Dianne: "Well, first we need to stop by your house to pick up Esme. I'll get your coat while there and fly us back home from the park."

{'Having gathered his gear, Jerry steps out to wait for Frederick.}

'Alright... I need to check on Rex when we go to my house, too...'
.
After a short wait, Fred came through the portal, accompanied by a handful of vampires and the two elves. Some of his associates had needed a break after yesterday's skirmish, but he had brought along all he could. Luxia followed, closing the portal and making a new one to Shacklestone.

Dianne: "Alright. Pythia, thank you again. We'll be on our way."

Pythia: "Of course, stay safe."

{Dianne picks up Armin once again and heads out, walking for Armin's house. Jerry heads with the group through the portal.}

Jerry: "Alright, in and out, destroy the contraband and leave."

Armin lay comfortably in Dianne's arms, watching the scenery pass slowly by. 'Mmm, I could get used to this.'
.
The vortex took them down the street from the warehouse; Fred had wanted to approach from a distance. It looked like the front gate was still broken, and there were signs of blood splatter and fire damage. Nothing had changed from yesterday.
.
'Start forwards, but remain on guard,' he ordered. 'Remember, if anyone is in there, we might not be able to see or smell them.'

Dianne: "I'm sure you could. But, you'll be up and walking in no time at all."

{Jerry nods, advancing carefully, watching for any signs of a shimmer.}

Fred stopped every few yards to listen. However, the place seemed deserted. Having Joey put a ward over him, he kicked the front door in and proceeded, gun raised.
.
'The contraband is in the room to the right. I'm going to do a quick sweep of the building to ensure there is nobody around.' Taking a few guards, he walked off.

Armin just smiled and closed his eyes, enjoying the slight rocking motion of her walk. After a while, his house came into view.

{Jerry advances, shotgun raised. He quickly turns into the contraband room, looking around.}

{Dianne walks up to the door while Aava knocks. Dianne silently hoped that Rex wouldn't be too mad.}

The rest of the guards followed Jerry inside. The room was empty of life. The big refrigerator and barrels of ground horn and bone were still there. A few people gave quiet exclamations of disgust. 'Who could do this to dragons? Sentient beings?' one of the elves murmured.
.
Fred combed the warehouse and found it deserted. The few remaining poachers had fled and he assumed they'd either met up with Dill or were trying to contact him.

The door was almost immediately flung open by a grim-looking Rex.
.
'Is he alright?' he growled, looking right past Aava.
.
'Relax, Rex. I've survived worse,' said Armin, smiling softly. 'You know me.'
.
When Rex saw him, he paused and let out a quiet, relieved breath, taking a moment to compose himself.
.
in,' he said, impatiently beckoning them inside.

{The contraband in the room was in very bad shape, upon closer inspection. The meat in the glass fridge was all rotted. The blood, congealing. Jerry looks down, jumping in fright at what he saw. A nasty looking worm, about six inches in length, with a maw of sharp teeth and a hard, scaly skin. A Ferrosian Bone Worm. The barrels were infested with them as they consumed the powdered material and were reproducing quickly.}

Jerry: "Oooh my f&$king god, that's nasty....out, everyone out, this contraband is already scuttled."

*Come in

Dianne: "How's Esme?"

{Dianne asks as she steps inside. She walks over to the couch and places Armin down gently.}

Fred heard Jerry's exclamation and quickly came back. Peering around the door, he only needed three seconds to absorb the state of the contraband. He could smell the stench of rotting meat and decay even through the fridge. Turning stark white, he practically threw himself out of the warehouse. The others could only scurry after him, some looking more disgusted than others.

'She's fine,' said Rex.
.
Esme was playing with her building blocks on the living room floor while snacking on a bag of grapes. Even though she couldn't shift yet, her movements were gradually becoming more... human. She held things with her paws as much as her mouth. Looking up, her expression blanked. Then she ran towards Dianne.

{Jerry brought up the rear, making sure this wasn't some kind of ambush. Once they got outside, Jerry takes his hat off and rubs his head.}

Jerry: "What the actual f&$k? There is no way that stuff rotted that fast In refrigeration. And the worms! Those.../things/ are even from here!"

*aren't

Dianne: "Hey, baby. Did you miss us?"

{Dianne kneels to greet her as she ran up.}

Fred was in no fit state to puzzle over this mystery. He was standing with one hand on the gate, slightly hunched over and taking deep breaths of the cold winter air.
.
'Obviously it's magic related,' said Joey, 'but who cares who did it? They saved us some work.'

Jerry: "...Actually, it kind of reminds me of what Dianne did to Sargon's food supplies during the war...You don't think she...no, she couldn't have, she went straight to Pythia's."

Esme opened her wings to hug Dianne, growling in a slightly reproving tone as if to say 'How dare you disappear for so long'.
.
As Armin sat on the couch, he beckoned Rex over. 'C'mere. I'm sorry. I don't enjoy making you panic. I just seem to be accident-prone,' he said softly.
.
Rex dropped onto the seat beside him. After determining that Armin was not injured, he pulled the older man close and roughly ran his fingers through his hair.
.
'You are. If it were possible, I'd have grey hairs by now, just from the stress of knowing you.'

{Dianne takes off her helmet and hugs Esme tightly, kissing her head.}

Dianne: "I'm sorry we were gone so long. Things took an unexpected turn, but everything's fine now. We're here now."

Fred lifted his head and answered in a flat tone. 'I doubt she could have. She hasn't been here since yesterday, and she flew straight to Chalcedony then.'
.
'Maybe it was someone with the same powers as her, I don't know,' said Joey, shrugging.

Jerry: "Maybe...We'll, no point in hanging around here. Shall we go home?"

Esme let herself be hugged for a bit, then drew back. Just then, Owel appeared from upstairs.
.
'Oh! Hello, both of you,' she said warmly.

There was a low murmur of assent, and the guards began to head back to the portal. Fred straightened up and followed them, carefully hiding his horror behind a cool, expressionless mask.

{Dianne looks up at Owel as she lets Esme down. Aava's attention quickly snaps to her.}

Dianne: "Hello, Owel. Everything went well here, I presume?"

Aava: "Oh, hey!"

