Tasha was hardly innocent of making trouble some evenings. She always had those days when she just couldn't stop herself. Comments and remarks would fall from her lips without thought. Statements not always designed to incite but usually did.

She knew Veighn had heard her. No matter how quietly she might mutter something. He was watching. It was likely knowing that which had Tasha making such amusing but insulting comments like. "Veighn's shadows must pay hell on his love life. Nothing can touch him. How boring that must be, maybe that's why he's such a grouch."

Even as another caught the "Black Wizard's" attention, she knew he was missing little. Tasha also believed he took some sort of sick perverse pleasure in trying to set her temper to flashing. The darker types seemed to have that in common, always looking for a way to push.

She had bided her time that evening. Watching, and waiting, as she didn't want to do anything to him while the Lady Alysia was there. Tasha suspected the woman was well aware of the small elf's backhanded needling of the Mage but Tasha didn't think it was respectful to do it in front of her. Not directly anyway.

Of course the moment the intimidating lady had departed, Tasha had come up with a whole new plan. Something perfectly natural, for her at any rate and so the game started. It was a means for her to kill to birds with one stone. Her methods could test his wards and annoy him at the same time.

Tasha caught the direction of Icer's gaze and grinned impishly, with eyes taking a slightly darker turn and the air around her dropping to near freezing for just a moment, with Alysia gone she could see how he would react. As a natural born necromancer, she could see the Ghost clearly, but few others would and just watched as it moved around Veighn, that chill and draft easily felt in air near it's location and she chuckled to Icer, voice pitched low and soft. "Now we can see if he notices it. That one thinks he knows everything after all."

"Knowing that one. He's likely to not even notice. Just go on about his nefarious plottings of ruling some world or other. Believe me, that's what?s going on up there in that attic of his." Leaning back against Icer Tasha just watched and waited.

After a bit of waiting, she heaved a deep sigh. Veighn didn't seem to discern anything and that made Tasha just grumble a bit. "See" He doesn't even sense a thing. To lost in his plans of world domination. Why do all the bad guys want to rule the world?" Head turning with a fluttering of silvery locks as she regarded Icer. " I can't think of another more head ache inducing job then trying to keep everyone in line as one would need by ruling over them."

The Dark Lord cupped his hands, whispering non-intelligible words into his hands. From the shadow of hair fall, the ominous voice issued forth upon a stale wind to caress the shell of Tasha's ear. "I find it peculiar ye wish me to invite ye touch, my swwwweeet."

Tasha blinked, then blinked again and a scowl started to move over her face at the hiss of words into her ear. "I am not!" She snapped outright.

"Ye are not what? Has something got ye tongue?" Again those words moved into her ears alone. Unheard but all but her and she glowered even more.

An arch of an eye ridge hearing Tasha, then Icer grinned, redirecting her attention in Veighn's direction.

More whispered syllables, more mysterious happenings falling from the Mage, who watched impassively from a fair distance away.

The hue of glowing eyes darkened to the color of flowing blood and he gestured to the mirror with some peculiar semantics from his posturing right hand, lifting the latter hand as if summoning something to arise. The arcane speech issued forth was devoured by the manna wrought as the spell engulfed all sound in a five-foot radius of his position. Veighn then flicked his taloned fingers toward the surface of the mirror behind the bar, which itself began to tint its silvery surface a shade of tarnished silver.

"Um." A suddenly curious expression moved over Tasha face for a moment, realizing that something wasn't quite right about that and just lightly tapped her finger against the thick glass of the bottle she held. "What the heck was that?"

Within mirror's surface, the reality that was presented was a perversion of their own. Things looked old, warn and decayed. Moving death was everywhere, and even beings that weren't readily visible were easily seen within the reflective surface of the enspelled looking glass.

Tasha eyed the mirror and started to laugh, as that sight wasn't that great of a shock to her, but would likely send a few others worried about youth and beauty into fits and just turned back and grinned at Veighn. "Nice trick. Is that supposed to scare me"

Lord Veighn glanced toward the mirror, noticing the nearness of the emotions and energies he'd felt. Something sentient was testing the layers of his Shar'vae Shroud and he took to investigating what took such interests.

Laughter just bubbled up as Tasha stepped over to lean against the bar, sipping again on her soda as she watched Veighn try to figure out what was hovering around him so close and icy cold.

He indicated the figure behind him in the mirror's surface. A figure that remained invisible when others looked behind his physical form. "I call it, lifting the veil...."

Disembodied orbs, a few slain patrons, and her very own ally were all shown in the mirror with the decaying perversions that were the images of every person within the establishment's common area.

