The Beginning of the End

[:: Pandie ::]

Pandora LeAmour
Hajia Portier
(Mentioned in This Roleplay: Pandora, Majia, Raistlin, Tathar, Symph, William)

Today marked a great day in history for the Hidden Realm of Tranquility, and none knew it but Pandora LeAmour, Master of the City of Tranquility. Master, for now, that is.

Pandora had finally located a mage powerful enough to lift the Protective Barrier around Tranquility. The same barrier that Raistlin had laid upon it, at Pandora's request, all those many years ago. Of course, she probably could have journeyed to the Guest Wing of the Tower, and rapped upon the first door to her left where Raistlin himself had holed away since his return.

Then again, Pandora was avoiding him. She was avoiding the etire third floor that composed the Guest Wing. Her choice, should she mingle and visit with Raistlin, the black robed mage whom had seduced her all those many years ago only to disreguard her when she was no longer of need to him, or Tathar the Lycan whom had allowed her to seduce him, only to disappear just when she needed him most?

What a choice that was to make. No, no. She would not seek their aid now. In fact, Pandora had not sought out any friend or foe. Instead, she had turned to the one mage whom didn't owe Pandora LeAmour anything. She had turned to the one who had cursed her of Mortal ways. Who had stripped her of her immortality, converting her human.

Most had forgotten about that little thing. Most chose to believe it was a mere rumor. Even Raistlin seemed not at all concerned, though why would he be? Figure that. Pandora invited home the one person whom had ruined her life, more then any lover had.

The protective barrier that Raistlin had laid surrounding the forest that led into the Hidden Realm of Tranquility was no more. Why? For her own selfish reasons, of course. Pandora LeAmour was tired of pretending to be this immortal vampire. She still had all the vampiric gifts, of course. She still had strength, and speed, and hunger. But, too, she had the mortals follies. She grew tired, she could catch disease. She was aging, and soon she would die.

Why prolong the inevitable for even Raistlin didn't appear to be willing to remove the magic cast upon her that stripped her of her immortality. No, the protective barrier was removed so that those coming to kill the Master of the City could do so with their full powers backing their attempts.

Likewise, Pandora had dismissed every single guard within the Tower. Not even William remained. The huge tower that once housed guards and Nightworlders alike now inhabited only three bodies. Pandora LeAmour, and her two past lovers Raistlin and Tathar. Which of the two would finish her off first? Which would try to change her mind? Who would come to her rescue? And who, ultimately, would be her executioner?

These thoughts drifted through Pandora's mind, even as she say within the Nightworld Library, stacks of parchment lying untouched infront of her.

She had stepped from her doorstep. The door latchin' behind her with a silent clip. She took in a deep breath. It had been a while since she had seen Symph. Perhaps she had her own antics to go through, they of course weren't ...serious. They hadn't talked about that, had they? ..

Deciding rather quickly that she had misunderstood some things as usual she pulled the cloak up over her lush ebony locks. Cloudly pools would slightly glow in the dark. She needed somethin' to do. Somethin' out of the ordinary. The only one who had ever even give her remote satisfaction of a grand escapade of Oh yeah? I can do this...or such. Smiling slowly she stepped down off walkway and paced through her yard and around her house. She paused only for a moment to eye where the carpenter stayed. Lived. Whatever. She had seen him comin' and going.

Her eyes moved on to the left and she walked inbetween the houses in the direction of the trail. Her hair sliding down to cover her right eye. She slid against the wall of the last house on the lane and disappeared into some undergrowth. She pushed it aside long enough to step through. Finding the path she sought she slid her arms down infront of her and rested them clasped together

She followed the trail til she could make out the tower's mark. She paused and eyed the Tower. Perhaps Pandora would like to come out and play...

She walked around the tower, and slowly slid the length of her wrist down against her small blade she had hidden, it split her skin. the blood didn't ooze out...it slipped down her arm, and pooled by her wrists. Her cloak still held her form hidden. It was so much like all the others..no one from a distance could tell the difference.

Pandora gave a brief shrug of her shoulders. There was absolutely no point in thinking upon things that could not be changed, nor was there any point in thinking upon people that certainly weren't thinking of her.

