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Masquerade; Coronation Ball
Topic Started: Mar 20 2011, 11:46 PM (694 Views)
Kiara Ragnarök
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Queen of Karash
Karash
Kiara gripped the walnut bedpost and hissed out a breath. The maid she had enlisted to help her prepare for the Masquerade, her Coronation Ball which would officially recognize her as Queen of Karash, had a foot in her spine and her hands tugging the laces for her corset.

"My Lady, t'will not go any tighter." the maid whispered, afraid to break any ill news to the intimidating vampiress. She had heard the rumors of what the new Lady had done to one of the Princes and it frightened her.

Kiara took a deep breath, or tried to. She stood carefully when the maid dropped her foot from her back and glanced in the mirror. Her figure was even more slender and she was able to span her own small hands around her waist to her satisfaction. "Very good, Isabelle. Let them out one inch so I can breath enough to speak and it will be perfect." Isabelle complied swiftly and tied a knot into the strings and tucked them beneath the corset.

Tonight was the Masquerade. A Ball that would commemorate Kiara's ascension to power as the right hand of Vlad. Everyone in mask and drinking and carousing in celebration.

Isabelle stood on a step-stool with Kiara's gown held ready. She raised her arms and let the yards of glittering jade and sparkling white tulle fabric cascade down over her head. With a few smart tugs, the gown was in place and the maid was lacing the back up, moving the short train aside. Kiara smoothed the fabric under her palms and smiled at her reflection. She did always love dressing up, the fact that it was for her own Ball, made it all the more exciting. The dress was exquisite with a tight bodice that displayed her charms, long flowing skirts that billowed enough for shape and the straps of the dress were so that it bared her shoulders.

In the next two hours, Kiara's hair was intricately curled and bound, not on top of her head, but in a loose knot at the base of her neck, ringlets against her shoulders. Her eyes were kohled, lips painted red. And the remaining accouterments to her dress were applied. She kissed Isabelle's cheek to the maid's silent horror, sprayed a heady dark perfume across her decolletage and grabbed her lace and jade satin domino. She made sure the mask was secure when she left her rooms, soft slippers that matched whispering across the stone floors.

Every hallway had been scrubbed clean, every tapestry carefully restored. The rushes that lay across the floors were fresh and fragrant. All of the servants had been instructed to be silent, clean and do every guest's bidding. If not, then they would be served as appetizers.

The Hall was brightly lit with tall candles and braces of torches. Colored swathes of silk hung from the ceiling and walls, creating a closer more intimate space to be filled. But the Ballroom was magnificent. The floors were polished until gleaming, tables of food and drink set out for guests who may or may not partake depending on whether or not they were able. Kiara had given the cook her recipe for blood-infused wines and liquors and they had been made by the cask.

Everything was perfect, even down to the small orchestra that was on the balcony outside of the Ballroom, as to bring in the strains of music without it being deafening. The colors, the lighting, the servants, food and drink... perhaps a bit of entertainment after whatever Vlad was planning for the ceremony. A wonderful party.

Kiara stood in the Hall, looking over every inch with a critical eye. The lights caught in her golden hair, reflected in her silver eyes and sparkled across the fabric of her gown. She smiled and stood there, watching the comings and goings of servants making last minute preparations.

"Oh yes, this will be a great Masquerade."
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Lord Vlad
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Ancient Lord of the Dark
Karash*
"My, my, don't we look stunning." Vlad said as he rested his body in on the door frame and stared at Kiara, his arms folded.

"As a present to your this night, I have sent out warriors and they have burned the coast of the neutral country of Gao. They will always remember this night." He smiled at her, mirth touching his blue eyes and making them sparkle.

"Are you excited?"

He pushed himself up off the door frame and stalked into the room, his body moving with a beautiful grace that came only with age.

"My sons will be here, but Zory has been better of late, and you have yet to meet Vorigan, my favorite."

Vlad stooped and pressed his lips to Kiara's lovely bare shoulder and gave it a kiss. Then he rested his gaze on Isabelle and gave her a rakish smile.

