(Go ahead.)

--------------------------
BEEP BEEP BEEP

{Ten am. Dianne silences the alarm and sits up in bed.}

Dianne: "Ok...Time to go..."

Armin had been sleeping very deeply, tired after everything that had happened yesterday. Without even seeming to wake up, he wrapped his arms around her waist in a subconscious attempt to keep her with him.

{Dianne looks down at him with amusement. She begins to pat his shoulder, chuckling.}

Dianne: "Hey, babe, let's go. we're on the clock."

'...Mhhrrh...?'
.
Squinting, Armin peered up at her with surprise and puzzlement. He took a moment to figure out what was happening.
.
'Oh, yeah...'
.
He rolled over onto his other side, and began to laboriously sit up, reaching for his clothes.

{Dianne chuckles, hugging him tightly and nuzzling into his neck.}

Dianne: "You're cute when you're sleepy."

'Oh, now you want to be cuddly, after you've forced me up?' Armin grumbled. Despite hating being woken up, there was no real annoyance in his voice. He leaned into the hug as he sat up against the headboard.

Dianne: "Hey, it's waking you up, isn't it?"

{Quickly and sharply nipping his neck, she moves away and starts getting dressed.}

Armin sucked in a quick breath, eyeing her sideways. Wordlessly, he got up and got dressed as well, trying to chase off the drowsiness.
.
//I swear, once Aava is cured, I'm not getting up early for a month,// he thought.
.
As they left the room together, he gave her a casual, though slightly rough, bite as revenge.

{Dianne stiffens a little in response, smiling at him. Reaching the kitchen, they would see Aava cooking eggs.}

Aava: "Good morning. I made everybody eggs."

Esme was sitting near Aava's feet, watching her cook with interest. Armin leaned against the doorframe and ran his eye over the scene.
.
'You already got the hang of cooking on a stove?'

Aava: "Oh, yeah, it's pretty simple. Nothing to it."

Dianne: "Glad to see you're acclimating well."

Aava: "Well, there's still quite a bit I don't understand. Like why the magic viewing window is constantly trying to sell me crap."

Dianne: "Those are called commercials. They're how businesses and manufacturers sell products to the masses. And they are annoying."

Armin just smirked at this.
.
'Most people never buy anything they saw in a commercial anyway, so it's largely pointless. But yes, I'm glad you're getting used to everything.'

Aava: "One thing at a time. I mean, it can get overwhelming sometimes. Such tall buildings and large crowds....noisy cars, obnoxious people. It's extremely different from my day...really different..,"

{Seeming lost in thought, she begins handing out the plates.}

Armin accepted a plate, despite not usually eating breakfast. He also took Esme's and carried it out to the dining table for her.
.
'Alright, so where are we going today?' he said as they sat down. Esme ravenously tore into her food, oblivious to the fact that she was going to be dumped off with Pythia again today.

Dianne: "A hidden temple in the eastern part of the continent. At this time of the year, it's likely covered in snow."

Aava: "If it might have an acolyte, I'm all for going."

'Sounds good to me.'
.
Seeming content with that, he didn't ask any more and just ate his food. Finishing quickly, he took the plate away to wash it up.

{Dianne stands and heads upstairs to put her armor on. Aava follows suit. Coming back down with her gear and Esme's toys, Dianne heads out to load the car.}

Aava: "I sure hope I can be cured today."

Armin reluctantly put his armour on, with a coat over the top, and headed out to the car. 'Be optimistic,' he said, 'but be prepared in case it doesn't happen. There are still two other places we can visit if there's nothing here.'

Aava: "Yeah, I get that...but this necklace is frightening. Having the constant threat of non-consensual transformation.... I don't want to live like this..."

Dianne: "We will get you cured. No matter what it takes."

Stifling a yawn, Armin put his foot on the accelerator and took off towards the city.
.
'...Once we do have you cured... I'm refusing to get up early for a long time.'

Dianne: "That's fair. After we do this, we all deserve a rest."

Aava: "Yeah, I think that would be nice."

They continued on through the frosty morning. After stopping outside Pythia's house, Armin took a moment to say goodbye to Esme, who just looked resigned to her fate at this point.
.
'OK, you know the drill. We'll be back in a few hours, just have fun. Do you want to take her in?' he added to Dianne.

Dianne: "Yes, I got her."

{Dianne picks her up, kissing her and grabbing her toys. Dianne walks into Pythia's house, dropping her off and returning a few minutes later.}

Dianne: "Ok, to Bloodwater."

Armin waited until she was buckled in before setting off. After a quiet drive, the clear surface of Bloodwater Lake came into view. Near the water's edge stood Ryder, Luxia, and the mage Joey. Luxia was telling an animated story about squids to Ryder, who was trying his best to look interested. He waved when he saw the truck.

{Dianne waves back. Once they were parked next to the lake, Dianne gets out to address the group.}

Dianne: "Alright, listen up. We're going to a temple in the eastern regions. It's heavily forested and likely covered in snow. The temple might be abandoned, or it might be occupied by followers of Kynigos. So far, Kynigos has expressed his displeasure in what we're trying to do so be prepared for anything. We might need an Acolyte, but that doesn't mean they're going to be very welcoming. Luxia, do you need to see the map to portal us there?"

Luxia nodded warmly. 'Yes, show the lovely piece of paper. Wouldn't do to accidentally drop you in the middle of the sea, would it?'

Dianne: "No, it wouldn't..."

{Dianne shows Luxia the location on the map.}

Luxia stared at the map for a long moment. Then she nodded again, turned away, and walked towards an open space near the lake edge. Without further ado, she began to open a portal.
.
'So, why different people this time?' Armin said, looking over the group, which lacked the three vampires from last time.
.
'It:s Fred's way of being fair,' said Ryder. 'We get paid for each mission. He doesn't want the same people to get all the money, so he gave the other guys a break and offered Joey this job.'

(Joey is 100% going to regret coming. XDD)

Dianne: "Alright, saddle up, let's go!"

{Hopping into the truck, Dianne looks to the portal. Jerry, who had remained quiet, gets into his car.}

(I'm sure. XD He regretted coming to find Karnraak.)
.
Reality tore open to create a familiar vortex, dark blue and swirling gently. Luxia shuffled through. Armin slowly drove after her, while Ryder and Joey continued on foot.
.
//I convinced Rex not to come this time,// said Armin to Dianne. //He's got to do his job.//

Dianne: //That's for the best.//

{Through the portal was a clearing in a snowy forest. there was a light powder coming down and they sky was dark and gloomy. Getting through, Dianne gets off, looking at her map.

Dianne: "Hmmm...East from here, maybe a half mile. Leave the cars, they won't fit through the trees."

Armin climbed out and gazed up at the sky, blinking when some snow fell on his face. Ryder let him and Dianne take the lead. Joey stayed close to him, while Luxia just pottered along at the back, leaving the vortex hanging open behind them.

{Dianne glances back at the vortex, leading the way through the trees.}

Dianne: "Um, Luxia, are you sure leaving that open is a good idea?

