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| Cloak-and-dagger | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 27 2011, 09:44 PM (434 Views) | |
| Shadryn Kyros Aurion | Jan 27 2011, 09:44 PM Post #1 |
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The vampires of Siaraia had always been an esoteric lot ever since they had emerged on the Enthesian political scene, but lately their secretive tendencies had been drastically magnified. It seemed that the standing guard had been at least tripled, and none outside of the Children of Blood were allowed to even set foot in the city, let alone even approach Lasymor. The city’s black marble streets glinted with the shine of steel, with the razor edges of sharpening swords and newly made spears. These were the fangs not of predation, but of war. The entire city bristled with the hushed, hastened preparation that accompanies readying for battle seemingly out of nowhere. It made no sense, but intrinsic motivations were secondary to the threat that such a sudden mobilization presented to stability in Enthesia. Such a threat was bound to attract attention, and indeed this was the case. Shadryn had always been a queer sort of leader, preferring to keep active on the front lines and accomplish the most important tasks himself. It kept his wits about him and his skills honed, but consistently kept him away from Eolyn and irritated his subordinates, even if they would never dare show it. As such, the Nephillim had poked and prodded about the edges of Siaraia and all over the surface above as he sought a clandestine access into the city. Although he was curious what had incited this sudden show of aggression, so far the fanged bloodsuckers were generally keeping mum about the specifics. The real purpose of this visit was to assess the probability of an imminent attack from Siaraia, possible locations for that attack, and its approximate nature and strength. And though Indira seemed to be doing all in her considerable power to make Siaraia airtight, light always seemed to find a way to slip and slink in through the cracks. As it turned out, there was such a crack that, conveniently enough, vampires were loathe to be near. And thus it was, for an instant and a half, that a sudden shadow had blocked out the light of midday and descended upon the Altar, like a hawk on its prey. It was a bit alarming at first how simple it had been once Shadryn had found the hole that let sunlight splash onto the Altar far below. Not only was it something of a backdoor entrance into Siaraia, but vampires tended to avoid it like the blood of a dead man not only because of the intense, tortuous sunlight that poured onto it but for the residual dread that always accompanies a place of such pain. The combination of these factors produced a shocking simple entrance for one who could survive the considerable fall, such as any creature with wings. Since gaining entrance, Shadryn had made his way into the city proper. He had found that the hood of his white surcoat sufficiently obscured his face that he could pass for a Siaraian native at a sufficient distance. Naturally pale of complexion with a wiry physique typical of vampires, so long as he kept away from heavily populated areas and along the fringes of the streets, none were the wiser. He was that shapeless, nameless thing seen at the corner of one’s vision, the thing that was forgotten the moment after the second glance. Shadryn had perfected this technique, that of being everyone and no one, throughout his tenure as Shachath. If Indira had thought that a few guards could keep someone as skilled as he at subterfuge out of her precious city, then she was sadly mistaken. She is also mistaken if she thinks she assumes that either Eolyn will not intervene were she to attack Enthesia or she will be able to defeat us. I know Indira is no fool, so she must have some sort of plan… Gentle, concentric ripples distorted the surface of Indira’s fountain, spreading out from the fingertip of Shadryn’s black leather gauntlet. The Angel’ohim was perched on the edge of the fountain like a brooding, hunched crow, shadowed eyes peering deep into the bloody depths. Though oftentimes the fountain entertained a significant patronage, it was still midday on the surface so many of Siaraia’s number were sleeping. Not that they necessarily had to sleep during the day in such a place as this, but they certainly had to sleep sometime and since Siaraian natives had to leave the comforts of their city to eat, many had adapted to the clock of the outside world. At any rate, the fountain was deserted except for the solitary, silent figure of the disguised Angel’ohim, inconspicuously brooding over the flowing, crimson depths. But far be it from considering the fountain beautiful as vampires did, Shadryn actually had to suppress a mild disgust in order to accomplish his ends. Composed entirely of black marble as it seemed everything in Siaraia was, the fountain was a minatory monument to Indira’s offspring and the gruesome nature of vampirism. The Nephillim genuinely pitied children who had been born into such a curse, even if none in the city considered it such. Still, he wasn’t here to brood or to pity. Rather than actually being lost in the bloody ripples and minute tides, Shadryn was actually carefully examining the reflection of Lasymor, the great ebony expanse of which began at doors a mere stone’s throw from where the Angel’ohim currently sat. In the current climate, anyone who seemed to be closely examining Lasymor as if to analyze its defenses or combat readiness drew suspicion, but the way Shadryn was angled allowed him a decent view of the castle in the surface of the fountain even if it was devoid of color contrast. The Nephillim saw all that he needed, too. The guards were even more plentiful at the castle’s gates, and inside he could here the unmistakable sounds of an army: clinking weapons, shouts and snarls of combat, the footfalls of synchronized, armored feet. They suggested an organization that Shadryn hadn’t expected, and he even supposed that the army size could be significantly larger than the Cherubim had advised him. Even so, he appraised that such a force was not beyond Eolyn’s legendary combat strength. However…Indira had to know this, and thus it could be that she planned to marshal one or more of the other races of the Under beneath her crimson banner, and if so there could be a greater threat than anticipated. Feeling the heated gaze of one of the castle guards on the side of his hooded head, Shadyn suppressed his revulsion and sank a gauntleted fist into the blood, cupping a small amount in the palm of his hand and raising it to his lips as if to drink. Instead, though, he angled his body away from the guard inconspicuously and let the blood flow out between his fingers and back into the fountain. He still pretended to drink to keep up the masquerade, but of course the simple thought of ingesting a fluid that had once provided life to a vivacious creature, very probably a human being, was almost maddening to consider. I cannot stay for much longer. I’ll poke around Lasymor a bit more, and then get back to the Altar. Eolyn must be informed of Siaraia’s strength and if I am discovered here, things do not bode well for me and possibly even worse for Enthesia. Edited by Shadryn Kyros Aurion, Mar 25 2011, 01:58 AM.
