RP:Hex Out the Ex
This is a Bard's Guild RP.
This is a Necromancer's Guild RP.
This is a Devout's Guild RP.
Summary: Brennia seeks out Khitti for help with an unusual problem and it turns out that Khitti knows just the thing to rid the avian of such a toxic ailment!
A beautifully decorated and official letter from the royal palace of Alithrya arrives that apparently is from a ‘Brennia’, which cannot be right since she lives in Schezerade. Script lettering reads as follows:
Dearest Khitti,
I hope you’re well, along with your family, and know that I recall our conversations with warmth in my heart. I am writing to you harboring a unique problem that I wish I could burden someone else with because you’ve got quite enough on your plate already, but I’m afraid you’ll be the only person to fully understand. I believe you’re quite aware that we share an ex and I also believe you can imagine how awkward this is, but now that my night terrors have stopped, he has been able to invade them in small ways. That’s how it always starts before he reconnects that imprint and I can start to feel what he feels or even hear thoughts of his he wants me to hear.
This happened before until he just popped up one day and then I’m manipulated back into that toxic situation. As I’m sure you can imagine, I do not want this, but the imprint used to be too strong for me to resist and I fear it would be again. What do you know about imprints with vampires and if they can be broken?
Warmest Wishes,
Brennia Cadenza
A letter is returned on official Necromancer’s Guild stationary with dark purple script that seems to have shadows curling off of them like smoke now and then. There also seems to be a child’s drawings of tiny fluffy black chickens drawn around the edge of the paper, as well as a much bigger one next to Khitti’s signature.
Brennia,
Hopefully this finds you well.
I am indeed aware of our connection on that front, unfortunately. I am eternally grateful that I had not heard of him still being around in Lithrydel for some time now, but I am sorry he still plagues you.
While I've heard of imprinting for some animals and lycans, it never occurred to me that it might happen with vampires as well. Considering the nature of his vampiric ability, which I have speculated to be a sort of charm-based telemancy, leaving a sort of “imprint” on you makes sense. In this definition, it would be like an echo. A memory. If he drank from you, as he did with me, and as my husband did with me when I was still a vampire then that likely only compounded it. The blood bond is very similar to telemancy as well. It connects you and the vampire’s thoughts, feelings, and even memories on both sides, depending on how well each person is able to wall their minds up to this sort of thing. It’s almost like you become a thrall or some sort of sub-type of thrall, though the vampires cannot actually control the person unless the vampire’s blood is ingested.
I’m amazed that the effect hasn’t worn off yet, but you two were likely together for longer than he and I were. Or at least perhaps your bond (the normal kind) was stronger. It makes me wonder if perhaps I had been somewhat affected by the same thing and just didn’t realize it, because of some other things--including a war--that took place directly after he and I parted ways.But this sort of imprinting sounds a lot like residual magic, which can last for some time and can be scrubbed away when needed. Anything that might’ve been lingering with me was likely purged when I died the second time.
That said, I can probably craft a ritual for this, to purge you of his nonsense as well--without the death, of course. Besides my knowledge in necromancy, Valrae has been helping me with witchcraft, as I initially decided to become a witch and subsequently found out that I am one by birth. I can more than likely combine the two utilizing the elements, necromancy, and adding my light magic to the mix.
Forgive me for this being so lengthy. Of late, all my time for research has gone into trying to find ways to take down the creatures that have been threatening not just Lithrydel, but Hollow as a whole, and I’ve had almost no time for anything else, so this has definitely piqued my interest immensely. Though, I suppose I should ask, are you comfortable with me doing this? Should Valrae do it instead? Or would you rather I have her assist? It’s up to you.
Sincerely,
Khitti Herzegler
PS: My son, whom you’ve had interactions with in the past, asked me who I was writing to and I told him it was the “chicken lady”. He was very excited about this and left you his drawings as a way to say ‘hello’.
Brennia cannot stop smiling at the chicken doodles and carefully cuts them free of the letter because she wants to keep the contents of it private, but she adheres the child's drawings to a thick piece of parchment and hangs it on a wall in her room. The reply is returned a few weeks later, which could be alarming, but Reginae's team must pour over every letter in and out for Brennia to make sure she isn't selling off secrets of the Queen's. The same stationery is used from before, beautiful white and gold accents on the envelope as it is sealed with gold colored wax. When Khitti opens the letter, a single black as night colored feather in all its velvety glory drifts lazily down to the floor. It was simply one that happened to fall off and had been laying on the floor of Brennia's room. Of course it will smell of whatever Khitti and Dominic's favorite scent is for a few weeks before it fades away and merely a black feather remains.
