TVC II Chapter 1 - Old Faces

[Get of W'soran]

Karl was grinning at Alastor's display but whatever reply he had was lost as his expression turned dark with anger and something else as Alexander spoke.

Are you guilty for where your inactions have led to? No...there will be no more inaction, that time is long gone. he thought to himself

An expression of anger became momentary fury as the younger von Carstein displayed his vargheist traits

The Regent slowly returned to his throne and when he was seated he was smiling once more, the picture of composed dignity, indeed Karl seemed so much himself that many would doubt if the anger they had saw was even real.

"Yes we all have our sad tales." he stated before looking around the room.

He looked at Alastor but the Regent didn't bother with any further responses, the childe was quite possibly the most insane young vampire Karl had ever met, it usually took centuries for one to reach such madness.

Of course there where exceptions, Konrad for one.

Karl pushed that thought aside and smiled whilst relaxing in his throne waiting for the other guests to arrive.


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Nekhlior had only finished speaking when he sensed something, it was hard to make out due to how powerful the winds of magic around Drakenhof where, a clear sign of a nexus or leyline being present.

A single flame of magic energy was approaching...an aura that was most familiar.

Even as the person came into sight Nekhlior smiled faintly. He had been the von Carstein Nekhlior had the most contact with in recent years.

"Ademus." he said as the figure approached the group.

The slim von Carstein was wearing long flowing robes which shimmered from black to all the colours of magic and back to black again, in constant flux.
Behind him was a coterie of mortal and vampiric necromancers robed in black, features hidden by a cowl.

Ademus smiled at the old Necrarch with whom he had dealings in the past.

"Master Nekhlior, Lord Banespike, Champion Rowhaine and Kenshiro of the east greetings." he said with a deep bow in their general direction.

"I foresaw your arrival being delayed so I thought it best to greet you, many others have arrived already and now meet with my Father, the Lord Regent. I believe they await you." the seer added "If you would follow me to the throne room."

 

[the hidden one]

"Alastor" Igor said, melding out of the shadows to speak quietly to him, "I know what you feel. I know your pain. Everyone laughs at you, everyone disregards you." Igor whispered to him, hatred growing in his voice. "You are not proving anything. The greatest punishment for them is always humiliating death at the hands of one they do not respect." Igor said, growing in passion as he spoke. "These self proclaimed rulers, who all have a code of honor that makes them superior to us, how would you say it, whelps. To show them why they are far superior than them is by a swift and humiliating defeat." Igor finished his rant and melded back into the shadows for himself. No one could hear what he said, but most noticed him speak quickly and back down.

 

[Zanos]

Sighing, Alexander once more spoke to Alastor. "It is not so much not disrespecting your seniors as it is being careful. If you make yourself too well known, and are not strong enough to fight any potential enemies...things happen." Turning to his sire, Karl, he met his dark gaze with an impassive look, however there was sadness in his eyes. Almost as if apologizing, for not being strong enough, for failing him. Looking away, he turned back to Alastor. "What I'm trying to say is - be careful."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Dieter lent over and spoke softly
"That man, should we apprehend him?" he asked as Igor appeared, the soldier felt uncomfortable with allowing one who could appear and vanish at will roam around Drakenhof.

Karl give a slightly shake of his head. That one, the assassin, was not apart of the faction which sought Karl's death nor was he any particular threat, all under Drakenhof was being watched.

Karl watched his get converse with young Alastor.

Now with a moments silence for himself he pondered Alexander's reappearance.
Karl had known of most of the invited that would be arriving, he had made sure of that before agreeing with Simon that Drakenhof could be used as a meeting point.

Yet he had missed something as obvious as his own son being part of this formation of a new Council.

A mortal in flowing black robes, one of Ademus's necromancers, came in through a side entrance and strode up to Karl's throne before dropping to one knee.
Impatiently the Regent signalled for the man to rise and approach.

"Regent, Lord Ademus said he saw Rowhaine arriving with three more vampires, he sent me to tell you they should be just arriving and he has went to meet them." the mortal murmered.

Karl nodded, well used to his get's forseeing of events.
"Very well, send for servants to bring refreshments." he told the man who nodded and took several steps backwards before bowing and leaving.

At last Karl thought to himself.

