Cheese & Garlic

The days had turned to weeks which turned to months of captivity. At first Asha had been outspokenly hopeful someone was coming for her, then silently hopeful, and then for awhile she sunk into a mood, worried that perhaps Elgar’nan was just too big a bad for her family to thwart.

But as the weeks turned to months, a flicker of hope returned. The thought of her family and friends gave her the strength to endure, and she began to formulate a plan of escape, despite the odds against her.

She took note of the guards' routines, observed the weakest points in her cell, and began to discreetly gather items that could be used to aid her escape. Every setback was merely a lesson learned, fueling her determination to regain her freedom.

Days turned into nights and nights back into days, in an endless cycle that seemed to blur together. Asha kept a mental note of time, marking each passing day with a small scratch on the stone wall of her cell. The rough texture of the wall beneath her fingertips served as a stark reminder of her circumstances, but it also steeled her resolve.

Then one day it happened, the stars aligned and she got the opportunity to flee her cell, but she hadn’t properly thought through what she would do once outside. It was night so she had the cover of darkness to help her, but ultimately she would be caught on the outskirts.

As Elgar’nan’s man dragged her back, she tried not to let the tears loose. She didn’t want them to see her scared or upset. Instead she hurled insults at the man as he dragged her back to the cells. Think you’re so big and mean and scary, you’re just Elgie’s lapdog. He doesn’t care about you. As they got to the cells, Asha bit the man’s hand and nearly tried to escape again, as futile as it was, she had to try. The man grabbed her and noticing they weren’t alone commented about how they were going to have to keep a close eye on this one.

Her rounds of the dungeon were now mapped enough in her mind that Nyllian didn’t require sight to navigate the hallways. She was still struggling to sleep on an actual bed rather than a threadbare hay mat or the cold slabs themselves, in some cases she sleepwalked, finding an empty one to actually rest in unless she was in her Master’s bed.

Voices filtered through her dosing mind though, and with an absent wave of her hand the air picked up around her. Her gait halted, the black pools of her eyes opening to an empty hallway while the voices still echoed from further ahead. The words caused her head to tilt, brow furrowing in recognition, then unfurling again with a chuckle.

Ignoring the bones collecting behind her, Nyllian tracked the direction of the prevented escapee, feet almost carrying her into the hallway as a skip.

[color=#b20080]“Oh did the little bird try to fly away? Pretty thing, you know that’s bad manners, yes?” [/color]Nyllian called from the far end. [color=#b20080]“No, I’m afraid we’re not quite done with you yet. Haven’t even gotten to play with you yet.”[/color] Her giggle came out almost like a maddening cackle, reaching the lackey handling the girl for him to pause and wait on the necromancer.

Asha knew she was there because of her connection to Morrigan, Flemeth and Mythal, but was beginning to give up hope that someone would come for her. Not just because no one had, but also because she didn’t think it safe if they did. What was the point in people coming for her if they just got caught themselves, and it wasn’t like she expected Kieran’s husband to send an army just for her.

Regardless, she wouldn't give up. Asha vowed to fight until her last breath, if that was what it took to escape her captors. She would not allow herself to be a pawn in their games any longer. She glared at Nyllian with every ounce of courage that remained.

She squared her shoulders, her voice steady despite her trembling heart. I might be your captive now, but you won't break me. I will get out of here, and when I do, I'll make you wish you never laid eyes on me. Asha promised, her words echoing in the cold, damp cell. She was eighteen, a child still by most standards, a baby compared to the ancients.

Her smile sinister in nature, Nyllian approached the pair. It was precious the way the girl tried to appear brave, but Nin could sense the fear, she stank of it regardless of how her pretty mouth pouted and her voice echoed.