{Jerry walks with the front group, while Aava stays right behind Dianne.}

'What could possibly happen? This is much more convenient! We can just run right back through when we leave and I don't have to make a new one,' Luxia said.
.
Armin sidled up to walk alongside Jerry. 'While we're walking, can I ask you something? It's something I should have asked a long time ago, but it slipped my mind.'

Dianne: "If you're sure..."

Jerry: "Yeah, what's up?"

Armin scratched his jaw and paused to think.
.
'This is morbid, but... Hypothetically: if you were seriously injured doing something like this, and there was no-one around to heal you, would you want to become a vampire to save your life?'

{Jerry takes a moment to consider.}

Jerry: "Hmm...Y'know, I haven't given it much thought. Maybe it would be fun for the first thousand years, but what about the eternity after that? It might be better if I just died when my time comes."

Armin's expression was solemn, and a little distant.
.
'Often, it's the little things that catch people off-guard. Not bring able to enjoy food, watching your family get old while you stay the same, knowing your eventual death will probably be violent. Not everyone is suited to it. If that's your decision, I'll respect that.'

{Jerry glances at him, noticing his solemn gaze.}

Jerry: "Hey, cheer up, man. It's not like I'm dying right now, right? Besides, I haven't completely decided yet. If I do decide to go vampire, I'd want you to do it. Also, mom went vampire, so it can't be so bad."

'As someone who enjoys being a vampire... No, it's not so bad. But it's not something I take lightly - and nor should anyone. Because you can't change your mind once it's done. If you do choose it, just make sure you're sure.'

Jerry: "I know. If I decide, I'll let you know."

{The group continues through the woods, the way becoming steep and leading into a ravine. Once they reached the bottom, they were met with the sight of a temple carved in the side of a rock wall.}

Dianne: "That must be it."

Everyone stopped to survey the temple.
.
'Well, there's nobody outside. No guards or anything. Let's see if there's anyone /inside,'/ said Armin.

Dianne: "Barnabas."

Barnabas: "Oh, yeah, they're in there, and they already know you're here."

Dianne: "Very well."

{Readying her mace, Dianne walks for the entrance.}

There was a general array of sounds as everyone else drew their weapons. Armin and Ryder followed her closely, while the others kept behind, Ryder cautioning Luxia to stay alert.

{As soon as they got in, there was the overwhelming scent of werewolf. The inside of the temple was dimly lit, with multiple floors. There were werewolves in priest vestments surrounding them in a half circle, all armed with bows, throwing spears, and swords. They all looked a bit like Barnabas, with the matching garb. From their ranks walks a tall, muscular werewolf, with ornate trousers and large, jade beads. His fur was grey with a clearly unnatural patterning depicting a hunt scene across his chest.}

???: "Acolyte of Death, you are not welcome here. Leave this sacred place."

Armin quickly scanned each of the werewolves, taking note of their weapons. //No guns by the looks of it. Good.// Ryder shifted in front of Luxia, who was unarmoured.
.
'Won't you at least hear why we're here?' said Armin.

???: "I know why you're here. You seek to help one who has affronted Kynigos. She is not worthy of my aid."

Aava: "Not worthy? What the f&*k do you mean not worthy?!"

{Aava exclaims, pushing to the front of their group.}

Aava: "My only 'affront' was not recognizing this damn thing as the blight it was!"

{Aava opens her jacket and pulls her shirt down to show the necklace. The priests back away, murmuring with concern.}

'She didn't mean anything against Kynigos,' said Armin, unable to keep a note of exasperation out of his voice when he spoke the name. 'She was sent by someone else to retrieve the necklace, and had no idea what it did.'

Dianne: "She didn't know what it was. None of them did. She has suffered needlessly for 500 years on the account of your deity, and you're telling me you won't even consider helping her?"

{The acolyte considers this for a moment, scratching his chin. With a slight smile, he speaks.}

???: "Well, whether she intended to or not, she has insulted Kynigos. However, Kynigos respects hunters, who refuse to abandon their pack mates. If you truly care for her and wish for the curse to be lifted, then you can complete the three trials of Kynigos. Complete these arduous tasks, and you will earn his forgiveness."

Armin, Ryder and Joey all wore expressions that showed they had no idea what he was talking about.

'What are these trials?' Armin said with a healthy amount of caution.

{The acolyte steps forward, looking over the group.}

???: "You must complete the maze of miasmic torment. While being hunted by a beast, and your own demons."

'That's not a lot of info,' said Armin.
.
''Miasmic torment'?' said Ryder, brow furrowed. 'And our own demons? What does all of that mean?'

Dianne: "Whatever the task, we will complete it."

???: "Do not be so sure. The maze will show you your deepest fears and regrets. It will try to confuse and torment you. In order to proceed, you will have to complete three tasks. If the tasks are not done, you will not be able to leave."

Aava: "So, it's a maze, big deal. If that's all I have to do, then fine. I'll be cured in no time."

'Well, I'm up for it,' said Armin resolutely. 'I'm here to help Aava, and if you're not going to cure her unless we do these tasks, we'll do them.'

???: "Good, good. I'm Dalton, by the way."

{Aava turns her back to Dalton momentarily, looking to say something to the group. In that moment, Dalton grabs her arm and rips off her bracelet. Aava gives a startled cry, looking in horror at her bare arm.}

Dianne: "What the hell are you doing?!"

The group's reaction was immediate and almost comically alarmed. Armin took a step back, looking like he was thinking of jumping on Dalton and wrestling him for the bracelet. Ryder spread his arms to cover Luxia and Joey. Joey looked mildly panicked. Luxia, the only calm one, just murmured, 'Whoops, there she goes.'

{Aava began to transform immediately, with painfully cracking and frightened cries. From the thoughtstone ring, Armin would feel fear and helplessness. Jerry racks a shell and steps forward, but Dalton steps between him and Aava.}

Jerry: "Move! If I don't-"

Dalton: "You will do no such thing. Karnraak will be the beast that hunts you during your tasks."

Armin drew his sword and backed up. //Just focus on the fact that we're doing this to help her,// he said to Dianne. //When we're done, she'll never have to become a monster again. Just push forward.//
.
Ryder looked nervous, his gaze shifting between Aava and Dalton. 'OK, OK, what do we have to do?!'

{Aava became Karnraak very quickly, tearing off the remnants of her armor and coat as she towered over everyone. Her shirt and pants seemed elastic enough to fit on the large form, however. Dalton faces Karnraak, speaking to her in an archaic dialect even foreign to Dianne. To everyone's surprise, she spoke back. Karnraak then runs off, deeper into the temple as the priests part to let her through.}

Dalton: "If you will all follow me..."

Armin watched the beast run off. He glanced at Dianne, then slid closer to her and began to follow the acolyte. His expression was tense and focused. Ryder was unsure if Luxia should come with them, and kept glancing at the old witch with concern, but said nothing as they walked.

