A Bitter Pill To Swallow (Semi Open)

[Sizzlespark]

((This thread is open to characters who were present for the scene, as well as any who might have heard about the details after the fact, if you want a place to reply with your reactions. If you do care to post anything and would like to cross-post it to the original thread I put on TNG, the link is here: http://wow-tng.org/showthread.php?21823 ... mi-Open%29))

Four days had passed since Nika had turned herself over to Leyu'jin. She was to be delivered to Enforcer Abric, leader of The Grim. The guild she had originally managed to infiltrate several months earlier. After hearing that Jul'kah and Bryii were being forced to hunt her down, she decided to take that responsibility off their shoulders. Turning herself in would prevent them from having to chose between going against the word of their Inquisitor, or betraying a friend. She had no doubt that Abric's judgement on her would result in her execution. She only hoped it would be swift..Now, many days later, she found herself transported from Orgimmar to Silvermoon City. It was within the Hall of Blood that she was brought before Abric.

Leyu'jin Zeysoga grabbed Nika's manacles and brought her towards Abric. The hall was filled with members of The Grim. Some stood around, stoic and silent. Others looked nervous or uncomfortable, cutting unhappy glances to one another. Abric was seated at the head of the room on a throne, his steely gaze upon her. Qarosimae Sh'naha cracked her knuckles, causing sparks to manifest and fade. Reaching the dais, Leyu'jin stood off to one side, his axe unslung. Nika went quietly, her shoulder slightly hunched. When they stopped before Abric she looked to him, then lowered her gaze again. It was Abric who broke the silence first.

"As with most meetings, introductions are in order. While one can presume you know who I am - what you now go by is a mystery to me."

Nika spoke softly. "I go by Nika Davies.."

"At one point, perhaps. Yet you stand before me, Forsaken... not human. What do you now go by?"

Nika nodded to Abric. She cleared her throat, before speaking. The gathering of so many unsettled her. "I still go by Nika Davies.."

Abric smirked at her. "So another failure added upon my own. I have little desire to continue the charade of you living - so you shall merely be that of which you are... a failure. Though, such a term is mere titles than actual use. What you did not fail is a success as a spy. My High Inquisitor informed me of some minor details of your arrival, your compromise, then your escape. It is rare to not only fool one Grim, but many. To be caught... then convince them that your loyatly changed... until that new found loyalty was put to the test. Tell me, failure... was the information you sought found?"

Jul'kah stood nearby in his cat form, listening unhappily. Despite the warm weather, he shivered. And elsewhere in the room, another set of eyes watched. Creedy listened, confused from his place in the shadows. His fists balled, but he was not stupid. He did nothing. He could DO nothing.

Nika smirked very faintly at the word 'failure'. The smile was a bitter one, directed more inwardly. She remained silent through this, until he addressed her directly. "The information I sought was the location of the Doom of Stormwind. That was found long ago.. But since then, and since my confession to being Sizzlespark, I have passed on no further information about The Grim to the Alliance.." Her head canted downward. "I realize that you have no reason to ever believe me, though."

Leyu'jin Zeysoga looked over and nodded at Ryanica, then returned his gaze to the proceedings. Nyali's face remained blank. Her eyes darted to Jul'kah and Bryii.

"What reason I have or belief is of little concern to you. What concern you should take is my desire for information... be it your desire to lie or redeem yourself in some waste of emotional energy," said Abric.

Bryii folded her arms and leaned back looking at Nyali and Jul'kah. Leyu'jin passed his eyes around the room, leaning his hands on his axe.

"Leyujin, take the failure to the side - her moment to speak shall come soon."



Leyu'jin saluted Abric, and bowed down graciously. Tugging on the manacles, he brought Nika next to the warlock Thalevia. Nika nodded, moving aside with the warrior. Thalevia stroked the head of her demon as ir purred and glanced over at the pair.

Abric turned then, looking to his left. "Qarosimae - which of these Supplicants was it that we spoke of... the ones who have fancied themselves protector of this failure."

Qarosimae Sh'naha adjusted her glasses and left her hand on her chin, where she might draw away her mask at a moments notice. "Bryii was one. Jul'kah another."

"Then approach, Supplicants." Abric beckoned them forward. "I have questions to be answered."

