Demise: Demise estate

[Honor Demise]

" I'm sorry my beloved sister I simply had to see if you still had it in you. After all I heard so much about what you did to our other brother. I guess toying with you is over now, but I admit it was fun while it lasted. Now sister what are you plans for this masqurade you had planned? I am so eager to start slowly becoming known again, though I'm not sure if I should change my name and take on an alias or if I should just go by my middle name which only you know."

Honor let his first few comments pass without remark with a smile that never quite reached her eyes. Toying with her affections was never a wise idea for anyone -including her beloved brother. As devoted as Honor was to him, she was not a serf or lesser being. Honor had given him the Eternal Blossom and had the power to undo them both if she were so inclined, therefore, she  demanded respect if he did not wish to call it love. So occasionally Honor would have to remind Vahn that he did not wish to lose his sister's goodwill.

She was reconsidering her impulsive thoughts on a Masque. Masques were wonderful for intrigue and diplomacy, however in her own experience, security was a nightmare. Perhaps she could find a place more suitable than the manor house, a place inside the veil where if a scandel happened her internal security would not have to bear the burden.

"Yes about the Masque. I do want to reintroduce you to society, but I am currently working on some very sensitive projects and cannot afford an interruption. We could find a suitable space to hold a Masque such as gallery or hall."

"More that likely, your reputation will proceed you. You may call yourself whatever you like. A rose by any other name shall smell just as sweet. To the court in Demise, everyone will know that you are my brother, Vahn. They know my power and fear me -just as they will with you. The Blackthornes are not exclusive to longevity. You may take pleasure from the reaction of your enemies when you are introduced at the Masque, no worse for their treachery. Living well is  the best revenge."

Vahn slowly stepped out of the pool standing there naked as he talked. " You know if I didn't hide my true feelings and thoughts they could be used against me. They have in the past, the past always has a funny way of repeating itself which I've come to know. And if I wasn't around to annoy you from time to time then how boring your life would be. After all do I not make your life interesting? For you never know what I'm prone to do, I though I would never do anything to sully your good name or our family's name though our parents and siblings have done more in that aspect."

"True my sweet," she said appreciating his form, helping him into a robe, "If one learns from the past, he is not doomed to repeat it."

 Vahn walked over to the window looking out to the gloomy grey light of the outside world. " I wonder what the future holds for us dear sister? What will become of us, shall we fail and fall like our parents or will we completely cut ourselves out of their destiny and mold our own?"

"You are asking me what the future holds, dear brother," she smiled at him indulgently, "Do you not remember I am a Watcher? I was trying to discuss future matters with you earlier. The reason our parents failed is they ultimately underestimated my capacity for vengence. You and I are finished suffering from the sin's of our father and in the procress our place in the Cosmic Tapestry has been dramatically altered. We are now the designers of our destiny. There is something that troubles me, brother; the Weavers have been coy showing me our fate. I believe it means that my time as Nona Gregori is about to be tested."

Vahn always found what if's to be interesting for it gave himself to think over. They had been reunited and already Honor had drowned him once, he wondered if she could do that to others. For there would be those that tried to stand in their way, those that wanted to see them fail. He needed her to be willing to kill anyone that tried such. He considered Honor his only family, and the estate was as always perfect in it's feel. Looking about at the lavish decor which would make some of the places Vahn had been look like pig sties. " You've done well with the estate Honor..hmm" it was almost too hard for Vahn not to add something to draw up more annoyance and anger from his sister. He'd have to try and remember not to do such, though it would be hard.

Honor shrugged as to say the decor was nothing, a pretty trifle and replied automatically, "Thank you. Dinner is ready." She rose and looked over her shoulder as if she were going to say something but thought better of it, with one last glance she walked out of the bathroom to await him in the dining room.

