The Dark Realmz

IC Central [RPG ONLY] => "Ayenee Nexus: Where Imagination Knows No Bounds => RP Archives 2005-2019 => Topic started by: Kain on September 10, 2008, 05:28:35 PM

Title: IC: From the Crypts of Memory (Transposed Roleplay)
Post by: Kain on September 10, 2008, 05:28:35 PM: Sanguis Oriens - A presence stirred upon the artic chilled winds that broke forth from what would seem an immense aperture in the fabrications betwixt the triads of dimensional barriers; springing forth from the crevices of abysmal and void-cursed darkened spheres that not even the most virulent of evils had ever witnessedâ¦even the night bided to its brooding persuasion, behest mercy and exculpation from the wrath yet to befall those of treacherous hearts and tongues. What provoked such nocturnal and nefarious tunes to be borne on the talons of the unfurling tempestuous winds? What inspired the somnolent and languid to become more poignant and avid; whispers tainting the nocturne symphony enwreathing the resonate lullabies so opiate in sirenous oeuvre? Bequeathed by the tainture of a broken promise, everything once ever so perfect had finally crumbled only to reveal the imperfections, so many countless flaws- even honor could be considered as one of these blemishes, after all honour can come in many incredulous and deceitful masques.

Nebulous miasma wafts upon the squall of midnight, descending transversely upon the quiescent landscapes and veiling the countryside in peculiar vapour as it creeps in undulated ebb and flow. Resembling the ethereal sea of placid deluge upon unworldly shoreline, with an eerie pulsating luminosity within as it delicately envelops the conurbation of lanes and alleyways, her svelte figure materializing from within its median, body swathed in black chain mail and mesh attire, slits revealing supple tones of snow-hued flesh thigh and toned legs, the enigmatic miasma lapping at the ankles of her black boots sheathed in the stirrups of an ebony stallion- gloved hands gripping the leather of reins trenchantly, knuckles constricting beneath the tourniquet only to accentuate the elegance of digits and dainty appendages. Silver Mithril glistening in the sporadic flashes of lightening and pale moonlight, casting shadows over the armour of battle-horse and rider.

Plumes of spectral mist incensing the very darkness, piquant exhalation caught in the wintry flurry- causing such sylph-like waltzes to exhume through the night, front flanks rippling as left hoof stomped impatiently, digging deep into the earth only to stab and protrude further as impatience emanated. Black mane amalgamating with the riderâs drenched long tresses, beads of rain glistening like diamonds upon her moistened skin as lightening flashes again in a sequence of intermittent intervals, thunder reverberating like the awakening of Goliath or rather the rupturing void above, allowing what seemed to be another of natureâs blessings and benedictionsâ¦ descending upon the land from the unforgiving onyx-flecked heavens. Nature both rapturous and unkind, in all her rapturous decadences, in all her wrath and sinister justificationsâ¦evolution had stripped away the fabrications of obviousness- running the Gauntlet had reached deep into the darkness of her soul and retrieved the vital essence long slumbering in her very veins.

Beneath the ebony mantle of cascading hair caught in the gnarled reproach of midnight, tussling around her shoulders and diminutive form like ravens in fugue- dark liquored eyes narrowing with an ominous vehemence, almost scanning the very quintessence of darkness as those lungs inhaled the very scent of the midnight-tide. Nostalgia returning threefold to her senses, drinking in the arcane epitome of those whom had come and goneâ¦only to return again when everything else seemed so empty and dead; the seasons passed and the wintry frost which had thawed only to encase the ebony heart to neverâ¦allow the heart to weaken to the ardent caress of spring and summer; there would never be such bounds to her affections. But nowâ¦everything had once again changed and now she looked over the landscapes with detest in those obsidian mirrors casting the very malice over the landâ¦

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Thibor Dragonescu - A certain presence filled the ether, palpable and yet intangible. It bore with it the cloyingly sweet scent of blood and the cacophonous chorus of screams that only Atra could sense. It was a part of her , intimately intertwined with her being, inseparable, an indelible stain upon her very essence. " Ahh Atra, my sweet, the only one I ever held dear. What brings you back to these realms?" His mental voice purred with a certain serpentine fluidity, the voice of the tempter himself. " It has been so long since I felt your presence within my spheres of influence. It was like a hunger gone unsated but now you have returned once more. Such an interesting turn of events indeed. It's different isn't it? I had almost forgotten about this place. I have very little need for the tangible anymore. Still you seem to hold to it. I shall make you more comfortable I suppose." The air began to sputter and arch with myriad crimson slivers of bloody energy that bled form the very fabric of space to fall upon the rain soaked ground, drawing it up at it's most basic and restructuring it according to the whim of one who would be master of all. Carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and other less well defined elements commingled in orgiastic glee under the direction of the presence born upon ethereal winds to reunion.

Flesh and bone formed within the mold of will to create Adonis, empty, hollow, and dead, laying upon the cold earth as if awaiting that divine spark to bring the empty husk to life. That was all it was, a shell and nothing more , pale marble perfection and youthful vigor frozen in time." I know you know me but does this spur memories? Desires? Perhaps even hatreds? I have lost track of you for so long. It is not unreasonable to assume that you have been hiding from me." Crimson strands of dis-joined energy roiled together like blood caught in the playful grasp of a mad zephyr before cascading into the empty shell which lay upon the ground. That unholy light burned once more in his eyes as he rose, naked and unashamed from the sodden muck of his creation. " Or perhaps you have simply become something more as I always knew you would. Perhaps you are ready to join me? To play our game of chess and let loose the voracious appetites of our true nature to devour this realm, this plane, this existence?"

Perfected lips curled into something in between a smirk and a smile." It is good to see you again, to feel your essence once more." Powerful sinews flexed experimentally. It was not the same as his flesh but he had learned to make do with such temporary constructs when the need arose. " I know at least that this place will not be boring with you around. It was something I never considered before, but without any real risk of loss life can grow a tad dull. Conquest is only amusing because of the element of risk involved. " Burning eyes beheld her, gazed upon her, drank her in and became intoxicated by her." You still stir me Atra, even after all this time. It is a pity that this body is ill equipped to act upon such things but it will do for a more comfortable discourse. I do like this new countenance. It is pleasing. you still retain that unique quintessence though. That is how I found you, or rather became aware of you. I confess I had given up looking for you and then all of the sudden I could feel the tug of that part of me that is still a part of you. I am eager to hear of your travels Atra. I'm certain I can learn something from them. It won't do to remain here in this rain though. Perhaps you would care to retire to a more comfortable location? I can arrange it so long as you come of your own free will." Ahh the ever important phrase. Despite his transformation Thibor was still Wamphyri. Nothing would ever change that.

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Ladislas - Indifferent nuances to indescribable weather, his only subjection to she whom walked before all, massive warhorse, eyes gleaming red in the night from the manifold interweavings of passion, flesh and blood pounding on the earth, snorting steam coming from nostrils bearing more heat then any mortal beast, astride clothed in leather created from his enemies skins, eyes, penetratingly full of fire, haughty mien looking down on all except her presence, wide spaced eyes, and right hand bound in sabre toothed gauntlet, long lustrous hair passed through a bone, binding it into a single fall, and writhing flesh hidden beneath his cloak, torn from a living bear. Thus was the embodiment of true essence, thus was the mind entrapped within the confines of flesh. A master scholar before his conversion, a man with hidden passions, a desire for violence, a lust for life, made subservient due to the circumstances he lived in, he revelled in the enhancements of passion found after he had been blessed or cursed by what had befallen him.

Where before he had to be satisfied with a manservant bringing him peasants to feed his dark demented desires upon, now he could raze a village for merest amusement, before he fed and fed again, his only answer given to she whom was more then many could ever comprehend, how knew he this, ahhhh she was his creator and in his creation a fraction of her essence giving him what now he wasâ¦ Yet within this knowledge a binding willingly given, for he was her vassal in every way, but this was a secret between himself and her, for she in her creation had stepped beyond a feared boundary, a boundary which none would ever consider as such virulent effulgence of toxicity bound within a flesh with mind of its own, was a dire and grim combination. Just a single dropâ¦ A single breathâ¦

Riding his warhorse he saw her off ahead of him and driving golden spurs into the beast sides, he willed it forwards, his beast leaping upwards and pawing at the air then bounding forwards the beasts clawâs biting savagely in the mud underfoot. Galloping forwards, to rein in sharply at her right side, studying the nudity of the form standing below them indifferently, nothing particularly exciting there, just a morsel of flesh containing something more, merely another thinking themselves above the rest. Head nodding slightly, unnoticeable to any except she who would lead, eyes fading from red, and a silver gleam developing deep within those darkened orbs, voice emerging, deep thick Transylvanian accent emerging âWhat have we here, a puppet waiting for something to pull his string, a fool ready to dance for a shiny coin, or perhaps, something who desires a place not rightfully hisâ¦ Shall I breath on him and see how his fragile flesh evolves, or would you rather a silver collar placed about his neck so that you have a fool to amuse youâ¦â

Head cocking to one side, as betwixt ebonite lips, the tiniest hint of serpentine potency emerged for now no closer would Ladislas go yet even that tiny element was enough that ancient trees would shudder to their roots as sudden and invisble death entered the atmosphere. For after all she had taken the essence of the Wampyhri, blended with a scholarly and passionate man, then added the innermost essence of one of her most beloved pets, to create Ladislas Drakul, a creature that could be anything to hr, and none would know his truth until it was to lateâ¦

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Sanguis Oriens - Leaning forwards, just slightly in the poised grace of both femininity and beast- stead merged with the very black ichors of the Wamphyri and forged into a beast of death and umbrae essences- crafted from the very void and borne forth from the gates of existence merely by creation of its mistress, a notion wrought from perpetual epitome. Right hand unfurling from the grip of reins, rising in the air just above shoulder level in the bending symbol as if to greet the very night in the libertine of obeisance and respect; palm of her hand outstretched as digits ascended to the pitch firmament, cold winds tracing along the landscapes of slender fingers before tickling against the warmth of her hand in a gnarled stroke- as if taking a lovers hand in suggestive innuendos to beckon towards a crypt-silken bed. Would such betrothments entice her to it darkened charms, or spawned wanton blights on this auspicious night? A disquieting gaze forever ghosting of tyrannical seasâ¦

Through the maws of the woods, slithering shadows accompanied the eminence, wreathes of inky-tendril garlands enfolding flanks seduced by barbed lightening hissing on the tongues of the manically cruel and whip-angels of the air elements. Avariciousness, voracious teeth gnashing with torments and cabal symphonies; silhouettes of amorphous manipulations rising through the Bianca-ethereal fused vapours, flitting through the hairline cracks of both darkness and the cruel morbid silvery illumination of moonlight. Twirling in waltzed synchronizations, revelations spurred from the pulpit of misanthropy. Still the very darkness and wintry spite calmed the fiery energies boiling on the interior, entwining with her very soul. Such things pouring back to her in such a sweet ecstasy, the reminiscence of the treacherous cretins that deemed it upon themselves to find benediction in the false sanctuary of ignorance- even the point where it was almost endearing. Again twisting her form in the height of barded Destrier, ember-raged hellish eyes peering through the head armour ever so highly decorated with spiked horns, added to the mask armour resembling the look of the legendary unicorn. Black Trapper also ornate and elaborate, bearing the embroidery of black roses sculptured into the fabric, granting it a more three-dimensional appearance.