{Jerry follows them all through the portal, looking forward to relaxing at home.}

'Yes, everything's gone well. It was lovely to spend some time with Esme.' Owel turned her attention to Aava. 'And you're Aava, aren't you? I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Owel,' she said, offering a hand.
.
Rex was sitting with Armin, though he watched the others. Armin was leaning against him, relaxing as Rex affectionately massaged his scalp.

Luxia was waiting on the other side, gazing dreamily into space.
.
'Luxia, thank you,' said Frederick. 'You can close the portal and return home, if you wish.'

Aava: "Aava of Clan Ironwood. It's a pleasure to meet you."

{Aava shakes her hand, smiling warmly.}

Dianne: "Thank you for watching over the two of them. I am grateful."

Jerry: "Yes, thanks. You've been a great help to us. Frederick, if there are any developments regarding Dill, do let me know."

Owel shook Aava's hand firmly before looking back at Dianne. 'Of course. I'm not really cut out for things like that warehouse fight, so this was my way of helping out.'

'I will be looking out for him. Do you mind walking back to your house? I'd rather not ask Luxia to make any more portals today.'

Dianne: "Yeah, things went FUBAR pretty fast there...It's a good thing you didn't come."

Aava: "It was bad. But, we made it out ok."

Jerry: "Oh, no, I can make my way back. All of you have a good afternoon."

Owel chuckled. 'You all did very well. You accomplished what you set out to do. Well, now that you're back, I'm going to be heading out.'
.
Fred nodded curtly. 'Have a good day, Jerry.' Shifting into a dove, he promptly flew away. He was itching to get home and have a long shower. He felt soiled after going into the warehouse.

Dianne: "Alright, Owel, have a good afternoon. And thank you again, for everything."

Aava: "Ok, well, see you soon, I hope."

{Jerry leisurely made his way back home, looking forward to relaxing.}

Owel patted Aava's shoulder, leaned down to pet Esme, smiled at everyone, then walked for the door. 'Have a good afternoon, all of you.'
.
As she departed, Rex watched her go. His eyes seemed to be roving up and down her form.

{Unbenounced to her, Aava was doing the same thing as Rex, but with a more suggestive facial expression. As soon as Owel was out of earshot, Aava speaks.}

Aava: "Nice curves. Anyway, are we going home now?"

Armin raised his eyebrows when he noticed Rex apparently checking Owel out, then snickered quietly when he realised Aava was doing the same. //Ah, these two...//
.
'Yeah, let's go... Dianne, can you grab one of my jackets from upstairs?'

Dianne: "Of course. Aava, grab Esme's toys, please."

{Dianne heads upstairs and retrieves the jacket, coming back down and helping Armin into it. Aava gathers up Esme's toys, waiting eagerly by the door.}

Once dressed appropriately for the cold, Armin reached up and put an arm around Dianne's neck, letting her lift him.
.
Rex trailed after them to the door. 'I suppose we'll all see each other next week, then.'
.
'Yeah. I'll be texting everyone to let them know the exact date and time of this party... I'll see you then.'

Dianne: "Yes, it's going to be fun. See you soon."

Aava: "Bye, Mr. Rex."

{With that, the group departs.}

Armin settled in Dianne's arms as they walked. 'So, I guess I should invite Owel to that party... Everyone seems to be taking an unexpected interest in her,' he said slyly.

{Dianne chuckles while Aava smirks knowingly.}

Aava: "Yeah, I think you should. She's a very...interesting person."

Dianne: "Yes. She is. Rex seems to think so too."

{Aava glances at her, a bit confused. She was not at all paying attention to Rex.}

Aava: "What do you mean by that?"

'Rex was eyeing her up too,' said Armin. 'I didn't have time to really ask him about it. But I definitely saw him looking.'

Aava: "Oh, great...Competition..."

{Dianne just laughs at this.}

Dianne: "Relax, Aava, you have a great shot with her. I wouldn't worry about Rex."

'Hey, you know I'm obligated to support my best friend if he likes someone, right? So, I have to say that Rex might very well have a chance with her,' said Armin playfully.

Aava: "Yes, I know. But, I don't know much about Owel yet. She might not even dig chicks, and this all might be an exercise in futility. Or, she could be exactly the kind of person I've been looking for."

Dianne: "Until you talk to her, you'll never know."

'If she comes to the party, you'll get a chance. Just try to avoid getting completely drunk. I don't think Pythia would approve,' Armin remarked, as he waited for the park to come into view.

Aava: "Yeah, good idea. I won't have any ale, so I can make the best impression possible."

Dianne: "That's good. I think she'll like the person you are."

{The park then came into view. Dianne headed right for the entrance.}

Today, the park was relatively busy, at least compared to its usual state; several people could be seen wandering around.
.
'Try not to step on anyone or knock them over with your wings...' said Armin. Esme gazed around the park, looking like she was ready to sprint off.

Dianne: "I know. Here, Aava hold him up."

{Passing Armin to her, Dianne walks a ways away and, when she's certain it's clear, shifts.}

Dianne: "Ok, let's go, quickly now."

{Aava then laboredly drags Armin aboard.}

The people who were close enough to witness the large dragon appear stopped in their tracks, looking on with wide eyes.
.
Armin helped Aava by supporting himself as best as he could. Once they were up, he leaned forwards, lying against Dianne's neck. Esme flared her wings and jumped aboard.

{Dianne looks around the at the spectators.}

Dianne: "Everyone get clear!"

{Dianne takes off, producing strong winds.}

'Wooo! That was awesome,' said one bystander to their friend. 'Man, I'd love to be a dragon sometimes.'
.
Armin watched the scenery rushing by through half-open eyes.

{Dianne heads straight home, while Aava makes sure Armin doesn't fall off. After an uneventful flight, Dianne sets down in her front yard, letting Aava, Esme, and Armin off before shifting. Picking him up again, she heads for the door.}

Dianne: "So, Rec room or bedroom?"

Esme scampered forwards to the house. Armin rubbed his head.
.
'Actually, I want to go and take a bath first... I smell like their basement and I think I still have dried blood on me. It's not very pleasant...'

Dianne: "Oh, ok. Do you need help?"

