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fantasies-fairytales-n-fics · 5 months

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Thranduil and Josie Pt. 161- Cat Scratch Fever

Summary: A black cat crosses Josie's path bringing more bad luck to the Dorwinion castle. Narcisse is off kilter. Charles and Francis unite but not in agreement over their mother. Mary feels deep guilt of her knowledge. Francis gets under Josie's skin. She and Lola speak more about Narcisse's past. A cut won't heal. Bash has a scary story to tell. Josie panics over a possible resurrection.

*Chapter Warnings* language, angst, censored gif, sexual references, murder mentions

Chapter characters: Josie, Narcisse, Charles, Francis, Mary, Lola, Bash

Chapter word count: 8,447

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When you got to Stephane's chambers, all was quiet after you knocked well over three times and called to him. Odd it seemed, considering the guard had told you Narcisse said it was urgent, so now you became concerned.

"Stephane?!" you loudly called to him one more time and wriggled the locked door handle.

Suddenly, you saw a shadow moving rapidly pacing about under the door and heard Stephane's charcoal gray magical Maine Coon cat Merlin, crying and clawing at the door. The crying swiftly then turned into a low emitted growl as if something were frightening him.

"Merlin sweety? What's wrong?" you asked as you bent down and placed your fingers under the door so you could scratch his chin, but he wanted no part of it. Instead, he began to hiss.

Something was wrong. Merlin was no "pussy" per se. In fact, he was quite the bad ass like all cats believed they were, so the scaredy cat persona was completely out of character for the long locked beauty of a beast.

"Alright honey. I'm coming in." you warned and gave the door handle an electric zap with a single twirl of your finger.

The latch made a loud click and then you cautiously pushed the creaking door open.

"MROWWW!!!" Merlin screeched and sped out of the room so fast, you almost tripped over him.

The room was dimly lit with all the curtains closed and on the sofa laid a sprawled out sleeping Stephane with one hand clutching an empty goblet over his stomach and the other hand grazing the floor with dried blood all over it.

Gasping, you quickly made your way to him, finding yourself crunching over a broken and bloodied shards of a mirror upon the floor. Kneeling down beside him, your widened eyes studied his chest to make sure he was breathing, which he was but it had a low raspy sound to it that reminded you of a....tiger's growl?? and he reeked of whiskey. Believing he was just snoring and intoxicated, you studied him over some more, especially his injured hand as you gently picked it up by his wrist so that you wouldn't shock him.

Angling his hand about to assess it, you noticed his gold ring, the one he always fidgeted with when he was anxious or lying. You had never paid much attention to the details of the ring before but now you could see it bore two gemstones, side by side as one piece that reminded you of the yin and yang symbol, for one stone was a black onyx and the other was a white moonstone. You knew that yin was of darkness and yang was of light. Could that be what the ring symbolized?

Moving your eyes on to his knuckles, they were all tore up so it was apparent that he had punched the mirror, but why was the question? Your hunch was the combination of the booze and his anger at you stemming from Haldir's spontaneous lip lock that he witnessed and possibly even something to do with Catherine's eldest son making an unannounced arrival that Stephane had clearly been upset about.

In that moment, Stephane had been dreaming. It was the day you first came to Dorwinion and he found you his red clover field searching for Haldir's gifted dreamcatcher you had dropped in the colossal cluster. At least he thought it was you as he viewed your long wavy scarlet strands from behind. Upon the woman's turning around, he found himself uttering the same words of shock that exited his lips that day and it wasn't the only shock he got.

"It is....you."

"Here kitty kitty kitty. Miss me? I've sure missed you. It's time to wake up once again, just as I had awoken the beast once before." Caroline cackled, forming her wicked grin and then clutched his hand, sending a burning jolt of juice through him, much like the one you and he experienced that day when your hands touched.

Feeling bad about his hand, you softly laid your hand over his wounds to heal him and in doing so, the electric current that you and he shared when your hands touched, shot right through both of you, startling him awake. But it wasn't Narcisse that you awakened.

Towering over your cowered body as you laid upon the floor in sheer terror, was a snarling and salivating beastly black panther with razor fangs as white as pearls and eyes that burned of the sun...and gusting from his roaring lungs was a fiery breath not of peppermint, but of black pepper.

"AHHH CHOOO!" you uncontrollably sneezed, spraying out a mist of sparkling silver water droplets into the ferocious feline's face.

He roared in pain and swung his paws in a frenzy at his eyes, giving you enough time to run and hide behind Stephane's liquor bar to try and rationally think of what to do, for this colossal cat was Narcisse and you didn't want to hurt him with your magic if you didn't have to, although it seemed you accidentally already had.

You were planted in a panic against the wooden bar, holding as still as you could as your frantic eyes scoured the darkness for movement and your ears searched for sound. Surely the beast would find you by sniffing you out, especially now that you noticed the palm of your hand had been scratched by the creature's claws and was bleeding. What in the hell was happening?? You knew nothing of his shapeshifting power. How the fuck did Narcisse transform into a giant fucking black cat before your very eyes and WHY?????

Your shallow breaths ceased as you heard grunting and groaning and then all went quiet again. As you prepared to counter attack in the least harmful way possible, you were grabbed by the arm and swiftly pulled to your feet by a sweating Stephane.

"Are you alright Jo???" he panted, steadying himself on the bar as you gaped at him in a frightful confusion.

"I...I...uh...umm...yes. I..think I should be asking YOU that??"

Narcisse glanced around, seemingly disoriented. "I...I don't feel so well."

He began to lean and fall, but you caught him and assisted him back to the sofa.

"What...what did you do to me??" he groaned and plopped onto his back, rubbing his eyes similarly to how the elephantine ebony cat had done.

"I...I don't..know?? I..I didn't mean to do anything. Lie still. I'll get you a wet rag soaked in healing water."

You cleaned your hand in the water which seemed to have ceased the bleeding, then quickly came back and sat beside him, forcing his rebelling hands away by his wrists in order not to shock him again and then laid the cool cloth over his inflamed eyes.

Narcisse made a frown as he licked his lips. "Silverbane. I can taste it. You sprayed me with fucking silverbane."

"W..what? I..how? and...I thought you were immune to poison??"

"Well apparently I am not to yours which you seem to have as a built in defense mechanism. I really wish you'd get your magical shit together Jo." he blindly griped with gritted teeth as he held the rag firmly over his eyes.

"But...even I can be hurt by Silverbane?? So how do I...oh wait..." you gasped. "It's just like Garrett. He can be hurt by fire, but yet he has fire power inside of him....and at Lestat's...I....I almost forgot....I had somehow conjured up Silverbane from thin air and blew it at my mother when she had almost depleted all of Garrett's blood."

"And yet once again, we are back to the vicious vampire." Stephane snarled as he snapped the rag to the floor with a huff and sat up.

He was somewhat right, you supposed. There you were, referencing Garrett after what you could describe as a cruel and vicious vision he sent you only moments earlier in your chambers. Even so, what you recalled was all still very relevant which would never matter to Stephane.

"You speak to me about being vicious after I just watched you turn into a very large vicious cat???? No wonder Merlin hightailed his ass out of here. Even he was afraid....and...so were you, for my safety. I can only assume that this is what was so urgent? What the hell is going on Stephane???"

"What's going on is that I'm a bit incapacitated at the moment which you seemed to have forgotten." he defensively deflected in which you immediately pointed out.

"Stop deflecting. Here. Let me heal you and...."

"No! Do not touch me Jo. A bath in the healing waters will do just fine." Narcisse barked as he abruptly scooted away from your extended hand.

"Ok, then at least let me help you."

"I'm perfectly capable of taking a bath...alone. Don't you have some place better to be? Like say...Mirkwood?"

Narcisse rose and headed for his bar to pour another drink, for his nerves were now unbearable after what had happened.

You flung to your feet and followed him. "YOU asked me to come here to your room...and now you want me to leave...and...for good?? What, kicking Haldir out wasn't pleasurable enough for you??? You want me to travel with my child when Harker is stalking all of us???" you reeled with stinging wet eyes.

Stephane's eyes refrained from yours as he knocked his drink back and poured another. Of course he didn't want you to go but his pride wasn't about to let you know that.