{Dalton lead them into the temple, all carved from the bedrock. As they passed through, they would see chambers for worship, a rather expansive cooking area, a blacksmith's workshop, and in the living quarters were female werewolves and children. It seemed that this temple housed a large group of Kynigos' followers. Dalton eventually led them to a large, circular doorway. Over it seemed to be a magical barrier.}

Dalton: "This is the doorway to the labrinth. But, take heed, only four of you may enter for the trial. Further, no gifts of the aspects may you take with you. Should this one enter, the barrier will temporarily strip her of her powers derived from death. The inscription on the wall inside will tell you of the tasks."

Everyone listened quietly and attentively.
.
'Right. Then we need to decide who's going,' said Armin. 'Dianne, if you're going to lose all your powers, maybe you shouldn't go in.'
.
'I don't think Luxia should go,' said Ryder. 'I know she's really powerful, but I'm not sure it's safe for her.'

{Dalton walks around the group as they discuss it.}

Dianne: "Maybe, but I'm still the strongest one here apart from Luxia."

Jerry: "I think Ryder should go. his smaller dragon form might fit in there and prove useful agains Karnraak."

Dalton: "On second thought..."

{In a moment, Dalton performs a roundhouse kick, knocking an unaware Dianne through the doorway. She yells as she passes the barrier, a loud hissing coming from her.}

Dalton: "I think the acolyte should participate, as high and mighty as she likes to act."

Armin immediately turned on Dalton with a vicious snarl. The only thing that stopped him from retaliating was the knowledge that Dianne was now through the doorway alone. Without a word, he dove through after her.
.
Ryder walked towards the door, giving Dalton a wide berth. Joey looked at Jerry. 'OK, you or me?' he said unenthusiastically.

{Dalton simply waves at Armin in a patronizing manner. Inside the room, Dianne was on the floor, groaning and struggling to stand. The room was small, with a stone door and writing above.}

Jerry: "I should go. If we get out, we'll probably need healing."

'Go, then,' said Joey. 'Luxia and I will be on standby for any healing.'
.
Armin didn't pay any attention to the writing at first. He dropped to his knees beside Dianne, checking her over, his concerned expression still carrying hints of anger at Dalton. 'You alright? C'mon, lean on me.'

{Through the psychic link, Armin would feel intense anger and frustration.}

Dianne: "I'm alright...that just hurt like hell...and I might vomit..."

{Dianne takes off her helmet, hunched forward on her knees. Her eyes were green, but she didn't seem weakened. Nodding, Jerry heads inside. Dalton addresses the remaining group.}

Dalton: "Follow me. I will lead you to the exit."

Joey obeyed, tugging Luxia's arm to bring her along. The okd woman was watching everything that happened with a vague interest, not seeming concerned by any of it.
.
Inside the room, Ryder glanced at Dianne, then gazed around with slight awe. Then he remembered Karnraak and his grip on his rifle tightened.
.
Armin stayed with Dianne. 'Breathe slowly, take it easy. No rush.'

{Dianne nods with a grimace. Jerry walks around, looking at the door and writing.}

Jerry: "Three task to prove yourself, three tasks make you worthy.

Hunt the white faun, bring me its head
But beware, it walks with what you dread.

Find the ten markers, shatter them to start
If you cannot, your mind may fall apart.

Finally, the beast that hunts you, beware its gnashing jaws.
Don't get caught and get to the end, or succumb to its maw.

Huh. These must be the tasks..."

'So we're looking for... A white faun, some... markers? And the exit, without getting eaten by that thing,' Ryder recapped, glancing at the inscription as well.
.
Armin listened, but said nothing. His main focus was on Diamne, but he quietly mulled over the cryptic instructions as he sat by her.

{Dianne begins to stand, looking at everyone.}

Dianne: "Fine. I don't care what they want, we'll complete the tasks, get Aava cured, and punch that son of a b!tch in the face..."

{Shaking herself off and beating her chest plate, she puts her helmet back on and shoulders her mace.}

Dianne: "Ryder, open the door."

Ryder nodded. He opened the door swiftly, while pointing his rifle through it. Armin looked over him, curious as to what lay on the other side.

{On the other side was three openings to three tunnels. As soon as the door opened, a wave of heavy air washed over them. Suddenly, concentrating was a bit harder.}

Dianne: "Stick together. Let's go."

{She begins heading down the center tunnel.}

Armin shook his head slightly, blinking. //Well, that's disorientating...// He glanced down the left tunnel as if considering it, but then followed Dianne into the middle one.
.
Ryder kept close behind them, his expression serious and wary. Whatever this place was, he didn't like the feel of it.

{As they made their way down the tunnel, the disorientation got worse. As the tunnel opened up into a chamber, they could see a red disc on a pedestal. The disk was red, with an eye painted on and a crystal in the center. This disc seemed to be the source of the disorienting feeling, as approaching it was nearly impossible. The feeling became more overwhelming the closer they got. With labored breaths, Dianne leans on the shaft of her hammer, unable to enter the room.}

'Is that... a marker?' said Ryder, sounding like he was drunk. He was standing further back than Dianne, but couldn't seem to go any further. He swayed slightly and put a hand on the wall.
.
'I feel sick,' Armin proclaimed. 'Screw this... I'm going to go and destroy it...' He started to shuffle through the door, extremely slowly.

{As Armin approached it, he would feel progressively worse. His mind would grow numb and his limbs heavy. Before he could get too far, a shot ripped past, shattering the marker. Jerry had pulled his revolver and shot it.}

Jerry: "Joke's on them...I shoot better drunk.."

{With the marker destroyed, the disorientation falls back to a bearable level.}

Armin pulled himself upright, glancing back at Jerry. 'Thanks... OK, so we'll be taking whichever path causes that disorientation to get stronger.' He walked around the chamber, inspecting each path.
.
Ryder let out a wheezing breath and rubbed his head. 'Oh, I did not enjoy that.'

Dianne: "It wasn't great..."

{As Armin inspected the paths, a white faun entered the chamber from the left, bounded across the rocky floor, and darted down the right corridor, where the disorientation was getting stronger.}

Jerry: "There, that's got to be the white faun!"

'Well, this is the right way, then,' said Armin. He ran down the tunnel, sword drawn. Though aware that the dizzying sensation would get stronger, he resolved to keep going as long as possible. Ryder shook himself off and gave chase.

{Dianne and Jerry give chase. The faun darted through the tunnels, the sensation getting stronger with every step. Eventually, they made it to the room with the next marker. This time, it was inlaid in the high vaulted ceiling. The faun stopped near another tunnel, looking at them.}

Armin wavered as he reached the threshold, swaying like a drunk. With difficulty, he swung his blade, aiming a huge wind strike towards the marker up above. Without waiting to see if it broke, he redirected his aim and threw another strike at the faun.

{The wind strike struck the marker shattering it and ending the intense sensation. The strike missed the faun, causing it to yelp and scurry towards the next tunnel. In its wake, it left a mist, which began to twist and form into something. Each person would see something different. Armin would see a cellar spider araneo, Dianne sees the Aspect of Death, Jerry sees Ana, and Ryder would see whatever he's afraid of. I don't know what that guy fears.}

Jerry: "Whoah! Isn't she supposed to be dead?"
Dianne: "Sh!t! He must be pissed that I lost my powers."