Bryii took off her helm, her aura changing as she moved forward. Qarosimae rested a hand on the hilt of her knife. Thalevia rolled a little ball of fire back and forth between her two hands. Nika looked even more pale as Jul'kah and Bryii were brought forward. She flinched faintly away from Thalevia when the woman summoned her flames.

Abric regarded the two supplicants. "A hunter approached me recently, Selash Gustblade. He made an attempt to strike a deal with me - a deal which involved the two of you and another Supplicant. This deal was to ensure that you no longer protected the failure presented to me - as it seems you have been protecting her from Selash Gustblade and many others."

Bryii looked at Abric. Jul'kah appeared confused.

Abric continued. "While I did not seek details from this hunter - there are details I seek from you. Explain why this hunter believed you would be defending an Alliance spy... a failure of the Mandate."

Creedy watched with horror. He must sit and do nothing. Yet no matter what help he called, nothing would arrive in time. Nyali watched intently, glancing to the two.

Bryii pondered for a moment, but it was Jul'kah who spoke up first. "Pahaps it be da slandah Ugraz publish in da papah, claimin Bry'ii an' I wa' protectin' ha."

Too be fair though...that hunter is some what of a trouble maker." Bryii added. "Also I was unaware for the longest time that Nika was an issue. She has also saved my ass from the real problem around here.... Horde Brothers?" She looked away.

Qarosimae narrowed her eyes at the two. Creedy almost let out an audible snort at the comment. Almost. At the last moment, he caught himself and remained silent. Thalevia eyed the pair, fighting the urge to claw out the small paladins eyes.

Abric does not respond immediately, eyes drifting, unblinking, between the Supplicants in front of him. Jul'kah looked evenly back at him, his whiskers twitching occasionally.

"Truth... it is something I desire - and Truth is shadowed by excuses and the inept nature of failure. So you say to me, here... that the statements are slander of the written word and the workings of this hunter, Selash Gustblade?" Abric looked at them.

Bryii tensed up a bit, her fingertips danced with a glow of light.

"I say, heah, dat I nevah considdah Iself Nika's protectah." Jul'kah replied.

Bryii looked at Jul'kah. Leyu'jin watched the two supplicants intently, his axe embedded int he floor.

"Then we move to this attack on the one named Ugraz." Abric continued. While I care little for personal affairs, this has now become an affair of the Mandate. If your purpose was not the defense of the failure - then what purpose do you have attacking an orc who means little and does little to warrant our attention?"

Creedy scowled at the name. That annoying gnat seemed to stick his nose into EVERYTHING. The fact he had not yet died was something he eagerly wanted to rectify... as it seemed the peon had too much luck.

"Why?" Asked Bryii. "Simple. He slanders all horde, so I am not sure if you are getting facts from Ugraz buts thats a very poor choice as he wants all of us against each other. He slanders me, Jul'kah, Nika and even you all of the Grim."

"I t'ink if ja do a littah investigatin', ja fin' 'ee be verrah wort'y af da Grim attention." Said Jul'kah. " 'Ee be a known traitah, workin' wit' da 'lliance an' SI sevah ta bring down da 'Orde. 'Ee as slandah da Grim name in multipah public places. 'Ee be a reah t'reat ta da Grim an' da 'Orde."



"It is unfortunate you did not merely say you were proving your loyalty to the Mandate. That I can believe... and something I seek. Yet, it seems you put too much thought into details that are not your concern - which in turn if not mine. It is the High Inquisitors." Abric motioned with his left hand, in a show of dismissal. "Ashenfury, bring the failure to me... and stay with what was once your Supplicant."

Jul'kah continued to watch Abric. He looked as though he had more to say, but held his tongue. Qarosimae watched him very carefully. Bryii exhaled slowly, and Nyali glanced at her. Ashenfury looked over and then approached. Nika looked up at the Orc, her former Inquisitor. She couldn't meet his eyes. He was one one those that she looked up to and respected the most. The knowledge that she had let him down caused her throat to close up. Her expression tightened and she set her jaw, steeling her emotions.

Grabbing the shackles roughly, Ashenfury walked at a steady pace towards Abric, dragging Nika along. Reaching the front, he yanked her hard to the ground. Nika winced at the rough jerking of her shackles and went to one knee before the Enforcer.