Dearest Khitti,
Your kind words are appreciated and I count myself lucky that someone can understand what I am going through. I am well, but my dreams are filled with condescending chuckles and that icy stare. Your infinite wisdom has enlightened me on this subject and I am eternally grateful, so there is definitely nothing to forgive. I needed information and you've obliged so thoroughly. I know nothing of this craft, but I must try something and I trust you implicitly.
I am currently staying in Alithrya as a pressing matter with a friend of mine is prolonging my stay here. Have you ever ventured to the city? If not, I may be able to make arrangements to visit. Just let me know when would be best and how I should prepare. I have met Valrae once on the beach I believe, but I feel I would be most comfortable with you performing this if that is okay. Some of this is still a bit delicate for me and shame fills me.
You may inform the artist that the "chicken lady" adores the striking likeness so much that she has hung the pieces in her gallery. She also thanks him sincerely with "Buck-BOCK!"
Warmest Wishes,
Bre
P.S. My apologies for the long wait, but - (REDACTED-REDACTED-REDACTED) the mail being sent down to Alithrya can take longer at times.
It seems the last part was written in slightly different handwriting.
It had taken Khitti a little while to respond, but it was mainly because of that strange handwriting at the bottom. She’d studied it for a while, and then showed it to her assistant/friend Camina, who was rather skilled in spywork. Of course, Camina thought it was fishy too. Eventually, she did send a return letter, and it was in the same fashion as the first, so as to avoid suspicion.
Brennia,
I have actually never been to Alithrya, but unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be able to make it down there. There is a lot going on up here, between the region I work in and the one I live in and it’s probably not the best time. I’m sure you’ve likely heard all about it in the papers. But! You can come up here if you are able to. It’s not something that requires multiple days and it would probably be better for me to be able to do this ritual in some place I’m most familiar with anyway. Hopefully this is agreeable. I’ll start writing it up and gathering ingredients that’s needed, so you just let me know when you’re able to make your way up here. I almost wish I hadn’t destroyed House Dragana’s mansion. There may have very well been something of his in there still. But, I will make do without it. When you do come up here, just bring another of your feathers with you. I don’t want to part Dominic with his, as he very much loves your gift and pinned it to the wall at the head of his bed.
We’ll get rid of He-Who-Will-Remain-Nameless once and for all (regretfully without his much-needed death).
-- Khitti
Ginger Snapped Bakery and Sweetshop
Brennia is on edge because the Queen has sent two unarmed naga guards with her even though they have disguised themselves as Cenril human civilians, but she is happy Queen Reginae is approving her solo adventure before the play. This way Brennia and Queen Reginae can enjoy the play together without having to worry about her awful ex. The avian is mostly on edge because she has to make sure not to say anything to make Khitti suspicious as to what Brennia has been doing in Alithrya. This ritual has nothing to do with what is going on there and everything to do with simply wanting to rid herself of her toxic ex once and for all. The Queen has given the guards explicit instructions to not let any harm come to Brennia and to not let her lovely little songbird out of their sight. On the journey here, Brennia at least convinces them to blend in and they begrudgingly oblige because they don't want the Queen's new little plaything to go telling on them. She curves her wings around her like a black cloak as they maneuver through the entrance of the bakery just as it is nearly closing time and her solid teal hues scan the nearly empty bakery for Khitti. This is the time and day she requested the meet. When Khitti approaches, Brennia's wings unfold from around herself and shift closely to her slender frame because she must refrain from hugging the woman since she is unsure if they are close enough for such a thing yet. "It is so lovely to see you, Khitti - you look radiant," and Brennia herself is looking healthier - so she must not have it so hard down in Alithrya. She nervously smooths the flowy white linen pants which match the simple long sleeve shirt and they both have accents of gold embroidery here or there because she must always advertise her affiliation with Alithrya's colors these days. Once it is just the four of them and the last of the customers clear out, she explains, "this is Dhrada and Aiset. Queen Reginae appointed them for me today when I told her about what was going to happen, just in case the shadows start to move," and it seems that Reginae and her are close enough to have shared such delicate information. The guards simply nod once in greeting to Khitti while remaining vigilant and stoic.