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| Salem Xavier | Apr 2 2011, 03:15 AM Post #2 |
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Midnight's Temptress
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It was this that the Grave Witch lived for. So much to do, so little time. Siaraia had been bustling as of late, gate brimming with soldiers, warriors, visitors from neighboring settlements. All prepared to battle under the Crimson Banner. Tirin, hard work, but nothing less than the Vampiress wished for. The onset of this one, well it still shocked her at times, visions of that scene at the Altar haunting her thoughts now and again. But never did she doubt the Blood Mother's intentions, know that such things were done for good reason and should hardly be questioned. It would all be for the better, she knew. Off and on the hooves of her steed came and went from the Halls of Blood, traveling both near and far to assess means, modes, and locations of their first attacks. Salem found herself eager to be home, the comfort of Siaraia coupled with the preparation for war too enticing to stray from for long; and only the order of her Queen could have forced her out. But the assignment was now done, information dutifully gathered by herself and a band of fellow witches, all on backs of dreadsteeds as they re-entered the city. With crimson gaze staring proudly forward, Salem rode through the streets, nodding at guards and allowing a smile to slip here and there as those who were actually awake rejoiced in their return. Crimson robes hugged her form, draped over the white flesh of her decorated steed. Similar each witch looked, beautiful, sensual, deadly in every way. The perfect bait and even better weapon. Slowly the clicking of hooves carried her through the city, toward Lasymor where an official report would be made; but Salem hardly paid attention as her gaze roamed, took in all the faces she'd sorely missed, her steed slowing up to fall behind the others as she surveyed her home. Closer and closer they came to the great keep, Salem's gaze slowly turning back to face her destination, catching something strange in the process. A form she didn't recognize, a figure that felt both familiar and foreign all at once. Clothed in white, sitting at the very fountain she often frequented. Something was...off. Internally she could feel it clear as day. Her gaze narrowed, lips pursing just so, double rows of fangs threatening to show themselves. Orias' steps fell to an even slower trot as her fellow Witches all but left her behind. Hardly did she notice, though, as she all but stopped in front of the figure. She couldn't see his face, as he was turned away from her, but still something hardly felt right. "Good day." She spoke slowly, waiting. |
| Shadryn Kyros Aurion | May 30 2011, 07:58 PM Post #3 |
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”Good day.” The voice from behind came amidst the cacophonous onslaught of noise rising from around Lasymor, the roaring din of a rising war. Of course Shadryn had heard the approach of the hellish steed that now snorted and pawed the ground at his back, but he had elected not to acknowledge it. His situation was very delicate, and he patiently mused over it as he watched rivulets of blood run through the valleys and crevices in the palms of his worn gauntlets. He found himself curious where this blood, this nectar of life, came from. Surely it had once flowed through the veins of some creature, and judging from the way vampires loved to drink it, he had a feeling he knew what manner of creature it was. How horribly grotesque, that such a life-giving and miraculous substance should be twisted into mere decoration for passersby to admire. If it does come to war, I will see this hideous display destroyed by the end, if I have to grind it into rubble myself. It was only now, after several long seconds had elapsed, that Shadryn turned his head to look upon the newcomer. He peered at her out of the corner of his vision, around the edge of his hood such that she could see but a glint of his eye. It was fortunate that she could not see the way the muscles in his jaw tightened and the light behind his eyes became a hard leer when he recognized the vampiress, because despite these things his voice was serene enough to prevent arousing suspicion. “Same to you, Grave Witch. Come to sample a bit of this fountain.’s....earthly pleasures?” The voice that emerged from behind the hood was scarcely traceable to the Angel’ohim. Though not remarkable by any means, it was disguised with a touch of vampiric accent, just enough to support his disguise as “just one of the crowd” down in Siaraia. Shadryn had to admit that his accent was not the best, so he compensated by also making his voice deeper and even more unrecognizable. Of course, it would have to be the loathsome bitch he had met in Malozari, while brooding in the Forbidden Valley. Of all the vampires in this Sol-forsaken hellhole (other than Indira herself of course, who Shadryn had a less-then pleasant correspondence with), it was likely only her that could recognize the Angel’ohim for who and what he really was. Their meeting was some time ago, but not long enough that he felt at all confident she had forgotten his face. Apparently I have done something to spite someone up there, if not Sol and Luna themselves. Either that, or Lady Luck is just being the cruel whore she always has been. But how shall I deal with this other whore who besets me? For the moment, Shadryn turned his head away from Salem once more, casually gazing back towards the fountain in a clandestine effort to hide his face. He was already casting about in his mind for possible escape routes, the most promising obviously being to make a beeline for the Altar through which he had entered. Perhaps, though, the situation could be salvaged. If only he could make her move on. “I should think that Mistress Ves’enthe would be quite...indignant if she were to see you wasting time as the rest of your people break their backs over sharpening swords. Should you not be moving on?” Although Shadryn was far from fearful, he certainly felt a measure of apprehension. He certainly hoped this operation wouldn’t have to get...ugly. Indira would almost certainly march immediately in her rage, and the Seraphim would be even more displeased with his actions than they were already now that they could argue that he had directly caused a war. The politics, not to mention the ensuing battles, would be...unpleasant. Must you always pester me? In the Forbidden Valley and now on your home turf. Just go away for Luna’s sake. |
