VR III: DiE (Round 3)

[*Kain*]

OOC:
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IC:


Children often think that needing help is a weakness that hurts their pride...

...you're saying as a bunch of big nonsense...but I, for one, will help you, wether you like it or not!"

Noah looked to Talione as he made his comment about pride. Then to Dengar, when he heard Dengar's word he was angered. He was now recovering a little more, although still drowsy from his magic he was able to now stay afoot. Nonsense!? Then wh..what were w.we doing last night? Defending ourselves for what? Are you saying that was meaningless...Nonsense!? We have to prepare for tonight, I don't care how strong the enemy is, or what the enemy is. I will fight them, it is my duty. Whether you help or not is up to you, but if I cannot find the strength to stand on my own, then how am I to find the strength to fight this foe? His voice picked up strength with every word. He then stopped suddenly, and took a deep breathe. I am sorry, thank you, all of you for your help. I know I cannot face this alone, without you all I might not be here right now. His voice grew back to normal, no longer rising. If anyone was listening closely they would notice small hints of pain when he was speaking. Noah slowly made his way toward the door.

[Nell]

From a distance it would not seem an unusual sight. A young woman kneeling by a river, her hands arms immersed in the cool water, perhaps filling a waterbag, perhaps washing clothes ... On closer view, you would notice that her eyes are closed and a frown creases her forehead. Her arms are stiff with tension and indeed if you were to creep nearer, where her arms meet with the water, it appears as though ... and of course this is ridiculous ... but it would seem that her arms have become liquid. Although retaining their shape, the skin has changed to a translucent surface which ripples and moves as though it were flowing water. Complete nonsense, of course.

Deep within her trance, Nell convulsed once, twice and with a gasp, she opened her eyes and pushed by some invisible force, fell back onto the riverbank. There she lay, looking up at the sky. The sun was beginning it's descent. Moments passed.

[Talione]

Nodding to acknowledge Noah's thanks, Talione smiled slightly. He looked at Dengar. We will do whatever it takes. Everything has a weakness. So, if you are feeling better Noah, I suggest that we head to the war room. We have even more to do than I had thought. Talione noted the castle doctor quietly leaving, and reminded himself to find the man later. The empty, green bottle in his pouch seemed to weigh a ton. He would need more of the potion, and soon. The dose he had taken last night would last for a few days, but he couldn't afford to be caught without again. He didn't need the added complication's his brother could cause.

[Nell]

Moments passed. Nell lay on the riverbank trying to process the images of what she had seen.

Fire burning ... stones laying from a crumbed wall ... a shadow moving closer ... fire blazing in a hearth ... a table turned over .. blood... his face coming out of the dark...

She clenched her fists, then stretched out her fingers. All seemed normal there, but she wondered if one day the metamorphosis that she undergoes when experiencing a trance would become a permanent transformation. Finally she sat up. If she was going to do this, it had to be done before the sun set .. before the monsters came out ...

Forcing herself to stand up, she gathered her weapons and then picked up the reins of the horse. The voice that sang to her rolled around her mind Follow the river into the woods, look for the hovel, abandoned many moons ago... She would know it when she saw it, and she knew that he would find her there. But she would be ready. She would be prepared. Her face was a grim mask as she kicked the horse into a slow trot, aware that she only had a few hours before it was dark. She had to do this, if she were to be any use at all in this war against evil.

[*Kain*]

Feeling better? It hurts just to stand. How much longer must I endure all this, why can't it end? Noah thought has he looked to Talione and nodded in reply to his inquiry. Noah pushed past them, obviously in pain by the limp he carried with him. He led the three others to the war room. It wasn't so bad until Noah had to climb the stairs, even then he refused help. It wasn't until the second stairway that he swayed in his attempt to hold his head high. He frowned and looked to the ground, his shoulders sunk slightly. He was leaning against the wall as he turned to Talione, Noah's eyes were a bit watery. Talione if you would, I am going to need some help to traverse this staircase, it seems I am not as well as I thought I was. His voice quaked a little, his eyes pleading for help. His sense of pride, however, worked on tearing him up from within. He was struggling mentally as well as physically with the entire situation. Ever since he was a child he looked to no one for aid, he took care of himself. He was also rather stubborn in doing so. Even though he was the prince, he was lonely inside. He was a prince, but also a person, and he always had a hard time discerning the two. The people were supposed to look to him for help, how was he able to do that when he couldn't even handle himself?