Abric now turned his attention to Nika's Inquisitor. "Tell me, Ashenfury - why she was not killed immediately after finding out she was a spy for the Alliance."

"She was stripped of her tabard. We considered using her ability to infiltrate the Alliance as an asset. I stayed my hand until I received orders from The High Inquisitor."

"We considered? Who is we, Ashenfury."

"I spoke to Deminthus about the subject." Ashenfury looked straight ahead and straightens his posture.

"Deminthus? So, two of my Dreadweavers had deemed it useful to free a spy, in an attempt to spy for those she was originally sent from. Was this decision before or after she left us?"

"Moments before."

"How forunate for Deminthus and Leyujin that they now share the failures of my Inquisitors." Abric's tone was dry. He turned his attention to the failure. "I am rarely curious... but I do find curiousity on how simple it was to fool them. Or... did it take more than mere promises?"

Nika stared blankly ahead throughout this. When Abric rested his eyes on her, she lifted her gaze to look at him. It didn't seem so much a question as him musing. But when the silence stretched, she replied. "It wasn't simple.."

"How fortunate for them. Tell me of your association with this Ugraz."

Everyone in the room looked at Nika. Abric leaned back into his chair, resting his hands casually on his knees.

Nika sighed. "Ugraz is unpredictable. At times he's a friend, at times he's an enemy. It was his doing that I was captured by Hokuto to begin with. Which resulted in me confessing what I had done."

Creedy 's jaw clenched. Bryii leaned against Nyali, watching everyone in the room. Nyali stared unblinking at Nika. Catching Bryii's look, Bartantalus stared right back at her.

"Which does little to explain your association with him - merely your opinion of him and a situation." Stated Abric.

"My association with him was simply that.. sometimes a friend. But I absolutely do not support or had any involvement in his attacks on The Grim, either physically or in the paper."

Abric 's eyes narrow to small pinpricks of glowing yellow light. He leans forward from the back of the chair, seemingly posed to stand. Creedy closed his eyes and shook his head. He knew Nika was telling the truth... but he also was no fool. This wasy why the Grim had unnerred him so. They would not take her at her word. Nika flicked her gaze to Abric's and away again. She tensed faintly, but did not otherwise move from where she knelt.

"Be aware, failure, that my time is valuable and my patience minimal to those who desire to test it." Abric's irritation was beginning to show. "There is a reason you are associated with Ugraz, and it is that association I desire to know... not the opinion of what he does or does not say. Choose your words wisely. I shall not ask the question again."

[Sizzlespark]

Nika furrowed her brow and glanced at him, genuinely confused. She frowned and took a moment to gather her thoughts, trying to pinpoint what he was asking. He seemed to be looking for something specific, but she was at a loss as to what that was.

Creedy leaned forward, eager. 'Tell them the truth, damnit,' he thought. Ashenfury wrinkled his nose and sniffed the air, perhaps detecting the presence of an unknown person.

Nika was quiet for what seemed like an endless amount of time. Finally she looked at him, and her shoulders seemed to slump. A look of bleak resignation crossed her face. "I don't know what you're looking for." She said, wearily.

Creedy 's shoulders slumped at the response. That would NOT suffice, he thought.

Abric stood from his chair. "Ashenfury - strip her to her smallclothes."

A bolt of icy shock and fear shot through Nika, coiling at the pit of her stomach. She had expected to be executed. Perhaps even slowly- to be made to suffer. But to be humiliated and degraded at the hands of The Grim- that was not something she had even considered.

The room seemed to stir. Bryii's eyes darted quickly and Ashenfury cocked his head, looking at Nika. Qarosimae glanced over at Abric. Somewhere in the room, Creedy's eyes narrowed. Leyu'jin smirked, as Bryii and Nyali exchanged a glance.

Nika rose slowly to her feet. Her eyes darkened, and she lifted her chin. Ashenfury grabbed her shirt by the back and the chest and ripped it off and down. When Ashenfury grabbed at her she peeled her lips back from her teeth and kicked out at him. She knew she would be made to pay for the act of defiance- but she refused to stand meekly by and allow herself to be stripped. Qarosimae took a deep breath in, but Ashenfury had the situation handled. He grabbed her leg and unceremoniously ripped the leggings from the ankle up and threw them to the center of the room. Nika fought Ashenfury as he stripped her clothing away. She fell to the side and coiled herself, her eyes glittering on his. She didn't look at anyone else in the room.