Mount standing twenty-three hands tall, black fur so polished in the heinous gleam of mitigated luminosity, black and silver Mithril adorning chest, neck and body, large protruding spikes and blades stained with the dried Goetic essence of blood from many battles worn, the last being one of the most memorable or at least to the decadent glory of the dark âNameless Oneâ. Yet, something else also stirred in the egregore of the night-tide, did her presence once again in the planar arouse the intoxications of the sense of sight and taste- head cocking to the left side, obsidian orbs beaming with another form of detestation though also the strong familiarity of âhisâ metamorphic essence; Thiborâ¦It was certainly a name not spoken for quite sometime, perhaps even a century or two, though time was no longer of importance and held no sway over her actions and passions. By form alone, she would not be known by any whom did not share a part of âherâ own essence and in fact their would only be five in existence that would even recognize her by appearance and spiritual quintessence; the rest she would remain the parody of the prodigy, an enigma.

To these six, Nicolai, Razma, the Nameless, Ulyssiask, Thibor and of course Ladislas- and those still dwelling in the darkness beyond the masquerade of dimensional portal and fog; the Advent remaining speechless for the moment as the form enwreathed to creation and existence- even his dulcet words barely graced her perceptions, though of course they were certainly not ignored or look upon in the usual condescending fashion she would grant most. Eyes remained focused sharply on his features, not drifting over the fact of bare flesh, as if born from the womb of the void. It was never wise to assume anything, formulate the equation of the facts and examine the results. Wordsâ¦each amalgamated into synchronized symbolisms of the definitions and not exactly the spoken words as nouns and syllables- breaking them down to every character and hidden Coptic vernacularations; slowly nodding in a slow, languid motion before jerking her head towards the direction where Ladislas still remained concealed in the night-fold of penumbral shroud.

Thibor was or could be considered as an âoldâ friend, and the game of chess so elaborately stated in the past could be the worthwhile feat of adversary twixt other moments shared. Hand descending from the advancement position, black eyes gleaming with the malice and macabre reflections of the very opaque shimmer of the darkened spheres of the Advent- sent forth to conjure the dissipation of mankind, harvest them as food for thought always tickled the insides, the piquant metallic substance and fleshy palatable substance of heart and otherâ¦internal organs. The branding pestilential hiss of mark and measure imprinted on the hides of those redeemed to slavery, and who shall welcome it well, after all salvation came in many different forms. The notions running through her mind, the savage garden once again blooming for the rush of crimson metallic awakeningsâ¦tongue licking along the full enticing appendage of lower lip, moisture creates a shimmer to ripple over those sensuous mounds to gleam with rubenesque lustre across provoking mouth as the snarled smirk emerging, eclipsing her unparalleled beauty so pallid except for the coercing tincture of blood-hues, like blood staining snowâ¦frozen landscapes that lead nowhere but to the lair of her âownâ dominance.

Cranium slowly tilting back to a more solid composure, chin rising in the stance of grandeur and confidence- words flowing forth, rolling in husky yet dulcet intonation of rich Romanian and Latin, a requiem of cacophonous harmonies however lurking on the waves of each accentuation, that smirk never leaving her features as lithe figure leaned forth taking a more nonchalant deportment. Sultry and salacious tones purring twixt sharp ivory tiers, incisors elegantly flashing in both alterations of vividness and natural intensityâ¦ âAh, it seems the temptations of the flesh even provoke and lure even those who claim is futility and triviality- vanity does dwell in those who claim no need of it. I was beginning to think, you would forever remain a vaporous mass of stagnant air. Did the hospitality of Akara Ravenlock suit you well, or was her vain promises also nothing but stagnant air, feeble and fickle words merely to amuse those like usâ¦it seems we all have something to offer the vipers when they coil around our feet, though I do hope you made her your pet, and not the other way around?â She had no changed, at least not by attitude but certainly by appearance- surely Thibor would be used to such bemusements, after all had it not already declared it a game, to amuse themselves with, during the years of their past?

A snide chuckle escaping, left hand removing the clasp of her cape, allowing the silken black fabric to slide from slender leather clad shoulders, and extending the offering to him, at least to conceal the obviousness of bare flesh, or perhaps he cared to stroll through the snow, naked? âYou are fast to detect my presence, even only if I had just re-entered the material spheresâ¦anyone would think that you missed me, though I am sure it is far more perpetual than emotion and desire; perhaps more of past things left unsaid or begotten? Somethingâs evolve, while so many remain the sameâ¦it is a fault even in those who declare themselves as âperfectâ, I am not presumptuous nor meek in understandings of creatures, like myselfâ¦I am sure you have a reason to be here, may I inquire as to what that may be? As for more comfortable and more desirable leisureâs, perhaps you may be suited to attend my lodgings of yourâ¦own free will, after all I wouldnât be the hospitable comrade should the offer not vocally stand.â

It was then that another approached the right flank at her side, the evil and macabre never strayed too far from the ebony heart they considered home. She detected the air of animosity in Ladislas towards Thibor, but then, they were strangers and a Wamphyri could never be asked to act any different from that of his or her true natures; Ladislas was himself as would Thibor, and âSHE whom walks in darknessâ wouldnât ask any different of them, in factâ¦perhaps it would be another amusing burlesque show to excel and revere in. Mount halting at her side as Ladislas spoke, the very rapturous poison exhuming from the serpentine side of his genetics and nature fusing with the nocturne of discordant tempest and splatter of icy-diamond like globules of moisture, cold rain gracing her limbs, dampening long ravenesque tresses that flowed over shoulders and drifted along the slender tones of back and waist. Right hand snapping to rest on Ladislasâs shoulder; speaking with the same enriched tones uttered to Thibor; though baring that timbre of authority and dominance over this rather industrious and nefarious Wamphyri, perhaps not older than his peers, but just as deadlyâ¦

âThere shall be no need for hospitality of breath and words, Ladislasâ¦after all, we are amongst âoldâ friends and âadversariesâ there is no need to pass amongst ourselves stale words to appear more like children than soldiersâ¦or would you rather prattle the stale bitter words and appear more like a fool than one to be respected. We earn respect by the natures we exhibit at the appropriate timesâ¦this however is not one of them, and for that, there are times best suited for the comparison of sizes and staminaâsâ She glanced over Ladislasâs form and then Thiborâs, slender raven-hued brow arching perfectly to the notion and observations- smirk widening before hand gestured to one of the creatures lurking behind the folds of miasma and darkness, to give his mount to Thibor so at least travelling would be swiftâ¦and one could not expect Thibor to run along beside them like a lowly dog, he would be given the luxury and respect any of her Lieutenants and Commanders would be given.

Another gesture of her hand, swiping through the darkness as those lurking beyond moved forth, black swarming masses, camouflaged perfectly as if they were the very essence of darkness itself as a natural element, glistening spawn bearing the same blood splattered weapons and armourâ¦Wamphyri War-beasts marching forwards, and âSheâ waiting for the intentions of Thibor to join âherâ or make his own alternative intentions, more well known.

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Thibor Dragonescu - Thibor did not even acknowledge Ladislas. Instead he continued to speak to Atra. âDoes your servant not know to whom he speaks? Has my story died so soon? I remember a time when I was feared the world over. Has it been so long? Time is something that the tangible fret over, not I. Still you keep such strange company these days. I hope he is not representative of all of your servants or I fear Iâll lose my patience.â Finally he turned to Ladislas. âAs for you, you would do well to mind your tongue. I am Thibor Dragonescu. I was old before you were even a gleam in your fatherâs eye as he grunted and perspired between the diseased thighs of the harlot that brought you mewling and bloody into this world. If you wish to leave this world in the same way I can accommodate you in that as well. All you need do is utter one more disrespectful syllable and I will wipe the stain of your existence from the tapestry of reality. Be silent now. I wish to speak to Atra not her bootlick.â

His attention was then returned to Atra as she spoke. At least she had not forgotten the word games. That was gratifying at least. âWell all pleasurable activities are by definition trivial are they not? They serve no purpose other than to give leave to our capricious desires. Just because it is trivial does not mean I no longer have a use for it. Time has been kind to me but it has also been dull. It has been a long while since I sated myself deep within the fiery heat of a woman Atra so you will forgive me if my attentions turn towards that particular trivial pursuit. As for Akara I did not bother to waste my time. Honestly I canât believe you took that idle jibe seriously. Weak in her resolve the conquest she had promised turned to naught but hot air. I need souls to batten upon now Atra not promises of blood and carnage.â He declined the offer of the cape. âI have no need of such things. This is not even flesh.â As if to prove as much he caused his jaws to open into a nightmarish maw of silicate teeth and he bit deeply into his own arm, severing it at the elbow and then promptly spat it out into the snow. There was no blood, no flesh, and no sinew. There was nothing but roiling coils of actinic red energy and soon even this was replaced as he drew forth yet more soil and dust to complete the deception of flesh. âIâve never known you to be shy about gazing upon this body. It pleased you once before. Do you really think I would waste my own flesh on so uncertain a meeting. You could as easily have obliterated one of my other, more useful, shells had you been so inclined to. I still trust no one Atra, least of all you.â He chuckled darkly and paced in the snow. A moment as he gathered his thoughts. âAfter all you are the only equal I acknowledge.â He cast a meaningful glare towards Ladislas as he said that, as if to impress upon him that he regarded no one as his superior and that Ladislas was not even remotely his equal.

As she asked his reasons for returning he smiled. âAhh yes now we get to the crux of the matter. I wish I had some grand scheme to share with you, but unfortunately I do not. The truth of the matter is that I am here because I can be. It is within my power to be here and to craft this shell and to converse with you and so I have. Surely you must know that at this point I really need no reason for anything I do. Reason is the child of necessity and there is nothing that I require now beyond the occasional soul to slake my unnatural thirst but even then my Power Source still maintains me adequately. I was rather hoping you had some new game in mind, a new amusement that I could participate in. You would be surprised how dull existence can be without risk. It would take someone of far greater power than most of the beings in this existence possess to destroy me so what do I have to fear? What good is conquest without the risk of losing it all eh? It makes the victory that much sweeter. You know my one aspiration was always to be as a god, not just a god but The God. That too grew boring. Oh I have my worshippers in worlds far removed from this but they no longer amuse me. Their pathetic sacrifices, so willing to die in order to insure my blessings on their people, are as bland as an old manâs porridge. I need fear to whet my appetite. I need the savory flavor of the inrush of a soul knowing that rather than moving on to itâs just reward it instead is nothing more than sustenance for me. I suppose I am here because you always managed to keep me entertained, either manufacturing some trinket for you or participating in your conquests. My existence is a great deal less dull with you in it. Iâm sorry if this isnât what you expected but you have to understand that most ambitions seem so petty to me now. Still as I said it is the trivial and the petty that keeps us entertained.â