(Jerry is afraid of Ana?)
.
Armin gave a high-pitched yelp and leapt behind Dianne. 'You said we wouldn't run into any more spiders!'
.
Ryder's eyes went wide as he gazed at the scene. What he saw was a group of men with dragonhunting gear. A moment later, he glanced at everyone else, taking note of their reactions.
.
'Um, guys? I don't think any of it's real.' To prove his belief, he determinedly walked towards the tunnel where the faun had gone, ignoring the misty figures.

(He's afraid of the bigger dragons in general. Ana was just one in recent memory.)

{Once Ryder walked past the mist, the images disappeared.}

Dianne: "Well, Dalton did say this place would mess with our heads."

Jerry: "This time, the faun went away from the marker. The feeling gets stronger down the right tunnel, not the left."

Ryder stopped in the entrance to the faun's tunnel, looking back.
.
'Well...' Armin rubbed his head, trying to shake off the crawling feeling in his back from seeing the spider. 'Unless we want to split up, which I don't think we should, we need to decide whether we chase the faun or go for the next marker.'

Dianne: "No, we need to stay grouped. Karnraak is still out there, and we need everyone to fight her."

Jerry: "I think we need to get the markers first. At least, that's what the text said."

Armin nodded in agreement to staying together. 'Well, it's the right tunnel, then. Jerry, do you want to go first do you can shoot the thing?'

*so

Jerry: "That's probably a good idea. Let's go."

{Jerry leads the way down the tunnel, following the intensifying feeling. As they walk, they hear growling from the surrounding tunnels.}

Dianne: "Karnraak. She's found us."

Armin and Ryder kept their weapons half-raised as they walked.
.
'When we get to the doorway, shoot the marker quickly,' Armin muttered to Jerry. 'If she ambushes us, we can't afford to be disorientated.'

Jerry: "Copy..."

{Soon, the room came into view. The marker was on a high pedestal at the back. Raising his revolver, Jerry destroys the disk, then leans against the wall. As soon as he does, there's the sound of Karnraak rushing them from behind.}

Dianne: "Watch our six!"

Armin spun around. So did Ryder an instant later. As the beast filled their vision, Armin threw a projectile strike at its left leg, aiming to bring it down, while Ryder fired at its head. Both started to back up towards the centre of the room as they attacked.

{Karnraak formed a wooden helmet from its hair as it charged on all fours, looking a bit like a rhino. The wood took most of the damage, and it barreled through the group knocking them all into the chamber. It then lunged for Ryder, looking to maul him}

Armin slammed into the floor, but not hard enough to stop him from immediately climbing back up. Suddenly, there was a deep growl, and a tall winged shape rose up. Ryder had taken advantage of the larger chamber to shift into dragon form. He met Karnraak's charge head-on, breathing a spurt of fire and slashing with his front paws.

{Jerry fell and rolled, getting back on his feet and taking aim at Karnraak. Karnraak put her arms up against Ryder's attacks, retaliating with a power haymaker, aimed right at his face. Dianne was still reeling from the impact. Somethung wasn't right. She wasn't normally this fazed but something so superficial.}

Karnraak's blow knocked Ryder's head to the side, Though dazed, he grabbed her arm, then lowered his head and slammed his horns into her face.
.
Armin, deciding that Ryder wasn't in immediate danger, took a moment to run to Dianne's side and try to pull her up. //What's wrong?// he asked.

{Karnraak reels at he blow, then forms her hair into fists and starts rapidly punching Ryder in the face. At the same time, she was trying to break free of his grip, as Jerry was shooting her legs. Dianne stands with Armin's help, shaking herself off}

Dianne: "Nothing. Let's help Ryder."

{Hefting her mace, she rushes towards the fight.}

Ryder broke off from Karnraak, hopping a few steps backwards. Armin charged, getting perilously close to the beast to project a strike upwards, aiming to slash her throat in a killing blow.

{When Armin was striking, some of Karnraak's hair shot out, wrapping around his sword and turning into wood, holding it in place. Karnraak then turns towards Armin menacingly, growling and bearing her teeth. However, Dianne slams her with her mace, engulfing the beast in flames. With a shriek, Karnraak tosses Armin aside and bolts down a tunnel in a blaze of glory.}

Dianne: "...She'll be back.."

{She says, leaning on her mace.}

Armin watched her run. Ryder shifted back to human form, wincing. Half his face was already starting to bruise, and his nose was trickling blood.
.
'OK... Lemme find out what the right path is...' he said thickly as he began to inspect each exit. Armin turned to Dianne.
.
'OK, seriously, are you alright?'

{Dianne doesn't answer right away, breathing deeply.}

Dianne: "I don't feel....myself... I feel weaker... I tire more easily. Maybe I've lived with the aspect's gifts for so long, not having it it is messing with me...I don't know, but it doesn't matter. We need to get this done."

Jerry: "Ok, you just take it easy, let us three do the heavy lifting. Ryder, which way?"

{The feeling was strongest down the center tunnel.}

'Here.'
.
Ryder began to lead them down the centre tunnel, absentmindedly wiping his nose on the back of his hand. Armin gazed at Dianne with concern, then nudged her forwards.
.
'Jerry and Ryder at the front, Dianne in the middle, me behind her.' He didn't want anything attacking her from behind.

{Dianne pushes on, and the next five markers were found and destroyed with relative ease. However, with two left, The disorienting feeling was growing stronger, even when not near the markers.}

Dianne: "It's getting stronger...keep moving..."

'...Where?' said Armin, looking around drunkenly.
.
'Here,' Ryder replied, leading them down a specific tunnel where the disorientation waa radiating more thickly. His steps were becoming laboured. When they got nearer the marker's chamber, he slowed and couldn't go any further. Armin pushed past him and tried to continue.

{Jerry seemed to be faring pretty well, trudging along.}

Jerry: "Over here...damn, it's in a shelter. Can't shoot it from a distance."

{This marker was indeed behind a wall. As Jerry began to approach, there was the sound of Karnraak approaching once again.}

Dianne: "Crap, she's coming back!"

Armin urged Jerry on, raising his sword. 'Get it, quick.' Fighting past the disorientation, he turned in the direction from which Karnraak was approaching.

{Jerry stumbled forward as quick as he could, but the aura was slowing his progress significantly. Dianne readied herself, facing the tunnel. Karnraak came dashing through, lunging right for Armin.}

In his fogged brain, Armin's only thought now was to protect the others and cover Jerry's back. Ryder was too dizzy to aim his rifle properly, but he positioned himself by the doorway and stood there stubbornly. As Karnraak lunged, Armin lunged right back, plunging forwards with lightning speed, aiming to stab her through the gut.