[Vahn Demise]

Vahn remembered all his years of training of every bone being broken just so he could overcome pain. Of all the practicing day and night with the man whom he'd come to look on as a father. Vahn remembered his words which he'd use at the battle of Windfell, " You will not like me, but you will follow me for your country." Vahn had listened to Honor's words and now he hastened to dinner. With thoughts of how he would rise up again in the ranks of the aristocrats which he'd come to hate. " Honor perhaps I have been too hasty in my attempts against the Blackthornes. When I came back to the Blackthorne lands I found that the war with Darkthorne was over. I searched for years till I found a few remaining Darkthornes, I built them up. Gave them magical technology which they took too instantly. I brought them back to the Blackthorne lands and began to orchestrate both sides playing them against one another. Finally I sparked up a clan war like no other and they've been at war ever since."

" I'd almost earned the respect of Orianna Blackthorne by playing the good noble. As long as there are none that remember my name I'm sure there will be none to remember the depths of treachery linked to my name. Otherwise you might find me hanging from the gallows pole in need of your assistance yet again." Vahn smiled as he sat down to the dinner table he was eager to set into motion new plans. Though his concerns now were in rebuilding the Demise name and lands rather then bringing down a kingdom or empire. He could always do that later in his spare time with some random unknown place. After all he had a great deal of time to do such. " If you want I can go visit or we could go visit the Blackthornes after dinner, perhaps a little social setting will do to raise your spirits. You know I do worry about you sister, after all your all I have left in this world."

Vahn hoped he didn't sound synical in his words after all he was trying to tone down his normal manner.

[Honor Demise]

"Honor perhaps I have been too hasty in my attempts against the Blackthornes. When I came back to the Blackthorne lands I found that the war with Darkthorne was over. I searched for years till I found a few remaining Darkthornes, I built them up. Gave them magical technology which they took too instantly. I brought them back to the Blackthorne lands and began to orchestrate both sides playing them against one another. Finally I sparked up a clan war like no other and they've been at war ever since."

"Did you have the forethought to keep the key to Darkthorne technology in case they were to us against you?" Honor paused for Vahn to come to her side and linked her arm in his, "How did we profit?"

"I'd almost earned the respect of Orianna Blackthorne by playing the good noble. As long as there are none that remember my name I'm sure there will be none to remember the depths of treachery linked to my name. Otherwise you might find me hanging from the gallows pole in need of your assistance yet again."

She laughed. "As if a simple hanging could kill you. Vahn, you are a good Prince. And trechery is such a strong word, I would call it making the most of an opportunity. We are merchant adventurers. It is bad business plan to side totally with one faction unless you are absolutely certain of the outcome. "

The question of which virtue -love or fear, was more favorable for a Prince to have, was a heavy debated subject in the Demise court. A love could fade or turn with trecherous precision in this land. Fear could be its own kind of respect, perhaps even the most lasting.

Outwardly neither Vahn or Honor were particularly fearsome in an overt sense. Together they were a beguiling couple, charming and courtly; good breeding oozing from every pore. Vahn had gift that he could make you like him. His moments of generosity and charm made you overlook the coldness behind his blue-grey eyes. Honor's fragile appearance and quiet ways made her appear as fragile as a hot house flower, belied the strength beneath. Both in their own way worse that the overt threat, patient to lie in wait to kiss a lover with poisoned lips.

News of his arrival had already spread through the manorhouse like a wildfire.  The whole court was at the ready to attend the royal family. Tonight their private dining hall was ablaze with gaslight and polished to perfection, automotons  their pewter skins gilded with gold and etched. The servitors were a masterpiece of clockwork and magic. Vita Rose created these as prototypes for the industrial and warmachines.

An automoton pulled a chair out for both of them. Honor graceful sat down watching her brother. She was sincerely glad he was onboard with rebuilding their country. He might detest his noblesse oblige but in the long run, he would thank her.

Vahn smiled as he sat down to the dinner table he was eager to set into motion new plans. Though his concerns now were in rebuilding the Demise name and lands rather then bringing down a kingdom or empire. He could always do that later in his spare time with some random unknown place. After all he had a great deal of time to do such. " If you want I can go visit or we could go visit the Blackthornes after dinner, perhaps a little social setting will do to raise your spirits. You know I do worry about you sister, after all your all I have left in this world."

