VR III: Darkness is Eternal

[Mordraken]

Magnus caught the book one-handed, flipping it open temporarily.Hmmm. I see your point, but from what I've seen of prospective, how shall I say, recruits, they might be more of a hinderance than a help. But, what you say goes, Prince Dragonhand. Horrendous images popped into Magnus's mind of the fools that were available for the jobs. Wave upon wave of Vampires let into the city by the idiots drunk at their posts while the people sleep. Magnus shook his head, and closed the volume. He pushed it back into the shelf, and removed The Art of Krigiri from a facing shelf. He, too, sat down. It's been awhile since I've read this. I was actually a student of this man once. If only Master Krigiri was here today...Well, actually, if he was, I wouldn't be here talking to you. Magnus flipped it open one-handed, and leafed through it slowly, letting memories of the simple life of a monk replace thoughts of drunken fools trying to fight the undead. He looked over to the book Noah was reading, and noticed what he was looking for immediately.How's the search for a cure for Vampirism?

[Talione]

That strange scent wouldn't leave him alone. It worried at the back of his mind like a terrier shaking a rat. He had smelled it before, many time before. I should know what it is, dammit! But his senses were still realing from the assault they had taken in the kitchen, and the clawing pain caused by the briliant lantern light hadn't subsided. The cool night darkness helped, but there was still that stench. Why does that smell summon such revulsion in me? Distracted, Talione placed the tray he held on the ground before the buckets Nell had overturned. He search the small courtyard for the source of the smell, but couldn't pinpoint it, for the smell covered everything.

Something Nell said brought his attention back to the young woman as she sat eating. A bow is one of the best weapons to use against vampires. It lets you kill them at a distance. Given the strength and speed advantage they have, killing them at range is a very good thing. I use a bow myself. His voice was soft, his manner suddenly alert. Thoughts of his bow, and the uses he put it too, had finally allowed him to identify the smell. Blood, and Death.Unfortunately I do not know if my father has ... fed. He did not look particularly healthy. I drove him away easily and maybe that indicates he was in a weakened state? This stench is really becoming quite intolerable. I barely noticed it at first, but now ... it's like how a dripping of water from the gutter, when you are trying to sleep, is like a thunder boom? Is it my imagination, or is it getting worse?

Yessssss. He hissed, scanning the night for threats. Something is VERY wrong here!

Oh gods. It's coming from in here. Nell's words pulled Talione's gaze to the small barrel. Now that it had been pointed out, he could tell that the smell was indeed coming from inside. Sickly sweet, with a hint of iron. The stench of rot. Pulling a long knife from the small of his back, Talione knelt by the offending barrel, afraid of what he would find, but compelled by duty to find out anyway. Sliding the blade under the barrel's lid, he levered it up, releasing a foul cloud of decay tainted air.

The reek went almost unnoticed, the horror inside the barrel overwhelming Talione. At first it seemed like so much raw meat, as if someone had packed a keg and forgot to salt it. A numbness had come over the Hunter, one that he recognized. It was the mind's way of defending itself from things too terrible to endure, the brain simply refusing to recognize what the eyes were seeing. Knowing that he had to truly see what was in that barrel, Talione forced his battered mind to focus, despite the child-like voice that screamed don't look, DON'T LOOK! The first thing he recognized was a finger, and with that recognition, everything came into focus. Oh gods! It was a hoarse croak, all that could escape past the bile rising in his throat.

Neatly folded into the barrel was the body of a man. His bones had been shattered, almost pulverized, in order to fit him into such a small container. But that was the least. Someone had skinned the man, and left the bloody face staring blindly up threw laced fingers. A terrible coldness overcame Talione, sweaping all fear, doubt, and revulsion before it, leaving the Hunter with a chilling calm. He looked up at Nell, his eyes glittering in the half-light like twin gates to Hell. We must find the Prince, and no one else must find this... abomination. Some vampires can change their own shape, others must take the shape of another. I think we have a skin-shifter. The woodsman's normaly gentle voice was hard, and there was Death in his eyes.

[*Kain*]

Noah stopped and looked over to the man. Well if you think they'll get in the way in their present condition. Train them, keep them busy, to busy to drink. I don't know about the cure. There is no one thing that shows an exact cure, just hints. So that man was your master eh? What happened to him. He continued looking in to his book. Realizing now that he was growing very hungry, he almost regretted storming out of dinner. Noah stood before Magnus could answer. I am still hungry, so if you would accompany me to the kitchens, so I might grab a bite to eat. You must be hungry as well. With that Noah headed out of the library and towards the kitchens.