"Choose a tooth, Ashenfury- and take it." Abric's tone was cold.

Bryii's eyes widened, while Nyali continued to look at her. Jul'kah's ears, whiskers, and tail all drooped.

Qarosimae Sh'naha lets her breath out slowly, smoke wafting from within her mask. "You will remain still, Bryii, Nyali, or be burned."

Ashenfury looked at Nika. "The big one, like the wolf that stalked you." He referred to his spirit wolf companion that he often sent to follow Sizzlespark, when she first joined the guild. He looked down at his Supplicant and paused for a moment. "The Mandate" He uttered before approaching.

Nika was rigid with fear. First the humiliation, and now the pain that was about to come at the hands of one she respected. Her mind was beginning to blank, unable to cope with how to react. Ashenfury reached his green hand to her mouth and grabbed her face with his other one. He then wedged his armored fingers into her mouth and holding her steady roughly worked the tooth while poking his tongue out and looking up. Jul'kah winced. Creedy wanted to look away, but he could not bring himself to. This humiliation would be bearable if it spared the woman's life, he supposed. The question was: would she endure it? He was not the praying type... but he said a silent one now.

Bryii looked away and Ryanica frowned. Leyu'jin Zeysoga stared at Nika, not moving his gaze an inch as Ashenfury takes out the tooth. Qarosimae pulled her mask down, smoke curling from her nostrils.

Nika recoiled from Ashenfury as he reached for her. Her screams when he removed the tooth were horrible. She coughed, gagging on the blood that welled up as he pulled the tooth free. Agony lanced through her jaw and the lower part of her face. Ashenfury continued to work until they could all hear a loud POP and he stumbled backwards holding the tooth to the light, inspecting it. When it was finally removed she curled tightly and choked back a sob, knees brought up to her chest.

Ashenfury nodded in acceptance of the tiny tusk and showed it to Abric. "The beginning of a necklace, maybe." He looked at the tooth and back down at Nika, his eyes large and shielding any clue of emotion.

Nyali's ears went flag against her skull at the screaming and Bryii shut her eyes and turned her head. Thalevia looked on, unmoved by the screams. Creedy winced as he heard the languid wail of Nika. It was the hardest thing to do to stay there, but he was a survivor at heart, and he knew it would do nothing to act out, save to get himself and the woman whacked. Bartantalus watched the entire scene unflinchingly.

Qarosimae Sh'naha whispered harshly to Bryii, Nyali, and Jul'kah. "Watch. This may be your fate if you remain on your paths."

Abric loomed above her. "Stand, failure. Pain is for children and the living to appreciate it - to which you are neither. Stand and answer my question. Detail to me your association to Ugraz - why it is a name I should concern myself with... why it is an individual that shares in your fate."

Nika heard him, but it took some time to gather her feet beneath her. She managed to struggle upright, swaying slightly. She was shaking now, and looked to Abric through clouded eyes. "I swear to you I don't know what you mean.. is it because he's working with the Alliance? Bryii and Jul'kah told you that, before. He and I do not work together."

"Leyujin. Choose a tooth."

Nika went cold, nausea rising within her. Not Leyu'jin, too. She wasn't sure which was worse.. the pain itself..or the fact that it would be coming at the hands of Leyu'jin, who she held in the highest esteem. Of all of them, it was Leyu'jin who she looked up to the most. It was the reason she had handed herself over to him to begin with. The reason she had secretly requested that if she were to die, for him to be the one to kill her. She trusted him, and she knew he'd make it swift and clean.

Leyu'jin Zeysoga locked his eyes with Abric, then bows his head. He stepped forward, gazing down at Nika. Nika looked up at Leyu'jin, her entire expression radiated fear, confusion and misery. She was beginning to think that this was all a game.. meant to make her suffer. There WAS no true answer Abric was looking for. She looked up at Leyu'jin now, pleading with her eyes. "I SWEAR I don't know what he wants!"

"Dis ain't be aboot Ugraz alone." Leyu'jin's tone was emotionless. He looked from Abric to Nika, then slammed his gauntlet in a backfisted swipe across her face. Blood splattered the far wall, and there was an audible crack.