The inner demons tore at mind and body, heart..and soul. The strands of fate that held him here, in this place, this time were growing thin. Stretching to the point where they were ready to crack, and snap apart. The very fabric of his being was being ripped to shreds, as if some demon were opening him as a present. He was slowly beggining to understand that they..him, his allies and enemies, they were all pawns in a game. The true enemy was the king on both sides, he controlled everything. Using them all as marionettes, toying with the future...it was all a game.

[Talione]

Talione quietly followed after Noah, watching the young man's pain war with his pride. That Noah hurt was obvious to all, but the stubborn youth refused all help. If the situation hadn't been so grim, Talione might have been amused, reminded of times he himself had acted just as foolishly. But the looming demonic shadow that covered them all dampened any humor he might have felt. The demon bothered the woodsman. Not the fact that they must fight it, and would most likely die in the attempt, but that it was here, now. There must be a link, but what? What does the demon want? Is it allied with the vampires, or just using them? It seemed too much a of a coincidence that the demon should reveal itself even as the vampires readied for war. Talione watched the prince, but his mind was on Nell's vision. It seemed his death was assured this time. The thought of dieing doesn't scare me, I've known I would die for a long time. Of course I always thought Death would come for me in battle against some vampire. Now we face a demon. If I am killed by a demon, what of my soul? I have no wish to be a demonic plaything for the rest of eternity. Keeping his troubled thoughts from his face, Talione followed Noah up the first flight of stairs, noting how the prince faltered.

Talione if you would, I am going to need some help to traverse this staircase, it seems I am not as well as I thought I was. Talione silently offered his arm, leaving it to Noah to take what help he needed. The corner of his pale lips quirked, almost forming a smile. Of course Noah. It is only natural to need a little help when one has been wounded. I myself have been wounded in the past. Once or twice it was so bad I couldn't even relieve myself without aid. Eventually the weakness passes. He murmured to Noah, his words meant to comfort.

[Nell]

It was the edge of the afternoon, when workers make their way home from the fields, when wood is gathered for the evening fires. Nell's horse picked its way carefully over the rocks and stones that littered the shallow stream. They had had to abandon the rough track on the river bank as it became impassable with wild growing shrub and brambles. Indeed the track was no longer there but instead trees hung over the stream in thick clusters, creating a canopy of deep green. Nell was aware that they were slowly climbing to higher ground and the air was becoming chilly. The woods seemed to be abandoned as no life was apparent. No birdsong, no rustlings of animals scuffling in bushes, no silver streak of fish darting in and out of pools of still water. Just the young woman and the stolen horse passing through.

The stream continued on a slow meandering course eventually turning onto a small clearing. Nell reined in her mount as she looked at the stone cottage. It was clearly unlived in. The door hung off it's hinges and there was only a bare remains of a thatched roof. Part of one wall was collapsed with rubble littering the surrounding ground. Knowing she had reached her destination, Nell pushed her horse on to stop infront of what would have been a small garden. Dismounting, she looked up to the sky. The sun was barely discernible through the trees. She left the horse tied to a wooden post and entered the cottage.

[Mordraken]

Magnus listened to the petty argument between Noah, Talione, and young newcomer Dengar with distant interest. He let his mind wander, and his eyes closed partially in thought. It was unusual, the feeling of fatigue in his muscles. It had been many years since he had needed to sleep, and had forgotten the signs of need for it. He must have truly begun to regain his humanity. As he had felt in life as a monk, and as he had felt about the Vampiric Thirst, he felt as though this was a test. He thought, Perhaps, if I can overcome the immortal bloodlust, I can overcome mortal slumber. I must be disciplined in this, as I must be in all things. The party began to move into the War Room, and Magnus brought up the rear. Something flashed in his mind, an unused memory of earlier that day: Nell. He pictured her in his mind. He tried to think, Where would she be? Is she just in her room, desiring solace from the preperations for war? Was she captured by one of the Darkchildren? He couldn't anticipate the mind of a female, but he did feel as though he should do something about her. For her? Because of her? He knew how the idea of what he was burned a hole in Nell's soul, making her hate him with passion. Another test, perhaps?
He wondered again, Would my lack of appearence at the meeting raise concern? Suspicion, perhaps, unless I say something, but that could cause problems as well. Hmmm. Then, he came up with a plan. At the next hallway, he stopped just inside the corner. They passed along without incident. Part one, complete.
Magnus headed up to his quarters, and jotted a note on a convenient peice of paper. He left it half folded on his dresser drawer, and more or less jogged out of the castle. He systematically went up to the people on the street, asking if they had seen Nell. He described her as detailed as he could, but no one could summon up a memory of seeing the young woman today. The only half-helpful peice of information he gained was the loud rantings of some drunken sod who wondered where his horse was. He almost gave up, when he came across a simple woodchopper on the edge of town...