"Oh it was quite pleasurable to send the Lorien sprite packing. You have Legolas now since I see I now have more unwanted guests in my castle. He will keep you and Leean safe on your travels."

Narcisse turned without so much of a glance at you and walked to the other side of the sitting room with you once again following.

"You heartless son of a bitch! Have you forgotten why I am even here???! I need that book to stop Jareth!!"

An angry tear jetted down your cheek as you sharply blinked from Stephane's aggressive advance into your face.

"Heartless??!!!!! After ALL I have done for you and your company! All of the kindness I have offered you that I have never given to anyone else! Sleeping in my bed right after I confessed I was in love with you and I even pathetically allowed myself to shed tears at your feet over the fear of losing you. You also allowed me to love that little girl. YOU are the one who has forgotten! ALL you care about are the elves and that fucking vampire. You played me well Josephine. Beat me at my own past games of using someone for pleasures of the flesh. I can see I was right when I had once told you that you were a worthy opponent because no other has ever possessed the ability to make me feel less than I was and I can see no possible means of recovery from it. But I guess I have no one to blame except myself for letting my defenses down and letting you in, allowing you to see me bare in more ways than just my skin. Do you remember when I told you that?? That if you and I were to dive into those waters, that is what you would see? But the thing is...you don't see me! And you never will. I will never make that mistake again. I opened my heart to you. I told you things I would never tell a single soul. I threw you the grandest of birthday parties to make you feel better and because you hadn't had one since you were a child. I risked my life and men for you! I have even saved you from yourself! And for what?? To watch you kiss both Haldir and Garrett. Maybe, instead of standing here tearing my own self worth to shreds, I need to realize that I am not less just because I was much more than your inexperienced little hands could handle."

"Please...please stop Stephane. This was never about who you are. I know I hurt you and I am so very sorry, but I swear I never used you. I genuinely care for you, ALL of you and appreciate all you have done for me and Leann, or I would already be running after what I had just witnessed. I don't want to lose you too. Why can't we just please sit down and talk about this...really talk and listen and stop trying to hurt each other?? Let me try to fix this."

Narcisse knew that he had already scraped the bottom of the barrel with all he had just said and now he knew he must go even lower. You just weren't safe with him anymore.

"Because I have come to see it is no longer worth it. You...are not worth it and never were. It IS very much about who I am. It's about who everyone is because no one is your precious King or even Garrett, for they are all you speak of. No one else is good enough for you. I will not let you have me without the madness that makes me. If our demons cannot dance, neither can we." he growled with cold eyes and walked away again.

This time you did not follow, but stood there with a gaping mouth as many tears now fell.

Pouring himself more of the liquid courage to help him proceed in ripping both of your hearts out some more in order to push you away, Stephane drank it down, hesitating to turn and face you, for he could feel your tears and to see it would break him, so he remained a coward and faced the bar, then reluctantly began to continue on about Catherine.

"I called you here to inform you in person about Catherine so you wouldn't be blindsided by her release. Is that what a heartless person would do?"

"Catherine's....re...lease??" you stammered. "Wh...why on earth would you do such a thing????"

"I do believe that is none of your business. My castle, my rules and it's about time people start respecting that. I told you what you needed to know, now what you need to do is pack up your daughter and go back home with Legolas after this night."

"Are...are you insane??? Not only is Harker out there but so are Jareth's orcs! They attacked Legolas and Aragorn and almost killed the man who is travelling with them!"

"Insane? I have been called much worse, although I am sure many would be inclined to agree with you. Now, you can take your opinion and run along. I have a much needed bath awaiting before entertaining the enemies."

Narcisse gulped down the last of his bottle, then grabbed a robe and stormed out of the room, leaving you not only reeling at his lack of giving a shit but also wondering where he was even going since his bath was right there in his chambers, so once again, you followed him.

The room you entered consisted of a sizeable stone pool surrounded by dim candlelight and the air scented of floral fragrance, for upon the opaque water floated multiple flower petals. Pink roses if you were to guess.

Stephane stared at you with a scowl and undressed right before your stunned eyes, then scoffed when you promptly turned away upon the removal of his leather pants.

"As if you have never viewed my cock before. Why are you still here??" he griped as he yanked his ring off, then threw that and his robe to the floor.

The Yin and Yang gemstone clanked it's way to your feet. Keeping your back to the very nude Narcisse, you snatched it up.

"Oh stop with the infantile theatrics for once. You know why I'm here. You don't get to drop a bomb on me like that about Catherine and just walk away. I demand to know why you would set her free!!"

You trembled as you could feel him creeping up behind you. It wasn't because you feared him but because of how intimidated you were by his bare form. Not only had you laid your eyes upon the splendid sight of sculpted beauty a few times before, but you had also laid your body on it as well, so why were you so damn nervous??

"YOU will demand nothing of me." he snarled into your ear as he reached around you and swiftly snatched the ring right back out of your hand, but not fast enough to avoid the electrifying current. Gasping in unison with you, Narcisse quickly made his way into the vat of sparkling liquid and sat down to conceal his waxing wood, for the shock had greatly aroused him.

Slowly, you turned to face him once you heard the slosh of his descent beneath the water.

"Well then, I guess Catherine being on the loose is the lesser of two evils with what else has been released!"

"Alright, I'll bite. What do you mean?" he firmly asked while sitting stiffer than the stiffness below him.

"It's what I have been trying to tell you and why I need to find Ashmole. Jareth has done it. He has risen the dead, just like that psychic woman told me at my party or...I should say, like Peter told me in that vision I saw of him and now...he will come for me! I cannot leave here Stephane! Or you would be handing me right to him."

"And just how is it that you know this?"

"How do you not?? You know he has the three page spell to do it, no thanks to my mind altered father and just before I came to you today, I...I had another vision. It was...it was the vampire Kate. I saw her, with a head and all and...with Garrett. My visions are just like my dreams, both of the present and future and they are increasing and if I saw Kate, then many more are out there somewhere, waiting for something, something that I fear will change our lives forever. I fear a war is coming for the winter solstice. An army of the dead. I feel it. Even Legolas senses something sinister in the air."

Narcisse's bright blues gaped at the water in realization that your words were true. Jareth was the reason Rahl had resurrected and in that moment, he saw his denounced dark half reflecting back at him in the ripples, clawing at his soul to fully emerge from the grave...a box bound by 7 iron chains buried deep inside of Stephane's mind where he had cast him out to, but he could feel the chains breaking, one by one as if it were the rapture.

"Ahhh, I see now. That is what has your panties all in a bunch. Once again, it is because of Garrett. You're jealous."

"W...what??? What the hell is wrong with you??!! THAT is all you can speak of after what I just told you?? Not to mention AGAIN that you are releasing Catherine and having some party tonight as if Harker and the dead are not upon us! Oh, and there's the fact that you shapeshifted into a wild cat larger than Blaze! Seriously, what is happening? WHO are you and what have you done with Stephane???"

Stephane's expression was sullen and his gaze soulless, much like the soulless orbs of the animal that preyed upon you moments earlier. A soulless animal he once told you he was not and his words were as icy and cold as his dilated blues.

"The man you speak of no longer exists."

As you stood frozen by his words, he rose from the water. It was a shimmering sight that you now could not remove your eyes from no matter how hard you tried, almost as if magic were being used upon you, breaching your shield.

Narcisse slowly approached you in a most tantalizing manner, the water dripping and glistening over every inch of his masculine form as if he had been slathered in baby oil as his cock gave you it's undivided and full attention.

"I'm a monster. Refume by unfortunate events and given breath by necessity."

You took a staggering step back, unable to breathe. Unable to break the animal magnetism radiating between your bodies until his pupils glowed of the sun once more, followed by a low emitted growl that vibrated through his adam's apple.

Gasping, you stumbled back and found yourself racing out the door and down the hall, constantly glancing behind you, expecting to once again see the melanistic monster with paws measuring the size of both your hands combined, charging after you, but instead, you ran smack dab into Charles as you turned the corner.

"My lady?!! You...you look a fright." the young warlock exclaimed as his arms clutched tightly around your waist.