 

[Kavok]

And now for Kavok's internal monologue.
'Well... This just got awkward. Men can now apparently teleport around at will, transform themselves into beastial monstrosities, and are vamp-... wait... Did they just say they were vampires? In a public court? Well that might explain a few things I have seen without meaning I'm going insane. Now I wish I knew where he was, because that might explain what is going on. Oh how I hopes it doesn't explain things, because that would mean -very- bad things for me if any of the stories of vampires are to be believed.'

'And this leads to an even more awkward moment. What to do now.' Throughout the various conversations since entering the main hall, Kavok has remained silent with his face going more and more blank as events happened around him. 'I think that it was in my best interest to just assume that I wasn't going crazy and that there are now vampires and other undead around me, and that trying to just brazenly fight my way out will probably end rather poorly, and will probably cause normal people to get caught up and hurt in the mess... if I actually manages to prove an even semi-decent opponent for some of them. If not it will probably only involve my own tragic demise. They also don't appear to be openly hostile to me right now, and maybe I can save some of the ones still alive and being tricked by the vampires. Now to figure out who is a vampire...'

'The one that seems to just be oozing with authority sitting on the throne is obviously a vampire. His guard is most likely one as well, as is that Alastor fellow, and sir Alexander... wait... is he still a sir? never mind, that is getting off topic...' Kavok glances over at lady Elanor for a second, then quickly looks over at sir Alexander once, then back at the events unfolding in front of him. By now his face has gone completely stoic. 'Hmm... If she is together with sir Alexander, then that increases her chances of being one of the blood suckers... But are vampires that beautiful? All the stories I've read tell of them being complete monsters. Sir Alexander is probably a very good example of a vampire from any of the stories I've read.' Kavok glances around at the other people in the room. 'Oh I hope at least some of them are living... Am I completely surrounded? Did I walk into a nest of vampires? Would it be called a nest? Wait, that is getting off topic again...'

'Ok, so if they are all vampires... Why am I still alive? Do they not know I'm still human? No... that can't be the case... with all their magic and the like, there is no way they don't have a way of checking if someone is still among the living or not... Some even talked with me like they were normal human beings. So what does that mean? They are monsters aren't they? Don't they find enjoyment at torturing the living, and aim to bring an end to all living things? Hmm... Is this the co-existing nonsense I heard about from those lunatics I passed? Does this mean they were telling the truth about the living and undead living together? Wait... They were talking about a place really far south weren't they? How far did I travel? Hmm... Does that mean there are nice undead? Ones who aren't monsters? Lady Elanor at least doesn't seem like some sort of monster... not sure about most of the others... Especially Sir Alexander... What happened to him anyways? No, that isn't what I need to be thinking about. Maybe I don't have as much to fear from these people as I was raised to believe.'

Kavok started to feel a little better about things for a few quick moments before he was suddenly forced to ask himself 'What would the lady think about these undead... Would she still hate them for being unnatural abominations of their living selves that desecrate the bodies of both the living and the dead, even if they might still be human on the inside?... mostly human anyways... Hmm...'

Kavok lets out a small sigh and leans over towards Elanor and to mutter something that won't be heard by everyone in the room... He is not really sure how good vampire's hearing is... Probably still easily audible for Alexander and at least half the other people in the room, really not sure on positioning and actually hearing ability of most of the people present. "Umm... Sorry, but two quick questions. Probably should have asked them earlier, but oh well. First, just to make sure I know where I am, would you mind reminding me which castle this is again?"

 

[Mr Nightwere]

The Elegant noble spoke back to him as the arrogant warrior, nobel strode off when the grand doors were opened. 'Nightwere', the name resonated within Jason's mind and a fantastic moment of clarity rose up from within him. His eyes began to weep, he could see the destruction of Nagzzimar and feel the burning of the darkest winds of the Dhar. He grasped at the silver watch, clutcheing it in his palm and examined the inside. A small piece of dark ethereal cloth lay there. He smiled a fanged grin as he examined his surroundings, most of the vampires appeared to have already moved into the meeting room.
'Good I still have a moment'.