[Nell]

The fire crackled as some undistinguishable insect popped in the heat. Nell threw another broken branch onto the flames and looked at the bundle of firewood she had collected. Enough? Enough to burn to dawn? For one fire maybe but not for two. She stood in the derelict cottage contemplating the hearth which had once warmed the home of a woodland family. More kindle would be needed ...but it is dark ... so dark now ... She took the chair that was turned over in the middle of the floor. It's wood was old and grey. She grasped the small hand axe that she had found outside and began to smash it against the chair in an attempt to break it up. It was hard work as the edge of the blade was blunt.

The horse, whom she had not named, was loosely tied to a post outside the hovel. It whickered quietly between pulling at the long grass that covered the front area. Nell felt a faint twinge of guilt for the animal who would be her early warning signal. Sensitive creatures that they are, the horse would sense the approach of her 'guest'. With a final effort Nell succeeded in breaking the chair's frame, before repeating the process with a second chair. Taking the shattered legs of the chairs outside, she threw them down in a pile by the second fire that burned in the cooling night air. And it was going to be a cold night with no clouds blanketing the world against the stars that were beginning to emerge. But the moon that cast a faint glow was welcomed.

As she began her wait, she considered the stupidity of her actions. What had seemed a reasoned act earlier in the day was changing into foolhardy, even suicidal, plan. She knew she lacked strength and that alone should have warned her from this. But to do this alone ... and what if he came with company, what if the vision had been selective in what it had shown her. She wished she had someone strong with her, someone experienced. Her mind flew to Talione. He would be a comfort now. Nerves were tightening as she checked once again her bow, testing the taut string, the number of arrows held in the quiver that hung at her side. Laying her longbow against the outside wall of the cottage next to her staff, she wondered if she had the strength to break the wooden door that hung from the frame by one hinge. Although the wood was rotting, it was still sturdy. Well, she had nothing else to do, so she began to work on the door, swinging the axe to crack against the wood.

[Nell]

Time passes slowly when you are waiting alone. She held her staff in her hands and was going through a series of exercises taught to her long ago by her father. It kept her warm, the heat from her movements working her muscles as she jabbed at and defended herself from an invisible opponent. It also kept her busy. Her mind occupied in practical activity meant there was no room for fears to overcome her purpose. Twirling the staff in a free fashion, she stabbed the air, then swiftly spun on one leg to land in a crouching position in a defensive stance. As she stood, the horse, which grazed to her left, stamped the ground several times, suddenly restless. She glared at it, then realised its meaning.

"Very good, although you don't follow through. You never did, mind." Her throat caught as she recognised the deep tone. Looking in the direction from whence it came, she could make out a figure standing in the shadows of the trees.

"Father?" She knew it was him, despite the note of question in her voice. Holding her staff firmly in her hands she readied herself for what may approach. The last time she had seen him was in her room at the tavern. Then he had been a pitiful sight, weak and begging for her help, for her blood... But as he approached, she could see he had changed. Strength seemed to radiate from him as he walked steadily towards her. Stopping ten yards away, she knew he had fed. Although there was little light from the fire, he looked almost human, almost normal. Except his eyes glinted with preternatural life.

"Daughter." He smiled, the thin red lips drawing back over white teeth, but the rest of his face remained impassive. Nell shivered.
This was not going to be easy.

[Nell]

The two figures were slowly circling around the fire, both wary of what the other might do. However a facade of bravado was maintained and it was difficult to tell who was stalking and who was retreating.

"You look well, father. Better than when I last saw you. Her voice was clear, almost insolent in tone, and she held her chin high in challenge.

"And you look ... more like your mother each day. She was a beauty, the rose of the village. 'Tis a shame she is not here now." The vampire seemed to mean his words, a regretful look crossing his face. His eyes glanced at Nell's body as if assessing her, checking for possible threats.

"It is better she did not live to see this. She would have died again ... her heart broken to see what you have become." Nell made no attempt to hide the disgust she felt for what had once been her beloved parent. Her hands tightened on the staff, as she kept her distance from the vampire who chuckled at her words.

"What I have become... what I have become. Ah, daughter, you have no comprehension of what I am now. You cannot see what I see, what I feel, what I now know of the world. You continue in your blinkered life, unaware of the true possibilities of life." He stopped, breaking their slow walk around the fire. "But I can show you ... if you desire it." She snorted in reply.

"How can one dead speak of life. You think I would want what you are? You are an abomination.... I would rather die."