| Salem Xavier | May 31 2011, 01:03 AM Post #4 |
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Suspiciously the Grave Witch eyed him. Something didn't sit quite right. The way he looked at her, the way he spoke to her, the scent that poured from him. There were few in Siaraia that did not at least know of the Vampiress, even if not by name. His words sounded...condescending, a tone one would never dare against a Grave Witch - and especially not in this era of war. Her crimson eyes narrowed, taking in the sight before her, attempting to place voice and smell to those she'd met before. "Hardly." She spoke in reply to his inquiry, his incessant attempt to keep her moving along. Ever more suspicious, any other vampire would have surely stopped to question her trip, to question the comings and goings of preparations for the war. "My sisters can handle it all quite well without me." With something of a growl she slipped from Orias' saddle, feet finding stone quite gracefully. Patting the beast she dismissed him, her steed giving an echoing shriek before running into the distance - chased after by more than a few stable hands from Lasymor. But her attention had already focused completely on this stranger, positive she'd met this man before. With only an ounce of hesitance she moved a tad closer, sniffing the air around him. Crimson eyes narrowed again as her head turned away just so. Her senses were...clearing. Recognition was sinking in, and it was quite bittersweet. "Shadryn." She hissed, a hand reaching out to touch the cloak about his chest, gripping the fabric lightly, willing his gaze to truly meet hers. The Angel'ohim could only be up to no good, sitting so comfortably within their city walls. How he'd managed to infiltrate their home was still beyond the Vampiress. She gave a low snarl, garnering as little attention as she could in the moment. "Give me a single reason as to why I should not raise the alarm this instant. Why are you here?" To anyone looking on, it would seem nothing more than a quarrel, the Grave Witches known for their...less than favorable social skills. The scene would be shrugged off. The Angelus would be safe, for now, and seeing the familiar face, Salem wasn't certain she intended to do anything about his intrusion at all. Though her words were meant as a biting sting, they came out more inquisitive than demanding, falling oddly from her lips. Surely she should be tearing him limb by limb for even attempting whatever it was he was up to, yet she found it easy to reign back the rage she didn't quite feel. |
| Shadryn Kyros Aurion | May 31 2011, 08:50 AM Post #5 |
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Well, it wasn't like there was much hope of maintaining the facade anyway. Shadryn could fake a voice and hide his face, but he could not disguise his scent. Not without adequate preparation, anyway. He didn't much care for the vague wiff of rotting carrion that seemed to accompany every vampire that stalked about Enthesia. Skilled as he was, he was not without standards. Even properly identified, Shadryn still did not turn his head to fully face the vampiress. Salem Xavier, her name was, if his memory served him correctly. Instead, she offered her a sidelong view similar to the glance he had given earlier, though now his expression was in view and the haughty derision etched across his face was very clearly evident. Salem's voice was comparable to the hiss of an indignant rattlesnake, and it was as sandpaper to the ears of someone who wanted nothing more than to be free of Lasymor that instant. "Give me a single reason as to why I should not raise the alarm this instant. Why are you here?" "I came to see your radiant face, of course. Tonight I was planning on tossing pebbles at your window like a lovestruck adolescent, and if that didn't work I'd leave fresh picked daisies on your doorstep. Romantic, no?" The scorn in Shadryn's voice was evident, as was his clear irritation with having been discovered. Either his skills were slipping, or his fame and infamy throughout Enthesia was really working against him more than even he had anticipated. At this point, he honestly didn't care about maintaining so much as common decency. He'd always been known as a calm one, but he simply could not contain his irritation in this case. "And as for your 'single reason', that would be because I would like literally nothing more in this whole wide world of treasures than to rip your black heart out of your chest with my bare hands. The only thing keeping me from doing so is the hope of maintaining some degree of discreetness around here. So, if I were you, I'd keep mum." Only now did Shadryn turn to face her fully, resting both hands on the lip of the dias that surrounded the fountain. He gripped the marble with an irritated ferocity, his knuckles white beneath his gauntlets with the flex of his tendons. He kept his head down so as to avoid and second glances from passersby, but now Salem could at least fully see his face. Shadryn was forcibly controlling his breathing, containing his anger, and returning to the calm, collected demeanor he most commonly showed the world. At a time like this, the last thing he needed was to lose his cool, especially since an interesting question had presented itself. If Salem had wanted to raise the alarm, she would have done so already. Rather, she was simply surprised to see him, but her knee-jerk reaction was not, as would be expected, to alert all of Siaraia to the Angel'ohim's presence. Why? "So tell me, Salem, were daisies the right choice, or should I have gone for something a bit more classy?" |
| Salem Xavier | Jun 1 2011, 08:30 PM Post #6 |
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"Roses. Roses would have been more my taste." Salem replied, the phantom of a smirk playing behind the scowl she wore. Honestly the Vampiress didn't quite know how to react to this one, his reactions so different from any she'd encountered. Salem wasn't quite sure if she should be congratulating his bravery or ripping him limb from limb. "You'll do well not to mention my black little heart here. You're on my turf, Angelus. Let us not forget." It was dangerous, a dangerous thing for both of them to be conversing so openly in the streets. The Vampiress knew that Indira would just as quickly dispose of her if she was found with this...thing. So why did she continue on? Why did she keep this little game going when so much was at stake? The Grave Witch didn't quite know. For but a moment her gaze fell on Lasymor, eyes narrowing at the sight of it looming over them. Perhaps it was this war - as much as Salem enjoyed the bloodshed, the reasons behind it still felt flawed. And perhaps this Angelus was the answer... "Come," She spoke, somewhat demandingly, only now starting to turn on the charm that was her talent. "before someone else smells you." They were far too close to Lasymor. Indira's senses were keener than any, and should she decide to go for a stroll, it would surely mark the end for them both. But...what exactly did she have planned once they did relocate? Honestly the Vampire had not a clue - her thoughts quite uncharacteristically jumbled in those moments. All so strange, so confusing, almost...exciting. |
