[Elise]

Walking down market street, Elise adjusts the brightly colored scarf at her neck. She moved it higher so it covered her mouth. With the end of summer and coming of fall, the weather became cold. Elise was prone to getting colds in cold weather.

Shops of all sizes fill market street, drawing customers in with their long windy paths. Elise eyed an alleyway with a street vendor, who beckoned her over. The seller grinned, revealing missing teeth and a gold front tooth. Smiling weakly, she turned away and pointedly continued onward.

To her surprise and dismay, the Cosy Cafe was closed. Elise let out a small "nuuu" when she saw the large status sign. How could it be closed? She MISSED the good food. Who'd know when the owner would come back? Puffing out an annoyed breath, Elise turned and made her way back toward the box shop.

"Hey Girly! Would you like to buy a bracelet?" called the same gold toothed vendor as she passed him once more.

Not wanting to be rude and ignore him, Elise lifted a hand and waved while shaking her head. No.

A pattering sound. Something lukewarm dropped onto her hand and forearm. Her stomach lurched with revulsion. The red liquid dripped toward the ground as Elise bit back a shriek. Looking upward, then around her, she saw nothing but a trail of the red stuff. Joining two fingers with her thumb, Elise felt the strange liquid. Blood, as she expected. "Oh. My...Xanth..." she said in a high pitched, nearly hysteric voice.

She began to run, looking for the nearest water fountain. Amid the confusion and strange stares of people looking at her bloodied hand, Elise heard the sound of the vendor. "But my bracelets are LUCKY!"

[Belle]

Belle was in one of her wandering moods, and after a good hour, found herself wandering the streets of the marketplace. She just drifted along, letting herself be drawn in by the vendors she passed without ever intending to buy anything. She hadn't even noticed anything out of the ordinary when she heard a soft plip, and saw something red on the ground next to her. She couldn't quite tell what it was, and bent down to get a closer look, when she heard Elise's screams and saw the girl running. Right towards Belle. Only just getting out of the way, Belle wondered if she should run after Elise, but settled for yelling as loud as could at the steadily retreating figure.

Elise? Elise?! What's wrong?! Where are you going? Elise didn't seem like the irrational, impulsive (slightly mental) type, but then again, this was a whole new world, where almost nothing was what it seemed to be.

[Elise]

Barely dodging past another blonde human, Elise pinpointed a drinking fountain and stopped beside it. With a shaky hand, Elise pushed the knob for the water to run over her extended arm.
"Elise? Elise?! What's wrong?! Where are you going?"
As she rinsed the blood off of her forearm, Elise turned toward her acquaintance. "It's raining blood," she said with a shaky voice. Realizing that blood really did drop from the air, she let out a short, hysteric giggle. It was so long since she last saw this much blood. She'd almost forgot the experience from the scorpion.

[Belle]

As Elise spoke, Belle quickly reassed her opinion on Elise's mental state. Something was wrong.

Blood? Uhm, alright then. Where did this... blood come from? Suddenly, it dawned on her. That red stuff on the cobblesontes- that was blood! Elise was right! Was this one of the 10 plagues, revisiting them? She had read about that, in her Egyptology class! Excited, she questioned Elise.

Did you see anything unusual before the blood appeared? Like, omens, portents, anything?

[Dialto]

Dialto stepped out of Jade's Jewelry shop, fingering his ring. He was lost in thought about those initials: EK, when suddenly he heard a high pitched scream and a girl ran past him. So, they do let just anyone into Elysia, don't they? Even the crazies. He laughed, and followed behind the running girl a bit. She was stopped by another girl, and Dialto heard bits of their conversation.
raining... blood... unusual...
Blood, hmm? This girl really is crazy.
Excuse me, he said, you think you saw blood coming down from the sky? Are you quite sure you're sane? He didn't care what the girls thought about what he said.

[Belle]

When the newcomer appeared, Belle whirled around, her deep brown curls flying. When she saw the demon, she stopped abruptly, her mouth forming a small o. As her hair began to settle around her face, she spoke as if she were almost scared of him.

Why, why... Yes, I am just as sane as you or the next person.And if you don't beleive me, then why don't you just see for yourself?! Belle's voice began to grow louder and stronger as she spoke, like she was gathering her courage as she went. Then, when she had finished, she bent down, wiped her finger through the nearest puddle of blood, and held up the finger to the Demon's face.

There. Proof, Monsieur Doubting Thomas. Satisfied? Her blue eyes snapped with annoyance- he felt he had a right to come in and suddenly discount everything she and Belle had just experienced because he didn't like the idea? Jerk.