"And did it work?" Another look at the mirror, not the least bit put out by what she saw there, perhaps that in itself might be seen as curious and just turned to look back at him with dark purple eyes glittering.

"Mmm...quite well actually. It usually does." Veighn's lips twisted into some form of smirk. "Dare you to come and see how well?"

Tasha caught sight of one always with her within that mirror, looking perfectly normal and still near as pristine as he had been the day he entered the paths of the dead and she chuckled, with a glance over at the Mage, the ghost behind him still there and hovering just to the side of him. "I don't know. You tell me first what you discovered and maybe I just might want to have a look myself. Depends."

Maybe we could feed him to the Stew" Icer remarked conspiratorially to Tasha, nodding toward Veighn.

"Wonders beyond description. Mysteries beyond the greatest mind's will to fathom, and much, much, more. Though fear is not welcome here. Come, if you dare. Come into my darkness." Come, and be welcome, said the spider to the fly.

Tasha glanced at Icer and she giggled again, betting the Mage would likely scare the mold spores off the stew but then his words made her turn back, hearing a. . .challenge there and her dark eyes narrowed slightly, the offer of knowledge ever tempting to her as well, making her seriously consider the proposal.

Veighn's eyes shifted between Icer, the youngling on her muzzle, and the Trueblood elf. The darkness flickered menacingly about his figure, swirling in different shades from light as smoke to black as ink. Endless shapes were formed and dismissed within the masses of the Shar'Vae Shroud. Screaming faces with everything from rage, terror, to depression scribed upon their faces before disappearing into the formless mass of darkness shielding his being.

"I'd rather stay in the light." Icer had raised yet another peanut army, and as Tasha's ghost was testing a few tendrils, her peanuts bounced back toward Veighn.

Tasha took a step towards Veighn then, not really fearful, as she had her own tricks like most magic users had, she was also curious. Did he realize what was hanging so close" Her curiosity was outweighing her caution for a change and she moved a bit closer.

As the fibrous nut came into contact with the shadow it combusted into flame. Leaving nothing but smoke and lingering ash in the air as it was consumed.

Studying the swirling mass of Darkness, Icer thought for a moment.

Veighn beckoned Tasha still, crooking his finger like some sovereign of pain waiting to administer the purest of vile tortures. He pinned her with his sharp gaze even as the peanuts were destroyed once their matter tried to past his defenses.

Tasha canted her head with silvery hair drifting, she concentrated, weaving her magic's into that of Veighn's, perhaps she could short his wards. She wasn't totally stupid as wards rose up around her, none of the bright shiny hue either. Her natural abilities simply didn't allow for that, but more in line with chaotic energies and a brow arched as she blew the flow of bangs from her brow and stopped just short of entering his aura of shadow and darkness. Standing right on the edge.

Bronze dusted flesh seemed immaculate and without blemish. though the tracery of small scales seen here and there were now readily apparent. The metallic-looking scales seemed to wind strange lines along the edges of his knuckles, neither raised nor grotesque. Traces of scales lined his jaw, the column of his bared neck, even around his lips and eyes. Where else these scales were was hard to tell due to the layers of odd fabric he wore, which seemed a mixture of velvet, silk, and the night itself. Within the circle of his wards, she could feel the brunt of his ward-diminished aura of terror and majesty his very presence naturally emitted. Unveiled to a degree that had never been shown before, the Lunithaylian Devil-kin sat in his stool like some deity-blessed monarch all his regal glory.

Within that circle of darkness, Veighn met the Trueblood's gaze head on. His scrutiny of her at his close proximity was by way of a shrewd appraisal of tendrils and things outside the realm of insight. He deduced and concluded quickly the majority of what was bequeathed him by the woman. His left hand moved in languid stretch, reaching out to hover just above her bosom, palm flattening in parallel with the curve of her body.

Tasha attention shifted for a moment towards his hand aware that it wasn't in the least bit sexual in nature, but likely that need for knowledge that she did believe all magic wielders sought and as he was allowing her some insight to his nature, she would allow him the same of her own and just returned the straight forward clash of eyes peacefully enough.

"This was what you wished to show me?" Impressive as it was, for there wasn't a doubt of that, she was still unsure of what degree of knowledge there was to be had. He was a creature she couldn't readily identify but many in the realms were much the same, but the energy he carried held more interest to her. "And what is the price for you letting me see your real face Veighn?"

A cruel smile formed his lips as his voice boomed in hollow echo through her head without producing the tiniest of sounds. "My true face means death to those I do not allow into my close circles. To see my true image might break your mind and wrack your body with all sorts of unpleasant things. We shall leave such secrets to the Shades for the time being. Ye wish knowledge....and with knowledge comes....a price."

