TVC - Chapter 49 - Geheimnisnacht

[Simon von Carstein]

"Its time I spoke with the family." said Simon his mind preoccupied. "He turned to Karl and Emilie "Would you mind assembling them outside in front of the Abbey? There isn't enough room in here to address them." leaving the room he headed for the central chamber.

The central chamber was crowded by mortals in cowled robes. Members of the Order of Vashanesh stood chanting in specially prepared areas around the centre of the room. Simon was greeted by the Order's leader Balthazar von Pestise. "You must be rejoicing Balthazar. You're about to become the first religious man in the entire world to meet his God without having to go through that tiresome phase you know as death." Simon smiled. Balthazar nodded "That is true my lord. It brings some comfort to me knowing that. Especially considering that by now the Witchhunters will undoubtably be aware of my treason to the Emperor." Simon spat "Witchunters! huh! By the time we return to Altdorf and establish the church of Vashanesh it won't matter what those misguided simpletons do. Sigmar himself couldn't stop me even if he came here now with a host of Umberogans at his back! I will be making my final speech and then I will return to begin the ceremony." Balthazar bowed "I will have everything ready for then master. As always we defer to your wisdom in these things." "Which is why you will make a excellent grand Theogonist of the Vashaneshite faith Balthazar." Simon replied.

 

[Gree]

Mircea walked in, his features calm and composed as usual. He was apathetic to his brothers own personal cult for Vlad. He could care less about what mortals thought of him as a god or not, just as long as they feared him.

‘’Soon, it’s going to be quite soon then.’’ he ran his hand over the runeswords at his waist and then at Vlad’s blade.

‘’Soon.’’

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl nodded at Simon's words and bowed slightly to Lesa.

"Then I shall take my leave." he said to the room before taking Emilies hand and guiding her with him as he strode out of the room.

Moving to the main outside Area Karl tapped his Cane loudly of a neay by Pillar.

"If I can have your attention!" he shouted at the gathered vampires.

The crowd of von Carstein's turned their attention on Karl and for a moment the Baron felt hatred and disgust at the idiots who stood before him...worthless fops...wasting their dark gift.
Dragging his mind away from these thoughts he nodded.

"Thank you by Brethren, the Count wishes you too attend him, come we are moving to the front of the Abbey."

"What's this about?" a young nobleman shouted.

Karl looked at the other vampire with disdain.

"If you do not yet know then you do not deserve to know. Now move before I lose my temper."

That made them move and the crowd, with some grumbling, made their way towards the front of the Abbey.

Karl seeing a Black Robed Assassin the Baron walked towards him to sieze his arm.

"Find your master, Simon will wish his presence."

 

[Knightofni]

Saul was speechless. The unfamiliar name of Vashanesh barely registered compared to the overall meaning of Akarin's words. Impossible. To achieve this Simon would have had to.. and then.. Saul's consciousness seemed devoid of the ability to form sentences as the magnitude of Simon's ambitions dawned on him. Oh. My. God. Saul suddenly found himself with a new respect for Simon; to just think of such ambitions deserved a lot of respect but to actually turn those ambitions into fruitions was.. unbelievable.

"Who the hell is Vashanesh?" Trinity's voice cut through Saul's silent contemplation and for a moment the question threw Saul; he glanced at Akarin, whilst absently-minded having a scratch. (OOC: There ya go DoN.)

"I'm not familiar with that particular name.. I always thought that he was just Count Vladimir."

 

[Get of W'soran]

"Vlad von Carstein....First of the Vampire Counts and Father of the von Carstein bloodline." Akarin said as he leant lazily against the wall.

"Vlad was all these things...and yet so much more. He was once Vashanesh, the King of Lahmia and Consort to the Queen Neferata, she who created the Dark Gift and who's own descendants are known as the Lahmians...such as Lady Lesa."

He stood and folded his arms frowning slightly.
"Mannfred did a great deal of research into this and gathered a great deal of history texts, from what I can tell Vlad somehow escape serving The Great Necromancer and vanished for a few thousand years before showing up here in Sylvania and marrying Isabella, which secured his position here."