[Mordraken]

Yes, I am, but not for what you're thinking of eating.Magnus hadn't sustained his vampiric longings in quite some time, and it was starting to take a bit of a toll on him. He was disappointed that he could find it in himself to be able to repress the Thirst entirely. Magnus followed Noah on the prince's right side. You know, you're right. I do feel like I need some form of quick sustanence. Yes, but as to my sensei, he, and the vast majority of my fellow monks, were slaughtered at the hand of a Vampire assassin group.He lowered his voice to a remorseful level. I should have seen it coming. But, as they say, you can't do anything about the past except remember it. He walked in shame a moment, then lifted his head. It seems at though we all have been wronged by Vampires, at least in some way. It's rather too bad they can't even attempt to get along. They turned into the kitchen, but Magnus stopped. He sniffed lightly, and looked up at a small airvent near the cealing, leading outside. Haven't smelled that in a long time.Ah, now let's see what kind of pleasentries your cooks can make when they aren't doing it for the queen. He paced around the kitchen, gently getting closer to the back door of the room. He sniffed again. By all that is holy, it...that haunting smell...I must...let it...lie... He shook his head to knock the smell out of his nose, but it didn't succeed. Say, Prince Dragonhand, on second thought, I'm not really all that hungry. I'll wait outside for you, if, in fact, you'd like to eat outside. Magnus left, in more than a hurry than he probabaly should have. In the courtyard, Talione and the girl from dinner who was not royalty Talione escorted out earlier were standing over a barrel with looks of revulsion or cold resolve. As he approached, Magnus said, Is this as bad as I think it smells, Talione? He reached the barrel before anyone could speak, and looked into in. Yes, it was what he expected: the free smell of human blood in such massive quantities almost overrided his good sense to keep him from assaulting the barrel's contents. He stood back a moment, stroking his chin; actually, it was closer to holding his throat, suddenly becoming deftly aware of how dry his throat was. He licked his lips, staring deeply into the barrel's mess. Musn't...no...keep...holding...self...back...so...tempting...

[*Kain*]

Magnus had accompanied Noah to the kitchens, however, upon arrival he made haste for the outside. Noah found this a little odd, but he shrugged it off, and grabbed a plate. He filled it partially full with various meats, and vegetables. He then made his way outside, with his plate. He chewed gladly for a few seconds on a slice of meat before swallowing it. Once outside he spotted Magnus, Talione, and Nell. All of them standing over a barrel. Noah made his way over eating some of the vegetables. What is so interesting about this barrel? Nobody was able to warn him, he stepped forward and peered in. Upon sight he dropped the plate, it shattered upon the ground, and sent food here and there. It was a good thing Noah didn't have to much to eat, for the sight of the poor soul trapped within the barrel was to much to bare. Noah immediatly turned and threw up the recent food, which wasn't to terribly much. After a little bit of dry heaving he recooverd. He stood again and looked back into the barrel. It took all he had from not continueing to throw up what was no longer in his stomach. Noah turned away eventually. What kind of morbid bastard would do such a thing. To be so cruel, so unfeeling. The smell started to work it's way up into his nose. Noah backed away. The smell, it's horrid, so horrid.

[Mordraken]

Magnus shook his head vigorously, snapping himself back to collectedness. He took a step forward, and dipped his smallest right-hand finger into the blood. He then licked the finger. He felt a chill rush down his spine, a certain unusual physical pleasure he hadn't felt in a long, long time. He kept it to himself, however. This blood is quite warm. It's been killed very recently. Whoever did this might still be in the castle, perhaps even out in the town, but not much farther. Hmm. What do you think, Talione?

[Nell]

She had stood back as Talione prised open the lid and the stench released made her gag. Covering her nose and mouth and fighting the impulse to bring up the food she had just eaten, she inched forward. The sight was horrific and she squeezed her eyes shut and looked away. Stepping back, she listened to Talione.

We must find the Prince, and no one else must find this... abomination. Some vampires can change their own shape, others must take the shape of another. I think we have a skin-shifter.

Skin-shifter? She had never heard of such a thing. And what is a skin-shifter? Again she felt bile rise in her throat and again she swallowed hard. As she did so, Magnus joined them from the kitchens.

Is this as bad as I think it smells, Talione? Nell stepped further back as Magnus approached the barrel. She shuddered as she watched him dip a finger into the corpse and test the blood. This blood is quite warm. It's been killed very recently. Whoever did this might still be in the castle, perhaps even out in the town, but not much farther. Hmm. What do you think, Talione? She was astounded at how calm and scientific Magnus was approaching this situation. She could only conclude that he was used to seeing such horrors and therefore was able to maintain his composure.

When Noah came out from the kitchens and reacted to the barrel by vomiting his dinner, she felt pity for the young man. As he recovered she fetched a glass of water from the nearby tray and offered it to him, if he wanted it. After Noah expressed his disgust and horror, Nell once again asked her question.