| Shadryn Kyros Aurion | Jun 2 2011, 10:31 PM Post #7 |
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"You'll do well not to mention my black little heart here. You're on my turf, Angelus. Let us not forget." "A fact that will, I expect, cease to be true in short order should you and the rest of this...posse become so bold as to strike out from this glorified cave. I hope Indira knows that, should she attack the mainland, she threatens Eolyn as well and thus the very hammer of the gods itself will come to bear against her." Shadryn's eye's narrowed against Salem's gaze. "And I am not known for showing restraint. When her pathetic onsaught fails, I will eradicate her entire race and see that pretentious show of grandeur," Shadryn gestured towards the nearby castle with a wave of his hand, "reduced to rubble." His eyes fell to the marble fountain he currently sat on, regarding it with such an obvious expression of disgust that it seemed he looked upon the foul depths of a sewer. "And I will destroy this abhorrent display myself, with a very great degree of pleasure." Shadryn took care to keep his voice low enough that no passing vampires would be alerted beyond a simple passing glance. There was nothing to suggest that these two were not simply having a row. Although of course Shadryn was ignorant of Salem's reputation in Siaraia, he was indeed fortunate that she was known for her temper and thus, seeing her in some apparent disagreement was not an uncommon occurence, and hardly worth noting. Shadryn fell silent after this little outbuurst, returning his eyes to Salem's. They retained their obvious irritation with his failure as well as that that accompanied his realization that, like it or not, he had suddenly become reliant on Salem. Were she to sound the alarm, which she could do with a single scream, even the might of the Angel'ohim was not sufficient to repell the astronomical onslaught that would befall him in moments. Despite his reputation as a warrior of legendary calibur, he was in many areas noticeably weaker than other Angeli. This was normally covered for by the presence of Soltia and Lunaras, but obviously he had left those in Solaris Sphaera as they would easily give him away in Siaraia. Thus, he had virtually no hope of fighting free of the entire army of the Under, and he even doubted he could reach the Altar before it was sealed off. If Indira herself appeared, Shadryn had virtually no hope of besting even her alone in his current state. Thus, should Salem choose, she could have him captured or killed in virtually an instant, at which time Eolyn and Enthesia along with it would be in quite a terrible condition indeed. Thus, no matter how much Shadryn loathed the prospect, he was at the Grave Witch's mercy. But...yet...the smile that played across her lips ever so cryptically did not seem to be one of bloodthirstiness or victory. Rather...it seemed to be of something else entirely. Perhaps...curiosity? "Come, before someone else smells you." The voice was demanding, the tone that accompanied one who was very used to getting exactly what she wanted. Shadryn had nothing to say, for once struck absolutely speechless and unable to do anything but raise an eyebrow. This Grave Witch mystified him. He had done nothing but display his very blatant and obvious distaste for her and her kin, and yet despite this and her obvious rank and stake in the success of the Siaraian army, she had seemingly no interest in revealing his presence to anybody. Instead, it seemed she wanted to help him, which was absolutely unthinkable. She simply must be playing an angle. She has something planned, and intends to lead me somewhere where she might carry it out. The question is...what could this possibly be? Is she an agent of Indira? Is Indira somehow already aware of my presence? Shadyn's mind was whirling as he tried to discern some possible reason for Salem's actions. He would not put it past Indira to deal with him in some unconventional fashion were she aware the Angel'ohim was so easily within her clutches, but the problem was he could not fathom how she could possibly know he was here. As he had no magic of his own, and Soltia and Lunaras were sealed away deep within Eolyn, he was invisible to magic-users. And surely her sense of smell was not strong enough to catch a whiff of him from within her castle, especially since she was doubtless otherwise engaged with preparations for war. So what the hell is going on? Nevertheless, Shadryn quickly decided he had absolutely no choice but to do as Salem told him for now. Even if she was playing at something, at least he would last another few moments without the alarm being raised. And perhaps this way he could discern away out of this hornet's nest along the way. Shadryn was known for his heroic and lightning-quick intellect, able to turn a victory out of practically any situation. If Salem gave him any rope at all, he was confident he could use it to swing out of the fire. Thus, Shadryn pushed himself to his feet and stood before Salem, saying nothing but gesturing with his hands and eyes in a way that said wordlessly "lead on, then". What an interesting day this was turning out to be. |
| Salem Xavier | Jun 6 2011, 11:40 PM Post #8 |
