). Very nice. Good to see you back my friend

ALL HAIL DONNIE! *realises people are staring and coughs self consciously* Seriously though, I agree with Wyvern - very good film. Definitely one of my all time favourites.

Samantha continued to circulate the room, exchanging pleasantries with many as she listened to their words, trying to see if anyone was going to slip up in what they said. It rarely happened - all who were in the courts were trained against such a thing until it became second nature - but every now and then... Eventually, she found herself at the open balcony, taking in some fresh air as she continued to watch the crowds in their constant dance of politics. She smiled and raised her glass to a few party members she recognised out on the balcony, but when none made any move to strike conversation with her, Samantha went back to pondering Sabastian's words. Sabastian is right, she mused. The game was in full swing by the time Jerin entered that particular...round... The question is, who here was playing?

Samantha smiled and inclined her head in greeting when she caught Sabastian's eye, raising her glass in a silent toast as she continued listening to a pair of house ladies gossip about the goings on. After a few polite words she excused herself and moved to speak with Sabastian proper. "Good evening Sabastian, my condolences for your house's loss. I trust your family received my message?" "They did and with thanks my lady," Sabastian bowed in greeting and flashed a perfectly controlled smile. "So sad to hear of my cousin's misfortune, but having said that rather ignorant of him to let his guard down." Samantha murmered a quiet agreement. Jerin had been rather cocky recently before his end. "Does the house hold any suspicions?" she queried, receiving a rueful grin in return. "We hold the same, as always. Fingers are in the process of being pointed and threats ensued. As with everyone here." Sabastian flashed a charming smile in Samantha's direction. "Mayhap you have heard some news amongst your own?" Samantha laughed pleasantly and hid her smile behind her glass. "Much as you, sir. Common rumours and suspicions, depending on who they come from. The trick is in deciphering the truth from the fact." Pausing, Samantha surveyed the room full of guests of which they were two. "We are all once more in the running, and it would surprise me very little if your cousin's killer were in this room. Nor do I doubt that this will be the first." Samantha turned back and raised both her eyebrow and her glass. "The true game begins now, as we try to find friend from enemy."

CheerMynx skids down the hall, catches sight of Tanny and squeals "Happy birthday! Want me to do your hair...I mean fur for you?" The exuberant feline held up bright pink ribbons and a hopeful smile OOC: Happy birthday Tanny! *huggles*

Samantha paused on her way to the great hall to check herself over once more in a mirror. Satisfied with her sleek and groomed appearance, Samantha lifted her head high and entered the hall, her face already forming the perfectly measured smile - polite but not overbearing or excited - as she curtseyed demurely to the hosts before moving into the throng of people. It only took a few minutes of circulating the various groups of people to know that the topic on everyone's mind was Jerin's assassination earlier that day. No one spoke it, but the hunger for the regency was nearly a taste on the air. Samantha couldn't help but smile at some of the more guarded comments about how...fortunate Jerin's death was for the rest of the potential candidates. Even at this she had to agree. Her parents were thrilled to be able to promote their daughter once more for the candidacy of the throne - even more so since Samantha had so recently negotiated the Logrus successfully this past year. Sipping from a glass of chilled wine as she surveyed the dining hall, Samantha continued her circulation of the various groups and crowds within the party, the years of experience showing in the young woman's grace and comfort as she exchaged conversation pleasntries with the other guests.

*hisses to Cryptomancer* I think we started a cult...

CheerMynx hummed to herself as she skipped through the Pen, a large bunch of brightly coloured balloons clutched in one paw and an equally large bundle of presents in the other. She was so excited. Mynx normally never let her take control when it came to special occasions. And this one was super special indeed! CheerMynx was determined to try her very most super hardest to not screw it up. Finally arriving at Gryphon's quarters CheerMynx let herself in with the key Mynx had given her and bounded into the living room where she proceeded to decorate to the nth degree. Fifteen minutes later, CheerMynx stepped back to survey her work. There was a balloon or streamer in every possible space and hanging up over it all was an exceedingly bright and colourful banner that practically shrieked in its brightness: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRYPHON!!! Checking over the list Mynx had written for her alter ego, Cheer Mynx saw that she had completed everything...but she felt like she needed something else. Knowing she had some time before Gryphon or anyone else showed up, CheerMynx began to pace around and she tried to focus her thoughts on this matter Finally she got it. Gryphon was a Herald, but he wasn't white! In the sudden, single minded nature of the cheerleader, CheerMynx decided that this was vitally important and had to be rectified as soon as possible. Yawning as he wandered back into his quarters, Gryphon shook his head as he wondered at the large number of kitten minions that had been trying to distract him all morning. He knew what day it was, but he was beginning to get curious about what was planned. Looking around inside his quarters, Gryphon was able to see it wasn't a surprise party...well it wasn't at yet at least as he couldn't see anything except for a lot of bright things... This for some reason made him slightly nervous. Mynx wasn't normally so colourful... Just as he was about to sit down, Gryphon heard a kamakaze cheerleader squeal, giving him almost a microsecond to react before he felt something very cold covering his body. Crying out in shock, Gryphon stumbled around and flapped his wings as he tried to get rid of the horrible stick feeling, before CheerMynx appeared with a mirror and a wide grin. "Happy birthday!" she squealed, holding up the mirror to reveal the results of her attack. "I thought that if you were really going to be a herald then we needed to get you the white uniform!" Gryphon gaped at his newly feather died form in the mirror, the white so blinding it almost hurt him to look at it. "Now I wonder if I should make your eyes blue..." CheerMynx wondered out loud, before Gryphon bolted out of his quarters, some of his newly whitened feathers streaming behind him as he raced through the pen away from the dark side of his partner. OOC: Happy birthday Gryphon! *tacklehugs* Sorry for the whiteout...I couldn't resist... Anyone wondering what I'm on about, read or look up Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar series.