Khitti offered Brennia a smile as the avian arrived, the redhead’s attire that of her usual sleeveless, knee-length dresses, though this one was all black, as well as the leggings and knit duster that accompanied it. “Hello, Brennia! You as well.” She then looked towards her 'companions’, eyeing them somewhat warily, “Indeed. I understand the concern, but the shadows answer to -me-. Especially here.” But, she did not ask them to leave. If there was something indeed amiss, it would not be wise to try to turn them away. “Come. I’ve set things up in the basement. We will not be disturbed there.” The witch led the three back into the kitchen, then down a staircase near the one that led up into the apartment. The basement itself was mostly empty, and whatever had been down there was now moved against one of the walls. A hand went up and a small orb of light flickered on in the few lamp fixtures along the walls.
“This will not be a pleasant ritual,” she said, stepping into the circle she’d prepared. “I need you two--” Khitti motioned at Dhrada and Aiset. “--to stay near the staircase. Do not allow anyone to come down here, no matter what happens.” She turned her attention to the avian then, a hand held out to keep her from coming into the ritual area for a moment, her lips pressed into a grim line. “Are you sure you want to do this? This is your last chance to back out. I know he’s awful and I fully agree, but when I say ‘this will not be pleasant’, that’s me sugarcoating it.”
Brennia cannot help the look of relief when Khitti puts to rest any concern that the shadows could possibly allow a distraction to their ritual and she praises, "That is music to my ears." Some of the tension seems to dissipate from her lustrous wings as she fiddes with the long black feather of her own which had been carefully selected and plucked prior to their departure. Even though she knows the Queen only sent them along with her to ensure her 'pet's' safety and to make certain there is a return, Brennia can now rest assured they will not have to also battle the shadows. "Ah… right," she cannot help the nervous shift in her wings as they seemingly tremble while folding even closer to her sides. Being a creature of the skies, she is not a fan of being underground. Under the sea in a dome that magically fakes the open air of the world above is a whole other thing, but being in the cold stinky earth… it is quite nerve wracking to the avian. For a second, she hesitates and looks distracted as if listening to something, but this seems to bolster her to press on, no matter what.
Even though she is already wildly uncomfortable, she cannot help the impressed grin spreading across her lips when Khitti demonstrates more of her abilities. Her gaze slowly slips from its fixed palace on one of the small orbs of light back to Khitti as she speaks. The two guards do not move when Khitti addresses them until Brennia gives them a look before motioning towards the exit and they finally take heed with a touch of reluctance. She offers an apologetic look towards Khitti for their rudeness as she halts at Khitti's warning. The avian looks distracted by something again, as if listening for something that isn't there and her wings appear to fluff somewhat in anger, "I understand, Khitti." It seems the connection has gotten worse as he can convey his own thoughts, feel what she feels, make her feel things he feels and she has had enough. "Oh, I had someone retrieve some of my things from the college and buried within an old keepsake chest, I found this," she hands over a small envelope that houses a lock of long hair that was haphazardly cut. "It was his. An inky entity that used to plague me took over my body often and was always hostile towards him. One time she flung a dagger at him and cut a lock of hair off," she cannot help a small amused grin while recollecting the tale.
Khitti almost looked sick to her stomach as Brennia held out the lock of the elder vampire’s hair for her to take. She even dry-heaved a bit. “Wow that’s new,” she said, trying not to throw up as she grabbed the bowl she was going to use for the ritual and offered it to the avian, so she could put it in there instead. Even just having it in the bowl near her made her want to puke, that pale skin of hers looking paler than usual. “I apparently have an aversion to things related to our shared ex that I didn’t realize was even a thing--moreso than the normal aversion I already had. I guess let’s hope that doesn’t happen with you after all this is over with.” Quickly, she set the bowl on the ground and wiggled her appendages a bit, in an effort to get rid of all the heebie-jeebies and nausea she got. “I’m good. I’m good. Everything is fine. I’m not going to throw up because he doesn’t deserve it.” This was definitely more for herself than Brennia, a mantra to keep herself calm before this big ritual.
After a few moments, when the witch finished shaking out the ew from her system, she took a step back and knelt down in the circle and sat back onto her feet, her back facing the staircase and Brennia’s guards. “Sit there,” the witch said, gesturing to the area on the other side of the ritual setup, across from her. Once she was inside the circle, something would feel different as Khitti waved a hand over a rune on the floor just in front of her. Things would be quieter, the area around them muted. If the guards noticed anything about the quiet, they’d see Khitti just continuing to set things up in silence, though she was now going to do something that Brennia probably wouldn’t expect. “We have to be quick before things seem amiss, but things are not entirely as they seem right now, are they?” She paused and looked over at the avian. “They won’t hear us. What they see is me asking you questions related to the ritual. Now what in the seven hells is going on with you? Why was there someone else’s writing in your last letter?” Yeah. She noticed it. She’s very perceptive.
