Laska stood panting over the mutilated corpse of yet another minotaur that had dared to try and attack her. Blood dripped from a loudly complaining Ipsiya, but Laska ignored her. Instead, the profusely sweating elf leaned against the wall, the sweat dripping from her face from the exertion and the recent mental strain alike.

"Fools," Laska panted, "Fools all of them. So many useless battles."

"Are you alright, Laska,?" Keldorn asked and laid his hand on her shoulder in an effort to offer any kind of support.

Instead, Laska shrugged it off and stretched her back a little to easy her tired body. "I'm fine," she said, "it's just that... how can these foolish creatures even think that they can stand against my battle prowess? No matter how much of their brethren I slaughter, they all keep coming and coming and coming... It's so useless."

"That is not what I saw in your eyes, Laska," Keldorn said. "Your mind might have protested, but there was a cold eagerness in your eyes that I found slightly disturbing. You welcomed every enemy that crossed your blade with even more enthusiasm than usual."

"It was the heat of battle," Laska smirked. "What did you expect?"

"I've travelled with you long enough to study your fighting style, Laska," Keldorn said. "You enjoyed the fight, but there was a certain... efficiency in your blows. This time around, you did not enjoy the fight. Forgive me for saying, but I daresay that you enjoyed inflicting pain in these last battles."

"What do you mean?" Laska said. "It's them who came for us, remember?"

"But there was a ruthlessness in your blows, Laska," Keldorn said, pointing at the dead creatures, "You might not want to hear this, but it is not usual for you to inflict such cruel non-lethal belly-wounds and..."

"You're right," Laska spat. "I don't want to hear this. Let's just push on, shall we?"

"But..." Keldorn started, but was silenced by one of Viconia's patented harsh stares.

"Leave it alone, Keldy," Imoen said. "Having your soul ripped out is pretty bad... Spirits too, I bet."

Keldorn nodded and joined the party as they continued on their way through the maze of tunnels that made up Spellhold. It was an unremarkable decor, and it was very hard to tell whether they had passed a particular passage before or not. Every hour or so, they passed a small window in the wall, showing the sea from the cliff side below. It was the only thing they had to actually tell the time.

Viconia sighed in frustration. Now there weren't even the occasional monsters roaming this maze to allow for a single distraction. The reddish rocks were a very boring decor... she considered that humans had a lot to learn about interior design. Suddenly, she got the impression that someone was staring at her. Turning her head around, she just caught Imoen before the little mage had turned away. "Why were you staring at me?" Viconia asked.

"Ermmm, I wasn't staring at you," Imoen spoke full of innocence, and was apparently making sure to avoid meeting Viconia's eyes.

"I'll ask again," Viconia spoke while looking straight in front of her. "Why were you staring at me?"

"Oh, I was just looking at your thingy," Imoen admitted.

"My... 'thingy'?" Viconia asked.

"Yeah, you know?" Imoen said. "That mark just above your lip."

Viconia let out a heavy sigh. "I'll thank you not to point out my imperfection, Imoen. I thought you of all people would not make fun."

"What do you mean making fun?" Imoen said. "I wasn't making fun of you!"

"Then why were you staring at it?!" Viconia snarled. "You mean to ridicule me!"

"Why?!" Imoen nearly wailed. "I... I just, well... I just think it looks good on you. It is a beauty-mark, after all, and, well, all the pretty ladies in the books have them. Annara Chesty had one in 'Pirates and Bosums'. And Claire Side-Bottom had one in 'Up for grabs'. And Randi McFondleMe had one in 'Dales of the Dolls'. And then there was Busty Moanful in 'Pistons of Passion'."

"Enough," Viconia said. "I will not have you mocking me. 'Beauty-mark' indeed, don't make me laugh."

"What?" Imoen said. "Did... did you get teased about it when you were young?"

Viconia snorted. "What do you think?" she retorted. "Drow are very keen on physical imperfections and it doesn't help when you have six cruel older sisters all pointing it out whenever they saw me. When I was young, it was constantly reminded of my 'inferiority'. Sometimes it was just psychological torture... but they all wore tentacle-rods and most of them weren't adverse to punishing my imperfection with a slap in the face or a kick in the belly. This went on until I was almost forty."

"Oh, geez, Vic." Imoen pouted and laid her hand on Viconia's shoulder in the hope of giving her some comfort. "I'm so sorry..."

"I don't want your sympathy," Viconia snarled and removed Imoen's kind gesture from her shoulder.

"But... why didn't you remove it then? Or had it removed when you were old enough?"

"Because I wanted it to be the last thing they would see after I had delivered the deathblow and the light would leave their eyes," Viconia smirked. "And in some cases they did."

"Wow," Imoen gulped. "This conversation just turned very morbid. But, well, I kinda like your spot. I think it's pretty."