He looked around the hall for a moment and eyed a servant in waiting at one of the sides of the hall and ushered him over to attend him.
"Greetings, I am Lord Nightwere of the council. I would request a set of new clothes as quickly as you can manage. I believe my current state is in no way appropiate for such a meeting of the council. Fetch me a suit, anything you can manage will do so long as it is in good repair."

The servant bowed oddly looking at how the tattered dirty clothes hung on the vampires now proud form and went away, returning in minutes. As Jason examined his surroundings and his hands. The metallic texture they had acquired confused him somewhat and he cursed quietly to himself.
The blade of the blood, had split and was now a part of him. It would not bode well, should he touch another. As he was bought a set of black clothes he thanked the servent.
"Apologies lord Nightwere, I could not acquire better"
He bowed low and Jason waved the apology.
"It is better than these, you have my thanks. I would also request a pair of gloves if it is of no trouble and perhaps a place to change?"

"Indeed, if you would please follow me."

Jason was taken to one of the many bedrooms of the castle for a place to change. He put on the suit shirt and long tail coat the servant had brought him. Pleased with the material and the way it fitted he placed the watch in the fob pocket of the pants and dusted himself off and bundled the remaining cloth in a pile and disguarded them.
As the servant knocked and gave him his gloves a slight brush of Jason's skin caused and the servant a thin line of flesh to shrivel the skin as it passed across his hand. He grasped at it painfully.
"O my a thousand apologies my good man!"

Jason said trying not to touch him any more.

"This,'Ah' is of no concern my lord, merely a flesh wound as it were."
He could see the pain on his face and the servant noticed the concern with a smile, before he regained his composure once more.
"I suppose you will be needing those gloves then. Shall I take you to the meeting hall the introductions have already begun and I would hate to keep one such as yourself waiting."

"Indeed, There are many interesting curses which come with unlife. Not all are the mystery and marvel some think they are.. Though I suspect you already know that. All the same I believe it would be a wise idea to Enter into the Throne room sooner rather than later. I do have business with an old friend which I must get to quite soon before I am lost again"

He gave the Servant a small smile and he lead him back into the Throne room once more. He did so Quietly and approached the throne where Karl sat speaking with the rest of the new council members. Jason wondered if he was still in the thralls of the madness, he did not recognize any of the Members present within the consortium save for karl's proud form holding court in fine Von Carstien fashion .

"Greeting's Sir Karl, Its been some time I would say."

He preformed his characterful bow, slight but gracefully none the less.

 

[Sweeney Todd]

Following closely in Ademus' wake, Kenshiro strode into the throne room where many other vampires were already assembled. He gave a bow to the seated Karl von Carstein before bowing once more in the general direction of everyone else, as courtesy dictated he acknowledge the master of the house first.

"Greetings, Lord Karl, fellow denizens of the night whose name I do not know. I am Kenshiro." He said. Kenshiro had already noticed the obvious solitary human, a knight judging by his appearance, mingling amongst the vampires, but opted not to openly out him for now. Noticing a distinct odor in the air, Kenshiro took a quick whiff.

Opium, and then some...one of my bloodline was here just a moment ago.

"If I may be so bold to ask...was one of the Jade Blooded here recently?"

 

[Mello]

Alastor opened his mouth to reply to the easterner again, but the little human spoke up, asking what castle they were in.

Alastor laughed throatily, almost mockingly.

"This" he raised his arms majestically, his cloak billowed slightly, "Is castle Drakenhof, capitol of the von Carstein power."

Noticing the man's reaction, Alastor grinned ecstatically "What, you didn't realise that all the villages nearby are nearly deserted, things hunt you in the night and there never seems to be a full day here?"

Two vampires entered the room, and whilst Alastor felt no need to be polite, he felt none to be rude either so moved out the way to allow the two to speak to Karl.

"Shah, I purposefully walk a dangerous life, there's no excitement if you already know what's around the corner is there? I'm always for a bit of.." Alastor paused and closed his eyes, "Chaos.."

 

[Kavok]

Kavok frowned slightly, looking over at Alastor, before letting out a small sigh. "No, actually that is about where I assumed I was by this point. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't in another castle full of vampires... I've been wandering largely through the woods for quite a while now, so I just wanted to make sure I knew how far I had managed to wander."

