The Lord of Chaos and Dreams bowed his head to the being who stood before him. As an immortal and a demi-god, he was unused to subjecting himself to anyone. In the case of the Lady of Death, however, he could make an exception.

The Lady stood regal in the midst of her realm, surrounded by souls of the departed. An invisible breeze stirred the shimmering black hair that fell in a darkling cloud to her feet. Her eyes were as endless as the midnight sky. Her voice, when she spoke, was deceptively soft and fey. “Thank you for answering my call, Teluvian.” She bespoke the Lord of Chaos with a slight nod of her head.

“My purpose is but to stand at your right hand, Ina'verei.” he murmured in reply. “What is your wish, Lady?”

Death tilted her surreally beautiful head, contemplating her servant. “My left hand has been informed me that you’ve gone seeking the Elementals again, Teluvian.” she remarked with illusory casualty.

Teluvian felt himself growing tense. “So,” he answered tightly. “Misery has been telling tales, has she?”

Ina’verei merely raised one raven-wing eyebrow at him. “Is it true?”

Teluvian knew he could not lie. “Yes.”

The Lady of Death made a sound of impatience. “I’ve warned you against this before, Chaos. You know the dangers.”

“It is the danger that I pursue.”

“Too much could go wrong, Teluvian. I have my own superiors to answer to, as well. They would not be pleased.”

Teluvian forced himself to keep his head down, and not reveal his emotions. “You know my nature. How can I deny myself?” he said with forced lightness.

“I merely ask that you be ‘ware. The Elementals are… unpredictable.”

“I understand, my Lady.”

“Good. You may return to your Dreaming Realm.”

Teluvian bowed one last time, then mentally caught the thread that opened the portal between realms. Outside, his face was like a carved statue. Inside, his mind was seething. How dare Denach spy on him? The pursuit of the elementals was his own concern. He snorted to himself. Misery had nothing better to do, he supposed. He shook his head. It made no difference. He’d read the signs and the dreams. The Elementals were upon the mortal’s realm. This time, he would not fail to find them.