TVC II Chapter 1 - Old Faces

[Count Darvaleth]

Kraskor recoiled a little as he felt another voice pushing into his head, but realised this time it was Alastor via the Link. He quickly checked his agitation, hoping it hadn't become clear via the Link, but almost certain that it probably had.

"I have never seen these individuals before, but never trust a mortal. Their time is limited on this earth, unlike ours, and so they will delve into the pits of dishonour and dishonesty to make the most of their time here. If he is a Necromancer, then you can already assume he has a storied and corrupt past. I was made a vampire because I was an honourable warrior, you were made a vampire because you returned, courageously, to your village while it burned. The Necromancer has not proved himself in any such way; be wary, and whatever you do don't let him put himself above you. A vampire, no matter how young, is always above a mortal."

Kraskor then turned back to Rohwaine and the peculiar vampire sent by Sweeny Todd, called Kenshiro. Kraskor gave the vampire a brief salute, honouring Sweeny Todd's contribution to the final battle and his wisdom in sending this vampire in his stead. No doubt he too was a mighty warrior. When Rowhaine enquired as to Nehklior's teachings, Kraskor responded eagerly:

"Indeed, Lord Rowhaine, I could not ask for a more learned Master of the Arcane. I count myself very lucky."

Kenshiro then adressed the pair of vampires, and Nehklior responded, explaining the master-apprentice relationship even across a Necrarch and Blood Dragon.

"Sweeny Todd told you of us, you said? Then perhaps he told you of my sire, Vekarin Banespike, the Slayer of Nagash? My sire believed in the wisdom of mastering new ways of combat, rather than clinging on to ancient practices and ignoring the adaptation of war. Magic is but a new facet of battle; if Blood Dragons really are so mighty that they don't need to adapt, why even use a blade? Just as Vekarin recognised that we must embrace change to thrive, so do I. I am proud to call him my sire; I learn the ways of magic in the hope that one day, he may become proud of me," Kraskor trailed off a little at the end.

"I only wish I knew where he was."

 

[Mello]

Many thanks, I'll keep my guard. replied Alastor, still a little bemused at this odd form of communication.

He stared at the gates of Drakenhof, almost on the horizon... Could he get that far? He smiled, only one way to find out.

As the group assembled near the entrance to Drakenhof, the more powerful individuals tensed slightly, the air had began pooling with magic. Then everyone was aware that something was up, there was a faint smell of ozone, and static hung in the air, clicking softly. This happened for a couple of seconds, until the grass was standing on end and sparks were flitting between the vampire's armour and weapons. In front of their eyes the world distorted slightly. Like a broken mirror being watched very slowly, then fast again, the air itself seemed to split apart violently, shuddering. The tear seemed to howl inaudibly, yet somehow everyone could sense this.. noise.. Arks of energy were coming out of the ground into this yawning void that was not visible save for the refracted air. The blue light suddenly increased to blinding proportions and a huge bass pulse vibrated through the floor, shaking everyone slightly. With a flash, all the static discharged and Alastor was there, kneeling on the ground. His cloak settled around him and he stood up, swaying slightly and pressing a hand to his head.

Alastor groaned inside. He was never going to try that distance again. His usual vigour was sapped out of him and his head felt like Sigmar was beating it with a hammer. White points of light danced around his vision, glaringly bright. He opened his mouth to speak, but stumbled and fell into someone's arms. He spoke weakly.

"Don't worry about me.. really.. don't...", he whispered as he fought off blackness.

 

[The Dread King]

That was incredible, Morturion marvelled, after seeing Alastor's teleportation, yet, reconsidering accompanying him to the meeting, I think that I should not. Some of the vampires will want to help him, and if any of them happen to recognise me while I'm standing near him, it is likely that I will get the blame for what's happened to Alastor. I'd rather not get accused of attempted murder at the Imperator's castle, with the champion of the Gods and a huge army present. With a glance to make sure that Alastor was not about to die, and a swift gesture to his escort, Morturion stepped into Drakenhof.