The food was a feast for eyes as well as the palate. Course after course was presented for their indulgence. Musicians played softly in the background as his sister motioned to Cordelia, whispering in her confidante's ear. Cordelia bowed and scurried out to obey her mistress's wishes.

Honor arched her delicate eyebrow and wiped her full lips with the white linen. "Do I seem full of meloncholy? Nothing could be further that the truth. My joy is your happiness. If you wish meet the Blackthornes after dinner, then your whim is my command. We shall go by the Mirror at your leave."

[Vahn Demise]

Vahn listened and when she asked if he kept the key to the Darkthorne technology he laughed. " I had things set up to where if I should be betrayed they would lose all such technology by a mass clensing as I call it. Which is why they pulled out of Velusia after betraying me I'm sure since they would have lost more then half of there army and weapons. In all my time of playing both sides I never chose one over the other. Until the Darkthornes forced the Blackthornes out of Velusia. Thats when I made my mistake in siding with the Darkthornes. It's the Blackthorne's refusal to lay down and die which I should have made plans for. They don't fade away so easily their hard to kill much like insects. Though I was trapped in the mirror realm thankfully when all that happened. Otherwise I might be rotten in some Blackthorne prison somewhere."

" I'd put so much time and effort into my plans and had you been with me I'm sure they would not have failed so miserably. I try to calculate all possible outcomes before undergoing a task, but unfortunately this time I over looked something which had been present all the while. History shows the Blackthornes always rising back up against whatever is set against them. They become stronger with every failure, learning from the mistakes and moving on. Like a hunter stalking his prey I've studied them and found them to be worthy foes or allies and at the sametime annoying in their will to survive." Vahn smirked at the thought he finally realized, all this time he'd plotted against the Blackthornes and yet they would have proven to be the best allies all the while.

Vahn reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a pocket watch. He smiled at the ticking noise coming from within, some of his secrets had survived even his time in the mirror realm. " I have plans on making some new soldiers for Demise stronger soldiers for our land's protection. I'd like to visit Blackthorne to set up some formal grounds for me to procure some supplies I need." Vahn thought back on Duran Shadowspire and his reign of terror before being stopped by a would-be god. The blood held some remarkable properties if it could be adapted to Vahn's soldiers then they could become a force to be reakoned with. Soldiers whose touch was death itself a very promising thing especially for assassins.

[Honor Demise]

"Vahn, whether we like it or not, Demise is not strong enough martially-speaking for us to hold our own borders. I agree. For now- the Blackthornes are our best allies considering they have been stewards of this land and have not managed to bankrupt us. I could not say the same for the Darkthornes if they were in control of Velusia." Honor paused to wipe her mouth motioning for her plate to be cleared.  "What sort of supplies do you need? Vitus might have what you need in his workshop."  

She rose from her chair and glided over to her brother, brushing away imaginary crumbs from his cravat, perching on the arm of his chair and layed a lazy arm over its back. "Don't let me rush you, but I am ready when you are, my Comte."

[Vahn Demise]

" Darkthorne has been in control once before they had me hunted down the first time and trapped the second. If anything I'd rather have an honest enemy if an enemy at all. I'm not sure why Darkthorne hunted me down the first time since I had little if anything to do with them. I only know they wanted our lands which I was not ready or insane enough to hand over. Theres a whole world out there and not even I could fathom the amount of enemies we might have in our future. What I merely want to do is make some sleeper agents, beings that will merely sleep until they are required. I want them to be connected to you and I however in case something should happen. This way we have a backup plan in case things fall out of our control. I've learned from the past and having a few backup plans is never a bad idea. Besides it will give me opprotunity to test a few new projects of mine."