{Karnraak tackles Armin, taking the sword on the gut with a shriek. In retaliation, she sinks her teeth into Armin's shoulder, trying to tear into him. Her teeth pierced his armor sinking about an inch through. Dianne swings her mace, effectively dislodging and burning Karnraak, sending her rolling across the floor. She caught herself, getting upright and snarling at them.}

Armin straightened up, rolling his shoulder. Not feeling any severe pain, he readied his blade and started forwards, throwing a wind strike at the beast as he advanced. Having armour seemed to be making him even more reckless.
.
'You want to stop us? Come and get some,' he taunted Karnraak.

{Karnraak made a wooden shield to block the wind strike, the rushed forward into Dianne. Dianne swung her mace, destroying the shield, but Karnraak had too much momentum and slammed her into the wall. She then punched Dianne so hard that her helmet came off, then sunk her teeth into the side of her neck. Dianne screamed, trying frantically to get free.}

Armin jumped straight at Karnraak's back, nimbly clambered up, and then - holding on as best as he could with one hand - plunges his blade deep into her back between the shoulderblades, with a snarl of fury.

{Karnraak screams, releasing Dianne. Shuddering, Karnraak falls still, on her knees. The beast had once again been slain. Dianne slid down the wall, clutching the side of her neck, trying to stem the bleeding.}

Jerry: "Oh, screw this, cover your ears!"

{Fed up with trying to get around the wall, Jerry just chucks a frag grenade around the corner. The explosion shatters the marker with ease. The intensity of the disorientation decreases, but not by much.}

Armin flinched a little at the noise. With the feeling lessened, Ryder quickly approached Karnraak, pointing his gun at her head. However, upon closer inspection, he realised she seemed to be dead.
.
Armin didn't pay Karnraak another glance. Dropping to his knees by Dianne, he tried to get a look at the wounds in her neck. 'I don't suppose anyone brought any medical stuff?' he called out tensely.

{The wounds in Dianne's neck were shallow. Karnraak missed her artery. Jerry comes over with a first aid kit, pulling bandages out.}

Jerry: "Here, keep pressure on that."

{Karnraak quickly turned back into Aava, now lying unconscious, face down.}

Jerry: "Ryder, check her."

As Armin tended the wounds, Ryder cautiously squatted beside Aava and rolled her onto her back, putting a hand under her head so it wouldn't be resting on the hard rock floor. 'I think she's just knocked out.'

{Dianne grimaced in pain as Armin tended her wounds. Jerry looks about the room, considering.}

Jerry: "Armin, stay here with everyone. Stop the bleeding. Ryder, odds are, when she wakes up, she's going to freak out. Keep her calm, ok?"

Dianne: "Where...are you going?"

{Jerry stands, reloading his revolver.}

Jerry: "I'm going to find that last marker and destroy it."

At that, Armin turned his head to look at Jerry. He was still holding pressure against the wounds.
.
'Hold on, are you sure about this? I know we dealt with Karnraak, but I'm still not sure we should get separated.'
.
Ryder just sat beside Aava, glancing between everyone with quiet worry.

Jerry: "You got a better idea? I know you won't abandon Dianne in her time of need, and Ryder can't even get near it. That feeling is getting stronger. If we want to get out of here, we need to destroy it."

Armin considered for a moment. Then he gently pulled the ring off Dianne's finger, beckoned Jerry over, and gave it to him.
.
'Take this - just for our peace of mind. It's a telepathic ring. If anything happens that you need serious help with, call me.'

{Jerry accepts the ring, putting it on and inspecting it curiously.}

Jerry: //Testing, testing, 1 2 3...//

Dianne: "Don't lose it...."

{Dianne had her eyes closed, looking to be in pain. Her face was starting to look bruised from Karnraak's blow.}

//Of course it works, why wouldn't it work? Now go, and be careful,// said Armin.
.
He then turned back to Dianne, gingerly pulling back the bandage to check that the bleeding had slowed. 'Not going to die, are you?'

Jerry: //Ok, I'll be back as soon as I can.//

{As Jerry leaves, Dianne gives a strained smile.}

Dianne: "Of course not. I've survived far worse than this...Now that Karnraak is gone, this should be easy..."

'Yes, it should be, as long as they don't spring any traps on us. I don't think you should be doing any more fighting today,' Armin observed.

Dianne: "Perhaps not...luckily, there shouldn't be anything more to fight..."

{As the conversed, Aava began to stir. Opening her eyes with a gasp, she starts to frantically look around.}

Aava: "....Oh, gods, not again!"

'Woah, hey, it's OK! Everything's fine,' said Ryder hastily. 'You've only been out for a couple of hours.'

{Sitting up, Aava looks at Ryder. She seems very distressed}

Aava: "Ryder? Wha....what happened to your face? And Dianne.....Did I bite your neck? And where is everyone? Oh, no, I ate all my new friends!?"

{Aava starts to sob, assuming the worst.}

'It's fine, nobody's been eaten,' said Ryder, rushing to de-escalate the situation. 'Luxia and Joey didn't come into the maze with us, and Jerry has just gone to do something.'
.
'And you didn't do any of things,' Armin added in an exasperated tone.

Aava: "Maze? What maze? Ryder, where am I right now?"

Dianne: "The acolyte would not agree to cure you until we completed the challenge of the maze. We're almost done though, and you're not Karnraak anymore. Calm down, Aava, we're ok."

Seeing that Dianne's neck had mostly stopped bleeding, Armin settled down more comfortably beside her, though did not fully relax.
.
'We had to destroy ten markers and kill a white faun. Jerry's gone to get the final marker. Then, I think we just need to get the faun and find the exit.'

Aava: "...I'm so confused..."

{Shivering, she pulls herself into a ball. Her tattered shirt and trousers did little against the cold.}

Dianne: "Let's not worry too much about this now. When Jerry gets back, we'll complete the last two tasks and get the h.ell out of here..."

Armin pulled off his coat and tossed it to Ryder, who proceeded to hand it to Aava. He then leaned back into the wall with a quiet clunk of armour, saying nothing.

Aava: "Thanks..."

{Aava pulls it around herself, huddled next to Ryder.}

Jerry: //Found the last one. It's at the bottom of a pond filled with nasty looking fish.//

//Well, don't go in the pond. They'll probably kill you somehow,// Armin suggested.
.
'Jerry's spotted the last marker, at the bottom of some pond full of ugly fish. All of this disorientation should be gone in a minute.'

Jerry: //Hold on, I think I have a solution. Watch this...//

{There was a distant explosion, then the disorientation dissipated.}

Jerry: //Hahahah. Frag grenades 2, Kynigos 0. I'm coming back now.//

//Good job. Alright, hurry back; we still have this faun to find.//

{Jerry made it back within a few minutes.}

Jerry: "Ok, how do we want to do this? This is a big maze. "

Armin started to stand up. 'I'm not sure. I suppose we just walk around until we find it. We could also separate to search faster, as long as each group has one of the rings.'

Dianne: "Armin, you should use your wolf form. You're faster than any of us and you can track it. The rest of us should focus on finding the exit."