"Also, not sure if I'm getting into a family matter here or not, but can I just ask what you hope to gain here by spurning those around you in the name of chaos. That isn't something I'd consider generally advisable, unless of course your among one of the barbarian tribes in the north. I hear they are very big on chaos as well. And walking to your own drum beat is most likely just going to leave you alone in life, which unless I'm mistaken is quite a bit longer then my own." Glances around for a moment. "Especially now. If your heartbroken over things you lost, that is great and all. It means you really cared. But your not going to get any better by just wishing the same happens to others."

'I hope they at least let me draw my sword before they kill me... Would be terrible if I don't even manage that before my death.'

 

[Anilar]

Carina stood outside the Throne room as several vampires and even a human knight, bretonnian if Carina was any judge, made there presence known to the Regent Karl von Carstein. She had heard all the stories, and seeing him on his throne in his own castle, sensing the respect and awe that most of the assembled showed him, she could believe them too. She couldn't help smile at the theatrics of a young vampire, face hidden by a mask challenging vastly superior vampires on a battle of words and beliefs. A little disbelief that he was still alive, when he stood down to allow for others to approach Karl, Carina made a mental note to keep an eye on the young anarchist, if nothing else for the entertainment he was bound to provide in the court.

After a Vampire dressed in a suit and with gloves had approached Karl, Carina found that it was her turn to enter. She had not seen anyone, or heard mention of anyone who could be Rowhaine, so there was nothing else to do but present herself and ask. Before entering Carina padded down her leather armour, to get a bit of the dirt and dust of her long travel off. Carina knew it wasn't really the correct attire to attend a ruling court in, as the maginificient clothes and armours many of the others wore, but it was what she had. Correcting the scarf over her face, to make sure as much of her face was covered. What effect she would have over the assembled vampires she was unsure of, some of them had seen horrors beyond what should be possible to create, but there was no reason to make them cringe there noses in disgust, at her cursed face. Let them see a beautiful Lahmian in leather armour fitted just the right way, and intense purple eyes. As she entered Carina just hoped that Karl would not ask her to reveal her face.

Walking towards the throne, Carina stopped at a respectful distance, she was no noble, ruler of lands or monarch, so he had no business up close to the powerful vampire, bathing her in his intense aura. That others could resist it so easily was beyond her comprehension.
Kneeling down to one knee, her spear laid down on the floor head bowed Carina addressed Karl with a little trembling in her voice, thinking how pathetic she must look in most everyones eyes.

"I apologies for my intrusion to this council great master regent Karl von Carstein, I am Carina Collins sired by Andorra the Playful. I am unaware if she is known to you, but I have been told its the correct way to present oneself. I am fully aware that I do not have any business in this gathering of the council, but I came across this letter,"

Carina held out the summoning letter for all to see, at her mentioning it, without interupting her speach.

"on a band of brigands. I hoped that I could get the opportunity to pass it on to Rowhaine, get of Milosh and Lesa Cromwell, chosen of the nehekaran gods, as the letter seem to instill a degree of importance and urgency, that I could not ignore. Unfortunately there was no clue for me to find, on who this letter was originally meant for, so I ran here as fast as I could to deliver it back, so you would know that one of your council is unaware of the meeting, and give you are chance to contact said person.

Carina didn't move from her spot, still kneeling and head bowed as she awaited the regents response.

 

[Mr Nightwere]

Jason cocked his head to one side and an interesting creature approached the Regent, Darling purple eyes and a fine form hidden by leather armor and who's face was concealed by a long scarf approached the throne.
An apology from her lips and a most graceful bow intrigued him surprisingly. As he tapped her on the shoulder, she looked up to see into his blazing yellow eyes clam almost sweet, they shifted with amber and bright yellow and were all together feral in appearance, yet Kind all the same.
"Relax my dear"
He whispered the words softly in her ear, leaning in and his soft hand lifted her own upwards, allowing her to stand beside him before the Regent.

"It is a rarity to find one of our kind, so humble as you, Carina Collins. It is a pleasure to meet you."

He turned back to Karl and smiled.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl grinned broadly, where he had been warm to the others he was seemed extremely happy to see Nightwere.
"Jason!" he greeting with a laugh "My friend, it has been too long, I haven't heard from you in years! he added still smiling at his old comrade.