" I am in need of rare metals such as those the Blackthornes have, I believe they gained them from the meteorite. They guard the rock's ore only allowing certain individuals access to it. I have knowledge however that a few of the kingdom's inventors have been given permission to take pieces of it. The annual invention festival is coming up soon so I can simply use that as my reasons for the obtaining of such materials. Besides I might just enter an invention or two in this year's festival after all I do find those amusing. I've seen many an invention become common place from those festivals." Vahn looked to Honor with a slight smirk on his face, " Besides there are a few other items less rare that I'm in need of. Also if we are to make some extra funds along the way it'll be a boon in two ways intsead of one." Vahn had information the Blackthorne's might find useful and information was a powerful treasure.

[Honor Demise]

Honor listen intently to her brother. She nodded sagely, rising from the throne, "Clever boy. We shall get you what you need."  

Holding out her hand, she took his arm leading him back to her apartment. Cordelia was waiting. The heavy velvet curtains were again pulled back revealing Honor's birthright, the Grigori mirror. No reflection of either of the Demise appeared in the Mirror before them.

"Lo specchio, mi mostra Velusia, Lochland."

A quicksilver ripple across the mirrored surface. Lochland was in an uproar. Watching the play off shadows across the surface as guards rushed across the ramparts.

"It would appear that someone is upstaging our entrance," her beautiful lips twisted into a mocking smile. "A pity."

She waved her hand over the surface. "Mostrimi il re e la regina."

Reinne Blackthorne firing her bow.The Mirror rippled again to show Shamus engaged with a wild-eyed assasin with a spear. Honor cut her stormy eyes to her brother. "Now would not be a bad time to put in an appearance."

"Mistress. Merci, it is too danger-"

Honor cut off Cordelia's protest with a raise of a hand. "Fear not, darling Cordelia. I have braved worse. If you excuse me, Vahn, fear I am overdressed for the occasion. It will only take a moment."  Slipping behind her dressing screen, his sister gave him a moment to ready himself.

After several minutes, Honor emerged from behind the screen dressed in a black riding jacket embrodiered with silver leaves wearing men's trousers, her midnight hair pulled back simply with a silver ribbon. Cordelia waited holding her regent's tricorn fretting nervously as Honor put on her gloves.

"Merci, Cordelia." Honor said reassuringly as she took her hat from Cordelia, mulling over her last few details. "Vahn will let nothing happen to me. Isn't that right, brother dear?"

She smiled resting her hand on his arm when they were finally ready. Honor stepped into the Mirror; frost scored the surface as if the realities shattered under the strain then reformed.

[Vahn Demise]

Vahn had watched the mirror spying the exotic figure of Reinne. Then at the sight of Shamus fighting the spear totting assassin Vahn smiled. " Longinus...that treacherous little snake.. whatever he has planned for Velusia I shall see to it that his plans fall to dust. I am ready Honor for I feel that my revenge has merged with a buisness opprotunity. For the enemy of my enemy is my friend and Longinus is my enemy."

Vahn looked about for something finally finding it. His old mask which he wore on occassion to hide his face. It helped in making his position on matters hard to gain since one could not see his face. However it served a double purpose now, for he wanted to mask his identity. Should Longinus see him then he would not want him to speak his name. Besides he thought it more interesting to undo Longinus's schemes behind a mask. Giving Longinus an enigma as a foe rather then a tangable identity to strike at.

Vahn stepped through the mirror with Honor eager to test his blade after years of idleness. Vahn also saw some Darkthornes fighting in the fray against the Blackthornes. What better time to exact some revenge against them as well? Perhaps everything would work out for them both as long as no one tried to harm his sister. For if someone did then that someone would find themselves begging for death.

[Honor Demise]

((See follow up in Lochland.))

[Eduardo DeLioncourt]

Through the darkness of his own soul, he found his way to the Demise lands. Eduardo once served Velusia, during the war of Meian, when the Darkthornes had forced him to join them. He turned against them and helped the king Shamus turn the tide. All eleven Eduardos stood there on the hill top looking down on Demise.

Eduardo: " This will be the place where the Darkthornes will most likely strike, it's both in and out of the veil."

Eduardo: " So why are we here, after all didn't we cut out ties to Velusia?"

Eduardo: " We merely parted ways, we didn't say we'd never come back."