With the heel of her boot, Pandora gave the edge of the table infront of her what should have been a simple push, but the strength was off. The old solid oak table, crafted by the same elves who worked in the Forest to build the Market Place, slid so quickly across the library, that the parchments that had lined the top flew from their resting place to drift, aimlessly, to the floor.

With a loud crash (which really wouldn't have been loud at all the old days before the Tower was practically abandoned of activities), it met contact with one of the bookshelves at the opposite end. Wood connecting with wood always had an interesting effect. A few splinters flew in all different directions, the wood creeked in protest, and a few books fell from their proper place along the shelves.

Pandora wrinkled her nose. She hadn't been planning for it to have that much damange.. Then again, it could have been much wo... The bookshelf wobbled, and even as Pandora sprang from her chair, teetered as if it took would topple over. That wouldn't be a good thing, as the Library was set up in a sort of domino style. One shelf would fall, hit the next, and soon nothing would be left standing.

Luckily, Pandora made it to the bookshelf just as it threatened to smack restfully into the one behind it, saving the domino effect, but not rescueing the many binded parchments that had lined the walls. Now, they rained down around her, leaving Pandora standing there, a single hand on the shelf to keep it in a somewhat standing position, as the other one reached out pointlessly, as if to capture every single book that toppled to the ground.

Meeting the tower her blood hit the ground just outside and to the right of the door, then she turned and paced around the tower, and then all the way back around by the door letting the drops splatter against the grass,brick,stone,sticks,flowers... but just a drop it would all wash away with the rain...to the normal eye and nose. She spoke to herself softly as the vibration and soft noise rung through her essence. Damn, what in the worl- She yanked her head up to look up the tower wall. The Library? What was going on?.. Pandora throwin' a fit because she was all alone with no friends to speak to. No ..toys...to play with? Her face relaxed from thhe grin it once held. Stepping lightly she moved back around to the front door. sheKnocked and when william opened it, she pushed passed him with such force and surprise he fell back with the door wide open before he scrambled to close it again. His words echoed as she made her way to the meeting room. She glanced around. Yes it must have been the library.

Pressing her arm firmly against her stomach. Cinchin' off the blood flow she shifted once more and moved to make for her way to the library where she had seen the disgusting display Of Pandora and Tathar. Her nose crinkled as she rolled her orbs and vacated the room. Her foot falls light but steady.

" Pandora, WHAT...are you DOING?!"

Her voice went up in down in volume as if she wished for her to hear it, yet doubted she wanted to see the effects of what was truly happening.

The sound of Portier's voice was easy to hear, even if Pandora didn't have hightened senses. Any voice is easy to hear within the Tower when it was silent as the grave. Pandora was aware of her as she knocked on the door, and was aware of her as she realized the door was open.

She listened as the guest first stopped within the Meeting Room, and then made their way to the drop. She listened moreso as they accended the tricky knicks in the wall that were placed for boring individuals to be able to gain access to the Library that were unable to make the jump. But it wasn't until she heard the voice, that Pandora knew who had come calling.

Her voice, surprisingly, echoed back to her in a pleasant tone. Pandora had been speeking pleasantly ever since Raistlin had arrived home. Hell, she spoke kind to Tathar, now that was funny to watch his reaction. And now, she spoke with the same carefree childs tone that only hinted at an undercurrent of exaustion and age to Portier as well.

"Oh, just a little rearranging, Portier. Come in, come in and tell me what has brought you here."

When Pandora usually spoke, it was monotoned at best, her expressionless face matching that of her voice. Today, it was quite a dramatic change. Pandora appeared tired (when she had never appeared as such before). She appeared wounded, frustrated and every bit as expressive as any other ruling member of a city.

She hadn't aged a day, in appearance. No, she wouldn't. She would die of old age, looking the exact same way she did when she turned twenty. The only telltale that this was not the Pandora LeAmour that haunted the realms for centuries was the weariness in her eyes. But then again, she was a vampire. No one dared to lock gazes with the Master of the City.

"Do not mind the mess, child. Just step over and around it. Now now, come now. They won't bite."