Brennia understands Khitti’s apprehension, “it doesn’t thrill me either.” She lets the envelope drop into the bowl and with a slight shrug she says, “actually, I kind of hope it does create this type of aversion.” Patiently, Brennia waits for Khitti to gather herself before taking the woman’s direction and seating herself in the same fashion, ensuring her wings are curved or folded enough to be sutured within the circle. The minute Khitti is addressing her differently, Brennia flicks her eyes over towards the men guarding the stairs as they take turns glancing over their shoulder at them, but they don’t seem to be reacting. Khitti clears up the confusion and she starts to say something, but hesitates. “I’ve been helping Queen Reginae with something. They are here to keep me safe as I said, but also to make sure I don’t compromise our plans.” The writing part gives her pause, “that I know nothing about. They must have censored something and I must be more careful next time,” exactly what someone with Stockholm syndrome might say. “Trust me, I have everything under control,” she reassures with a pleasant grin. Brennia wishes she could elaborate, but they don’t have enough time and her grin dwindles a little while she considers her next words carefully, “I’d never bring misfortune or danger to your doorstep and compromise the safety of your family. I’m safe and quite content in Alithrya - it is where I am needed right now,” even though she is completely useless.
Khitti just watched Brennia as she spoke, taking in the woman’s mannerisms and words, bringing them under scrutiny within the confines of her and Khitt’s shared mind. Something still felt off. It felt… not really rehearsed, but having been kidnapped several times, something still didn’t sit quite right with Khitti. But, there was nothing she could do. What was she going to do anyway? Khitti could kill those guards and “free” Brennia, but if this was what the woman was saying, she’d likely just go back to her obvious captor anyway. And killing the guards would just start another war between Cenril and another region and the whole of the continent didn’t really need that right now. “Alright,” she said, sighing heavily. She gave another subtle wave of her hand and the sound returned to normal, leaving the two to speak freely of the ritual again.
With much dismay, Khitti opened up that envelope and dropped the hair of their mutual ex into the steel mortar and set it alight for a moment, so that it turned to ash, and then added several herbs and spices as well to the bowl. “Sage for cleansing. Rosemary for new beginnings. Juniper for comfort. Lavender for sweeter dreams. Frankincense and myrrh for purification, to rid you of his wretched self. Ice cap mushrooms for an eternal cold shoulder, to wall yourself off from him in your dreams. Datura, the ghost flower, to rid you of the “spell” he puts on his victims. Honey for taste. And finally… wormwood… to call spirits to aid us.” The witch mulled the herbs, spices, and resins together with the bowl’s matching pestle, mixing them well with the honey. She then took up a knife she’d stolen from the bakery’s kitchen and pricked the tip of her finger with it, letting a few drops of her blood to be added to the mixture. She passed the knife over to Brennia for the avian to do the same, then finally added a bit of chilled red wine, and stirred it all together. “Drink this. Be warned that you might have a bit of a stomach ache for a few days, since some of these are considered poisonous, but I kept the amount low, so as not to be lethal,” she said, handing the mortar over to Brennia.
Brennia is relieved that Khitti accepts her plea even though she feels guilt for not elaborating more, but keeping the fragile state of the Queen’s mind occupied and steered away from chaos is going to be a thankless job. If she plays her part right, war with naga will not bring the havoc she fears is imminent. She watches Khitti work diligently and listens to the ingredients along with their intended use with interest. The avian knows nothing about rituals except for the one she interrupted on the beach and met that blonde witch, but this concoction being brewed must be used as a balm or something? Brennia didn’t anticipate that she might have to ingest something! This is problematic given her surgery a couple years ago and how it has random flare ups, but since she’s been eating well in Alithrya with Nadia making sure to look after her ailment and maybe one concoction should be okay. Without hesitation, she makes a tiny incision on her finger to allow some droplets of her blood to follow Khitti’s into the mortar. The red wine gives her pause, her old favorite and something that she hasn’t been able to enjoy for the longest time due to her condition.
With a subtle tremble to her hands, she holds the mixture while peering down into it and the warning that this will make her stomach ache for a few days. Boy is that an understatement and she glances back up at Khitti with a slightly nervous smile. Her wings shift ever so slightly behind her as she considers the repercussions, but everything about the avian goes still when it seems she is listening to something no one can hear again. Just when it seems like she is about to back out of the ritual, she scowls and that glint of determination returns to her gaze before chugging the concoction down with ease. After licking her lips, she hands the mortar back to Khitti and then uses the back of her hand to wipe her lips while awaiting further instructions from her friend.
