Midnight Approaches

[Light_hearted]

She fallowed him her hand in his.. she thought breifly about speaking about gettin her things and her horse but thought better of itshe kept up glad that she was never foolish enough to wear heals her shoes were silk witha leather bottoms they would not hold up long if they went out in the open snow "my lord Cirden are you sure my presance would not be intruding?" she asked not entirely sure what to say and to flsustered by tonights happenings to say much anyhow..

[Luther]

Uther remained silent as the woman spoke, her voice full of rich compulsion and terrible nuances of power. He had no reason to doubt that should her desire have become to simplay annihalate the clan at this instant she could, so since it was to be war, much preparation would be required, for Uther was nothing if not game for the trial. As she went to move to exit the great hall he spoke, a reply form her not needed, perhaps he was talking for his own benefit. "Indeed you have satisfied my desire for knowledge, and created food for thought. Failure, perhaps I did, perhaps not for now at the crux I am here, where those who thought they had not failed, are not" he paused.

Sighing before he continued "I know my codspiece created trouble, it seems a curse amngst the kings of this realm to carry their brains between their legs, but tasting death changes many things, some most definately for the better and the passions that ruled are no longer and my mind is clear of the mistakes made before as I will not waste a second opportunity" he chuckled, for Uther was in his way blunt and brutal with his truths even about himself. "I may even manage a minor surprise for you and those who ally with you" he then gave a very slow wink, and grinned without humour. "You will not be stopped or harassed as you pass through these lands and I expect your calling card to be left when the time comes to meet again as foe." He gave a curt nod of his head,  for to respect ones enemy was a far nobler thing then to curse them, for too often the curse was reflected and caused greater grief.

[Zoelleannah]

She had seen him nod to her with a forced smile, she knew he had to take the news as bad as everyone else did, perhaps more she thought. She sighed again as she walked around to the other side seeing if she could spot Drak and Fiamma there anywhere but nothing again. Shrugging her shoulders she decided to just give up and stay in the back not trying to be in the way to anyone. This was a trying time as the emotions where running high, she stopped and looked over to where that woman [Atra] stood and watched as she was turning herself to leave the ballroom. First thought that shot into Zoelleannah's mind was, how was it that they where letting her leave, hadn't she just committed a crime. Would they not arrest her and try her for killing the king?. This was more then she was able to handle, her mind began to spin and she was getting to the point where anger arose. Saying it over and over within her mind that they surely couldn't just let her leave after what she had done. Her eyes gaze upon all who where still present, she saw the man [Sil'in] she had accidently bumped into a bit ago standing next to one of the guards [Duncan]. The two of them where discussing something, as she hoped it was some sort plan of action yet she didn't know. The woman seemed mighty powerful and perhaps an encouter with her at this stage would only bring more deaths to Camelot...

Yet still if letting her walk away from the crime, it would not be justified either. Zoelleannah sighed deeply letting her gaze go about once more and with that she focused on a couple that surely could be Drak and Fiamma. Slowly she was making her way around the room using the outer line trying to stay in the shadowed area while making her way over to where they stood. She just hoped that it was them indeed and she would not make a fool of herself by addressing someone completely different. She was approaching with care, people had began to shift slightly and with that she eased throughout them towards whom she believed as her new friend and his bride. She wondered if they had been looking for her as well but couldn't be to sure of that, after all this night was rather confusing to everyone. The new king had spoken up again and with that she listened very carefully, when he said that the woman was free to pass and they would meet again as foes. Zoelle bit her bottom lip hard enough to make it bleed. She cursed underneath her breath in her native tongue, she just couldn't believe this as she then walked on towards the couple ahead of her...

[Oberon]

Oberon watched Nicolai closely, there last meeting had been a titanic clash that had left both of them frustrated but alive. Still Nicolai had proven an honourable enemy keeping his word at the terms agreed on. Ears pricking to the use of the word cousin he lowered his guard somewhat, but not completely, "Yes cousin" he returned the word "things have altered rapidly, even for myself, for Titania tis lost, all that is left are my kinfolk."He sighed reflecting for a moment on his queen then raised his face looking Nicolai directly in the face, "So why are you here, and what can be salvaged from this meeting that may make it worth both our whiles, for I have no desire to repeat our last futile attempt on each other?"