What is a skin-shifter?

[Talione]

Talione looked at his three companions. Nell and the Prince were both reacting as he had expected they would, as any normal person would. Magnus though, seemed more fasinated by the corpse then anything else.
A skin shifter is a vampire that can take the form of another by wearing the victims skin. It is a very rare power. I have only heard of it once before, and that vamp is very dead. Then he looked to Magnus and the Prince. As for the vamp still being in the castle, I'm sure he is. The way I see it, this murder was comitted for one of four reasons. The first is for fun, but I tend to doubt that. The second is to get a spy into the castle, in which case the spy isn't very good at covering his tracks. The third reason is for the body to be found as a fear tactic. If someone besides us found this, say tomorrow morning, it would be a slap in the Prince's face. If someone in the castle can be killed so brutally, right under the Prince's nose, then no one is safe. Confidence in the monarchy is destroyed, and people will panic. Easy pickings. The fourth possibility, as I see it, would be to poison the royal family. Given that the kitchen is right through the door, I think that might be likely. Probably a mixture of both three and four.

The coldness still encased Talione, leaving his voice sounding cold and dead. If I were you, Milord Dragonhand, I would dispose of the body quietly, then have some servants you trust ask around. See if anyone is acting strangely tonight. Looking down at Nell's abandoned plate, he felt the coldness shudder under the fires of rage. I would also suggest that you purge yourselves of any food you have eaten, and check the left-overs for poison. Just in case.
He quirked a white eyebrow at Magnus, his crimson eyes silently asking the monk's opinion. Panic tried to well up at the thought of Nell being poisoned, but Talione ruthlessly forced it down. Panic would solve nothing. He need the calm of the Hunt, as he had never needed it before. A killer was loose, a killer who could be any man in the castle.

But in the back of his mind, he silently swore vengence. If the bastard had hurt Nell, one of the first people not to turn from his bone white skin and crimson eyes, one of the first women to ever show him kindness, then he, Talione, would make the monster suffer as no other had.

[Mordraken]

Magnus said quietly, Good. I will take care of the body. It shouldn't take more than a few moments. He gripped and hefted the barrel easily, and went over to one of the courtyard's high walls, a dark corner specifically. He looked over his shoulder, and noticed the others were watching him. Well? I thought you all were going to go and look into who's been acting strange. I hate being watched. He put the barrel down, and leaned one arm on it, other arm on his hip, watching right back. Then, he began to reconsider his harsh words. Hmmm. Well, it's been sitting here for all this time, and nobody has seemed to notice, so a little longer won't make that much of a difference in when he get buried. He looked into the barrel one more time, and walked back to join the others in their search for the skin-shifter. Later that night, when all was quiet, he would come back for the body.
X~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~X
When he was sure there was no one around, he tossed the barrel up and over the wall, and with a short running start, he jumped, kicking off of the walls until he got to the top, and swung over. He landed softly. Magnus picked the barrel back up, now in one arm, and walked, following the moonlit shadows, deeply into the forest. In a random, unnoticable spot, he set the barrel down, and began to dig fast. In short order, he had a hole in the ground several feet deep. He pulled himself up out of the trench, and looked at the barrel. Magnus shifted his eyes, daring any Vampire waiting in the weeds to come and snatch his prize. As much as it infuriated him, he had to feed, and such an obvious opprotunity might not happen for a while. He grabbed one of the arms, or legs, perhaps, of the poor soul, and pulled it out, chomping it like a rather large chicken leg. Any blood left in the actual flesh he drank, and dropped the limb into the hole like a discarded peice of grisle. He moved onto another limb, and then the other two. His thirst satiated for now, he kicked the rest of the remains into the pit, and filled it again with dirt, patting it down to avoid any possible suspicion. Realizing he smelled like his meal, as well as being covered in it, he searched the forest for a spring of water to wash himself. After a good amount of searching, he determined that as long as he cleaned his face, the rest could conceiveably be explained; the blood could be from the kitchen, raw meat falling on him or something; the dust was just from traveling, and he hadn't had a chance to clean his gi in quite some time. He found a particularly dew-covered tree, and used it's leaves to rub his face clean. Marginally, at least. Magnus hurried back into the castle, and stealthily manuvered through the castle corridors, avoiding guards and late-night beaucrats with ease. He found the quarters he was assigned, and sat down in the center of the room, lotus style. This time, when he meditated, he had no visions of the past and the slaughters he had endured. There was only serenity, calming images, and none of his former master.

[Talione]

Talione watched Magnus easily heft the barrel. The monk made it look easy, but Talione knew better. The barrel itself would weigh close to thirty pounds, and its gruesome contents put it well over a hundred. Probably two hundred. The big woodsman knew that he could have lifted it, if not that easily, but Magnus was much smaller. A vague suspicion began to nag at the back of his mind, but Talione dismissed it for now, in light of more pressing issues. But he would remember.