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((Rp paused due to Thunder Storms kicking Portier off ))

[:: Pandie ::]

She stepped Through the openin' and glanced around. Her brow perked upwards as she made the clearing easier than most. Shifting her weight she looked to Pandora. Her features were blank andh her voice was somewhat cold. They had not been on good terms the last time she took leave. Frownin' slightly at her actions.

"..Hello Pandora.... Interesting tactic..."

She moved to be within' speakin' range without pressuring the tension. She relaxed her shoulders and unclasped her cloak. Tossing it to the side for now over a chair that sat in the reading corner.

.."..They might not bite, but I know that there is the threat of a bite.."

She smiled a little and then settled.

"Contrary to those that have been here as of late... I felt as if you...needed something? "

Pandora gave a weary shrug and stepped away from the teetering bookshelf. She gestured grandly around the deserted, and now disasterious library.

"Whatever gave you that idea, child?"

Leaving the books where they had tumbled, Pandora placed both hands on either side of her hips, her eyebrows arched as she gazed towards Portier. It had been awhile since the two of them had spoken, actually, it had been awhile since Pandora had spoken to anyone. As was life these days.

"You didn't come to help me clean up the library. What is it you need?"

she darted her attention from the ill placed books to her. Her shoulders finding a shrug. Then hear ears tingled. She listened to something and realized it was naught of importance.

tippin her head to the other side she took in Pandora's appearance and mood.

"..Perhaps I did come to help with it.."

She paused for a minute and then pulled her gloves from her hands. Brushin' a lock of hair out of her face.

"...I have seen nothin' of your toys...Are they hidin' from you these days?"

She had thought about how Pandora was probably lonely these days as Raistlin and Tathar seemed to be doing their own thing.

She studied her with a chosen demeanor.

"...I only mean to ask what you have been doing? How you have been feeling? ...Probably no one around to tell... Forgive me. "

She frowned further then and moved to pick up some of the books that had come to rest on the floor, Cuppin' them with care to not lose any page.

Pandora too bent down to retrieve a few of the books that had made their way to the floor. Casually, she began collecting them one at a time, until her arms proved unable to hold any more, and then she slowly rose to her feet and shuffled the armload of books so that they all balanced in the crook of her arm, grasped tightly to her chest. With her free hand, Pandora began returning the books to the shelves, not worrying about order until after the floor was clean enough to move around.

She allowed the silence to pass between them, while she pondered over the questions, considering the appropiate response. Are Raistlin and Tathar hiding from her these days? How had she been feeling? What had she been doing? For some reason, nothing or real interest came to mind as a reply. Odd, that.

"Raistlin and Tathar have been amusing themselves in their own chambers, I assume. I have nay sought them out, and I have not the slightest intention in doing so. They are of little use to me these days. Brooding on who knows what."

When Pandora's arms appeared empty, she bent once more, and started the process all over again. As she gathered up more books, she spoke again.

"They keep to themselves, and do not hassle me with their pettiness. It suits me just fine."

Lies. Such lies! It irritated her to no end that both men with whom had provided ample entertainment to Pandora in the past had returned to her, and yet did not seek out her company. They made themselves at home in her abode, and did nothing to earn their way. Were they plotting together? Were they even there anymore? Did they not wish to participate in such fun again?

Pandora, arms full, rose to her feet once more and began placing the binded parchments on the shelf.

"And what of you, Portier? Now that you know they have returned, has it irritated you so?"

[:: Pandie ::]

She picked up the few she had scattered near her and shuffled them into a pile, scooping them up into her arms she dropped them onto the nearest table top and dusted them off before returning them each in turn to their rightful place. Her stride seemed to pause as Pandora took what she said with a grain of salt and carried on as she always did.

Shrugging it off she listened to her rambling, but Hajia knew full well that Pandora had not had many night callers since after the ball. T'would seem that everyone had taken their distance and ran with it.

"..Oh It doesn't irritate me.. I've yet to see either of them since their returns...Contrary to your beliefs Pandora.. I do have other things to grasp my attention..."

Shoving a book backwarrds on the shelf till it made a clunk against the wooden back. She turned and looked over her shoulder while then moving and lifting yet another couple of books.