"If I would have wanted you opinion, I would have asked for it," Viconia said.

"Okay," Imoen smiled. "Sorry for reminding you about the teasing and stuff. I'll talk to Laska now and give you some space." That said, Imoen smiled cheerfully at Viconia and walked to the front of the group.

"Viconia?" Keldorn asked just as Viconia followed the rest as they turned around yet another corner.

"What is it?" Viconia snapped. "Can't I be bored by this insipid human decor in peace?"

"I just observed your conversation with Imoen and..."

"Eaves-dropping on my private discourse, Keldorn?" Viconia teased. "How very un-paladinic of you."

"Imoen cares a great deal for you, Viconia," Keldorn said. "I've noticed that the two of you have grown closer over the past month."

"Yes," Viconia said. "Apparently, I'm taking over some of Laska's sisterly duties or whatnot. Besides, she is usually kind to me and not many humans have, so I am cordial to her."

"She thinks the world of you," Keldorn said. "And she has a fragile spirit at the moment. If you do not intend to pursue her, it will not be kind on her to lead her on. You should perhaps be clearer with your intentions."

Viconia blinked. And blinked again. "You... you actually think I am interested in that... that... pink-haired candy-cane guzzler?"

"That is, at least, the impression this humble servant of Torm got."

"HAH!" Viconia snorted. "Am I supposed to take advice on matters of the heart of someone who..."

"Please do not sting me so," Keldorn bowed his head. "I... intend to atone for those mistakes."

Viconia sighed hard. "My apologies, Keldorn. But... A Drow in a relationship with a human? A Drow in a relationship period?!"

"You are no longer a Lolth-worshipping Drow, Viconia," Keldorn said. "I do not think you are the same Viconia than you were before you found your true patron in Tymora. You have grown and changed, Viconia. And I am certain that you are capable of love. And of starting and maintaining a loving relationship with a partner of your choice."

Viconia once again looked upon the hideously ruddy bricks. "Such a romantic setting for such a conversation," she sighed. "I suppose you will say that love is the road to a happy life or some rot like that?"

"It worked for Laska," Keldorn said.

"Laska is insane," Viconia said. "She's a drunk, a madwoman and a fool... And also caring, kind and engaging. Still, she's not a good example to strive for. Should I go to bars and drink myself stupid then? And find out later which insipid creature I had been sleeping with during my stupor and hope one of them will be my one true love? Hah..."

"Love is often closer than we think," Keldorn smiled. "Especially in parties like these where death always awaits around the corner."

"That doesn't mean I'll marry Imoen and we both go to live inside of a giant shoe," Viconia snorted.

"Just think about what I've said," Keldorn said. "I'm certain that you are capable of anything, and it won't pay to hold yourself back when that's not necessary."

"Just leave me alone," Viconia sighed.

"Indeed," Keldorn said. "I should leave you to your thoughts."

A few more silent minutes followed as the intrepid foursome continued on their path through the narrow ruddy tunnels.

"Hey, Las?" Imoen asked the panting and sweating Laska who was in point and eagerly twirled her blades while on the lookout for bloodshed. "You okay? You're looking a bit pale."

"Duh," Laska smiled. "I'm a moon-elf. I'm always pale."

"You know what I mean," Imoen smirked and swatted her sister in the shoulder. "You don't look so hot... Well, I mean, you do look hot, because you're sweating like a pig... Maybe you should take off your armor."

"I already took off my helmet, but it's not helping," Laska said. "Besides, I'm cold, not hot."

"Maybe we should rest of a bit, you know, so you can get some rest."

"Look!" Laska snapped at her sister. "Do you want to get out of here or not?! We can't just lie about whenever one of us feels a bit queasy."

"Hey, hey, stop that!" Now it was Imoen's turn to be angry. "Having your inner-most self tore from your being is no picnic, Laska!"

"I... I suppose," Laska said. "Sweet gods, I feel awful... Did... did you feel like this when he took your soul?"

"Mostly I was just sick for a few hours, but not as bad as you," Imoen said. "Then I just felt really depressed. But... I'm a human, it might be different for elves. Do you feel... empty inside?"

"You know I've always felt like there was something missing inside of me," Laska said. "It's no big deal. Now I just feel like I'm missing a bit more than before," Laska tried to smile but it was not convincing.

"Please," Imoen said. "Don't try to put a brave face on for my benefit. Come on, you're really very sick, I can see it. Come on," she said while leaning into Laska, "have a shoulder to rest on."

Laska smiled for a bit, and then snaked her arm around Imoen's waist, pulling her sister against her. Laska found comfort in it. So much that she collapsed on her knees and rested against the wall, to lie her head on Imoen's shoulder.