Turning back to the Prince and Nell, he sheathed the long knife he still held in his hand. Well highness, this is your castle, what do you want to do? Talione's muscles quivered with the false energy of adrenaline and suppressed rage. Like a mastiff chained before battle, he needed to be about the Hunt. Before the energy faded, leaving him drained and wasted, or worse yet, before his tenuous grip on control slipped and he went storming into the night in full battlelust.

[*Kain*]

Well highness, this is your castle, what do you want to do? Noah stopped and turned to Talione. Sir Talione, I do have a name, it's Noah. I would appreciate it if you used that from now on. Noah looked to the ground. Highness is to Grandiose a term. He looked back up to Talione, Well let us split up, Talione cover the basement and kitchen areas, Nell if you would check around the first two floors of the castle. Magnus cover the outside grounds, I will check the upper floors of the castle. Look for anyone or anything out of the norm......... er um. Talk to the people, vampires are usually cold to the touch. Try to get skin contact. Talione, Magnus, were either of you able to make a face out of the...skin in that barrel? Noah wasn't to sure how to go about things, and started to think to himself. Skin-shifter? Vampiric? It doesn't make sense, if this was the case. It could get close to the queen....my sisters! Noah's face turned white and without warning Noah took off, the last visable expression on his face was worry. He immediately took to the stairs, with a speed almost unheard of for a human.

...

What's this, a new player in the game. Crafty too, donning the skin of another person, brilliant. I'll just sit back and watch for tonight. This should be fun.

...

Scythe got together a group of volunteers to go and scout the status of Astrail. I want to know how many ready troops they have, how many sentries, and if possible how many mercanaries. He looked at these volunteers closely, all rather new, more recent additions. Let's see if they can make it through tonight, and how well they perform. He gave the signal and the fifteen vamps moved out, and he followed suit to watch them.

[Mordraken]

Before Magnus could answer Noah, he had already taken off in search of the skin-shifter. Unusual. Magnus shrugged. Well, you heard Noah, let's get going. He turned on his heel, and went back outside, into the courtyard. Not seeing anything besides dust and a dried circle of blood where the barrel had been, he vaulted over the castle wall in a heartbeat. He calmly circled the entire castle, as well as the town. There were few lights this night, except from the bar where he had told Ed and his gang of rogues to be out in front of the castle first thing in the morning. He decided to see if the bartender or patrons had seen anything. Magnus entered. Ed was still there, slumped forward on the bar. Ed, you really shouldn't drink so much. It dulls your senses. Ed didn't notice, but Magnus didn't really care. He sat a few chairs down from the large warrior.
What'll ya have, buddy?
Just information. Have you seen anything unusual tonight, people especially? People acting out of character?
I see lots of unusual people come through here.
Give me an example.
I don't know, my memory could use a little refreshing.
Magnus lowered his voice, sounding cross and overworked.If you know something, and you don't let me know it, you will be infringing on a royal investigation. Men have been skinned alive for less.
The bartender was rather shocked.Uh, yeah. There was this one guy, real barfly, worked at the castle.
And? Keep going.
The bartender lowered his own voice, and leaned forward conspiratorially.Anyway, this guy came in for his usual couple ales, and decides he's done for the night. I figure, That's good, he should cut back a little on the booze. Later on, he came back in. Looked like he felt...regal or something. He stood up straight, not a hint of booze in his walk or talk. I says to the guy, Hey, how you doin' man, I thought you were done for the night. He says something like, Have you seen an Eastern-looking fellow that wears all black with symbols on his shirt and belt? I say, No, you want another ale? He says, No, I don't like alcohol. I say, Since when? Then he leaves.
Hmmm.
That's not the end, either. He said something like, If you do see him, tell him he's being watched.
He stored that unsettling phrase in the back of his mind. Really? Do you know where this guy lives?
I honestly don't, sorry.
Thanks. Magnus got up and left. [i]Being watched? I mustn't let that get out. He reentered the castle, and set about the barrel of human meat.

[Talione]

Talione was torn between following the Prince... Noah... and staying with Nell. Despite Noah's orders, Talione didn't think that splitting up was such a good idea. Especially Nell, who from what she had said, had never really faced a full strength vampire in battle before. Will you be alright, searching by yourself? You said you knew how to use the staff, but blunt weapons aren't very useful against vampires. He ask, some of the coldness leeching from his voice. I don't doubt your courage or your skill, but if you think it would be better, we could search together, or at least find a gaurd to help you... Even as he spoke, Talione was moving, heading for the barracks where he had previously stashed his weapons.