{Dianne starts to stand, leaning against the wall.}

Armin glanced at her with a hint of concern.
.
'Alright, that sounds reasonable. You guys find the exit, and when I'm done, I'll track you down.'
.
Ryder stood as well, eager to get moving.

Jerry: "Sounds like a plan. Ryder, help Dianne. She shouldn't fall with an injury like that."

{Aava gets up, ready to move.}

Jerry: "Find the faun. With luck, we'll be waiting at the exit."

Ryder moved in beside Dianne, ready to offer support if she needed any.
.
'Look after each other, and good luck,' said Armin. He darted in to drop a kiss on the less bruised side of Dianne's face, then turned away, shifted into a red wolf, and scampered down the tunnel.

{Dianne smiles, watching him go. The group then heads down a different tunnel. Armin would catch a whiff of the faun not far on his way.}

Ryder kept a careful eye on Dianne as they left. Meanwhile, Armin was racing through the maze as quickly and quietly as his paws would take him, tracking the faun's slightly odd scent.

{Dianne seemed a little uneasy in her gait, but fared ok. She seemed to be bordering on exhaustion. Aava was wincing with every step, being barefoot once again.}

Aava: "I hope this is over soon because this sucks!"

Ryder glanced at Aava. 'You can jump on my back if you want. We might be walking a while, and that way, I can still hold a gun and grab Dianne if she falls.'

{Aava considers this a moment.}

Aava: "Ok, sure, let's do that."

{Aava approaches Ryder, wondering how this is going to work.}

Ryder paused to lower himself onto one knee. 'Just put your arms around my neck, and use that and your legs to hold on. Should work.'
.
Armin continued to pursue the faun, the scent getting stronger as he tracked through various tunnels, thinking about how he would kill it when he found it.

{Aava does as she's instructed, hopping on.}

Aava: "My mom used to give me piggy back rides when I was a little girl...just like this."

{The scent eventually led to a large room in the center of the cave. Daylight illuminated a hill in the center, with grass and trees. There, on the hill, was the faun, peacefully grazing.}

Ryder smiled and stood up. 'OK, let's keep going!' He kept his rifle in his right hand, walked on Dianne's right and let Jerry lead the way.
.
Armin stalked silently through the doorway. He almost felt sorry for the creature, but he hardened himself and imagined that the faun was just another of the countless animals he'd hunted. He crept as close as he could without being noticed, then made a sudden violent rush.

Jerry: "I keep seeing this symbol in the stones. Hidden. This crest with Kynigos in it. I think these will lead us to the exit."

{The Faun turned to face Armin , mist billowing off its form. The mist turned into Sargon riding an araneo, with Ana at his side, and an army of spiders. The faun then runs, trying to escape with the mist down.}

Armin skidded to a stop, paws scrabbling for purchase, heart pounding. //They're not real, they're not real, it's just things made of mist...//
.
When he saw the faun fleeing out of the corner of his eye, it steeled him. Eyes half-closes in an effort to block out the spiders, he raced past them and ran after his prey.

{The faun kept bounding through the tunnels, shedding more mist that kept turning into ever species of Araneo imaginable.}

{The group kept following the crest markers, trying to find their way out. Dianne stumbles a little catching herself on the wall.}

Dianne: "I'm ok..."

Eventually, Armin just closed his eyes. His hearing and sense of smell were good enough for him to pursue the faun down a straight path. He only opened his eyes briefly when they turned a corner. Slewing around one such corner, he lunged and sunk his teeth into the faun's leg.
.
Ryder glanced over. 'You want to stop for a second?'

{The faun screamed, eirily human like, struggling to get free.}

{Dianne wearily leans against the wall.}

Dianne: "Just a moment of rest..."

Jerry: "Here, let me take that..."

{Jerry takes her mace, carefully, hefting it and looking down the next cooridoor.}

Armin dragged the faun down like he would a deer, then leapt upon it. His ears flicked back at the unpleasant scream, but his desire to get everyone out safely was stronger than his pity. He drove his teeth into its neck, aiming to snap it for a quick kill.
.
Ryder stopped, giving Dianne whatever rest she needed. Aava's weight didn't seem to bother him in the slightest.

{Dianne rested momentarily, against the wall. She then pushed off of it, heading towards the next corridor.}

{After its neck snapped, the faun fell still, its mists dissipating. The last task had been completed. All that was left was finding the exit.}

Armin shifted to human form and grimly cut off the faun's head with his sword. //I'm not completely sure if we need proof, but I don't trust Dalton not to pull the rug out from under our feet.//
.
He began to walk briskly through the tunnels, searching for and tracking the others' scents. //Coming to find you,// he said to whoever currently wore the ring.

Jerry: //Solid copy. We're still looking for the exit. I think we're close.//

{The group continued on, until they came upon a room with a large stone door. There were ten glowing gems above it, signifying each marker. There was a platform in the middle of the room, with a relief of a faun carved upon it.}

Aava: "Finally! Get me out of this nightmare!"

Jerry: //We found the exit, just waiting for you and the faun.//

Armin continued to track them. He had to pay close attention to where the scent was strongest, because it lingered in many sections of the maze. Finally, he spotted everyone by the door and hurried over, gripping the faun's head in one hand.
.
'I'm here. So, are we done?'

{Dianne was resting, sitting against the wall. Jerry was boredly standing by the door.}

Aava: "I sure as f%$k hope so, because I want this all to be over."

Jerry: "Put the faun's head on the platform, let's see what happens."

Armin walked over to the platform and dropped the severed head onto it. He then quickly stepped back and watched to see what would happen.

{As soon as the head touched the platform, it turned into mist. With a grinding noise, the door opened. On the other side was Joey, Luxia, the rest of their group, and Dalton, who was slowly clapping.}

Dalton: "Bravo, bravo. You made it through the trials alive."

Dianne: "We held up our end..,Now cure Aava! No more games!"

Luxia beamed like a proud grandmother. 'Excellent, yes, you all did wonderfully.'
.
Armin stood beside Dianne, looking up at the werewolf expectantly. 'Yeah, it was great fun,' he said sarcastically. 'Now hold up your end of the deal, please.'

Dalton: "Very well. A promise is a promise."

Aava: "Yeah, get this thing off me!"

{Aava hops off of Ryder, standing in front of Dalton expectantly. Dalton reaches down and grabs a hold of the necklace, gently tugging it. The necklace not only comes loose, but it comes alive, sprouting little black legs like an insect and skittering onto Dalton, clicking and chattering. Aava sways a little falling backwards into a sitting position, her chest now bleeding from where the necklace had its teeth and ends in her.}

Dianne: "Well, that's terrifying..."

Armin edged back a little. 'Nobody touch that thing...' he muttered, watching the necklace as it scuttled onto Dalton. Joey walked over, drawing upon a flicker of magic. Aava's cuts slowly stopped bleeding and partially healed, to the point where they looked a few days old.

{Seeming to come to her senses, Aava begins to feel her chest, quietly starting to cry.}

Aava: "It's gone! It's actually gone! Hehehehehe....Gone! Gone!"