[Llewellynn Pendragon]

Llewel was matching eyes with all the Knights and guards in rotation as she watched Uther and Atra. When she glanced at the guards by the door a smile lit her face.

It was the other Knight, Rei. She lifted a hand to him beckoning him to stay at the door. He was behind Atra and Radu and moving past them may send them on a tirade of anger based on perceived 'rudeness'. She knew that wouldn't be the case, but who knew how their minds worked?

She let her hand dropped and hoped her eyes and hand were clear. She would hate for the Knights to be the cause of a war now when it looked like things may not escalate after all.

She watched the play between Radu and Atra and wondered where it would end. Would they be witness to a consumation of lust right here in their midst? Or did this mean all was well and it was over?

She tightened her fists in apprehension and prayed her shields would hold on ber desire to remain calm and collected.

[Anima]

Rei had noticed Llewell and took behind the door hiding abit, he took it as he should stay hidden or at least out of sight for whatever reason, it would best not be deemed troubled, granted his questions seemed to pile up as he waited, he alone was not sure what was fully going on but it appeared to be more then he first thought, he wanted to ask what was going on but couldn't really, it was slowly driving him nuts as the time pasted slowly from the door which he had took as he place to stay until noticed otherwise...

[Iname]

His eyes still watching Oberon as his feet carried him to the top of the stairs where he could discuss things at a closer rating, his eyes moving to the pockets of his clothing once more as a small breath was taken, it seems something was arise, his guest wouldn't show up this night, it seems he had plans of his own to kick the ruination off. "Have you forgotten what we can do? The Calling we can send out to those of our blood and creation? to be able to find and feel them where ever they be?...You haven't lost her, You've merely lost yourself in your own ways."

Shaking his head slightly at his little cousins ignorance, why would he forget something so precious to them, to be able to find the ones they care for the most. a slight tilt of his head would occur as he continued to talk with his family..."If another battle takes place, the out come would change drastically, New things have been added to the old, the power of one has grown beyond comprehension. My only reason for being here was to Reunite PsC, yet...It seems an old love of mine has wandered her way to this little event, even if it was unexpected and the meeting possibly wont take place, its always good to know how one is doing, right?" taking another soft breath as his eyes moved to the pendant Oberon always wore, so similar to his own family crest, just...amusing..."You know that with the death of Kalyssien, the pact between our Clans has been broken along with what You and I did centuries ago, If you wish to keep peace between things, then another Alliance has to be discussed promptly"

[Oberon]

He looked at Nicolai with grave eyes, "Don't you think I have not tried, she went into the destroyed realm just before all portals closed and the realm collapsed, since that moment I have called and searched. No, I fear she is truly gone Cousin, beyond where any calling may reach her. Now as to an alliance, I agree, for with her gone, there is only me left, and I'll not leave my people leaderless. State your terms and lets make something lasting for the good of all"

[Draken]

He was lost in the moment, the wonder of his partners arrival, until the fated moment, somehow the bond had failed, for until the exact moment of Kalyssiens death, he knew not of the dire trouble his master had been in. Clutching his chest for the intense agonies pouring through him as all was revealed in that last instant before kalyssien's soul was drawn, he felt as if his insides had turned to jelly.

Near falling into a nearby chair and weeping blood, he waited for the obvious, for never had a bonded dragon of his kind survived the death of his master, when a voice in his head gave him pause. "If thee doth hear me old friend, then death has taken mine soul so assuage its unquenchable thirst. Thou art wondering why thou hast not died, as is want with all before whom doth carry this bond. Before we left Iffurn Saeghol dost thou remember mine vanishing for several days and thou could not find where mine intentions wert. I returned to mine masters tower and studied for twas mine intent to give thee a gift for the friendship thou showed beyond our bonding. A ritual was enacted, making it that should death place claim upon this fragile shell, thy bond could dissapate and thou could live. Then I placed a compulsion on thy mind that in this event thou would know of mine final legacy. This be not a ghost talking, but simply a memory" With that he saw his old friend standing before him raising one hand in salute then vanishing.