Aava: "Yeah, I bet he does."

{Aava raises her eyebrows suggestively.}

Dianne: "No, Aava, he just needs to get clean."

'If you don't mind, then I'd appreciate some help... And, Aava, I can barely open my eyes without feeling dizzy, let alone get it up.'

Dianne: "Yeah, don't worry. I'll scrub you up."

Aava: "Yeah, probably a good idea to just relax."

{Dianne carries him up to the bath. Aava heads for her quarters.}

Dianne: "Wait here, I'll get your sleeping wear."

'Sure...'
.
Armin sat down to wait for her, leaning against the wall and closing his eyes.

{Dianne gathers his clothes, then heads back, closing the door behind her. She had removed her armor and brought her own sleepwear. She prepares the bath, then starts helping Armin disrobe.}

Dianne: "How do you feel, by the way?"

Armin let her disrobe him, trying not to move too much himself.
.
'Lightheaded, weak, and sick... It's a combination of blood loss and being staked... But, I'll be fine in a couple of days.'

Dianne: "Ok. Do you need more blood after this?"

{Dianne easily lowers him in, then disrobes and gets in with him. She starts with scrubbing off the dried blood.}

'Later. After I've slept a little.'
.
Armin leaned against the side of the bathtub to avoid toppling over. The blood came off quite easily.
.
'Could you wash my hair as well?'

Dianne: "That's the next order of business. Here."

{Dianne gently reorients him so he's leaning back into her. She then starts soaping up his hair and gently massaging his scalp.}

Dianne: "Now, try not to fall asleep on me."

Armin went almost completely limp, eyes sliding shut. Given how rough he felt, the sensation of her washing his hair was extremely soothing. He immediately had to fight to stay alert.
.
'...Mmmmm... Unrealistic thing to expect...'

Dianne: "Perhaps. After this bath, I'm going to stroke your hair until you fall asleep."

{Dianne starts rinsing his hair, watching him carefully.}

Armin blinked slowly, a hint of a smile curling up his face.
.
'...That sounds nice...'
.
He leaned his head back so she could rinse his hair without getting soap in his eyes.

{Once she finished with his hair, Dianne sat him up.}

Dianne: "Ok, are you ready to get out?"

'Yeah, let's go. Before I doze off and crack my head open on the bathtub.'

{Dianne easily picks him up, carrying him out of the tub. Putting a towel down on the toilet seat, Dianne then sets Armin down and begins drying him off. After the both of them were dressed, Dianne picks him up again.}

Dianne: "Ok, bedroom or Rec room?"

'Rec room...' he replied drowsily, already starting to snuggle into her.

{Kissing the side of his face, Dianne walks down to the Rec room. Aava was already there, lounging on the bean bag in her pajamas. Dianne lies down next to her, Armin in her arms.}

Aava: "Well, he looks relaxed."

Armin mumbled something indistinguishable in response. Once they were down, he snuggled up against Dianne and nuzzled her drowsily.
.
'Mmm... you're comfortable...'

Dianne: "I know, sweetheart."

{Dianne kisses his forehead, then begins slowly stroke his hair.}

Armin gave a long, slow exhale. He smiled faintly.
.
'Love you...'
.
He seemed to drift off almost within seconds, utterly at peace in her embrace.

{Dianne continues to stroke his hair until she drifts off entirely. Aava simply lies there, watching the tv on low.}

Meanwhile, after a few hours of flight, Dill had arrived upon the outskirts of Shacklestone. As he entered the warehouse, his plan was to gather some contraband, find a car, and head out of Vallis. He would take a ferry across the Border Sea to Aether, and forget everything strange that had happened here.
.
When he walked in and found the festering dragon meat, he felt frustration, followed by confusion and fear. 'What the f**k? There's no way it could have rotted that fast.'
.
He kicked away a worm near his foot. The contraband was lost. There was nothing left to do but flee to Aether. And already, he was beginning to regret targeting this bounty. //This isn't fair! I'm just trying to make a living.//

(Unless there's something you want to do with him, feel free to skip back to Dianne's house. Armin is going to sleep until dinner.)

(Hmm, just a small thing.)

{As Dill left, he may notice something strange. In a window of a far off building, there was a silhouette. The figure of the Aspect of Death, watching from the distance. Was it his imagination? Perhaps, perhaps not. However, shoulder notice it, it would disappear once he turns away or blinks.}

(Let me know when he sleeps next.)

{Hours later, Dianne was still asleep with Armin. Hungry and impatient, Aava gently nudges her until she wakes.}

Dianne: "Hrmm...What?..."

Aava: "Dianne, Esme and I are starving. Is it dinner time yet?"

Dianne: "Oh, right..."

Dill's sharp eyes caught the ominous figure in the window, and he whipped around to look. It seemed very familiar. However, a second later it was gone.
.
//I'm going crazy,// he thought, shifting and taking off.

Armin stirred slightly, but didn't wake. He just shifted, draping an arm across Dianne as if to unconsciously stop her from moving.

{Dianne lies still for a minute, trying to wake up. Once she feels ready, she gently moves Armin's arm off of her and stands.}

Dianne: "Stay here with Armin. I will prepare the dinner."

Still asleep, Armin gave a quiet growl of discontent, before settling down again. Esme, who had been watching the TV, scampered after Dianne to watch her make dinner.

{Aava sits next to Armin, watching a sitcom. It was about a couple and their dragon roommate who would always get into zany trouble. Dianne began making the dinner, letting Esme watch.}

After a few minutes, Armin stirred. Without sitting up, he rubbed his eyes, then squinted over at Aava. 'Oh, hello. It's quite late, isn't it?' he rasped.

Aava: "Meh, sort of. Dianne's off making dinner. You kinda slept all day, which is a good thing. How do you feel?"

Armin rolled onto his front and rested his head on his arms. 'A bit better. I don't really feel up to doing anything yet, though.' He ran his tongue over his fangs. 'And I need more blood.'

Aava: "Here, why don't I..."

Barnabas: "I can get you your blood."

{The ghoul says, suddenly appearing.}

Barnabas: "You want that in a cup or a whole rabbit?"

Armin squinted at Aava, wondering what she'd been about to say, then turned to Barnabas.
.
'Uh, a cup would probably be better. Thanks.'