[Dialto]

So there was blood. Well, this is quite interesting. And, boy, did she get riled up about it. But I wasn't even talking to her...

I'm sorry I've upset you so much, mam, He emphasized the last word. But I wasn't talking to you in the first place. I was talking to your friend. And anyways, just because you've proven there's blood, that says nothing about your sanity. A sly smile snuck onto his face. Then his voice got a little softer, and as he spoke, he looked thoughtful. So, blood from the sky you say? How interesting...

[Belle]

Belle barely resisted the sudden, strong urge to slap the grin off the demon's face. There was something about him that was just censored her off. And she didn't get -yoinks- off easily.

Well, excuse me. I'm so sorry to have assumed you deigned to speak to me, a lowly human She practically spat out the last word, knowing how much in contempt those of her kind were held by the Others.

And yes. Blood raining from the sky is interesting. In fact, it is so interesting that it is listed as one of the ten plagues of Ancient Egypt. That would be why I, "Belle the Egyptian Freak from Hell", am so intrigued about what's going on. Her cheeks had coloured as she ranted, giving you some indication of where her name came from, and she had become so entrenched in her anger that she had even referred to herself with the derogatory title her fellow classmates had given her. As Belle ended her rant, she was blinded by a brilliant glint of light. As she shielded her eyes, she couldn't help but wonder if she were being punished for some reason. When the light disappeared, so did her Egyptian notions of punishment by the gods. Xanth wouldn't deign to notice or take any interest whatsoever in the squabblings of her little underlings. As she thought these things, she noticed the source of the silver light. It was a ring, and Belle immediately realized he must be married, or engaged. Why else would a man wear a ring? Making her way to the lip of a nearby fountain, she sat down, her skirts spreading around her legs like silken water. Running her hand through the water, Belle quietly contemplated this latest realization. She had never met a married Elysian, and didn't even know that Elysians got married. Furthermore, who would be able to stand the demon? Her head snapped up from her gaze into the water, and she asked sharply

What is your name? If we are going to bicker like this, at least tell me your name so I can go home and put an Egyptian curse on you, like I am always threatening my classmates with.

[Dialto]

Dialto was fairly taken aback by the human's reaction. He hadn't meant to upset her so much, just to play with her a bit.
This time, when he spoke, his voice was gentle. I'm sorry. I didn't even know you were a human. I thought you were a nymph.
Ah, so her name was Belle. Dialto silently sounded it out, and he liked the way it felt. That secretive smile crept across his lips again.
My name's Dialto, at your service, he said, offering his right hand.
He noticed Belle's attention draw from his face to his left hand. That darn ring... he thought, and moved his hand behind his back, out of view.
So, an Egyptian curse, huh? He laughed. And what kind of curse, exactly, do you plan to put on me? It's already rained blood, as you've insisted, so what else is there to do? He smiled, and looked down at Belle. He considered sitting down next to her, but in light of recent events, it did not seem wise.
My, what beautiful curls she has. Such a rich color too. And those blue eyes... but they only look at me in hatred. Must work on that.

[Belle]

Taken aback at the sudden change of tone, Belle returned her gaze to the water. He thought she was a nymph? Ick. Cheesy times ten. When he extended his right hand, then quickly withdrew his left hand, Belle wondered what that was to mean. Was he embarassed by his status? Or was he trying to hide it from her? Odd.

Well, Dialto, is it? Belle eyed the hand, still extended. Her eyes traveled up to meet Dialto's, which seemed to be making a journey of their own. Suddenly self-concious, she blushed once more, then forged on ahead, mentally and voaclly listing all the ways she could curse Dialto.

There are the frogs everywhere, then the lack of an afterlife. Also, I could send your world into eternal night. Also, you could mysteriously have all the blood drain from your body. Of course, there's always that good old standby- the love spell so powerful that you are helpless against it, and you become utterly consumed with the desire for that one person, no matter what you previously thought about them. My mother's ancestors were priests and priestesses of the Eyptian Gods; I have thousands of curses and incantations in my memory. She let a delicate smile play across her face as she ran a hand across her slip dress. Let him decide wether she was joking or not. Tucking a loose curl behind her ear, she surreptitiously checked whether or not her wild curls had escaped the ribbon she had wrangled half her hair into. Belle had added extra security by pinning the bow with an old piece of costume jewelry, and it glinted as the light reflected off of the water. She had been wearing the half up, half down style more often lately- much easier to manage.