"Guys, I... I just need some sleep," Laska said. "I... just... a few... moments..." and drifted off.

Laska awoke with a jerk of the head.

"Ooops, sorry," Imoen giggled. "I shifted and you fell. Oh, I'm so sorry."

"I kinda noticed by the way my forehead is not touching the cold stone of the floor," Laska said as she found herself sitting on her butt with legs spread and her upper body pointing forward to the floor while her arms were folded in front of her tummy.

"You look kinda uncomfortable," Imoen said.

"Don't worry," Laska said. "I'm naturally bendy."

"You also seem to be naturally sweaty," Viconia said. "Feeling better?"

"A bit."

"Good of you to rest then," Keldorn said. "Shall we push on? We still need to escape and find this evil mage."

"And my friends!" Imoen said. "We still haven't seen the inmates! I swear if Irenicus hurt them, I'll treat him to Bigby's Crushing Hand to the Groin! Five in a Trigger!"

"Ahum," Keldorn grimaced a bit. "Yes, very... smiteful."

Suddenly, Laska clutched her stomach and moaned as she fell to the floor. Immediately, Viconia and Imoen were at her side while Keldorn draw Carsomyr.

"Undead!" Laska gasped. "Oh, GODS! It never used to hurt! And not this MUCH!"

"Well, well, well," sounded the familiar voice of the vampire Bodhi, flanked by two of her most powerful childer. "So there you are! So rude of you to keep me waiting her at the exit for so long. What happened? Did the poor baby get lost?"

"Why do you have a pink ribbon in your hair?" Keldorn asked.

"It's cute!" Imoen smiled.

"I.. Well, I... SHUT UP!" Bodhi huffed. "I'm a big, scary, evil, bitey vamp-girl who just happens to like pink, okay? So, shut up, you mutton-mongering riff-raff!"

"Could you... stand back a little?" Laska gasped as she slowly rose to her feet.

"Ah, Laska, Laska, Laska, Laska," Bodhi sing-songed. "How long I've been waiting to taste of your blood once more. The combination of elven and divine blood is, well, divine is the best word to describe the heavenly nectar that your heart pumps. Oh, how I look forward to tearing out your beating heart and lick the nectar from its dripping veins. Oh, and Imoen will do as well... As well as Viconia. I've never had Drow before. And Keldorn, you can keep your blood. Old man blood tastes like sweaty boots anyway..."

"Hey!" Keldorn glared.

"Yes, Laska," Bodhi said. "I have come for you. Don't tell me you do not long to feel my bite once more?"

"There's only one person who can bite my neck any time of the tenday," Laska smirked. "And you ain't her. Now, give back Imoen's soul!!"

"Now, Imoen's soul is mine, mine, MINE, MIINNNEEEE!" Bodhi screeched. "And, guess what? When I'm done with you, I'll pay Rose a visit."

"You will leave her alone!" Laska snarled. Her anger caused her stomach to spasm and she doubled over in pain once more.

"Yes, a simple charm should convince her that insipid former prostitute of yours that I am you. Then, I shall engage her with passionate play... all over the room... just before I will reveal myself I shall bite her neck and she will be mine forever as I drain every drop of blood from her body."

"LEAVE HER ALONE!" Laska roared, more out of pain than of anger.

"In death she shall love me, like they always do," Bodhi smiled, flashing her fangs to Laska. "She shall forget all about you and love only me... forever. And you will too when I drain you. It is not that bad, Laska. Just close your eyes and think of me... Bring her to me! Slay the others!" Bodhi commanded.

"Who knows," Bodhi continued while her two lackeys approached Laska. "I might even turn your Rose and add her my cadre of concubines. She'll then love her mistress in a way she could never love you..."

Anger soared through Laska's tired body as the Vampire continued her rant. But the tattooed elf no longer heard her mocking words. The pain had grown so terrible, she was ready to shout out her agony. Then, suddenly, she felt like her body was filled with sensation and pain, and for a moment she felt she was floating. Then, all pain was gone, and it was as if she was looking through a veil as she stood up and regarded her surroundings.

She found the nearest vampire, a young male, looking upon her with sheer terror. With glee, Laska noted that her nausea was completely gone, and moved to treat the vampire to a vicious uppercut. But, for some reason, there was an explosion of blood and, later, dust as the vampire was literally torn to pieces. The second vampire didn't last long either, with her torso being ripped cleanly from her lower half with a single hit.

Then, Laska turned all her ire to Bodhi. She noticed that the elder vampire's eyes had widened with terror. Laska shouted out a battle cry, and, for some reason, a guttural moan could be heard resounding of the narrow walls.

Bodhi shrieked in terror and turned tail into the corridors behind her. But Laska smiled and ran after her. For some reason, when she extended her arms, bricks would be send flying off the walls. It was most annoying when they landed before her feet.