Olive-green eyes watched as Brennia reluctantly drank the offered concoction, the accompanying expression on Khitti’s face a somber one. There was a lot of apprehension now as things were progressing and the redhead urged herself to take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Khitti outstretched both hands in front of her and waved her arms outward. Runes in bright neon colors lit up around and in front of the two of them, and several black and white candles lit themselves with the witch’s signature purple flames. She drew in another breath and what came out was not a spell per se, but lyrics. All the while, the runes flickered and blinked on and off like lights, creating music to complete the song.
♫ Yeah, it's been a long night and the mirror's telling me to go home
But it's been a long time since I felt this good on my own
Lotta years went by with my hands tied up in your ropes
Forever and ever, no more ♫
A wind kicked up in the basement rustling the women’s hair, threatening to knock over the ritual tools and blow the two and Brennia’s guards away. The magic on the candles sparked violently as Khitti channeled her necromantic and bardic magic into the spell, the color of her eyes changing from that familiar green to the same shade of purple as her fire. Strange, light grey orbs flickered into being and swirled about them, floating along on the breeze.
♫ The midnight sky is the road I'm takin'
Head high up in the clouds ♫..
The orbs twisted and untwisted themselves until they took their true shape, wispy spirits sent to remove the imprint taking a darker turn as they seemed to become malevolent.
♫ I was born to run, I don't belong to anyone, oh no
I don't need to be loved by you
Fire in my lungs, can't bite the devil on my tongue, oh no
I don't need to be loved by you
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she's singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, said, ooh
Just like the white winged dove
Sings a song, sounds like she's singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, said, ooh
Loved by you
La, la, la-la, la
Midnight ♫
The spirits attacked Brennia and Khitti, plucking and picking at their flesh, soaring through them and around them. And while they drew blood on both women, on Brennia, something else would pour from the woman’s wounds. A thin black substance that the spirits ate up greedily, a physical form for the hold that the elder vampire had over the avian. There was even some of that strange liquid that came from Khitti as her blood flowed, though not quite as much as it did from Brennia, as the majority of the hold that had been Khitti had died when she died for the second time four years ago.
♫ And the days go by like a strand in the wind
In the web that is my own, I begin again
I sing to my friend, eh
Nothing else mattered
The midnight sky is the road I'm takin'
Head high up in the clouds♫
Brennia looks to Khitti and senses the apprehension, but she tries to convey a trusting look to the woman to reassure her that this is what she wants in spite of the obvious hesitation to drink and it had nothing to do with doubting Khitti's abilities. Then the avian follows suit by taking a cleansing breath even as she is expecting the concoction to wreak havoc on her weakened constitution soon. Her shoulders relax as she rests her hands on her lap before closing her eyes to further relax to focus. Brennia lets out a soft gasp as she feels the familiar effects of bard magic when the witch's song starts and her eyes slowly open to marvel at the wondrous spell unfolding before her very eyes, but something she thought was completely lost faintly shimmers in the air above Khitti and it lazily dances like a red ribbon in the breeze.
Tears threaten her lower eyelids as she realizes what it is, it is one bard being able to find a link between them and when she focuses on it, the image becomes a bit clearer. Suddenly she is filled with a brief musical link with Khitti, falling in sync with the other's movements and words as her own velvety alto timbre harmonizes beautifully. Even though Brennia's hand movements provide no magical abilities with the runes since she knows nothing about such a craft, there is little to no effect with her musical abilities either since that part of her is exponentially weakened. Her own flavor of soulful sound mixes with Khitti's and remains an undertone to let the fellow bard work her wonderful magic, but doing so does assist in helping Brennia keep her mind off the pain.
Brennia's fluffy and wavy natural locks get picked up by the wind as they swirl or dance all around her, so she decides to close her eyes in order to keep focus on Khitti's bardic tether as it shifts to a purple color in her mind's eye. The avian's movements continue to mimic Khitti's even as her eyes closed while the guards change their stance to a more defensive one and ready themselves for a melee even as they do not dare move from their spot. In spite of the winds whistling around them, their voices sound so perfect together that it raises gooseflesh along her silky skin and she cannot help the grin tugging at the corners of her lush lips until it is wiped off at the sensation of something biting her. Her eyes wince tight as they are still shut and her heart starts thundering away in her chest, but she remains and stays on course, trusting the process.