Eduardo: " True, so what are we going to do, walk up and knock on the door, or simply hide amongst the town of Demise waiting for the Darkthornes to strike?"

Eduardo: " I don't know, we're a unique breed we are, prone to chaotic whims, we go wherever the wind and earth carry us. However this land protects us remember, we are eternal within this land. We need not fear death while in the lands of Velusia, besides they'll need us soon."

Eduardo: " They protect our seed, if anything thats enough for us to defend the land. Should that seed fall in the hands of the Darkthornes we'll be slaves again."

Eduardo: " True...very true....we'll wait here in Demise, if it's defenses fall then we'll move to Lochland and protect the seed..."

Eduardo: " Then let's go mingle, just remember those in the land of Velusia we can not harm. Anyone else, or anyone outside Velusia, well they are fair game."

The Eduardos all pulled their hoods over their heads and made their way towards Demise.

[Matius Darkthorne]

There it was just ahead of him, Demise, the land both in and out of the veil. Matius dismounted his elephant as the army began to make it's camp far from what would be the battlefield. " Start spacing out those catapults, I was a tight formation around Demise. Archers, calvary, siege, and infantry to your positions, get me the sappers, I want the walls of Demise brought down." Matius stood back looking over Demise, he would offer no treaties as Prasutagus no doubt would. He'd take every land in Velusia for his own, turning to the mages, he smiled, " send them some fireballs to let them know we're here." The mages walked up through the ranks of army which was preparing itself. They cast their spells and the fireballs soared up in the air, at the peak of thier ascent, they turned began a speedy descent down towards Demise.

The sappers came rushing up to Matius, he pointed to the gates of Demise and said, " blast it to pieces, I want to march my army straight into Demise, if you fail me I shall have your heads catapulted over the walls." Matius sat down at the dinner table prepared for him, he'd have his meal while his army marched on Demise. The orchestra of war would go perfectly with the meal prepared for him. He even had bards standing by with wind instruments to add to the symphony of destruction. As he slowly cut through the gnome steak prepared for him, he could hear the fireballs going off. Oh how pleasent the sound was to his ears, the gate was placed near his chair so he could inspect it while he ate.

" Archers let loose some fire arrows onto the town, let's see if it burns well. Infantry let loose with the dragon's breath cannons, sear the flesh from their bones, I want you to paint me a reflection of hell in Demise." Matius greedily ate his meal while he watched each unit go about the tasks he given them. He'd waisted no time in his attack on Demise, Prasutagus would have merely sat up camp and then met with the leaders of Demise before even launching an attack. He did not allow for politics in war, they had no place in such a raw spectacle as war.

[Eduardo DeLioncourt]

Eduardo watched with the other civilians of Demise as a large force moved out of the woods. Already the town was raising the alarm, just as the gates were being closed, fire came down from other head. Eduardo had little time to prepare, which he knew the enemy wanted. Summoning up his kinetic barriers, he formed them into funnel shapes and placed them in the tragectory of the fireballs. It made for a pretty sight, while protecting the town from the flames. Eduardo didn't like what was going on here, the general of this army was not very sporting. Eduardo ordered the rest of himselves to leave Demise, alert every town you come to as you head to Lochland. The one Eduardo would stay behind to help in defending the town, though he was not sure how the town would react to the army.

Eduardo had never been to Demise before and he knew little about the leader or leaders of the town. Even as the flames form the cannons were launched already like a defensive titan, Eduardo counter attacked with a powerful ice cone, spreading it out over the flames which were launched at the town. It was then that a fire arrow pierced Eduardo's shoulder, he hadn't noticed the arrows being launched. They pummeled down beating back some of the defenders in the rain of fire. Eduardo summoned up a gust of wind to blow the arrows out and back. Whoever claimed this town should now be alerted to the danger it faced, Eduardo could only hope for back up.

[Honor Demise]

?Mistress, you are here. Thank the Weavers! I was just about to come to you. There are Darkthorne?s at the city?s borders attacking in broad daylight.?