 

[Bounce]

Elanor giggled helplessly, deeply touched by such a gallant display of chivalry rarely seen in these uncivilized parts.
"I am very glad to make your aquaintance Shah al Hamid . You must have travelled a long way to reach here. I would love to hear more of Araby . Clearly it's vampires are as hot as it's weather."

There was a sudden rippling of light and colour and Alastor appeared once again being overly dramatic. One of these days it would cost him. This reporting left him weak and vulnerable in the midst of such a powerful group that sounded like idiocy to Elanor. But who knew what tricks he might have up his sleeve.
"Are you okay?" She questioned politely.

 

[Dark_Wolfen]

Nimrais froze when The Verdant Heart spoke. Not only did The Verdant Heart know she was there, he also knew what she was. After the immediate shock of discovery she seemed to relax a little as she mustered her courage.

When she stood up from the magical darkness, some people from the camp noticed her. They didn't seem so uneasy as she expected them to be, some even did not pay that much attention to her sudden appearance.

"I bear no ill will tonight," she replied as she alowly walked towards the camp. "I was merely investigating the sounds I heard from my resting place. It seemed so odd in these areas."

As she started to speak someone started to play his music again. Upon hearing this, Nimrais smiled a little. "I'd be honoured to join your festivities for tonight, kind sir!" She began to feel a little bit more at ease. It was clear that these people meant no harm to her. Most of the people around here she could get a grip upon, but the seeming leader however remained a mystery to her.

 

[Mello]

Alastor groaned internally at what seemed blindingly, literally so, obvious to everyone else.

"I'm okay, yes." he lied quietly, picking himself out of the girl's arms, "I'm.. still young and I still haven't got the hang of this teleportation yet as you've probably noticed..."

Straightening himself out and regaining his composure, at least externally, Alastor cleared his throat:

"I believe we have a host to please." he said, regaining his usual formal, menacing manner, as if his vulnerability had never happened, but inside he was cursing himself for being so stupid. Displays of weakness were not a good thing to do here. Plus he liked being out of control of these people. Everything had to be controlled or his childhood may happen again.

 

[Malochai]

A smile touched Shah’s face at Elanor’s innocent giggle, and his bearing became slightly less tense - to any of the vampiress’ he’d previously met, a mistake such as his could have been cause to unleash their tempestuous wrath.

He was thinking through a reply to her surprising response when the air changed, becoming slightly cloying and then charged within a second. A smell assaulted his nostrils and when the light flared up Markus growled menacingly. The sound of swords being drawn from eighteen scabbards sounded until Markus waved them down - the form which had replaced the light was clearly weakened by it. When Elanor spoke to him, it became clear he was also present for the Council.

With a touch of disapproval hidden by his mask, Markus stepped forward to aid the young vampiress, but as he did so, the other vampire, also young by the looks of it, picked himself up, spoke and walked off, talking about their host - ‘Our host is not one should pander to early on; it sets the relationship too much in his favour,’ he told himself, before shaking his head and turning to Elanor.

“The pleasure is mine alone, Milady. The distance was not as great as one might think, but I would be happy to regale you with tales of Araby, once the time we are using is our own, for I fear we are using that of our host,” he replied, gesturing at the castle, before leaning in close, and murmuring so quietly only she could hear, “Not that they seem to value it.” Withdrawing to a more respectable distance, he began speaking normally again. “Alas, I’m afraid I still don’t know your name, a shame I can bear no longer, but I fear we must proceed?”

With military precision, he turned to face the door, which left Elanor to his right, and angled his arm so that, if she chose to, she could take it, whilst he wouldn’t lose all dignity if she refused. The escort reformed around him, a respectable entourage for a vampire of his standing.

 

[Lynks]

From the voice it was clear the vampire was female and the hushed awe of his band spoke words of her beauty, though he could not know for himself as he looked at the swirling mass of distinctively vampiric aura that had accepted his call and entered their camp. He approached the oncoming vampire and gestured welcomingly.

