VR III: DiE: here we go again...

[Nell]

As she landed on her back, the air this time was literally knocked out of her and she was momentarily winded. Before she could recover she was pinned firmly to the ground by Talione's strong hands, unable to move because of him straddling her. She looked up in shock. Well, I certainly didn't see that coming ... crafty bugger .. okay the gloves are coming off... .

Never think someone is too nice of too gentle to play a dirty trick. That sort of thinking can get you killed. The kindest person can still be a demon in a fight.

She smiled at his true words. How right you are, Tal ..And to prove his point, she raised her head off the ground to meet his already close face and kissed him squarely on the mouth.

[Talione]

How right you are, Tal .. Then she kissed him! Talione was so suprised he nearly bolted, his body going rigid in shock. Not knowing how to react, he simply knelt over her like a poleaxed calf. When the kiss ended, a far too short a time that seemed like eternity itself, Talione released Nell's hands. He stared into her into her green eyes, and was very glad for his glasses. At least she can't see how... confused I am. He slowly stood, staring at her face as if he would memorize its every feature, and offered her his hand.

[Nell]

She hadn't known how he would react. She was half expecting a laugh and to be thrown around a bit more for her cheekiness. But instead, there was stillness and it all seemd to turn very serious. Very serious. She took his offered hand and stood up, slowly dusting off the dirt from her clothes. Training for now appeared to have finished.

Nell kept hold of his hand and led Talione to a seat at the side of the courtyard. As they sat, she still held onto his hand, rubbing it affectionately with her thumb. The silence between them grew. She wrestled with her thoughts, remembering their short acquaintance and ... her vision from the previous night. There was no ideal time to tell someone that they may possibly die a violent death ... but she knew she had to eventually. This quiet moment opened itself to that time.

Tal ... we've known each other for less than a day. But in that short space of time, well, we've become friends and I ... I have to tell you something. So she did, unfolding the dream of what had appeared to her as his death. When finished, she paused, unsure of what to say next.

[Talione]

Talione helped Nell to her feet, and started to turn away when he realized she wasn't letting go of his hand. He glanced at her face, then down at their joined hands, not knowing what to feel. More than a little confused, he allowed himself to be pulled over to a bench like an errant child. When they sat, he felt Nell rubbing his hand, and simply couldn't think of anything to say. How am I suppose to react? This was all beyond his experience. Battle he knew, death and pain were like old friends, but this was something new.

Nell broke the silence, telling him of her dream. The images she described were terrible. Himself nailed to a tree, wounded, and probably dieing. And the laughter... Talione couldn't keep the smile from his face. Don't let it bother you, milady. Everyone dies, and from what you describe, I will die horribly. But I will die fighting, even as I have lived. The future is not set, but even if this should come to pass, do not mourn me yet! Your concern warms my heart, and I thank you for it.

[Nell]

She listened to his words in silence. They were the words of a warrior who knew his life would end in the fight. His calm acceptance touched her heart. Yet how can I not grieve for one like him? She sighed.

Once again you are right. It is something I am going to have to learn ... this acceptance of fate. I think of the future and I see darkness and death and ... She paused. How could she explain that this was not how she had been prepared for life. She had pictured her life stretching before her, marrying a young man and raising a family, perhaps on a farm, ending her days surrounded by grandchildren and happy memories. She squeezed Talione's hand. It's hard for me, this change. So you will have to bear with me as I .. adjust.

She looked down to the ground, a wry smile on her face. And call me Nell. M'lady just doesn't suit me. I'm just a common girl. She lifted his hand and kissed the back of it, then stood. And I'll damn well mourn you if I feel like it. Now then ... let me dazzle you with my long bow!