"That is your choice." His words took on a cold edge as they slithered through his lips. The two stood facing each other across the fire. Then, with a bare warning of what he was planning to do, the vampire crouched and sprang towards her, clearing the flames that licked at his heels, his hands outstretched to grab at her. Instinctively she brought the staff up to block and push his body to the side, hoping to use his momentum to her advantage. It would have worked had he not locked his long fingers around the staff, thus falling to the side but pulling her down with him. Together they tumbled and rolled on the ground.

[Mordraken]

After interrogating the old man, Magnus found out where Nell had gone, or, at least, a general direction. He also discovered where the horse of that lunatic in the tavern had gotten to. There was the matter of catching up with her, however. One more question: do you know of a reputable horse-breeder in town?
Well, let's see now...There's ol' Willard Thomas on the north side of town, but I've heard rumors that he's been ordered to give exclusive rights to his 'orses to the army. He's really the only game in town...but if you're into makin' a deal, I might 'ave somethin'. Wait 'ere a second, son. The old codger crackled and popped his way behind his modest shack, and no more than a few moment's later, he came back with a sinewy, brown-gold stallion by the reigns. This crusty creature's been with me since he was a foal, and that was nigh onto 16 years ago. He's still a good, hardworking beast. I'd say he's worth a good 50 gold, but I'll give 'im to you for 45.
Desperately aware that he didn't have close to the "bargin" price, Magnus tried to negotiate. Well, that is a kind offer, sir, but I might have one more beneficial for us both. I will give you a deposit of 20 gold, and if I return with him, and decide I no longer need his services, then you can have him back. If I still need him, or forsee that I will, then I will gladly pay up the balance of thirty gold. This way, you will get at least twenty gold, possibly more. Plus, you will more than likely get you horse back.
Wait here, sonny! And I suppose I have to just trust you to come back and give me my horse back!
You have my word as a monk that I will not break my promise to you. I'll bring him back, you can trust me. He pulled the last remaining money he had from his bag and handed it to the old woodchopper. Magnus pulled himself up onto the massive beast. Does this creature have a name?
I just refer to him as Horse.
(That's imaginative.) All right, Horse, let us ride! Hyaa! He cracked the reigns. Not a whole lot happened. Does Horse have some special command that he obeys?
No, he's just a normal horse. Giddy-up and Woah.
Right. Giddy-up! Magnus cracked the reigns again, and this time, the horse moved. It didn't move with the blazing speed he had hoped, but it was plenty fast to make Magnus need to grip tighter around the horse's bobbing neck. They sped across the dusty road in the direction the old man had indicated.
X~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~X
Magnus rode for what apparently was hours, as the day gradually had shifted to night. He was on the edge of being dead tired. He slowed Horse to a stop, and pulled him off to the side of the road, into a small forest clearing. Magnus fell to his knees, and slumped down onto his side. His eyes closed nearly immediately. Even in sleep, he was plagued by images, sounds, and feelings. Raw emotions. Unexpressed desires. Magnus's mind was on fire, but his body was exhausted.[/i]

[*Kain*]

It seemed Noah was weaker than he thought, he relied greatly on Talione's help. Slowly making their way up the stairs Noah glanced behind him, he noticed Magnus was gone, the daywalker was nowhere to be found. Noah turned his attention back to Talione, it seems our half-vampiric friend has disappeared without notice. Nell is not present either...I am not liking this. Noah stopped at the top of the stairs, and had Talione help him to the window, however, now that the ground was flat, the prince had a much easier time. He looked out the window to see Magnus exiting the castle. Talione, follow him, he may want to help but he is still cursed. I will get things ready here, and if you can, find Nell. Noah turned to Talione as he spoke. He then looked to Dengar, if you would help me to the war room in Talione's place I would appreciate it. Those that looked the prince in the eyes could tell that he was suffering inside, although not from the pain, but from the lack of ability to hold his own. He was still kicking himself, cursing at himself within his head.

...

So they are all splitting up, maybe I should have some more fun? I'm not sure, maybe I'll just watch. I wonder how that girl is dealing with what used to be her father? With that the figure shifted his vision to Nell, struggling against her father.

[Nell]

They tumbled together twice, the staff being lost in the scuffle. Ending on her back, Nell's breath was knocked from the impact and she gasped to draw air as her father fell on her. He recovered more quickly than the girl pushing himself up slightly to straddle her torso, his hands moving to her throat, grasping the slender neck with his right hand and holding her shoulder down with his left. She struggled against his strength, feet hopelessly scrabbling on the ground to get some kind of leverage, her hands pulling and scratching at the cold grip around her fragile neck. His nails dug into her flesh, not deep enough to draw blood but the threat was there. He leaned into her face, a leer disgracing his features, knowing he had the upper hand and enjoying her discomfort. His stinking breath hissed out words to taunt her. "All too easy... I am disappointed."