"I..." you panted and swung your head around to see an empty quiet hall behind you. "I...oh gosh. Well now I am just embarrassed." you softly said as you released Charles while a handful of people he had been speaking with, all stared at you.

"I was just...in a hurry...that's all. I apologize for my clumsiness." you explained, glancing behind you once more.

"Are you sure that is all it is? It would seem as if you believed something were...chasing you?"

His eyes were concerned and confused and you had to wonder if Charles knew of his father's "condition", but you certainly were not going to ask in front of the all the eyes still upon you.

"Oh no, no. I just need to go refresh for this evening's gathering, so I...I will just be on my way now. I'll see you then."

You awkwardly smiled and quickly resumed your path but once you came to the end of the hall, Francis and Mary rounded the corner. As the King and Queen of Lake Town passed you, Francis had slowed his pace to lock his baby blues with yours once again. He also offered you a slight head bow and a subtle smile, then continued on his way to call out to his half brother Charles.

Out of curiosity, you stood by the exit to watch as Charles turned with a sizeable smile.

"Francis." he raved and gave a hand swaying bow to the golden haired King.

Francis skipped the formal greeting altogether and went straight to embrace his little brother as Mary kept her distance and watched as well.

You knew nothing really about Francis but from what you could see, he truly cared for Charles and vice versa.

The two stood and conversed, but not loud enough for you to hear, so after a moment, you turned to leave, only to be startled by Mary.

"Oh..my!" you halted and gasped as your hand planted onto your chest.

"Oh dear, my apologies. Forgive me. I did not mean to frighten you. I am Mary. And you are Queen Josephine of Mirkwood?"

"Y..yes...I.."

"I am sorry we did not have the chance to meet when you and your King were in Lake Town. My King and I were away on business. Luckily I suppose, considering the dragon's destruction. I would like to thank you for your aid in ridding of the foul creature and I...I offer you my...condolences over King Thranduil."

"Thank you." you simply and softly replied as your eyes fell.

Her eyes fell too as she fidgeted with her clasped fingers that laid upon the beaded bodice of her golden gown, that from the waist down, looked as if a thousand ducks had been plucked to assemble it. The girl was most likely no older than you with long waves of dark chocolate hair coordinating with her coffee hues and in them was a pool of true sorrow. Mary knew of the breath that Thranduil still took and may have been aiding her own King in Narcisse's blackmailing, but she was far from content with it. She did it only for the happiness of Francis so his mother could be free, even when she herself knew what Catherine was, for the two always clashed. No one was good enough for Catherine's son, whom Mary deeply loved. And because of that love, she couldn't even imagine what you must be going through.

"A...penny for your thoughts?" you asked the suddenly distant girl who you just realized probably did not even know what a penny was. "Oh...sorry. It's just...modern day currency where I'm from."

Mary's rosy lipped smile grew wide as she giggled. "Oh, I know what it is. My late father-in-law was the greediest man in all of middle earth. He traveled far and wide and had quite the colossal collection of riches, even pennies, which he had mounds of."

Well, that explained to you why Peter ended up there in his search for you and bought the emerald pendant from the abhorrent Alfrid just before Thranduil had captured him. If anyone was a greedy bastard, it was piggish Peter.

"I just...I feel terrible for what you have been through. Word travels far." she continued, then smiled again. "I'll take my penny now."

"Well." you smiled back. "If I come across one again, I will give it to you."

"That would be nice. I know they are not worth much, but to be gifted one from a beautiful Queen would be quite the treasure. It is nice to meet you Josephine. I hope we will see more of each other. I better tend to my husband. He and Charles seem to be in a disagreement of sorts."

You smiled and turned to see and hear the two young men quarreling and you knew exactly what it pertained to. Catherine being released, for Charles was greatly opposed to it and it was quite apparent that Charles had the better head upon his youthful shoulders when it came to her true colors.

"Just ask Josie! She'll tell you!" Charles shouted and motioned for you to come over.

"I do not need to hear her side, for it is not her decision." Francis firmly stated.

"And it is yours?? This is not your castle. It is my father's!"

"And he has agreed to free her. She is our mother Charles. She will not be treated like an animal! Why on earth would you side with the man who destroyed our family??"

Charles scoffed at his brother and quickly turned to you, where you stood hiding slightly behind Mary.

"Is this true?? Did my father agree to release her???" he asked in desperation.

"I...Charles...I'm..sorry. He...has and.."

"Unbelievable!" he snapped and spun back to Francis. "She coerced our sister into using black magic to kill a King vampire, which could have brought a war to our lands that we would surely lose and she also forced her into helping to poison a Lorien elf! And now our sister faces being banished from here with a newborn child!"

"Claude is a grown woman and made her own choices. She was not forced. She will be better off away from here anyways and to return with me to Lake Town, our home Charles! Where you should be as well."

"THIS is my home. I will go nowhere with you, nor will my sister!! You're as mad as our mother! I am going to go have words with my father!"

Charles stormed past you, but you grasped his arm. "Charles, no! I...umm, Narcisse...he's...he's in a bad way at the moment and I would not advise a confrontation. Trust me...please." you pleaded with worried but stern eyes which Charles seemed to understand.

He stiffened up straight and sighed as he lifted his chin to glare at Francis.

"I don't know what you have done to my father, but know this. This is far from over...brother."

Your heart was racing as Charles marched off, for you were praying he would heed your warning about Narcisse. Charles may have been merely 19 years old, but he was hot headed and certainly no push over, just like his father.

Francis turned to you with a smile, showing no sign of shame or regret over the dispute. It was as if it had not even happened.

"My lady. We have not been properly introduced. I am King Francis of Lake Town and I am honored to be in the presence of such beauty."

The audacious blonde bowed down, then took your hand and kissed it right on front of Mary, making you feel terribly awkward and bad for her.

You gently and politely as possible, slipped your hand out of his and forced a smile, when really, all you wanted to do was slap him.

"I...I am Josephine."

"Oh I know exactly who you are. A queen as well. It is such a shame to hear about your King. I suppose now I will have to confer with Legolas for our trades. Or maybe...I shall speak with you instead? I would greatly prefer that. Maybe over some dinner and wine?"

The words going through your mind at that moment were far from queen like. The nerve of this jackass...oh god, Josie, calm down. Breathe. You glanced at Mary, who remained silent with her head hung low, fidgeting again with her hands.

"It is King Legolas and he would be the one to speak business with is usually not discussed over dinner and wine."

The look in his blue eyes told you he was turned on by the way you shut him down.

"We can always skip the business then and just enjoy each other's company. In the meantime, I'll let you ponder on that. Mary...come. I must go see my mother now."

Francis walked off, not even waiting for Mary, so you quickly stopped her.

"I...I am so sorry for that. Please know, I..I would never..."

She softly smiled and took your hand. "It is alright. You are not his first conquest and certainly will not be his last. I..I must go."

As you watched her catch up to Francis, you wondered the same thing that Charles had asked...how did he get Narcisse to free Catherine? Off you then went as well, for you needed to speak to Lola about Stephane's past once more.

Lola was rocking Leean's cradle and singing softly to her when you arrived and you noticed her tears before she quickly turned away to wipe them.

"Lola?? Is everything alright?"

"Oh yes." she proclaimed as she turned with a smile. "Don't mind me. I was just thinking of my mother after we had spoke of her earlier. She used to sing to me and Leean really likes it. Even more so when you do it."

"I am so sorry Lola. I never meant to upset you. I...I miss my mother too. Well, the one I used to know as a child wearing rose colored glasses. Lola, I don't mean to change the subject but...when we spoke of Narcisse earlier, you said there was a time when he was different? Could you elaborate a little more on that because...something is very wrong with him. It's like....it's like there are two of him."

"Yes, that is kind of how he was from what my mother told me. Not kind at all and he dressed much differently. Robes and such, mostly of a scarlet red. Longer hair, dark as coal and his scent was different as well...kind of like..."

"Pepper??" you abruptly interrupted.

"Y...yes? I believe so."

You paced about for a moment in deep thought, fidgeting with your own hand, for it was itching something awful, then you stopped to look at her.