[Nell]

Well let us split up, Talione cover the basement and kitchen areas, Nell if you would check around the first two floors of the castle. Magnus cover the outside grounds, I will check the upper floors of the castle. Look for anyone or anything out of the norm......... er um. Talk to the people, vampires are usually cold to the touch. Try to get skin contact.

Was he kidding? Nell tried to control herself as she listened to their orders. As Noah swiftly departed, and Magnus headed off, she remained rooted to the spot, her mind attempting to understand what had just been asked of her. Talione's thoughtful words, although perhaps what the young woman wanted to hear, did little to stop the barrage of thoughts that sprang from her lips. It was a pity that he was not the one deserving of them, but he was the only one remaining.

He wants me to hunt for a skin shifter? A ... skin shifter! Is he crazy? What? He wants me to walk around touching people to check if they are cold? She was physically trembling from fear and anger. Clenching her fists in an futile attempt to calm herself, she began to pace the short courtyard.

Who does he think I am? I'm not a hunter. I run a tavern. He brought me to this place for protection and ... and ... I would be safer back in my home. She shook her head and closed her eyes in disbelief. When she opened them, she stared at Talione for a moment.

Excuse me. Purging Swiftly turning away, she bent double and threw up her dinner with several thrusts from her gut. Spitting the remains from her mouth, she turned back and resumed as if the moment had never occured.What is he expecting me to do if I find this creature? Eh? Shake his hand and run for it? Gods preserve us! Her voice raised sharply at this point as she stood, quivering with rage.

[*Kain*]

Noah Ran up the stairs, down the hall to the far tower, and up the spiral stair case. He passed a few servants on the way, keeping their faces in his memory, he would talk to all of them later. Along the way up the staircase, he passed another servany, Noah noticed the man's clothes were tight, as if they were a little to small. The servant had an empty platter in his hands. Noah didn't stop to see if he might be the culprit, the only thing on his mind right now was his sister's well being. Once he reached the door he stopped to catch his breath. After a few moments he knocked on the door. Who is it? Came a females voice from inside. Iris it's me Noah, open up please. Noah Replied. One moment brother. After a few moments the door swung open, Iris was eating some of the food that the servant had brought up. Why are you here Noah? is somethi....*cough*... excuse me, is somethin....*cough*...*cough* Noah pulled the plate from her hands and set it on the desk. He went to help her, and started guiding her to a chair. It was at this moment she collapsed in his arms, her face was now pale. He let her down gently to the ground still holding her, he checked if she was breathing. No air came from her mouth, her chest stopped moving. He checked her for a heartbeat.....none. Noah's eyes swelled up, and tears started to form. He removed the strands of hair that landed softly on her cheeck as he set her down. Still holding her, he pulled her close, and looked into the two green eyes that staired back at him, with emptiness, tears now running off his cheek. Noah looked up as if he was looking to the gods for an answer of some sort. Why? He said aloud, after a few moments rage started building up inside. He had passed the enemy on the stairs, and he just let him slip through his fingers. Suppressing his anger Noah picked up his sister and brought her over to her bed, there he lay her down. He ran his hand over her eyelids, shutting them. He then ran his hand over her head, his fingers running through her soft hair. The anger he had managed to subside for a moment rushed back. Noah kissed his sister on her forehead, and whispered I love you. With that he stood and turned toward the doorway, running with all he had, in order to catch up to the skin-shifter.

[Talione]

Nell's anger stopped Talione cold. He could understand her being upset, but he didn't know why she was taking it out on him. If you don't want to endanger yourself this way, I understand. Would you like me to escort you back to your room before I start my own search?He couldn't keep the hint of impatients from his voice. That monster could be killing someone even now! I have to get my weapons! Watching Nell, waiting for her answer, Talione held himself rigid. Please make up your mind quickly though.

[Valgoth]

Valgoth was very pleased with himself. Although the dinner hadn't gone as he had planned, things might just be better this way. He would have liked to kill the boy princes' new toys, those inept vampire hunters, and the princes' new piece of fluff. But this way, the vampire hunters would be shown for what they really were. Idiots, buffoons. In all his years of life, not one so-called vampire hunter had posed him even a slight threat. To think, I walked right by the lot of them, and not a single one even suspected. What kind of Hunters does that make them? Of course they had all been distracted by the Queen's rude behavior. Such a rude, utterly foolish woman! Its a shame that I couldn't kill her, but my employer wants her alive and well. After all, the Queen is so very good at upseting the Prince! Laughing softly, Valgoth headed back towards the kitchen. The extra venom he had put in the princesses' food would kill her in only a few minutes, and he wanted to be out of the castle before anyone found her.