Akarin's frown suddenly vanished and he give a razor sharp smile.
"Before the Night is up you will meet one of the Master Vampires, the "Trueborn"...and he will be more powerful than ever before...and those of us who have served faithfully awaiting this moment shall be raised up above all others...where almost all of his own children failed him we have survived."

 

[Simon von Carstein]

Simon strode away from the cultists towards the vessel. He examined it closely. "Have grandfather's remains placed inside." he ordered "I want him ready within fifteen minutes. Don't touch the vessel with your bare hands it could have any number of affects on you." Balthazar and the cultists nearest him bowed to Simon and left the room to carry out his instructions.

A black robed assassin entered the room. "My lord the Baron has instructed me to inform you that the family are gathered outside awaiting your pleasure." he stated. Simon nodded "Then I musn't keep them waiting." he said

 

[Gree]

’There lies Vlad von Carstein’’ the Shade said, with a fancy sweep of his arms.

‘’The Count who was The All Beneficent, The Most Merciful, The Most Merciful in Essence, The Most Merciful in Actions, The King, The Sovereign, The True and Ultimate King, The Most Holy, The Most Pure, The Most Perfect, The Peace and Blessing, The Source of Peace and Safety, The Most Perfect, The Guarantor, The Self Affirming, The Granter of Security, The Affirmer of Truth, The Guardian, The Preserver, The Overseeing Protector, The Almighty, The Self Sufficient, The Most Honorable, The Powerful, The Irresistible, The Compeller, The Most Lofty, The Restorer/Improver of Affairs, The Tremendous, The Creator, The Rightful, The Fashioner of Forms, The Ever Forgiving, The All Compelling Subduer, The Bestower, The Ever Providing, The Opener, The Victory Giver The All Knowing, The Omniscient, The Restrainer, The Straightener, The Expander, The Munificent, The Abaser, The Exalter, The Giver of Honour, The Giver of Dishonour, The All Hearing, The All Seeing, The Judge, The Arbitrator, The Utterly Just, The Subtly Kind, The All Aware, The Forbearing, The Indulgent, The Magnificent, The Infinite, The All Forgiving, The Grateful, The Sublimely Exalted, The Great, The Preserver, The Nourisher, The Reckoner, The Majestic, The Bountiful, The Generous, The Watchful, The Responsive, The Answerer, The Vast, The All Encompassing, The Wise, The Loving, The Kind One, The All Glorious, The Raiser of The Dead, The Witness, The Truth, The Real, The Trustee, The Dependable , The Strong, The Firm, The Steadfast, The Protecting Friend, Patron and Helper, The All Praiseworthy, The Accounter, The Numberer of All, The Producer, Originator, and Initiator of All, The Reinstater Who Brings Back All, The Giver of Life, The Bringer of Death, The Destroyer, The Ever Living , The Self Subsisting Sustainer of All, The Perceiver, The Finder, The Unfailing, The Illustrious, The Magnificent , The One, The Unique, Manifestation of Unity, The All Inclusive, The Indivisible, The Self Sufficient, The Impregnable, The Eternally Besought of All, The Everlasting, The All Able, The All Determiner, The Dominant, The Expediter, He Who Brings Forward, He Who Puts Far Away, The First, The Last, The Manifest, The All Victorious, The Hidden, The All Encompassing, The Patron, The Self Exalted, The Most Kind and Righteous, The Ever Returning, Ever Relenting, The Avenger, The Pardoner, The Effacer of Sins, The Compassionate, The All Pitying, The Owner of All Sovereignty, The Lord of Majesty and Generosity, The Equitable, The Requiter, The Gatherer, The Unifier, The All Rich, The Independent, The Enricher, The Emancipator, The Withholder, The Shielder, the Defender, The Distressor, The Harmer, The Propitious, The Benefactor, The Light, The Guide, The Incomparable, The Originator, The Ever Enduring and Immutable, The Heir, The Inheritor of All, The Guide, Infallible Teacher and Knower, The Patient, The Timeless-’’ he huffed out.

Mircea looked at him strangely.

‘’-Amen’’ The Shade finished.