"By the common conventions of imperial custom it is rude to enjoy the company of another without knowing their name... I am known by a great many names, though I am partial to being called the Verdant Heart. Tell me, what is your name and what brings you to be wandering alone? Though I am sure this forest's night holds no fear for you, there are very few people in this world that prefer only themselves to talk to."

 

[Mr Nightwere]

As Jason and peter dismounted form fire hoof, a shattering of space echoed through the winds of magic as well as Jason’s mind. He looked towards the court yard and as he did the form of a young vampire sprung into being, ripples of energy cascaded around the beautiful entry way.

Jason Walked away from Peter Smiling at him with a strange almost sweet smile and as he did parts of his mind clicked into recognition once more.
"O Herr Peter there you are, so Lovely to see you, I shall join the other younglings and begin the proceedings inside, I know how you do love to stable Firehoof, after all I shall see you inside"
Peter Somewhat confused by the turn around dismounted also and watched as Jason walked over to the assembly with a weary walk.

Jason walked right up to the vampire who was still dusting off the energies from his muscles, the delicate power drifting off him lightly.
He was face to face with him now, and looked into his eyes behind the porcelain mask his own feral eyes like golden orbs where an intricate weave of the madness inside.
“You’re weird?”
He said simply and began to examine the vampire somewhat yet fare to close for anyone comfort.

 

[Sweeney Todd]

The flattery is strong in this one

Kenshiro watched impassively as Kraskor schmoozed up to his mentor. The thought of a thousand year old suck up made him cringe a little inwardly, but he was careful not to betray any of his thoughts and kept his facial expression and body language strictly neutral.

"Interesting. Most Blood Dragons do not think the way you do, that much I know. So your sire is Vekarin Banespike? One of the mightiest warriors the Old World has ever known...Sweeney did indeed tell me about him." Todd, and Mrs. Lovette had also told him quite a few interesting things about Vekarin Banespike, things that could completely shatter Kraskor's image of his sire. But Kenshiro decided that it was imprudent to spill the beans to Kraskor immediately. After all, they had barely even been introduced to each other. If Kraskor was perceptive enough, he could tell from Kenshiro's words and his tone of voice that much was being left unsaid. If not...Kenshiro was a man perfectly comfortable with saying a little less.

Instead of waiting for a reply, Kenshiro turned back to reply to Rowhaine for a moment.

"Steeds? What steeds?" He said with a chuckle.

 

[Mello]

Alastor started a little as one of the two new-comers approached him, and began examining him. Alastor stood straight and remained motionless as if he were undergoing some medical examination, which he may well be anyway. Besides, might as well stay polite for the time being.

The newcomer was "wierd" too, however, he seemed completely shattered, his clothes mostly destroyed and his steps slow and pained. Yet his eyes burned with the ferocity of what must be undying energy. This person looked like a fighter all right.

Alastor raised a hand to scratch his face but thought better of it, it might offend his observer.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

The Cadeverous man seemed to rise in stature and cunning where at first he had seemed to just be a feeble old man to the visitors he now gave off an aura of someone who was not all he seemed. "If you will all follow me please." he requested "I will keep the door open for the stragglers." The guests and their escorts began to slowly troop in. "The Lord Imperator regrets that he will be late for the meeting however the the Regent of Drakenhof will be ready to meet with you all shortly, once everyone has arrived." The man continued as he led the way.

As the party followed him they were uncomfortably aware they were being scrutinised from the shadows.

 

[Dark_Wolfen]

Nimrais masked her nervousness as she walked through the crowd, nodding and smiling politely to the people she passed by.

"That is correct. Greetins Sir of the Verdant Heart. My name is Nimrais Nahmir from Middenheim," she said while bowing slightly through her legs. "My business lies within castle Drakenhoff. It seemed that none of my companions wished to join me on a journey with such destination. But I don't truly..," she quickly realized that what she was about to say may sound odd and stupid to those around her. Truth wasm Nimrais never felt alone, she never was alone. Atleast not to herself. Not wishing to reveal such a thing she changed what she was about to say mid sentence. "I don't truly.. enjoy being alone, but sometimes it seems that I find myself there anyway. You and your followers seem like a breath of fresh air after those long days."