?How brazen. Everyone, be quite. Have you been in touch with Vitus, Cordelia?? The experience sovereign pointed her question at her most trusted confidante stalking out of her apartment with her entourage in tow, along tastefully appointed hallways bedeck in opulence.

?Yes, madame, he is readying the knights as we speak.?

?And the infantry??

?Oui. Captain Alonzo is marshalling the troupes; Vitus is handling the Orteks, personally.?

?Excellent. Has the le Academia been notified??

Cordelia nodded emphatically bobbing her mass of white-blonde hair. ?They notified us. The Divination Department warned those on the edge of the city in enough time to spare lose of life. All mages have volunteered for duty. The Hierophant has prepared wards on the most important structures.?

?Bon. I knew I could count on you,? the queen praised Cordelia patting her on the shoulder, her lady blushing under Honor?s praise. ?My lady is too kind.?

After the initial chaos of their arrival the tension of the Demise court lessened at the sight of their royal lady, there were large group courtiers, military men, scholars, mages and gentry following Honor at a respectful distance, a pair of knights in massive suits crystalline armor fell in between her and the throng as she entered a large drawing room that had not been used in several years, the war room.

The Demise lady stopped at the threshold speaking with complete assurance and authority. ?My lords and ladies, thank you for surrounding us with your support in our time of need. We do not want you to fear the marauders at the gate. We knew that there would be a time that Demise would have to rise to the occasion. Prove that our people are strong. We are not a large country, however small does not mean easily taken. The time has come to introduce these brigands to Demise ingenuity and show them stalwartness of our disposition. Through our unity we will overcome and repeal our invaders.?

Panic changed to patriotism. Applause and adulation for her guidance was almost deafening in the acoustics of the corridor.  Honor raised her delicate hand up for the crowd to still. A mere motion of her hand silenced them all.

?We need your cooperation. Generals, please attend. Ladies, gentlemen please use your influence to move those who are not fighters to safe houses, preferably ones that have been reinforced by wards. We are expecting you to lead by example. Keep strong. All will be well.?

Cordelia slipped past her lady into the war room taking a philter from a glass case, pouring it over the large conference table. The pitcher?s contents spilled out like quicksilver coating it with a mirror-sheen.

The crowd obeyed, her generals entered the room and took up their respective places around the table: mages, inventors and engineers, all branches of military counsel sat down as the large doors closed.

?Why is it that I am gone for less than a day and one marauding group of Darkthornes turn *my* country, *my* people into mewing scared little children!? She spat dispassionately. Honor stalked around the table like a predator glowering at each one of them. ?I am very, very displeased.?

Most of generals avoided her gaze, lest she snap his Lifethread without a thought. Shamed into silence, they shifted in the uncomfortable silence. Honor did not have to give them a display of power, she was power. Feeling their humiliation, she nodded. ?That is right. Be disgraced. My ladies-in-waiting can implement a better plan that my venerated counselors. Luckily for my foresight, I knew you would become soft, complacent. Vitus and the Shard will handle the main assault. Janius rallied the mages. Archers, musketeer and cavalry will be deployed where they will be most effective. As you can see, we are most privileged to have Queen Reinne in our presence, Lords show your respect.?

They muttered their respects, covering the embarrassment of be dressed down by their sovereign in front of a visiting dignitary. Cordelia offered Reinne a chair next to the Warlord?s throne. Honor finished her circuit around the table whisper so quietly that none could catch. The mirrored table came alive with the projection of the siege.

?The Shard are my personal shock troupes. They are the best equipped and warrior and mages that Demise can produce. Their loyalty is without question. The two men outside those doors are Shard,? she explained for Reinne?s benefit. ?The Ortek are a special project that my Minister of Technology has been developing for years: Magic resistant, intelligent, highly resilient war automatons just for this occasion. Vitus must be overjoyed to have a real world test for his lovely inventions.?

?Queen Reinne, you must forgive me for not allowing you to rest. I could use some personal advice..wait.? She paused to watch the funnels of air defuse the fireballs, then the cannons repelled by ice.

