Time Cannot Heal These Wounds {Bayn}

[Despair]

If she hadn't been breathing, one might have mistaken her for one of the statues throughout the temple. She was certainly beautiful enough to contest with the goddesses represented: long, dark brown hair that cascaded in silken curls down her back and shoulders; a slender, curvacious frame; fair, flawless, soft skin; delicate, lovely features; and soulful, deep, teal eyes that said more than a thousand words ever could.

She had been trapped there for almost a year. Just her and her newborn baby...and she had been forced to leave him, her baby, behind. Orpheus, she had called him.

But keeping him would have resulted in war against mankind by both the heavens and the underworld, and she had done the only thing she could and surrendered him to a kindly angel...the name of whom escaped her.

It had been months before Bayn returned for her. She was desolate and scared...and had not spoken since he had rescued her. That was two months before. Years, in the eternal night.

Nimue looked up as her lover approached. Her tresses caught the light, shimmering, but her eyes still had that dull sadness of a mother who had lost her child...a woman afraid to trust. She still smiled, however, when her gaze fell on the darkly handsome demi-god that had fathered her child...but the sorrow never left her eyes.

And the only thought going through her mind was the same one that had plagued her endlessly since she had watched the angel soar away with her son. Where are you now?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charon cursed to himself. What the h.ell had he been thinking? The chances of finding a demigod to release Liora was about the same of winning Mitya's lottery--zero, seeing as there was no such thing. He had about the same chance of asking Namine to marry him as to get a demigod back in time to help Namine.

Namine; the woman his former host, Orpheus Nyx, loved. The woman that he himself felt a pressing need to protect. The woman who had made him feel more emotions than any demon before him. Sometimes, he wanted to kill the bi.tch.

The high-blood shook his head, glancing around once more. Down that road was the temple. He had visited all the others, and had found a demigod that was incapable of assisting him, but had informed him that he knew of one other near Ermete. Charon sighed, hoping that Demeter wouldn't kick his a.ss for crossing sacred ground, and pressed onward.

[{K}itsune]

It had only been a few months since their separation. Hardly any time at all for the demi-god, but he knew the eternal night worked in different ways than the world he lived in. The eternal night resembled that of the God's dimension, only time there was frozen entirely, while months passed, yes, their bodies were stuck in the forms they currently possed, and would never change. In a month, millions of people could die, natural full deaths. He knew because of his blood, and while he only had vague memories of his time there, before his rebirth to Nukpana, the ways of the Gods were no mystery to him.

So, it was with that knowledge that he expected to see Nimue a little aged, but hardly considering what she had become, just months before for him. As his rubescent eyes lit upon the etheral beauty who had borne his child, his eyes darkened with desire and pleasure, but also gentled in compassion for what he knew she had went through. Plus, despite all expectations, he had missed her. Seeing her now, even after two measly months, felt like a great reunion. One for the books.

The saddness in her eyes brought a deep self-loathing into his chest, resembling thousands of daggers plunging his torso at full speed. If anything, Bayn hadn't expected guilt. She smiled at him half-heartedly, with a happiness that would never reach her eyes. Knowing that he had failed in his first vows to her, Bayn made new ones. He would get her to truly smile again, someday, and he would not leave her until he succeeded.

"Nimue.." he murmured, a tender greeting. Stepping to her side, he hesistantly - another new thing for him - wrapped his arms gently around her waist and kissed her lips lightly before tilting his head and kissing her cheek. It was the best tribute a man like him could give her for her "war-scars"; the most solemn salute possible.

It was at that time that he heard footsteps outside the door and tasted an almost sulfer-like quality on the wind. The man approaching - for it could only be a man - reeked of darkness; a demon. There was something more though, an almost imperial pressence, a forced recognition of obediance and nobility. He was obviously a high blood, but his breed was far better than most; almost God-like.