Turning he watched Ademus led in the first of Rowhaine's party.
"Master Kenshiro, I welcome you to my halls." he greeted, his smile faded slightly as he considered the question. "Indeed, an ambassador from Cathay named Xunru a son of my old acquaintance Dedun."

Karl watched some of the others talking for a moment before raising an amused eyebrow at Kavok.
"Worry not little mortal, Sylvania is not in the buisness of mindlessly killing cattle." he said with a chuckle "Besides do you think you would have gotten this far if we didn't wish you to? Although I'll leave it up to the one who summoned this meeting to decide what to do with you, he may not wish a roaming mortal to hear of whatever it is he wishes to discuss." the Regent said before turning his attention to another new arrival.

"I welcome you to Drakenhof Carina Collins daughter of Andorra the Playful." Karl said with a nod "You need not bow, I claim no lordship over you Lady of the Night." he added with a smile although he looked pleased with the following of normal protocol and social nicety.
"As for your buisness here well you are of our kind, although I sense not my line, and that alone makes you an honored guest in my home. Rowhaine should be entering any time now, I believe he is with the rear of Ademus's group. You may address the matter of the letter with him."

"And I echo Lord Nightwere, it is certainly a pleasure to meet you."

 

[Malochai]

“Danger isn’t everything. Seek what you lack, work to place your pain behind you and move on. Dwelling on the past will only cause you misery and will like as not turn people against you, with your ramblings.” He withdrew the Claw that was pointed at Alastor’s chest and strode back to his position, a respectful distance from the thrones but not so far he looked out of the way, nodding at Esmerelda silently as he did so, thanking her for her support. He watched the new vampires approach Karl and make their introductions, noting the varying degrees of respect.

The arrival of Jason Nightwere was intriguing; he seemed less than Markus had imagined from the few stories he had heard of the original Council, but then the mention of the Jade Blooded piqued his interest and pushed thoughts of Jason out of his mind; long had he wished to travel to Cathay and the other Eastern nations, and meet members of one of the ‘lost’ bloodlines. ‘This just gets more interesting by the minute,’ he thought.

He silently appraised the vampire called Kenshiro, looking him over critically. He bore bizarre weapons, but he moved with a grace that spoke of great control; the Baron had no doubt he was more than capable of wielding them, with deadly effect.

‘Interesting,’ he said to himself, thinking through various possibilities.

 

[Count Darvaleth]

Kraskor felt something across the Link, a strange mixture of emotions that normally didn't sound quite so loud. They usually seethed under the surface, capped by a strong lid; Kraskor feared what Alastor had said in his absence. Moving a little quicker now, his armoured boots making echoing footfalls across the hard stone, Kraskor walked with Nehklior and Kenshiro as they arrived at the throne room.

Kraskor saw Alastor, and the telling gap that surrounded him. He only needed to see the looks directed towards Alastor on the others' faces to have a good idea of what had happened. Kraskor strode toward the throne, purposefully but with grace, and presented the Lord Regent with a bow, pulling his cloak up from behind him, his black armour shining in the torchlight.

"My Lord Regent," rumbled Kraskor, his voice like distant thunder, "I apologise for the delay, we have travelled a long way." Kraskor stood, moving back away from the throne slightly to a respectful distance from which to speak to Karl. "I do hope we didn't miss anything," Kraskor looked around at Alastor, his speech pointed.

Something niggled at Kraskor, and before he could stop himself, he began to speak again, "I should like to ask, Lord Regent," said Kraskor, slightly uncertain at first, "just a brief question, if you will. I have asked this same question to many, but so far I have received no answers. As your Triumvirate now controls vast swathes of the Old Worlde, I imagine you have a great web of contacts, and will know much of what goes on in our world." Kraskor paused. "If it pleases you, Lord Regent, answer me this.

"Where is my sire?"

 

[The Dread King]

Morturion stepped out from a shadowy corner in the Great Hall, announcing his presence by slamming his glowing scythe onto the ground. “Karl von Carstein” he called out with disdain, “how good of you to overlook me. Last I heard of you before the battle for Nagashizzar, you were running around after your betters. Now, you sit t=here on your little throne, looking ever so authoritative, yet still haunted by the much bigger throne of your sire. Will you ever get to the top, Karl? Or will you always be an underling? Speaking of the top, it will be a pleasure to meet that traitor Nekhlior again, and young Rowhaine.” Morturion half-snarled, half-laughed whilst grimacing madly in an awful smile; he made a horrible sight.

