Contrast

[Shalyra Saelith]

''Gazlowe!''

Normally when Shalyra said his name it usually meant an easy job and a good pay. This time, the goblin engineer wanted only one thing; to see Shalyra turn around and leave. He looked up from the device he had been working on and peer toward the door to his shop. The elven maiden was just outside the door, looking away. Perhaps she had changed her mind after all and he would be spared having to do something he detested.

A lingering draft of ice-cold air reminded him of what he had to do.

''Hoy Shal!'' The goblin shouted. ''I'm over here!''.

He saw the huntress nod towards him before turning her attention again to something outside. With her hands on her hips she was apparently talking to someone or something. Most likely that strange winged serpent that followed her around. He tried to listen to her words, cocking his head towards her.

''...You've been in here before, Whisp.'' He heard her say. He barely heard faint hissing in reply.

''No, it's just Gazlowe's shop. Of course it isn't safe, he's a goblin! They are fond of explosives, after all.'' More hissing. ''Fine, stay here, I won't be long''.

Gazlowe quickly turned back to his work as Shalyra walked into his shop, hoping she didn't see him eavesdropping.

The elf looked about the shop quickly and brushed a long lock of red hair from her eyes. ''I have a job for you, Gazlowe.'' She said before moving to the goblin's desk and placing a crossbow on it. ''I take it you remember this? You made it for me a few weeks ago.''

The goblin put down the screwdriver he was holding and ran his hands over the weapon. ''Yeah, lots of nicks on this thing. You using this as a shield? You know it's a fragile weapon, right?'' It took all of his self-control not to let his gaze flicker to the curtain that separated the shop from his personal quarters just behind him.

Shalyra rolled her eyes at the goblins admonition and slid smoothly onto a chair near the desk. ''Of course I know, but that's not why I'm here. It's too heavy and the groove for the shaft is a bit off, I often hit to the left of my mark. Do you think you could make a few corrections?''

Gazlowe leaned back in his chair and took a long look at her. This was the part where he would defend his work, ultimately asking for a higher price because his reputation was at stake. Shalyra would pointedly ignore him and the two would then haggle a price that suited them both. If his work was fast and efficient she would give him a bonus. It was a game they had played often. This time however, he was in no position to play games.

He shook his head at her. ''Listen, lighter I can do quickly. Changing the alignment might take a while though.''

Shalyra was shaking her head even before he had finished. ''You know coin is not an issue. I need that crossbow fixed and soon.''

''Why? You headed somewhere specific?. Why not stay in town a day or two, catch some fish for that flying lizard o' yours. Work like this can't be rushed, ya know.'' He knew he was walking a tight rope with his line of query. He had long ago made it his personal policy to never ask questions, just do the job. He hardly had a choice in the matter this time, though.

''I can't Gazlowe.'' Shalyra said. ''I was hired to clear some marauders from the oasis to the West. I intend to finish that contract soon before I head south for a few weeks.'' As she said that she shivered slightly and rubbed her arms, trying to regain some warmth. ''Gazlowe, you must be the only one with a shop this cold in Ratchet. It's blistering outside. If your doing this with one of your inventions, you need to tweak it a little.''

''Uhh...'' The goblin tried to hide his nervousness. ''yeah huh you like it? I call it the ...coldifier. I'll see if I can tune it better when I'm done with your weapon.'' He nodded to the crossbow on his desk. ''I can have it just about done in a few hours. Don't expect miracles but it should answer your concerns. Twelve gold coins should cover the work...''

''Eight and two more if you can have it done by the end of the afternoon.'' The huntress said.

''Done. I'll send my assistant to find you once it's completed. I take it you'll try your hand at catching fish near the docks?''

Shalyra nodded. She started to stand and stopped. ''Thanks for your help, Gazlowe, you're the best.'' She stood fully and walked out the door and into the sunshine.

Gazlowe stared at her until she was out of sight. ''I take it you heard everything?'' he said.

The curtains behind him were moved aside. The air in the shop automatically dropped down several degrees as the figure who had stood hidden behind it came out.

''Yess. You are quite a talented liar, that is fortunate.'' The stranger said, her voice was silken and low, unmistakably tinged with the suggestion of horrors untold should he have failed.

In a rare show of bravery Gazlowe said: ''I did what you wanted, you know where she will be headed. Bad for business though, word comes out that I sold off a good client, I won't be workin' for long...''

The stranger leaned close to the goblin. Though she was smiling sweetly, her eyes burned with cold hatred. ''Perhaps but then again I am paying you handsomely for your help.'' She said, her voice barely a whisper.

''What? You ain't payin' me, lady...'' Gazlowe said, frowning in confusion.

''Oh but I am...'' came the reply. The stranger smiled and Gazlowe couldn't help but think about Shalyra. ''I am after all, letting you keep your life.''

Gazlowe swallowed the knot that had formed in his throat. It was so cold in his shop now he could see himself breathing. It was then that he noticed that the stranger's breath was not visible.

((Oooh! Very interesting! Will there be more?))