Turning, with one arm still securely around his lover, Bayn's cold, crimson eyes lifted just as the demon entered the sacred room. His eyes met pitch black holes in a tanned, handsome face. He'd heard of a demon with such characteristics, could this be the Charon that some of the lower demon's in his mother's army praised? "Speak, Charon. What is it you want?" Bayn's voice snapped out, loud and commanding in the cavernous temple. It truly was an awesome sight, a undeniably powerful half-demon half-god with a possessive arm around a true angel, one that put all other's to shame.

[Despair]

Ah, there it was. A presence within the temple that didn't fit with the sacrosanct aura that surrounded it. Charon's eyes narrowed as he sensed the godly power radiating from the temple that was not of the temple's particular deity. A fainter power than as if a true God had descended--he would have sensed that from the other side of the planet--but a more subtle, dark aura. A demon-blooded God? Hm.

As he drew closer, his eyes widened slightly. An angelic presence, possibly stronger than that of Liora's own, was radiating from within the same area.

Entering the temple, he took a deep breath and regained his composure just in time. His name was spoken in a voice that rang with power.

"Speak, Charon. What is it you want?"

Nimue looked up at her lover as he spoke abruptly, having allowed herself to be drawn into the embrace. He had taken on a defensive--no, challenging--air. She followed his gaze, her turquoise orbs widening as she saw the shadowy mist eclipsing the brilliant light shining into the temple.

Charon smirked faintly, striding forward with a grace and confidence that only just bordered arrogance. If he was arrogant, however, he had every right to be. He had enough power to be a God himself if he so chose, save for the ability--or the knowledge--to do this one thing. Who knows? It may very well be within his abilities, but he hadn't the faintest idea of how to go about seperating one's consciousness.

Surprise did manage to give him a jolt, however, when he saw the young man holding a stunning female in his arms--a female dripping with the purity of the heavens. An angel and a demon? From the look in the male's eyes, this was hardly a one-time thing. No, they were clearly involved in a way that had gotten Orpheus' parents up to their eyes in trouble. Not so smart.

He couldn't say that he recognized the godling, either. He had been out of contact with the demon-world for long enough that new ones he had no knowledge of seemed to be popping up everywhere. His own reputation, which had faded into mysteries and myths over the years, was back in full force, luckily.

[glow=red,2,300]"Now what have we here?"[/glow]

he asked, interested.

[glow=red,2,300]"Not only do you know my name--which wouldn't be so unusual under normal circumstances--but you take the company of angels. What a strange little Godling."[/glow]

Charon smirked, then focused on the female.

[glow=red,2,300]"No offense to you, my dear. I've no hatred for your kind; I was imprisoned with one for long enough that I'm afraid she rather grew on me. However, before I state my business, I would prefer to know both your names."[/glow]

As it turned out, this may have been a lucky coincidence. This female seemed to have more of the blessings of heaven than even Liora, and she would assist Namine much more. And, furthermore, Orpheus could keep his sight intact. But even so, the demi-demon-god might be an issue.

[{K}itsune]

Out of the corner of his eye, Bayn watched Nimue's reaction to the handsome demon. Awe, but nothing more. Good. At least she wasn't attracted to the arrogant prick. Then again, he doubted she would ever sleep with a demon, she wasn't like that. Even if she denied it, based on angelic teachings she was most likely bound to him now. His for eternity, even if they couldn't be together. Bayn's anger, at having their reunion cut short, knew no bounds. This demon entered holy ground with a confident strike and an arrogant smirk. He believed that just because he didn't know who Bayn was that he had more power in him. He was dead wrong. No-one knew who Bayn was, not even Nimue, because it was as his mother wished. If knowledge of his identity spread, their war plans would be ruined, and he would not disgrace his mother or his Kingdom in such a way. Besides, he was son of the three strongest people in existence: Orpheus, Lamya, and Nukpana.

Bayn tasted pleasure as a quick shock ran through Charon at the sight before him. No doubt he was highly confused and completely condescending. What did Bayn care?

"Now what have we here?" Charon's voice dripped curiosity. Well, he could be as curious as he wished, he would never know.