Raw agony blended with grief, the physical pain fading to a dull, empty ache inside, He looked to where these two men whom had appeared stood. Both regal and both seeming to know how best to maintain calm. He knew not what to do for the first time in so many years, where once a constant overlap of voice vision and experience had lingered in his mind now nothing. Kalyssien was dead, and Drak was more alone, even with his partner being here then he had been in what seemed forever.

When Atra Lamia entered he watched closely the nemisis whom had so easily destroyed his friend, placing the images in his mind as an overlap to what seemed such a tiny and beautiful creature. It was hard to grasp as to how easily she had taken his master to a point where death could claim him, and maybe he would ponder this till the end of days. For now, he was to physically weakened by the loss of the bond to do more then simply take notice.

He saw Zoelleanah moving to them, and weakly waved so that she would see them, then reached and broke the mask he had worn, for never again would he allow anything to blind him, and although it was but a gesture, it made him feel better.

When chance arose, he would take his grief and alleviate it, but for now, the dream of Kalyssien, this kingdom needed him.

[Iname]

Sighting just slightly as Oberon spoke, "My terms are simple, Refrain from threats upon My family and we'll be just fine. with this alliance, We can put our minds and abilities together to find your beloved, and your kin isn't completely gone, Loki has been spotted in the western region, but you know how he is." his head now tilting back into place as eye contact was disconnected, Nicolai's eyes now moving about the room at the different unmasked faces, "They liked their old king, and now, they have changed their faiths without even the slightest shed of remorse or question as to why ownership has switched hands."

[Radu the Ferenczy]

The evening, as it waxed and became nothing more than early pre-dawn morning.  The chimes of midnight have grown silent.  The altercation between Atra and the newly risen King ( Uther ) had come to an end as she treated him more like an underling than anything else.  As she returned and bade that she was to be taken away from here.  She longed for the caress of the night and the solace of the shadows.  Having grown bored himself, he would slide her closer as she seemed to meld against him.  To feel the thoughts, the sensations that she was manifesting.  A part of his mind knew by instincts alone that she would eventually return to his side.  It was just one more piece of a more intriguing puzzle, the mysterious benefactor which seemed to lead them back together every time they had drifted apart.  Yet he had yet to come to fully understand whom or what this being was?  He recalled a conversation between himself and Kain Ferenczy, having told Radu before, that he was to seize his destiny, and that he would find it alongside Atra'Lamia of the Darkbane.  And then there was the mysterious shadowy being that had awakened him the first time he had gone to ground and placed those very vivid and lucid dreams within his mind, that turned out to be half reality and half fantasy.

Escorting her now on a whim towards the exit, the very same doors in which they had entered all not that long ago.  Long enough for her to have insinuated herself with the former and now deceased King.  Taking out her plans of revenge and of vengeance.  Though it should have been he to have killed the King.  It was in his Wamphyri nature and his blood to seek out and destroy what has deemed itself to violate and desecrate his territory, that which he covets and possesses like no other.  They had been given a chance to leave unharmed, and how he oh so wished for one of them loyal to the King, would so much as look at him in a wrong sort of manner.  To give the Beast inside fuel for the fire that was already concealed and burning through his veins.  But he remained in a composed demeanor and showed nothing of the betraying thoughts that were swirling like a bottomless cesspool of malevolence, ripping round and round in the infinite darkness.  He turned to glance toward the other companion of Atra's ( Suunaise ) and wondered what her story was and then focused his attention back on the only one that seemed to matter.