[Talione]

And call me Nell. M'lady just doesn't suit me. I'm just a common girl. And I'll damn well mourn you if I feel like it. Now then ... let me dazzle you with my long bow! She said as she kissed the back of his hand and stood. You are far more a lady than most noblewomen I have seen. Well enough then. I seem to need some practice with my bow as well. I had the skin-shifter within twenty feet, and only managed to get his shoulder. It may have been a snap shot, but the range was too short to excuse a miss like that. He said, following Nell to the archery range. He strung his great heartwood bow with a practiced motion. Strung, the bow stood as tall as he did, and was over seven feet tall when unbent. The belly of the bow was reinforced with thick plates of polished bone, giving it power few bows could match. Talione had only met a handfull of people who could draw it. Do you care to do the honors first, or should I?

[Mordraken]

Magnus thought a moment, looking up from his book. He stared off into space, trying to clear his mind. I hope I didn't sadden that clothier. Speaking of which, I ought to go and see how all that is going. He closed the tome he had been reading, and replaced it on the shelf. He walked calmly to his quarters to retrive his canvas bag. Then, he left the castle. This time, he didn't go into the town. Instead, he went into the forest. Magnus carefully listened for any rustling that might denote that other Daywalker coming to make good on his promise. Eventually, he reached his hut. It had been about a day since he had left, but it seemed as though it had biodegraded over a decade of unuse. He went into it, and searched for all of his belongings. Everything that would fit into his bag, he stuffed into it, and everything else, he tried to carry otherwise. His own small collection of books, anchient weapons he hadn't used in quite some time, a group of spike torches he made to combat Vampires. He went into town then, and walked between all the appropriate shops to sell all his things for money to pay for his new outfit. Then, when he thought he had enough, he went into the clothier's store.
The woman, instead of her cheerful greeting from earlier on, said merely, It's ready. Go and try it on. She pointed at a door behind her. He quietly went in with the pile of new clothes. A few moments later, he emerged, looking like a new man.
These are excellent! They fit in all the right places! What do I owe you?
Twenty. He handed her the coins she asked for. She murmured a small, Thank you.
No, thank you, miss. Good partings to you! He left, strutting a little bit in his new clothes down the street into the castle. Magnus thought, I hope Talione is okay. Well, there's one way to find out. He stopped in one of the many hallways, and dropped his bag. He breathed in, out, and a half, twenty times to center himself. Then, with the hand gestures and the command word, the small point of light winked into existence. Light illuminated his clothes and the walls, brightening the hallway to near daylight. He greeted the spirit. Spirit, where is Talione now? "Awake. Outside. Nell. Training." Is he well? "Alive. Happy. Love."
That's good. Thank you, Spirit. He let the creature leave. The light level lowering so drastically so fast was distracting. He was curious to see what the spirit had ment by, "Love." Magnus, instead of returning to the library for more research, went outside to the training grounds. He waited inconspicuously, or as inconspicuously as someone in all-white can be, against the wall bordering the area, in order to not disturb them. He didn't want them to hate him for the person he was, but he could understand them hating the monstrous label he bore.

[*Kain*]

Noah finally managed to sleep a little longer this last time, when he awoke he found himself in his bed. He looked around quizically he had expected to wake up in that chair. How did he get here? He looked out the window, the sun was already up! He had slept a lot longer than he thought. He crawled out of his bed, he almost fell as he stood up. His legs were sore as Hell. He went to the door and opened it, looking around the outside of his room he saw a guard, who approached him when the door opened. Good morn....er afternoon sire. Noah recognized the soldier, it was Richard, the last name he had forgotten. Afternoon, what happened last night? The guard looked down the hall. We are not sure m'lord, when the princess, Ariana, awoke she found you outside her door. She called for a couple of guards, and had you carried here. If you don't mind me saying sir, maybe you shouldn't push yourself so hard. The guard returned his sight to Noah about halfway through his answer. Noah just sighed, thank you for your concern, and thank you for bringing me back to my room. The guard stood straight to attention. It was not a problem sire. You are dismissed soldier, return to your other duties. The guard relaxed and nodded, he then turned to leave, when he suddenly snapped back. One more thing sire, the queen wishes to speak with you. Noah had a confused look on his face. What for? Very well then I will be there shortly, thank you again. With that the guard left, and Noah set about readying himself, bathing, and grabbing a new set of clothes. His wardrobe was rather simple, he had lots of plain clothing, and a few fancy sets for balls, and dinners and such. He grabbed some pants, a white shirt, and a belt. He got dressed, then donned his cape, and adorned his sword. Then he exitied the room.

