All My Friends Are Dead (Open)

((Correction- Lucien's grandmother.))

The spirit nodded slightly and began to talk. Astareal listened, playing around with the bell in the meantime. The voice carried on and seemed to mezmerize everything around. "Where to start? Well, the king was about half way through his time of rule when I came into service. I didn't see him much, but he wasn't all that great. He was rather annoying. As for the hybrids, my son was one of them. I was a pleasure slave to the king and teh higher authorities in the castle. Hybrids weren't all that common back then. It was mainly humans and a few others in the castle, and castle life was pretty much all I knew. My old diaries should be floating around somewhere out there..." The spirit seemed to think of what to say next, obviously wanting to continue.

Astareal was carefully listening to these words, making sure she didn't mistake anything. Thinking things over she waited for the spirit to continue, watching the boy behund her carefully. She wanted to absorb his expressions and such, wanted to understand his point of view of things a little. She hadn't had much living company in death...

Xander nodded. Relieved that the spirit lady wasn't upset. "It must of been awful for you....to be a slave that is." He said looking at her nervously but sympathetically to. For the first time in a while he could talk to someone other then bob who knew what it was like. "why do people not like hybrids....did we do something bad?" Xander wasn't sure what diaries were but he decided that it didn't matter. The brown haired sorcerer lady would probably explain it later if it was that important.

Astareal could tell him why Hybrids were disliked no problem. Instead of piping up, however, she looked to the bell and began to scratch at the handle for entertainment. For some reason she was feeling restless. Latrine began to speak again, finally deciding on some words.
"Hybrids were practically non-existant back then. They weren't really even called hybrids; it was more like mutt, mongrel, and other things. There were few and the crosses between elves and humans had been dubbed Dragon Riders... but otherwise I don't see why they are disliked. My son was fine even though he was a hybrid." The spirit seemed to lose the thought and vanished into thin air.

Astareal looked to the boy and held out her hand. "She was getting annoying. Anyways, I'm Astareal, Necromancer extrodinare." The brunette was fascinated with the boy, sending all the spirits away to the ninth precinct by ringing Kibeth. A grin had spread across her face and she wanted to get out of here, to return to Life. She wanted to find those journals.

Xander watched the spirit go. He was a little disappointed, he didn't learn anything worth while. He looked at the lady who called herself Astareal. The lady held out her hand, Xander wasn't sure what he was suppose to do. "I'm Xander....sorry but what am i suppose to do with your hand?"

Astareal looked the boy over for a minute, wondering if he was kidding around, pulling her leg. Before long she figured out that Xander was serious, her brow wrinkling. "You shake it. You must not get out much." Thinking about this for a moment she shook her head violently before turning around and approaching the gate back to the third precinct. It was time for diary hunting. It was as she thought of this that she remembered what she had told Xander earlier and stopped in her tracks.

"If I'm going to get that chain off I'll need some help." This was mainly said to herself but it was said aloud. Thinking that over she began to wonder what to do. Finally figuring something else she looked to Xander, raising an eyebrow. "Do you think you'll be okay if I leave for a few seconds?" Astareal scanned the boy and debated on whether or not to drag him with her. Mosrael was dangerous but her only hope for getting the chain off.

A spirit from the second precinct would work....

Xander didn't comment on her reaction to him not knowing what to do with her hand. He followed Astareal until she stopped to ask him a question. Xander thought for a moment trying to figure out which would be safer. " I guess i can stay here as long as there isn't anymore spirits around." After a pause he quickly added "But i'll come if you want me to." Xander wasn't sure about this lady yet and didn't really want to get into trouble with her.

Astareal nodded, scanning the area for spirits once more. She could summon a Mordicant now, she had enough energy and was able to be propelled back two precincts.... Although the Dead creature would be weak it would be the smater thing to do. Pulling a small dagger from her boot she held it out to the boy and winked. "Use it wisely. It's probably your only defense against spirits if they happen to show up. If it would make you feel better I'll leave Ranna, the smallest bell, with you. She puts the Dead spirits to sleep. That's up to you." Placing the sword back into it's sheath Astareal pushed a smile. "If Yrael were here I'd make him protect you."

Getting the words formed in her mind for the entrance to the next gate Astareal waited from the little boy called Xander, mind ready to get on with it.

Xander took the weapons Astareal gave him and nodded. He stood where he was and waited to see what would happen. Hoping she wouldn't take to long because he wanted to get out. When she mentioned the cat he frowned a little he would rather not have that thing around him. Do you trust that lady bob? Because i don't.

Bob thought about Xander's question for a moment, answering what he thought worked well. To be honest I like her. She likes Dead people. It's fascinating. I don't really trust her though- she's too mysterious. Bob smirked in his own little mind, pondering the thought.