Nika looked at Leyu'jin and then away. Her breath hitched in her chest. The fist slamming into her face pitched her backwards and she crumpled. Blood pooled on the stone floor from her ruined mouth. She didn't move again, instead choosing to stay down.. wishing they would just end it, already. Leyu'jin held his fist up and tensed, then relaxed it briefly.

Jul'kah let out a whine as Ley struck Nika, quiet enough that only Bryii, Q, and Nyali should hear it. Creedy 's eyes narrowed at Leyujin. Coward. The troll would not defy this... Forsaken and he was willing to beat an indefensible female. He would pay for that. He cannot surround himself with his grimlings forever. When he was alone… the thought made witnessing the torture a little easier.

Abric was unrelenting. "Stand, failure. Those of our kind are not bowed to pain or petty notions. No longer do you have the weakness of a human, but the strength of Forsaken. Stand and speak - speak to me why it is you associate with an orc who has a vested interest in the Mandate. Speak to what you have told him, to get this interest sparked."

Nika moved slower still. Weakly, she managed to find footing enough to stand. It was difficult to form words now, and when she did speak it was horribly slurred. Dark blood, almost black, slicked the lower half of her face and neck. "Ugraz.. is a rebel.. cause he was born a peon. So he takes his fight to the Horde. His fight has nothing to do with me. I associate with him because at times he can be kind.. he fights for what he believes in." As she talked, she could feel that several of her teeth were shattered or knocked loose inside her mouth. Blood trickled down the back of her throat. She now looked defeated, knowing it wasn't the answer Abric was looking for. Knowing this would continue.. but she had nothing to offer. She simply did not know.

"When did you first contact him, then?"

Nika gingerly rolled her tongue in her mouth, the sharp pain from the dislodged teeth causing her head to spin. "He used to attack Stormwind. He was a mystery to me. When I took the identity of Sizzlespark, I saw him in the tavern and was curious. I barely knew ten words of Orcish. He gave me a book to help me learn. That's how we first met."

"What have you told him of us... of The Grim. Of the Mandate."

Nika took some comfort at least, in that Abric's line of questioning had become more direct. And as long as they were talking, she wasn't being tortured further. She blinked and shook her head slowly. Behind her back, her hands clenched and unclenched within the shackles. "I have never discussed the Mandate with him. I never told him any secrets about The Grim. He never knew I was Sizzle until after I confessed to all of you. By that time, I respected and cared enough for The Grim that I have not given any secrets to anyone. Horde, Alliance or otherwise."

Abric crosses his arms loosely across his chest. "Do you fear death, failure?" His tone did not change, despite the change in the questioning and topic.

Nika spoke slowly, deliberately. Her voice was low, mumbling through swollen lips. "Not any longer. I turned myself over to you to try and right the wrongs I did against The Grim. I knew coming here would be my death."

"The absence of fear is not the same as acceptance. A pity - it seems Inzema will have to pay for raising weakness. Two things shall now happen, failure. While you shall die... tonight is not the time for your death. You shall become the carrier of a message to this Ugraz. In three days time, he shall meet here, before the two moons rise. It is then I shall speak with him, and your life shall be in the hands of the choices and words he wishes to use."

Nika listened, her gaze drifting slowly downwards, towards the floor. She blinked slowly, lifting her head again to look at him. She nodded slowly, faintly. Jul'kah's eyes widened. Bryii looked over at him.

"If you desire to not pass this message, know that I have little concern nor regard for those who you know and those you may believe you love and respect. Each and every one who lives shall live no longer... those who have found death shall be raised merely for the sake of meeting death a second time. Those who cannot meet true death, shall wish for this death... for teeth will not be the only things they will lose in my presence. Petty threats, I know... yet merely incentive individuals typically expect in such situations. When he shows his presence, so shall you. If you desire to run again - understand that you will not be detained a third time.

Nika nodded again, although her brow creased faintly. Her thoughts were sluggish, but she tried to focus. Was he saying that she would be allowed to walk? Creedy sighed, the relief echoing off the alcove he was in. Cursing himself mentally, he moved quickly. His time was up. Qarosimae twitched an ear and looks towards the door.