"..Obviously somethin's got you into a tissy, you don't always go around shoving tables into book shelves..."

She was watching where she stepped not wanting an all out brawl just yet, she eyed Pandora warriuly and then struggled with a book's bind that had come undone a bit. Fixing it she shoved it into place.

Pandora paused, to watch Portier as she worked. The woman didn't care as much for books as Pandora herself did, and wasn't satisfied with the care and gentleness that she used when helping to restock the shelves. With a gesture of her hand, Pandora indicated that Portier should stop.

"Leave the books, child. I will have the men take care of it. Please, come and sit awhile with me."

Carefully, Pandora began walking through the mess of the Library, ensuring she would not step on any of the books that scattered the floor. She hadn't intentionally knocked the shelf over, despite what Portier thought, and since no one seemed to eager to view them, there wasn't a rush on ordering the crowded room.

Pandora withdrew a single chair from the only table that occupied the dark room, and slowly lowered herself into it. She wasn't as quick as she used to be, not did she seem to take the time to arrange her attire so that she would be seated properly. Instead, it almost seemed as if she all but flopped down, a old woman eager to get off her feet.

"And how is our little construct?"

There was hint of a smile in Pandora's voice as she broached the question. Of course she knew. There wasn't much going on in Tranquility that Pandora wasn't aware of.

She slowed to a stop and made her way after Pandora takin' careful to not tread on any books. She carefully Slid herself to the floor near Pandora and braced her backs against the wall.

She smiled softly and shook her head. Nothing had been going on in Tranquility. That was just it. Hajia wanted to know what could be done about it.. What task Pandora could give hher to see that more people came in...

"..Nothin'...Symph...was quite surprised with her room within' my home...But I haven't seen her lately either. I don't know much about the goings on as I've been steadily workin' in my shops writting decrees to other realms in search of monsters....for a sort of Tournament Camp..Still workin' on details which I shall give to you once I have them all Ironed out.. A bit of a presentation on selling it.. if you catch my driff..."

She had known for a long time HRT needed some divine intervention...Somethin' had to come about..somethin' had to happen. People were droppin' off like flies. She couldn't stand it. It deserved so much more.

She shuddered slightly, at the details she had recieved of some of the juicy morsels she had inquired about. Some were not too pleasing at all.. But she was trying her best to come off with somethin' that would drag travelors through...intended meals or not...

While Portier talked, Pandora masked her face so that it resembled the blankness that those of Nightworld were accustomed to. She certainly had a point. The place had been rather quiet lately, and perhaps it needed a little something to liven up the place, figuratively speaking of course. Pandora didn't intend to do anything about it. Her days were numbered, and quite frankly, she just couldn't muster up the strength to better her home.

"Perhaps you should speak to my niece then, Child. It is the Queen with whom conducts the local business. Yours is a legitimate practice. You will need her approval to proceed with anything that may affect the Queens home."

Now, that was different. Usually Pandora didn't give two pints with what the Queen thought. It was true, the Queen controlled the small realm of Tranquility but it was also true that Pandora controlled the Queen. At least, that's how it had always been since Tranquility had been born and Pandora had appointed a human to rule in her place.

Now, however, thing's just seemed to be different. It was almost as if Pandora had more important thing's to worry about then whether or not the small quiet Realm would survive another century.

"I am sure our Queen will gladly approve of any of your plans, child. She too must be worried about her home and would greatly welcome any chance to increase it's villagers."

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She shifted to lean her weight to her right hand and leaned against her palm upon the floor. Nodding slowly... Her mind sent into a whirlwind as to why Pandora seemed to be stepping down. Had she seen somethin'? Had she a plan? What a strange position Hajia found herself in. She lifted her gaze then to meet Pandoras... Even if the woman wouldn't look right back at her. She would gather anything she could behind the mask that moved naught but a line here or there

Dipping her head to the side and resting her head on her shoulder she planned how to step now. Her words would make all the difference.

"What's going on Pandora?..Where are you going..? Or.. who is going to help you...leave?"

She felt as if Pandora had a plan that should someone come to take up a problem she wouldn't fight withh them...She felt as if Pandora had just given up.