Barnabas: "Be right back, best buddy."

{With that, the ghoul vanished. Aava just chuckles.}

Aava: "Well, he seems to like you."

'I don't know why...' Armin muttered. 'He used to take every opportunity to torment me. Maybe he just found better things to do.' He stared indifferently at the TV as he lay there.

Aava: "He did? Torment you how?"

'...Dianne and I recruited him on one of our trips. Barnabas is a ghoul that feeds on fear, so to stay healthy, he had to scare people. I was his primary target back then, since there wasn't anyone else... But I guess since he's got more choice nowadays, he doesn't need to keep throwing spiders at me...' Armin yawned as he finished.

Aava: "Hmm...Honestly, it sounds like he just wanted to play. You realize...He is a dog, right?"

'Technically he's a werewolf. Or he used to be. Now, yes, he's just a weird ghost dog.'

Aava: "I think he's nice. And very useful. You should be nicer to him. I think it's sweet he wants to be your friend."

'You wouldn't be saying that if he'd spent several weeks playing on your fears,' said Armin darkly. 'Come to think of it, I'm surprised he hasn't done anything to you yet.'

Aava: "Maybe because Dianne would skin him alive if he tried. It's hard enough to sleep at night with my nightmares, let alone with him scaring me."

'That's probably why... Either way, I'm grateful that he's not an ass to me anymore.'
.
Armin let his eyes slide shut, though remained awake.

{Shortly after this, Barnabas appears with a tumbler full of blood.}

Barnabas: "Here you go, buddy. This will make you feel better."

Aava: "Need my help sitting up?"

'Sure.' Armin laboriously pulled himself into a sitting position, using Aava to stop himself falling. He tried not to lean his full weight on her, aware of her small size. 'Thanks, Barnabas,' he said, reaching for the blood.

{Barnabas hands him the blood, sitting and watching him.}

Aava: "So, Barnabas, what's your story?"

Barnabas: "Hmm, where to start? I was once a priest of Kynigos in the city of Alacria. You know, the one over run by spiders?"

Aava: "That much I do know. But, how did you end up a ghoul? And how did you meet these two?"

Armin grasped the cup with both hands and sipped from it gently. He knew most of Barnabas's past, but he said nothing, figuring the ghoul would want to tell his own story.

Barnabas: "Well, to give you the short version, I fell in love with an elf maiden in life. Aphrodite. We were set to be engaged, until my jealous rival, Solnholfheim had me killed by his goons."

Aava; "Oh no! Why would he do that?"

Barnabas: "Because he wanted my love to be for himself. Well, he bound me in chains and threw me to the sea leviathans, where I was promptly devoured. The chains wrapped around me now are the very chains I died in. However, while I floated aimlessly in the depths, the Divines appeared before me abd offered me a deal. Pass on, but leave my love to be forced to marry Solnholfheim, or become a ghoul, save her, but forever wander the mortal plane. As you can see, I chose to save her."

Aava: "That's so sweet. You have up your afterlife to save her."

*gave

'It is pretty sweet. I guess she was lucky to have you,' said Armin while lazily drinking his blood. He wondered how different Barnabas had been as a living person. //Saner, probably.//

Barnabas: "I like to think so. After I became a ghoul, I took my revenge and saved my beloved. We said our goodbyes and I...left..."

{Barnabas sighs, looking at the floor.}

Barnabas: "After that, I just kind of roamed the countryside, feeding on fear. That is, until I was approached by a greedy old bast.ard named Dathan. He offered me a job guarding his family crypt and gold. I was a bit bored at the time, so I accepted, figured I could try scaring off some graverobbers. Well, what I didn't expect was that the collective malice of his and his family's spirits would affect me. I grew cold and cruel. Did some things I wasn't proud of. Until this guy and Dianne came along, seeking the treasure. I got the cruelty beat out of me and now I'm here. Couldn't be happier."

Aava: "Sounds like a huge improvement over an old dusty crypt. Good for you, Barnabas."

'So, all of this is worth being Dianne's servant?' said Armin, genuinely curious. 'You don't mind that you have to do whatever she says?'

{Barnabas shrugs.}

Barnabas: "I have more than enough freedom. She's not cruel to me. Besides, there is no afterlife for me. What else coud I be doing? Where else could I be?"

'I think... if I was in your position... I'd want the same thing. Some kind of purpose...'
.
Done with his drink, he put the cup aside and then rolled over onto his front again, closing his eyes and listening to the TV.

Barnabas: "And that's why I haven't asked for freedom. watching your family and helping others, gives me some sort of purpose. Reminds me of something I once had..."

Aava: "Well, we're happy to have you."

{Just then, Dianne comes in with the dinner.}

Aava: "Oh boy! Spaghetti!"

Armin shifted slightly to the side to make sure Dianne had enough room to sit down and eat. Other than that, he didn't move. Esme started devouring her food the moment it was put down, while still trying to keep her eyes on the TV.

{Dianne sits with her plate, briefly ruffling Armin's hair.}

Dianne: "How are things here?"

Aava: "Good. Really good. Just chatting and watching the tv."

Armin hummed in agreement. 'We're just chilling. Barnabas got me some more blood, so I won't have to become a ravenous predator and feed off of you and Aava,' he said jokingly.

Dianne: "That's good. If you ate us, you'd have to sleep alone for the rest of eternity."

{She jokes back. Finding the remote, Dianne changes the tv to a campy action movie for Esme.}

Armin lay beside Dianne throughout the entirety of dinner, sometimes opening his eyes to look at the movie, other times resting them.

{Once Dianne had finished, she settled herself next to him, wrapping an arm around him while watching the tv.}

Armin turned and lightly nipped her throat in affection. All the blood and rest was doing him good. Though still weak, he looked nowhere near as deathly as last night.
.
'How are you two feeling? You seemed pretty worn out when we got back too.'

{Dianne smiles at his affectionate gesture.}

Dianne: "Yeah, I'm still tired."

Aava: "Same, which is why I've been lying here all day."

Dianne: "But, I'm ok. I've pushed on, even after sleepless nights."