"Who that uses magic isn't looking for knowledge anyway' You do it, all I know that carry the trait do it. It's a natural thing and I won't deny that I also seek what I can. Now, since your letting me see a shade of what you truly are, that's just fine by me. Did the crazy thing years back, no interest in repeating it. Now, what is the price?" For a moment there was a hint of humor in her thoughts, as she did often think her quest took her into places likely best avoided, like now, but one did need to be fearless if they wanted to ever learn anything from those of different powers or levels of skill after all.

Veighn's hand pressed its palm high upon her chest, where skin met......skin.......All this could be seen through the hazy fog of his shadowy aura, Tasha was also slightly obscured by it due to her very close proximity.

Tasha blinked at the touch, for his hand was hot against her cooler skin but she didn't make any other moves for the moment, making her own inspection and determinations within the lair as she was thinking those wards of his was much like any castle or keep, used to hide secrets and keep those within safe from attacks after all.

The first thing she felt was the silky smoothness of soft skin, and then the tickling indentation of scales that covered the tops and sides of his fingers. His touch burned like a hot brand, yet bit to the bone like the chill of ice, all this without leaving a damaging mark or scar. His talons were scintillating against the skin as they raked pink lines in their wake, before pressing his palm above the area of where her heart would be.

The thrum of magic was rich in his pulse, or as near to a pulse as one might call the churning sensation beneath the flesh of his hand. He pressed it firmly to her ribs then, and with the fullness of added weight, the shadows began to shift and swirl around her dramatically. The faces of spectrals, wraiths, and other such souls whipped past her eyes, even as the harsh zephyrs caused them to close.They all screamed and raged and reached for her for the release of their suffering, their eternal agony. They mouthed words like "Black Sorcerer," "Fiend," "Devil," "Non-devil," "Fallen One," "Demon," and "Wraith Reaver." All of these words echoing in her head, the sound of the words bent by torturous screams of sorrow and agony.

Tasha drew in a quick breath at the alternating sensation of heat and cold, but remained still, even if her pulse jumped for a moment in a nerves, any time when facing the unknown that wasn't a unique reaction and even as those screaming faces flew past her dark eyes, she looked almost relaxed, faces of that sort hounded her frequently enough she no longer found them as disturbing, and hardly terrifying. Their screams however caused a smile to pull on her lips, the lingering echoes sending her momentary uprising of nerves fading, as she had called him that already and even worse and just brought her gaze back up to look at him. Silvery hair floated in the draft caused by the swirling of sound and dark. "Still waiting for what the price this Veighn."

"Just a little order needed to allow ye to tap into such spheres. Naturally, ye body would try to purge itself of it. " Veighn's finger pads pressing into the soft flesh of her bosom. "Revenants, souls returned from the dead, animating their old bodies in order to fulfill a special purpose." His head tilted to the side, causing his regal features to take on a thoughtful cast. "I feel the stir of your pulse and what lies within it the closer I get."

"That's rather an easy thing to supply actually. Luc's currently at war in his home realm and it's not too hard to collect the dead for later use. So you just want an army too' Trick is to let them do what they want. They hate the living so point them at those you want dead and they jump for it." Oh so casually she spoke, but for her it was actually normal, and expected. Nodding then, while wide nearly black eyes rose to meet his and did pat his hand gently. "I ain't gonna ask what you need them for. Starting to think your agenda has really nothing to do with this place or any one here."

"It may, it may not. The revenants manifestations of their former selves, tis the spark of emotion in their death that brings them back to the realm of the living. An army perhaps in due time. At present, I wish ye to, with your abilities thus far, ensnare those unnatural beings into a willing pact with ye by ye own abilities. Something to gauge your potential better."

The Clandestine-style conversation went on for a few moments longer as the winds lifted jet-black hair from velvet-clad shoulders. They seemed to be standing relatively still, for little movement, leant to the vision of silhouettes, could be discerned through the haze.

This time actual laughter rolled from her and she leaned into him for a moment, head shaking as she considered for just a moment, letting him see what places she traveled but suspected that might make more trouble. "Ah, well most do that willingly. Haven't had many turn me down yet, but I follow the belief that though they might be dead, they still feel and think. Best to not seek to control them, as I can do that, but that just makes them angry. Instead I ask."

"Then in you're askance, you must convince them to sacrifice themselves, and their goal, all three and thirty, to me. Convince them to willingly submit to me, and I shall then begin to show ye what ye have nae already seen."

