His ears were still ringing from the explosion. Rain and what he believed to be blood stung his eyes as he slowly opened them to view his surroundings. Never has he tried to absorb so much destruction in such a short time. As the rain fell mercilessly on him, he wondered if all this pain was worth it.

You're a fool you know, the voice in him whispered.

Is she worth all this?

He looked around to survey the carnage he had caused. This wasn't the way he wanted it. But it was the only way, he reasoned, as he looked down to his lap to see if she was still breathing. And there she lay, as angelic as when he first saw her; the shieldmaiden. Good, she's still alive.

Why do you even bother, said the voice within.

Because, it's his fault that she's in this state.

You can't blame yourself, came the reply. She knew the dangers of the road she chose, chasing that fallen prince around like that.

NO! It's my fault. She wouldn't have been this way if it wasn't for my glamour and whisperings.

Oh? She would've just be driven to hunt another instead then don't you think? Think you fool. No matter what, she would never give you a second look. You're nothing but a member of her court after all.

Well maybe one day..

One day? Nothing's gonna happen! She doesn't care for....

The sound of footsteps stopped his mental arguments. Looking back up, he saw the approach of more soldiers. Cradling her up, he starts to utter the words that would open a portal. A gate that would take them both to safety. An arrow lodged itself in his shoulder, almost breaking his concentration.

Ignore the pain. Finish the spell dammit!

And with a flash of blinding light, they were gone.

Three days, he waited and watched on top of the hill. For three days, he stayed out of sight, and in the rain. He took another swig from the bottle. It'll probably make him go blind eventually, but at least it kept the numbing cold away. And for three days, he focused on the movements in the camp below.

She's down there isn't she.

Stop it, you know this is just business.

Business? Since when did an infatuation be considered business?

Shush. You know what I'm talking about. It's just a coincidence that she decided to get stuck in this mess.

And what if she becomes part of the problem? Wouldn't that complicate matters more?

Shh. Something's happening below.

Oh as if they can hear me anyway. I'm in your bloody head remember?

And below them, the camp came to life. Even in the heavy rainfall, men scurried around, setting up what appeared to be a defensive perimeter. Something was coming, but it was sooner than expected. And as the wind blew stronger, it carried a heavy taint of sulfur. And it seemed to get stronger by the minute.

You feel that? familiar isn't it? Don't you crave it anymore?

SHUT UP! I'm no longer that person!

You can lie to them, but you cannot lie to me. I am after all, still you.

And the sky lit up, as the first of the meteors fell from the sky. Doom is coming.

He looked back down to the camp to see the messengers leave. And he was relieved to see her leave with them. A second meteor hit the hill next to the one he was on. It was time to take his leave as well.

What good was the infomation he held if he were to have an accident out here after all.

As he chanted the words of portal, a vision suddenly hit him.

No.It cannot be.

The high priestess had returned.

The ghosts that I've left behind and buried beneath the earth have found the strength to return for an encore. It's not a case however of my spirit weakening, rather of their bindings removed. Years ago they had themselves binded or banished, so it's no surprise that they're free again.

Nothing lasts forever after all.

And I can't keep part of myself buried for so long. Like it or not, the soul leech that drains me as I sleep is still me. Rather, a part of me. So is the shade that sits in the corner and waits to consume me should I let my guard down.

Remnants of me from the past. All waiting for the time when they can return to the one that created them. It's different this time though. They might find me harder to chew on. Or that I'm fueled by so much poison that any attempt to consume me would result in their demise instead.

There is no need to fear the past anymore after all. It's all just aspects of me. And the current me is stronger than ever mentally. Domination is all a case of mind over matter after all.

The unfocused ramblings however betray the cracks in my sanity that I have tried to cover for so long. My alcohol infused nights coupled with my fuckall approach to troubleshooting life maybe a little too much for some people to take.

Then again, it's not like I'm ramming it down their throats. And the bottom line is, it works doesn't it? Crude yes, but effective. Fugly, but efficient.

All I gotta do however, is to keep the King of the Mountain ego in check.

Now THAT's gonna be a problem.

Do you believe in a god that satisfies?
Do you believe in a god that opens eyes?
Do you believe in a god that tells you lies?
Or do you believe in me?

Do you believe in a god that brings you down?
Do you believe in a god that wears a crown?
do you believe in a god that makes you bow?
Or do you believe in me?

Marco V - Godd.

I know you do.

He took his seat in a quiet corner of the of the establishment facing the sea, a steaming hot cup of coffee in his hand. A wry smile crossed his face as he took out a small metal canister to 'spice' up his beverage.

Too much of that'll kill ya.

He recognized that familiar voice and looked up to see the seer looking back at him with a smile on his face.

Long time no see, he replied, as he leaned back to watch the storm rage across the sea. He felt the salty wind on his face while taking in another sip of his drink.

The seer took a seat next to him, and started to roll himself some tobacco.

Those things'll kill ya you know, said he, causing the seer to chuckle slightly.

Look who's talking, came the reply, as the seer lit up his stick. So I hear you've been rather busy of late.

Oh just the usual boring work. Nothing too engaging really.

The seer gave him a rather long stare. When are you ever going to learn to keep things just business? It's not the first time you've made such a mistake you know, while letting out a long puff of smoke.

Oh spare me the lecture, he snapped back. You're not perfect either last I checked. I've covered for you more than enough times after all. But then again, what are friends for eh?

Friends? That's an interesting word for you to use, a smirk on his face. But enough of that. You know the situation in the southlands right?

How can I not, the media has it in my face everywhere I go anyway. It's even eclipsed my little issues from last week. Has their resident geomancer atch a case of death or something?

Funny you should mention that, apparently she decided to take a long trip to the east. Not very helpful to a nation that's literally sinking. Say, didn't you and her have some-

Oh Shut It! You don't know what happened there ok? And no, I have no intention of heading down there for coin nor country. I have more than enough headaches here already.

So I hear, warlock. So I hear. She shouldn't be a distraction to you after all. But I was just suggesting something that was for the better, seeing that you've taken to the bottle once again. And it doesn't help that *her* presence is felt as well.

Ah, the high priestess` aura's getting to you as well eh. Who'd have figured that she'd turn out to be such a strong one after all. At least it's kept the voices in my head quiet.

They're still in there? You've got to be mad to be still storing them in you. Actually, I'm surprised they haven't consumed you from within.

They? it's only one in there. At least I have someone to talk to when I'm working in the field, taking a gulp from the fast cooling cup. The wind picked up as the storm moved closer towards the shore.

Still... well there's concern for your wellbeing. And you're in luck, exclaimed the seer, as he left a worn out tome on the table. This might help you overcome your demons. At least give it a try.

A look of distrust crossed the warlock's face. Is that why you're here seer? To 'help' me? Can you honestly tell me that this isn't a method for them to keep me out of more trouble?

Of course not! I'm here for the same reasons as you after all. The company and the coffee. He smiled.. And stared out to watch the storm finally reach them. Are the gates open by the way?

Finishing up his coffee, he could only afford a nod, as the voice in him stirred again. And his thoughts jumped between the princess, and the high priestess.

And the rain drowned out the sound around them.

I've lost at cards
I've lost at love
Lost friends from coast to coast
But of all the things I've lost in life
I miss my mind the most