'Well, you don't need to have sleepless nights anymore... Come to think of it, you haven't had any nightmares recently... That's good.'

Dianne: "I know, and neither have you. And I hope that trend continues."

Aava: "I certainly have them less often, with our new sleeping arrangements."

Dianne: "I am very happy about that."

'You're all great. I hope you keep having peaceful nights.'
.
Armin nuzzled Dianne with drowsy affection, shifting closer to her.

{Dianne pulls him close, rubbing his hair.}

Dianne: "I know this night will be peaceful. You just let me know when you want to go to bed."

Armin quietly lay with her for a while longer, listening to the TV and enjoying the company. Eventually, he tugged on Dianne's shirt.
.
'Let's go, if you're tired enough...'

Dianne: "Yeah, I'm ready."

{Standing, Dianne picks him up and begins to carry him off. Aava follows them up after shutting off the tv. Getting to the bedroom, Dianne puts him under the covers before climbing in.}

Armin waited until she was in the bed, then promptly cuddled up to her side.
.
'Mmm... Goodnight, then...'

{Dianne settles in, Armin in her arms and Aava at her back.}

Dianne: "Good night..."

(Skip to Dill sleeping?)

----
.
Dill had flown straight from Shacklestone and gone south. He wanted to fly all the way to the sea line, but there was no chance of that. As it grew dark, he stopped at Frostwood, found a hotel, and paid to spend a night. He fell into a restless sleep.

{This time, as he slept, he found himself in a dark mountain forest. He was being hunted by none other than Calvin. Death had pulled his soul from the afterlife and instructed him to torment Dill in this dream.}

(And off to bed I go. Goodnight!)

(Night!)
.
Dill was fleeing. He could feel the monster lurking somewhere in the dark, but no matter where he turned, he never caught sight of it.
.
'Running? Why don't you kill me? You /are/ a poacher, aren't you?'
.
The cruel, laughing voice whispered from behind him. Dill spun around, slipping on wet leaves and falling. A massive set of jaws lunged towards him from the darkness. He scrambled back, getting up and running again. He'd tried to control the dream by summoning weapons, but it didn't work.
.
'Come back... I promise I won't hurt you... I'm just playing.'
.
A spiked tail knocked his legs out from under him. A giant paw pinned him to the ground. He screamed hoarsely as claws ripped the flesh off his back. Even though he was dreaming, it felt real. He tried desperately to wake up.

{As Dill was tormented, he could see flashes of things in the corners of the darkness. The Aspect was always watching, just barely outside his vision. When Calvin pinned him, he could see the Aspect standing some six meters ahead of him, just watching.}

Aspect: "DoeSn'T fEel sO gOod, DoEs iT? ThIs is ThE faTe tHat AwAits yOu, and EvEry oNe InvOlveD."

'Let me go! I haven't done anything wrong! I'm just a normal man trying to earn money!' Dill cried.
.
Calvin let him up. 'I'm sorry. You can go. I'll leave you alone now.'
.
He allowed Dill to crawl laboriously for a few feet, then pinned him down again, laughing, playing with him like a cat with a mouse.

{The Aspect gives a raspy laugh.}

Aspect: "WhEre tO sTaRt wItH yOu? YoU aTtAcKed hEr guArdIan, so yOu'Ve atTacKed mEeeEe..."

{Walking up, the Aspect grabs Dill, ripping him from Calvin and lifting him into the air. His boney countenance and putrid stench are right in Dill's face.}

Aspect: "You hUnT tHe InnOcEnT and PlEad wItH Me fOr mErCy? TypIcal."

'I haven't hunted anyone innocent!' Dill babbled. 'That Armin guy isn't innocent, he's murdered children! And dragons aren't innocent, they're rabid animals! Look at /him!'/ He pointed at Calvin behind him, face twisting with rage.

Aspect: "If tHat waS tRuE, wE woUldN't bE hErE. AlSo...He's ThE ExceptIon."

{Death lifts him up, moving to bite him. As Dills head was in death's maw, he awakens eith the daylight.}

Dill sat up in a cold sweat. For the second night in a row, he hadn't slept peacefully. Why was this happening? And how? Suddenly, a mad idea came to him.
.
//Dianne... She must be upset that her boyfriend got taken and is sending monsters to torture me!// Somehow, the idea made perfect sense to Dill. //Maybe if I get rid of Dianne, all this will stop and I can live in peace again.//

(Feel free to skip back to Dianne's place)

{That morning, Jerry was up, watching tv with his cereal. His favorite cartoon was interrupted by breaking news.}

Newslady: "We interrupt this program to bring you breaking news from Agamidae. There has been an outbreak of a new, infectious disease. The entirety of downtown Agamidae has been quarantined. This new pathogen is highly contagious, and is capable of infecting even nonhumans. Symptons include intense fever, boils, bleeding of the eyes, and a drain of mana. Infected should be..."

{The news person continues on descibing quarantine procedure, but what they failed to mention was that the patient zeros were Dill parents.}

(Wait, so are Dill's parents dead or just infected?)

{Meanwhile, Dianne was peacefully asleep. She was perfectly comfortable, intending to sleep in that morning. Aava was in a similar state, nowhere near awakening.}

(Infected. If they're still human, they might die. XD)

Dill, while staying at the hotel, saw the news flash on a TV. When he remembered that his parents lived in Agamidae, a new worry hit him. He tried to call them, but neither answered their phone. Now he was torn between flying to Agamidae to see them, or continuing on his mission to find Dianne.

Late in the morning, Armin started to stir. But it wasn't peaceful this time. Abruptly, he started whimpering and gripping Dianne in a painfully tight hold, his face showing distress.

{As Dill watched the tv, Lucci appears behind him.}

Lucci: "Well, it goes without saying, but...I told you so."

This time, when Lucci appeared, Dill whipped a handgun out of his belt and shot at him.

{Dianne stirs, feeling his distress. Opening her eyes, she winces at his grip, nudging him, trying to get him to wake up.}

Dianne: "Armin, sweetie, wake up. It's ok, we're here."

{The bullet stops mid air, then falls.}

Lucci: "I told you that wouldn't work. You're in for it now, my friend. I told you this would happen."