The panic that shot through her body made Nell strive even harder to free her throat from the gradual squeezing of the vampire's hand. Her attempts were having little effect and as the pain increased she flung her arms to the side, searching for something, anything to aid her. Her fingers scrambled through the dirt of forest floor, until she felt something smooth and solid which she grasped in her left hand. Summoning strength she clutched a handful of earth in her right fist and hurled it in her father's face, much to his amusement. However this was followed by the flat side of the small hand axe being struck against his temple. Grunting at the impact, he released her throat to grab at her left arm to stop her repeating the blow. Taking advantage in the shift of his weight and focus, she pushed up with her right foot gaining a foothold on the ground to throw him off her body.

Freed from his imprisoning weight, she rolled swiftly to the side, half crawling towards the fire, axe still in hand. Her breath was coming in gulps as she reached towards the flames. The splintered ends of the broken timber from the door were within reach but she was prevented from snatching the nearest by a renewed attack from the vampire from behind. His arms circled her waist and lifted her from the ground, hauling her back and away from the fire. She screamed but more in frustration and anger than fear. Held tight in his arms, her feet kicked the air and she brought the axe's blunt blade down on his arms three times before she was thrown to the side.

Landing clumsily on her side, she saw with satisfaction her monstrous father standing for a moment to clutch at his right arm in pain. Then he looked at her, lying on the ground. His eyes narrowed with purpose.

[Talione]

Talione had noticed when Magnus stopped walking, the woodsman's keen ears easily detecting the vampire's exit. Grim curiousity warred with his sense of duty for a time, but duty won out. It is his choice, and none of my business what he does as long as it does no harm to others. Talione felt a pressure in his mind, and seemed to hear a buzzing, like that of an insect. A slight smile formed on his pale lips as he recognized the attempts of his brother's spirit to force its way threw the potion's shield. Why dear brother, you really hate Magnus, don't you? For a second the pressure grew more intense, then subsided with an almost sullen feel.

When Noah noticed Magnus' absense, Talione just grunted. He helped the prince to the window and watched as Magnus jogged out the gates. Talione, follow him, he may want to help but he is still cursed. I will get things ready here, and if you can, find Nell.

Suprized, Talione looked at Noah. So be it... Though I think it is a bad idea to leave you right now. He finished to himself. Still, he had been given an order, and he would obey it. Especially the part about finding Nell. Leaving Noah with Dengar, giving the strange youth a stern glance behind Noah's back, Talione hurried from the castle. The woodsman had been worried that finding Magnus would have been difficult, but it seemed his worries were in groundless. The daywalker, in his bright white outfit, didn't blend in with the drab clothing worn by most commoners. Magnus made himself even easiser to trail by stopping every so often to question those he passed. Talione kept his distance, not yet wanting the vampire to know of his presense, so he couldn't hear most of what Magnus was asking, but from what he did hear, it seemed as though Magnus was looking for someone. Nell, perhaps?

The woodsman discreetly followed Magnus all the way to the edge of town where the daywalker stopped to ask questions of a woodcutter. When the old man brought a horse out from behind his small shack, Talione nearly cursed aloud. That is until he got a good look at the beast. Even to Talione's untrain eye, the nag was obviously little better then crow bait, and the sight of Magnus in all his shining finer atop the broken down horse was vastly amusing. On Magnus' second attept, the horse took off, somewhat faster than a herd of turtles. Shaking his head in bemusement, Talione approached the woodcutter. Excuse me grandfather, but might I ask what that man wanted? He ask, the title meant as one of respect.

The old man gave Talione a wide toothless grin. I was wonderin when you'd come outta hidin there. Your pretty good in the woods, but I've been here alot longer then you. He said, prying something from between his teeth with his tongue, then spitting it out. That other on' wanted ta know if I'd seen a youn' woman. As it turns out, I had. She was ridin' like a wild thing, off inta the woods. Seemed real distracted, but she looked grim, I tell ya!

Thanks grandfather. With a swirl of his dark cloak, Talione ran into the forest. Magnus's tracks were obvious, but more than anything, Talione hoped to see other tracks as well. Where are you going Nell?

[Dengar Arcus]

As Dengar supported Noah walking to the war room, the feeling he'd been having, the feeling of uncomfortability, ever since the attack on Noah, faded away slightly, not entirely gone, but it was less. He smiled, as he started to realize things. He smirked to Noah.