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What was she doing? By Leandarian's Crypt Salem knew she was going against the Code, knew that at any moment Indira could slip from the walls of Lasymor, find the two and have the Vampiress chained at the Altar. She would not hesitate, she would not think twice before watching her Grave Witch burn. Yet Salem cared little. Though she'd pledged her life and her services to the Legion, she cared little that she now went against everything she'd sworn. There was simple something about this encounter, and the previous she'd experienced with the Angelus. Something about his character, the very apparent way in which he cut down everything she was and stood for. It was...curiously enticing. It provided some variation in the weary Vampire's life. Numerous times she and her sisters had been sent from Siaraia, ordered to visit distant lands - but always for business. It was...fortunate, to now have someone so valuable - yet so untouchable - not only within her city but under her influence. It was common knowledge that Shadryn could do little more than listen to Salem, her sway over the vampires all around them too great, her words of alarm too respected. He was - more or less - under her very control within Siaraia's walls. Here he was entirely outnumbered, completed outmatched - even if he did decide to escape from where he came. With a mischievous grin she turned from his waiting gaze, pulling the crimson hood of her cloak over her raven hair as her steps led them deeper into the streets of the city - farther from Lasymor, farther from the watchful gaze and keen senses of her mighty queen. She was not sure where they would go, was not sure if any destination within the walls would truly be safe, but the farther from Indira the better. "I am not interested in why." She spoke, never looking back at the Angelus as she continued through the still sparse streets. "I already know why you are here. It is obvious that Indira's war has attracted many an unwelcome guess. No, my question is what. What have you come to find? What is it you seek to gain from this visit?" Her words were not biting, did not drip with venom. They were posed quite calmly, as if she spoke business to an old friend as she continued to glide through the streets, down alleyways, past numerous faces that hardly glanced their way. |
| Shadryn Kyros Aurion | Jun 16 2011, 03:42 AM Post #9 |
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To be perfectly frank, Shadryn would have preferred to be staring down Heylel himself with nothing more than a dead ferret for a weapon than to have been in this predicament. The vampiress had him completely and utterly in her power. Not magically and certainly not sexually, as he bitterly reflected that she must be very proficient at. Rather, it was merely the passing windfall of happening to stumble on Shadryn in his precarious position that provided her with such rare clout. And she was enjoying it exquisitely too, judging from the simpering bumptiousness that oozed from every contour and line in her disturbingly gorgeous face. And that was not even allowing his eyes to linger on the way her lustrously formed body swayed, the way she flipped the hood back over her head nonchalantly and sauntered up the street as if she owned the world. Oh, but it was as if she was treading on raw nerve endings, the way her very gait enraged the Angelus. And yet, again, every outward attempt he made to challenge her sudden authority drew passing gazes, threatening to attract just a bit too much attention. He wasn’t entirely sure what fate would befall Salem were they discovered in this manner, as what she was doing currently wasn’t altogether questionable under Indira’s laws. For all he or anybody else knew, she was simply luring him into a place where he could be more easily captured. No, he certainly could not leverage punishment on her to try to loosen her hold. The best he could do was follow her. If nothing else, it bought him time. He had managed to weasel his way this close to Lasymor by utilizing the tendency of Siaraia’s residents to avoid the Altar, and always keeping to alleyways and similarly deserted streets to avoid any passing whiffs. He’d also thought to sprinkle his clothing in a light sheen of blood from the body of a vampire he’d slain a few nights hence, disguising his scent unless a vampire got alarmingly close, such as how Salem had. However, the streets were more thickly populated now and it seemed there was no safe way to evade following the Grave Witch, so he himself pulled his hood further over his auburn-crested head and followed behind her, keeping scarcely a step behind the hem of her cloak. "I am not interested in why. I already know why you are here. It is obvious that Indira's war has attracted many an unwelcome guess. No, my question is what. What have you come to find? What is it you seek to gain from this visit?" Salem’s tone had changed. It was not a hiss of hate, nor a playful prod of amusement as were many of her other queries. Rather, she was almost...peaceful in the way she posed this question. She was as calm as if she spoke with a peer. It surprised Shadryn, but he reminded himself that it was still likely she had some plan for him and could merely be attempting to throw him off his guard while at the same time extracting some extra information. “When engaging in espionage and attempting to extract information from an unwilling opponent, it is often beneficial to go in entirely unsure of what exactly you are looking for, such that you can be ready for whatever you may actually find. Sometimes you encumber yourself needlessly and put yourself in danger searching in vain for something that is not there.” Shadryn’s voice was low, but at least it too had been stripped of its outward hostility. His words only just carried over the bustle of the streets. He carefully maneuvered around a gangly vampire buying some questionable bauble from a streetside vendor and continued with his point. “I was simply looking for any information regarding Indira’s activity and the status of her army. And I found enough. That is all.” Shadryn was purposefully being vague, as he of course did not want to reveal to an emissary of that very army the extent of the knowledge he had extracted from his position outside Lasymor. He skipped a bit to catch up with Salem and fell into step just beside her, cocking his head to the side to peer at her more closely. “I don’t at all expect you to tell me where we are going or what you have in mind once we get there, but perhaps you could flatter me a single question purely borne from my own curiosity: can Grave Witches reanimate other Grave Witches on the battlefield? And if so, does the reanimated Grave Witch retain the powers she had previously? I’ve always wondered about that.” Shadryn was just trying to keep her talking, stalling a bit until he could figure a way out of this catastrophe. I may just cause the war that I came here to win if this goes badly... Edited by Shadryn Kyros Aurion, Jun 27 2011, 03:03 PM.