Her head tilted, lips pouting in mock hurt, “And here I was hoping we could be friends.” A giggle followed, and the necromancer reached a hand towards the girl, a good few inches shy of actually touching her master’s pet. “Careful young one. If I choose to play with you, I can’t guarantee you’ll have many years left.” Her voice dropped lower. “Or any at all.”  Closing her palm once again and withdrawing her hand, Nin gestured to the guards to continue shuffling them back to their guests room, taking a few steps ahead.

Ahead of them, Nyl’s pet Revenant stood proud at attention, a reminder that there were more than ancients and Eth around to keep Asha company. “How do your eyes like my pet, Guest, mhm? He was an exceptional find, Pride is such a beautifully clever demon to devise such a creature.”

Nyllian's words were designed to intimidate, to instill fear, and Asha had to admit that they were effective. But she wouldn't let this woman see her fear. She had to stay strong, for herself and for those who were counting on her. So she swallowed her fear, gritted her teeth, and met Nyllian's gaze with a hardened stare. I'm not afraid of you or your pet. She declared boldly, her voice echoing defiantly in the cold, silent dungeon.

That wasn’t entirely true, demons did freak her out a bit, but since Lana had a demon possessing her, she wasn’t as afraid of the demon as she was afraid of the person seemingly controlling the demon. Could this person really be as scary as Elgar’nan himself? That had yet to be seen, but Asha was young and stubborn. This was her first time seeing the truly terrifying side of the world, and as Morrigan and Loghain’s daughter, she felt she had a lot to live up to, what would they do in her shoes.

Do you share Elgar’nan’s obsession with all things Mythal? Just curious. She was trying to figure out if this person was just some blind follower of Elgar’nan or if they had their own opinion on things that perhaps contradicted Elgar’nan. The more Asha could learn about them, the easier it would be to deal with them, to understand them.

Gossip had filled the halls when Elgar’nan had caught his little pet. A child of prominent lineage and reputation, though their names meant little to Nyllian. While ignorant of most things it was oddly freeing being unaware of details that would cloud her loyalty, sway her into betraying her master. Only Death held such power.

Her head turned, hair slipping from her shoulder with the motions to shape her face. Oh but you should be. My Master only needs to say the word and we would have such… fun. The hiccuped laugh bounced off the walls of the corridor, each step echoing the closing beat back towards her cell. The dungeons are thinning out. Should you find yourself there, I wonder how long until you're begging for Mama and Papa, Nyl goaded, wishing to see if this pet had any spark than this lame escape attempt.

The question, though, caused her to smirk. What did she care about the false ones? Nothing. They had left her to rot in the dark. Mythal means nothing to me. I serve only two Gods. Elgar’nan himself, and Death. Both of which have taken to teaching me. The door stood open, Reaper propping it open with its eerily stoic form. Nyllian walked through, lingering on the other side for their guest to be escorted in.

Would you like a demonstration?

Asha’s heart raced with apprehension as she stood before Nyllian, feeling the weight of the threat in every word spoken. Her gaze met Nyllian’s cold, calculating eyes with a mixture of defiance and caution, her mind racing for a response that might placate the volatile situation.

I understand your loyalty to Elgar'nan and Death, Asha began carefully, her voice steady despite the fear pulsing through her. But I am not your enemy. I seek no quarrel with you or your masters. I have no desire to challenge your beliefs or your allegiance.

She continued, each word carefully chosen, I simply desire my freedom, as any being would. You have your loyalties and I have mine. Like I told Elgar’nan months ago, keeping me captive is useless, my mother has no real use for me and my father is dead. Of course, Loghain was alive, and perhaps that rumour had made its way to Antiva, but not to her ears yet.

Asha's words hung in the air, a desperate plea for understanding in the face of a chilling threat. She held her breath, waiting for Nyllian's response. It was a dangerous game of survival she was playing, but it was the only card she had left to play. She contemplated the question, tipping her head and trying not to look as terrified as she felt. I’m confident I can handle anything you can dish out. She said obstinately.