For a moment, he just gripped her tighter. He must have regained some of his strength. Then, his eyes snapped open and, when they landed on her, relief showed in his face.
.
'Oh...' He buried his face in her shoulder, giving a little convulsive shiver.

'Are my parents alright?' said Dill, manically pointing his gun at Lucci. 'Did they get this disease?'

{Dianne hugs him tightly, stroking his hair.}

Dianne: "Hey, it's ok. It was just a nightmare."

{Lucci sighs, leaning against the wall.}

Lucci: Your parents were patients zero. And the members of your crew are also infected. This is going to be bad. I warned you not to do it. I warned you of the suffering you would cause. But no, no one listens to the oracle until after the divine wrath comes down..."

'What the f**k do my parents have to do with this?! They weren't on my team; they didn't do anything. Why is that b*tch Dianne targeting them?' Dill still thought that Dianne was making all these things happen.

Armin made a small noise that was muffled in her shoulder.
.
'I was back in that warehouse, and... I heard the poachers laughing about something. I saw the giant fridge full of...organs, and things... And there were big black horns... And somehow I knew it was you...' He swallowed, nauseated.

Lucci: "Dianne isn't doing this. Right now, she has no intention of pursuing you. I told you, you'd garner more attention than just hers. This is all Death's doing, and he's pretty peeved."

Dill's brow furrowed. 'Death?' he repeated blankly, before moving on. 'But why are innocent people being hurt?'

{Dianne turns a little pale, then hugs him tighter.}

Dianne: "That's...not going to happen. Ever..."

Aava: "Hmmm? Wa's happening?"

Armin didn't respond. Trying to stave off the horrible images, he dug his fingers into her and breathed slow and deep.
.
//Won't happen...// he thought. //She's survived thousands of years, there's no way any poacher would get the better of her.//

Lucci: "Well, he's a little unstable in this dimension....It's a bit difficult to describe...It's like....in this world, he's half blind. So, to get you, he needs a sweeping gesture, like a pathogen. He can't enter this realm easily or without reason, and he can't actually hurt you in your dreams."

{Dianne continues to stroke his hair, trying to comfort him.}

Dianne: "Armin had a nightmare...You can go back to sleep, Aava."

Aava: "Oh...Does he need a back rub?"

'That's f**king stupid,' said Dill. 'Tell him to leave me alone. I haven't done anything wrong.'

Armin nuzzled into Dianne, pushing his head into her hand. 'I think this is helping enough...'

Lucci: "No, you've done a lot wrong in your life. Just this time, there's tangible repercussions. And I can't control him. Maybe an acolyte could but...your future is looking grim."

Aava: "Ok..Dianne, you're pale! Are you ok?"

Dianne: "I'm fine. His dream was...disturbing..."

{Aava immediately starts rubbing her back in an attempt to comfort her. This seems to help.}

Dill snorted bitterly. 'I've killed a few animals and pursued a bounty. Big deal. Why are you here anyway?'

Armin felt a momentary twinge of guilt. 'Sorry. I guess that wasn't how you wanted to start your morning.'

Lucci: "You know what, shut up with the whole innocent act. Sentient beings are not animals. Calvin was just a psychotic dragon, the same way you get psychotic people. Sure, dragons are a bit violent and impulsive, but what you do is still a crime. I'm here to explain why this is happening so you don't pursue Dianne, because if you try to harm her, I have to personally stop you. This is Death's doing, not hers, and it's a long time coming."

Dianne: "Don't worry about it. You are my only concern right now."

{Dianne kisses his face, then affectionately nips his neck.}

Dill raised his hands with a mixture of anger and defeat. 'Fine, I won't pursue her. I guess I'll just go back to living my life and dealing with whatever this crap is.'

Armin made another small noise, but this time it sounded more like enjoyment. He nipped her in return, gently digging his teeth into a spot under her jaw. He tried to distract himself from the dream by focusing on her.

Lucci: "It's going to get worse Dill. Every endeavor you pursue will fail, and your life will forever be shadowed by him. Your happiness and vitality. That is the price to be paid."

{Dianne chuckles, tensing and squeezing him.}

Dianne: "Feels like you're a bit stronger."

Dill was silent for a moment. Then he directed the gun he was holding at his own head.
.
'Guess there's no point anymore, then, huh?'

'Yes, I do feel better,' Armin murmured. 'Still not entirely up to par, but I could probably stand up and walk, at least...'
.
He wanted to continue teasing her neck, but refrained, seeing that Aava was still there. So he just cuddled up to her instead.

Lucci: "Careful. Once you enter Death's realm, what he might do to you there is worse. You've done terrible things, Dill. But worse people then you have managed redemption. Pull that trigger, and you'll completely be at Death's mercy."

{Dianne cuddles him back, feeling to be in the snuggly mood. Aava smiles at this and settles at Dianne's back}

Dianne: "Let's stay for a while longer. Until Esme demands food."

Dill held the gun to his head for several beats. Then, with an eerie calm, he tucked it into his belt and turned away.
.
'If ya done talking, I'm leaving. Dunno what I'll do, but... can't just stay in this hotel forever.'

'Yes. A bit longer.'
.
Closing his eyes and giving an affectionate growl, Armin snuggled against Dianne. He felt a little better now.

Lucci: "Alright then. Be seeing you."

{With that, he walks away, disappearing around the corner.}

{Dianne continues to cuddle him, stroking his hair and hugging him tightly.}

After Lucci left, Dill decided to travel to Agamidae and try to visit his parents. It was a long trip, but he had no idea what else to do right now.

After half an hour, Esme decided that she'd had enough of waiting around in bed. With a chirp, she jumped on Aava - rather heavily - jumped off again, and proceeded to exit the room.

Aava: "Ack! Watch it, kid!"

Dianne: "Well, she's up, guess we gotta make her breakfast. "

{Dianne squeezes Armin once more, then sits up.}

Armin sat up slowly. When no wave of lightheadedness washed over him, he put his feet over the edge of the bed and tried to stand.
.
'...Hmm... Well, I don't think I'm going to fall over...'

{Dianne stands with him,ready to catch him if he falls.}

Aava: "I'm going to make breakfast. See you down there."