"Are you caring for your lady well, Isa?" The slave bowed her head, almost sinking into the floor with her curtsy.

"Good, good." Vlad said and extended his hand, bring her back to her feet and kissing the back of her palm.

"Have you tasted this one yet?" He asked Kiara, "She has a delightfully rare taste, its a spicy sweetness that love."

Isabelle began to tremble and her cheeks reddened with embarrassed horror.

"There, I've scared her now, it seems she didn't want you to know she used to lay with me."

The King laughed, deep and rolling laughter.

"I don't anymore of course." His blue eyes rested on Kiara, "Not since you came back to me."

Vlad had waited then, watching Kiara dress, watching how even lovelier she became, then followed her out into the hallway and nodded at her comment.

"It will indeed. I expect everyone will be in attendance, those that do not attend will be slaughtered for dishonoring you." He laughed and took her hand, kissing it.

"We will crown you Queen tonight, my darling, and then I have a surprise for you. One that I cannot wait to give you."

A twinkle of mischief passed in Vlad's eyes, then he held out his arm.

"Come, we shall begin to mingle."

Vlad outstretched his elbow. Tonight, Vlad had chosen a well tailored, close fitted Suite of black. He wore a beautiful bright crimson shirt beneath it and his pale skin added to the richness of his outfit. His black hair was held back with a thin piece of red leather, gathered neatly at his neck and laying down along his back. He had a wicked smile that set his brilliant fangs gleaming in the candle light that illuminated the entire place.
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Ashtel Nightstalker
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Vampire
Nyston
Karash. Land of death and darkness. Here could be found the most vile and twisted of creatures. Things that could only barely be called life forms at all. For centuries, nay, mellenia, this land had been the refuge of all manner of night beings. From vampires and zombies, to ghouls and ghosts. Legends spoke of those who had 'brought the sun', bringing an end to Vlad's 'golden age', but Ashtel did not think those pure rays had ever touched this cold and rocky land.

He turned away from the open window, looking back to the broken body of the woman who lay amidst the tangled and bloody sheets. Ashtel wondered if Vlad would be upset at the loss of this mortal wench. One could never tell with the Dark King, he was most unpredictable and was know to show something almost similar to compassion for these cattle at times.

Ashtel shrugged and left the room, adjusting the fine coat of dark violet that he had 'aqquired' for this occassion as he did so. Normally, he paid little heed to his apperance, but he had decided to clean up for this most significant of nights. He snorted to himself at the thought. Vlad decided to crown another whore and everybody was expected to attend and pay honor to her.

In truth, Vlad's whore was not the woman who interested him this evening. Nor was it the recently deceased wench in the room some hundred yards behind him. He could sense the presence of one who he had not seen in centuries. The one, above all others, whom he loved just as firecely as he hated. He made his way through the maze of rooms till he came to the main ballroom.

Outside the doors, he stopped and adjusted his dark hair, washed and tied back neatly, for a change. He took his overembellished mask out from his coat, placing the jewel-covered gold to his face. Few who knew him would recognize him here, looking as he did.

Smiling to himself, he swept into the room. Many watched him as he passed, undoubtedly wondering who he was and if his presence would have any effect on their own personal plans. He paid no mind to any of them. He simply continued strolling, appearing to pass through the crowd at random, but he knew where he was going as surely as if a glowing arrow pointed the way.

When he finally approached her, she stood with her arms folded beneath the ample bosom that threatened to spill out of the dress that was as pale as her skin. She tapped one slippered foot impatiantly and the curly orange hair piled atop her head in a mound looked ridiculous.

"Mistress Leccy," he said with his most charming smile and half a bow. "You do look lovely this evening. It has been far too long since last we spoke." It could never be long enough.

"You appear to be doing well, Child," she said softly. "What do you wish of me this night?"

"Why nothing but the pleasure of your company, of course," he said stiffly, bristling at her condecending tone, at being called Child. Though with her, there was little he could do about that.