"You're certain it was Narcisse and not a...twin? I know you said before that you did not believe him to have any other brother but Bash, but you were just a child. It's just that... he told me something once that is not adding up now."

"I suppose I cannot be certain. I never saw or knew the Narcisse my mother described and he..."

"He what?" you asked when Lola had paused in thought.

"Well, he...he went by some other name too, I...suppose there could be a twin? If so, he surely never speaks of him. There's only one other person that would most likely know. His brother...Bash."

"Was the name...Lord Rahl??"

"I...yes. Yes, that sounds right. I think it was?"

That is where you would head next, to Bash, for now you were worried that if there was an evil dark twin like Stephane had told you there was, was he the one you had just encountered?? Had he done something with the real Narcisse and taken his place?? Because Lola confirmed the scent of pepper and that is exactly what you smelled. Although Stephane told you that he killed Rahl, it was certainly possible he was brought back by Jareth. OR...were Narcisse and Rahl the same entity? Holy shit.

"Lola..I...I have to go. I..I will see you and Leean tonight for the dinner party and I want you both to stay at Legolas' side. I will find him and send him back here to get you."

As you turned to go refresh, Lola gasped.

"Josie?? Your hand...it's bleeding!"

You also gasped as your eyes gaped at the blood trickling down your fingers.

"Owww, god." you groaned as you quickly squeezed a cloth into your fist, then sat down, for you suddenly felt dizzy and overheated.

"What happened?" Lola asked as she promptly brought you a pitcher of healing water, then sat beside you to help clean the wound.

Not wanting to tell her the whole story just yet until you spoke to Bash, you decided to fib...just a little.

"I..uh...broke a mirror earlier and...cut my hand when I was cleaning it up."

Lola pried open your clenched fist and removed the cloth.

"Oh my. Josie, that's pretty deep and looks...possibly infected."

It did. The gash was slightly blackened around the edges and it burned, and strangely, even more so when Lola patted it with the water soaked cloth.

"Mmmmph." you flinched. "I'm sure it will be fine after I soak it for awhile."

"Maybe you should have the healers look at it? You...you seem a bit pale."

If only Thranduil were here, you thought as tears stung your eyes. He would heal you right up with one touch of his soft magical hand.

"I'm alright. The sight of blood has always made me feel queasy."

The dizziness seemed to have passed, so you took the pitcher into the wash room and filled the sink basin, then held your breath as you submersed your hand. Five seconds was all you could withstand before you had to abruptly withdraw.

"Jesus!" you cringed and then noticed a sizzling effect on the cut of both sight and sound.

"It's like it's fucking holy water. I should be asking YOU Narcisse or whomever you are, what YOU did to me??" you complained under your breath while you angrily wrapped and secured a clean dry cloth around your hand.

"Lola, if Leggy comes back while I'm gone, tell him I went to speak to Bash and that I will be back soon. We can all go to the dinner together. Keep this door locked until then. it is to only be opened for myself or Legolas. If Narcisse happens to show up, you tell him, through the door, that I am not here and that Leean is sleeping so he'll go away."

"Through...the door? Josie...what is going...."

You were out the door and rushing down the hall before she could finish. One way or another, you had to find out the truth because it now seemed that danger not only lurked outside of the castle walls, but still remained inside of them as well.

"Bash!" you loudly whispered against his chamber door as you briskly tapped upon it. "I need to speak to you again. It's urgent."

"It's open." he called to you.

Upon your swift entry, you found Sebastian leaning against the wall by the open balcony doors, looking as if he had seen a ghost. Had he?

"Bash?? Is something wro...."

You froze solid as you came into view of the dead blackbirds scattered about the terrace floor. Slowly, you walked past him with wide eyes to get a better look, praying one of them was not your Freddy, the ridiculous name Garrett had given your crow over his Scooby Doo fetish.

As you visually searched through the feathered carcasses, you soon sighed heavily in relief because they were all too small to be your faithful friend.

"Bash...w..what caused this??"

"Mayhem and death. Birds fall from the sky when evil witches like him are near."

"Him?? Are you speaking of Harker?"

You had only known Bash for merely 2 months, but in that short time, you could tell he was a warlock warrior who feared nothing, not even Harker who had almost killed him...but in that moment, he looked absolutely terrified. And he was, for he had all the answers you sought and although it was a secret to have never escaped his lips, Bash knew this time, he had to tell you and later face the consequences.

"No...my..brother."

"Narcisse...did this?"

"Rahl." he simply stated with a horrified stare into your eyes.

"So....Narcisse does have a twin." you whispered as you clutched your burning hand. "Bash...I...he told me he was dead but...I think this Rahl was one of the many Jareth has conjured back from the dead with that spell and I think he has done something with Stephane!!"

"Twin? There is no twin. My brother Stephane and Rahl are very much one and the same." Bash verified and then glanced at the dead birds. "The only difference is that everything Stephane is, Rahl is the opposite of."

You had to sit down. You knew this was a possibility, but to have it be validated was overwhelming. Stephane had what you would know as...D.I.D. Dissociative Identity Disorder, otherwise known as a split personality or an alter...but who was the true identity? At least now you knew Stephane wasn't being held captive somewhere...or dead.

"So...he...he lied to me..."

"Wouldn't you? Lie about it? It's not something he is proud of, nor did he want it. Rahl has done evil things, like Harker and Jareth. Some he recalls, some he does not and Stephane is ashamed and certainly would not want you of all people to know, in fear of what you would think of him. My brother was never perfect. He had his own bad side when he was crossed. You've seen it. He punishes the evil, but he is not a cold blooded killer like Rahl."

"I...I suppose I understand that, for I was able to talk him out of doing some horrible things and I don't feel I would have succeeded if he did not have goodness in him. I..I'm just trying to process all of this. Referring to one body by two different names. I know it's a real thing, I just have never encountered it."

"Rahl is his second given name, after our father. Our father, who I believed caused the split by making him do despicable things as an adolescent. Stephane wanted to be good...of light. Not dark like our father, but our father expected more from him, being the oldest and he placed a very heavy weight on him to follow in his footsteps and that's exactly what Rahl did."

"He...he told me Rahl had your father killed, by that man Stephane fought and killed in the gambling tournament to the death."

"Yes, but it didn't quite go as planned. That man, Theodore, was his good friend whom he met because of Catherine. He was her husband, King Henry's brother. Rahl tricked Theodore by morphing into Stephane's image and offered him a very large sum of money to kill our father. He was full of greed just like Theo, so he knew he could get him to do it and not have to get his own hands dirty, possibly due to his subconscious, which I think was Stephane trying to fight him. But that quickly changed. Before Theo arrived that night, an argument revealed the our father had killed our mother and despite his blackened heart, Rahl loved our mother, so he killed our father first. Stephane didn't remember it right away. I think the trauma caused the memory lapse and when he did recall the events years later, that's when he set out to kill Theodore and end Rahl himself. As I said, our father did terrible things and made him do the same, but to Stephane, he was still our father whom he did everything to please....and he hated himself for what he had done, although sometimes I wonder if Stephane possibly wanted our father dead too. It would be a lie if I said I did not have similar feelings. I still stood by my brother though, because I knew of the things our father made him do. I tried to help him but I could never get through to him. There was nothing I could do. Rahl was too strong and powerful, even more so than Stephane. I never blamed Stephane for the things he had done. It wasn't his fault. I believed his hand was forced and his mind was ill."

"And he did all this for the crown? Stephane said his father didn't want Rahl to have it."

"He did at one time, but that was before he noticed the new change in him, the good side, the real Stephane, the one before our father's dark influence consumed him at a young age, altering his mind and that's when things went sour. Two others knew about his condition. One being your father Julian who tried to help him. That book you seek, the one Julian has hidden, it has the spell to lock the alter away in his mind and it also has the power to release him. Your father banished Rahl before he hid the book away to keep it out of Jareth's and other evil one's hands....including your mother's....because your mother, Caroline, who was the other with the knowledge of my brother's illness...she's the reason our father was killed."

"Wait...w..wh..what????"