{Aava proceeds to simultaneously laugh and cry, sitting hunched on the floor. Dianne takes this moment to approach Ryder.}

Dianne: "Hey, let me get some of that healing...My neck is killing me..."

Joey started to turn his attention to Dianne, but Luxia jovially pushed him aside. 'Oh, let me do it, Skippy. I'm muuuch better at healing than you.'
.
She drew on a burst of power and, quite quickly, knotted the tooth wounds in Dianne's neck together. Armin, meanwhile, patted Aava on the shoulder with a grin.
.
'Great feeling, eh?'

{Dianne relaxed immensely once she was healed.}

Dianne: "Thanks, Luxia..."

{Aava looks up at Armin, eyes full of tears. Standing, she briefly hugs him.}

Aava: "Thank you for helping me..."

Armin chuckled good-naturedly. 'You're welcome. Now how about we get home and celebrate?'

Dianne: "Celebrating is all good, but I need a nap... I feel like cr@p..."

Aava: "Yeah, let's get out of this h3ll hole."

Dalton: "Yes, if you'll all follow me."

{Putting on the necklace like a normal necklace, Dalton leads the group back into and through the temple. The priests were standing to the side, chuckling and discussing the events that transpired in the maze. It seems they somehow watched the whole thing.}

Armin stayed close to Dianne's side. Other than a quick glance, he paid no attention to the priests. //It's all over. Honestly, that took less time than I expected. Now, Aava is free, and can live however she wants.//

{Dalton walked them all to the entrance, then stopped.}

Dalton: "Ok, now scram. Have a nice life."

Aava: "Ok, bye! Kynigos is an a$$hole!"

{She calls out from the safety of Ryder's back.}

Ryder smiled nervously and started to hurry away with Aava, worried that Dalton might retaliate. Luxia was already starting to head back through the forest to where the portal was waiting.
.
'Wait, have your powers come back yet?' said Armin in an undertone, shifting to peer at Dianne's eyes.

{Armin was met with Dianne's tired, green eyes}

Dianne: "Does it look like it it's back? Sure doesn't feel like it..."

'No, it isn't.' Armin sheathed his sword and then picked her up in his arms with a grunt of effort. Carrying her, he followed the rest of the group, who slowed slightly to let him keep up.

{Dianne blinks in surprise, then leans her head against him tiredly.}

Dianne: "Thanks..."

Aava: "Hey, can we have pizza when we get home?"

'Probably. I don't think this one's up for cooking or going out anyway,' Armin remarked, looking down at Dianne with a mixture of concern and fondness.

Dianne: "No, I'm not cooking..."

Aava: "Yeah, you're looking kind of rough. But, thank you, all of you. I can finally live again."

'You'll probably want to go slow and take the time to figure everything out. But, yes, you can live however you like now,' said Armin.
.
The vortex came into view a way up ahead, with the cars parked beside it.

Aava: "Yeah, but, I hope Dianne doesn't mind me living with her."

Dianne: "You're always welcome in my house..."

Reaching the truck, Armin opened the passenger door and put Dianne inside. Then, remembering something, he walked over to Jerry, grabbed his hand without preamble and took the Thoughtstone ring off.
.
'I'll be taking that, before you lose it or something.'
.
Ryder climbed into the back of the truck, followed by Joey.

{Jerry gives him an unamused look. Dianne closes her eyes, resting in her seat. Aava climbs into the back, then approaches Dianne from the back and hugs her arm, somewhat clinging to her.}

Armin grinned. 'I'm joking. Thanks for coming with us. I'm not sure we could have actually done it without you to destroy the markers.'

Jerry: "Oh, yeah, of course. Poor girl needed help, and I was happy to assist. Anytime, pal."

{Patting Armin on the shoulder, Jerry heads for his car.}

Armin went back to the truck and climbed in, starting the engine and turning around to enter the portal. Luxia had already disappeared. He briefly glanced at Dianne and Aava as he drove through.
.
'Alright, let's go straight home and relax. After we've got Esme.'

Dianne: "Yes, please...Get my baby..."

Aava: "Maybe even let Pythia take a look at you. Just to be sure."

They passed through the portal and continued onward, past Bloodwater and towards the city. Luxia closed the portal once everyone was through and waved cheerfully.
.
'I don't think Pythia can do much about this particular aliment,' said Armin. 'Are you really feeling this bad just from not having powers anymore? It's not like you got hit with light magic.'

Dianne: "It's that, coupled with being hit upside the head, slammed into a wall, and losing blood out my neck..."

Aava: "Sorry..."

Dianne: "Honey, you don't need to apologize. To cure you, it was worth it."

'As long as nobody dies, I'm usually pretty happy with how these adventures turn out.'
.
Ryder and Joey sat quietly in the back as the truck rolled on. They were planning to jump off at Pythia's house.

{After everyone left, Dalton stood in the front of the temple. One priest approaches him.}

Priest: "Dalton...."

Dalton: "Yes?"

Priest: "That maze was for inducting new acolytes, not testing outsiders. You could have just helped that girl, without any of that."

Dalton: "Yes, I could have. But, I thought it would be entertaining to watch them fight the trials."

Priest: "...Sir, that was needlessly cruel..."

{Dianne remained silently resting all the way to Pythia's. Jerry simply drove home.}

When they arrived, Armin looked at Dianne. 'Are you coming?' he asked.
.
Ryder and Joey started to climb out the back. 'Have a nice evening, you guys,' said Ryder cheerfully. 'I'm glad everything worked out, Aava.'

Aava: "Thank you all, so much. I owe you so much."

{Dianne stirs, rubbing her eyes.}

Dianne: "Yeah...Hold on..."

{Dianne groggily gets up and out of the car.}

Ryder smiled as he jumped out. The pair began to walk briskly down the street in the general direction of Fred's house. Armin got out, staying close to Dianne as they headed up to Pythia's door. He knocked and waited.

{After her rest, she seemed to be walking better. Pythia appears at the door.}

Pythia: "You're back, good. How was the trip?"

Dianne: "Successful. Aava has been cured."

Pythia: "Wonderful. Remember, she has a checkup for a week from now."

Dianne: "I know...we won't be late..."

Pythia: "Oh, your eyes! Were you struck by light magic again?"

'No, the Kynigos acolyte forced us to complete a maze of trials and stripped her of her powers before we started. They're just not back yet,' said Armin. He was a little worried about this.

Pythia: "Oh my! Has this happened before?"

Dianne: "No, but I'm fine, trust me. I just need some sleep."

Pythia: "Well, you do look exhausted. Here, come with me top get Esme."

{Pythia leads them to Esme's makeshift playroom.}

Esme bounded out to greet them as soon as the door was opened.

'Hey there. Had a nice afternoon?' said Armin. He went in to begin gathering up her toys, while Esme did a double take upon noticing Dianne's eye colour.

Dianne: "Hey, baby. Have a good afternoon with Pythia?"