It wasn't like the strong willed...iron fist...to subdue herself to such scrutiny. She never gave hide nor hair what the Queen pleased...Now suddenly she was sending a NightWorlder to the Queen for approval for something out of the ordinary. Creative. Welcoming.

She didn't understand a bit of it. Nor did she think she was going to. Lifting her hand she itched her jawline...waiting for the answes she so looked for..

Pandora couldn't sit still. At least, not as still as the dead had been known to, though she came pretty close. Even now, her shoulders shifted, and her finger drummed. Her chest rose and fell, and her eyes blinked, actually blinked. Repeatedly, at that.

"I have not the faintest idea what you are talking about, Portier."

And for a moment there, that seemed to be all she would say on the subject. She took the time to shift around in her chair, so that she was leaning backwards, her back against the hardness of the wood. One leg curled up on the seat of the chair, her toes hanging over the edge. Upon that knee, Pandora draped her left arm. She sighed a mortals sigh, and closed her eye's for a brief moment. When she spoke next, her gaze returned to the table infront of her.

"Times are changing, Portier. Times are changing."

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[:: Pandie ::]

She relaxed her shoulders and her eyes kept level. She leaned on the back of a chair and looked to Pandora. Times were changing? What in the day's light did she mean? Her lips persed together tightly and she relaxed a little more.

"...What is going on Pandora... You haven't been.... behaving...as Pandora as of late.."

Her eyes were level. Her jaw line set, but not in anger. Her eyes were soft..and quizzical. Her hair fell loosely around her shoulders and she didn't care to push it back over them as it was just her and Pandora. Her eyebrows jutted upward and she scanned the room again before returnin' her gaze to Pandora.

"...Are you going to have the ...barrier lifted?... I mean.. is that why Rasitlin has made his presence here?"

Of course Pandora would probably tell her it was none of her business, send her on her merry way but Hajia would argue til the end if it came down to it. ..Why was he here, what was his point in coming to Tranquility?

She rubbed her hands together and then moved around and seated herself without askin' and without permission, she didn't care at the moment. She leaned up in the chair and continued to eye Pandora.

"...What is it you are planning old friend? "

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Pandora didn't tell Portier anything she had figured the old Vampire would fire at her. Instead, she closed her eyes, her voice soft and weighted with an emotion that for Pandora herself, was rare to show.

"I am tired, Portier, old friend. Tired. Just so tired."

Why Raistlin was here was a good a guess as any. Pandora hadn't spoken to him since he arrived and made his demand for a room within her home. He had secured himself away in the guest quarters and had not been heard from since, though Pandora knew he was still there, for each day she left a tray of food out for him.

No, the barrier wasn't the issue at all. She really had no care if the barrier was lifted or if it remained in place. If Raistlin chose to lift it, it would lifted. If he didn't, it wouldn't. She hadn't the power to break the mages designs.

"Did I ever tell you of my journey home from Enchantica? Of the one with whom I met along the way?"

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She watched her close her eyes and for the first time in a great while she noted the strain on her face. The stress. Her job and life were coming to a slow end. Her lips frowned greatly..a very unattractive look on her features..She inclined her head slightly and eyed her further. Her lips twisting into a flat line. With a slow shake of her head she leaned closer and propped her arms on her knees with her palms down.

"..Nay.. would you like to? ..I'm certain my ears are willing to listen of a tale.."

She listened for a mere moment of the silence within the tower, the equal silence matched within the village..She sighed slightly and looked over the demolished room. Books were everywhere, papers were scattered. So many things could be helped if more travelors seemed to want to stay within the realm.. it was doing great...but now it seemed life draining and dull. Shakin' her head again she looked to Pandora with saddened eyes.

"..Please...tell me of this one.."

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Pandora opened her eyes a moment, briefly flickering around the darkness of the Archives room in which they were settled. She seemed to be seeking something, someone. When she came up empty, a confirmation that it was but the two of them, though for a Master Vampire she should have known this, Pandora settled once more, her eye's staring at the crude wood full of markings from time worn on. The table in front of her seemed to hold the majority of her attention, as if she had forgotten that Portier sat there awaiting her to speak. When she did, it was as if she were not really there at all, but far off, living the very words she spoke.