"Not only do you know my name - which wouldn't be so unusual under normal circumstances - but you take the compnay of angels. What a strangle little Godling."

It was at this point that Bayn's blood ran cold - not in fear, but something resembling anger. The entire room turned so cold that he could see Nimue's breath forming crystals in the air. It resembled many other demon's power, the Necromancer Nihilit, for example.

"No offense to you, my dear. I've no hatred for your kind; I was imprisoned with one for long enough that I'm afraid she rather grew on me. However, before I state my business, i would prefer to know both your names."

At this point, Bayn turned to the side of him he'd practically disowned. Calling on his godly knowledge, his eyes scanned over Charon icily. "You are one to speak, Charon- infatuated with a human? Naughty. Then again, you're all about disgusting. After all, you slept with my mother." Bayn murmured, his voice sweeping through the temple like the wind. "As for our names, it seems you are out of luck; I don't care what you prefer. State your business or leave, I certainly don't care." Bayn added, his voice giving no leaniancy. Nimue would not give her name, he knew that, not after he had said so definitely that they wouldn't. He didn't trust Charon, and until he did, it would be unsafe for him to know their names. Nimue would know that.

Charon himself had no options here. If he chose to attack Bayn, Nimue would never help him, and if he attacked Nimue, yet again she would give him no aid, and he would ultimately rip Charon's head from his body. Even if Charon were strong - and he was if the stories were true - he was no match for the Demi-God, especially not with his connections.

[Despair]

Charon watched him, completely unfazed by anything the godling said, until...

"You are one to speak, Charon- infatuated with a human? Naughty. Then again, you're all about disgusting. After all, you slept with my mother."

The demon blanched. Infatuated, with a human?

"Now where did you get an idea like that? Infactuated with a human? I'm here to save one, perhaps, but hardly in love or any such nonsense. And as for your mother--I assume that you're Bayn, then?--she really gave me no choice."

He reclined back slightly, watching Bayn with a tad bit more respect. "Now, I didn't mean to...interrupt anything important, but it's a bit of a life or death situation. To make things simple, I was trapped in the mind of a...halfling child, or something of the sort, named Orpheus Nyx, in the Eternal. I assume you know what that is. He got free, met a woman--a necromancer--and I brought them all to a demon fortress. Unfortunately, Namine is being plagued by ghouls, and I've been sent to either find an angel to shield her or someone with enought power to release Orpheus' angelic ego."

While it may seem to you that he was rambling, he had spoken very slowly and calmly, pausing in between to let them interject as needed. Finally, he finished, and awaited their reply.

[{K}itsune]

When Charon's face paled, Bayn new he had struck a nerve. Despite the insane need to smirk, Bayn's face remained impassive. As he read the demon's signal he found himself more and more unhappy. They were practically matched. This demon, whoever he was, was about as Godly, possibly more than Bayn himself, and they were both demons, although his was slightly stronger based on the toxins. Pure born demons, such as Charon were some of the strongest in the world, but Nukpana's method was more direct. It changed more than just the blood of it's victim, it also changed their minds. Thus making their power magnified.

"Now where did you get an idea like that? Infactuated with a human? I'm here to save one, perhaps, but hardly in love or any such nonsense. And as for your mother--I assume that you're Bayn, then?--she really gave me no choice."

Bayn chuckled on the inside and nodded in affirmation of his name. He could deny it all he wanted, but there was an insane need to protect this human in Charon's aura, much like his own. As much as he wished to deny it he was at the very least attracted to the girl at his side. Once again relying on his Godly abilities, he replayed one of Charon and his human's kisses; hot and passionate. Chuckling aloud, Bayn responded, "I suppose you're right. My mother is rather loose and demanding."

Despite the arrogance in the man before him, Bayn felt a little bit more comfortable, which showed as his eyes lightened, and his grip around Nimue lightened.