"You know, we may yet stand a fighting chance. For a high ranked hellspawn, the all-seeing eye of our observant surely has a short attention span."

Dengar didn't know if the Demon could hear him, but frankly, he didn't really care, he just wanted to speak some words of motivations to the prince.

[Mordraken]

The frigid, stony ground did little to comfort Magnus. Neither did a bothersome humming, a distant ringing in his ears, similar to being bashed about the head with a cudgel. He achingly shifted and flipped over onto his back, then slowly stood up. The wretched horse seemed to have wandered off, damned thing. He leaned against a tree for support. It wobbled jellylike when he put his weight against it, and he immediately pulled back. He stared intently at the tree, circling it curiously. He touched it again with an outstretched finger. There was a cold, slightly electric texture to the plant as he pushed the finger farther and farther through the woody exterior. Magnus retrieaved his finger, and looked through his hands. They were there, but the sensation of looking through them was not unlike looking into a deep, blue pool of water, struck by the rays of the rising sun. He noticed the rest of his body exhibited the same liquid translucency. Then, he saw the slumped form of himself, laying like a slain soldier on a battlefield. It was whole, and breathing ever so slightly. What madness is this? Am I hallucinating?
No, said a voice behind him. I should say you are becoming more lucid.
Magnus instantly recognized the voice of his old master. Master Krigiri!
In voice only. I am far away right now, but we can communicate along the Astral Plane as easily as if we were face to face.
So that's what this place is. It looks exactly like the other world, except bluer, hazier.
Your senses are not as developed as a full Spirit Mage's. In time, and in practice, as in all things.
So what does it really look like?
The blue haze you speak of will leave in time. If I were you, however, I would take a look over that hill. Magnus felt a direction indicated in his mind, and followed his master's instructions. He gazed over the road from the safety of the forest, to see Nell tangling with a fearsome beast of a man. He lunged at her, and they exchanged blows and grapples. Magnus's fists burned with anger, and he began to run towards them, but he was stopped cold with his master's voice. No, Magnus! You could not interfere from this plane even if you wanted to!
But that man will kill her!
It will be unfortuneate for her to die, yes, but do you think she would understand it from you? She would kill you as fast as she plans to slay her father!
Magnus was now even more shocked. Her FATHER?!
Yes, you fool! Must I be blunt about everything? That is the Vampiric corpse of her father, assaulting her now!
Oh...no...how horrible a fate-
It is not in your sphere to help her in this fight. You were foolish to think so, and it was more foolish to leave Noah's side.
Well, it is my place to be foolish, isn't it?? You said the only way to overcome arrogance is to be humbled in battle!
Your place is no longer to battle, boy! You can only win battles of the Material world after winning the war with yourself.
After a long, unmoving silence, Magnus stood up and went back to his body. Before reawakening, he thought one more message to his master: I am fighting myself. This is the first offensive.

[Nell]

His eyes narrowed with purpose. And anger.

The vampire drew his lips back as he snarled his words, "That wasn't very nice of you, daughter, to hurt your loving father in this manner. It seems you are looking to be punished." He backed away from her, but only to look for the fallen staff. Snatching it from the ground, he brandished it at her. "And this? You think to hurt me more with this?" His words dripped with derision as with a sharp motion he snapped the staff into pieces. It broke like a thin twig. The vampire picked up a short piece from the end of the staff that had been sharpened to a point. "You would stick this into me and rob me of my new life?" His voice raised in wrath, outraged at her intentions.

He walked quickly towards the fallen girl as she scrambled to her feet. Knocking the axe from her hand in a swift blow, he pushed her against the stone wall of the dilapidated cottage. Nell gasped as she stumbled back, hitting the wall hard. Before she could react the vampire was on her, his rank breath covering her face as he pinned her arms against the stone. Turning her head from side to side she tried to escape the close scrutiny of his hard eyes. "Why do you fight me? Don't you love me anymore ... don't you love me, Maggie?

Nell shuddered as the vampire hissed out the name of her departed mother. Horror filled her as he leant in to brush his cheek against hers, feeling his lips trail down and a tongue slowly lick the side of her neck. "Ah, Maggie, I've missed you so much. So many long nights without you keeping me warm ... why did you leave me?" Sharp teeth grazed against her skin, as her arms were released from the vice-like grip and instead the monster's hands moved over her body to rest on her hips. "But you won't leave me again, Maggie. I have you now, forever"

Nell's thoughts raced as she realised that somehow her father's mind was confused, mistaking her for his dead wife. She could, no matter how distasteful it seemed, take advantage of this situation. Slowly she reached up and stroked the back of his head, trying to not move suddenly. The piece of broken staff was still in his hand and it was sticking into her side, threatening to impale her. "Aye," she whispered, "Aye, my love, it's been too long..." With her other hand, she stroked down his shoulder, edging her fingers towards the stake. "But I am cold, so cold. Take me to the fire and warm me there.." She stifled a wince as the stake dug deeper into her, breaking through the material of her shirt and piercing her side. The vampire had stopped moving, his face buried in her neck. Nell waited for his next action, hardly breathing herself.