"It's obvious you haven't ever met a Northra." Sincere humor touched her elfin features then as she lifted wide gleaming eyes to his, the laughter reflected there. "They live to fight. Will follow anyone that promises them blood and glory even after death, so that won't be at all hard to prove. They follow Luc in life, doubt they would mind following someone else in Death either." Tasha's head then took a tilt as she glanced out into the room beyond the swirling shade. "You will need to be kinder to Viki. I can't promise she will help you, but she does what she wants, and you will always get more with honey then pepper."

Tasha had no idea who that red head was, but she blinked a few moments in surprise, realizing the shade was growing dense again and fleeing back into him.

Suddenly, the shadowy torrent shifted, and the screams of damned souls lessened into hisses and sinister echoes. The darkness receded toward the Dark Lord, thickening once it covered only himself. His hand having been retracted, leaving the capillaries beneath her skin to cause a reddish hue to stain the flesh in a palm-print for a few moments before the skin took on its natural shade.

She was still blinking a moment and then her hand lifted and Tasha rubbed at the spot on her chest, the duel sensation of both hot and cold still radiating there for the moment and just glanced up at him and then extended a small dainty hand. "Shake on it."

Instantly, Veighn scribed a rune into the flesh of his hand with the index-talon of his left hand. This drawn and the blood welling, he put his hand out toward her.

Oh she noticed that pooling of blood, and just gave a sigh, as she wasn't about to cut herself and just lifted her gaze up to meet Veighn's steadily. " If your wanting a blood pact, your gonna have to cut me also. Unless a little pin prick will do because I am not going to slice my hand open. That whole vita pouring thing is a bit revolting to me."

"Blood calls to blood, as the BloodMagi of Taer'Rheath have a want to say." He turned his hand as if to indicate the sealing of the pact.

"Alright then." She accepted his hand, giving a firm shake of her own, only to be followed a second later by an impish grin dawning on her elfin features and did a rather unusual thing next. She leaned in and gave him a very quick and brief hug, suspecting and hoping those wards of his didn't fry her for it, as she meant no harm in it. Curiosity consuming her usual caution, again.

Veighn bristled visibly and the shift of sinew and muscle beneath the flesh of his cheeks told tale that he did not welcome the unprovoked hug. He grew stiff as a cadaver at the shoulders down, and the shadowy tendrils poised with tips pointed to strike, yet stayed still by the will of their master.

The blood seared her flesh instead, not an acid in and of itself, but somewhat corrosive due to the amount of raw energy flowing through it. Black flame surrounded the burning of flesh as the Dark Lord's own ichor bit through the flesh to mix with her own sanguine humor. Black smoke and the scent of charred flesh was pungent, a soul-freezing chill numbed the blood-rune burning itself into her hand. Fire and Ice ran through her bloodstream suddenly, light and shadow filled every fiber of her being.

The second he stiffened up she pulled back, not prone to forcing an acceptance of that action and then hissed, giving her hand a shaking as the stinging of flame and corrosive reaction registered on her senses. Just as quickly the rolling of curious power followed and she shot a look up at him, forcing the wince from her piquant features. "Now, you could have warned me about that." Looking down at the imprint in her hand.

A look of evil mischief danced for a moment over Tasha's piquant features as she peered over at him from under the veil of silvery bangs. "I did prove something though. You didn't dissolve or melt being touched. Guess that blows that theory out of the water eh?"

He didn't take the jape in light-hearted manner as many might have in his situation. Veighn pursed his lips rather than allowing the frown to grow to full bloom upon his lips. He did look much more disarming when he smiled, and more sinister when he did not. He lifted his chin, stretching his neck slightly with an audible pop resounding before easing into the comforts of his wooden stool.

Opens her mouth to say something about his posture but it snaps shut as she realized what she was about to blurt out might make him even more uncomfortable. "I won't tell anyone else okay?"

"Of what?" He was being meticulously precise in the matter to which she was referring.

"That you don't melt or fall into a pile of dust when touched." The look she wore now was totally innocent of any plan to annoy him further though there was a faint twitching of lips.

A slim, shadowy slip of a mirthless smile formed his lips in a silent response.

Tasha gave him a skeptical look and then followed that with a shake of her head before turning to toss the empty bottle into the waste bin behind the bar. "Alright. I will bend here and say I am sorry I invaded your personal space. I promise I will not do that again."

"So long as ye remember not to take such liberties, unless granted otherwise, then the matter shall not be worth reviewing again for some time." Offering a simple nod, one not to deep. Veighn seemed a bit distant suddenly, before prompted to inquire by the line of thought entertained. "How soon do you believe ye can have these Revenants I require ready for inspection?"