"Of course," she said in the same soft voice. "You will excuse me for a moment." She walked off, or slid, rather. Graceful was not a strong enough word to explain the sensualatiy of the way she moved. She always stirred a deep lust in Ashtel, yet she made him want to tear her limb from limb at the same time.

He sighed inwardly, watching her go, and shrugged. It would seem she was not in the mood for his games this night. Surely there was some fledgling he could find to take out his aggression. He looked towards where he knew the Dark King would emerge. He itched to vent his rage, his lust, as he always did, everytime he ran into Leccy. "Let's get this over with," he muttered.


"GO AHEAD... SCREAM... NO ONE CAN HELP YOU NOW..." - ASHTEL
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Erik Trygstad
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Vampire
Karash
Erik laid out upon his bed with a book in his hands, several candles were lit upon the desk and hanging from the walls as he quietly read. The book had an old bind that was worn and faded, the cover title was written in an ancient tongue and the pages yellow and crisp from age. There was a knock on his door and in entered a slave girl who carried in folded clothes, she gave a curtsy and kept her eyes to the ground. He glanced up from his book at the girl then looked at the outfit she carried.

"Why have you disturbed me Elsa?"

The slaves voice quivered as she spoke, "My Prince, I was instructed to bring you attire to wear tonight at the ball."

Eerie blue eyes rolled as he hissed through his fangs, Erik had forgotten all about the Masque that was being held for his father's new 'Queen'. The very thought of attending made him sick.

"Just put them on the corner of the bed and go."

Elsa did just that and with great speed, he couldn't help but smirk a little at how she feared him but Erik was still angry with Vlad and the smirk vanished as quick as it appeared. He starred at the clothes brought then went back to his book. Sure, he would attend, but when he wanted to and that wouldn't be before he finished this chapter. The vampire could think of several reasons not to attend. One, he never had been nor never would be his father's favorite. Erik always came in third to his brothers and there was a time when he did everything possible to please Vlad. But it never made a difference. Two, he no longer felt apart of this place, having been away for so long, Erik learned to survive on his own and look after himself. Three, the young immortal hated balls and he thought a masquerade full of vampires was pointless, as if they wouldn't all know from scent alone who the others were. And last but not least, after what Kiara had done to Zory, Erik had no desire to even be within the same palace, let alone the same room with her.

There was a conflict he dealt with, on one hand, as much as he hated to admit it, he still cared for Vlad but on the other, Erik knew that he meant nothing to the vampire lord. He finished the chapter he was on and starred at the outfit intended for him to wear before deciding it was also pointless to fight against this. Erik pulled off what he had on and changed into the clothes Elsa brought, sliding the mask on last before he headed down. The prince made an impressive display of mingling but on the inside, he hated every moment.
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Khorne Bloodfang
Vampire Soldier
Karash*
Khorne hated doing things like this, dressing up to go play nice with the other idiots whom thought they were somehow like him. These damned fools were nothing like him, he was a creature of war, of the hunt. They were men and women of what they dared call refinery. Refinery, pah! their race hadn't become this way by sipping on the blood of the idiot cattle that had served as a food source. They had come through it by force of arms, overthrowing the old human kingdoms by merit of strength not through dancing like those same cattle!

Khorne took one last look into his mirror to make sure he was 'presentable' as the captain had put it. His normally wrinkled and dirty coat had been smoothed and cleaned to make it look almost new and he had cleaned his hair so that the normal greasy look was gone and his black seemed to shine against the little light that was there. His skin was cleared of all dirt and dust showing skin that was remarkably pale even by a vampires standards. His mask lay on the table, a raven. It suited him in one respect at least, the black echoed his own dark mood at coming to this event.

With a sigh Khorne put on his mask and started the walk to his meeting place with the rest of his men. The idiot Khorne was forced to serve had wanted to make a good impression on the princes and if the chance came Vlad himself. There was talk of him looking at taking a promotion to actually command something instead of sitting around here. As Khorne approached the meeting place designated by his commander he saw three others that were attending as well, apparently it would just be the five of them tonight. Either that or the rest of the men had already gone to the ball.

