Her arm fell heavily to her side, the light weapon seeming fifty times it's normal weight. Blood beaded slowly down the weapon to it's point. Her head tilted to one side, her eyes focusing on the "sleeping" figure before her.

Crysta's voice broke the serene silence in tones that equaled no more than a whisper. "Dance.. Final dance for Him, now you dance away..."

The music in her mind played a loud disonant chord breaking the peace.

Hand clenched to her temples, she rocked back and forth. Trying to stay calm. She must only hear the music when it was time to dance, when it was time to send wayward souls to Fatale, or when her blade must be raised to defend her House. Ka'vanth.

The Chord played again.

She felt his hands on her shoulders, not being able to hold in the warm smile to echo how she felt inside. He was poetry in motion, yet his heart was fierce and strong. Together they were already making plans for the future, even though her path led to Eclipse and his to the tower, they would not be deterred. Her fingers had caressed the strings of the harp as they talked away the night, she began her composition, a tune that would do well for impending battle against the Shalonesti one day. He had leaned close, whispering words his breath hot against her ear and throat.

The Chord played again.

The spirit of Dintaire threatened the House and Crysta knew why, but felt helpless to aid in any way. She had not advanced far in her bardic training to be much aid to those around her who had improved skills. Again. That angered her. Nactonees, a young elven male, was deeply endangered by the escaped shade, yet Crysta's mind could not shake what Ursah had told her. The Matron had Tuathan's journal. That her beloved had crawled to the Vallenwood to die. Not the recon that would have provided information for all they had planned out. He had crawled... She barely remembered heaving the harp at the nearby wall, even less aware of the pieces flying or Zhaneal's shocked gasp. But her reason for music was gone.....

The Chord played again.

Cradling the broken pieces she had fled to the courtyard of Fatale's temple, kneeling before the statue. A cold fog already descended over her, the only feeling she could identify with. Her long fingers clawed at the ground repeatedly until there was sufficient space to place the pieces within. As she replaced the earth in the hole over the once beautiful instrument, she prayed.

"I know You punish me. I put music before everything else. And my love as well. But all is broken. They have left me never to return, what is left I give to You. Let what music I hear guide me to those You wish with you. I know You will not leave me....

The Chord played again.

When she woke, she walked in a haze to the trainer and explained she would not be back. Crysta did not remember the walk to the academy. When she held the sword they offered her for the first time, she heard music. A waltz. She could hear the monsters in their cages under the lulling melody of the music. Her pulse had quickened. The music swelled, calling her.

Holding the blade before her, blade down, she placed both hands on the hilt and danced around. It was time to begin again. The Chord played again, this time softer, yet still in conflicting tones

Crystabella danced with her partner into the nearby cage, confident that Fatale had sent her a companion that would not leave her.