"That is the first." Abric continued. "The second is simple - a boon and favor I give unto you. You may believe Truth comes more easily to you, but still you cling to that which you once were. To continue to aid you, we shall ensure the words from your throat do not get caught up in what we have already taken two of. To each Grim present, you owe them one. Do not falter, failure... for I am not pleased with individuals squandering my favors." Abric turned. "Thalevia, begin. Qarosimae - you shall be the last. When all have taken their token, Leyujin... release her."

Leyu'jin looked back at Thalevia, and moves to the side. Thalevia approached the Forsaken. Nika looked at her, her expression blank and closed off. Thalevia looked at Leyu'jin. "I trust your hold is true?" He nodded back at her.

Abric turned from the failure, his focus moving to Bryii and Jul'kah. He takes some steps towards them, to close the distance. "You state that you are not her protectors - and to that I shall hold you to that Truth. You also state this Ugraz is worth my attention... so he now has it. Do nothing to him until the appointed time - even if that means you die to preserve my word. If the failure stands to her name, and does not bring this orc to me, it will be your responsibility to bring her to me so she may face my displeasure."

Bryii looked at Abric, and Jul'kah nodded once. Creedy lingered... and exit strategy ready to execute.

"When Thalevia is finished with her collection - you two shall take your turn. If she faints or her knees give .... you shall take two." Abric turned, his direction towards the exit.

Thalevia reached into the females mouth and with a murmured word and a flare of fire, she removes a single tooth leaving its location cauterized behind it. Nika cried out sharply in pain, though at least the tooth came easily than the first one. The punch from Leyu'jin had loosened and dislodged more than a few of them. Thalevia walked away, and fed the tooth to her felhound.

Qarosimae nodded to Jul'kah. "Your turn."

Nika felt faint, not looking over as Jul'kah was given the order. This was her biggest fear.. to be tortured at the hands of her closest friends. Even under direct orders and threat of possible death.. it was hard to accept.

Jul'kah stood before Nika, and muttered beneath his breath. "I be sorrah, Nika." His hand shakes as he removes his glove and places it in her mouth. He finds a tooth that seems particularly loose and yanks hard, wincing visibly as he does so. He stalked out silently, whining softly.

Nika tensed, a low keening sound rising in her chest. She swayed again, then slid one foot to the side to brace herself. She managed to find her balance, barely.

"Nyali." Qarosimae announced the next.

Nyali nodded to her. "Mah turn?" She looked at Nika and put a hand in her mouth, pulling out a tooth quickly. Then she walked away, tooth in hand.

Nika was shutting down before. She no longer screamed out with each tooth that was removed. Just groaned weakly.

"Bryii."

Bryii's shoulders tensed, and she put on her helm.

Qarosimae shook her head. "Take off your helm. I want both of you to see each other when you do this."

Bryii took the helm back off and approached. She firmly placed a hand on Nika's shoulder. Looking at her eye to eye she pull down on Nika's chin showing the remaining teeth. Bryii placed her fingers on one and ripped it out quickly, then closed her eyes and walked away. "Nyali... lets go home."

Nika 's knees buckled and she almost went down. Almost. Her body twitched and her breath heaved in her chest a few times. She remained in that half crouched position for several seconds. Legs shaking, she forced herself upwards again.

Qarosimae glared at her. "If I find out you healed her after this, I will take your teeth."

Bryii stopped and looked back. "Do you want to be blind? Don't test me."

"Stop." Ashenfury growled. "Now. You respect any officer as you would myself. Consider this your only warning she-elf."

Bryii looked at the orc. "I did what I was asked, and still..." She glanced over. "Nyali.."

Nyali looked at Bryii, then bowed before Leyu and saluted Qarosimae. The two left together. Leyu'jin, quiet this whole time, stared off as Nyali left.

Qarosimae Sh'naha smiled triumphantly and turns her bespectacled gaze to Nika. She stepped down from her spot on the dais and approached the girl. "This may hurt." She pulled an old book from her belt, flipped to a certain page, and with a gesture, secured Nika to the spot with Arcane energy.