"When Julian took Ashmole from his mother Jadis to undo Jareth's death, Caroline got her hands on it temporarily. When your father unknowingly slept with her twin Carrie, she punished all who knew and kept it from her and that included my brother. She brought the darkness of Rahl out of Stephane to a diabolical head... in a way no one had ever seen and hence, Darken Rahl was born. More wicked than our father could perceive. More wicked than he. Our father believed he would destroy all he had built and he denied him his right to the throne, so Rahl chose to take it, which is why Stephane has never called himself a King. In Rahl's short years of reign, even then he strangely was addressed as Lord Rahl, for again, I believe Stephane was somewhere inside of him, very much aware."

"God...my mother, even dead, still destroys people's lives. I've always known there are many things I don't know about that she's done and I'm sure this is only a fraction of it and...."

It just hit you. Something that you should have realized long before.

"Oh dear god Bash."

He tilted his head and stepped towards you with questioning furrowed brows.

"My lady?"

"My mother! What if Jareth....could he have brought her back as well?? And could she have awoken Rahl again?? She wouldn't need the book, for I am certain she would remember the spell...or...or did Jareth wake him up???"

"I suppose either or both are possible, but I hope for your sake, your mother was not one of the resurrected. I have never met her but her wicked reputation certainly precedes her in all of middle earth."

"Damn it. Why did my father have to go back for those pages?? Harker would never have gotten his hands on them if it weren't for that and my father would not have been converted to darkness. So now, what do we do about all of this without the book?? Because if you know about Rahl, then surely you must know about his animal form, the fucking gigantic jaguar I encountered earlier."

"You saw that?? That means....he is closer to surfacing than I realized."

"I not only saw it, I was scratched and it burns like hell. I tried the healing water, but it intensified the burn." you explained as you held your bandaged and trembling hand out.

Bash tried to hide his growing concern as he took your hand to look it over, but the light tremors in his fingers told on him.

"The water won't help it. It's like adding fuel to the fire. His claws are poisonous and his bite is venomous, both like no other. As I said, Rahl and Stephane are opposites even if they share the same body. Rahl propels poison, Stephane repels it. The Rahl that Stephane created is not the Rahl your mother conjured in the past and the one brought forth now will only be 3 times worse. It's like a pain scale of mild, moderate and severe."

"Third time is definitely not a charm. So what is it going to do to me?? And how do I get rid of it...and is that even possible?? Stephane, he repels poison yes, well, except mine for some reason, possibly because it was not him I cast the silverbane upon??...and his peppermint scent...it heals poison. He healed me from the dark forest and from wolfbane, so can he not heal me??"

"The question is...will he? Unless you can get Stephane to resurface, there is not much time before you will suffer vivid hallucinations and pain, and your powers will be completely useless. You will also be at Rahl's mercy. You will need Delphine, a witch doctor, for she has the only known antidote. She resides near the city. After the party tonight, I will go and try to locate her. She doesn't trust anyone but me."

"Stephane...he...he was still himself...right after he shifted back and realized what happened and what he had done. He was extremely worried for me...but then...his personality quickly began to change and when I last saw him, well...he was definitely not himself."

"The rapid change...It's because of the shift. After the cat appears, he is all Darken Rahl."

"It's my fault. I...I accidentally brought the beast out by shocking him...god...I need Garrett!! He can heal me, I know it. BUT...he is off doing who knows what with his former mate that Jareth revived. Bash, you must be very careful. Her shock is far worse than mine and let's not forget Harker and what he has already done to you. And I know Aragorn, Bard and Gimli went looking for Haldir, but please, if you see him, tell him I'm so sorry and that I miss him."

"I will...Josie...It's not your fault. You couldn't have possibly known. I will find Delphine and I will even be on the lookout for Garrett and the newly remodeled Kate. I will tell him you need him. I do not fear her nor Harker. Stay close to Legolas this evening and I will keep my eye on my brother. You should go now, before he finds you in here again."

After you left, you went back to your room to find a note from Lola on the vanity stating she, Legolas and Leean went to the dining hall to wait for you and that Boromir was anxious to speak with you. You had forgotten all about him and that he had come all the way there to inform you of something quite urgent, almost dying in the process.

You then went to the dresser to find some lace gloves to conceal your hand and as you did so, you caught your reflection in the mirror. Tears instantly formed at the mess you had become. Not on the outside, but the inside. It was a moment when you had felt more alone than you ever had.

You had to turn away, for you feared you would see Garrett again and you didn't need to be reminded, as if you'd ever forget, that he abandoned you and chose to be with a demon summoned from hell. All you had now were Leggy and Lola. All were gone, even Narcisse...even your letter to Thranduil that mysteriously vanished and you really wanted to read it again to feel close to him.

You sat on the bed, lost in the thought of your King, for he is all you truly wanted...and that's when the full blown tears came.

"Thranduil?? My love.." you squeaked. "I...I don't feel you anymore and I'm scared. I'm so scared and I'm lost and...I'm in trouble and I...I just need you...please...somehow, please come back to me...please my King, come ba...."

You loudly gasped and sprung to your feet and your heart paused and dove into your gut when you realized something else. Something horrifying, yet miraculous. Something even you wanted to do once.

Your words then came flooding out of you, choking away your air.

"Oh my god...could Jareth have done it?? Is...Thranduil alive too????"

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Text

Thranduil and Josie Pt. 164- Blood Rage

Summary: Rosie stuns Josie. Legolas is stunned as well by Josie's changing behavior. She and Rahl come face to face and blade to blade after he pushes her last button. Another rune appears on Josie's body but who is drawing them for her? Another symbol could hold the answer. Rahl soon realizes what Josie is capable of. Legolas, where are you?

*Chapter Warnings* language, angst, mentions of rape, violence, sexual references

Chapter characters: Josie, Rosie, Legolas, Bash, Charles, Narcisse, Claude, Catherine, Rahl, Killer,

Chapter word count: 6,086

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist:

There was still no sign of Narcisse and you were getting ready to go find Bash when you smelled the very sweet, pungent aroma of roses like you had earlier when you saw the little girl who called herself Rosie.

Upon following the scent that led you to the foyer, there by the wall, sat the reddish haired child on a bench all alone and looking very melancholic.

"R...Rosie?"

"Hello." she softly greeted as her big round ocean like orbs met yours.

"Are you lost little one?" You asked as you pulled up a chair and sat down in front of her.

She shyly giggled. "I'm not little one, you are silly."

"What's that? you replied, somewhat befuddled.

She lowered her head and whimpered quiet cries as she nervously played with her fingers.

"Sweetheart, why do you cry?"

You reached out to comfort her and as your hand went to lay upon hers, it went right through it, just as Rahl's apparition had moved right through you.

Gasping, you yanked your hand back. "Are...are you even real?"

"Not yet." she sniffled. "I never will be if you don't find my daddy."

"Your daddy? Who is your daddy honey?"

"Josie? Who are you talking to?" Legolas asked as he came up behind you with a tilted head and furrowed brows.

You flung to your feet, holding your chest in fright.

"Jesus Legolas! I know you're an elf, but do you have to be of such stealth ALL the freaking time?"

The Prince's stance stiffened in surprise at your scolding.

"I..I'm sorry? I did not mean to startle you. Josie, are...are you alright?"

"I am fine. Why wouldn't I be??"

"Well...because you were speaking to...a wall?"

Your eyes widened and you spun back around to find the little girl gone, but her scent still lingered.

"Oh..umm. Yeah, I was just...talking to myself. Haven't you ever done that?"

"Actuallyyyy...no. Josie...I am worried about you. Lola...she informed me that you had cut your hand and that the healing waters did not mend the wound. It burned you? Is that why you are wearing gloves?"

"Stealthy and nosy as well. It's a cut, big deal and I don't have time for this nonsense. Have you seen Narcisse at all after you left your gossip session about me and god knows what else that took place in front of MY daughter with the ever so lustful Lola?"

Legolas could now see something was indeed wrong with you, for you had never spoken to him in such a manner, not even over his bickering with Haldir that always annoyed you or even about his unwanted opinions on Garrett. Slightly offended and hurt, the Elvenprince decided he would happily tell you what he had learned about Lord Narcisse in hopes that you would finally see what he had been trying to show you about the warlock all along.

"I did not. But Lola has. In a lip lock with Catherine's daughter Claude earlier tonight."