{Dianne picks her up, cuddling her affectionately. She then starts walking back to the truck.}

'Thanks, Pythia. For the last couple of days,' said Armin. Holding Esme's bag of building blocks with one hand, he clapped her on the shoulder.

{Pythia smiles at the gesture.}

Pythia: "Of course. I'm happy to have helped. You need help at any other point, just let me know."

'Same goes for you. If you need anything - even if it's just someone to chill with on your days off - let us know.'
.
Armin then started to follow Dianne out.

Pythia: "Yes, of course. Have a good evening."

{Outside, Dianne was sitting in the car with Esme on her lap.}

Esme was looking markedly happier than she had looked when they left her that morning. Armin climbed into the car and quickly set off for home. Though quiet, he was pleased with how the day's events had gone.
.
'Alright, let's go and take this freakin' armour off,' he said once they arrived, stopping the car and getting out.

Dianne: "Hey that armor saved you when Karnraak attacked...but it is uncomfortable to sleep in..."

Aava: "Yeah, sorry about the set you gave me. That a$$hole Dalton just yanked my bracelet off, no preparation or warning."

Dianne: "It's fine, I'll get you another."

{Letting Esme down inside the house, Dianne heads upstairs to change into something more comfortable.}

Armin went upstairs as well. Once in the bedroom, he unbuckled his armour with a feeling of slight relief, and changed into an old, loose t-shirt and some jeans. 'It might be useful, but that stuff definitely isn't comfortable...'

{Dianne changes straight into her sleepwear, then tiredly walks down to the rec room. Aava had done the same and was lying on the bean bag, feeling where the necklace was. She quickly stops when they come in.}

Aava: "Hey, you ok?"

Dianne: "Yeah, I'm ok...move over."

Armin perched on the beanbag, trying to leave enough room for them both. 'You look rough as hell. Lie down,' he said, patting the space near him.

{Dianne lies down on her side, facing Armin and closing her eyes. Aava hugs her from behind, also settling down.}

Dianne: "...sleep....then pizza..."

'I'll wake you up in an hour or so,' said Armin, glancing at her fondly.
.
He put the TV on quiet and reclined backwards to watch, eyes drifting half-shut.

{Dianne quickly drifts off. Aava does the same. Dianne seems very tired, sleeping peacefully.}

Eventually, the room darkened enough that the only light was coming from the TV.
.
....
.
Armin let them sleep for almost two hours. By that time, Esme had come in and was beginning to seem restless and hungry. Finally, he reached over and started gently shaking Dianne in an effort to wake her up.

{Dianne stirred gently, opening her eyes and looking up at Armin.}

Dianne: "Armin?....What time is it?..."

'Almost... 7:30pm,' said Armin, glancing at the TV. 'Esme's hungry so I'm going to order food now, if that's alright.'

Dianne: "Mmm....yeah, good idea..."

{Aava stirs, tightening her grip on Dianne.}

Aava: "What's happening?..."

{She asks, sounding muffled.}

'Food. C'mon, wake up,' said Armin with a touch of amusement, as he stood and pulled out his phone. 'Actually, it needs to be delivered, so you can laze around a bit longer.'
.
He stepped outside the room to make the call.

Dianne: "Don't have to tell me twice..."

{Dianne immediately falls back asleep, but Aava sits up, rubbing her eyes.}

Aava: "Yeah, pizza time..."

Armin ordered their usual two pizzas, then put his phone away and quietly went back into the dimly-lit rec room. He sat back down beside Dianne, slowly and softly, trying not to disturb her.
.
'And to think some people just see you as a terrifying monster...' he murmured, gazing down at her as he settled back.

Aava: "She's adorable. And hot."

{She says, looking at Dianne fondly.}

Armin let out a quiet chuckle. 'Just a shame most people don't see that.'
.
He reclined back on the beanbag and stretched an arm around to rub Dianne's back affectionately.

{Dianne stirs slightly, giving a faint purring sound. Aava observes this with amusement.}

Aava: "I used to give her back massages, and I never heard that noise."

Armin couldn't suppress a smile when he heard it.
.
'Really? Well, I love that noise.' He continued gently rubbing her back, considering. 'She mentioned that you used to do that. What's the story, from your perspective?'

Aava: "Well, her and I had been traveling and working together in a platoon during the trident rebellion. And every night for almost a week, she kept having just the most violent, horrific night terrors. I mean really, really bad. Screaming, thrashing, crying, everything. I felt so bad for her that....I had to try something. I offered to rub her back, because that would always calm me down after a nightmare, but she refused. About the fifth day in, and after threats from our bunk mate Helga, Dianne finally agreed. She looked awful. Poor thing couldn't get any good sleep with those nightmares."

'Yeah,' said Armin pensively. 'They're horrific. I don't know how she functioned for so long like that. But, thank you for doing something.'

Aava: "Yeah...but, after she let me rub her back, she started sleeping peacefully. Told me it was the best sleep she's had in years. As the only medical professional on the platoon, I made sure I gave her one every night. And it worked. Everything was great, until...well, some bad stuff happened..."

'Yeah, apparently she let some duke find out that she was a necromancer and he sent people to kill her. And you and your group got mixed up in it. That was... unfortunate.'

Aava#"It wasn't even really that. It was the caliber of mercenaries that the duke sent. Took me and Dianne everything we had to kill them, and Konkur, Whiles, and Helga...they never stood a chance...and then Captain Gaffer make the dumba$$ decision to fly off the handle on Dianne, and she runs away....well, you know the rest..."

'He was an idiot,' said Armin, meaning Gaffer. 'I understand that he would be upset over losing his team, but still... It seems a bit of an unnecessary move... At least Dianne killed the duke before she left.'

Aava: "The old man was slightly prejudiced. He seemed to think dark magic was always evil. Yeah, when Dianne killed the duke, she left a letter for me and Gaffer on his corpse. Then Gaffer goes and rips it up before anyone could read it. Yeah, I had it with him by that point and started beating his a$$ until the other soldiers had to physically pull me off of him."

'Damn... A letter? I wonder what was written in it. Maybe you could ask her. If it were me, I'd probably be dying to know.'

Aava: "Oh, no, I still read it. I collected the pieces and put it back together. It was an apology about how she wasn't honest with us about what she was, and that she never intended to put us in more danger than we already were. She blamed herself for everything that had happened and, for that reason, decided to flee the province. She said she wouldn't blame us if we hated her, but I didn't. I wish I could have told her that sooner..."

'Everything's OK now. It took a while, but you two got to see each other again, and no-one is going to stop that. Not even Gaffer if he's still alive.'
.
Armin continued absentmindedly rubbing Dianne's back as he spoke.

Aava: "Heh, yeah, if that old fart is somehow still alive, I'm going to punch him again. With a giant wooden fist."

{Dianne quietly purrs again, a slight smile creeping on her face.}

'I won't be stopping you.'
.
Armin looked down at Dianne, grinning a little.
.
'Aww, I almost don't want to have to wake you up now.'

(posted new room)