12 Master's Waiting Part 2

Keric chuckled at the little fox who had apparently decided not to struggle. There was no point in it even if he did. Ping looked away, pretending as if he wasn't currently being held in the air indecently by a wolf guard. The wolf smiled a lupine grin even in human form.

"Alright Keric, that's enough. You can let Ping in now." called a voice from within the study beyond their backs. Keric nodded and settled his 4 legged friend back on the ground. Ping glared up at him for a second before turning human. His expression made it clear he had caught onto Keric's game.

His little pink eyes were accusatory and angry as if he had been sorely wronged by the ebony beauty before him. Keric chuckled at him and straightened his own tunic, the red fabric elegant against his chiseled tan skin. The fox glared, but his eyes traveled over Keric's long black hair, sensual teasing expression and kind eyes.

"You… not worth it." the fox said, tucking a shoulder leangth white strand behind his ear before turning to the doorway, a letter griped in his hand. He took half a step before there was a light jerk on his deep purplish almost black tunic. Shooting a searing glare and a slight snarl at Keric, only to find his tunic was being straightened, the tie at the back fixed. He suddenly felt a bit sheepish and coughed "thanks."

Keric nodded, a slight shadow in his eyes as the pair walked into the study. The Temple of Shadows was overall a fairly bright themed place. Each room had color to pop against the dark stones and the study was no exception. Purples, blues and greens popped against dark warm greys and nearly black woods.

Behind a black wood desk, infront of the grand window into the valley of the Young Ones and beyond it the edge of the Forest of the Forgotten sat a man. His attention currently focused on the papers in front of him. A line of multi colored stones in his off hand twirling in the air about 4 inches off his palm. His gyrating fingers seeming to decide how the stones moved. His long shadowy hair being combed and woven by little Squirrel spirits who tended to cause mischief when they were left to their own devices.

"Cleo, Zak that's enough. You may leave." he ordered and the two squirrels nodded, dashing down the chair and out the door as the man set his pen down, and looked up at the pair walking in. Long ago, his shadow eyes failed to affect his loyal servants. The dark orbs twisting in their sockets the only thing maring is extraordinary beauty. Like dark smooth glass marbles that could magnify the souls of all he set them on.

The hand settled the stones on the table and reached toward Ping. The man hurried forward and placed the purple envelope into his hand. A smile cracked the Master's smooth lips as he turned the cool paper over in his hand. The words written on the front gave him a smile.

"Yes, Master. The Lady looks well in health and is growing to be a fine specimen. Any man would be proud to have her." Ping replied, and then stopped. The look on his Master's face became a bit cold and he thought perhaps it's best to stop now.

Keric placed his palm to his forehead and massaged his temples. 'When would little Ping Learn to stop while he's ahead?' He wondered silently before glancing back at the Master.

"it seems she sent us a soul, shall we hear what she says?" he asked glancing at the pair who nodded. Both dutifully checked to make sure no one was outside the door or within the room.

"yes my Lord, as you wish." Keric replied once he was sure their duty was done. The Master began by slipping his nail beneath the seal and slowly opening it.

A silvery grey mist poured from within the packet, swirling and dancing with the vibrancy of life. Slowly it formed in the air to become a woman's face, a soft smile on her lips pressed to the stone. Her Heart stone.