Giving Alastor an icy look, he remarked, “As to you, Alastor, I would not advise you to side with those four, treacherous gods. The main reason we’ve been summoned here is, I suspect, to stop chaos, so by supporting it, you could get almost every undead being in this room attacking you. My hate for chaos is only exceeded by my hate for Vekarin Banespike. And my love for the dark master, although he seems to be truly dead. "The best way to stop losing your loved ones is to KILL THEM YOURSELF. That’s what I did, and look at me now…” he declared, self-mockingly and with a sick sense of humour.

“…But I digress. I have accepted your summons, agree to work alongside the council, and will even use my soul-torture equipment – there’s a fate much worse than death, Alastor –” he said, glancing knowledgeably, and with a slight hint of threat, at the young vampire, and then around the room, “to convert the spirits and life-energy of your vanquished enemies to your own advantage. I have a rather large army to aid the council, compared to most of those in here…” His guards gathered around him, the sight of no less than three necromancers and several powerful undead was impressive. “…And I believe that the solution to the problem we are gathered here today to discuss – the waning of necromantic power – is close at hand; it is likely that my research will soon uncover some very valuable knowledge.”

“I ask only a small price for my services. A good deal of respect and recognition as a senior voice in future meetings and decisions would be appreciated; I am over 1000 years old and just as powerful as you and many others, Lord Regent. Perhaps some of your captives, and captives taken later on, might be given to me for my …… experiments? Living and unliving test subjects further my knowledge marvellously in the art of souls, and giving me some creatures that have been taken captive will only benefit the council further. Furthermore, I will need a few artefacts from you; but do not worry; all that I will do with them is for the benefit of necromancy and unlife. I will re-voice these asking when Rowhaine arrives, have no fear; I only ask now to see if the Regent, speaking on behalf of the Carsteins, approves.” With a small (and slightly mocking) bow to Karl, Morturion looked around the room, studying the faces of various undead, and one ridiculously silly human, pondering on how to use them and what they would excel at, whilst mentally searching for Rowhaine. Morturion could feel an aura of power alarmingly nearby. So, he thought with apprenhension and excitement, the Champion of Asaph is coming at last.

 

[Bounce]

Elanor watched Alastor make a fool of himself and felt a desire to laugh but the smile only reached her eyes. Some present might have thought him brave to act so towards one of the most powerful vampires unalive but was it really bravery if you were not afraid. He had nothing to lose. Personally she understood where he was coming from but she was happy to follow great power rather than antagonise it. She still valued her life such as it was.

She was much more impressed by the mortals speech for she could hear how fast his heart beat from where she stood.
"Indeed this is the stronghold of the vampire lords known as von carsteins sir knight. Normally by now you would be dead or worse. But do not fear not all of us are evil and cruel. We are here for a greater purpose. To fight an evil even greater than ourselves and no doubt that is why you have been drawn here. I will vouch for your safety while you are within these walls."

 

[Mello]

Alastor smiled sweetly, too sweetly at Kraskor, and then at the rest of the crowd assembled, a little more menacingly, as they, yet again tried to criticise what was merely undeniable truth, he had really shaken the hornet's nest hadn't he..

Suddenly he sobered and looked around him desperately. And absolutely brilliant melody had developed in the back of his mind, just encapsulating that particular feeling of loneliness he felt the other day, in that tomb.

"Sorry.." he muttered, brow furrowed, "things to pla-" and with that he disappeared. Then after a brief moment's pause, haunting music reverberated from the hallway, adding a macabre atmosphere to the room. Alastor had found a piano. Yet although he only played the piano, soft chords, unearthly soft chords echoed through the hallways.

[video=youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0gSvSUtZWQ[/video]

Alastor sobbed with happiness as he played, if he couldn't put his feelings through speech perhaps now someone, anyone would feel compassion. Just someone... A tear ran down his cheek as he poured his being into the music.