"Oh, give me two days." She already had some lined up but didn't think she needed to share that, Tasha wasn't fond of working with deadlines, (Pun intended) and got a little testy when pressed like that. "Not like I have to raise and army like before so hope you're not in a huge hurry."

"Quality is essential. Tis the caliber of the quality in which they've become what they will be that gives them purpose. A multitude of purposes, more at. The better made they are, the more worth to my time and purpose they become. Therefore, they will serve well as a gauge to your potential, and what I have to work with."

"Ah, so you want them somewhat fleshy. Okay. Only those skilled in battle with the lust for war would be best for this after all so would you call that quality' I can also make it so they don't decay further, though that won't extend to missing limbs." Bending she caught up the strap of her back and swung it to a stool beside her then peered over at him. "Any preference to race?"

Don't get too close - This shore is cavernous and cold Too close is cavernous and cold Cavernous and cold You're collecting empty shells Too late to scribe Alive - in my soul A marbled ocean of steaming ghosts They bare what?s cavernous and told

Delirium - Incantation

The location, set deep within Blood lands and well out of sight of all. Towering trees rose high above, looming in shadows and feeble light from the moon above filtered down through the leafy branches. Mottled was that faint illumination, casting shadow splotches on the ground around her feet. Leaves fluttered with a faint breeze as she moved into the circle towards a stone circle set deep in the ground.

Tasha had used this place before on a number of occasions and for a variety of reasons. Sometimes she would just sit and contemplate things, other times she would practice spells or research. Tonight, she was just going have herself a seat and send out a call. No fancy magic to use for what she required. She didn't need any elements or flame for this type of summoning. This was, due to her natural ability, a very simple process.

Off in the distance she could hear the roar of the sea. Shoreline Cliffs only a few miles away and the air was heavy with the scent of salt and storm. Clouds hung darker along that horizon, growing more dense and ominous, but it didn't really bother the small Elf. The weather here was usually pretty unpredictable after all. One never knew what it would be from one day to the next. Heck, None knew how it might be from one street to the next for that matter.

"I do nae like this Anastashia." The muttering of her ghostly guardian touched her pointed ears and she looked over towards Kasprien with hair fluttering wildly around her elfin features.

"I know Kaspie, but it is for a good cause. I didn't read much in the way of anything personally dangerous for me off him either." A small hand rose to push the flow of silvery bangs from her bright gaze.

Kaspie just paced around with a waving of lace-encased hands and rustling of velvet robes, that didn't disturb a single leaf upon the ground where she sat. "Child, ye are often stepping into trouble. I am sure your father will not be pleased about this "Deal" ye have made."

"Doubt anyone will, but if I get something out of it such as the safety of those I care about. It will be worth it." She was unrepentant over what she had done and idly brushed her fingers over the scar now marring a pale palm. "I know what I am doing Kaspie."

In truth, Tasha really didn't, but wasn't about to admit that. Lord Veighn was a puzzle even still. She didn't really know what he was or what he actually wanted, with the exception of the undead that is. Those she could manage without much effort at all. The unknown was another matter.

Veighn's threats of pain didn't really disturb her, as she had endured far worse in her short life and suspected she would handle far more as she grew older still. Her soul wasn't even an issue either. She had one of course, and it was tied to her life force and worked like any others would, but years ago that had been stored for safe keeping by her father.

"I hope you do know what your doing Anastashia." Her spectral guardian muttered with another fluttering of silks and velvet as he paced around in ever constant agitation.

The summoning she sent forth was clear and concise. Tasha saw little reason to misrepresent what she needed. Veighn wanted mostly Elven types in reasonably good condition so she made that a requirement. Considering the number was actually low, more then what she needed showed up. Their ghostly forms glowing before her bright eyes as she watched them emerge from the various mists of the paths. The sight brought a giggle from her.

Wylde's recent war was a boon for such a calling. Many that had fallen hadn't moved on, as violent deaths tended to have that sort of effect. Hopping up to her feet with a bounce she looked out at the eighty or so that had answered her appeal. Those in poor shape were sent back, but she didn't discount them either. Assuring them their aid could be utilized in other ways. Few seemed to realize that even the dead could have their feelings hurt, but Tasha was quite aware of this. Soon enough she had about fifty or so she felt Veighn would accept. Having a few extras on the side was just prudent she felt.

That Mage gave the impression of being picky so she selected the thirty-three he wanted, and had the rest prepare to wait on the sidelines, so to speak. Just in case he took exception to any first offered. Tasha was always big on being prepared after all. One never knew what could come around a corner and as she was still trying to figure out the "Black Wizard's" curious energy and plans, she fully intended to be ready for what ever curve he might attempt to throw at her.