The reaction Legolas expected was certainly not what he received. He expected anger and disgust, which he did get a glimpse of in your gaping eyes, but mostly, they were filled with jealousy. Why, he wondered? For he did not know about your recent relations with Narcisse, but the perplexed Prince of Mirkwood did now as your broken shield allowed your thoughts of that night to run openly wild.

"And she told YOU this and not me?? Of course she did. Anything for you Legolas, right?"

"Why do you speak of her in this way, or myself for that matter? Has Narcisse done something more to you beyond sharing his bed, bath and body that you clearly accepted and indulged in??"

Your eyes slitted at him as your lips pursed tight.

"Legolas...Greenleaf. Now that you know how to invade my thoughts, it does not give you some elfy claim on my mind! If I had my powers right now, I would turn you upside down and use your luscious locks as a mop!!" you threatened, then huffed as you marched off, leaving Legolas with a dropped jaw.

Down the hall you stormed to the ballroom to pour another drink and as you rounded the corner, there stood Catherine looking as stunned as you were to see Claude sitting upon Narcisse's lap.

It was the only moment you could ever share the same feelings as that wretched old woman in wanting to castrate the warlock lord just as he had done to Ashir for taking advantage of Claude just as he himself was doing. Of course, you knew it wasn't him, but it pissed you off nonetheless. As far as Claude, you felt no ill towards her, for it was quite clear in the way she leered at a gawking Catherine, that she was only trying to stick it to her for pulling her into her mother's mess and also...you sympathized with Claude, because you knew what it was like to be used by your own mother and to be taken against your will by a man. It changed you and it seemed to be changing the young Princess too.

It seemed your keen senses still worked, quite well actually, if not better for some reason and you could hear Stephane's words to the red haired beauty as his animal eyes ogled her cleavage.

"Since it seems I am...unattached...would you gather my cape for me Princess and meet me in my chambers?"

Claude did as he asked and glanced back at Catherine in a victorious manner as she exited. Narcisse offered a matching demeanor as he raised his glass to to a fuming Catherine, then he caught your eyes.

With a grin and a wink, he knocked the drink back and also departed. Something told you by the devious gleam in Stephane's eyes, the eyes leading to the soul that Rahl held captive, that the evil alter was just getting started with his diabolical deeds and there would be much more to come.

As Catherine began to go after them, your raced past her, purposely and harshly grazing her arm with yours, enough to make her stumble to the side and leaving her gasping as she watched you dash around the doorway and disappear.

You quickly lost sight of Narcisse and Claude, but saw Bash and Charles from the distance, geared up and exiting the main entrance of the castle, heading out in search for Delphine in the city as Bash had promised you he would do.

"Bash!!" you shouted, out of breath as you ran down the hall and out the door only to see the two warlocks riding off on their horses.

"Oh god. Please be safe." you fearfully whispered as they disappeared into the darkness, for you did not know Bash was going to take Stephane's son with him.

They were doing this for you and if anything happened to them, you would never forgive yourself and Narcisse...well, you didn't even want to think about what he would do. He had already flipped out when his brother had been hurt by Harker and now his son would be put in danger. Charles had powers though that could help protect them and also, Aragorn, Bard and Gimli were in the city too, looking for Haldir, so you felt that it all could be a good thing, that maybe they would all find each other.

On your way to Stephane's chambers, without one ounce of fear in you at the possibility of facing down the fanged and ferocious feline, you passed a crying and very frightened Claude.

"Claude?? What has happened? Did he hurt you???"

"There is something very wrong with Lord Narcisse. You need to stay far far away from him." she sobbed and sniffled.

"Ok, ok. Try to relax and tell me what happened."

"He's lost his damn mind. That's what's happened. His rules are to use no black magic here, which as you know, is why my mother and I had been punished, yet the hypocritical cretin just used it upon me. I could feel it. The pull, to get me to give him my body."

"Narcisse...he is not quite...himself lately and you're right in a sense about him losing his mind. Long story. But..how..how did you manage to get away?"

"Something distracted him as he groped me. It was like...it was like he sensed something and stopped himself. Possibly you? I think he knew you were near."

"Or Stephane..." you mumbled.

You now thought that it may have been Stephane fighting back against Rahl and that's why he ceased his advances on Claude and if that were the case, then you might have a chance at bringing him back.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing...just go be with your baby and lock your doors for the night. And please, keep this to yourself. I will go speak with him."

"Are you mad?? What if he tries something on you too??"

"Oh, I can handle the man in that room. Trust me. Now go."

Strangely, Narcisse now had guards at his chamber door and as you approached, one opened the door for you without a word which confirmed to you that he knew you were coming and that he wanted to see you....but you were expecting to see Stephane because Claude did not mention his appearance. Surely she would have if he looked as you now saw him when Rahl himself, in the flesh, acknowledged your presence before you even spoke.

"Hello Josephine, or should I call you...Jo?"

The warlock lord of long chocolate locks stood with his back to you, then turned around with a succulent smile and sparkling sapphire eyes. He wore a collared and sleeveless red robe that accentuated his bare, muscular arms that had a sun kissed sheen from the firelight. Minus the provocative, uncovered skin, his attire reminded you of Thranduil's, as the upper half of the garment was form fitting and then blended into a loosely flowing skirt from the waist down to the floor. The neckline was of a typical flared collar and quite provocative as it openly descended in a gold trimmed V line to the waist, revealing his smooth chiseled chest and sculpted stomach. Apparently, Rahl was just as proud of his physical form as Stephane was, but clearly very much more.

"Only Stephane calls me that and YOU are not him."

"I will agree with you there. I am not my alter."

"He is not your alter. You are his!"

"Are you sure about that? I am very much aware that my meddling brother has revealed my identity to you and I know of his plans for this night and he will surely pay for that, but Sebastian knows not what he speaks of."

"Well I do. My mother created you with her black magic out of that damn book! You're not even real."

"Correction my fellow and quite lovely witch. I am very real. I existed long before Caroline used that lovely little spell to strengthen me."

"And I will find Ashmole to send you back to hell. I know all that you have done. Stephane is good. You are pure evil. A murderer. You exist because Stephane couldn't handle the things his father made him do and in that despair and desperation to protect himself, his mind, unknowingly to him, broke in two, creating someone who could please his father so he could be relieved of his mental suffering. You are merely a figment of his imagination, per se. My father ended you and you were only resurrected again because of Jareth."

"Ahhh, correction again my dear girl. I exist because I am the strong one. It is I, Darken Rahl, that stands before you, not my opposite, the pathetic and weak warlock you know and love, which is why it was so easy to reclaim my body, my soul, with of course, the aid from the goblin King. What you are right about though is MY father. Yes. Also a murderer...of my mother and I handled him. He got everything he deserved and now he can rot in the hell you threaten to send me to, which will never happen. If you kill me, you kill Stephane."

"I don't believe that at all. He didn't die before when you were banished. Do you even hear yourself? Stephane is the true and only identity. You will die, not him. And are you sure your father is where you believe him to be?? It would seem that Jareth has brought back all the evil ones to join his army of the dead. I would not be surprised if your daddy dearest was one of them."

Rahl folded his hands together over his stomach, fidgeting with his ring just as Narcisse would do, and then he approached you with a confident grin.

"If my father were to walk the earth again, I will just handle him once more. But with that said, Jareth merely opened the gates of hell. The dead do not have to return if they so choose. Being the coward my father is, I do not expect to see him. He has many enemies and many of his foes are the dead that have chosen to come back. You see, evil does not always play well with other evil. The living cannot kill them but the risen dead can indeed die by the hands of other dead. They won't all be a united army of allies. Some will kill each other and they can never return again. By the power of three times three, the twice born will see that twice dead is forever. Ashmole and those runes are not solely needed."

Your heart sank as you instantly thought of Thranduil. You knew he would never choose to be one of the dark ones, even if it meant being with you and his daughter. It was a feeling of relief but simultaneously the heaviest of heartaches. Your unanswered question to Legolas had been answered. You would not see your King again and the sadness of that vindication turned to anger.

"It will be needed for you and I will find it! I will bring Stephane back and he will help me rid of you and this curse upon him and myself. He's far from weak. His powers ignite mine and mine his."