[Sil'in]

Sil'in's one eye'd gaze moved from Uther as the king finished his speech with Atra.  His piebald eyes moved to and fro across the faces in the throng of ball-goers, until they came to rest on the seated form of Drakul.  The man's face was unknown to the Drow, but his tears of blood struck a chord in Sil'in's heart.  Those eyes were familiar.  In them was loss, sorrow beyond comprehension...  Sil'in knew those eyes.  They weren't human.  The last time he'd seen those eyes, they'd been in another form.  The great irish wolfhound, bonded to Kalyssien.  The Great Dragon that served and loved the king.  His own grief at the loss of Kalyssien was but a weak shadow in comparison to the emotion he read on Drakul's face.  

The Drow uncrossed his arms, and nodded to Duncan as he took his leave.  Silent steps led Sil'in through the crowd of people, each silent step slow and calculated, until finally he stood before the seated form of Drakul.  It was a long moment before he spoke, and his voice was barely a whisper, husky with the emotion he'd hidden up until now.  "You wear a different form, than when last we met."  He said slowly, "But I remember your eyes, Drakul."  Sil'in pasued, as if slightly uncertain of his words...  "My heart is heavy with grief this night, though my own mortal thoughts and emotions must be only pale shadows of that which you surely feel...  I offer my condolences for the loss of your master."  The dark elf bowed low, as if he were bowing before Kalyssien himself.  "I shall miss his friendship in my own shadowed way, and if by my life or my blades I can be of service, say the word."  He remained on bended knee, but as he spoke, his eyes rose to meet Drakul's.

[Zoelleannah]

She looked ahead of her as she was slowly approaching them, she definitly knew now that it was Drak and Fiamma for that he had lightly waved at her. She sighed he looked so bad, grief was plainly seen upon his face and there was nothing she was able to do for him. She was lost herself she didn't know how to offer him comfort in this time of sadness. She hadn't known neither Drak nor Kalyssien to long yet she felt that they had a strong bond between one another and she knew that Drak was hurting badly right now. Zoelleannah didn't know if she should walk on or just stay back and give him his space but she decided to walk on. She saw another approaching [Sil'lin] and it happened to be the same one she had bumped into earlier, watching his actions for a moment before she would walk on. When she made it beside the two she saw Drak's hurt and pain and it hurted her as well. Silently she stood there for a moment listening to the other man speak up, herself trying to figure out just what to say to him and Fiamma, words where forming yet they didn't wish to spill over her lips. When he had finished and was now bend on one knee, Zoelleannah was looking up at Drak directly now she as swallowed deeply before she would speak up...

As a light whisper crossed her lips with a message coming straight from the heart "I know I have naye known ye nor Kalyssien fer verra long, yet I feel as even in the short time I had angered him, disobeyed him and I wasn't pleasant with mine words. I wish to tell ye how verra sorry I am fer thy loss Drak of yer best friend and I wish to tell ye that I made mine mind up, upon staying within these verra walls to change mine ways and to honor his wishes as mine last gift to him". She paused for a moment her eyes had clouded over as she was struggling to speak up and say the rest. She swallowed deeply once more and then began to speak in a whispering tone of voice again "Drak I wish to offer thee mine friendship as long as I shall live, this comes from deep within mine heart as I speak to thee nothing but the truths on tis day. I know I nay able to replace the kind of friendship ye and Kalyssien had, yet I wish to try and be the best friend I can possibly be". She then placed her hand over her heart and just looked at him, eyes still clouded over as tears wished to spill down her cheeks but she tried hard for them not to do as such...

[Sebastian de Ferhe]

All this was very interesting, indeed.

The bell tolled, and a god awful sound seemed to push itelf through the very walls before the hall plunged into darkness. It all proved to be rather amusing, but rather interesting at the same time. Where before Sebastian had settled himself in a solitary corner to watch the hours away, he now was almost glad that he had been forced to attend. The death of a King, and the rise of a new one? It certainly would be an interesting story to relate to his father and to his admirers at home.

Sebastian removed his mask and tossed it to the floor. He felt that it hindered his view. The crowd had gathered in a semi circle around the new King, as he talked with this sinister looking woman. An arched brow would give away Sebastian and his quiet musings. His face did not show either fear or satisfaction. He was of neither crowd, and wasn't on anyone's side but his own. He acted as if he were watching a play upon a stage. Stopping where his vantage point was best, Sebastian stood stock still, his hands clasped behind is back. It seemed that this was no tame party. It also seemed as if war were a possibility in the near future. A smirk would cross Sebastian's lips once more. What fun ths could be!