 

[Get of W'soran]

A black robed Assassin appeared on the wall next to Saul soundlessly, apparently only Akarin having heard him arrive.

Bowing deeply he spoke.
"Master, the Count wishes the family's prescence infront of the Abbey." he said softly.

Akarin nodded.
"Very well, ensure that most of your brethren remain amongst the walls to watch out for enemies, a handful may go to the Count incase any fool's try to start trouble." he ordered.

The Assassin Adept bowed deeply before stepping back and vanishing into the shadows, fading away slowly unlike the speed at which Akarin moved.

Turning his attention to Saul and trinity the assassin smiled.
"Let us not keep Simon waiting, if you'll follow me Lord and Lady von Carstein." he said lightly, his voice tinged with amusement and Sarcasm.

Turning Akarin strode off towards the meeting location.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

Lesa stood outside with Requarah, waiting with the rest of the "family" for Simon to being proceedings. She still could not help but feel the doubt in the pit of her stomach, but there was nothing she could do now. It was far too late now.

Around her stood scores of Carsteins, all waiting for their leader to perform the greatest resurrection since Nagash came back. If Simon's ego was bad now, it would be worse after and yet she was doing nothing. She knew it wasn't as if she couldn't do anything, if she wanted she could summon a comet to utterly destroy this site and stop the resurrection.......but she couldn't. Maybe it was selfish, but for a chance that Vashanesh could unite them, could grant her vengeance for Milosh, for that she would do anything.

She felt Requarah squeeze her arm and smile at hr,
"It's ok Mum. Everything will work out....I know it." The young vampiress said it with such conviction that Lesa paused for a moment before suddenly the vampires around her went quiet as Simon approached......

 

[Get of W'soran]

As Simon approached the crowd went silent, except a could of young bloods infront of Karl who recieved a quick smack around the back of their heads from his Cane.

Glancing around he saw Lesa and Requarah standing and guiding Emilie with him he moved towards them, the younger von Carstein's stepping out of the way for him as he walked.
Reaching the Lahmians he smiled and nodded before turning back to watch Simon.

*****

Akarin guided Saul and Trinity towards the Crowd, seeing Karl and Lesa he brought the pair over to the elder vampires.
"Stay here and watch." he whispered flashing them a smile before vanishing through the crowd.

The Assassin was seen once again as he stepped towards the front of the crowd and turned back to face them, he was obviously not going to stand very far from the Count during such an important moment.

 

[Knightofni]

Saul flashed Akarin a false grin.. the kind of grin that he'd give someone when he has to pretend to be pleased but really he's thinking that person's an arse-hole.. and then he scowled at the assassin's turned back. Of all the god-forsaken Council members Akarin could have left him with, the assassin had seen fit to leave him with the Baron and the Bitch.. Thanks a bunch Akarin.

 

[Gree]

What is that bitch thinking? Mircea thought as he looked at Lesa and her daughter whose name he had already forgotten. He narrowed his red eyes as he swept his gaze around. He moved ahead, right next to Vlad’s body and right next to Karl, Lesa and Saul.

‘’You don’t know how lucky you are,’’ he told Saul as he settled next to Karl. ‘’Is that right Karl?’’

 

[Get of W'soran]

"You are most correct Marshal." he replied without turning to look at the Micrea.

"This is a day that shall even overshadow the Vampire Wars." Karl said his voice filled with a nameless hunger in anticipation of tonights events.

Leaning on his cane a cold smile touched his lips but he quickly blanked his expression.

Oh yes...very lucky. he thought to himself.

 

[Gree]

‘’This will be glorious’’ Mircea said.

‘’Glorious if not for the Lahmian taint.’’ The Shade whispered behind him.

‘’Yes, you are correct’’ Mircea murmured.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"Who is correct?" Lesa said, her sharp ears picking up the murmur, "not talking to ourselves are we Mircea?"

 

[Gree]

''Karl is correct of course'' Mircea recovered swiftly. ''I was talking to him, if you did not notice''

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"Oh I did notice Mircea," Lesa said, smiling like a shark at him, "it just seems that last comment was directed at someone else, especially as you almost whispered it."

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl intervened with a diplomatic smile.