As a mount was offered to him he refused with a polite gesture of his hand. âI have no need for such a beast. You canât expect me to be grounded when I could just as easily take flight.â With that he reached out with his mind, a mental dart arching across interminable spaces of planar distance and convoluted time to sting the simple mind of one of his creations. With slow stirrings the creature began to move. It no longer had the sputtering propulsion orifices that spat out foul gases. Instead this was an amalgamation of flesh and magic to form something that was more deadly than anything he had waxed in his vats prior to this. The sky above them tore asunder as ragged red edges dripped the blood of reality down to stain the landscape with burning streaks of tortured quintessence. From this ragged tear it came, massive, amorphous and terribly to behold. It was easily five times as massive as any of his previous warriors. Biology had limited the amount of flesh he could actually coax aloft prior to his experimentations but this creature was truly gargantuan. It was easily fifteen hundred feet in diameter if one could ever get it to hold its shape for more than a few minutes. The only constants to it were the strange metallic nodes that were scattered throughout its body that pulsed with an evil green light. Thibor had always been a first class artificer and even though he had cast off his physical shell he still retained his innate talents. Writhing maws on tendrils of flesh snapped at the army that was revealed with a wave of her hand. Only Thiborâs iron will kept it in check as it extended weapons of chitin and bone on dangling tentacles along with crackling lashes of the same green energy that pulsed within the nodes set throughout its constantly mutating flesh. âDid you think I had forgotten all my old ways? I assure you I have not Atra. If anything I have improved greatly in the centuries since we last spoke. I have become much more adept at fusing magic and our own peculiar talents to create a lethal hybrid. I only have waxed five of these however five is all that is necessary I assure you. I will accompany you of my own free will however it seems as if you are caparisoned for war and I am woefully under dressed. I can rectify the situation later. In the meantime I will accept your hospitality.â

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Ladislas - Ladislas sat astride his mount observing the reactions of the one to whom his goad had jabbed, and he got the reaction desired, such imperious ego on the surface appearing so wondrously robust, yet the tiniest prick of a pin and deflation would occur with spontaneous rapidity, âAhh indeed I shall Lady of Darknessâ he responded when she whom moved with such grace spoke, for the time for conflict was not as yet and he would respect his betters, however being what he was, created in the fashion he had been, he only considered one better and that was not the cock on a rock without even a frock whom stood before him.

Eyes glazing distinct silver as the rebuke was offered by one whom was nothing before the gaze of Ladislas, essential miasma of breath thickening as he maintained a semblance of courtesy for her sake, but some rebukes deserved answer and this one standing before him, indeed had offered insult, ââThe servantâ neither knows or cares to whom he speaks for all I see speaking is one whom speaks with little intelligence and an ego dying to be deflated,â he snarled âI quote you âgrunted and perspired between the diseased thighs of the harlotâ, so fool, you offer insult to my mother, you call her harlot, you call her diseased, well insidious and diseased mind meet my mother.â

Ladislas hissed and bowed towards where his mother sat astride her warhorse. âMy Mother whom rides beside me, has asked I be courteous and that I would have until your swineherds mouth opened uttering such insult, however instead of relishing in what could have been instead I shall ask you a riddle Thibor Dragonescu and on that your life or death now rests, for to insult my mother in such fashion, deems you unworthy to even grace her sight.â his expression a sneer of distaste at even speaking the name Thibor.

âThe glint of eye, essence and breath
To all things except one bring death
Oftimes in scales and seen to fly
Answer this, just what am I?â

He asked simply his voice thick in its depth, anger and accent, for one such as Thibor knowing not exactly what or whom Ladislas was, should never be to fast to judge on face value. Such a thing as an assumption of Ladislasâs servitude was invariably the easiest way to either have ones eyes opened, or in the case when dealing with another of this particular species, have them closed. It mattered not to Ladislas as She had spoken and on that basis he would have for at least a time offered respect, but now, now was a totally differing situation.

Inwardly though he was raging at this entire charade of Thibor, for after all, Thibor by opening his maw, had shown himself the greatest of fools, proving the notion, that history and legends are often falsehoods created by those whose accomplishments amount to nothing, âNow the question is puny one, shall you answer my riddle correctly, and give utterance of apology to my mother and myself, or shall you discover the answer to that riddle the hard way for to insult my mother with your discourteous tongue, is an affront that bears no toleration.â

As he spoke on tip of tongue the tiniest hint of essence concentrating, ready should this insignificant and egotistical creature respond in the wrong wayâ¦ and pushing a knee and a mental command into his steed, moved forwards several feet nearer the abomination whom uttered such lies, his hand clenching tightly within his gauntlet, offering visible sign of his rage, but by far his least lethal attribute.

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Sabastian - It was within the dark sphere of reality that caused such a shift within the fabric of existence, the arrival of one of the two once more had come at last, with this beings arrival, it would split the balance of duality enough to convert unrealistic tendencies twixt conversion, within that small faction, it would let him slip into position, into the same spell as before, the same mentality as he once was, to have them both back at the same time while Jenova was so close to completion, everything had fallen together so perfectly even if the events never showed the slightest hint of actualisation. it was the choking desire of perfection that slipped into the deep pockets of his gut, with the new power merging with the old.

the slightest of sighs crawled past his lips in wait for the activation of their meeting, Not knowing which being it had been to slip back into reality, taking the chance that it was Him, to let him know what time's destructive curse had caused while He was away. the time of remembrance was at hand, within the softest motions seeping form his mind, would trigger the swift movement within the beings direction.

to give the illusion of his last seen wings as his quest had started, it would not be long until whoever it was that seeped back in, was made apparent to him.

"Let it be Her"

soft words slipping past tainted lips as the level of energy began to seep from within, the same style of energy that only those of his own kind could feel and that one female, she had been able to feel whenever Gaav or his Brother was around. a trait not often given to one so...Dangerous...only a matter minutes now before the being would be able to sense this abrupt power but it would still be hours before Gaav actually pinpointed It's location and arrived.

[offtopic] Damn, now that sucked, It'll get better, I haven't used him since the last time you used Atra lol [/offtopic]

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Sanguis Oriens - She moved once again, shifting slender legs and abdomen allowing the creaking of straining leather of both attire and friction against saddle to break the audible bantering of both testosterone and evil essences colliding. They were Wamphyri, and neither of the coup would be expected to act any different, what was nature, was certainly nature- both with all its intricacies and intrigues; if anything these reactions were idyllic to be studied in closer proximitiesâ¦specimens now under the microscope. Smirk ever widening, lips parting further to exhibit those archaic incisors, oesophagus void of breath though an amusing cacophonous inhalation, the sound echoing through the darkness in voracious consumption as if to imbibe on its veryâ¦insatiable embodiment. Once again those opaque emotionless mirrors cast down towards Thiborâs direction, refusing to take something which was offered caused no reaction other than her slender brow to ascend higher over her alabaster brow.

To allow his words to continue, noting the apparent provoking of her nature to snap in retort, though still her features would remain unchanged and unemotional, words were after allâ¦just merely that, and Atra knew those words were not a slap in the face to her hospitality but moreso a verbal challenge to incite the same retorts in both prose and reaction. It was definitely amusing how some things really never do changeâ¦In response to the commentary of nudity never offended her before, that was true, and in this circumstance it still offended her not, but then somethingâs were far more appropriate for other times and not in the midst of marching battlements, that would see being naked as the same symbolism for being âweakâ, new to the worldâ¦these were Wamphyri, and none the wiser could agree, luckily most of those whom gathered in the darkness had not the minds in which to think with, they served their purpose and that was simply to killâ¦not ponder the whyâs and whereforeâs.

Both rain and delicate crystals of snow now fell, lining her attire with the soft accentuation of glistening white before it too melted to the cold caress of rain- hand grasping the refused cape, only to place it back over her slender shoulders, black tuffets falling over her figure only to billow in the same gnarled and cruel caress of squall and storm. Dark crimson lips furling into a smile before frosty chuckle escaped, speech coiling from the vocal chords and chimed sardonic effluences of both her rich accent and serpentine whispers- dulcet rhymes and even more tangible requiemsâ¦

âNakedness offends me not Thibor, as with the uselessness of flesh cause no need for the attention of my eyes- flesh wilts and diesâ¦it is what lies beyond that gather the interest of my attentions, and you above all should know that. As for this âinsubordinateâ or âservantâ at my side, I deem not to control his tongue...nature is as nature does- his mind speaks, it is not in my interest to control the mind, but ratherâ¦I would prefer those whom are not âyes menâ, they tend not to live long in my presence. More importantly, this is my sonâ¦Ladislas, and he is an enigma all of his own, donât let appearances fool you, his bite can be just asâ¦sinister as yourâs. But then again, I am not one to compare the essences, we all have a purpose, nothing is obsolete or indispensable; the world is our playground, our banquet and means of noticeâ¦if your story has died my dear, it is because you have allowed yourself to beâ¦forgotten to the world, and I have never been one for bedtime stories.â

She nodded at the display of what lurked beneath his flesh, the crimson vapours swirling beneath, nebulous and mist-effected, coiling and writhing beyond the darkness, almost void-like yet not as indecipherable. The mount was refused, yet another subtle attempt to knock back the simplicity of hospitality, and still it caused no reaction other than a swift jerk to her head to inform her soldiers to move onwards without her and Ladislas, after all night would eventually cast way to the rupture of amber and vermillion hues; the sun always rises on the wicked. Despite the entertainment provided twixt relayed insults and clashes, it was becoming both dissident and taxing. A hand waving off the comments pertaining to Akara, the wench wasnât worth words or remembranceâ¦ yet to his remarks of flying, she made a little flutter gesture with her hands, to flyâ¦perhaps considered a liberty, but it was also the motion of birds migrating to better lands, it was only an amusing gesticulation and nothing more.

âFor the record my dearest Thibor, Atra was never my nameâ¦ Ankhnesmerira, I am no longer bound by name or sigilsâ¦now mustnât that be a bitch for everybody who isnât anybody? Still, none of us are bound by limitationsâ¦arenât we just the makings of a malevolent lil coup? Wellâ¦enough of the trivialities, we have returned from battle, I am only interested in lands that actually have something to offer me, I shalt not find that muse here, however I am looking for somebodyâ¦â Her words lingered, trailing off into the night as eyes turned to look at Ladislas, her perceptions uncoiled, something had aroused the familiarities of her epitome, though like âheâ the brother of Nicolai (or so she expected simply by âknowingâ the essence of Nicolai rather well and noting this felt much the same- Gaav) slowly her eyes swept the darkness before her, protruding the night with the incense of both quintessence and profundities, searching for the direction where this preceded.

Askance those obsidian orbs drifted to the westward direction, though her words were intended for Ladislas, the cold tones escaping on the fangs of the blizzard which travelled rapidly across the already frozen landscapes, though far less cold than those of her words. âMust we stand out here in the elements and continue with childish manners and words? Shall we play a little game of âsticks and stones may break my bones, but words shalt never hurt me?â Gentlemen, pleaseâ¦if you wish to banter and use the textual means of battle, may we at least proceed in doorsâ¦ you may both amuse me further? If not then I suggest mouths should be closed before one regrets what oozes out from it! As for the diseased thighs of Ladislasâs motherâ¦that too is another humorous oddity in itself.â The smirk slowly began to fade, drifting from her features before continuingâ¦

âI am glad you do not trust me Thibor; it shows you have no delusions in my abilities, as I have none in yours. If you thought yourself better, then I could mark upon your brow that ignorance and arrogance hath eaten away at your mind and sanitiesâ¦and cast you into the pit of narcissism. I would be dismayed to see the typical godliness of notions adhered to your ways, it is why I have no use of Godâs nor believe in them, such things are for fickle people looking for a salvation they shall never receive or the bestowing of curses instead of dreams. Gods cannot grant or give, what one cannot chose for themselves, if one strives enough to obtain it, that is. Each unto his own I supposeâ¦but how about now we cease this stupidity and move on? After all it is not of grandeur to ourâ¦species to exhibit ourâ¦treacherous and snappy sides, wouldnât want to give away the less subtle hintsâ¦better to keep the âwatchersâ guessing, would you not agree?â

Her eyes rolled slightly before reins tensed in her grasp, body relaxing though spine perfectly erect, chin rising high in both pride and grandeur, two traits she had been well famed for in the past. Perceptions and awareness still flickering on the psychic pall of her mind and energies, she knew it was not Nicolai, notions in her mind tapering on the ideal it must be his brother; through she wasnât sure if they had actually every metâ¦faces seemed to come and go to her memory, so many places and so many faces, eventually blur into the next with the centuries, dimensions and time passing by- weaving elaborately through the veils only to remain less noted and sensed, yet it seemed her clandestine wishes, had yet to come true.