Armin leaned against her for a moment, then carefully pushed himself upright.
.
'Yeah, I think I can walk, as long as I'm careful.' He started to get dressed. As he did so, he put his Thoughtstone ring on and pushed the other onto Dianne's finger.

{Dianne smiles. A wave of affection comes through the ring.}

Dianne: "You look good. Still, I'm helping you down the stairs."

'That might be a good idea.'
.
Armin leaned in to kiss her neck before heading towards the stairs. He was feeling particularly affectionate today; he supposed it was a result of all that had happened. Now things seemed to be settling down, he felt like he could relax again.

{Once dressed, Dianne accompanies him. She made sure he made it safely before leaning in and nipping his neck.}

Dianne: "What do you want to do today?"

'Well... I don't feel up to anything too strenuous. Maybe we could go riding, if you control the horse.'

Dianne: "Yeah, I think I could do that. Will Aava ride Excalibur or Tourmaline? She's going to want to come too."

'We'll take Tourmaline. Aava can have Excalibur alone, if she's alright with that. My horse is a little bit smaller than yours.'

Dianne: "Sounds good. I think she'll be happy to get out again."

{Dianne walks with him to the dining room. Aava was passing out the eggs.}

Aava: "Esme, breakfast!"

As he walked past, Armin briefly ruffled Aava's hair in an absentminded manner. He then sat down, not to eat, but just to be among them.
.
'We're going riding later, if you want to come.'

{Aava freezes, surprised by the gesture. Turning, she just grins.}

Aava: "I'd love to come! Let's go after breakfast!"

Dianne: "Armin will ride with me and you get to ride Excalibur."

Aava: "Yaay!

'That's all settled, then.'
.
Contentedly, Armin leaned forwards and rested his head on his arms. As everyone ate, his eyes flickered towards Dianne and a ghost of a smile appeared on his face.
.
//Do you want to know something I'm looking forward to doing once I feel up to it?// he said through their private link.

{Dianne smiles, eyes flickering towards him.}

Dianne: //Sure. What are you looking forward to?//

Armin paused, then replied nonchalantly: //I'm going to pin you to our bed and make you feel good... I'll tease you until you're squirming and breathless... I know all the best places to touch you...//

{Dianne chuckles, eyeing him flirtatiously.}

Dianne: //Oh, really? Well, now that I know, what's stopping me from turning the tables? What if I pin you instead, and dig my teeth into your defenseless neck, hmmm? I also know the best places to touch you.//

Armin closed his eyes, feigning indifference. //Maybe that would happen. Or maybe I'd get you first. I'd slide my hands under your shirt... just touching at first, enjoying the feel of you... then maybe I'd claw your belly, just to hear the sounds you make whenever I do that...//

{Dianne couldn't help but grin over her eggs.}

Dianne: //Mmm, I do love it when you do that... but that assumes that your hands are free. I tend to force your wrists behind your back, caressing your form with my free hand. All the while, teasing your neck as I decide what to do with you. You're just so cute, squirming against me.//

//Mm... Maybe I'll just let you do what you want with me. I like it when you hold me down, making me feel your strength... knowing I can't get away unless you let me... I don't let people take control like that unless I really trust them.//

Dianne: //I'm happy to hear that. I normally only take the dominant role, but you...I trust you enough to play the submissive role. Either way, we're going to have fun.//

//Of course. I'm looking forward to it. Hmm, now that you can do both, I'm curious. Do you enjoy both equally, or prefer one role over the other?//

Dianne: //Hmmm...Honestly, I enjoy both pretty equally. The act of dominating you is just as enjoyable as letting you have your way with me. Do you have a preference?//

//No, not really. Both are a lot of fun.// He smirked a little. //I guess our roles just fall into how each of us is feeling at the time. But even if I'm in the mood for one over the other, I can still adjust to fit your preference.//

Dianne: //That's very considerate of you. But, you had a terrible time of things over the last few days. You get to pick your role, and I'll happily play along.//

Shifting into a more upright position, Armin leaned towards her and kissed her neck.
.
//Well, I'll see how I feel when the time comes.//

Dianne: //Looking forward to it.//

{As Armin pulls back from his kiss, Dianne gently grabs his head and pulls him back into a deep kiss on the lips.}

Armin made a noise of surprise, before relaxing and responding to it, momentarily forgetting that Aava was still in the room. He ran a hand up her back and lightly scratched the back of her neck as she kissed him.

{Dianne gives a slight jolt, grinning at the gesture. Then, she pulls back, realizing that Aava was right there. Aava was watching with interest, leaning her head on her hand and smiling knowingly.}

Aava: "Oh, you don't need to stop on my account. By all means, continue."

Armin drew away, eyeing the elf. 'You look like you were enjoying that way too much... And, no, I think we'll save it for later.' He smiled slyly.

Aava: "Hey, until I can get some of my own, I'm happy to spectate what I can."

Dianne: "Well, so long as you're not drilling peepholes in my bedroom door, it's not really a problem."

Aava: "Oh, come on, I'm not that creepy."

'I guess you have every right to watch if we're literally doing it in front of you,' Armin said ruefully. 'Though, honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if you tried to spy on us at other times.'

Aava: "Hey, I may be raunchy and gutter minded, but I still respect the privacy of others. I'm not going to spy on you."

Dianne: "I know. Having an audience just makes us uncomfortable."

Armin started to pull himself to his feet, holding Dianne's shoulder for support. 'You definitely are gutter minded, but so am I. Well, why don't we get ready and head out for a ride?'

Aava: "Yeah, let's go!"

{Aava excitedly scampers off to get ready. Dianne helps Armin stand and begins leading him back to their room.}

Dianne: "Let's dress you warmly. Also, I need my coat and riding boots."

After making their slow way up the stairs and into their room, Armin retrieved his clothes and sat down on the bed to get dressed. His movements were lethargic and sometimes laboured, but he was actually able to move around, unlike the last two days.
.
'Pass me my coat? It's in the closet.'

{Dianne was eyeing him with concern the entire time as she got dressed. Sitting next to him, she hands him his coat.}

Dianne: "We're just going for a nice, easy ride. Nothing too strenuous. We'll go out for a bit and come relax here after."