[Uli Kathandros]

Some would say that, in the years, perhaps centuries to come, evil beget evil...Evil didn't beget evil. Evil was a malicious being, a possessing taint that laid inside all men...Evil beget humanity. And the energies swirled, coruscated and lifted him up...Uli didn't know about birds, but he knew it was fear that gave men wings...There are no choices. Nothing but a straight line. The illusion comes afterwards, when you ask 'Why me?' and 'What if?'. When you look back and see the branches, like a pruned plant, or forked lightning. If you had done something differently, it wouldn't be you, it would be someone else looking back, asking a different set of questions.

The past was a gaping hole. Uli had always tried to run from it, but the more he ran, the deeper it grew behind him, its edges yawning at his heels... His only chance was to turn around and face it. But it's like looking down into the grave of your love, or kissing the mouth of a serpent, venom trembling in its dark nest, ready to poison an stain your blood to utter death. It was a puzzle, like a broken mirror. As you peice it together, your image keeps shifting. And you change with it. It could destroy you, drive you mad. It could set you free.

The genius of the hole, was that no matter how much time you spent climbing out of it, you could always fall back down in an instant...

It was more than Uli could take, the sudden barrage. He'd tried to surpress the voices for all these hours he'd been aiming to keep them supplanted...But to no avail.

Trapped Inside
Cannot hide
Transparent walls betray me.

He looked up, eyes blazing with crimson fury as he realized his folly. The sad fact was, he'd been trying to avoid the horrid totality of his curse. Trying to find some reasons humanity still lurked...The whispers of Nerull...He'd tried to stop them from madly clawing into his skull, and it had failed. As he felt Suun curling her arm around his waist, he paused and relished the moment before he turned to face her and smiled quite apocalyptically.

Crimson fire drips
Leaking in my veins
Dropping into my abyss

Lift my heart,
Lift it higher,
Let the cold blood run
Across your fingers.

Tear me...

Let my insanity reign...

The cobalt walls he thought he'd destroyed loomed before him, even more daunting than before as they spiraled upwards towards that miniscule prick of light. But it was different. Uli felt a power soaring and welling inside him like he'd never begun to experience before, his eyes glowing with perfect crimson, as suddenly a bright, bursting sphere of light flared from him...He watched the walls shatter, the power inside him released and giving away to the light beyond. It was a malevolent bursting. A total and utter release of emotions pent up within him. Beneath the ornate formal armor he wore his muscles flexed, powerful tendons coruscating with a divine power obvious to anyone whom could scan the presence of it - rippling with energy so purely defiled it was bound to taste so fine regardless.

And then he moved. He moved in such a way that he seemed to phase in and out of reality, his body framed by black, ethereal phantasmagoric outlines, purple veins of eldritch energy crackling across the edges of his body. Until half a second later he had rid himself of Suun's grasp entirely and concentrated fully upon that which he lusted so much for. One eye, the deliciously black one, angled itself towards Suun - and in torturous slow motion - winked at her, lewdly, as if giving her an invitation to join in the 'fun' that was about to commence. And Bryna. Oh, sweet, wonderful Bryna.

The hand within its black leather cradle slammed itself forwards to grab her hair and yank forwards, as he moved to force her face towards his. And of course, his lips to smash harshly against hers, the fiendish fangs that marked his monstrous identity slashing outwards to dig into her lips with a force equal to the lust with which he shoved his tongue into the velvety depths of her mouth. Somehow, he did hope Suun would join in. Perhaps as merely a distraction. Because he had a nicely inkling feeling that something very, very amusing was going to happen. What with the lingering sense of death in the air that was slowly ebbing through the curtain of wanton desire he had up. Perhaps the three of them would adjourn to a place more private. Or perhaps that was mere wishful thinking. But did he care?

No.