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| Salem Xavier | Jun 27 2011, 03:57 PM Post #10 |
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Midnight's Temptress
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In truth Salem didn't know where she was taking the Angel'ohim. Anywhere in Siaraia would be dangerous for them both, but the Grave Witch would be damned if she'd take him out of the city. She couldn't say it wasn't...almost enjoyable. In her own city the Angel'ohim had to be careful, had to watch over all he spoke, everything he did. After all, crimson eyes were watching, Vampire ears were listening and neither could do anything to jeopardize his cover... "You understand, Shadryn, that though I have not raised the alarm that I'm sure would end your life..." She smirked, leading him deeper into the streets, closer to the Hunting Grounds - where few but the crazed stalked. "There are still some questions that I cannot fully answer. My response is yes, and no. A Grave Witch can revive her fallen sisters only if their death occurred a certain way. What those are, however, I cannot share." Falling silent, she led him from the alleyways, out into an open boulevard. It ran along the outskirts of the city, between the bustling streets and the Hunting Grounds. The gated, shadowed park the vampires used to hunt in were silent today, everyone far too busy aiding in the war efforts. Salem knew it was likely a bad idea to bring him here, knew that it would only garner more scoffing words from the Angelus - especially now that it seemed there wasn't a soul close by. But she could hardly feign a care. It was the safest place she could think, for both of them. For a time her graceful steps drew on, farther and farther from Lasymor. Until finally, without warning, she turned to face him. Her crimson gaze sought his. "Have you any more questions, then?" She asked calmly - still wondering what on earth it was she was doing... |
| Shadryn Kyros Aurion | Jun 28 2011, 03:27 AM Post #11 |
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Indeed Shadryn had heard of the Siaraian Hunting Grounds. Word had it that criminals from Stronferth that had committed mortal crimes were sent here to rot and provide hunting sport for the vampires. It was a grisly fate, but if nothing else at least they had something of a fighting chance. He supposed that murderers and rapists deserved little better than this. In truth, Shadryn had little issue with the vampires’ need to feed. They were predators, and it was the way of a predator to hunt and kill prey to sustain itself. What repulsed Shadryn about the Siaraian folk was firstly the macabre satisfaction that they all seemed to take with their killing--as illustrated by the fountain of blood that sat before the gates of Lasymor--and secondly their tendency to expand their numbers by changing their victims into vampires. It was for these two reasons that the Angel’ohim had a particular hatred of vampires, and it was a hatred that was constantly being exacerbated with the rapid rise of the Siaraian nation to fill the void left by the exceedingly rare demons. It also didn’t help that Indira herself was so power-hungry, on top of being infuriatingly difficult to deal with besides. ”I see. It is my understanding that Grave Witches are incapable of restoring an ally to the full capabilities that they enjoyed before their death. To what extent is said ally actually restored, then?” Shadryn was just trying to keep her talking, while all the while his mind raced and his eyes probed for any possible way out of this disaster. She might be enjoying this peaceful little stroll through Siaraia, but he was most certainly not. Unfortunately, as his penetrating gaze was rapidly verifying, the Hunting Grounds and the surrounding area were purposefully far from any exit to the surface world. After all, the vampires didn’t want to give their prey any credible chance of escape. Shadryn kneaded his hands together restlessly as he cast about in his head for a solution--any solution. Meanwhile, he was careful to match his gait with Salem’s, but allowed her to pull very slightly ahead. The reason for this was that if she attacked him unexpectedly, he wanted to be at an odd angle so as to give himself the advantage for retaliation. Of course, if fighting had been on Salem’s mind, she would have probably pursued that already. She did, however, suddenly stop and spin on the spot which caused Shadryn to flinch very slightly, half-expecting a close-range assault. Instead, she posed a rather serenely offered query. ”Have you anymore questions, then?” ”Yes, actually. Why does Indira want to declare a war on the whole world, one which she most certainly cannot win? She must realize that the entire surface population will unite against her. She is a fool to so much as consider challenging such odds." Shadryn spoke with an even, matter-of-fact tone despite the danger that surrounded him. Frustrated as he was, the only way to make his situation any worse would be to let that irritation get the best of him. He needed to remain calm, and worm his way out of this mess any way he could. Thus, he mirrored Salem’s even countenance and oily slick tone and folded his arms over his chest, meeting her eyes with a fearless pride. His gaze spoke wordlessly of a sky of spears and spells, of legions that were commanded with naught but a gesture of his hands. They wove silent tales of journeys and murders, love and larceny. They spoke of the power of Eolyn, and of the entire Angeli race. Even so beset, Shadryn was still the Angel’ohim. And no vampire could intimidate such an unstoppable, unyielding force as he. Edited by Shadryn Kyros Aurion, Jun 28 2011, 03:27 AM.