[Dialto]

Noticing the refusal of his hand, Dialto quickly drew it back. Ah, that voice is getting a little more playful now. And perhaps the eyes?
He laughed in response to Belle, saying Well, that is quite a bit of curses you have lined up there. I think the frogs may be best, I rather like the little fellows. For the third time, that smile came across his face, and this time, it didn't leave.
Dialto took a slight step forward, and added, Or maybe the love spell? Absolute desire sounds like somewhat of a challenge, don't you think? He raised his eyebrows suggestively and gestured his hand to the spot on the fountain next to Belle. Mind if I sit down?
As he watched Belle adjust his hair, he wished that his hands could be hers. Her hair looked so smooth, and he almost failed to resist the urge to reach out and touch it himself.

[Belle]

When Dialto asked if he could sit down, Belle scooted aside to make a spot for him. A bit ridiculous really, as the fountain had more than enough space for them both to sit comfortably. Gesturing to the spot she had just vacated, she replied

All yours. Smiling amicably back at Dialto, Belle added

Obsessive love is rather easy to create, even if it is the most dangerous love of all. Personally, I've always wanted to try and create obsessive love. It intrigues me how someone could be so manipulated by a false emotion. Then again, I'm so sensitive that the thought of controlling someone repels and disgusts me as much as it intrigues me. I can't help it. Languidly, she drew her delicate little hand through the cool, blue water of the fountain, her blue eyes following the progress of her fingers intently, as if she should lose track of them, something horrible would happen.

[Criera]

Criera walked out of the box shop, clutching her new box close. I love it! It's so perfect, she thought.
Her mind traveled back to her sister as she walked. All the horrible rumors she had heard, they couldn't be true, could they? All the blood...
Speaking of blood, she unknowingly stepped in a puddle of it as she was walking by the fountain. Her feet slipped out from under her, and she fell, dropping the box to the ground. Owww, she moaned, and then quickly stood up, grabbing her box. The blood left a large red stain on the back of her dress. Criera twisted, looking at it sadly, and almost fell again. Not willing to embaress herself anymore, she ran to the portal to go back to her sanctuary.

[Dialto]

Dialto was mildly surprised when Belle moved over to make room. He hadn't expected her to let him sit. He sat down, perhaps closer than Belle may have liked. If I'm going to do anything, I best put out my feelings now before they build up anymore.
He laughed at Belle's comment, and replied softly, But don't you ever wish you could have that kind of power? Anything you wanted would be there for you immeadiately, and you wouldn't have to worry about the cost. It would be a rather great experiment.
When she turned away, trailing her fingers in the water, he turned with her, so his chest was almost against her back, but not quite. He dropped his own fingers in the water, and dared his to touch hers.
But before he could build up the courage, he heard a small thump and a moan. He looked over to see a small angel laying on the ground in a pool of blood. He laughed, his laugh cold and hard. He leaned into Belle and whispered, What a stupid little angel. Sometimes I wonder how such foolish creatures manage to even live. He laughed again. Thank goodness neither of us are like her. I think I'd rather die than live like that.
His mouth was so close to her ear that he only needed to lean in a little bit more for contact. But for whatever reason, he couldn't make himself, though his lips ached for a soft touch.

[Belle]

When Dialto moved in, a bit too close, Belle began to get nervous. Married men shouldn't be acting like this. She uneasily let it be, not sure how to react. However, when he whispered such cruel things about the poor angel who had just happened by and been unlucky enough to slip in blood, Belle knew her course of action clearly. She whipped around to face Dialto, her mouth almost meeting his. She hadn't know he was THAT close. Drawing back with an involuntary hiss, Belle's eyes burned with an almost frightening intensity. He thought that he, a married man, could take such liberties with her, and then insult an innocent, unsuspecting bystander and get away with it? Oh ho ho, he was sorely mistaken. Standing up abruptly, Belle gave Dialto a proper dressing down.

Excuse me, I didn't know this was the day for unhappily married men to take advantage of unsuspecting innocents. I sincerely apologize for my being so accomodating to you. You, who are awful and abuse others as if they don't have feelings themselves. You disgust me. For good measure, Belle slapped the demon as hard as she could, a loud smacking sound ringing throughout the street and echoing off of the closely packed buildings on either side. She stood there breathing heavily, her cheeks flushed and several tendrils of hair framing her face. She could have cared less about how picturesque and lovely she looked when she got angry; she only wanted to be away from where she was as soon as possible.