By the poxed gods! This skin is tight! Not even the clothes fit right! It was a shame that he hadn't been given enough time to find a proper victim. Rush jobs always annoyed him, but the pay would make up for the discomfort. Smiling a small, cruel smile, Valgoth continued down the stairs. That is until he saw Prince Noah running up the stairs. Hunching over, Valgoth stepped aside to let the Prince pass, then sneered at his back. So you found me out! Well, you weren't in time to save you precious sister! Laughing again, Valgoth dropped his servant act and ran down the stairs at speeds only a vampire could match, shedding his stolen skin in bloody chunks as he went.

Finally, free of his gruesome disguise, Valgoth ducked into the small servant's chamber and dressed in his own black clothing. Now I wait. Come for me Princeling. I want to see your face before I go! Standing by the open window, Valgoth waited. The fact that his employer had specifically told him not to be found ment no more to him than did killing his victims. The only thing that mattered was their pain.

[Nell]

Please make up your mind quickly though

Nell nodded. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her wits together.

Yes, I am sorry. Please, escort me to my room, then I will be out of the way. That is for the best. Sorry. It's just, I don't think I can handle this and I would just cause problems.

Without wasting any more time, Nell was quickly left in her room, allowing Talione to begin his hunt for the skin shifter. Locking the door and double checking the window, Nell sat on the edge of the bed and tried to make sense of the day.

[*Kain*]

OOC: Demmit! I just lost like a page and a half post!

IC:

Noah was tiring quickly now, he had crossed the castle and went up several stories. Now he was on his way back down, still carried rather swiftly by his feet. Once he reached the bottom of the stairs he saw the chunks of skin, and a trail of blood. The skin-shifter was now in his own skin, Noah followed the trail which tailed off into bloody footprints leading into the servants' quarters. Noah stopped outside the door to catch his breath.

After a few moments Noah charged into the room, he saw his target over by the window. He drew his blade, the flash of light stunned his foe temporarily and Noah struck. He caught the vampire in the left arm, unlike the vampires he had previously encountered this one survived the sword of light's holy touch. The vamp reacted by backflipping out the window. Noah ran over to go check where the creature was, when a hand came up and clawed at his face. Noah dodged back getting nicked on the nose, he tripped over an empty platter and fell back, his sword falling a few feet, just out of reach. The skin-shifter took advantage of this moment and pulled himself back into the room, he immediately set about attacking the prince.

Just as Noah's end was in sight and Arrow peirced the creatures shoulder, it stumbled backwards. Noah scrambled to his feet, grabbed his blade. He turned back to his foe, the point of the blade steered in the skin-shifters direction. Noah glanced to the doorway where the other source of light came from. It was Talione, and he was knocking another arrow...

...

Oh he was caught, pity. He was doing so good too. *Yawn* I'm growing rather sleepy, I guess I'll retire for the night.

...

[Scythe took up a position in the tallest tree he could find that was closest to the castle. He saw his scouts set about the town, disappearing into buildings and indulging their thirst, some for the first time. He then turned his attention to the castle. A black figure was hanging from a window on what looked to be the second floor, a strange glowing light was coming from inside. Sure enough the prince appeared in the window, and Scythe chuckled to himself as the figure clawed at the kid's face. Noah stumbled back and the glow from the sword of light fell back, and appeared to be coming from the ground. The black figure flipped back into the room, and moments later he saw the figure in the window again he must be having a hard time with that whelp of a prince, I suppose I should look into the situation. The glow from the sword was now coming from mid-level. Scythe became interested and jumped out of the tree, making use of his vampiric ability he sped to the castle...

[Nell]

The young woman sat on the edge of her bed, trying to make sense of the day. The meeting with Noah, the attack by the vampire in his office, leaving her home, becoming acquainted with vampire hunters and eating (nearly) with royalty ... and then the horrible discovery of that body. The thought still made her queasy. It had been too much, to be ordered to look for the skin shifter. This did not stop Nell from feeling a sense of shame at the way she had reacted. Poor Talione, he had been considerate of her feelings, had anticipated them, but she had let her fear of the situation overcome her.

Rising from the bed, she moved to the table where her bow lay. She tested the tension of the bowstring, stroking the supple wood of the frame. Then sighing, she replaced it on the table. There was no possible way that she could help the men in this dangerous situation. Before she could even take a step in that direction, she would need some kind of training, if only to prepare her mind for such a task as killing. The last thing they needed was a woman panicking or freezing with terror in the face of the situation.

Reasoning thus to herself, she sat on the stone floor infront of the fire. Crossing her legs and bowing her head slightly, Nell began to clear her thoughts of all worry and tension. She inhaled deeply, and slowly exhaled. Then regulating her breathing, she emptied her mind. Practiced at meditation, it did not take long for the room to disappear and for Nell to exist in a dark void.