With her eyes closed, she doesn't realize the ink pattern on her skin swirling in on itself as if celebrating that this toxicity is finally being pulled from its home. The only thing Brennia can focus on is the feeling of her heart beating even faster, yet slower at the same time. Her adrenaline is helping with the pain and the sickening intrusion of a voice in her head gradually begins to fade. At this realization, she is starting to feel a great weight beginning to lift off her chest and an aching in her heart at the same time. Tears are now flowing freely down the curve of her cheeks all created by the mixture of pain, repose, and happiness.
♫ I was born to run, I don't belong to anyone, oh no
I don't need to be loved by you (By you)
Fire in my lungs, can't bite the devil on my tongue, oh no
I don't need to be loved by you
See my lips on her mouth, everybody's talkin' now, baby
Ooh, baby, ooh, said, ooh
Just like the white winged dove (Just like the white winged dove)
Sings a song, sounds like she's singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, said, ooh
Falling on, on the edge of
Seventeen
I don't hide blurry eyes like you
<vr>
Like you ♫
Khitti continued to play the runes despite the damage she took from the spirits, the spell empowered further with Brennia’s help, even without the woman’s bardic abilities. As the song waned, the spirits began to take their leave, taking with them the wretched ichor that had been plaguing Brennia, and even Khitti, for years now.
♫ I was born to run, I don't belong to anyone, oh no
I don't need to be loved by you (By you)
Fire in my lungs, can't bite the devil on my tongue, you know
I don't need to be loved by you
Just like the white winged dove (Just like the white winged dove)
Sings a song, sounds like she's singing
Ooh, baby, ooh, said, ooh
Just like the white winged dove (Just like the white winged dove)
Sings a song, sounds like she's singing (Made a few mistakes)
Ooh, baby, ooh, said, ooh
Loved by you, yeah ♫
When the song was over, Khitti’s voice faded from the air, the bardic and necromantic energies died away, and Khitti just sort of stared at the ritual tools in front of them, the runes fading back to their normal, chalk-drawn selves. The redheaded human teetered a little in her spot, olive-green eyes fighting to stay open, fighting against the pain from both the lacerations and bruises from the spirits -and- the loss of magic during the ritual. If any of the ichor related to that elder vampire remained, it would continue to drain from their wounds like a strange sort of infection, and dissipate just before it hit the floor. While Khitti had worried for her friend throughout the entirety of the ritual, she likely should’ve been concerned for herself as well as she finally started to lose consciousness and fell over onto the floor, ritual tools clattering about beneath and around her. The various violet fires that lit up the room soon snuffed out, with the only light coming from the kitchen upstairs, the ritual circle broken, and its caster left weak.
Brennia struggles to finish the song as she loses focus on that bright purple ribbon because images of their ex flash before her face. Moments they shared of planning their life together. Talks of a marital union, talks of adopting a child or two, planning their life in Schezerade. She fails the attempt to keep a pained moan quiet so she doesn't disrupt the ritual, but she can feel the pain from the lacerations and the feeling of a bond bending dangerously close to a snapping point. She knows their ex can feel it as well because there is a faint sound of pained groans that are not her own sounding off in her head. This feels worse than when she detoxed from alcohol! By the time the song ends, she is doubled over in pain, her palm flat on the hard surface of the concrete basement and sweat has beaded on her forehead while her blood is now decorating the lovely linen outfit she is wearing. The avian takes a sharp gasp as a crack sounds in her ears, making her eyes go wide and just like that… the world cleaved in two as the bond snapped. Tomorrow, Brennia will look back on this moment with an abundance of gratitude because she can finally breathe the air in clearly, let the sun soak in deeper, love fiercely, fly freer and smile honestly, but right now she feels just as drained as Khitti.
A slap sound echoes through the cavernous basement as she collapses and forces her eyes open long enough to see Khitti about to do the same. "Thank…. You Khi-tti," she gasps out before those heavy eyelids close and Brennia rendered unconscious. The guards rush over to check if Brennia is alive and they seem relieved that they won't have to explain to the crazed Queen Reginae that her newest 'pet' died on their watch. Both of them start to gather the avian up, but she is pointing to the witch. One guard easily hoists the avian over his shoulder after he struggles keeping her massive wings folded as they keep opening with every simple move. The other gently cradles the redheaded witch and they carry both of them out of the basement. One carefully paces Khitti on a couch in the waiting area of the restaurant while the other finds their way out of the bakery.