?I do not recognize that mage.? The head of the Mage guild stated. ?Though I am glad he is on our side.?

?So am I.? Honor said drumming her fingers on the table in thought, glancing over Reinne's direction. ?Send that man some assistance and shore up that line of defense. Your majesty, your thoughts??

[Reinne Blackthorne]

Reinne was apprehensive about a blindfold but reluctantly agreed allowing Honor to set it in place. Fingers lightly danced over the onyx silk only to feel the warmth of Honor's touch upon her form aiding her through the mirror. The feeling was unlike anything she had ever experience before. The rough touch of the atmosphere was something akin to chilled marble being smoothed across heated flesh. The sound of grating and groaning caused her to flinch but not falter as she allowed Honor to lead the way. Soon enough she could feel the transition yet again, that sickening feel as ifher body was being forced through a solid surface lingering even after they made it completely through.

Carefully she pried the blindfold free of her eyes and took a look around only to see all eyes were set upon her. The whispers were not whispers at all but murmurings that soon became a dull roar as news that the city was under seige was imparted to Honor. Reinne immediately pushed her way to the window to glance outside only to mutter an oath beneath her breath. It seemed the Darkthornes were not coming...they were already here.

Quickly she turned to follow the entourage, lingering behind as no one paid her any mind. Many of them had no inkling whom she was. Quietly she slipped into the chambers and rested against a far wall as she studied the regal woman while she gave her speech. The reaction was much like that of those denzions in Lochland. Loyalty and patriotism did not lack in Demise. Reinne was impressed.  As Honor asked for her generals to attend her Reinne moved forward coming to the table to drape an arm over one of the chairs in casual air listening as Honor berated her generals for being caught off gaurd.

A glance was afforded to Cordelia, thoughts that the woman would make Honor a better military advisor than the men here. As she was introduced she nodded to them all. " Gentlemen....Ladies." A smile was given to Cordelia as she gestured a chair for Reinne to take, graciously taking up the offer and settling in. As the table lit up with a vision of the siege she, too, began to closely examine the going ons. Only when Honor, next, spoke to her did her gaze lift from the projection.

" It was a risk I am sure we both knew would be possible. There will be enough rest for us all once we have repelled them."

Her voice died down as Honor's single word cut off any further words. Once more her gaze fell to the scene taking note of the single mage standing in the face of an army repelling their attacks. There was something about him that seemed strangely familiar. It was as if she knew him, without ever having met him before.  When asked for her thoughts she allowed the silence to linger as all eyes fell on her waiting for the reply. Finally she pointed to the Darkthorne army..particularly a rather extragavant tent.

" There. That is the head of the snake. Darkthorne minions are only formiddable warriors as long as they have their leader to answer too. Cut off the head of the snake and the rest will fall with it. Though, " her eyes lifting to peer at Honor with a bit of fire twinkling within, " This particular snake may have more than one head. But that is where we must strike the hardest. If you have tunnels, I suggest you close them off immediately by wards or simple cave ins, either way works.  Set up ballistas and arablests, " pointing to several locations along the wall, " Here, here, here, and here. These creatures do not die as simply as the rest of us would. Make sure -every- arrow and javelin is lit with fire. Call it a...cleansing by fire if you will. Only it will destroy them completely."

[Anna Dimitrich Levin]

Life was always such. If danger was apparent, Anna always became immersed in the middle, whether she felt it was her duty to fight or not. It was always this way ever since she left what she feared was her homeland. Green lands and lush fields carried in her memory forever a wealth beyond what she knew or understood in the most tortured sections of her life. Finally free to do what she wants, she finds herself again in the heat of what is to be a battle for lands not her own, nor of her familiarity. Blood, her life ran red with it?her own and others. Did it matter that her life had been bloody? Did it matter that she understood battle better than most of her previous Masters? Not really, punished for her knowledge and praised just the same, the balance of knowing the smell of battle in the air was what she was trained for. Her living was death of others and presently as an assassin, she was without work.

