Dearest Galacia...

[Malaroth]

I was, I must admit, flattered at the invitation to your private quarters. It is a great pity that one of your... stature... is occasionally reduced to such an inconvenience as timber cut and shaped by human hands. That is not a complaint I assure you. Rather it is an expression of my pity, for there should be nothing we have to stoop to save by some pleasurable distraction. Alas that those moments are few these days, and that we should see the sun set on our blood.

There was a time when children of fire did not bow to children of clay. There was a time when women despised you and men worshipped you. There was a time when you did not know the bitter, hateful bite of the Pit of Eternal Flame.

To be honest Galacia I'm not sure if you remember the former but I wish you could. There was neither sun nor moon. We lit up the sky with our own light and willingly shared it with any who would merely pay proper respect. That is, after all, what the Enemy wanted: the Right Ordering of Things.

I hope you remember the second. If not then I fear for your future, and the future of the unenlightened masses that may pull you down into the muck with them.

I know that you remember the third and that is, perhaps, my one, great regret. The only greater regret would be your unwillingness to forgive me, for which I cannot say I blame you. I have heard it said that with a new home comes a new beginning and, with it, new promises for the future. It is my hope that we can forge such promises together. I will even offer this as my first such pledge: I will restore that of which you were robbed.

As a gesture of good faith I ask only one thing in return.

There is a man of no immediate danger who could pose quite the problem to both of us in the future. There is still time and, therefore, no need of haste. However, there is only one possible future for him.

He must disappear.

I hope this letter finds you well. I await your response with great anticipation. Here is to the future, dearest Galacia; to the recovery of the past, to the security of the future and to the right ordering of things at last.

Sin'Vraal

[Galacia Tarin]

Obsidian talons traced over the parchment which rested delicately upon her knee. The Dream Witch reclined upon her favored pile of pillows which served as her bed since she had begun staying here at the Broken Dagger. Silk covered pillows in shades of red ranging from the deepest burgundy to the most vibrant arterial scartlet. Full lips pursed as soft hssing sounds issued forth.

"Lies. All lies."

These words spoken with a dark smile. He was a beautiful liar, as was she. Lies were what had kept the cattle in their thrall for so many years. Lies and torment. Fear and adoration.

She remembered. It was often what kept her coming back here. To once more bask in the lust of the men, and the hatred of the women. Far too long she had kept the company of the fleshlings. Far too long ago has it been that she had walked with those who were her equals.

Baie had been quiet for some time. Even the killings had stopped, though she never truly Believed he was behind them. It was the whelp Dhrin and his mewling followers who were behind it. Though there had been a few which had born the skill and artistry that could have been Baie's work.

Baie...had been her last connect to the world she had once known. Hajmat had reminded her of the horrors that her weakness had wrought, and still she walked with...as Sin had called them, the children of clay. Hajmat's message had been lost to her, so desperate she had been to once more regain the power she had once held over these foolish puppets. Baie had not returned, nto as she had hoped, and it was only the message of silence for Ariane Emory and her ilk, that had brought her back to this place.

On the chill wind that had raised the hair's upon the nape of her neck, had a ghost arrived. A long dead creature of whom she had thought to have seen the last. And yet, there he stood. Flesh and blood, venom and ambrosia.

This parchment spoke of the times they had known, of the memories they had kept. Though some were bitter, they at least retained ...flavor. So bland had the times become.

"Lillia...come. A letter, for Lord Vraal."

The servant approached, dropping to her knees before the Mistress of Nightmares. In hand were ink and quill, a sheaf of parchment also.

"Lord Vraal,

I remember. I remember all of these things. I also remember you for what you are, and do not mistake that my response is due to forgiveness.

We are more than others, you and I. Far too long has it been since I have known the company of one not unlike myself. For this, your presence is welcomed.

You speak of restoring to me what was taken, this bears further discussion. As does your human male who requires...attention. We should meet again, at your convenience. You know where to find me.

We shall perhaps share a bottle of wine, and drink to the righting of the order of things. If...you can convince me.

Always,

Galacia Tarin Talus ....Vraal"

A wave of her hand dismissed the serving girl.

"Deliver it. Immediately."

Still the dark smile set upon those lips, a flicker of a delicately forked tongue.

"We shall see...Sin. How much you have learned in these years. We shall see, if you are able to offer a bargain that shall interest me."