"Why I left Enchantica is a story for another time, but the point is, I left. I journeyed home the mortals way, by foot. Simply enjoying the last moments I shall have had before taking my place as Master of the City once more. For the rest of my life, however long that may be, I shall always regret that decision."

Pandora paused a moment, as if watching it go by upon the table they were seated at. The silence seemed to echo with the weight in which she felt simply recalling that regretful day.

"Upon my journey, just west of the borderline of Enchantica, I came across a young individual by even mortal standards. Must have been about twenty-something years old at that, and I sensed great magic within this individual. Almost, it seemed, greater then the most powerful mage either of us had ever met. Of course, magic was never a threat to me. It should have been."

Once again, Pandora paused, her voice just barely above a whisper as she repeated that final line. Then, clearing her throat, she continued on with her tale, telling it moreso to herself, then to Portier, as she had done every night since it passed.

"They sought Raistlin, and demanded his whereabouts. How was I to know? Raistlin and I weren't exactly on lovers terms. But I sensed this individuals powers, and I worried. A foolish girl, was I, suddenly swearing that death will come upon them if they continue to seek the Master of Past and Present. You see... They wanted to claim the Staff of Magnus for themselves, and the only way to do that was if they killed Raistlin. Oh, many have come and gone that have tried such a feat, but this one... This one laid upon me their very plans. Years, they must have spent, prepairing and planning. Oh yes, Portier, this one, I fear, would have susceeded."

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Her eyes widened and her jawline lowered. She twisted in her seat a little to look at the floor for a moment.. her mind tumbling through thoughts.. She couldn't get past this.. this was definately somethin' to think about.

She gently spread her hands over her skirts and straightened them out. She watched her as she spoke, and the way everything was so ...distant. What in the bloody hell was going on?! Her eyes widened further as she leaned back in her chair.

"...Where did ...this mage go?...Where are they now?"

She reviewed Pandoras story til this moment and rolled her tounge over her teeth.

"...Did they not try? why didn't they succeed? Are they layin' in wait?"

She sucked in a breath and thought about if the mage had succeeded and where the worlds as anyone knew them might have been how they could come to be. The instability of the point sent embers of emotion down her spine. She glared down at her hands

Pandora's eye's flashed a brief moment with the annoyance she was best known for, before the sudden spark of life seemed to die away.

"Do you want me to tell the story or not, child?! Then stop with your innane questions and let me get on with it!"

She shifted in her chair once more, something she still hadn't gotten used to. However did people find these thing's comfortable!

"Now, where was I? Oh yes. The mage who may very well have brought Raistlin to his end. Now, I couldn't have this. After all, I once loved that insignificant fool once. And thus, the deal was struck. To ensure a ten year delay on this plan, I offered anything. From a quick death, to allowing the fool to leave unharmed. Oh, I was ready to tear them limb for limb, child, mark me thus. I was ready, and quite willing. But I had not fed within journey, and a battle against Magi, no matter how old, is always dangerous."

Pandora paused again a moment, swallowing as if she needed to moisten her throat. An obsurd thing for a Vampire. Before she continued, Pandora turned her eye's to Portier, as if gaging every reaction her old friend would betray by her facial expressions.

"In the end, there was only one prize in which they wanted. One thing for a garantee of waiting ten years before putting forth their plan. Ten years, I had hoped, that would allow me to track down the Master of Past and Present, and warn him of what was to come. And here he stumbles, upon my very door, but a year later, and I cannot tell him."

Pandora's face softened, the corner of her lips turned upward in a lopsided but regretfully sad smile.

"How do you tell someone whom keeps you around only until you run out of use for them that you traded your immortality for their life? For that is exactly what I had done. Oh, I didn't believe it possible either, child. Once you are immortal, nothing can change that, no? How deadly wrong I was."

Pandora gestured around the dark empty room that now lay in shambles, books everywhere, around the two of them.

"This. All an illusion. I rule the Nightworld, child, as the one thing they hate more then anything in the world. I rule, not as Pandora LeAmour, Master Vampire. No, no. I rule as simply Pandora, the Vampire whom is aging as a mere meal does. The vampire whom is no longer immortal. No longer a Master of anything but deceit and lies."