Armin slowly pulled his coat on. Then, he just took a moment to lean against her, snuggling his head under hers.
.
'Yeah, we won't go fast or far. We'll have a quiet walk and then come back. And you'll be steering. It'll be fine.'

{Dianne nuzzles him affectionately, sitting there with him.}

Dianne: "Yes, everything will be just fine. Let me know when you're ready."

{Outside, they could hear Aava running out of her room, excitedly scrambling down the stairs for the stables.}

Armin couldn't help smiling when he heard Aava's enthusiastic exit.
.
'Let's go.' He hugged her briefly, then got up and walked out the room, waiting for her to support him down the stairs.

{Dianne helps him down the stairs and outside. Making it to the stables, Dianne sits Armin down on a stool as she prepares the horses. Aava was leaning aganst the wall, grinning and watching the horses.}

Armin was content to sit there and watch Dianne got the horses ready. Excalibur looked eager to go out, snorting and throwing her head back and forth.
.
'Be careful with her,' he warned Aava. 'Sometimes she just wants to take off.'

Aava: "I got it. I can rein her in."

{Once the horses were prepared, Dianne leads them outside. Aava eagerly mounts Excalibur. Dianne helps Armin up and onto Tourmaline.}

Dianne: "Ok, just a nice easy ride around the property."

Armin wrapped his arms around Dianne's waist, watching Aava with his horse. He wasn't too worried about her; she was obviously an experienced rider.
.
'Alright, let's go,' he said lightly.

{Dianne starts off at a leisurely pace, with Aava keeping speed. Aava looks very happy atop her horse, enjoying the fresh air and open space.}

Dianne: "Anywhere on my estate you want to go in particular?"

Armin looked around thoughtfully. 'Can we go through a more wooded area? Riding between trees is fun.'

Dianne: "Sure. I have a bit of woodland."

{Dianne begins to lead the group over to some woods near the edge of her property. Aava is all smiles at this point.}

'You have quite a lot of land... Somehow I never really realised how big this area was...'
.
Armin continued holding onto Dianne with both arms as they rode, not wanting to topple off the massive horse if his balance failed. Above them, Esme swooped and weaved through the tree canopy.

Dianne: "Yeah, and to think the king gave it all to me for free."

{Dianne looks up at Esme, impressed.}

Dianne: "Wow, she's getting good at that."

'She's learning quickly. She's, what, nine months old now?'
.
Armin turned to watch Aava riding.
.
'Heheh, she looks so tiny on that huge horse,' he whispered.

Dianne: "No, I think she's...six or seven months...Wasn't she hatched at some point in October?"

{Dianne looks over at Aava, quietly chuckling.}

Dianne: "She does. But she looks so happy up there. It's adorable."

Armin chuckled softly. 'I'm glad she's enjoying herself. After everything, she deserves to let loose and have some fun.'
.
The further they rode, the more effort it took him to stay on the horse. His stamina wasn't fully recovered yet. Eventually, he leaned forward and murmured into Dianne's ear.
.
'Let's start heading back.'

{Dianne looks back at him and nods.}

Dianne: "Alright. Aava, let's start heading back."

Aava: "Ok!"

{Aava turns her horse around and starts a brisk canter back to the house.}

Armin leaned into Dianne's back, enjoying the movement of the horse as they cantered back.

{Dianne smiles at him. After a short while, they made their way back to the stables. Aava hops off her horse, still looking ecstatic.}

Aava: "That was great, we should do that more often!"

Dianne: "I'm happy you enjoyed yourself."

{Getting off, Dianne helps Armin down and sits him back on the stool.}

'Hey, while we're outside, could Barnabas get me a rabbit?' Armin requested. Settling on the stool, he reached over to pat Tourmaline's leg before she was led back into the stall.

Dianne: "Of course. Barnabas?"

{Dianne puts the horses away. Barnabas appears minutes later with the rabbit, offering it to Armin.}

Barnabas: "Here you go!"

'Thanks.'
.
Accepting the catch, Armin drove his fangs into the rabbit's neck to make a wound, and proceeded to drink ravenously. Esme, meanwhile, had flown into the stable after them and landed, looking worn out but pleased.

Dianne: "Hey, Esme. Have a good time?"

{Once Dianne finishes untacking the horses, she stands to the side, waiting for Armin to finish.}

Esme chirped happily.
.
After drinking about half of the rabbit's blood, Armin climbed to his feet. He looked around, then at the rabbit in his hands.
.
'I guess I'll just toss this away. Unless anyone wants a dead rabbit.'

Aava: "Naw, I don't think we need that."

Dianne: "Here, I'll get rid of it."

{Dianne takes the rabbit, tossing it onto the grass. Then, with a flick of her hand, the rabbit turns to ash.}

Armin watched the rabbit disintegrate, then started to walk back up to the house. Esme sniffed curiously at the ashes, which prompted her to recoil sharply before following him.

{Dianne walks with Armin, looking him over.}

Dianne: "You seem to be walking well. Feeling better?"

'A little. Still not entirely... myself, but I can walk, and I could drive if I had to. I've been getting tired more easily, but that should pass in a day or two.'

Dianne: "Alright, let's get you inside. You'll just take it easy wherever you want to spend the day."

Once they were inside, Armin looked around, contemplating how to pass the time. His gaze slid towards Dianne.
.
'Do you have anything specific you wanted to do this afternoon?'
.
Esme padded past them and promptly disappeared into the twisting hallways of the house.

Dianne: "Well, I..."

{Just then, her phone rang.}

Dianne; "Oh, it's my team from my project. One moment."

{Dianne picks up her phone and walks into the other room. Aaava had already skipped off to her quarters.}

Suddenly alone, Armin paused in the hallway for a moment, then slowly walked to the rec room and sat down. He could have easily followed Dianne and eavedropped on her conversation, but he didn't think it would be very interesting to him.

{After a few minutes, Dianne walks into the Rec room.}

Dianne: "Oh, there you are. That was my team. The prototype pieces came in today. They're coming over to show it to me."

'Oh, really? Well, it's going to be interesting to see those. Are they coming today?'

Dianne: "Yeah, they're on their way. They've assembled it and now they want me to raise it. It should be interesting."

(posting new room)