He lifted his face up to look at her again, his eyes confused, but then clearing with understanding. From deep within his chest came a low sound that became a laugh. "Oh, good, good. You are a tricky one, daughter. What fun we are going to have..."

With a grimace, Nell's fingers clawed around the thick hair at the nape of his neck and pulled hard, yanking his head back. At the same time, she grabbed at the stake and tried to wrench it away from his clawed grasp. The tip of the stake ripped at her flesh in the struggle before falling to their feet as the vampire slapped her hard, spinning her around. Once again she was pinned against the wall as he held her by the back of her head. "Don't move, my dear. I wouldn't want to have to snap your neck.." With a vicious swipe, his sharp nails slashed down her back, tearing through the thin fabric and cutting into her skin. Blood oozed from the long slits, soaking the material. Nell cried in pain as her father dipped his head to lick the warm liquid..

[Talione]

Talione jogged throught the trees, moving in a ground eating lope that he knew he could keep up for hours. He might not cover ground as fast as a horse, not even the flee bitten nag Magnus was riding, but the woodsman prefered to trust his own legs in the lowering darkness. The shadowy predator he was forced to keep hidden away deep in his soul so he could pass among "civilized" people slowly began to awaken. With its awakening came the rebirth of Talione's senses. Sounds became deeper, scents became as words on a page; telling their tale to those who could read them. Following Magnus's trail had been simple, but for some time now, Talione had been catching glimpses of other tracks. A horse, moving fast, lightly burdened. The new tracks set Talione's mind to clamoring. Could they be Nell's?

Eventually Magnus' tracks started to diverge from the others, the old nag's prints becoming more ragged and closely spaced as it grew more and more weary. When the two sets of tracks finally parted ways, Talione stopped, torn. Noah had told him to follow Magnus, but he had also said to find Nell, leaving Talione with a difficult decision. If his instincts were right, then the older set of tracks really were Nell's, and his heart screamed for him to follow them to her side. The moment of indecision passed and Talione abandoned Magnus' trail, knowing the vampire could fend for himself, and frankly not caring if he couldn't. I have to find Nell.

The sun sank toward the horizon, the forest canopy acting like a shroud; the paths becoming nearly as dark as a starless night. The darkness made tracking difficult, and Talione found himself relying more and more on instinct and less on the waning sense of sight. The coming darkness did have one benefit, and Talione greatfully removed the hated glasses that a twist of fate forced him to wear during the harsh light of day. His blood red eyes nearly glowed in the twilight shadows. The coldness in those crimson orbs, the visible price of controlling the battle lust that burned in his hunter's soul, melted away before the awakened beast. Smiling a feral smile, Talione resumed his run.

[Nell]

Despite the vampire's warning to not move, Nell continued to struggle, writhing under his strong hands. This served to just anger him more, as he tried to drink from the wounds on her back. With a roar he grabbed her around her waist and lifting her away from the wall, threw her onto the ground. She landed heavily on her knees and tried to immediately crawl away, but her father squatted down, half straddling her, holding her around her waist and shoulders. Eagerly, he bent his head to drink more, the blood lust filling his body.

Nell's body was caught tight in his grip but her hands were free and they scrabbled around the ground searching for anything she could use. Finally her luck was turning as the stake was within her reach. Her fingers closed around it and her face grew determined. This was not over. She began to kick and with her empty hand reached back to claw at the face that was smeared in her blood. The vampire growled and changed his hold on her, looping an arm around her neck and pulling her up roughly. Her back was pressed against him as his other arm tightened around her waist. He whispered into her ear, "Would you like me to bite you, my dear?"before smoothing away her long hair to reveal the pale skin of her neck.

Nell clenched her fist and with a roar, brought it back to punch him squarely in his face. Fighting hard she struggled to release herself from his loosened hold, and fell forward onto the ground. Rolling onto her back she brought her knees up and kicked hard at the vampires body. The kicks did little and he knocked her legs to one side, lunging forward to cover her with his body. As he landed though, his face twisted in pain and shock. The stake held in her hand was waiting and his torso impaled itself on the wooden spike.