"Now, I didn't mean to...interrupt anything important, but it's a bit of a life or death situation. To make things simple, I was trapped in the mind of a...halfling child, or something of the sort, named Orpheus Nyx, in the Eternal. I assume you know what that is. He got free, met a woman--a necromancer--and I brought them all to a demon fortress. Unfortunately, Namine is being plagued by ghouls, and I've been sent to either find an angel to shield her or someone with enought power to release Orpheus' angelic ego."

Orpheus...Nyx? His father's name with an addition. Interesting choice. "I assume you mean the Eternal Night. If so, yes, I know it very well. So this Namine - I assume that is the woman you slept with - is a Necromancer, huh?" He didn't mean any offense, he was just stating facts and assumations, "Why did you bring them to a Demon Fortress? Humans, especially women, can be driven insane in those places. Your Necromancer is screwed by herself, and yet you left her alone with a halfling and a multitude of spirits who wish to kill her? You couldn't have expected to be lucky in your search. I would not wish to expose Nimue to such things for a long period of time, I will release this Orpheus' angel." Bayn murmured, his voice silky smooth. He hoped Nimue would be alright with his plan. He would have suggested leaving her here altogether while he did this, but he had sworn not to leave her again until the smile returned to her eyes. As of yet, that goal had not been met.

[Despair]

"Why did you bring them to a Demon Fortress? Humans, especially women, can be driven insane in those places. Your Necromancer is screwed by herself, and yet you left her alone with a halfling and a multitude of spirits who wish to kill her? You couldn't have expected to be lucky in your search. I would not wish to expose Nimue to such things for a long period of time, I will release this Orpheus' angel."

Charon nodded slowly, deciding that whatever he could get, he would take. Liora wouldn't be nearly as strong as this woman, but she would be more helpful than not. In explanation, he sighed. "Yes, her name is Namine. And I had to leave her; Orpheus is no help on his own. He lived most of his life in the Eternal, and the rest of it using his halfling abilities to kill or help people, whichever side decides to take over." he shrugged slightly. "But either way, I suppose I'm grateful."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nimue listened quietly, having been uninclined to speak for as long as she had been in the eternal night. She was mute now, and would not speak. She hadn't spoken in the months she had been back, either.

When the demon first began speaking, her eyes narrowed slightly. Something about him made her want to trust him, which was odd, considering how Bayn clearly didn't. But as he continued speaking, her gaze softened. The demon was clearly in love, even if he didn't know it-- or wouldn't admit it--yet.

And so, for the first time in almost six years for her and two months for Bayn, she spoke. Her voice was hoarse, but still had that sweet musical lilt to it.

"No...I want to go."

[{K}itsune]

"Yes, her name is Namine. And I had to leave her; Orpheus is no help on his own. He lived most of his life in the Eternal, and the rest of it using his halfling abilities to kill or help people, whichever side decides to take over. But either way, I suppose I'm grateful."

Bayn could tell that this Charon was disappointed. He clearly wished that Nimue would come so that Namine would have the best protection. He cared about the Necromancer deeply, whether he wished to admit it or not. Despite his slight revulsion, he couldn't blame Charon. Humans had a sort of draw about them, Nimue had had that. The pull he felt toward her had only increased now that she was showing her angelic blood. From the memories he could pull from Charon he knew that Namine had the same sort of pull, although she wasn't an angel.

Suddenly from his side however, he heard a voice as soft as the wind, but as compelling as the light to a demon. "No...I want to go."

Turning his brilliant gaze onto his lover, Bayn gazed down at her silently, surprised to hear her speak. Her saddness practically radiated from her body in waves, he had expected her to remain silent for a bit longer. "They'll hunt you. You will have practically no rest from them. You'll be safe, but are you sure?" he murmured. If she truly wished to go, he would not stop her. How could he? He'd left her there, for years.

[Despair]

"They'll hunt you. You will have practically no rest from them. You'll be safe, but are you sure?"