@Nyllian

The apprehension, the uncertainty in the girl's eyes pulled a satisfactory hum from Nyllian’s throat. While the precious sweet thing stared defiantly, Nyl would feed on the reactions elicited from her taunting. It was adorable how she tried to use words and reason to try and sway her entertainment.

My enemy? Nyllian blinked, a hollow giggle falling before a sigh, Oh precious, you’d have to be a threat to be an enemy. You’re our guest. It was so quaint, the desires of her heart. Freedom, but what was true freedom? Our Master has decided that you will remain with us, so you are to enjoy his hospitality until he deems time to release you. Leaning forwards a little to whisper, the necromancer would warn her. I would advise you to not give him reason to send you my way.

Chuckling quietly from the dark of the room, Nyllian’s hand gestured a finger, the Revenant behind them slamming the door while she surged forwards to slam her hand against it, just shy of touching the girl’s ear. Do you? Voice pitching, a small corner of the unhinged womans mind twinkled with curiosity while her necrotic touch emanated, but kept clear of accidentally catching the girl. One small move and everything you are, what you have, is stripped away from you. Just by a simple touch. Voice ghostly, Nyllian’s head tilted, eyes lingering to observe the intoxicating flash of fear in her new toy’s eyes.

Asha swallowed hard, the fear gnawing at her insides, but she kept her chin up and her eyes locked on Nyllian's. She had to stay strong, even if every fiber of her being wanted to run and hide. Her voice wavered only slightly as she spoke, trying to mask her terror with a veneer of defiance.

I may not be a threat to you, she said, forcing steadiness into her words, but that doesn't mean I'll just roll over and accept this... hospitality. I won't give you or your master the satisfaction of seeing me break.

Her heart pounded in her chest, but she didn't let her resolve falter. She took a deep breath and continued, hoping her courage would be enough to get her through this.

And you should remember, she added, her voice firming up, that even guests can become a problem if you underestimate them.

@Nyllian

While the girl's eyes steeled Nyllian’s grin only flashed wider. She may try to hide it, but the Necromancer could smell it, inhaling it deeply through her nose. Holding it to study the bouquet of terror and dread, she released it with a gentle hum, smiling while Asha proclaimed her will would remain unbroken.

Every one before you has said those little words, dear girl. She chuckled quietly, becoming a mere ghost as she pulled away, gesturing with her hand to the new cell.

The cackle that tore through her however, had Nyllian nearly bent in half, a hand slipping around her middle to steady herself. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes for how ridiculously hilarious given her recent attempt. Oh precious I think I’ll stick by my past words.

Retreating to take a slow walk around the room, Nyllian would offer her a choice. Now, while I can’t have the usual fun that I normally enjoy with my Master’s guests, do you wish to play some games, or have you enjoyed my company enough for one night?

She would visit again, if only to keep the threat of joining the others in the dungeons in the young woman’s mind.

@Asha'bellanar Mac Tir

Asha's eyes narrowed as she watched Nyllian, refusing to let fear take root. She drew a slow, steady breath, letting the necromancer's words wash over her like a wave she would not be drowned by. The mockery, the laughter—it was all a game to Nyllian, but Asha knew her strength lay in not giving in.

Everyone before me may have said those words, but I am not them, she replied, her voice firm and unyielding. She stood her ground, her posture a testament to her resilience. Your games don't scare me, Nyllian. You thrive on fear, but you won't find it here.

She stepped closer to the bars of her cell, her gaze unwavering. Do what you must, but remember this: every time you try to break me, you only strengthen my resolve. You may find amusement in your twisted games, but I will find strength in defiance.

Asha took a deep breath, her expression softening just slightly. Now, if you’re offering a choice, I choose neither your games nor your company. My mind is my own, and I will not let you invade it any further.

With that, she turned away, her back to Nyllian, but her spirit unbroken. She knew this was only the beginning, but she would face whatever came next with the same unwavering determination.

@Nyllian