[Mordraken]

Just as he was about to heft up the barrel, Magnus's ears pricked up. He heard the faint sounds of running feet on dirt road. The pattern of footfalls was too fast to be human...Vampire! At this realization, without even becoming irritated at the fact he kept getting interrupted from getting rid of the body, he took a running jump and flipped over the wall. He took the fall rolling, and didn't even need to stop to stand up; the breakfall just became part of his run. He saw a black shape dash toward the castle entrance, and intercepted it with a flying tackle. Not exactly the most graceful or technical attack, but it was effective. He held the Dark Childe in a double arm lock, burying his knee next to the base of it's neck. He said matter-of-factly, Where do you think you're going at this hour of night? The queen isn't exactly up for an audience right now.

[*Kain*]

Where do you think you're going at this hour of night? The queen isn't exactly up for an audience right now. Scythe was disgusted with himself. He was caught by one of those puny vampire hunters. Maybe they were better than he thought. This one was obviously the daywalker, for no mortal could survive that kind of fall, without aid that is. The bastard had his knee into scythe's back. Damnit! I let my guard down for a second and he gets me. Just as it was looking grim one of the newbies come from the dark. He threw the daywalker off of his master, and challenged his oppenent. Scythe took this time to recover, he lept back and drew his Katanas. His help was torn apart within moments. This vampire hunter obviously had the super-human strength that came with the curse. He however was weakening. The more he was able to stand the sun, the weaker the daywalker got. It was true, to stand in direct sunlight one must recapture their soul. Scythe to did not have all the dark gifts he once had. However he only had a peice, this one seemed to be able to function an entire day in the sun. If you have a deathwish then come. However, I'll let you live if you carry about your business. Or should I just come back later, and notify the prince he is working with a vampire? Yes that's right Magnus Dreadweaver, I know of you. Scythe noticed his scouts flocking to him. Magnus was strong but no match for the fourteen of them and Scythe himself. Scythe nodded in the direction of his scouts. Behind you, daywalker. Magnus chanced a quick glance behind him, sure enough, more vampires were coming. When he turned his gaze back toward his target, Scythe was gone. No where to be found. The fourteen vampires were now converging upon Magnus...

...

Noah and Talione stood face to face with the skin-shifter. Both sides waiting for the other to move. Watching eachother in complete silence, waiting...

...

Oh interesting, Scythe was nearly killed. This Magnus has great potential, then again so do the others. I suppose I should make my move before they learn to work together. Noah and Talione are facing off with the skin-shifter, I told him not to get caught. No matter, I'm sure the prince is torn, his only family members left are his bitch of a mother, and his last sister, Ariana.

[Mordraken]

OOC: Well, True Believers, this looks bleak for our hero, but nothing can stop Magnus Dreadweaver!

IC: Hmmm. Magnus knew he was surrounded. That cowardly Vampire who dared to let Magnus's name slip from his lips had left, presumably into the castle to cause more havoc. What mattered now, however, was to dispatch these flithy Grunts. He took one more quick over his shoulder. Fourteen filthy grunts. Well, I guess you fellows really have me nailed to the wall, don't you? I suppose surrender isn't an option? He jumped up, and grabbed the overhang of the castle entrance, flipping himself up onto it. Magnus quickly started scaling the castle wall, gripping each small outcropping as easily as a ladder rung. The Vampires followed closely behind; a little too close for Magnus's liking, but in a few moments, he was high enough to spring off the wall onto the roof of a building below, hopefully throwing them off a few moments. He knew he needed fire, and fast. He quickly scanned the town for any lights in any of the windows, while running between the house roofs. Nothing, nothing, then... A-HA! The trusty bar! He made a note to make sure the owner was compensated handsomly for all the help Magnus was about to recieve. He leaped down from the current roof and barely outran a slashing claw. He dashed in, followed closely by a foolish Vampire, jumped over the bar, grabbed a candle, turned around and threw it at the Dark Childe square in the face. He didn't take note of the creature's screams, as he turned again and grabbed the second candle on the counter. He looked at the door, and noticed another two running in. He grabbed a bottle of random alcohol and quickly smashed it over the table cloth that was draped over the counter. He lit it with the candle, and tossed it on the undead soldiers. Three down, eleven to go. He picked up the flaming cloth off the crusty remains, and ripped a long strip off. He quickly stuffed half of it into the thin head of another bottle of alcohol, and relit it. He also moved away from the windows, and looked constantly between all the openings to the building and his belt, which he rapidly stuffed with more bottles of alcohol. Then, after thinking a moment, listening, contemplating, he jumped through a window and began running again, this time as fast as he could out into the center of the street. All the Vampires that had been setting themselves on the roof of the building then set off after him, growling and snapping. Magnus let fly the bottles of beer and wine, letting them smash against the heads and bodies of the mob that was after him. After all the bottles were gone, he yelled back, I'll surrender! Stop running, and I will! They didn't stop. He set a little extra energy into his legs and began to pull away from the group, when suddenly he skidded to a stop and threw the makeshift alcohol lamp as hard as he could, flame first, at the creatures. They tried to stop, but it nailed a lead Vampire in the head, and skipped like a rock on the surface of a lake to another one. Both of them went up in flames, but in their panic, and by the fact that they were so closely running together, they all ignited, melting and charring into one mass of undead garbage.
Magnus fell to one knee. Most Vampires never become tired, but he hadn't had a decent meal in some time. He panted, and looked on at the burning fleshy rubble in front of him. After a moment, he got up, and walked back to the castle. He didn't feel like jumping over the wall again right now, so he took his time going and reclaiming the body of the fellow in the barrel.
That was quite a workout, he said to himself, smiling.