She now stood quite close to the Verdant Heart. She still didn't feel anything that indicated that the man before her was alive, and she ruled out that it was a vampire like herself. She tried to keep her eyes on the Verdant Hearts helmet, but couldn't help quickly peeking and investigating the man.

 

[Get of W'soran]

Nekhlior smiled faintly at Kenshiro.
"Most Blood Dragons are incapable of accepting the reality of the world and so they live with a bunch of foolish self-imposed rules to try and impress their absentee father figure." Nekhlior said before patting his apprentice on the shoulder "Luckily not all of that line share the same weakness"

Turning to Rowhaine he pointed into the sky.
"Steeds? Up there I suppose."


Two dark shapes came into view, circling a great distance above the gathering.
"Dragons." Nekhlior added stating the obvious.

 

[Bounce]

"How foolish and rude of me." Elanor said taking Shah 's proferred arm after seeing that Alastor was okay. His arm was thin and cold but stronger than steel.
"I am Elanor Rosenberg , once of Altdorf. Nowadays i travel around a lot." She said vaguely as they passed into the castle following the mysterious old man. The castle was typically gloomy and lined with bedrooms and treasures. Ancient paintings, rusted swords, suits of armour and the like. Elanor felt both terrified and at home.
"Who is the lord imperator?" She asked casually trying to keep her ignorance and naivity hidden. It was clear the other vampires considered her young and unlikely to be a threat which was good but she didn't want to come across as stupid or foolish.

 

[Malochai]

As they started walking into the castle proper, and shaking his head slightly, Markus replied to Elanor graciously, “Oh, it was neither foolish or rude, and I am assured you would be never readily be either. Regardless, it is an honour to make your acquaintance, Elanor Rosenberg, who was formerly of Altdorf. I would be interested to hear why it is, indeed, formerly?”

The odious man who had opened the door seemed to have changed - ‘He is much more ... Assertive. Strange ...’ he thought, before returning to his immediate surroundings and listening to the young vampiress on his arm. At the mention of the Imperator, his eyes hardened slightly and his face, hidden beneath his mask and unseen by all of those around him, turned stony. His posture also stiffened slightly, before he forced himself to relax - ‘You came here knowing the von Carstein’s rule ...’
Nevertheless, he disliked the von Carsteins on principle, and the Imperator was likely to be the most abhorrent of the entire bloodline, matched only by his fellow members of the Triumvirate.

“Simon von Carstein is the Lord Imperator, although he goes by numerous other titles as well ... I have heard he was sired by Isabella herself, and he was also a member of the last Council, who together managed to destroy Nagash himself. I must admit to never having met him myself, though I have heard stories ... Anyway, we appear to be some of the first here. I am surprised; I thought it took me longer to arrive that it should have done. Indeed, without my escort, I would have arrived days ago! That would have been a fascinating wait, and of course, I would have missed out on the opportunity to meet such a striking young vampire,” he finished, realising he was starting to sound bitter and sarcastic.

‘I really must keep a better check on what I say,’ he scolded himself silently.

 

[Bounce]

"When i was turned i still had family living in Altdorf. My mother, father and brother Naren . As well as a few other friends. I would rather they did not know of what i have become and i also did not wish to accidentally hurt any of them. It was a long time ago now, they must all surely be dead but i still do not wish to return and find out. Sometimes the truth is too bitter to taste."
She paused, she had perhaps said too much.

She listened as Shah spoke of this Simon von carstein. She did not yet have much of an opinion of the von carsteins . The only one she had met had been Alexander on the road here. She decided to delay judgement until she new more. Here in their fortress would be a silly place to provoke them unduly.

