Kayse (prime)/Vignette: For a Price

Something had been weighing on the aelotoi’s mind and in her typical fashion she confronted it head on. The decision was not an easy one though. 


Pulling down the guards around her mind, her thoughts reached outward to someone familiar. When his thoughts returned to her, his voice was welcoming but most importantly willing to honor her request.


“I shall look to you when the moon rises, and most important when the sun falls.” his voice echoed.


The moon had reached its highest point in the sky, spilling silver beams across the square, when he invaded her mind again,  "Do you recall where the Black Orchard is?"


Instinctively, she blended into the shadows and moved her way to the mushy black door south east of Wehnimer’s busy town square. 


“There is no going back now”, she whispered to herself as she took a deep breath and entered.


Slowly exhaling, she took her time to adjust to the stench of decay that invaded her senses. The smell almost overcame her as she swallowed hard to collect herself before continuing.  She weaved around the rotting garden and disappeared through a wall of woven roots that opened up to the orchard. 


As she approached her pear green eyes shifted across the area cautiously. Off in the distance, a gaunt creature rustled beneath one of the black trees--a bony hand reaching up for one of the glistening black apples in its branches


"I do,” Kayse finally answered as she emerged from the darkness.


The winged figure turned around with a toothy grin, "Well, hello again stranger."


A splattering of thick blood covered Cruxophim’s face as his fangs sunk into the apple in his hand. Chewing, he inquired, "So, what can I assist you with?"


Her mind raced with doubt at the question, but Kayse remained unflappable as she restated what she wanted from him, “I need you to collect blood.”


"From whom?" he clarified, as he inspected his apple before biting into it again.


Pursing her lips, she paused at the question but despite her stoic demeanor the apprehensiveness of the request broke through,  "Oh, um, my blood."


Cruxophim’s luminous yellow eyes shifted abruptly from the apple to her. He had known the resistance and animosity she carried for blood magic. She felt his gaze staring right through her.


Despite that, the black-winged aelotoi didn’t question her. His expression of surprise molded quickly to that of piqued curiosity.  "Oh.  Might I inquire what for, or would you prefer that to be private?"


The shock of her request was wearing off and Kayse straightened her posture and inclined her head. “I want to have it as a bargaining chip--If I should need it."


"It's good insurance, I suppose." Cruxophim took a moment to regard her as he wiped his face with the back of his hand, coating it in sanguine.


“It will depend on if the price of it will get me what I want down the line," she continued.


"Shrewd as always," he laughed as he pulled out a jawbone dagger from his ankle-sheath. “But say no more. Are you prepared?”


She nodded firmly and his blood-coated hand grabbed her wrist.  With careful precision, Cruxophim sliced a long, deep line across her right palm. 


Glancing down at her hand, she watched as the blood began pooling and running down her fingertips.  Rowmi had warned her of blood magic. Of the risks and consequences--but he wasn’t here anymore and she had to fend for herself. 


Her thoughts were interrupted by Cruxophim’s voice,  "Do you have a suitable container?"

 
A moment of panic as her freed hand patted down her jacket. "Oh, I...."


Cruxophon grinned slowly at her. His amused expression annoyed her. Not often is her guard down and the mere act of being vulnerable irritated her


Rummaging through her leather jacket, her left hand pulled out a pottery mug and she handed it over as she muttered, "I'll find something more suitable later."


Cruxophim erupted into laughter.  Holding her hand over the mug, her blood began to drip into it.  "There.  That should do nicely."


Kayse released a contemplative breath as the mug was passed back to her. She glanced down at the liquid within.  


"I hope you don't mind, but -- beyond imbuing it with a preservation lock -- I've also encrypted it with some protections to avoid, let's say... any undesired meddling.  I can break that seal if need be, you need only say the word.”


A pensive expression painted her features. Words that sounded familiar yet foriegn at the same time.  Noticing the look on her face he explained further, "It will still serve just fine for your purposes.  Like allowing entryway to a domicile, but having a key as well."


Giving her a strong, encouraging smile he muttered in incantation and as he lifted his hand away, her wound healed.


She nodded her appreciation and turned to leave before stopping, "Not a word of this to anyone?"


A smug countenance appeared on his face and he tapped his temple, "My lips are sealed."


"They better be. I have daggers I can use on you too," she teased, yet narrowed her eyes at him as a reminder.  


A loud merry laugh escaped his lips,  "Don't threaten me with a good time."


Her upper lip tugged into a smirk and they both exchanged a wide grin. 
 

"Do come and visit again.  And anything you need, I am at your disposal,” he kissed her bloody hand and backed away towards the darkness of the trees.


A simple nod on her behalf before she blended back into the shadows, the task easier to do in the environment that surrounded her. Her voice echoed a reminder, "Not a word."


"Of course." he murmured.