Nika looked at Qarosimae through a sheen of pain. She no longer looked afraid, only blank, empty. Her eyes were hollow. Her eyes rolled back for a moment when she found herself rooted and immobile. By now her mind had already begun to retreat within itself.. an attempt at self-preservation, shielding herself from the emotional trauma. The sense of violation and betrayal she had endured was beyond anything she was equipped to handle.

Qarosimae smiled and closed the book. "To make you hold still..." She opened Nika's mouth and wiggled teeth about, looking for one more tightly in place than the others. "Ah, there we go." She pulled out the tooth with an application of force and releases Nika from the spell simultaneously.

Nika stumbled backwards as she was released, whining sharply as renewed pain crushed the lower part of her jaw with its intensity. She went down heavily, with a bone jarring thud.

Qarosimae Sh'naha eyed the tooth with a smile. "Not a skull, but still a nice trophy." She bore a hole into it with fire and added it to a bracelet of tiny white beads.

Ashenfury looked down at his boots and back up to the entrance.

Leyu'jin looked down dispassionately. "So it be dun."

Qarosimae nodded to Leyu'jin. "I believe so."

Leyu'jin bent down and took the rogue's hands. He set the manacles against the ground and then unslung his axe again. Stepped back, he swept the axe cleanly through the metal chain connecting the manacles, freeing her.

Ashenfury looked down at the hand holding the dislodged tiny tusk. It was squeezed tight with veins crawling up his arms. He looked down to Nika and bent his knees into a crouch. His shoulders relaxed and he looked down as he placed the crushed tooth on the ground. Rising, he saluted both Leyu'jin and Qarosimae. "Peace through annihilation."

Nika sat there blankly, only half coherent. She felt a sudden jerking sensation as Leyu'jin cleaved through the chains of her manacles. Ashenfury stepped before her, but she never lifted her gaze higher than his knees, even as he crouched. She looked at the tooth on the ground without fully seeing it, not understanding the meaning behind that final act. Her vision blurred in and out of focus, dimmed by pain and tears that she held back.

Time passed. At some point the three of them had left her, but she missed their exit. The raw pain of her emotions and loss of dignity far exceeded the forceful removal of her teeth. That, in time, would heal. As to the rest- that would likely linger indefinitely. Slowly she rose, finding her feet again. Her clothing was still laying torn and discarded on the floor, and she managed to re-dress herself as best she could. Reaching up, she tenderly probed at her lips and jaw, finding both swollen and bloodied still. Her steps weaved slightly as she made her way to the door and back outside.

Along the pathway, a figure appeared. Abric stood there, leaning casually against the sign post, arms crossed over his chest. Eyes unblinking, he watched her pass.

Nika paused when she saw him, and wavered. When nothing was said or done, she turned, shuffling slowly away.

[Greebo]

Greebo read the report, nodding slowly now and then. By the time he reached the end a tension he had not known he felt was released. Drawing a light blue vellum toward him he began to scratch a quick note.

"My dear Ashenfury,
I offer my congratulations. Your work as an inquisitor proves that we are right to give to you some of our most difficult candidates. I have the honor to remain
Your humble serv't
Greebo Twice-made"

He allowed himself a tight smile as he handed the sealed scrollcase to his imp for immediate delivery. Only one question remained of the whole sordid affair - what role did the meat sculptor play and what was it up to now, hidden behind her skirts.

[Bloodscream]

Bloodscream went over the report casually by the glow of the view crystals in the room.
Maker code was scrolling by at high speeds while his latest machine analyzed, cross referenced and tried to break it and glean it's secrets.

He was Inquisitor and chastised himself for getting so wrapped in his work he had failed to attend the meeting. This entire sordid tale had mostly unfolded on the edge of his perceptions. He had spoken with Inzema on it at the beginning of all this, when the name Nika had first reached his ears.

He knew what everyone else seemed to have overlooked, that this, in the end, was Inzema's doing.

Surprisingly absent from the unfolding, it seemed obvious to Bloodscream the mad rogue had pulled these strings from the shadows and then stood back and watched.

If Bloodscream ever managed to find Inzema, he would ask a few questions of his own.

It seemed to matter little now. He would have asked Abric about it but then he remembered he's rather jam a two-fold kinetic actuator up his nose and scratch the inside of his eyeballs than have a conversation with Abric in which he tried to get information from the Enforcer.

"Meh..." he said out loud as he put down the report.