(gm permish)

[Dialto]

Dialto was stunned when Belle slapped him. It left a stinging on his face, and a ringing in his ears. Ow, he said silently. It was only then that he began to proccess what had happened. Her lips, her beautiful luchious lips, were so close to his. But she hadn't liked that; she had pulled back. Her eyes, which he had just started to soften, had even more hatred than he thought possible. And what was it she said? Something about taking advantage, and treating others badly. He sighed inwardly, and started to muster up the most sincere apology he could. As he started though, something else that she had said hit him. She had called him a married man! Before he could stop himself, he said, A married man?! You think I'm a married man?! What in Xanth's name would lead you to believe that? He knew he should have gone for the apology, but it would mean nothing if she thought he was married.
He looked at her, and even in her anger, she looked amazing. He wanted desperately to brush back the hair that fell in her face.

[Belle]

Her chest heaving less and less with each breath she took, Belle's fury simmered to an even more dangerous level of quietly calm poison. It did not serve you well to anger Belle; this was difficult, true, but when it happened, it was impossible to remedy the situation. Stalking across the cobblestones, her heels clicking on the stone as she went, Belle levelled her poisonous gaze with Dialto's indignant one, and refused to let go. Arriving at Dialto, she grabbed his hand and shook it in his face.

This. She hissed This ring you are wearing right here. Now get your sleazy self out of my sight. Belle planted a surprisingly strong hand in the center of Dialto's chest, and pushed him backwards. Turning away, she glided back across the street and to the portal. She could care less if he fell into the fountain; all she knew was that she had to start choosing better guys. Hot, angry tears born of the humiliation she felt from letting herself be used like this began to pool in her eyes, and she willed herself not to let them fall. All Dialto had done was try and use her, and then insulted someone else in her presence. That wasn't that bad, was it? But Belle couldn't help it. Her innate kindness just wouldn't let her tolerate such abuse. It wasn't right.

(gm permish )

[Dialto]

Dialto flung out his arms when he was pushed, flailing about. He was helpless, though, to stop from falling in the fountain. He fell backwards, and almost hit his head on the bottom. Embarressed, he stood up, soking wet, and dragged himself out of the fountain. He walked away, leaving wet footsteps and drops every where he went.
He looked resentfully down at his hand, where he was still wearing his ring. This stupid thing. She think's I'm married because of it. Me! Married. What a laugh. This ring was supposed to be good, supposed to remind me of her. Instead, it lost me the only good thing I've seen around here so far.
Man, I really messed up this time. Would it kill me to be nice? I have to make this right somehow. First I'll have to prove I'm not married, but fat chance of her believeing me. And then I'll have to apologize.... she'll probably want me to track down that angel and apologize to her too. Is it even worth it? I mean, she's just a girl. But that face... there's even something about her personality I like. Weird.
With all these thoughts running through Dialto's head, he went back to the sanctuary to change into some dry clothes.

[Nymphadora]

Nymphadora walked down the streets of the market place.. If she wanted to get back to her roots, first thing was first. She needed an outfit, one she wouldn't be recoginized in. And one no one would expect her to ever wear. One like Kaida's. She'd took the care to go to a local shop and type up her letter as she worked with Zephyr daily, and he would probably know her handwriting.

Stopping a few shops down from Zephyr's, she paused to check her clothing. She was wearing what she'd worn to go into the Jade refinery. And although it covered her entire self, she didn't want to take any chances. She wore this as a precaution to the precaution she was about to take. As she looked around, she saw a young Anyeli, maybe 9 or 10. He was using a twig to prod at an angry cat trying despratly to flee. Frowing a tad, Nymphadora hit two birds with one stone. She would get the boy to help her, and free the cat from being tourtured.

Walking over to him, she crouched down. Having fun? She said softly. She must have scared the crud out of him, because he jumped back a foot and droped his twig. In doing so, the cat saw its opportunity and took off in a dead runn flying past them. As she watched the boy watch the cat, he turned back to her and tried to stutter an apolgy. Shaking her head, she just smiled at him. Hey, can you do me a favor? Take this note into that shop over there, and give it to a man named Zephyr. Then wait for a note to bring back to me. She said pointing at his shop. If you do it in a hurry and don't tell him who sent you, then i'll give you $10. OK? She asked.

The boy nodded eagrly and took the note from Nymphadora's hand, running toward the shop. A few minutes later the young Anyeli came back and held out the note and left his hand open for his money. Did you deliver the letter? The boy nodded yes. Did you say who it was from? He shook his head no. Ok then. Thank you very much. Nymphadora took the note then handed him a $10. She watched him as he grabed it and ran off to the sweets shop. Shaking her head with a smile, she watched him leave. Looking down at the not, she opened it.

(Ooc: G-mod of an NPC with permish from meh!)

[Scarlett]

Scarlett nodded as she followed her brother's gaze into the jam packed cafe. Slightly pleased by the turn of events - she wouldn't have been able to eat much while she was this excited she turned around to face her brother.
"Ok then. The suprise first it is then!"