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Thibor Dragonescu - There was a time when Thibor would have continued in a war of words with Ladislas enjoying the exercise. That time was long since passed. Thibor no longer had the patience he once had and this thing that dared to look down upon him had just used up his very limited reserve. From planes away the gargantuan Power Source began to hum and flicker with life once more as the unique energetic configuration at the core of the essence that was now Thibor began to draw upon the reserves of planar power that the Power Source provided. A slight hint of ozone crept into the air, no doubt indistinguishable from just another side effect of the storm that they were caught in the midst of even now. Thibor had warned Ladislas and he had made t he consequences absolutely clear. He could not allow his potency to be challenged. He was as close as any of his race had come to ultimate power and control and it was time for a demonstration of that. It was a pity that there would be only himself and Atra left alive to tell of it later for when Thibor destroyed he destroyed completely and utterly, leaving no chance for survival or even the multiversal laws of reconstitution to offer his victims succor.

Thibor did not speak. He made no threatening moves or gestures. He did not even look at Ladislas. Such things were no longer necessary. The shell he wore now was merely for her convenience. He had evolved beyond the need for such things and as he had evolved so too had his magic evolved beyond the need for primitive incantations and somatics. His will, iron sheathed and indomitable, was all he needed to make his power manifest. The Equation, so long had he gone without using it and yet that part of him, that hungry gaping void within that was once his leech, began to call forth the arcane numerals to his metaphysical mind. Scrolling, mutating, the very building blocks of reality reduced to simple numerics based upon observation and known interactions. Reality, matter, life, all of it was directly related to energy and the way it flowed through the multiverse. The convergent angles of the multitude of planes breathed life and made for stability and balance between the worlds and they could also be used to destroy that self same life, no matter what blasphemous form it took.

It was these planar angles that constituted the core of Thiborâs unique magical system. With them one could build things and unmake things all with a modicum or effort if one had the arcane reserves to spend upon it. Thibor had those reserves. An unforeseen circumstance during his ascension process had bound him to his power source via a metaphysical conduit that connected to a unique convergence of planar angles that were the metaphysical representation of one of the nodes he used to power his various creations. As he reached his peak draw he began to summon forth the one hundred and forty-four thousand angles of convergence that he knew to exist, one for each of the planes of reality he had documented. Convergent angles were not a means of travel but rather a means of accessing the very essential energy of the planes themselves, the life force of that facet of existence. Goading mathematics began to collect the angles into a metaphysical jumble, intangible and unremarkable. All prime reality, which is the reality in which most mortal beings could exist, was composed of an equal balance of these planes held in check by natural boundaries and systems of control. Natural examples existed everywhere. Earth held water in check and kept it from covering all of existence and water, angry at its imprisonment eroded earth. This natural conflict could be manipulated to devastating effect if one only knew how.

Thibor did know how. He focused the wellspring of arcane force through his indomitable Wamphyri will and began to goad certain angles into a shape, a polyhedron of convergent and opposing angles. Each opposing plane was placed across from itâs diametric opposite. Thin slivers of static energy held the roiling essences of the planes in check, holding them during the assembly process. This entire time Thibor merely stood silently, perhaps even looking as if he had been cowed into submission by the insults flung at him. His concentration, while not completely on the task at hand, was sufficient to keep him from being able to interact with them until his work was complete. Angle by angle the shape began to manifest, intangible, invisible, but potent none the less. It pulsed and writhed in the metaphysical reality that only a true adept could begin to comprehend much less perceive. No doubt Atra was aware of his workings. There was a part of him inside her, and while he would not be quite so arrogant as to assume that it was that part of him that made her what she was today he had no doubt in his mind that it was a contributing factor.

The form was almost complete, lacking only one angle, the prime mover of spatial reality. This single angle is what made it possible for distance and spatial relation to be perceived. All planes by definition existed in two dimensions. The angles of convergence created a sort of three dimensional existence, but it was the spatial aspect of reality intersecting this configuration that gave them their true three dimensional form simply by providing a point of reference for those existing within reality to begin to build their world picture. This final angle fell into place as he tugged upon it and encoded the peculiar interactions that Ladislas had upon the rest of the Equation as he perceived it into the design, a simple trigger. He pulled the construct into prime reality, a slight shimmer in the air and nothing more. It was the size of a golf ball, simply hanging there, awaiting the final thrust of will to send it streaking towards its target.

He gladly gave it that final willful thrust and sent it streaking towards Ladislas. It was set to intercept the region of space in which the certain peculiar interactions he had observed that were unique to Ladislas existed. He hadnât had nearly enough time to encode anything more specific however every being caused reality to behave in a certain and unique way. Not even clones of the being had the exact same effect as the original. While he could not be sure about the specifics of Ladislasâ variable within The Equation, he could be positive about his effects upon aspects of reality that Thibor knew very well and it was these that Thibor utilized to make sure that the planar polyhedron destroyed the correct target. The shape moved with unnatural speed, one that even Thibor in his more useful flesh could not hope to match. It used the very planar boundaries that it was composed of to âskipâ along, intermittently falling from prime reality only to skip back out that much closer to Ladislas.

Unless this arrogant being held as much power as his arrogance would suggest then his destruction would be utter and complete. If it made contact it would sink into the physical flesh and bury itself in the metaphysical essence of Ladislas before the thin slivers of static energy that held it in check would decay. One hundred and forty-four thousand planes of existence would release their reactive essence all at once, opposing planes coming into conflict and the ages old multiversal conflict between them playing out inside Ladislas. Just as the opposing elements in prime reality destroyed one another so too did the opposing planar essence destroy one another but in a much more fantastic way. The planar polyhedron would compress the reaction, fusing the violent energies together until they reached a sort of critical mass at which point they would explode both physically and metaphysically. The very essence of reality would be released, the spark that gave all planes and creatures life. However, just as a fire can provide light and warmth if controlled a fire unchecked could obliterate everything it touched. The spark of life released in this reaction was hundreds of thousands of times greater than that held within any existing being. It would be like holding a candle in a bonfire. The smaller flame is subsumed by the larger along with the candle that holds the smaller flame. Not only would this planar detonation obliterate Ladislasâ body utterly and completely it would also obliterate whatever foolish and diseased energy he called a soul. There would be no coming back. Thibor believed in utterly destroying those that he called enemy. To give them a chance for survival was to invite oneâs own destruction.

He listened to Atra, no what was the name she preferred? Ankhnesmerira, yes that was it. His will contracted like a vice, stopping the polyhedron a mere breathe away from Ladislas. In hung, barely tangible in space before his eyes, humming sinisterly. âThis is your son? You must think me a great fool to think that you could create this petulant little child. Come now you jest.â He soon saw that she was not. His features distorted into a scowl and he turned once more towards Ladislas. He stretched out his hand, more for dramatic effect than anything else. The gesture was unnecessary. That long fingered appendage contracted into a mace like lump of simulated flesh and bone. Reality seemed to tear asunder right before Ladislasâ eyes. A gaping space between existences yawned at him and in the center of it all a shape of infinite complexity, constantly shifting and mutating as it kept the very essences of existence in check with their complicated weavings. It was a radiant abyss awash with a small kernel of the very essence of all that had been and would ever be. All it would take is one lapse of concentration for it all to unravel in a destructive orgy of existence unbound and turned mad with unchecked conflict, a release of energy that would burn a hole in the very fabric of existence and lay bare the nothingness which lay beyond, not the stinking black of void which by being defined had existence. Everything broke down. There would be no light, no darkness, no cold , no heat, no silence, no sound. It was impossible to comprehend and yet it was undeniable in its awe inspiring finality. âYou are of course correct. I have let my story die. I suppose it will entertain me for a moment to make a new one. Let the first act of my return be one of benevolence. That would be momentous for me would it not Lady Ankhnesmerira? Indeed it would be an occasion most rare and worthy of note I think.â He turned his attention back towards Ladislas and the destruction that hovered and menaced before his eyes. âBe happy child. You are the only one to ever get that good a look at condensed existence and live. If you are still sane Iâll be even more impressed.â

Once more the Equation rolled through him, his entire energetic form processing and collating the many variables, angles and nuances of arcane arithmetic that made up the polyhedron. There was always a keystone, the one variable that needed to be changed in order to make its inverse. He simply changed that variable and set the altered function in opposition to the original. Reality sealed itself, a sort of tension draining from the area. The last sight of his near death that Ladislas would see would have been a small universe being born into the nothingness beyond before even that image was stolen away by existenceâs recuperation. Another effort of will and a slight alteration of his personal variables within the Equation and a black mist wreathed around him, swirling and writhing around him before rapidly condensing about his body. He was now clothed in the fashion in which Ankhnesmerira was more accustomed to seeing him. He wore a flowing robe of what looked like leather. If this were not a mere facsimile it would have been human skin, dyed a midnight hue and emblazoned with golden numerals in an arcane and largely unknown tongue. They were symbols of certain multiversal fundamentals expressed in a number or more often a symbol representing a function in and of itself. A breast plate of sculpted, ivory polished bone hugged his broad torso. He wore no gauntlet but this was soon rectified. â Nachtinalath.â He snarled in an ugly and guttural tongue. His left hand was suddenly swathed in dull black metal. Six inch blades complete with gutting hooks extended from each finger and his thumb. The dull black metal hummed and whined as he flexed it through the air. The palm was covered in downward pointing hooks while razor ridges lined the back of his hand. A sixth curved blade extended eight inches past his elbow, the curvature precisely placed so as to put the most cutting power on the exact spot where the blade curved. This was Thibor caparisoned for war. Another whispered word of power. âSenâ Haleshâ A glistening spherical jewel appeared upon his right hand, swirling with all the colors of the spectrum and a few of patently extra planar origin.

He lashed a mental dart towards the gargantuan warrior that hung ominously in its terrible silence above them. A long resilient tendril of metamorphic flesh extended to its master and Thibor stepped onto the wicked bone blade that hung at the end of that powerful appendage. âI accept your hospitality. Let us retire to your home. We can discuss this new distraction of yours and perhaps you will allow me to create another trinket for you. I could use the exercise and this is a reunion of sorts. I suppose a gift is in order.â He rose aloft as the tendril drew upwards and deposited him upon the massive back of the beast. Rather than continue to try to shout to her below he merely opened up his awareness to the part of his essence that resided within her. âLead the way Lady. I look forward to seeing your holdings.â

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Ladislas - It was a blessing or a curse perhaps that in his instigation Ladislas carried far more then most would ever know in his genetic lineage, indeed the very essences of his creation would leave most reeling in simple disbelief, but for now and perhaps forever only Ankhnesmerira and himself would know the full extent of this profoundly disturbing knowledge. Some gifts were meant to be passed through the myriad of genetic complexities, and an understanding of what Thibor attempted was indeed one, for had not an essential aspect of his being merged with Ladislasâs mother in the past and never been revoked. At her words Ladislas allowed himself to relax, for it seemed some other game was on her mind, and in doing so the tiny orb resting on the tip of his tongue, vanished back into the quintessence of flesh, but his eyes remained their silver hue.