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She leaned back in her seat and zipped her lips. She paused for a moment and Hajia watched as she unfolded the truth..the deception that was going to come into play.. The vertutiy of it striking her deep. Her skin prickled with goosebumps as she studied Pandora. She had grown heavy with this information. She had couldn't do what she needed to because she felt she didn't owe it to him..and Hajia completley understood that. Takin' in a sharp breath she rubbed her index finger over her lips and then settled herself inwardly. Her thoughts rolling on with their own independence.

She leaned to one side and narrowed her eyes a bit while lookin at the table. She shook her head for a second and gestured around her.

" T'is nay an illusion, you cannot keep everyone from doing what they seek to do...and ..should this come to pass..it wouldn't be on your shoulders..theres a great wait with such a battlement.."

She grimaced a little at the thought of having to deal with such an inner battle.

"...You rule Nightworld, because you have the strength and leadership everyone needs to have in their existance.... it's not simply upon whim, my dear, and you are no idiot.. you have to do what you feel is right even if it goes into dangerous areas with others.."

She pushed herself to stand then, and she began to pace. Only then did she push the hair out of her face and gave a long exhale. Certainly somethin' was to be done..

"..What do we do...Pandora?"

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"Do? Why, we are not going to do a thing, child. YOU are going to do something."

Pandora looked shocked that Portier had suggested THEY do something. There was nothing more Pandora could do for the situation that had happened, or the one in which she was in now. She hadn't the strength to even attempt to think of something else. No, she wasn't telling Portier for the sake of telling someone. Pandora had lived the life she had for centuries so long that it was easy enough to continue the role. And she would. Pandora would continue to be Master Vampire in everyones eyes that came upon her. It was the only way to ensure choas wouldn't break forth within the quiet Tranquility Village. But Portier... No no, Portier had use.

"You will inform Raistlin of these plans. You will ensure that he checks and double checks the potion in which he drinks each and every day. You will ensure that he knows this, and only this: Upon your travels you came across a Magi whom seemed to have drunk more then their fair share of ale. Chatty little bugger, was they. Bragging their plans to claim the Staff of Magnus for themselves, and with it, end the life of the Master of Past and Presence."

Pandora leaned forward in her chair, her eye's intently upon Portier as she spoke.

"You will tell him of how this Magi's plans to cast backwards a spell that will twist his every word. You will express to him the seriousness in which you fear the Magi may susceed. You, Portier, will make sure Raistlin knows there is danger ahead and that the Magi intends to begin their plans in nine more years."

Pandora let the silence weigh them down, as she settled once more into her chair as comfortably as one could. She tended to slouch quite a bit, but when playing the role of a Master Vampire, always straight spined and appearing comfortable, it was a refreshing change to be able to relax one's bones.

"You will say nothing of anything else, child, do I make myself clear? Raistlin must not know of my own current status. I shall die of old age, and should that be the case, I shall do so peacefully and without his deciding I am of no further use to him, and ending myne days himself. Understood?"

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She froze..she should have seen it comin'. Her face paled considerably. But she only nodded. She was to carry out the deed Pandora could not.. How coward like... Her teeth chewed on her cheek from the inside and she stiffened considerably.

She listened to her details, and direct instruction. She lifted a hand to rest it on her hands.

"...Mission accepted.... Master.."

The last word seemed bit out., it was hard for her to say, but disagreeing would surely end someone up in trouble. Grounding her teeth she shrugged slightly and watched Pandora's face carefully.

" Raistlin isn't naive, so what do I tell him when he asks where I came about this information?"

Her forehead creased up as she glared to the ceiling for a moment.

".. I will keep you out of my warnings to him..and I will not disclose any information about you... But I have to say..even I would be sad of your demise..."

Reguardless of being angry at her for the moment. She didn't want to be her little hussy slave. She didn't want to be the one to carry out such an important mission, but there wasn't anyone else who was compitent enough to do it and not put Pandora into a spiral of anguish. She leaned forward a bit.

"...I shall do this...only because... I in truth care about you.."