 

[Count Darvaleth]

Kraskor started as he heard a scythe hit the floor; he turned and saw the Necromancer Alastor had sent to him in a vision via the Link. Alastor promptly disappeared, however, and began playing haunting music on a piano. Kraskor almost liked it, until he heard two words. Two words spoken by the mortal.

Vekarin Banespike

Kraskor whirled around, anger flaring in his eyes as Morturion spoke ill of his sire. "Speak quickly, mortal," he snarled, his fangs becoming more pronounced as his features contorted to become more bestial, "Give me a reason not to run you through. Any enemy of Vekarin and Nehklior is an enemy of me," Kraskor's hand dropped to his sword-hilt, "And as I'm sure you're aware, Banespikes don't mix so well with Necromancers."

 

[Sweeney Todd]

Xunru, get of Dedun

That name was one Kenshiro had heard of, though he did not know him on a first-hand basis. Still, he was somewhat grateful he didn't have to deal with the scrutiny of one of the mainstream Jade-Blooded, who would no doubt judge him to be some kind of yamabushi. The petty courtesies involved would fill the pages of a novel by themselves, and more importantly would be an unwelcome distraction at what was supposed to be an important gathering. Keeping his tone and body language neutral, he replied to Karl

"Ah, I see. Small wonder, given that your house has prospered in recent times. By the way, I should mention that Sweeney Todd and his family extends their greetings to those of the old Council. They are regretfully unable to attend." Kenshiro added, directing the comment mainly at Karl von Carstein and Jason Nightwere. A quick glance was enough for him to tell that Nightwere had changed from how Todd remembered him, in a way that made Jason...not quite himself.

Turning aside for a moment, Kenshiro was about to address both Kraskor and the young childe simultaneously when the latter spontaneously teleported away, to perch himself on a piano apparently. Nevertheless, he continued.

"Be careful what you wish for, Sir Kraskor. There are some things you may not want to know."

 

[Malochai]

The necromancer caused the hairs on the back of Markus’ neck to stand on edge; he was far too combative for his liking - indeed, he had never liked the humans who strayed so close to death and thrived from it. He found them, more so than even vampires, twisted creatures with regard for nothing but their own advancement. ‘At least we cannot help what we are,’ he thought to himself. The melancholy music from the piano washed over him, and he wondered at such sorrow, suddenly doubting whether he was right to admonish Alastor so.

He found himself subconsciously moving closer to Kraskor, in a position favourable to his combat style. However, the Imperial Baron forced himself to keep his hands by his side, flexing his fingers to make the Claws twitch, clinking metallically. “Necromancer, watch your words. You are in the presence of those powerful enough to destroy your ‘Master’.” he growled, before turning his head slightly towards Kraskor. “Brother, do not let his bitter words anger you so; he gains more from it than you do; his kind are the true blight on humanity. I would have thought the get of the legendary Vekarin Banespike would know such things, and wouldn’t have to taught by the likes of myself.”

 

[The Dread King]

"The legendary Vekarin Banespike, eh?" Morturion cried in mocking tones. "The oh so powerful Vekarin who has mysteriously not turned up to the council meeting? I do not think he had the power to destroy Nagash on his own. I believe there was some greater power guiding him...if any enemy of Vekarin's is your enemy, you may need to start by killing your necrarch tutor. I presume, blood dragon whelp, that you are Kraskor, because as far as I know, Vekarin only has one unliving get and you walk with that traitor Nekhlior, ." As he spat, ufathomable depths of rage passed across Morturion's face. "You talk to me as if you could kill me. I was Nagash's chief disciple, until his downfall; half my host is around me even now, and I could still crush you both like bugs. Vampires have always had more pride than sense. But let's not resort to violence...yet. I believe the "great" Rowhaine has yet to arrive, and he would be somewhat disappointed if, upon entering the ggreat hall, he discovered a pile of corpses. Let's instead, listen to the wonderful music of sorrow played by Alastor; sorrow is an emotion which I hardly ever feel".

 

[The Sanguine Prince]

She didn't like this Necromancer at all...to aggressive and arrogant, To make matters worse, he was a disciple of the truly dead Nagash. Why he was brought here Esmerelda will never know. The Queen could sense that Shah al-Hamid didn't like Morturion at all, she walked over to him and whispered "this one could spell trouble, I can see you think so to? It might be a good idea to keep our eyes on the Necromancer, anyone that served Nagash may bode ill for us all".