When time and space distorted before him, he cocked his head quizzically to one side as tones like the greatest of gongs rang within him for although his nature allowed comprehension of this aspect, having never directly seen such things manifested in this way, he had simply never considered the option, but now this existential concept was introduced, he would of a certainty study it, analyse it, and discover if he could exploit it within his ever growing knowledge of arcane usage. Still it would have been amusing to see just how this could have worked, for to Ladislasâs knowledge the immediate concept of a mirror had emerged and seeing how, in some ways due to the sharing of essence with his mother, his very blood writhed with hidden potencies bearing the legacy Thibor himself had unwittingly given and he could have possibly reflected back the exact weapon Thibor chose to attempt on him, with definitely interesting consequence. Shaking his head for without considerable study he found himself suddenly doubting this, but it would give him something to amuse himself in his moments of reflection. This would definitely bear considerationâ¦

Allowing his face to show amusement he nodded towards Thibor the questions raised now pushed aside till later, then refocused on his mother for although on the surface cordial, within his mind was considering future revishment of Thiborâs doom. Almost laughing aloud, for although Thibor may well have killed him, Thibor to would have perished in that final moment, except realistically, Ladislasâs demise would have been far less painful. Oh the consequences of underestimating your opponent were a joy and he was intensely glad how the one lesson that had been embedded in his skull, was to never underestimate anything, never to assume but to study, be aware and to make revenge a slow calculated process or a sudden unexpected demise.

Bowing his head in the wisdom uttered by his closest kin, he watched as Thibor mounted his beast, studying it and filing away for future reference, personally he could see how something of that bulk could be possibly frightening to an enemy, but had his own ideas, of graceful beauty, smaller size utilising speed, intelligence and agility in comparison, for as large as the beast floating above them was, it was as such an easy target, but then again with his own, somewhat unique abilities, most things were an easy target. Calming himself, eyes returning to a more normal reddishness with only a tinge of hidden silver within them, breath becoming sweeter without the bitter taint that only seconds previously had frosted twixt blackened lips

A chortle escaping Ladislas as the supposed mind of Thibor had either chosen or been unable to answer his simple riddle, his mood suddenly improved for he, but a child had gained an advantage over one supposedly of great wisdom. This he would keep to himself for now, another single strand in a delicate web of conceptual segregation until he had his now enemy in a position where he would finally here the words of apology uttered, and force him to attempt the riddle. Such a trivial amusement, yet such dreams were the second nature of the Wamphyri for had not the tiniest of insults caused the deaths of some of the so-called greats.

âInteresting guests seek you out Mother, one would think in the fashion they emerge they knew your mind and doted on your utterance, perilous choice of destiny I would think, still entertainment in its own right. Such nebulous reminiscences appearing from the scattered ashes of history, to gather forth hoping to reconstruct what may or may not have been, on a foundation based on the flimsy motives of conjecture. Let us make way from this weather and observe the comforts of civility twixt the moment of what has been, and the instant of what shall be for I grow weary of the murky atmosphere prevailing, the warmth of a fire, the taste of wyne on the palate and the opportunity to observe reach within my mind.â He sat silently astride waiting for her to move first as was her rightâ¦

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Title: IC: From the Crypts of Memory (Transposed Roleplay)
Post by: Kain on September 10, 2008, 05:48:33 PM: ad|EXTREMUM - ]THE world, as Ulyssiask knew it, was not just one mass of land or one single realm; in fact, it wasnât even singled down to one or two planes, but divided into nearly hundreds. And though he had remained at the top of the chain, keeping all things within his grasp and holding a key to every opportunity above and below him, heâd finally fallen out of the balance. Seliire Furaiâde II, the two mile span of land that he used to renew himself and start fresh, was the first step to his downfall. Eliâveur IV, a tower constructed based on the architecture and mysteries buried deep in the ruins of Deâbeur, stored all of the doctrines and scrolls of his past, and even things before his time. To his disadvantage, all five of the priests who so diligently followed and worshipped him discovered them and the documentation of Ssesnâl Tiiren. They rebelled and turned the entire Order, along with the legion Ulyssiask himself worked hard to train, against him. Unfortunately, it wasnât until after a seven day battle that they realized they were fighting something far greater than what heâd revealed his self to be; they were battling a godly beast, a master of malevolence.

Despite many odds, the five priests resigned from their rebellion and left to develop their own lives and find something outside of what little world heâd shown them. As a result of his anger and powers that were growing outrageously beyond his control, as he developed something akin to emotions, the legion was simply left without survivors. Deep in the corridors of Eliâveur IV, Ulyssiask resigned himself and tried to regain control of his mind. It was there that, in all of his anger and confusion, he finally realized what heâd done. In a blind state of rage, heâd released every ounce of power he had within himself; it made him weak, devouring him from within. The darkness was at last too great for him to control, it was wreathing around his crippled being and he was but a mere victim to its serpentine nature. He grew nefarious, more so than ever; but his hatred wasnât just focused on the world anymore, now he loathed himself. It was in his time all alone, after he had finally lost all that heâd worked for in that new era â or what was a new era to him â that he realized heâd worked for nothing in the first place. All of his accomplishments equaled up to nothingness, were worth no more than representing him as another evil to compare with the others. And then, he became what he had worked so endlessly for.

From there, he left behind his land and wandered onward into the world beyond. Along with his land, he left behind his powers and abilities, the documents and doctrines of his past and present. He carried nothing more with him than a gateway to a plane that held the last of his dominance â the barren wastelands of Morgyl, a realm he controlled all to itself â the weapon renowned as Sirrush, another heâd come to cherish named Asflynx, and enough power to maintain his survival among the normal ranks of the worlds or what he knew as one world. All of his journeys and conquests, every battle and day of dark glory â it all served only to bring him here... Exactly 2973 years since his birth, or 4460 years A.T.; after Tiiren, since Ulyssiask was created in 1487 A.T. Nearly four and a half millenniaâs of constantly constructing and growing darkness to end with a corrupted individual only separated from an average sorcerer or dark knight due to his endless experience. Heâd spawned many stories and left his mark in the world many times over, and lived many lifestyles. Heâd gone from being a tool to a king, a nightmare and eventually a legend, until at last he merged with the darkness and finally reverted to a whisper from the past.

Surviving under the veil of shadows and resigning himself to the identity of a mere ranger or otherwise disguised traveler, heâd trudged through the ranks and abrasive crowds of humanity â often times he simply retreated to the open lands or waning forests to escape and be alone. At last, he felt a presence with familiarity; and it was a kind that he simply couldnât dissipate from his mind or heart. Summoning from the shallow ends of his remaining magicks, Ulyssiask would be drawn near her at the exact moment she spoke her name to another familiar that he did not recognize until he was within their presence â Thibor; and the last syllable of her name left the tip of her tongue and danced off of her lips with a mesmerizing affect on himâ¦ He had not seen her in quite some time, Ankhnesmerira. Not just a name, but a being heâd long ago placed a certain affection in â the sound of her name brought a temporary balance to his distraught mind. It gathered the remnants of his being from ruination and made him feel real again. Surely his presence would be sensed upon his arrival, even if not acknowledged, and he didnât expect to be acknowledged by all â not everybody who once knew him would be able to recognize him, ones like Thibor. Then again, he could go unnoticed and be left behind, only to follow them wherever they roam. Ulyssiask had changed and become much less than he once was, even his appearance was of a lesser being. It sparked his curiosity to know what she would think of him, of what heâd become â a king of nothing.[/font]

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Sabastian - Dark traveling while encountering such tormented inquiries, it was within the quandary of interpretation that caused such revelations, the hours moving past as his small quest began to come to a close, the time coming to make his intentions apparent within the dark hour, the slight tilt of his head would cause perceptions to alter, images the flare at what she looked like, would she be the same as before? the tainted essence remained as it once did but times have changed, appearances would surely do the same.

"infernal temptations"

the essence had reached her, motioning to what the being really was, what style it had really been, things could change all they want except the essence of a beings true reign.
There had been a tainted fixture with her, one of a pathetic breed, the mixture of two completely worthless beings, it was such a disgrace. with the distance between him and his destination growing closer, it would knock into configuration the last appearance she would have known, a familiar face at the last gathering where his brother disguised himself as Gaav.

his target was within range now, its appearance had changed drastically, it would have been unrecognisable if it wasn't for the essence that brooded from within the monster. his actions upon arrival would keep him at least 43.8 feet from his target, masking the true essence hidden within himself to appear as though it did those years ago when at the ball, to better resemble his original essence, the same feeling of his Brothers.

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Sanguis Oriens - A Pejorative snicker rolled over her lips, head tilting to the right as eyes rolled with the fluidic motion- expressing that very distain for such things to progress further, and thus looked upon words against the other as nothing more than idle gestures, it stained not her attentions or mental pall to retort or show acknowledgement- leather creaking as slender digits furled around the ebony bands, a swift jerk to the eastward direction, stead nickering as fumed tendrils were snorted from nostrils and hankering maws. The elements had been endured long enough as with the somewhat âoddâ conversation on whose ego was perhaps superior, just maybe the means behind the notions would someday exhibit itself to reality and not simply âself-loveâ, though in a way it should have been rather accustomed for it was the way of the Wamphyri- those whom were strictly Wamphyri, whereas neither she nor Ladislas exactly were; not in the true sense of the species. Perhaps Ladislas could be exonerated from that little snack of elucidation.

Essences drifted on the tides of obscurity and fabrications- the emanations drifting on the atmosphere relaying all the delicious information sequentially to those senses pouring in such a sweet delight; after all, it seemed those of the most sinister quintessences were slowly returning home once againâ¦to where it all had started. One essence was far more familiar, Ulyssiaskâ¦from the first moment of interception, when she had won Eden as her home, and later Tenaria as well, not to mention the reclamation of Carthin and Naethryn- never a dull moment to be shared amongst comrades of the same darkened spheres. Upon the lamented wind-song of heightened harmonies and intricate spinning of sirenous lullabies, she swore his name was spoken. âUlyssiaskâ¦â in pestilential hiss, each syllable and sound pronounced so unremittingly, coiling around the very epitome of glories long won and the very memory of words spoken and those also leftâ¦unsaid.

However, it was another approaching essence that caused her awareness to lash out with ebony ephemeral tendrils, static electric-tentacles lashing forth, ethereal in purpose and reaction, to taste this very quintessence lingering on the tempestuous elements- vaguely familiar and yet also bearing a tincture of vacillationâ¦indecision. In all equation and notice, it appeared cunningly hostile- yet also strangely benign, all in the same instance of approach and mannerism. Quite the confusing little repertoire of abilities, to say the least- conflagrations of own eminent energies unwinding, flickering on the very leathery black wings of the âFlyersâ above, and âThe Otherâsâ-should any shifts be made to advancement, Ankhnesmerira would be well informed. Infravison breaking the darkness, as if sight was the same as brood daylight as moonlight was smothered by the brooding tempest and blizzard now assailing their forms; such a lovely night for an evenings ride through the woods.