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Pandora gave a brisk nod of her head, as if it didn't matter one way or the other whether Portier accepted the order. She had just confessed to the story in which no one else knew. Portier could have very well refused to take upon the order forced to her, but Pandora was still, at least in title, Master of the City. She could have made Portiers life a living hell.

"You have weaved webs of lies before, Portier. I am sure you can think of something to sate Raistlin's curiousity. It is getting him to give you the time of day to tell your tale, that will be the challange. The Master of Past and Presence does not leave his chambers, and opens the door for no one. I shall solve that, by accidently giving you a key to his room, in pretense that I had forgotten he was even there. It may not work, however. Raistlin has undoubtedly cast god knows what spells upon his quarters."

Pandora's lips curved into a cruel, but exausting smile.

"Perhaps you will use your womanly charms upon our old friend. Afterall, he is still a man."

She chuckled quietly, trying to picture how that would go over. Portier and Pandora always had their taste in treats in common. It would be the easiest thing in the world for Portier to turn on the seduction. Raistlin, however, was more immortal then Pandora was. If ever there were one whom could use and toss aside someone so easily, it was Raistlin.

No, Pandora had no idea how Portier would get Raistlin to give her the time of day to weave her web of lies, but that was not Pandora's issue. She had passed along the warning to someone else, and she felt a great deal of weight lifted off her not so immortal shoulders.

She paced some more.. She would plan, and plot..at the mention of using her charms she crimsoned in her cheeks. Tilting her head back she made a face that would kill should it be possible. Seduction was one of her key traits..only as of late it was ...shall we say rusty.

Moving on she stepped to the side turned and paced back. Her hands resting behind her back she looked at Pandora then with a crooked smile.

"..I severely doubt that will be what works... Hrm... I will make things work..one way or another... I'll use whatever it takes..."

She was nervous to the point of exhuastion at the thought of having a key of his room in her possesion.. That would make her a liability. But never the less, she would do what she must.

"...The Key? ...Pandora..."

Raistlin could get angry, could come at her but she nay thought he would harm her.. But what of how things were set....how was everything going to go? Smoothness and timing was key here.

Pandora wasn't sure what Raistlin would to if someone come barging in his room. Probably use one of his mumble jumble word tricks. It wasn't her issue. Raistlin was no longer her concern, and Portier... Well, Portier could take bloody well care of herself.

She reached into her bossom and withdrew an old shaped key, rusted already, but since she didn't really lock doors within the Tower, it hadn't ever been used. She placed it on the table infront of her, and slowly slid it across the wood towards Portier.

"Use your brain, Portier, or has that aged and rusted as well? Anything involving the unfeeling mage is risky. Your job is to warn him, not to get yourself killed. Besides, you have nine more years, child. Do it right. Should he leave the Tower, it will be difficult to track him down. I have faith you will be able to handle it."

Pandora then forced her tired bones out of her chair.

"You are welcome to stay within the guards room whilst you are here, if you wish. It may aid in your task. There are only two rooms within the Guest wing now and Raistlin has one, Tathar the other. There are no guards within the Tower. No help. You will need to cook and serve yourself. I have a private guard that comes in each night and positions herself outside my chamber doors. Do not approach her. She has strict orders that no one get's past her for any reasons. She does not know of my current condition. You carry with you, child, a dangerous secret. Guard it well."

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She strode over, picked up the key and turned to watch Pandora rise, then she slipped the key to somewhere beneath her skirts in a hidden pocket and nodded..ignoring the attemtped insult and lifted her chin a little.. her orbs lit with a vibrant blue hue.

"..Oh...I'll keep the secret to myself.. I shall not be the one responsible when all hell breaks loose and Chaos reigns......and One guard? "

She snorted then just a little watching her go, with a muttered voice.

"..If I have a pressing mannor..that guard will be nothin' to me...I pose no harm to you Pandora...but I will come when I wish and undertake the spitfire.."

She looked to the empty room and then made for the exit.. She just jumped, spreading her legs out and letting her boots drag against the wall slowin' her travel. She landed with a plump..and she settled her clothes and moved on out and into the hallway, makin' her way to the guards quarters...and the kitchen.