Coming to the royal court, he slowed his pace and slowly opened the door. When he entered he saw the queen on her throne. Noah! How could you? Noah was puzzled, what now mother? The queen stood up, You let that "common" girl sleep in princess Rachel's room. When the queen mentioned common sarcastically, Noah was infuriated. She was a person, as was he, however he wasn't so sure about the queen. She had no place to sleep, and she is in the castle under my protection. The queen was apalled, was Noah defending the common girl? You are a prince, act like one, we do not mingle with commoners, and surely no wench like her should be sleeping in my daughter's bed. Noah felt rage building inside. Listen mother, Rachel is dead, I don't think she gives a damn who sleeps in her bed... It doesn't matter whether she is dead or alive, it is a room for a princes.... She is dead mother, and so is Iris, they were killed by vampires... Vampires!? Nonsense! There is no such thing... How was she able to even talk about her daughters death without any hint of sadness in her voice? Noah's eyes started to swell. They were, I saw both die with my own eyes mother! How can you shrug it off!? Vampires are a real threat, how much of our family must be lost to them before you realize this? How can you talk of your recently passed on children with no hint of emotion. Do you even care for us? Noah didn't even wait for a reply, he stormed out of the court, and the castle. He didn't even want to be part of the castle's atmosphere anymore.

On his way out he saw Talione and Nell. He had almost forgotten what happened to Talione the previous night. He wiped his eyes on his sleeve, and then went over to the two. They were practicing their archery. He spoke, I see you are doing better my friend. I hope you slept well last night, and you as well Lady Nell his voice was shaky. He looked to Nell, something rushed up inside him, but he wasn't sure what it was and choked it down by turning his gaze to Talione. When they looked to him they noticed he was nearly as pale as Talione, and his eyes were sunken. He looked exhausted, and the corners of his eyes were damp, as if he had been crying.

[Mordraken]

Just after he arrived in the training grounds, Noah walked past him as if he was frustrated with someone. Noah did not aknowledge Magnus's presense, seemingly not out of spite, but out of distraction. Magnus didn't mind, he just enjoyed the sun on his face, and the break from his reasearch. He searched his mind, looking through the gestures and command words he had read about and experimented with. Most of them were just the summoning portions of the spells; the control spells would come later. They would be difficult to master, Magnus thought. But when he could control the spirits he summoned, his power would truly advance. Then, it would only be a matter of finding more spells and practicing his art. He half listened to the conversation of his friends and half listened to his own thinking too far ahead.

[Talione]

Talione spent some time watching Nell shoot. Good stance, good grip. He nodded to her to show his approval, then went to work on his own target. He had only fired a half-dozen or so shafts when Noah entered the training yard. The prince looked horrible. Red-rimmed blood-shot eyes starred like open wounds out of a face the color of a day old corspe. Concern for the earnest young man made Talione quickly set down his bow. By the gods, Noah! What's happened to leave you looking so? He ask, laying a gentle hand on Noah's shoulder. He didn't know what was wrong, but whatever it was must be bad to have Noah this torn.

A flash of white caught the woodsman's eye. Magnus, standing by the enterance to the yard. Nodding his head slightly in greating, he motioned the monk over. Whatever was wrong would most likely involve vampires, and for that Magnus should be with them. Tell us what is wrong, perhaps we can help.