Astareal looked at the boy once more before saying the words and breaking out into a mad dash as she hit the third precinct. Making it safely through she approached the second gate, saying more words as she arrived. Once at the second precinct she caught her breath and drew Mosrael. Ringing the bell loudly she smiled and rang Kibeth next, propelled backwards into the fourth precinct, appearing right beside Xander again.

Looking to the boy she forced a smile and began to speak in a rush. "We have to hurry or else my Modicant will suck the life out of you." Astareal forced a smile and replaced Ranna in her bandolier, leaving Xander with the dagger. Taking a firm hold of the boys forearm she hurried back through the precincts into Life. Upon arrival she found Yrael hissing at a firey form in the corner. Quickly she rang Saraneth, the Mordicant staying where it was and growling lowly.

Looking to see if Xander had made it back safely she began to eye the chain. This may be a bit more difficult than she had planned.

Astareal was back as quickly as she said she would be. That was good, at least she was trustworthy in that aspect. Xander didn't have much of a choice but to follow her since she had his arm. He was a bit scared when she mentioned something about him getting his life sucked out. He didn't have time to think or worry about it though, because soon he was back in the tower and chained to the wall. Xander looked at the spirit nervously, wondering if letting Astareal do this was a good idea.

Astareal crossed her arms across her chest and her brow wrinkled in thought. She studied the chain quietly and finally decided where it would be best to try and get it off Xander. "You're sure you want me to get this chain off you, right? I don't know if I can do it alone but Morty can help..." When saying 'Morty' she was referring to the Mordicant hovering behind her. The giant creature looked like a werewolf with flames coming from random spots all over it's body. The flames illumintated the room a little better than the moon did, this making Astareal feel better.

The light was comforting to most people, even some of the cold ones who lived in the dark. Wondering if it would be right to help the boy who couldn't be over twelve Astareal stood in thought. Why was he chained to the wall? Was he dangerous? Astareal had protectors- Yrael (against his will) and the Mordicant (also against his will). She could defend herself if need be, though. Beginning to have second thoughts she studied Xander. He looked harmless... even if he was a Hybrid.

Xander looked at the creature. Wondering if he really wanted that thing anywhere near him even if under someone else's control. Then he looked at the window... he had to leave or else he would be stuck here when the sun came. Xander would not likely have this opportunity again. "Yes i'm certain." He said quietly. But he wondered if she was having second thoughts as well.... She had been looking at him this whole time.

Astareal broke her gaze and knelt down to admire the chain. The thing was solid with no faults; a perfect thing for keeping a person where they wanted them. With a flick of her hand she mentioned for the Mordicant to approach. The beast responded and took a few steps forward, keeping it's eyes fixed on Xander. Astareal looked to 'Morty' and handed him a part of the chain. "Break that without yanking the poor kid's leg off, will you?" Astareal was glaring at Morty whilst he was in the process of breaking the chain.

Astareal looked to Xander and sighed, shrugging. No one ever said that it would be a fast process. Deep in her mind she was wondering why she was doing this in the first place. If it was to anger someone or if it was to help the boy she didn't know, but it may be worthwhile. Not noticing when the Mordicant finally broke the chain, she remained in thought. A minute afterward she looked over and noticed the broken chain, the drooling Mordicant, and the boy.

Bob wasn't all that sure about the Mordicant and wasn't sure about being released. As long as the queen didn't catch him then he and Xander'd be fine, but it wouldn't be smart to try to attack Astareal if she tried to do anything...

Xander immediately jumped up and away from the beast once the chain was broken. He looked around not sure if he should try and leave or wait. "thanks." he said to Astareal. Xander wondered why the lady helped him but he didn't want to push his luck by asking. After a long thought he realized that it was likely that she wanted him for something. His anger flared up inside him.....he was just being used. Even that werewolf girl from earlier he realized, she was likely just using him to. People were only nice when they wanted something. He clenched his fists by his side trying to keep from lashing out. Xander didn't want to believe it but it was the only thing that made sense. Why else would anyone help him?

Astareal looked to the Mordicant, who seemed to be a bit worn out. "You have fifteen minutes, Morty. Be back soon." The wolf turned and left the room, running quickly down the staircase. Astareal held Saraneth in her left had, her right hand fingering her sword. Astareal turned and began to study a desk in the room, taking interest in a drawer that was stuck. Looking back to Xander she smiled weakly and began to grow restless.

"I'm just curious, but who was keeping you chained up?" Astareal studied the boy quietly, noticing a hint of anger. This pleased a small part of her mind. Apparently the little twerp thought she was up to something. This broadened her smile and made her want to laugh. She leaned casually against the wall and shook her head, her brown bangs fluttering playfully around her face.

Xander looked away from the lady trying to get control of his anger. She seemed to be happy that he was angry. This concerned him, this meant that she likely had something diabolical up her sleeve. He blinked surprised when she asked why he was chained to the wall. It seemed obvious to him, why would someone need to ask? He didn't really want to answer, especially since he just met this person.