Nimue looked up at him slowly. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, revealing the anguish within her soul. Her heart ached for the baby she had seen what seemed like only days before, disappearing into the horizon in the arms of an angel.

And then, tentatively, she slid her slender hand into his large, strong one. A glimmer of faith was visible in the melancholy pools of teal. "You'll stay with me, won't you?" she whispered.

Charon stood, silent. The angel's admission hadn't surprised him overly so, as she was an angel and they were practically made to do this sort of self-sacrificing thing. Even so, he had to admit that he felt a faint prick of...jealousy. She clearly loved and trusted the man she stood beside with all of her heart, though he had wronged her. It went against everything he knew, but even so, here it was.

[{K}itsune]

Her gaze was enough for his stomach to drop in anguish. The faint glisten of tears in her eyes spoke to just how far the hurt went. He knew she had been force to give up their child, and while his love for the boy was different than hers for he had never even met him, it still hurt his soul. It was obvious from her eyes that giving him away had tortured hers in ways unimaginable to most people, especially humans.

Slowly however, her hand slid into his trustingly. "You'll stay with me, won't you?"

Bayn breathed in deeply. He hadn't exactly wanted to speak about such things in front of Charon, but he would not hurt her, not even her feelings. So he completely ignored the high demon in front of them, and he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her waist, allowing his forehead to press against hers in a familiar gesture. "Of course, Nimue. Of course, I'll stay with you. That was a one time thing. I'm here until you want me gone." he murmured, his voice gentle. Charon could mock him all he wanted, Nimue was his protect and his to make happy. She deserved to be happy.

After gazing into her light, trusting eyes for another few moment, he finally broke the hold and turned his eyes onto Charon's, without moving an inch. "I assume you have an extra room?" he said, quietly.

[Despair]

"Of course, Nimue. Of course, I'll stay with you. That was a one time thing. I'm here until you want me gone."

Charon felt like an outsider. He was a ruthless, cold-hearted killer. He had no place here, watching the purest force in the universe. A display so tender, he was almost afraid to move, least it break the odd sense of comfort filling the air.

Nimue, however, nestled her head against Bayn's shoulder, completely content. The wound in her heart would never heal, of course, but his proximity made it a bit more bearable.

"I assume you have an extra room?" Bayn asked softly.

Charon couldn't speak for a moment, and only managed to dip his head slightly. This love they shared, it was unnatural; impossible. Total, unselfish devotion to another person was beyond Charon's comprehension--or so he had been told a thousand times. Love was fake, a charade of sorts...so what was this they showed? Would he ever see such a trusting light in a woman's eyes as he held her, or take joy in her smile as Bayn seemed to? Charon felt his stone heart beat once too many times, breaking it's pattern of four beats a minute. An unfamiliar ache had begun to writhe in his chest, and he forced himself to look away from them. What was wrong with him?! Why was Namine's face swimming through his thoughts? Why was Liora's voice echoing in his head?

The demon ran a hand through his hair, aggrieved. Something was terribly wrong with him.

[{K}itsune]

Bayn couldn't find it in him to pay attention to Charon's reaction while he was holding Nimue. As her head rested against his shoulder, and he listened to her heartbeat, Bayn closed his eyes. it was impossible to think of other things when having her by his side. He could tell that her pain was vast, and he would never completely be able to remove the hurt, but it brought joy to his heart to know that he could at least numb it.

He could feel by Charon's aura that he wouldn't be able to talk, so he turned his head ever so slightly, just in time to see Charon's pained expression and nod. He looked lost, horror-struck, and completely out of place. Poor man, he didn't realize that he loved the human yet. One day he would, and he would feel like they did right now, not that he loved Nimue or anything... Based on the feeling of complete tenderness, compassion, and contentness he could feel however, his emotions proved him wrong.

Feeling a sort of generousity unknown to him, as Bayn turned, his arm still around his lover, he said softly, "Let's get back to that Necromancer you wish to protect, Charon."

ooc// and now we pretty much have to pause on this until we catch up in BDaL