A low rumbling growl boiling from beneath the surface, the perplexing tinctures of this traveller in the night (Gaav) entwined with the essence of his brother (Nicolai) just didnât smell or taste right to her, so much the same as Nicolai, and perhaps without the evolution of her epitome, she would have been fooled- but it was evident something wasnât overlyâ¦factual with that masquerade. Much like the Pendragon Ball, something there in him, wasnât authenticâ¦a good century or two had passed in this worldâs time, though manipulated to not progress in development in this world, for everything still seemed the same, though caught twixt the dimensions. Ankhnesmerira pointed in the eastward direction to Thibor, to indicate which way for him to travel, whilst her and those marching would remain in procession beneath; after all there was no mistaking an Aerie- especially not one so elaborate and grandiose, posing with all the heightened glories of the species, though with a unique twist, she was sure he would find amusing.

Turning back in her saddle to look at Ladislas, the grin exhuming those serrated elongated incisors further before allowing her words to soothe his furyâ¦ âAwwww, worry not my dark brethren for it seems company is abroad this night, Ladislas, our flanks should be well guardedâ¦seems some are not as hospitable and those before us, and another an old friend rejoined to this pitiful world simply by my presenceâ¦time has been long between such meetings, letâs hope they prove to be both comical and profitable. Though to be overly confident and cocky could prove to be a mistakeâ¦with some my Fledging, use your wit wisely not to mention your indiscretions; perhaps even I shall take the liberty of the silver-tongueâ¦best be prepared than overly concerned with my own prideâ¦for pride does come usually before a fall.â Head snapped back to the forward angle, cracking neck before flicking long cascades of black hair over her shoulder, a swift kick placed to mount, commencing in the advancement of hospitable lodgings, as offeredâ¦and for all to join should they deem it fit or wise, and of their own free will.

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Ladislas - The drizzling rain, the sound of creaking harness, quite mutters from the troops hidden in the aura of nightâs befoulment, the smell of damp flesh and leather, and the ponderances of the beast floating above them filling his consciousness. Essences and beings that some tiny part of his blood clamoured to bear recognition to, yet so far beneath the surface of his awareness as to be only an itch, a nagging wonder of potential rather then a memory or a recognition. Much was occurring on levels hidden, yet to one outside it would seem a minimalistic centring on things as yet unready for fruition.

A gesture given from his right hand to a lieutenant to spread the word of wariness, for Ankhnesmerira spoke wisely as he should of expected and as she said, this night had hidden occurrence twisting through its fabrics, and he nodded to her suggestion of discretion and restraint. Unlike most of the Wamphyri race, he fully comprehended the need for balance and restraint, for his mistress had taught him well in the modicum of the use of intelligence rather then purely force. Caution was indicated so inwardly sighing he brought himself to a prepatory state, allowing his eyes to again take on the silvery gleam, potency held in abeyance, but actively ready should requirement be made.

The thickly accented words bearing the deepest overtones of an ancient heritage emerging âComical and profitable, a mix made in hell, my pardon Mother of my being, my rage is always so close to the surface in readiness, still your point is taken and it shall be as you say. For now I shall watch and study the greatest of games, each piece moving in its incessant patterns upon the chess board, awaiting the master to place a direction of reason upon them, or simply to sit amusedly watching as they exercise the futility of their actions without such manipulative guidance. Pride before the fall, I shall remember that, for I have no desire to fall but although you may shrug off such a comment, I find myself disdainful of those whom open their maws before understanding reaches them, nor shall I ever forget such a moments words.â

Knees driving into his horses flanks, reins slack within his left hand urging his steed to move into position slightly to her rear and the right, following into the dimness, for his eyes could see as well if not better then in daylight, heading towards the aerie where perhaps he could utilise a spare moment and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching a slave die before they would even scream, such a simple pleasure would offer a sustenance to his being and sooth his deathly cravings, as for some reason he was on the razorâs edge and Ladislas liked this feeling not. Be it an instinct, a suspicion of someone arriving he knew not, but he would be alert and watchful as they rode onwards. Ladislasâs moment was yet to come when the revelation would seep outwards of what he was wrought, he chuckled as he considered this, for only one would ever be witness of this so really the revelation was a moot point anyways.

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Sanguis Oriens - Ankhnesmerira simply maintained her own tongue in cheek, a leather gloved hand pointing to the sky in regards to the âFlyer'sâ, rather maintaining and preferring the mount, after all it was a far more graceful beast that had yet to let her down in the midst of battle. A ânormalâ mount of this world after all would not be forged by the very piquant dark ichors of the Wamphyri not to mention the many potent venoms of the âBasiliskâ, perhaps mounts with elongated fangs, fiery eyes and the size could be compared to those of this world, perhaps to Thibor, a steed was merely horse despite its true essences; borne from the nightmare and brought forth into an unsuspecting world?â¦the same gesture was made with her hand signifying that there was simply no need, everything needed had already been provided by her own will and creativity. There was nothing to be received; that she could not give herselfâ¦such a dark and independent little black rose petal was she. Merely a shrug issued by the ascendance of her shoulders beneath cape, though to ask to open doorways came as a surprise, she did not own this lands and made no claim as such save for her Aerie, each man had the liberty of his own limits.

âNo, I have no qualms in regards to you opening certain gateways to have use of your homelandâ¦each man for himself in this world, and that still the norm from what I can ascertain. It would be interesting to see what developments you have made, and the improvements endeavoured even to perfection- I am sure it shall raise a few eyebrows.â

Another shrug implied at the âcomingâ of others, simply halting the mount in mid-pace before slightly turning in a 90 degree angle, dark eyes piercing the darkness- allies never hid themselves in the very coveting essence of mist and darkness, but all in due good time she was sure and until then there was no need for concern or further thought. However the notion did come to mind, âdid she actually have any alliesâ that could be determined as purely that? After all, much had changed not only upon the interior but also the exterior, and the only way anything could possibly know who she was, by a familiar âtaintâ or âessenceâ though even that too was obscured by evolution of not only species but also vitae, nothing could be determined by soul when one was not there to see or extract. Still, slowly turning back, amusement twinkling in those raven-ophidian orbs, obsidian tinctures clouding the reflection which made her seem more alive, a more entropic appearance taking hold as words retorted toward Thibor and then advancement forward would be maintained, and comfort found out of the blizzard- enthused elements.

âAh I donât think creatures like us, or even those which resemble us can ever have true allies, the game is more about taking each step with a knife behind back and a gracious smile; betrayal can be the delectable fruit of all wine when mixed with the opiate graces of deadly nightshade or even those of far more potent poisons. I only trust those whom my blood has taintedâ¦making them pawns to my will and me not to theirs. I prefer, these days a more solitary style of life, left to my own devices in order to protect my preservation and that of my hybrid metamorphic essences. There seems to be no honor left in many of the species of old, I would at least prefer to keep that side of me in tact, it is what separates me from those who claim sovereignty yet not have the means to exhibit it. For me the clan days are overâ¦it is time to build something moreâ¦tangible and worthy of praise!â

Again her eyes narrowed, sensing that presence vastly approaching (Gaav), hearing Ladislasâs words and nodding in response, for now Ankhnesmerira desired to remain silent, senses tapping into what approached, perceptions awaiting the encounter.

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Thibor Dragonescu - The questions had barely begun to form in his mind when she answered them. It was a consequence of communicating this way. when he opened that conduit between the part of him within her and himself he laid open his mind. It was all he had left anymore."I forget you know my mind too well when we speak like this. I'm glad that my opening of gateways will not be a problem. I will not ask you for men to secure it. Rest assured I will take care of that myself. I see you sense the approaching beings as well. I think there is more than one anyway. It could simply be one being moving through co-terminal points in reality. I can't be sure without further examination and I have no wish to give myself away just yet. Still I do not think it impossible for us to have allies my dear. It is all a matter of striking a balance of fear and respect. So long as you know that you cannot kill one another then you may work together. When one gains an advantage however, things change and alliances break down. You know my thoughts on honor. It is a useless sentiment that will in the end lead to your destruction. Survival is the ultimate ideology. I have always been concerned about that aspect of you. Make no mistake. Should we once again go to war together I will not allow the trappings of honor to interfere with my own survival. I would rather stab my enemy in the back than let him walk away and have a chance to destroy me. I do not chide you. It is not my place to treat you as a child. It is simply a caution. "

She had obviously read the distaste for her terrestrially bound mount in him as well however he left that to her personal tastes. If she preferred to be bound by gravity then so be it. Thibor liked to look down upon the world below him. It catered to his pride to see how insignificant the world looked from on high. He mulled over her words about pawns to her will and those that she trusted." So you only trust that which you create? In my experience that is the most treacherous creation you could ever put your trust into. I suppose that means I can trust you, for even though I did not create you I am to blame or thank in some part for what you are today. Does that mean you are beholden to my will? Oh I think not. Can you trust me though? I wouldn't if our positions were reversed." He left it at that, gave her something to muse upon. Thibor had a theory, nothing more, but if he was correct he might have an advantage to play later on should things begin to break down. This vague sense of superiority would bleed through before he cut off the link between them. He had nothing more to say for now and a great deal to think upon. Given his talk of alliance and advantage though perhaps she would consider just why it was he was so willing to work with her. If he truly believed himself to have an advantage over her then why did he not play it? Why did he not use that trump and take what he wanted?

As usual Thibor left more questions than he answered. His mind roiled as one of the many compartmentalized aspects thrust it's work unbidden into his core mind. He smirked and reached down to tear a hunk of flesh from the warrior beast. It roared it's indignation at such treatment but in the end it was like an insect biting an elephant. Thibor dipped his finger into the thick black blood of the beast and wrote on the still wet underside of the chitinous flesh a single word; TIME. Beneath this he scribbled a function in the bizarre arcane numerals that made up the core of his power. This was the base expression of time itself, broken down into simple numerical form. He tossed it down to splat wetly on the neck of Ladislas' mount. It was Thibor's answer to his riddle. A part of his mind had been mulling it over the entire time, segregated while he worked his magic and carried on conversation. He had a remarkable mind prior to his transformation but now his mental abilities were far beyond what his comparatively fragile flesh had ever imagined.

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Lies Within Darkness - Once again the beast of death awoken from his peaceful slumber. Jade shaded orbs opening ever so slowly, taking but a glance about. Something in the realms around him seemed to call to him subtle at first but growing in strength as the seconds passed by. Was he needed once more, or was it just time to start his path of destruction on last time? Soon he would find out, as for now he would start his journey toward the so called calling essence. Though no words were uttered to him consciously or unconsciously he still felt a calling, a desire to stir once more. Rolling himself off the altar that he laid upon. Reaching down and clasping the cloak that laid at his feet, picking it up and wrapping it around himself he stared out the doorway of the elaborate mausoleum constructed ages ago to house his body. Good thing it was night time, for the light of day would have blinded his unused eyes. As the winded pushed the air past him he caught subtle waifs of an essence he could never forget. No matter of change would have caused him to miss this little thing that gave each person a finger print. So its was this person that caused him to awaken, ah how fun this should be. Judging by the way the wind blew and the strength of the scent the person couldn't have been to far away from where he was. It was good to be free and roaming once more, but he had a lot of unfinished business to attend to. This time things would be quite different than the last. He would have what he ached for no matter the cost, all it would take would be a few simple words and his greatest desires would be given or was that taken? Time would pass quickly as he made his way toward what some would call a gathering of people, or was it the massing of a new army? Either way it mattered not for the scent seemed to be located at the center of the gathering. Gathering the cloak around him tightly he wished to hide himself from the people around. Most wouldn't recognize him as he couldn't recall many of the other except for possibly two of them. Still he cautiously made his way towards Ankhnesmerira. He had to make sure of the person true identity before he would reveal to much to anything or anyone. A growl of sorts uttered in words slipped over the slightly parted lips to form a simple sentence. "Your unspoken words have called forth the shadow of death, I assume there is good reason for it. Or should I state there had better be good reason for it."