Esmerelda turned to Alexios and passed him a note, speaking in Strigany "you see the vampire with the gloves? he is Lord Nightwere, take this letter to him and say it is from yours truly, sealed with a kiss".

 

[Kavok]

Kavok looks over at Elanor. "Yes, I have noticed by now that not all of you are complete monsters..." Looks over at Alexander for a quick second then back at Elanor. "... On the inside, as many stories would have people believe. Which does make things a little awkward for me... Also if I'm not mistaken not all of you choose the lives you now live. And if its all the same to you, I think I'd prefer not hiding behind someone else's skirt or coat-tail. If I'm to die, then I would prefer it not be a coward's death. I do thank you for the sentiment though."

Kavok glances back at the rest of the vampires in the room right when the music starts playing, and notices that Alastor is gone. He then looks over the two latest people to introduce themselves to the vampires sitting upon the throne. Kavok could tell that the necromancer was most likely not someone he was likely to get along well with... The one in plate on the other hand, Kraskor was it?, would probably be someone with whom Kavok could at least share some form of martial understanding with.

Kavok looks back at Elanor and says "So what is this greater evil you all are fighting? Because I feel it would have to be quite the significant evil to have myself led here to help by the lady." After asking this his mind starts mulling over once more on how the lady would feel about these interactions with the undead, and finding it highly unlikely that it even gets close to being neutral.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

Before things started to get out of hand the main doors burst open and the doorwarden who had let them in scurried in and stood to attention.

"My Lords and Ladies." he said "Lord Simon von Carstein, Lord Imperator of the Ikaanan Provinces, Slayer of Rahotep Sentence of Nagash, Resurrector of the Allfather Vashanesh, Scion of Isabella, Butcher of............" he was cut off as another figure strode into the room.

The assembled vampires, necromancers and mortals looked upon the blonde, handsome figure of a man who many despised and others respected. Looking at the doorwarden he said "That will do. I believe most of them have some idea who I am. I do not need to be announced in this fashion every damn time."

Stepping into the centre of the room he said "Lord Regent I'm so sorry I'm late. I was tracking down down a Strigany leader who somehow wandered into my territory and..... I do believe I've found them!" he said noticing Esmerelda for the first time his eyes lighting up with joy a terrifying sight for any to behold.

 

[Dark_Wolfen]

It didn't take her long for Nimrais to feel comfortable with the crowd. She started to share tales with many of the people, all who seemed to have quite interesting lives. Granted, most of the tales were originally told by her bard friend back at the troupe, but she managed to make them quite entertaining anyway.

When someone started to play an upbeat tune on a lute Nimrais couldn't help herself but to dance. Many of the folks around decided to watch her, and one soul brave enough even decided to dance with her. When the man playing the lute stopped, Nimrais decided it was time for her to put on a good show. She grabbed a few pebbles from the ground and started to juggle them. The people around her cheered a little, but didn't expect to pebbles to suddenly pop into a puff of smoke one by one, only to be pulled from the pockets of an unwary spectator. Although she didn't have all the proper equipment to perform something truely grand, she managed to entertain the people quite well with her shadow magic and simple sleight of hand illusions. It was only a good thing that the nights in Sylvania lasted so long, since Nimrais had a great time, and so did the crowd. This was what she was meant for.

As the final act for her little show she started to spin around. Around her smoke and shadows began to twirl as she seemed to be almost levitating. As she dramatically struck at empty spaces in the sky, explosions of smoke and darkness erupted, with humanoid shadowy figures leaping out of them, starting to perform some tribal ritual dance around her before she suddenly vanished from plain sight.

The people looked around confused. Some clapping and cheering. As the shadowmen melted into the ground and seemed to pour together, out of the pool of darkness she slowly rose, like being risen out of water.

Truth was, that during her spiralling she build up a vast amount of magic power to engulf the spectators with a shadowy vapor, clouding their minds and making it easy for illusionary images to appear in their visions, but the crowd didn't seemed to notice and loved it greatly.

Nimrais was happy, she felt alive, and even though she was undead, she radiated this joy, which seemed to be greater than ever near the mysterious Verdent Heart, through to the people.