[*Kain*]

He watched Magnus dispatch his men. Disgusted that so many could lose to one. To bad Magnus you would have been a valuable asset on our side, but you betrayed us and sided with the humans. I think I'll give you a warning The vampire thought to himself. Scythe silently stalked Dreadweaver. He watched Magnus go through the kitchens, Scythe skipped up the stairs and onto a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Magnus was heading for a barrel in the corner. Scythe jumped down from his perch and land on Magnus. Knocking him to the ground Scythe grabbed one arm and twisted it back quickly snapping the bones. He then ground his knee into Magnus' upper spine. Magnus tried to counter by sliding out from underneath Scythe, but the vampire seemed ready for it. Grabbing Magnus by the foot he reeled him back in. Scythe took a hand and grabbed Magnus by the neck lifting him above the ground, claws puncturing the daywalker's neck. After looking Magnus in the eye he snarled and hurled the hunter against the stone wall. The moment Magnus recovered Scythe was there, a fist caught Magnus in the Jaw. Magnus fell to the ground, Scythe picked him up and chucked him over the wall. Scythe looked into the barrel, had he been a human he might of been disgusted. He hefted the barrel over the wall and dropped it next to the battered Magnus. Jumping back on top of the wall he turned back. Next time you will die. With that the vampire disappeared. Bastard ruined my plans, I should have dispatched of him. No matter, there is always another day, better yet, I'll let the prince know about his "hunter" maybe the kid can get rid of him for me...

...

Poor Magnus, he has not the strength to do battle with one such as Scythe, I'd hate to imagine what the scene would look like if the vamp drew his weapons. Ah well, at least that was entertaining, it is so dull around here.

[Nell]

The soft vibration of someone humming an ancient song rises in Nell's ears. Gentle and comforting, like the warmth of familiar arms, the sound floats over the young woman. She stands and turns. From a distance someone approaches, travelling across green fertile fields. The sky is violet-hued and star speckled, the air is warm and kisses the skin. She waits for her guide.

In the darkening room of a far corner of the castle, Nell sits with head bowed, her dream state shrouding her body and mind. Oblivious to the dangers within the walls, ignorant of the menace without, she explores this other world.

He arrives at her side, a tall elf, young and beautiful, and takes her hand. Fear nothing. You are safe. Come see what lies beyond. The serene smile of her elven guide draws her forward. Without hesitation she follows his light step. Walls spring up around them. Grey stone, old and cracked. Beneath their feet the meadows turn to cobblestone. The sky turns to pitch and light emits in a strange orange glow. She turns her head to see its source and gasps.

A circle of fire lashing the air, a barrier that divides dark wretched shadows from a cowering throng of people. Cries fill the air, children screaming, devils shrieking. Nell turns to look the other way. Coldness assails her as she passes windows barred with iron spikes, the gaunt faces and mute lips of prisoners held within, haunting her sight. The gentle hand of the guide draws her on.

The scene changes as they walk up a hill, once again amongst nature. But the trees are withered and the ground is dusty. As they reach the summit, the young elf points to the city below. A city of death, a gloom of darkness suffocating any hope. Don't be scared. Embrace what is dealt. At the end of darkness there is a dawn. She is drawn into the guide's arms and protected by his embrace, she weeps for the future. His soft voice whispers. See how the spirit can transcend, even when there is no light of hope. He turns her to face one final sight.

A tree streaked with black ridges, a man crucified against its twisted limbs, his bone white skin revealed in moonlight, bleeding from many wounds. Blood red eyes that weep sanguine tears. Tears that daub a face which roars in laughter as shadows close in, as darkness engulfs.

She watches from a distance until she can see no more. Her eyes close and she feels a tender kiss on her lips.

Slowly Nell raised her face to the low flames that dance in the fireplace. Her
cheeks were wet with tears. With a sob, she drew her knees to her chest and hugged herself.