[Shalyra Saelith]

Shalyra tossed another piece of wood onto the fire. The flames hungrily devoured the dry wood, hissing and popping it's gratitude. The huntress then checked the flank of gazelle she had put on a spit over the fire.
She wrapped her arms around herself against the unusual cold night and tore her gaze away from the fire to peer at the surrounding jungle.
There were no centaurs nearby, of that she was certain. She had spend the last two days slaying or driving them off. Still, she could not shake the feeling of being watched. Nearby her winged serpent, Whisperwings, was coiled on her bedroll, wings folded along it's body. The beast seemed to be sleeping soundly.
''I guess I'll be eating alone then..'' she muttered to herself. Gingerly she removed the steak from the fire and placed it on a broad leaf. She ate her dinner in silence and finally went to bed.

[Shalyra Saelith]

ifaces very dark when Shalyra woke. Although her sleep had been plagued with nightmares from her past again it was the bitter cold that woke her. The light leathers she wore were well suited to the hot and dry climate of the barrens. So why was it so cold?

The huntress wrapped the thin blanket she used as a bedroll around her shoulders and stood up. Her gaze slowly examined her surroundings. Whisperwings was nowhere in site. Either the cold blooded beast had decided to fly to a warmer location or she was off hunting, something she did often even at night. Every blade of grass and leaf was covered in a crystalline coating of frost. At this point she knew something was very wrong. Her breath lingered in the air, a weakening fog that seemed quite reluctant to leave the warmth of her body. She had just decided to gather her gear and leave when she heard behind her the unmistakable hymn of a blade leaving it’s scabbard.

She whirled around and came face to face…

With herself.

[Anuriel Saelith]

''Good evening, sister'' Anuriel said. Her voice was soft and silky, like a caress. ''I've missed you so very much...'' Her words were utterly devoid of love, of warmth.

Anuriel took a step closer to her sister allowing the moonlight to illuminate her features. The metal armor she wore clinked softly with her movements. She rested her left hand on her hip, the other grasped the hilt of a long blade. The weapon seemed made of a dark metal that refused to reflect any light. Skeletons were engraved onto the blade, each figure, as was the rest of the weapon, locked in a thin coating of frost.

Anuriel's beautiful features were marred by an arrogant twist. A haughty look emphasized by her cold, cruel gaze. Her flawless skin was pale, having lost the healthy glow that she had so carefully cultivated when she had lived the pampered life of a noble years ago.

Her framed seemed just as fragile as before, thin even. Yet despite the heavy armor she wore she moved with a fluid grace.

[Shalyra Saelith]

''Anuriel...'' Shalyra stammered. Her mind was working madly, trying to come to grips with the situation. ''You... I thought you were...'' A corner of her mind was screaming at her to run, that she was in danger.

[Anuriel Saelith]

''Dead?'' her sister said. She started laughing, throwing her head back. Her mirth sounded forced, fake. Just as suddenly she stopped and locked her gaze with her sister's.

''Hardly... I am much more now.'' Her gaze became hard and intent. The blade in her hand came up slowly. ''Allow me to show you...''

[Shalyra Saelith]

Shalyra's eyes open wide in fright. She looked for the courage to turn and run but somehow her legs would not obey her. She watched helpless as her sister raised her blade high and positioned herself to strike.

At that moment a bolt of lightning, blinding in the darkness, struck Anuriel in the chest. The wounded twin shriek in outrage and staggered back.

Whisperwings hissed loudly as it passed near Shalyra, it's mouth opening wide again to attack Anuriel again.

Shalyra understood the time her pet was buying her. She turned and fled.

[Anuriel Saelith]

Anuriel's face twisted in an angry grimace as she watched her sister turn and run. Screaming in anger she clenched her teeth and raised a gauntleted hand towards the serpent. A blast of cold air struck the beast as it was about to attack. The creature froze instantly and shattered to pieces as it hit the ground.

''Shalyra!'' She cried out. She reached towards her sister. Her arm seemed to transform into writhing shadows that streaked out towards the fleeing huntress.

[Shalyra Saelith]

Shalyra did not manage to run very far when she felt the cold, vice-like grip of the shadowy hands grab onto her. She gritted her teeth and tried to resist the pull.

She was suddenly and forcibly pulled back, her feet leaving the ground. A sharp pain tore through her body. She felt the cold breath of her sister against her neck, the hard metal of her plate armor.

Shalyra looked down and clutched feebly at the blade that protruded from her belly. Blood flowed freely from the wound. Her legs gave way and she fell to her knees.

[Anuriel Saelith]

Anuriel let go of her sword as her sister fell to her knees. She looked impassively at her dying sister and adjusted her gauntlets.

She heard her sister mumble something; feeble, blood-choked words.

''What was that?'' Anuriel said and crouched down near her sister. She tucked a lock of her sister's hair behind her ear and peered at her face.

Shalyra's lips were moving slowly, her body wracked by spasms. The hand holding the blade was limp now, only barely holding on. Her eyes wide open, staring at the ground.

Anuriel spat in disgust and stood up. ''Weak...'' She said and circled around to her sister's back. ''You are no doubt wondering how I survived, why I hunted you down.'' She carelessly placed a heavy boot against her twin's back and grasp the hilt of her blade with both hands. ''Were I vain and predictable I would probably tell you.'' She pulled her sword out of her sister's body, a spray of blood rushed out of the wound and splattered on the blade.

Shalyra gasped once and fell forward.

Anuriel knelt near her sister's head and stared as the light in her eyes faded slowly until it was completely gone.

''Farewell... sister...'' Anuriel whispered. She frowned in annoyance, stood up and left her sister's body to the vultures.

((O.o How sad! Very well written though! *Pops popcorn.* I hope there's more!))