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Ladislas - As much as he respected his motherâs inference to remain calm, Thibor was distinctly crawling up Ladislasâs nose and he found himself giving serious consideration to picking the annoyance and casting it aside. He was after all free minded and although he would mayhaps have a payment required for his actions, he had been taught, to be responsible to himself and for himself. Eyes taking on a deeper hue, looking now like molten silver, he carefully refrained from looking at anything waiting instead for a moment suited to utilize his whim and it was not long coming.

This abomination had the audacity to claim Wamphyri roots, it was nothing of the kind, a mortal man may wish to become as spirit, but a the pleasures of the flesh itself were the very essence of the true nature of these creatures and to be without flesh was the greatest contradiction of the Wamphyri nature. It was a shame that Ladislas could not truly be defined as Wamphyri either, another delusion of the childish mind that considered itself so superior. What was the point of the leech, for the moment Thibor had parted with his flesh, the leech would have ceased to exist and the essence that made Thibor more potent would have faded into nothing leaving him but a shade of his former self, a prattling ghost without any real purpose.

Obviously the entirety of his plan was flawed, but it seemed the narrowness of his mind was incapable of perceiving this. Such sadly was the problem with being a supposedly pure Wamphyri, for once an idea had entered their skulls stubbornness took over and even if the idea was flawed, the leech would bind them to what they believed was right.

His entire perception of Thibor was a fool who believed himself godly, a being stupid enough to call Ankhnesmerira a harlot then believe themself free of retribution, too blind to perceive Ladislasâs essential nature thinking him nothing more then a servant, a bootlick, well honour was at stake and although his mother was above such things, Ladislas was young and took his mothers and his own honour very seriouslyâ¦

A wet splat on the beast he sat astride and he picked the flesh up to discover a single word written, then his mind erupted in laughter telepathy transmitting his words in an oozing pustule of dark and clotted rage âThibor, you failed, for the answer is not nor has ever been time. I asked what am I referring to me the physically manifest creature doing the asking, yet you chose to assume, now since you know not the answer, a lesson in both manners and wisdom is now yours to receiveâ¦â

With the molten silver of his eyes brightening, another alteration began, as skin thickened and hardened, scales forming, firstly around his eyes, then beginning to cover his face, his maw would alter in shape and sturdy ebony fangs would. Nose flattening to a more serpentine shape, and from twixt black lips a tongue of deepest blue, forked in nature would flicker tasting the air about him, the way his head sat on his shoulders altering so that his maw would direct in line with his spine, rather then at angle and his hair would vanish back into his skull leaving him bald, black and scaled. His eyelids would roll back into non-existence, leaving only the disdainful yet fiery stare of immanent destruction.

Hands would alter shape taking the reptilian characteristics of the komodo dragon coarse mithral claws bound by reptilian flesh and voice would become a hissing sibilance of venomous potence, claws releasing his mounts reins although this beast would sense the alteration occurring on its back and become wary its obedience was complete, his mother had wrought her creations well. Atop Ladislasâs head a crest of pearlescent bone forming giving the appearance of a crown as his physical shape paused for he had no need of the complete change for his purpose, and the metamorphic flesh of the Wamphyri aspect of his unique heritage provided a swift and relatively painless ease to his alterations.

In the process of the change Ladislas underwent several things occurred at once, his rage began creeping to the surface, bound in the furies of the already magnified electrical impulses inherent within his body, spreading outwards in the wetness of the rain and night, tiny luminescent sparks beginning to dance as his poisons concentrated. The heat building within his upper body causing the droplets of rain to hiss and sputter as they touched his flesh, and he stood in his stirrups, holding his focus until ready to release.

Alterations moving in his rage against this atrocity, this pathetic abomination of misunderstanding and misconception, this thing that had once had the failure of being a man, most probably a small and insignificant one at that, Ladislasâs physical electrons speeding up, magnetic impulses so high that swords and metallic objects would jitter and clatter, many becoming near to hot to touch, sparks jumping from there surfaces, his body temperature rising rapidly to a point of thermodynamic incredulity , the effects of the genetic heritage providing a means that he would not self incinerate and could protect what he himself touched from bursting into flame, electrical effects dancing in his body continuously. Flickering lightening throughout the scales of his fleshly embodimentâ¦

Lifting his head and allowing the final manifestation of venom to emerge the shine from Ladislasâs eyes surround him like a halo, amusing as it was, he cast his gaze over Thiborâs beast allowing the full richness of his essential nature to outwardly flow, fire would erupt from every morsel of his being, driven by blood, fury and a will stronger then iron. Thiborâs assumption would prove fatal for none, not gods, not Wamphyri could survive the stare of a Basilisk, and Ladislas was far more then just that. Ankhnesmerira had added to a Basilisk, in the process of his creation and those hidden aspects made him a unique and dangerous creature. Considering the gift of the Wamphyri magnified ones attributes in vast proportion, when combined with the lethalness of the Basilisk, the most deadly creature in history, the already devastating effects would become enormously more.

As his gaze swept along one side of Thiborâs beast, the magnetic impulses finally released, massive electrical forces gathered exploding into flame, not the bright cheery flame of normal fire, but a dark twisted flame, reeking of attar and death, virulent enough to shatter granite, a wildfire of immense antagonism, then adding to this already deadly force, Ladislas drew a deep long breath then blew, the effect similar to tossing naphtha on a fire, raising the temperatures of the flame, adding a twist for even his breath was deadly in its poisons, thus his intent and focus was fulfilled.

Not only was there flame bound in electromagnetic charges, but underlying, buried deep within its essence was the deadliest of neurotoxins and a simple yet powerful enzyme that destroyed the flesh it touched, causing flesh to loose its binding ties and break into its component molecules making it unable to respond to even the simplest of commands for its nervous system would be in tatters and its flesh dissolving into a thick globular mess. Ladislas had deliberately chosen to wipe his gaze like acid down one side, so that in that sides agonies, the beast would be forced to drift away from where he and Ankhnesmerira and her troops were in its death throes.

If the creature could feel pain, it would most certainly be in the fieriest of agonies, but there was an added twist, the toxin of a normal Basilisk passed immediately through whatever it hit and poisoned whatever else was in contact. Armour, clothing, nothing would prevent the flow of the poison and because Thibor was in contact with his beast, the effects of the venom would immediately consume him. One of the reasons the Basilisk was so able to kill even gods was the uniqueness of its toxins, not only did it unbind the flesh, but it bound the essence to the flesh before commencing so even the spirit would be destroyed, shredded to never again hold virulence.

Maintaining his gaze upon the war beast, the toxins killing it as they now would have bound Thibor to the pathetic shell of flesh, that shell having received the fullest dose imaginable for it was widely known, to even touch one of those serpents with a spear would result in near instant death, so the venom and fire passing through flesh would be thousands of times faster transmission, Ladislas laughing telepathically the entire time as his mental voice would rage through the aether to Thibor, âNever underestimate anything, to claim to be godlike, one must actually have understanding, true knowledge of ones limitations, for even the greatest of Godâs is limited. To force evolution only diverts the ego where to attain evolution subjugates the irresponsibility of youth. For all your ponderous arguments Thibor, you and I are the same, insignificant and young compared to the realities of those around us, but the difference is, I know my youth and accept it, I have no desire to force a future on myself to pretend to be a god for the sake of doing so. Now enjoy my legacy and fade away unto your deathâ.

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Thibor Dragonescu - Thibor roared his outrage at such a pathetic attempt, even as his warrior began to die beneathe him and the flesh he wore began to dissolve into nothingness. No doubt it would have destroyed his essence as well if not for the fact that Thibor was not self contained. He could not be bound into his flesh , not without the aid of greater magics. For force matched against force and Thibor could bring more power and force to bear than Ladislas had ever dreamed of. He began to batten upon his Power source, using the bulk of his concentration and energy to hold together his energetic manifestation. Useless to try to destroy him without first destroying the source of his might. The essence of one hundred and forty-four thousand planes flowed through him and as they did thibor laughed. He laughed a defiant laugh and he spoke, his essence vibrating the air to sound like the voice of a God." To think I thought to spare you. No matter. You have shown that you are utterly unworthy of existence and so I shall make use of you."

If Ladislas thought that Thibor's leech had vanished along with his flesh he was again very much mistaken. Though it was true he no longer held the physical manifestation of his leech, that malign intelligence had instead altered it's form along with Thibor. No longer was it a weak and pathetic addition to his body but it was a force in and of itself, the black aching maw at the heart of his being which demanded satisfaction in the form of souls to feast upon. It was diffused throughout his essence, waiting only upon the need or the desire to feed. If Ladislas was a creation of the one he once knew as Atra then some of Thibor would indeed be a part of Ladislas as well. That was all Thibor needed to know. With all the remaining strength he could muster he called out to his essence, seeking to awaken the hunger within it.

This was undeniably Thibor's, it was a part of him even though it did not share his form any longer, and it would heed his call. He called to it to feed, to batten and grow fat on the very core of Ladislas' existence. He wanted to devour Ladislas from the inside out and take back the part of him that Ankhnesmerira had wasted on Ladislas when she gifted him with their combined essence. " I am genesis! Do you think you can claim the heritage of your mother without claiming me as well? You arrogant little fool. At least your essence will not go to waste. I promise to use it more wisely than you ever did." He wondered how long Ladislas could keep up with the venom onced he began to feel himself being devoured at the metaphysical level.

Thibor hoped he would give it up soon. Even though his Power source was able to sustain him it wouldn't be long before even his form could not maintain the levels of power that he needed to continue in his survival. Already he had begun to manifest old habits of the flesh in his essence. He was losing the fight against the venom but a new strategy had presented itself. Just as he would have with his flesh he began to shed those parts of his energy that were infected by the basilisk. He used the draw form the power source to constantly replenish his form. Ladislas had made a tactical blunder but Thibor would not explain it to him. Better to let any of those who witnessed this believe that he was invincible. Thibor was not so arrogant as to believe that. He had deliberately made himself more diffcult to exterminate than most however even he knew that at the end of it all he was still mortal and still able to die.

He waited with the grim expectation of the feeding, the inrush of the life force he would recieve as the essence of him within Ladislas would turn predatorial, opening up like the greedy mouth of a babe to suckle upon the life force of Ladislas. A conversion would be made in this process, changing the essence of Ladislas into something that Thibor could use and feed upon rather than transfering it outright. Something was wrong though, the essence refused to respond. It had grown dilute and weakened over the centuries it would seem. What a waste. He could no longer hold up against the punishing assault of the sustained venom and soon his energetic form was whisked away into nothingness. The only remenants of him now resided within the genetic memory contained within the clone bodies, which were far out of the reach of his enemies. For now he was defeated but for how long he remained defeated was anyone's guess.