[Mordraken]

Magnus almost didn't notice Talione's nod as he was enraptured in his own thoughts of power and magick. He was never one for dreaming small. He walked over calmly, and stood perpendicular to both Talione and Noah, listening contently to see what was the matter with Noah. He could speculate it had something to do with that hideous woman he called a queen, but he preferred to hear the issue from the man's mouth himself.

[Nell]

She was enjoying the target practice. It had been a while since she had spent time working on her longbow skills. As she drew another arrow, she smiled at Talione's approval of her work. The day was brightening into sunshine, and now she had discarded the padded jerkin worn for the combat training, she took pleasure in the warmth of Astrail's sun. Gods, this could almost be a perfect day if it weren't for ...

Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Noah, looking simply dreadful. He hadn't seemed to benefit from his sleep and she echoed Talione's concern. The strain of the situation seemed to be destroying the prince. As she was about to suggest some breakfast or a reviving glass of wine, she saw Talione beckoning to Magnus.

Nell's spine immediately stiffened on seeing the vampire. She drew her breath in sharply, but fought to hide her revulsion. I will not make a scene .. I must not make a scene .. However she did step further away, so that if Magnus did approach she would not be too near to him.

Turning her attention to Noah and Talione, she followed up Talione's question. Noah, if it is the situation that is playing on your mind, then may I suggest that we try to face things in a structured way so we make some kind of progress before the night comes? She paused a moment, not wishing to appear presumptious. Perhaps if we see where we are, with regards to soldiers, arms, plans? I don't even know if Astrail has an army. But how many guards are there in this castle?

[*Kain*]

Talione placed a hand on the prince's shoulder, and voiced his concern. Then Nell did as well, but for some odd reason she backed away as Talione nodded to someone. Noah looked over his shoulder to see Magnus, and figured that must be why Nell backed away a few steps. Noah turned backed to Talione. Everything is wrong, my mother, the vampires, death. The situation with Mordraken. It is all to much. It tears at my soul, my mind, my...being. Last night, I had a dream, no a nightmare. When I snapped to a shady figure disappeared around the corner, my legs had not the strength to give chase. It is as if...as if someone is playing a game, and we are just pawns to do with as he pleases. Noah kicked at the ground, and then turned to Nell, he hadn't waited for either of them to give him any sympathy. I will deal with my problems on my own, for now your right. We need to get to work. To answer your question Astrail does have an army, a small elite group, and the regular army. Trained from a very young age, they can each handle a vampire or two, but the problem is the army is small. We could not withstand a full out attack, and it seems there are more forces at work here than just the undead. My mo...the queen will probably be trying to intervene with any plans that I make, she simply refuses to beleive that there are vampires, or rather refuses to admit that she beleives. She is probably gathering her nobles together right now, the internal structure of the monarchy seems to be on the edge of an internal war. The regular army is loyal to the current monarch, a.k.a the queen, for I have not yet been embodied with the crown. The small elite group is lead by the commander Borus, he has already pledged his support to my cause. I fear things will start to get violent around here, and quick.His voice was still unsteady and he looked like hell, however he did his best to cover up how weak he was feeling at the moment. If you wish to see the numbers than accompany me to the war room. There we can discuss things with Borus. Noah took a quick breath and turned back to Talione waiting for a reply.

[Mordraken]

Magnus couldn't help but feel marginally sorry for Noah. So much has been put on his shoulders with the deaths of two of his sisters, and the situation with his mother, and all the Vampire attacks. He listened quietly to the young noble's speech, but watched Nell squirm at Talione's side. She was already so wronged by the Vampire nation, that all she could see him as was a Vampire, too. He didn't feel sorry for himself. She has every right to hate me. I, too, have been the bringer of much pain. I suppose it is silly to think that by helping her would balance out my sins, but it is the first step. And I must take it at first opprotunity. Noah was now wrapping up his speech, and looked up at the towering albino ranger. Magnus, too, was unusually on edge to see what the hunter would say.