"The journey was not particularly far for me but i made the journey on foot and with only a small escort so it did not take long. I imagine many must be coming from much further afield. I am glad i was not the first to arrive. " The idea of entering this castle alone was intimidating. Elanor was not entirely sure if the end of Shahs words were sarcastic but she decided to take it as a compliment.

 

[Malochai]

At the mention of the name ‘Naren’, Markus silently compared her to the vampire in the carriage, and when she said that they must all be dead, he forced himself not to shake his head. ‘Clearly, if it is as I think, she has no idea ... That will be interesting to see.’

“I am sure you are right; if the von Carstein’s felt they could deal with whatever threat we are facing, then we would not be here and they would have ignored us. It makes sense many coming will not be from nearby, as, afterall, it would be near suicidal to lay stake a claim to part of the Triumvirate’s lands - I doubt they’d take kindly to it.”

Markus was also taking in his surroundings, the castle just as ornate as he had expected - the von Carsteins had forever been inclined towards the ostentatious, and he would have been surprised if it had been much different. ‘I am still surprised that Rowhaine decided to hold this Council here, rather than in a neutral setting ... Of course, those are few and far between now ...’ he reasoned, but he was still interested to see how those of the different bloodlines interacted with the pompous aristocrats who claimed half the Empire as their own.

 

[the hidden one]

Igor finally saw someone else come, and realized that it was one of the vampires that he had followed for a while. Another one was talking to her, and another was the one who had yelled for a while at him while he was hiding. He decided that there was no more point in hiding, now that others had come. "Hello, are you here for the council also?" He jumped out of the shadows, surprising all of them. "I have been waiting for a while, but you are some of the first to arrive. I am Igor by the way." Igor had to hide his annoyance at introducing himself, as he preferred to not tell anyone about himself until he was about to kill them.

 

[Kavok]

Kavok entered the courtyard of the castle (not to long after the vampires shuffled their way into the keep) still looking around at the different aspects of the architecture. A servant, noticing Kavok's presence, quickly came over from the stables and gave a small bow. Kavok looked the man over for a second before dismounting and handing the reigns over to him. The servant took the reigns, giving another small bow, then looks at the living horse a little oddly for a second. He quickly just shrugs it off and looks back at Kavok before saying "The other lords and ladies went inside already, though they are probably not far if you wish to catch up to them."

Kavok raises an eyebrow slightly at the servant before the man leads the horse over and into the stables. Kavok then lets out a small sigh before looking around once again. "Guess I managed to catch the castle on a festival day of some kind. I wonder what kind of festivals this place holds... Very open for who can join in anyways." Just as he finishes saying that Kavok looks at one of the sentries standing guard and notices the skeletal nature of it. Kavok freezes looking at the skeleton, but before he can manage to react he notices one of the living guards walk past the skeleton. The living guard was doing his absolute best to just ignore the undead sentry, so Kavok just stood there for a second looking between the two of them. After the guard walked by Kavok rubbed his eyes and looked at the skeleton again. He then turns away from the skeleton and starts walking to the door with a hand on his chin muttering "... Did I eat something strange? Hmm, no, I don't think so." As he got to the door Kavok just decided to shrug it off and ignore it. "Probably just a test set on me by the lady. Can't go insane. Just ignore the illusions..." Kavok then walks through the open doors of the keep and into the main hall.

 

[Mr Nightwere]

Jason Followed suit with the others and moved into the castle, its grand hall epic. The dark magic of the wards twisted around the foundations; a great web of delicate power subtle in its formation and empowering to those of the kindred. He began speaking to himself as they were joinged by another black robd figure who had crept past the eyes of the party his form covered by black and his features Dark, having almost brown skin and a scarred disfigured face making the creature quite ugly to what would be considered Normal circumstances.

"This place is pretty, much better than last time I would say. I wonder who lives here?"