"I am sure the Marshal was merely speaking to me, you must forgive our rambling...we are all very excited about Simon's plans coming to fruitation." he said with a light chuckle.

 

[Remakaru]

Everything was in order, the yew of his bow was in perfect condition and its string was satisfactory. Each of his archaic arrows were ready for whatever was soon to come. Leo knew something big was going to happen, something bigger than what everyone else in this place expected to happen. It was sense he had picked up after spending years in the presence of beasts, a perception of reality from the remnants of the dawn of mankind: Instinct. There had been a subtle change in the tension in the air, If this place were a forest I would be searching for a wildfire. Leo stood up and readjusted his bear hide, tightening it around his waste before stretching out his arms.

“… I wonder where Akarin is…”

The young vampire mused to himself as he looked around the room. Simon and some of the others had left. The Count had mentioned some sort of gathering of the Carstein Bloodline and although he was not one of their brethren Leo was curious to see what was up. He trailed after a group of younger vampires as they assembled outside, those who noticed him looked at him with mild disgust but nobody attempted to stop him. When he reached the gathering Leo tucked himself into a dark corner and watched the proceedings with a sense of uneasiness.

 

[Knightofni]

Saul looked in mild amusement from Mircea who, despite his protests was blatantly talking to himself.. bet that's a fun conversation.. to Karl who was doing his usual arrogant superiority thing, and then to the Lahmian Bitch and her unfamiliar companion.. Bitch 1 and Bitch 2.

And then to Trinity, who was wearing a look of confusion mingled with distaste on her face; which caused Saul to chuckle lightly to himself.. it was going to be a long night.

 

[Simon von Carstein]

There was silence as Simon stood in front of the entrance to the Abbey. Above him Morrslieb seemed huge as it shone with a sickly green glow. "Von Carsteins, People of Sylvania and honoured guests. It was one of my predecessors who once said Serve me in life or serve me with your death." said Simon commanding full attention from the assembly. "Fortunately for you that is one philosophy I do not follow otherwise many of you would be dead right now. If our patriarch Vashanesh had followed it then I would be dead as well and all hope for our family would be lost. Therefore I have spared the lives of many of you simply because even though you are scum of the earth as I once was I know that something can be made of you. You all of you represent the remains of a great family. You stand here now because you have survived everything thrown at you!" he said pointing "and still stand." he continued "We have come to a crossroads one way leads to destruction because Nagash stands at the end of that path. But the other leads to salvation not just for us. But for all mankind! My leadership of our house comes to an end tonight. As I have been chosen by destiny to put us back on the right track after having strayed from the true path." Simon stepped forward and drawing his sword held it aloft with his other hand he displayed the von Carstein Ring "Tonight VON CARSTEIN RISES!!!!!!!!!!!" With one voice the crowd roared "VON CARSTEIN RISES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 

[Knightofni]

"He has a taste for theatrics doesn't he."

Saul jerked his head in Simon's direction, though his voice was probably lost in the chorus of cheers from the sycophantic crowd of total morons.

 

[Disciple of Nagash]

"Theatrics may be, but what he is about to do has never been done before," Lesa replied, "bringing back a master is no easy task. You may want to show some respect to your lord, because you will have to keep such words to yourself if this works. I have met Vlad before and he is not as....accommodating as Simon is. Such words would have your head ripped off."

 

[Gree]

''Simon has already a taste for art and plays'' Mircea said. ''I would have simply done the ressurection by now'' he commented. ''And curb your tongue whelp, Vlad will not be as forgiving as Simon when he returns.''

 

[Get of W'soran]

Karl give a faint smile, he was not one to shout along with a crowd but he did enjoy the family's excitement...it was so rare to see such...well life in Sylvania these days.

"Indeed Saul...Father will most likely kill you the first time he hears that obnoxious tone of yours. Karl said in an off-hand manner agreeing with Lesa and Micrea.

______

Akarin stood infront of Simon wearing a proud smile as he stared at the excited Crowd, however inside he felt a faint surge of annoyance at the Crowd's enthusiasm, he despised their uselessness.
However he kept the smile on his face as he forced himself to join in with their shouting.