[Talione]

Talione watched Noah attempt to master himself, impressed by the prince's stubborn strenght. Let's just hope he doesn't snap under the strain. Damn the Queen! Noah needs his family now, not to mention the country needing a strong ruler! By all means, lets go to your war room. It would be good to know what resources we can call on. Quickly retrieving his spear, he motioned Noah to lead the way. He threw a look at Nell, trying to wordlessly convey his worry for the prince. If Noah wouldn’t accept sympathy from him, maybe he would unburden himself to her.

The way Magnus was looking at him was starting to irritate Talione. He just wasn’t used to standing this near a vampire without trying to kill it. Magnus had proven to be honorable, but… This whole situation was far more complicated than he had ever imagined it to be.

[Nell]

Nell tried to listen carefully to what Noah was saying but her concentration was disturbed by the presence of Magnus. She stood stock still, her eyes fixed on the prince, occasionally nodding. The information about the army seemed to throw up new problems, stacking the odds against them even further. As they began to move off to the War Room, Nell caught and understood Talione's glance, but wondered what she could possibly do in the current situation. Staying close to Noah, she followed the small party. If the chance arose, she would try to speak to Noah again to let him know that they would try to shoulder the burden he was currently carrying. He was bravely trying to deal with his problems alone, but she feared he would eventually crack under the strain. It's almost as if the events are conspiring to send him mad ... she mused to herself.

[Dengar Arcus]

"Uhm.."

A young voice came from behind the small party who were just on their way inside. It came from a boy, about 16-17 years old, with a katana strapped on his back.

"Uhm... Yeah.. This might seem awkward... Never mind how I got here in the first place.. Let's just say something drew me here... I've been hinted about a certain.... Vampire infestation... Dengar threw a brief glance at Magnus. And I couldn't help but uhm.. overhear your conversation, and now I know I came to the right place. I know this is hard to believe, but I wish to help, and you should find me very useful, don't judge a book by its cover."

[Talione]

Uhm...

At the first sound, Talione whirled, placing himself between Nell and the intruder. Dropping his spear, he had an arrow to string and aimed at the new arrivals chest, centering in on his heart. The youth's speech did nothing to reasure the woodsman. Well, if you are really here to help, you can start by putting your sword on the ground. See, last night was rather busy, and I really hate it when someone sneaks up on me. We have run into some vamps that don't mind the sun, so daylight isn't the reassurance it used to be. Perhaps you would be willing to prove yourself? His tone was calm, reasonable, even polite, but the smile he wore was cold, and his bow never waivered.

[Nell]

As their attention was caught by the young man's voice, Nell turned to see a stranger standing in the middle of the yard. Talione stepped between her and the young man .. to protect me? and challenged the intruder to prove himself before they decided to trust him. Under the circumstances, a reasonable request and Nell moved so that she was in the sightline of the young man.

Perhaps if you were to tell us your name and how you were drawn here? As Talione said, things have happened here which makes us all suspicious of anything unusual or mysterious ... My name is Nell, by the way. And if you are here to help, as you say, then welcome.

She smiled but kept her distance. Talione knew better than her about these matters and she wanted the all clear before she started shaking any more hands...

[Dengar Arcus]

"Vampires in broad daylight, I know... How I was drawn here? It's really hard to say... Let's just say... I see things, feel things....

And how much I'd like to prove that I am friend, not foe, I'd rather keep my weapon where it is, I'm a mighty bit attached to it, thank you.

I'm sorry... You just have to trust me on this one."