Rahl chuckled in his amusement. "Yet you have no power. And he no more wants that book found than I do or he would have given it to you long ago."

You saw it in the wicked warlock's eyes. The real reason he chose to come back.

"Ahh, so that is why you are here. To probe Stephane's mind because he knows where Ashmole is and you don't."

"There are things we all do not know...Queen...Josephine." Rahl retorted with a smug grin, for he was now simply toying with you to distract you. "Tell me, how is that sweet child of mine, Lola?"

"What???"

"I thought that would get your undivided attention. Lady Lola, the meek one you have taken under your wing. She is my daughter. Her mother, Jocelyn, I believe you knew her quite well."

"You're...you're lying! You're just fucking with me because it gets you off to screw with people. Her mother can't be the Jocelyn I knew. How is that even possible??"

"Oh, it's very possible. There's so much you do not know but I'm not much up to explaining anymore to you, for your dirty words have made me feel a bit...aroused. I would most definitely love to fuck with you. It would easily get me off, yes. Maybe we could meet for a ...bath...later?" Rahl proposed in a slithering manner as he teased a lock of your hair between his fingers.

You realized you had stupidly set yourself up for that one and it now became clear to you that Rahl had all of Stephane's memories but Stephane did not have all of Rahl's from what Bash had explained. If it were even true, Stephane obviously didn't even know Lola was his daughter and you could see why Jocelyn wouldn't have told him. Did Rahl do to Jocelyn what he had just tried to do to Claude? And what about Sarah? How did she end up with Jocelyn and not Lola? Your mind was spinning like a top. And as far as the whereabouts of Ashmole, Stephane had it deeply hidden in his mind just as well as he had it hidden somewhere in his castle and you now understood as to why he didn't tell you where it was. Would it kill him too? Like Rahl said? Was Rahl really the sole proprietor of the body before you?

Forcing your thoughts away, you grabbed his wrist, the wrist that held the same butterfly birthmark as Stephane's.

"Don't you ever touch me without my permission. Just ask Stephane how that turned out for him once upon a time."

Chuckling again, Rahl ignored your warning and yanked you into his arms. "I don't have to ask him. I already know. You can abuse me. Trust me, I like being slapped."

The hot pepper of his breath and the voodoo in his dilated eyes, rendered you helpless in his firm grip. It was his poison inside of you. He was using it to his advantage and in that moment, you pleaded with Stephane.

"Stephane, I know you are in there. I know you can hear me. Help me, please. You are stronger than him. You are the real one, not him. You are the one that knows me and loves me. You fought him once when he attacked me in his beast form. You can do it again."

As your tearful eyes gazed into Rahl's cold ones, his pupils began to soften and his head dropped.

"Jo..my Jo? Is that you?" he whispered in struggled breaths.

"YES! Yes it is me Stephane. Fight him! You can do it!"

Rahl's head hung immobile for a few seconds and then it slowly rose with yellow eyes of the devil himself.

"You foolish witch!" Rahl reveled with a livid laugh. "Did you really think it was that simple? All I had to do was remind him of Haldir's lips on yours and it instantly shut him down. I am the one in control here and I want to taste once more what he had... and what I want, I get."

"You're the fool! Don't you mean what YOU had?? Since you're one and the same??? But you're NOT the same and he is proving it!"

Your rage was enough to push him off of you, but he grabbed you right back up, helpless once again and weaker, for his mental and poisonous power was draining you and Stephane knew it.

Suddenly, you were shoved with great force, onto your back as another ferocious cat appeared, but it wasn't the jet black panther, it was a snowy white tiger of illuminating beauty and gentle ice blue eyes that flickered in the firelight as they preyed upon yours with love.

You felt solace in that moment, even without ever knowing this side of Stephane, for you knew now and understood his symbolic ring he wore and his love of cats and you smiled at him courageously, knowing the giant black striped carnivore was no threat to you at all, but there to help you. Stephane's cowardly guards though, selfishly ran for their lives, slamming the door behind them. They must have faced the white tiger before.

You didn't know much about tigers, but what you did know was that they could not purr like a domestic cat, only roar. But this was different. This was magic. Stephane was magic. Soft, rumbling vibrations from the cat's throat echoed through the room as he approached you so humbly in a graceful, tender pace, trying not to frighten you.

When he reached you, Narcisse stood still, towering over your body as his peppermint breath tickled your nose and his blazing blue eyes slowly and softly blinked into yours, a cat's sign of trust. He then lifted his enormous furry forepaw and extended it towards your injured hand, gently grazing your fingertips with retracted claws and in that moment, light blue sparks flickered about as they always did when your hands would touch each other. The magic was still there and you knew what he was was trying to do. To heal you and bring yours back. He was the antidote to Rahl's venom, the light over the dark, the yang over the yin, but you soon would realize it was not the electricity you needed.

You removed your lace glove and bravely caressed his beastly chops and as you did so, your fingertips once again lightly sparked against him, bringing forth a sorrowful soft roar as he closed his eyes and nudged his head into your neck. You stretched your arms up and an embraced him tightly as you whispered into his sensitive ear.

" It's ok Stephane. This is not your fault. I knew you could hear me. I knew you could fight him, but for how long?? We will help each other. I will find a way. I won't let him hurt you. This is so crazy because you and he are the same being and I'm scared that if I hurt him, I will hurt you like he said would happen."

Narcisse stepped back, leaning one forearm inwards and bowed to you. You then understood that he was telling you to do whatever was necessary to defeat the dark lord. He then brought his wet snout to your hand and his tongue began to extend to lick your wound, making you realize it was his peppermint saliva that would counteract the venom....but it never happened.

Before his warm sandpaper papillae could reach your incision, a deathly looking man you had never seen before, with bold black hair like Rahl's, appeared out of nowhere and blew Silverbane into Narcisse's face.

You shook and cried as you helplessly watched Stephane paw at his eyes and roll around in pain, but it was short lived, for in a matter of seconds, an uninjured Darken Rahl stood before you once again....and that told you right there that he was not real, that he was not the one with the soul, but did that mean Stephane would not be harmed if Rahl were? None of it made sense because they shared the same skin, but...did magic ever make sense??

"So sorry to ruin your beautiful reunion." Rahl spoke with extreme sarcasm. "But the fun is over now. Stephane had his moment and let me assure you, it will never happen again. Let me introduce you to my faithful and loyal servant, Killer. A name quite deserving."

Rahl turned to the man you believed to be one of the resurrected and judging by his pale skin and the gray tint around his dark eyes, he had been dead for a very long time.

"A job well done as always, Killer....unlike Stephane's cowardly guards." Rahl commended with a snarl.

The man did not speak. He simply smiled and bowed his head.

"Now, where were we."

Rahl turned back to you, not expecting to see what he did.

"Never turn your back on a witch!" you exclaimed, holding the blade in an attack stance, that you had concealed under your dress, strapped to your leg.

A light breeze flowed over you from the open window above as the growing moon cast it's light over you, recharging you just as Stephane's touch did and illuminating a newly formed rune on your upper arm that meant courage in combat, although you did not know this yet or how it got there just like the one on your neck meaning strength and even though you knew this revitalization would be temporary, it could be enough time for you to show Rahl exactly who you were.

Rahl's smile was wide and his eyes thrilled. "A feisty one! I can see why Stephane was drawn to you. Desires you. A worthy opponent you are indeed. I too like games. A rare similarity he and I share. And I can see you and I share one as well. Clair de lune. (Moonlight).

He turned his back on you once more, to prove to you he did not fear you as he gazed up and the earth's neon night light, letting the rays shower over him through the crystalline prism in the window's center.

"Ahhhhh..." he softly and sensually moaned, rolling his eyes back as it struck him like a fortuitous wet dream while he too soaked the captivating energy into his body.

"The winter solstice will be upon us soon and last into the new year. Do you see the two constellations over the moon Josephine? The third will appear that night when the moon is full, a union of body, mind and spirit, forming a triangle of stability and power if the point is facing up, instability if down and reproduction if inverted, all symbolizing what Jareth has brought forth. A power like no other. Right now, all is unstable in the three week Sagittarius retrograde, causing all to rotate backwards, creating the negative energy I so love as it incites various wars of the world and mind."