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Ladislas - The gaze of Ladislas did not falter once the outpouring of his venom began, instead remaining focused upon Thiborâs beast sweeping along its length and allowing the inherent potencies simply spill. How long this could be maintained, none could actually say as the Basilisk never left survivors to compare notes. Seeing the beast falter a sibilant hissing emerged from deep within his throat, an alien sound yet in this form it was as close to laughter as he was capable of.

A prickling tension as he felt something beginning to touch him, seeking its own recognition within his form, then he realised that Thibor was seeking the element of himself passed through Ankhnesmerira, in hopes to use it against Ladislas. Unfortunately for Thibor however, in his attempted godhood, he had forgotten one small yet severely important detail, in order to enter Ladislas even to reach something of that nature, it had to be done by Ladislasâs own free will, and he was not about to give this over.

Needless to say, Thibor had tried one thing that could possibly have worked in those last instants of his life had Ladislas not been what he was, and for that Ladislas nodded in the tiniest modicum of respect for a dying enemy, for even an enemy begat honour, and to live without honour was against every precept of his creation. The beast drifting uncontrollably away so that when finally it fell, it would miss those in support of his mother, the sense of Thibor fading to current insignificance becoming miniscule then for now no more, a final flickering of venom and then he would cease his attack.

Raising a clawed appendage to cover his eyes, so that his gaze would not effect his mothers flying creatures, scales slimming and altering form and colour to become skin again, hair growing back from his scalp, then mouth regaining its natural pristine shape, blackened lips narrowing and tongue, rejoining so no longer forked, the silver gleam of his eyes fading down to a dull reddish silver gleam, and finally his neck regaining its humanoid shape, followed by the alteration of his hands to more normal proportions and tone, he then moved his hand from before his eyes and looked towards where Thiborâs beast floundered.

Thick Romanian accent emerging twixt blackened lips âTo believe oneself a being of power without balancing with honour became your greatest flaw Thibor, the stubbornness inherent in the pure of your kind although tenacious and surviving, becomes a dangerous flaw when it narrows your vision so that in sooth you fail to perceive those around you for what they are. As I said before, compared to others around both you and I are but babes, and maybe in this is a lesson you would be well to heed before you attempt ascension again. â

The only thing lacking was a trophy, which he would have liked to present to Ankhnesmerira, for her education and training of him had given him the edge this day, and in all fairness the kill was as much herâs as his, such was the way of respect and honour, never forgetting those whom were important, but there was nothing left to capture, instead he simply turned and bowed his head to herâ¦ âMother, he died for your honourâ¦â

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Sanguis Oriens - A ripple in the ambience of the night, reaching forth from some hidden corner of impercievability yet to her senses a recognition for she knew this one from time gone past, four centuries that had seen the creation of massive alteration and an eyebrow raised in quintessential curiosity. The thought crossing Ankhnesmeriraâs mind as to this unexpected appearance, the wonderment as to his timing, for it seemed her return had drawn forth from the abysses in which these had lost themselves to her presence, such a gathering would indeed be of subtle amusement as massively inflated egos, and beings all fully aware of their strengths vied for her attention.

From the depths of her being a subtle miasma would outwardly flow upon the bearing of shadow, oscillating towards him carrying, her scent the illustrious atmosphere filling with the delicate yet tantalising aromas of the kyphi surrounding and seemingly placing an enticement under Razmaâs nostrils, indicating her awareness of his presence, yet also carrying the hidden message to come forth and reveal himself.

Cocking her head to the left in ponderence of his unexpected appearance her attention becoming diverted by an exhumation of brooding conflict. By the time Ankhnesmerira had halted her mount to turn and look upon Ladislas, it was to late, for he had already borne his gaze upon Thiborâs war-beast creating the death of both the beast and its master, the speed and intensity of the venomous gaze hitting with a force comparable to thousands of suns dying and turning black and shrivelled with the poisons of degenerating malice. Alabaster facade remaining completely without expression, eyes intensifying in their vehemence for Ladislasâs defiance, rubescent lips compressing with the tiniest curve to her upper lip forming a snarl.

Although at this instant little could be done with the dissipation of Thibor Ankhnesmerira would indeed be placing this matter under far closer scrutiny upon her visit to Dracostack. The disenchantment of her former associate would not be considered impasse, although there was little to be done except watch at this very instant. When Ladislas reconstituted himself to his normal appearance and moved to bow his head to her, she drove slender knee into the ânightmareâ she sat astride forcing the massive beast to spin near on one hind hoof, throwing its body towards where Ladislas remained astride his mount, spinning so that she would be looking directly to him, coming so close that her visage would near be touching his face.

Iciness of voice almost colder then the blizzard surrounding them, yet containing the most miniscule hint of burlesque enrapturement âWhat words of mine did you fail to comprehend, did you mistake command for mere request or does your privilege of free will overshine that of authorityâ¦ Perhaps it would be wise for you to ponder your own honour, before acting upon yourself to defend mine. You acted rather impetuously when in consideration you truly did not know fully the situation. Did I not teach you to assess the situation before acting, such assumptions could be costly to you and therefore to me as well fledglingâ

Hands rising to rest on either cheek, raising her body, leather creaking in itâs tautness against her curvaceous flesh, standing in her stirrups to lean forwards and pursing sensuously pouting dark crimson lips to brush gently against the expanse of Ladislasâs forehead, then with insatiable swiftness, Ankhnesmerira lifting her face away, tilting neck slightly then bringing the ridge of cranium down towards the bridge of his nose with brutal force, the result should it connect being the satisfying crunch of bone and the warm piquant streams of vitae from his nostrils. Snapping her head away, she gave her reins a jerk turning her horse violently and beginning to move in the direction of her accommodations, head turning to gaze back over left shoulder âSeeâ¦ loving one second venomous the next, learn that as a very valuable lesson for the next may not be soâ¦ delicateâ, as she looked back in the direction in which she travelled, she pondered in the dark labyrinth of her mind, when would the shadows cease hiding and evolve themselves from the darkness.

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Lies Within Darkness - He wasn't the type of person to just up an reveal himself to the world around, beside it was much more fun to stay back and watch the children play as it may be. Yet the enticing aromas that waifed past his nostrils would begin to hamper his judgment. Calling for him to reveal himself without really wishing to, though it was what had to be done anyways. Granted no words called to him, gave him no orders, it was just a simple understanding that he needed to be somewhere. Within mere seconds of time he would be upon the group, the little tiff that had happened before hadn't quite slipped past him. Then again it really was none of his concern nor his care. Locking his gaze on Ankhnesmerira he moved out wards from the shadows to make himself a bit more visible to the naked eye. Of course she had already knew he was there, but knowing and seeing were to different things, or so he always assumed. Eventually his presence would be known to those around him, yet it really didn't matter who saw him and who didn't just so long as they knew he lurked nearby. Idly his mind pondered over his previous actions when last he had encountered the living world. One could almost sense the disgust he felt as the thoughts rolled their way through him mind. People had a tendency to be a bit to nice, he himself was cursed by this affliction it would have seem. This time though, it would be different, he wouldn't be over looked again. Least not by those that he wanted to take notice. "Ankhnesmerira"Was the only word that managed to escape the part in his lips, each other word that would have followed was cut off by his own unwillingness to speak. He had more to say but the time for those words wasn't just right yet. No, tis was just the beginning and there was to much work yet to be done by his hands before the rest of that sentence could be uttered to break the silence in him.

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Ladislas - Ladislas had watched the warbeast disintegrate and Thibor die, temporarily absorbed in the sating influence that death had over him, already wondering what next would fall in his path, but calm and fulfilled at least for the moment. Ankhnesmerira moving her mount with vehemence towards him a flicker of concern running through to chill the blood in his veins to ice for after all he had gone against her wishes and possibly his time was done this instant.

Her moving closer until heated breath washed against the again soft skin of his face hands words sharp and undeniably correct and his head tipping forward slightly in shame for he knew his passions had over-ridden his reasoning and he would have been far better off waiting and plotting out this matter for future conflict. Still what was done was done and there was no changing it.

Her hands clasping his face then reaching to kiss his forehead, confused Ladislas, was this the kiss that sealed his doom, or was there a subtle approval buried in this for the success of his actions, then before he could move his mothers forehead pounding down upon the bridge of his nose before he had the opportunity to move away, bone crunching under the impact, immediately creating an eye watering and painful realisation of her capabilities and lack of tolerance for disobedience. From now deformed nostrils, twin plumes of darkened vitae cascading outwards then pulling back.

As much as it pained him he held her gaze as she spoke, and bowed in acknowledgement, his face still twisted in agony, his breathing in rapid gasps and then turning to one side spat a large globule of blood rich saliva to clear his mouth, his nose now leaning to a definitive angle to the left of his face, and once noble shape, now flattened and broad, more a snout then a nose. Allowing it to bleed for several moments then closing off the seepage, he then chose to leave his snout as it now was to remind him of how fortunate he was to still exist, to enhance the lesson given for he would desperately try not to make this mistake again.

A sound just captured in the wildness of the night, his mothers name spoken by another stranger causing his head to turn rapidly seeking the direction from which it came, but still disoriented somewhat from her discipline he was unable to pinpoint the source. Shaking his head to try and clear it, fully alert and looking about, he drove his knees into his beast and caught up with his mother, moving to a position on her right and slightly rearwards to follow herâ¦

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ad|EXTREMUM - From the silence and shadows, Ulyssiask brought himself closer to the one he was seeking out. Sheâd already acknowledged his presence; he was not hidden by the veil of darkness anymore. What use is there playing games and hiding like some coward when, knowing full and well, half of the other presences could smite him in his weakened state? The foolish games these egoists played sickened him, but he never particularly cared for Thibor â perhaps things would continue to work out for the best. It sparked his curiosity though, rather or not Ankhnesmerira would truly recognize him for what heâd become.

After having battled and destroyed the militia heâd built in such short time, Ulyssiask was covered in blood and then the ashes of destroyed flesh. Heâd become pale as it adhered to his skin â something that wouldnât wash off. Curses such as this were beyond physical boundaries, and couldnât be cleansed from the mortal flesh by mere soluble such as water. He clothed himself in a black material and armored himself with dark brown pads and shields crested in gold, concealing his weapons upon his back and within scabbards. It was his eyes that had changed most â they were gentle rather than harsh or piercing. Still, the warrior who still believed in honor, despite all of his sadistic and horrible methods to life, had not changed from within. Heâd merely weakened and lost most of his claims. Perhaps he still had something to offer Ankhnesmerira, to teach her âsonâ, Ladislas, to grow into something greater; maybe he had far more than that to offer. Everything is determined by the delicate balance of messages traded between two when communicating, however.

For once in some time, Ulyssiask raised his head and spoke to another. âAnkhnesmerira, where do you travel? I am interested in your affairs, as you might be in what I have to offer. I know Iâveâ¦ changed. Once, we said weâd help one another and never fall; but I have fallen, and have much to accomplish. Iâd much like to speak with you to better understand everything, should you grant me another wish. Is company as welcoming as it once was, or do I have to battle with children as these others around you do?â

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