The game is over but I am not declaring a winner. Feel free to write your character's end. Maybe the helecopter will arrive after the storm, maybe Vinka will survive and they will catch Johann, maybe Stefan will turn up. It's up to you now. Sorry if anyone doesn't like this ending but I didn't want to end it on the flip of a coin. Thanks to everyone for playing though. I don't know about the rest of you but I definitely had fun. Final score card: Charles Montagne - Lord Panther - Villager - Lynched Gabi Völker - Patrick Durham - Villager - Wolf Kill #3 Brad Stevenson - Gryphon - Baner - Lynched Annelise Berger - Tanuchan - Villager - Wolf Kill #4 Johann Olsen - Akallabeth - Wolf - Disappeared Gregor Mandalay - JDRollins - Wolf - Lynched Tina - Sweetcherrie - Villager - Wolf Kill #2 Vinka Bogataj - Vahktang - Seer - Lynched - Escaped Stefan Fiori - Elwen - Villager - MIA Shayna Harmon - Evangeline - Villager - Lynched Evelyn Thorp - Azuran - Villager - Disappeared Seth - NPC - Wolf Kill #1 Dana - NPC - Insane To quote Jigsaw: "Game over!"

The cabin on Vannacutt Point had finally reached its epitomy of madness and despair. Stefan was nowhere to be found, Johann hadn't stopped crying, and Evelyn was leaping at every shadow and creak. Dana seemed to have retreated entirely into herself, humming gently as she sat in a corner of the living room, oblivious to the banging and the cries coming from those locked in the store room on the other side of the wall she lay against. Even cabin fever held not this affect on its victims. Something had to happen. And finally, something did. Eventually, Johann's tears abated, leaving him with nothing but a black ball of misery in his stomach. Why did I do it Anne? he thought to himself. What have I done to you? Evelyn had been glaring at him all day, hissing accusations at him, implying that he had killed Stefan. And Dana was beyond help. What had he done? Why had he taken so much from these people? Going upstairs, Johann entered Gregor's old room, bending down to the floor as he reached under the bed. Returning downstairs, Johann placed the second short wave radio that Gregor had hidden at Dana's feet. He tried to catch her eye, failing miserably and deciding to talk anyway. "I'm sorry. Nothing I can say will excuse me and nothing I can do will bring Seth back. Or Anne. Or any of the others. I'm sorry." "I KNEW IT!" Johann jumped in shock and leapt away from Dana as he turned to face his accuser. Evelyn stared at him madly, a kitchen knife held shakily in her hand. "Murderer," she hissed, walking unsteadily towards him. Then she noticed the radio, the realisation that she could finally call for help distracting her. Taking advantage of this, Johann bolted for the door, grabbing nothing but a jacket as he disappeared out into the snow. Fiddling with the dials and muttering to herself, Evelyn crowed happily when she reached the police frequency. "You have to help us!" she screeched. "People are dead! The killer's trying to walk off the mountain you have to stop them!" "Ma'am? Ma'am please! Calm down and repeat yourself. How many are dead? Are there any injured? There's a storm brewing we can't get a helecopter up to you for at least twelve hours can you hold out that long?" "Killer!" Evelyn ignored the storm warning and continued to scream. "Stop the killer!" With that she dropped the mic and ran out the door after Johann as the snow already began to fall... Vinka was nearly dead as she staggered over the final rise and found the police station, relief washing over her as she limped down. She didn't register the panic in the air as four officers ran out of the building and began yelling at her, aiming their guns and telling her to drop whatever weapons she had. What? she thought dazedly, trying to understand who they thought she was when the first shot rang out... The radio cracked and hissed with the occasional word as contact was attempted repeatedly with the cabin's inhabitants. Those in the store room screamed and howled as they banged on the wall for attention. But the only person who remained in freedom was Dana; a prisoner of her mind. Outside, the storm began to rage... OOC: Johann/Akallabeth was the second wolf. See comments in the OOC thread.

My game will be officially over in the next day or two hopefully... And I'm in. Same character as before