[*Kain*]

Noah wheeled about as the other man appeared, the guy was about his age. From what Noah could discern the stranger had black hair with a blue hue, wore simple clothing and had only one weapon in sight. Noah walked around Talione, who was ready for anything. Dengaar could see plainly that the prince was suffering, he looked as though he had not slept for days, pale skin, gaunt, sunken eyes. The prince was a wreck. Noah approached the young man catiously, his hand rest on his hilt in case the stanger tried anything. Without saying a word Noah sized him up, walking around him, once within direct line of Talione's bow, at last Noah's gaze fell upon the strangers eyes. It was from there that he could discern that this stranger meant good, however something was hiding, deep within. A dark secret that Noah could not discern, Noah turned around and looked to Talione. Sir Talione, he is at the moment speaking the truth, he intends to help. Do not ask me why, I just feel it. He intends to help, we can get to the specifics of his persona later, for now let us continue to the war room. Noah turned back to Dengaar, goto the closest inn and wait there, we will stop by to talk to you later, for now we have important matters to discuss. Noah's voice still seemed weak, although regaining it's former strength, his pain still leaked through.

He motioned for Talione and Nell to continue onward, then looked to Mordraken, motioning him to come along. His appearence was rather sudden, no matter I will talk with him later.

...

Oh interesting, a descendant from Manock, this boy has the blood of demons running through his veins. So a vampire, a tavern keep, a young prince full of pride, an albino human, and now him. This game is just getting to be more interesting as the days progress.

[Mordraken]

This is most curious, Magnus thought. Now this...boy wanted to fight. He would be useful to the cause, but Magnus wasn't nearly as sure of the purity of the boy's intentions as Noah was. When the prince gestured to Magnus to head to the war room, Magnus said, I'll be right with you. Either Noah and the others hadn't heard, or they didn't mind, Magnus looked the young warrior up and down a few moments. When Magnus spoke, it was quietly, almost sternly, with a cold shard of contempt. Hmmm. Why so sudden to help, young sir? There have been rumors and attacks in this area for quite some time. Do you hail from a reigon far from here? Or do you just smell desperation? Magnus stood hands clasped behind his back, waiting for some form of response.

[Talione]

Talione held his bow steady as the prince examined the newcomer. He gave a little growl when Noah crossed his line of fire. He hoped the move had been intentional, ment to serve as a rebuke of his haste. If it wasn't, then Noah was doing even worse than Talione feared. Talione, he is at the moment speaking the truth, he intends to help. Do not ask me why, I just feel it. He intends to help, we can get to the specifics of his persona later, for now let us continue to the war room. Still slightly uneasy, Talione lowered his bow, returned the arrow to his quiver, and picked up his spear. If Noah says your okay, then so be it. He let the cold smile ease a bit, letting it welcome the stranger. Of course you still haven't given us your name, but I guess that can wait. Turning to head inside he noticed that Magnus wasn't coming. I'll be right with you. Stopping just inside the doorway, Talione leaned against the wall. The questions Magnus ask the youth were good ones, and Talione decided he wanted to hear kid's answers. Despite Noah's reassurance, suspicion remained. I really hate it when someone sneaks up on me!

[Dengar Arcus]

The first question he answered was the first question asked.

"My name, is Dengar.... Dengar Arcus.

As for why I am here... I'm just led by the flow.. And the flow brought me here... I'm sorry, but that's all I can reveal right now."

To Magnus

"You're an interesting person, mister... You have no aura..... Yet, you seem to have the trust of the people around here... Very interesting indeed... Never met anyone like you before...."

[Mordraken]

Magnus smiled. Flattery may get you somewhere, Dengar Arcus. But, as I said before, I hope Prince Dragonhand is right about you. I'd so desperately hate for good-intentions be wasted. Come. We will talk while I escort you to a suitable inn, and later when the prince is done with some pressing business. He turned on his heel, and walked through the castle to it's entrance, Dengar close beside. At the entrance of the castle, Magnus said, Good partings, Dengar Arcus. I suggest trying the Green Door Inn. Down the street, take a left at the Butcher's Shop, and then three doors down on your left. He waved goodby, and went back into the castle. He noticed Talione then, and said, What do you think? Besides the little matter of sneaking up behind you and having a story full of holes, he seems to be willing to fight, something we seem to be severly lacking in this city.