[*Kain*]

...we may yet stand a fighting chance. For a high ranked hellspawn, the all-seeing eye of our observant surely has a short attention span. Dengar mentioned as he helped Noah to the war room. Thank you, whoever this demon is, he has been hurt before and seems a little irritated by it. So he is deciding to take it out on me. No matter, there are other issues that we must attend too. Noah let go of Dengar and limped slowly to a seat in front of commander Borus' desk.[color] Commander Borus, Dengar, Dengar, Commander. This man will be helping us Commander, how goes the investigations?[/color] The commander stood to his feet. It's to quiet, all of the sudden the attacks stopped, aside from that quarrel your champion hunter had with those ten, and the incident here in the castle last night...nothing. It seems they are planning something big, at least that is what I would presume. Sire Astrail cannot handle an enemy of more than 4000 soldiers in it's present state, let alone vampires. Noah sighed, how many ready troops do we have commander? The commander tossed the prince a list. The entire army of Astrail comes to a grand total of 1800, of those 1800 there are 500 royal guards. They are strictly loyal to the queen m'lord, and they are the elite. If we try to assemble against the fanged threat which the queen says does not exist I am sure she will charge you, as well as I with treason. Not to mention your friends. Noah's eyes swelled, I never thought it would come to this, but assemble the troops, the queen's opinion matters not. I hope Astrail does not break out into a civil war, it is not needed, time is crucial now... As Noah says this he notices that the sun is falling. Commander Borus, assemble all available troops. Meet me in the courtyard, the sun is falling and I want them all ready by the time I make it down there. Yes m'lord. Noah got up rather quickly, and winced in pain a little, but brushed it aside and walked over to the window. I wonder if the others are alright, and if they will return before the sun falls over the horizon? The prince turns to Dengar, and Dengar notices a fire in the princes eye. I have a feeling that it will start tonight. It seems as if all of the darkness of the world is converging on this single point. Have you ever looked at the sun fall upon the horizon Dengar? It is so pretty, however I never thought that I would dread the moment when not one of the suns rays cuts it's way over the land. It seems that this is the night I have been living in fear of. Ever since my father was cursed... Noah turned again to the window, staring out into the last warm rays of light from the sun, and basked in it, with his only hope is being able to live long enough to see it again.

...

As dawn approached Scythe awoke from his slumber, he made his way to the main hall of the abandoned underground church. There awaited the finest of his dark warriors, he moved out into the center of the room, and jumped up upon the risen floor. He turned to face his generals. This is it my friends, this is the night we make our mark upon the history of this land, for to long has it been run by the petty humans. This will be a glorious night, assemble the men, we strike in full force tonight, first upon the populace, then upon the castle and it's occupants. Each death will serve to increase our numbers. Save that spoiled brat of a prince for me. Did he really mean what he had said? Sure there was enthusiasm within his voice, but deep within he was unsure if this was the right course of action. Once Astrail has been taken, we will take all of Avurlund, and then the world shall be within our reaches. To arms my brethren. Still he was unsure, it seemed a peice of his humanity has remained, it is this that sets him apart from others of his kind. True emotion, a thing of the past for most vampires, however it remained within him, he longed to once again be human. Deep within thought he noticed a familiar face. The assassin from the night before, he had shown. Scythe walked over to him, so you have shown up after all, assassin. Will you be joining us tonight? In our great assault?

...

Oh things are starting to pick up. Poor little Noah, distrought over the veil of darkness that is upon him, as well he should be. I didn't think the vampires would be ready so quickly, I wonder if they can actually re-take the fabled city of Astrail, heart of the city-states of Avurlund? Oh that assassin has shown his face once again, oh and look, his girls are waiting for him outside the meeting room. Seems he found my present. For now I will watch, things are finally getting interesting enough to stay awake.

[Dengar Arcus]

Dengar gazed out the window, and tried to reach out to the horizon with his mind.

"I, too, tend to gaze at the sunset. However.....

Each dawn and each dusk brings with it new things, new people, new situations, new challenges... I look forward to them. It is this way that I learned to anticipate things. Always looking forward, never dwelling in the past......"

It was if everything around Dengar faded away, yet he was very aware of everything. From the outside, it would look like he was in some sort of trance.

"They are coming.....

The girl... Your friend... She is in trouble, but her mind hurts more than her body... She'll be fine....

He is watching....."

[*Kain*]

checking something

[Nell]

OOC: Test to see if this is working,- will edit it later into a post.

[Voice Vilena]

Closing this one..if you have posting problems in the new thread again let me know.

-Vil