He seam amost like a lost child the words light on his lips as he marvaled at the splendor of the castle the paintings restored and in prime condition and the floors beautifully polished by what would have been thousands of hands.
As they entered into one of the many hall ways they examined the trophies and ornaments of the Vonc carstine line.
Most in pressive, as they neared the meeting hall they caught sight of the great noble heads of the House Vladimir and Issabella Manndred and Konard there faces the fine savage beauty of true vampire eliete.

 

[Zanos]

Alexander followed the others through Drakenhof, content to listen to the conversations. His companion Elanor was talking with another vampire, this Shah. As they walked through the castle, Alexander heard the man mention Simon von Carstein, their supposed Lord Imperator. He spoke up after Shah was through talking about him. "I believe I remember Simon, though I don't much remember what he did. Seems my family's made something rather well of himself."

Passing ancient paintings, Alexander noticed something peculiar. Tapping Elanor on the shoulder, he pointed to a nearby painting. "Look Elanor, they kept my portrait! I dare say I have aged very well!"

Though the words Alexander spoke seemed jubilant, noticing the portrait of himself was just a way to calm himself. All around he could see ancient enemies, his so called family that betrayed him and locked him up for years. He had a slight involuntary twitch as he repressed those feelings once more, and calmed himself before his..other side could get out of hand. Putting on a noble smile, he began walking with his head held high once more.

 

[Bounce]

Elanor paused and looked at the ppainting Alexander had pointed out. He looked quite distinguished with grey hair and a moustache. Almost identical to what he looked now and the painting was very old. As a vampire herself though this didn't surprise or confuse her as it might a mortal. The main difference was in his eyes. They had changed. Something had been lost or maybe gained, Elanor was not certain but clearly much had happened to him. There was something bestial about him and that both intrigued and concerned her. More vampires were now following them, most of them reeking with dark powers. It was difficult to keep track of them all.

 

[The Dread King]

"I have never been to Drakenhof before, though I must say, it does look grand. The Von Carsteins would have us believe that only they and their servants live in Drakenhof" Morturion replied, "but I think there is probably something else, down in the vaults. We all know how vargheists are born...just exactly who would be so dangerous that the Von Carsteins would have to leave in the vaults to become those Vargheists? Many have wondered...perhaps I might have a see for myself, some time in the future; the prisoners quite possibly hold some very valuable secrets, and secrets are easy to obtain from the mentally unsound." Morturion glanced at his companion, wondering if the ragged vampire was himself not quite right in the mind.Who is this strange vampire?, he thought; he seems to be quite powerful in the dark arts, yet perhaps he is unskilled. I must know more of those who were summoned to Drakenhof; knowledge is power, and power is unlife supreme. "My name is Morturion Darkheart. Tell me, who are you? It will be good to know some of people at Drakenhof before this vast meeting begins."

 

[Mello]

Alastor exhaled slowly as his inspector seemed to be uninterested and turned around. Tagging along behind the back of the group, he circled around slowly, taking the magnificent architecture in. It was very much his style, but it all seemed over the top, garish really. There were flickers all around his vision as well, there were things watching in the shadows.

As he entered the castle, Alastor couldn't help but notice the huge trail of mud that he was trapsing in with him, it seemed he was much more used to travelling to everyone else.

As Alastor wandered through the castle he thought how he would change it to suit his ideals. He stalked forwards slowly, looking to either side of him with a mixture of idle interest and joyous arrogant observation. His cloak flowed smoothly behind him. Occasionly his hand would stray to brush some of his tightly combed back hair and brush agasint his mask, where it hovered. Alastor sighed internally before continuing. Even in this small group of aliens from society he was an outcast. He could tell from the way no-one met eye contact, they instintively moved away slightly when he moved closely. The music in his head took a suicidal turn. he truly was the angel in hell...

He would get rid of the carpet thats for sure, it required cleaning and the concept of slaves didn't appeal to him, he couldn't bare to let other people's poor standards influence his life, everything had to be done by him or he wouldn't consider it correctly done.. Frankly he would do with the whole lighting system too, it wasn't like anyone in this building actually needed much light to see, the night throught the windows would provide plenty of illumination.