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 benedictions⦠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 was⦠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 drop⦠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 his⦠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 intensity⦠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 way⦠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 remembrance⦠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 name⦠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 doors⦠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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