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| Salem Xavier | Jun 30 2011, 12:30 PM Post #12 |
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Midnight's Temptress
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It had all been going...fairly well. As well as such a meeting with the Angel'ohim in the very heart of Siaraia could. That is, until he voiced his question, until he did so insult everything that Salem was, everything she worked for. It took...considerable skill to keep her expression level, her gaze clear of the flames she felt rearing up. Salem may not have agreed with Indira or her war, but that didn't mean she wouldn't defend her Queen. To the death, as it were. As was the way of the Grave Witch. "It is apparent you know little of Indira's past, little of her history. She is far more powerful than you can imagine, Angelus. I care not to share her reasons for this war, as I disagree with them entirely. Regardless, she has found it a good idea, has, I'm sure, considered all angles. I do not question her intentions, I do not question her war; I merely fight in it. I fight for her and everything Siaraia is. That may not mean much to you, but dear Angel'ohim you must realize that many of us did not choose this fate, were not simply bitten and put under the spell of Vampirism. I was born this way, born needing to feed on flesh and avoid sunlight. Much as Indira herself was. To me, this is all I've ever known, and this city is one of very few places that wouldn't find me killed on sight for merely being what I am." Her voice fell silent, as she realized that what was meant to be a simple answer turned into more of a tirade. She sighed, regaining composure before continuing. "Do not underestimate the Blood Mother. She has far more support than you can imagine, and far more sway in this world and others than you can even imagine." She turned from him, continuing along the iron gate of the Hunting Grounds, a scowl stretching her cherry lips. "No more questions." She spoke resolutely, fearing she'd divulge too much if it continued. |
| Shadryn Kyros Aurion | Jun 30 2011, 05:48 PM Post #13 |
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Shadryn was actually mildly surprised at her sudden outburst. Even if she didn't scream or carry on, Salem's voice was dangerous enough that he knew he had struck a sensitive chord. As his eyes regarded her with an appraising look, he contemplated that this was an angle he wanted to push a bit harder. Despite himself, he found he was mildly intrigued by this woman and her story. Perhaps there was more to her than just fangs and black magic. There certainly was a magic in her curves and her cruelly beautiful face, but he had long trained himself against indulging in such things and they had no more effect on him than water against the side of a mighty mountain or dam. Shadryn certainly found an odd kinship with one who was willing to fight for something simply because it was all they had ever known. As the one and only Nephillim over the entire land of Enthesia, Shadryn had never really had a people to call his own since birth. The Angeli tolerated his presence merely out of necessity, as they saw him as one who was more easily integrable into human society. They had trained him and supported him, but never really treated him well. He had always been the lowest of the low, removed from all others...alone. When he descended to earth to carry out the orders of the Powers, he did so equally alone, only even speaking to another when it was necessary for the mission. Now, after all of the world had been forced to acknowledge him, they might respect him now (some begrudgingly), but he was still just as alone as he had been previously. Perhaps Salem feared that same loneliness, and that was why she was willing to to anything to stave it off. Many would do anything to have a kindred spirit beside them. I should know. "Being born into something is no excuse for doing something you know to be wrong. All make their own choices, even vampires. I respect your decision to follow your queen out of fealty to her position, but one must not do so against better judgment. You are still responsible for your own actions regardless of any orders you may have been given, and so you should always give careful consideration to anything you might find wrong with Indira's anger with the world." Shadryn chose his words carefully, speaking with an even tone that was meant to calm Salem while still imparting his point upon her. He punctuated it with one more sentence, after a moment's pause. "And if you choose to slaughter and maim and destroy under Indira's command, you must be prepared to take responsibility and accept due blame rather than claiming to have simply been blindingly following her." Shadryn brushed his bangs from his eyes and hooked them behind his ear within his hood, revealing the iconic X-shaped scar over his right eye as he did so. He listened to what else Salem had to say, but decided that her request of no further questions was momentarily wise to mark. Rather, once they started walking again, he instead chose to answer her assertions about the power of Indira Ves'enthe. "I have underestimated nothing. Underestimating her would have lead me to have an army at her gates at the slightest inkling of a mobilization of Siaraia. Underestimating her is what my counsel has done. Such is why I am here: to properly assess what Eolyn may be up against. They might not like my choices, but like you they are bound to the orders of one higher-ranking and obey because they trust my judgment. And my judgment is that Indira is powerful, and perhaps more importantly she is wily and cunning. If I am to defeat her, it will not be through brute force alone." Again, he was choosing his words carefully. Perhaps she could understand his position a bit better. Salem did have a point: Indira was older than he and older than several of the few-remaining "old-world Angeli", who had survived the Great Purge. He had dealt with the "Blood Mother" on many occasions, both during her rise to power and as Siaraia's queen. The two did not exactly get along, but they had a begrudging respect of each other's abilities as well as the abilities of the factions they represented. It was Indira's sudden and alarming disregard of that respect that so perplexed and, frankly, disturbed him. "You are correct in that your queen and her forces are mighty, but the sunlit world has power that you--and her--know not. With Eolyn fully mobilized and the rest of the surface banded together, even Indira's considerable powers can not hope to eke out a victory. You must understand this; victory is impossible." Shadryn spoke with a grim confidence out of a prideful need to contradict her, but even he was a mite unsure. As Salem had said, Indira must have considered this. She must have an angle, and it was up to him to figure out what that angle was just as he worked an angle with Salem. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? Not for the mighty, legendary Kyros. |