The air smelled of it before the rose out of the woods like a black shroud of the keeper who took your soul to a place beyond this world. Under the heavy hood she watched, pinpointing that area, men and equipment tread through the line of trees and out into the open. Attack was imminent. Nothing could prevent what she could smell in the very heart of her mind. It was not hard to see a reason why an enemy would be born out of others who did not live here. Demise was clearly a trading center for most, bustling with overflow of business for every walk of life. Was it not why she had come here? Yet, for her it was odd to find work in a place that did not know her. Anna was in the process of finding the dark part of the business here among Demise. Counting on the balance of wealth to greed and jealousy Anna Dimitrich Levin was trying to slip into the atmosphere of the person who took care of these trifle matters, discreetly.

Fire from above is what caused the frantic mirage of people rushing past her as she stood at the edge of the gates. This was just a minor blur in her vision as she watched the tiny points of fire arching through the sky, then gone in the flash of power. Looking above as the sky lit on fire for the briefest flash, Anna?s eyes blinked startled as a hand gripped her arm dragging her through the closing gates. Soldiers rushing past as she stepped inside the closing gates sealing out the enemy for only a short while. Normally she did not like being touched by people. Now was no exception. The guard nearly snapped his hand back from the thick cloak that covered her arm. It was the same expression she received from everyone who was graced with one of her stares.

?I?m?I?m sorry M?Lady?I?I didn?t mean??

Anna watched the scurrying and stumbling steps of the guard.  The group he stopped at murmured. The Trio of men glanced in her direction catching the eerie glimpse of those irises that made her first an outcast then an anomaly. However, the ostracizing from others was not solely from her unusual appearance. It was a minor disturbance in her mind as she stepped through the last inch of the gate closing and made her way through perplexed soldiers. If she was going obtain work then it might as well start here. The heavy cloak ruffled and passed through the ranks hearing orders and sensing the charged atmosphere of men willing to die for a cause. Anna said nothing did nothing really for a few moments as Commanders and Captains  shouted to the ranks, bolstering the crew for the battle ahead. Still, she could not stay in the darkness forever.  This was the one area that her appearance matter less and her skill shined. Perhaps she would become known for this and hired on as a bodyguard for someone. It was a good cover for the other part of her skills.

The intake of air into her lung brought her through the inevitable discarding of the cloak and hood covering her in the shadows. Initially reactions were always the best when this happened. Gasps and distracted soldiers turned their stares onto the woman who stood between them. An angel some have called her. Whispers of it stretched in a wide circumference about the ranks closest to her. White blonde hair streamed out into the caressing breeze making a striking contrast to the darkness she once held inside the cloak. Carefully, a gaze took her about those her stood near her causing more of those whispers. However, it was only whispers.

Soldiers were the first to notice beyond the stark white of her irises and the searing blonde that mirrored a ghostly reflection of memory in those that did not know her well enough. Soldiers were the only one to really understand that she had skill. Swords crossed in the pattern of a deadly intent when unsheathed from the curves of her back. The pair were nearly unique in style and power. Obsidian black glistened as she pulled them from the crossed sheaths along her back-up and over her head. The minuet she pulled them out, the blades began to glitter softly with a unique need to see blood spilt. Were they alive? Not really, but others didn?t know that. However, her swords were not the only thing left in her arsenal. The slings that tightly held over her chest also held smaller sheaths along her lower back concealing a set of daggers ready to throw into the heart of an enemy. Star graced the belt she wore low on her waist. Several other daggers smaller ones made to be pinched and thrown through minimal effort, yet deadly force, lined other place along her thighs and down along her leg.  Many in the past asked whether she felt the weight of so much melt along her body. The answer was always the same a simple shake of the head along with the display of them actually handling one of the light weight material she used to make her weapons.

Silently, her arsenal carried much more than just daggers and blades. Her mental powers help as well, but that would have to wait to be shown when the battle became heated and she strived to save as many as she could from the rivers that ran red with the blood she would always remember.[/color]