But all of that was negated by the sound of Bodhi shouting such silly things as 'Keep away', 'Don't dust me!' and 'AIEEEEEE'.

Finally, the elf had the former elf cornered into a dead-end... and Laska was ready to pay Bodhi back for what she had done.

Bodhi shook in terror as she beheld the creature before her. The thing had destroyed two of her best warriors without even breaking a sweat, and, like every sentient being, Bodhi feared her own destruction. Still, the vampire would not go down with a fight, and with Imoen's soul fueling her power, she would not go down easily.

Bodhi extended her own claws and took an attack-pose. Immediately, the slashed at the creature. But what happened then was too fast even for her to notice. She felt herself being picked up by the back of her thong and thrown back into the wall with bone-crushing force. After standing up again, she suddenly felt a claw slice deeply into her abdomen. After staring down and staring at her tattered flesh and garments in disbelief, she looking up just in time to be able to dodge another hew. The slash was so powerful that it went straight through the wall, destroying it partially and revealing the sunlight in the air and the waters of the oceans below.

Regarding the snarling fiend in front of her, Bodhi staring to the new hole in the wall and the creature once more. If she were to survive, she would have to risk everything. So she did... and jumped through the hole.

The sun burned into her skin as she fell. With fear in her eyes, Bodhi regarded her skin as it started to crack and sizzle. She felt herself being burned from inside out. From fear and pain, the elder vampire let out an ear-piercing shriek as she burst into flame. In mere seconds, the vampire had become a terrified shrieking fireball of pain and burning flesh. The pain was nothing like she had ever experienced before. Bodhi felt herself coming apart during the fall, dissolving and vaporizing bit by bit by bit. Her body, her only pride, the tool of her trade was slowly but surely slipping away. And with her body away, her essence would be open to eternal tortures in the Abyss. Panic gripped her by the charred throat as death became a very near reality.

In a fall which seemed to last an eternity, the blazing vampire finally splashed into the ocean below.

Laska was confused. Where had Bodhi gone all of a sudden? Oh, well, the vamp was gone so she was happy.

She figured she'd best go back to her friends, but lucky her, she found them right in the next corridor. Hey, why are they so scared? Why is Vico holding Imoen back? Keldorn is not going to use Carsomyr against me, so why is he holding it to me? And... hey, this is weird, Laska thought as she regarded her hands. Her skin seemed dessicated as it seemed to have been tightly stretched across the bones. Her skin was very pale and colorless, and the blue tattoo on her right hand seemed a bit life-less. Strangely enough, her fingers seemed to have elongated into long, bloodied claws.

Slowly, it dawn onto her clouded mind that something just might be very wrong with her.

"Don't worry," Laska heard Imoen say. "She won't hurt me. I just know it."

"Are you mad?!" Viconia yelled after Imoen.

"Come on, she's still Laska!"

'Still Laska? What does that mean? Laska thought and moved to scratch her head. But then Laska saw herself as she looked into Imoen's fear-filled eyes. Her normally beautiful hair was now grey, thin and wiry. Her skin was stretched over her skull and her face was missing any form of expression. Her eyes were without iris and seemed to be covered with a milky film.

'My gift to you' a familiar voice shouted in her mind. 'Use it well, spawn. Be the Slayer and destroy.'

And again, Laska felt like weeping.

"Laska?" Imoen said while she embraced her. Instinctively, Laska wanted to pull back as to not confront her sister with the vile thing that she had become. But Imoen would not have any of that.

"Come back to us, Laska," Imoen said and did not pull away. Instead, she embraced the undead creature that the elf had become even tighter. "Please," Imoen started to cry. "Come back to us, Big-ears."

Dissipating power crackled through the air. And suddenly Imoen was holding onto a weeping elf again who clutched her sister tightly in return.

"Ssssh," Imoen said. "It's okay, Laska. You're back with us now... You're back with us..."

Viconia carefully approached to see if Laska needed any healing spells, while Keldorn, the aged paladin who thought he had seen it all, watched on in a dazed state.

Meanwhile, in the ocean, a charred hand rose from the salty brine. Between two tall rocks, well protected by the shade, a mass of skinless charred flesh, exposed sinew and even bone dragged herself out of the sting of salt and lay exhausted upon the slab. Every nerve in her body sent a message of pain into her overloaded brain as Bodhi felt she was actually sticking to the rock now.

Blood, I need blood. Please give me blood... Bodhi thought, wanting to heal. She tried to shout out the words, but could only muster a mournful croak.

But she had survived... Any vampire except the one carrying Imoen's soul within her would have been destroyed. She had survived... and Laska would pay for this. Next time, she would be prepared... and would savor Laska's precious blood.