| Salem Xavier | Jul 5 2011, 09:47 PM Post #14 |
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Midnight's Temptress
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The Grave Witch's gaze met his for but a moment, face turned to him as on she walked. "If I followed her blindly, if I feared taking responsibility for my actions, dear Angelus, you would no longer be alive." A smirk creased her lips, a dangerous glint flashed across her gaze before she turned once more. Her steps lead them deeper and deeper into the city. The Vampiress had finally chosen a destination - a rarely frequented, hauntingly beautiful garden in the center of the backstreets and dark alleys. It was rumored that it had been cursed, or enchanted, depending on who spoke the tale. It was said that the garden was protected, from pain, from infiltration, from any danger. Though as they stepped closer, as the garden loomed not so far off in the distance, Shadryn's words made the Vampiress second guess her decision. A pang of rage struck her, for but a moment, before it was gone. Yet again her steps stop, and for a moment she stood still. A porcelain statue - perfect where she stood, though her expression shown so clearly, trepidation and anger etched on her face. "Tread carefully, Angelus. You go too far." She remained still for moments longer, all of her options circling her mind - too fast to zero in on any single one. Did he realize just who it was he spoke to? Did he realize just how much danger was associated with this plan of his? Already she'd spared his life once - had held her tongue when her shrieks of alarm should have ripped through Siaraia. He was quickly turning her mind around, making it sound like more and more a good idea to raise the alarm. There were hundreds of vampires between the pair and the Altar. Though it didn't matter - Indire would find herself upon them both before he had the chance to go anywhere... "Watch yourself." She spoke, as a final warning before her chest rose and fell with a sigh, and her graceful steps continued on. Still the questions plagued her, her reasons for sparing him infecting her thoughts. What was she doing? There could be no doubt that she was only making it worse the longer he stayed alive... the longer his presence remained unknown to all in Siaraia but Salem. |
| Shadryn Kyros Aurion | Jul 10 2011, 10:57 AM Post #15 |
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The quickening of her gait indicated to Shadryn that she had at least selected a destination, but every step took him further and further from the sunlight he would be so relieved to have wash over him once more. Even so, the constant threat was somewhat invigorating. The tone in Salem’s voice and the smugness of her words indicated that she surmised he was somewhat intimidated by the situation, but in fact the exact opposite was true. The outskirts of Lasymor and the constant, brooding danger that the entire city presented to him enflamed his senses, making the ichor beneath his skin burn even hotter than it did normally. Not only was he accustomed to being outmatched in impossible circumstances, but it was actually where he thrived. He answered her smirking satisfaction with a quip of his own, tone indicating that he was not overtly concerned despite her certainty. ”I think you’ll find that I am full of surprises, one of my favorites of which is how difficult I can be to actually kill. I do so enjoy flaunting that talent, so if you’d like a demonstration, by all means....” He gestured with a waving hand towards Lasymor to indicate what he meant. For the moment, Shadryn preoccupied himself with exactly where they were headed. He could see something that looked like a garden looming up ahead of them, a good distance from the Hunting Grounds they had passed earlier. Shadryn knew very little of the intricacies of Lasymor’s geography, so he could only begin to guess what fun attractions their destination would hold. He briefly considered making a sardonic comment about it, but decided against it in favor of pressing the issue with Salem just a bit more. ”So tell me, Salem, how many people of how many races will you personally slaughter and maim because your queen is on a power trip?” His voice was utterly serene, belying the creeping horror it suggested. ”I am sure you would easily see Eolyn brought to its knees, myself slain in the process. But would you see the humans, elves, druids, eirlys, and all the other great nations of the world burned to ashes or enslaved to sate Indira’s inexplicable bloodlust? And what would you, as the faithful servant, really gain from it anyway?” Shadryn wondered if, somewhere beneath that perfect, porcelain, fanged face there could be some hint of a conscience. All vampires, after all, were basically warped humans in the first place. Even those who were born into this wretched existence bore the same basic body structure and tendencies. That set them in stark contrast to the Angeli, which were a race which had no imitator anywhere. Perhaps, like a human, Salem could feel a shred of doubt or even empathy for those endangered by Indira’s war. It certainly seemed as if he had aroused just a shred of questioning uncertainty within her. He paid no mind whatsoever to her warnings. The Nephillim had determined that he needed to weasel his way into getting the upper hand in this conversation. If for some reason she determined that his company was no longer desirable, then at least he would have an excuse to make a very quick (and desperate) dash for the exit. But something a bit deeper and more tantalizing than intuition, a bit of a sneaking, slithering realization that came from someplace deep within him and long-neglected, assured him that she would not betray him. And for reasons altogether separate from any danger she herself happened to be in, too. |
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7:54 PM Jul 10