The birthmark on your lower back was of identical triangular form and once again, it was burning. What was happening? Whatever it was, it was definitely inciting something in you. Something wicked.

"Well guess what Rahl? I'm a Sagittarius bitch!"

He turned back to you with a full grin of pearly whites.

"So, let us play, shall we. Winner gets choice of position. Personally, I like to take my prey from behind."

Rahl walked over to a table that a full length sword laid upon and as he ran his fingers over it, he noticed Killer glaring at you. He then raised his hand, shaking two fingers at him.

"Stay. I want to see what she's got."

Rahl fearlessly approached you with the blade in hand, lowered and hanging at his side and then he stopped about two arm lengths before you with a seductive smile as he leered into your angry eyes.

"To be fair, your short blade is no match for the one of my...length. Take this."

His sexual double standards were beginning to irritate you, enough so that it was even exciting you and that pissed you off even more. The only attraction you had to him was because he was Narcisse under that disguise.

"It is not the length that matters, it's how you use it." you riposted with a smug grin to match his innuendos.

"Ahhh clever one. That may be in the bedroom, but I assure you it is not for a game of fencing. Are you really that confident with your lack of experience? Afraid you can't handle a sword of such...size?"

You knew he was right. What experience did you have in a sword fight? You certainly lost to your King that day in the clearing with a short blade while training for the fight with the dark elves. Sure, Thranduil was the most skilled of elves with any weapon, so you never really had a chance to begin with and sure enough, with an invisible strike, he had knocked the blade clean out of your hand to prove it. With that thought, you then submitted to Rahl's offer.

You lifted your dress, revealing your bare leg to the eyes of a very attentive Rahl and placed your sword back into the strap, then, with pursed lips and a fixated stare, you swiped the sword from his hand.

"Come... with me my lady."

Rahl led you through an open back doorway of his chambers that led down a flight of stairs to a colossal cave like room filled with fire lit lanterns all over the stone walls and a dirt floor that appeared to be for fighting.

He then unsheathed his sword and smiled once, his eyes intrigued and possibly even intimidated as they remained locked in your intense gaze, then simultaneously, your blades loudly clanked as they united with two hard strikes, the jolt sending a painful numbing sensation through your hand and arm. This was nothing like your archery lesson with Stephane. Was Rahl trying to do the same? Teach you?

"Still want to continue, little one?"

"Don't you ever call me that!" you raged, thinking of Garrett, and swung at him again.

"Good girl Josephine...use that venom I gave you!"

Around in circles you both went, your feet scuffling through the dirt and your hits keeping up with his until one swift swing of his sword knocked yours to the ground and you found yourself pinned against a pillar with a blade to your throat.

"Why Josephine, I just don't think you're angry enough." Rahl snared through his teeth.

"Don't you know anger blinds you??"

Those were words of wisdom Thranduil had planted into your mind multiple times and you knew it to be so very true. Although, if used rationally, a skill quite hard to grasp in a bout of adrenalized rage, it could be an advantage.

An impromptu sock to his cock and another to his throat, freed you instantly and as Rahl huddled over gasping, you reclaimed your sword. As you swung it, his revival was perfectly punctual and round and round you both dueled again.

"Cheap trick Josephine. I love wicked witches. I like it rough. You would make me a splendid Queen in more ways than one." he huffed through the strikes as he began to physically sweat.

You had hit him where it hurt physically and now you would target his manhood mentally.

"I will never be your Queen, for your cock will never measure up to my King Thranduil's! Now that was a prize penis, you egotistical fuck."

The look on the warlock's pride scorned face was priceless to you and it gave you the opening you planned for.

With a screaming swift swipe, you knocked HIS sword to the ground this time.

As you pointed the piercing edge at his throat, his eyes widened and his pupils gaped of darkness like that of the panther you expected to soon encounter once again.

Instead...Rahl's angered lips formed into a grin and then...he was gone.

Behind you he appeared, stalking you like a cat ready to pounce. You spun around only to have your sword ripped from your hand as if he were a man sized magnet and then you were gripped firmly by the throat.

The electricity was still there between yours and Stephane's body and Rahl's hand lit up with blue bolts of audible energy, sending his own charged up packing punch right through you and then you could feel your feet leaving the ground as you were lifted by his stupendous strength.

"Chea..ter." you choked and gasped as you helplessly smacked and tugged at his magnetized fingers. "What happ..ened...to..f...fair? I...have no..m..m..magic."

"Oh, in my games, it is no holds barred. Let's see you get yourself out of this one...wise...witch! Better think fast before your lights go out." he viciously teased as held up your emerald pendant by it's severed chain with his other hand and chucked it across the room.

Think...it was something you now struggled with as the air was being snuffed out of you and your body pulverized by electricity. You had no lifeline now, nothing. Nothing but the unexpected and relentless rage that sparked in your very soul.

In that moment, your eyes filled with blood just as Garrett's had when you saw his true vampire form take over and attack Narcisse's guards. Was this coming from him?? Because you shared his vampire blood? Did Rahl's venom or electricity ignite it? Whatever it was, you could not control it.

Rahl lowered and released you, then he backed away in shock as you stood almost trance like with a death glare upon him and his servant.

Killer's black eyes and mouth gaped wide as did Rahl's. "It's the blood rage. She...she's a weaver! She can kill us both. Run my lord!"

Both warlocks raced up the stairs while you picked up your sword and pendant, then followed them at a casual, slow pace, as if you were under some spell, or maybe your mind just plain snapped like Stephane's once had? Your thoughts were clear but your ability to control your actions were gone. It was like something out of the movie Carrie....like you were possessed.

As you appeared in the doorway of Narcisse's chambers, Killer was gone and Rahl was standing in the middle of a pentagram painted in red on the floor, chanting some kind of spell. He whipped around when he sensed you and then blue flames suddenly erupted around him. It was then that you realized the cowardly warlock was dipping.

"AHHHHH!!!" you screamed and charged at him with your sword raised, proving your advice about irrational anger, for you weren't even thinking of how you could hurt Stephane if you hurt Rahl, but just as you swiped the blade at his face, Rahl threw his head back and disappeared.

Rahl made his way to a private corridor and stood befuddled as his fingers lightly traced the superficial slash on his cheek. He tried to regroup with his thoughts, for now they were all in a state of disarray at what he just witnessed. The wide warlock had no inkling whatsoever that you were a weaver and it became clear to him that you did not know either.

Moments after, two of his guards entered the room.

"My lord. Has something happened?"

"The witch Queen is a weaver." he muttered as he gazed at his reflection in the mirror.

"You mean...like a...spider??"

Rahl's head turned to him ever so slowly with a dumfounded look in his sullen eyes.

"No you oaf! But if she were...she would be a deadly one. A weaver is a witch with the only power to kill the dead, besides the dead themselves, either physically or by magic, without Ashmole and the runes, although she would still need it for the vast majority of them. She has the power to create any spell she chooses as well, but she is unaware of it. Now that I know what she is, I will be prepared to handle her as is, but she must never regain her powers. Especially with the blood rage gene inside of her. If only I had known about it before inducing it with my venom."

"If she can end your existence my lord, then why do you not just end hers? Besides, would she really hurt you and risk killing Stephane?"

"Look at my face you imbecile!! If I hadn't moved back in time, I would be headless!! It was the blood rage. If not for that, she would have been able to control her emotions. They make her strong but so very dangerous. She would never risk Stephane's life otherwise. I want her alive. She will be of great use to me. Keep a close eye on her while I am out. I need to go handle another situation in the city."

"Yes my lord."

The guards bowed and departed and soon, so did Rahl to hunt down his brother.

You were long gone from Narcisse's chambers, lost and wandering about the empty halls, dazed, confused and trembling as you came down from the adrenaline high.

You called out, pleading to Legolas in your mind as your feet shuffled along the floor, hoping he would hear you. He was all you had now in the entire world and you felt you may have lost him too after how you had treated him earlier. You didn't even know how it happened. It just...happened.

"Josie?? Where are you???" was the last thing you heard before you hit the ground.

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