“Alright listen up you louts; I’ll have no issues with you tonight. If any one of you so much as puts one toe out of line I’ll have him drinking down poison for the rest of his short life. Understand?”

His glare took each of them in turn, focusing on Khorne for a moment longer than the rest. Kharn just nodded and walked into the room with the rest of the soldiers. His captain walked off and started to mingle with the other vampires and a few of the others started to look around for someone to talk with. Khorne was content to stand off in a corner where he could see and hear everything that was going on. Let the idiots have their fun, he would be here no longer than he had to.
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Vorigan
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Karash*
Vorigan, General of Vlad's army, and the favorite son, pushed open the doors to his father's castle with ease, but with a troubled heart. There was much he needed to discuss with his father, but tonight, perhaps he would have to wait. His father had not told him why the Vampire Court was throwing a Ball. Vlad had been very cryptic. But Vorigan had known at least that he should be dressed up, his beautiful face hidden behind a mask, a silver representation of an ancient moon god, or something like that, either way, he was masked, as he'd been instructed to be.

Once he was inside, Vorigan swept his hand down over his coat, dusting off some of the snow that still clung to it from his trip over Terra. A servant girl, she couldn't have been any older than thirteen walked up to him, it was only because of his keen gaze on the girl that he noticed how she walked, haltingly, as though she thought something evil would happen to her. Of course, Vorigan was sure something had. He could see scars all over the child, teeth markings, where she'd been dined on. Vorigan shrugged off his black wool coat and handed it to her, bowing to the girl who's eyes widened at the gesture. Vorigan slipped the silver mask from his face and stared at her with lovely blue eyes.

"Have they harmed you, child?"

She stared at him again, confused and suspicious.

Vorigan extended his hand and she, out of habit, placed hers into his. She winced slightly, thinking that she was to be tasted but he kissed the back of her hand and smiled at her.

"In the upper rooms, where I used to stay there is a box, hidden away in the closet cupboard. It has foxfire in it." The girl's eyes widened with something of shock and hope.

"Yes, sweetling, go and get it, and rub in on your skin. The fledglings will leave you alone, perhaps the older ones will be averted as well, but, I make no promises on that."

"Its the younger ones anyway." The child finally said, her voice shaking. "Even when they've been told not to."

Vorigan nodded.

"I know, child, go, leave my coat there as well."

The girl nodded and ran away, heading up stairs.

Vorigan smiled after her then let a dark look fall over his face. When he found the fledglings that had ganged up on the girl, he was going to kill them all. Idly he ran a hand through his blonde hair and smooth down his white suit jacket. His attire was completely white, white shirt, pants, shoes. He would stand out in the crowded Ball room, which is what he wanted.

After another moment Vorigan placed the mask over his face and stepped into the Ballroom. It was packed. Vampires of all ages, colors, many wearing black, many reds and greens. He stood in the doorway for a a while, taking in the chatter, listening to conversations here and there.

"I've never seen her before."

"Nor have I, where do you think she comes from?"

"I can't believe it is all for her."

Vorigan frowned. What was going on here?

Then a hand rested on his shoulder and instead of jumping he turned his masked face to rest on the image of his brother, Zory. He wrapped his arms around Zory so quickly that his brother didn't even have time to protest. Vorigan felt Zory's body stiffen, as though the embrace wasn't welcome, but Vorigan couldn't help himself, it had been...years since he'd seen Zory. Vorigan tugged at Zory's arm and the two slipped out of the Ballroom. Once out of eyeshot and hopefully earshot, Vorigan slipped the mask from his face and hugged his brother again, nuzzling Zory's cheek. It was then that he smelled his brother, and though he was as it always was, the warm, almost sweet smell of his brother, but then an under note, a rich evil that had never been there before.

"Zory?" Vorigan whispered, letting go enough so that their faces were close together. Dark brown eyes stared back, the lovely face, the chocolate hair. Zory raised an eyebrow.

"What?"

Vorigan shrugged and let his brother go.

"What's wrong with you?" He whispered, his blue eyes wide and unbelieving.

"Nothing." Zory answered, his voice musical Kostroman. Vorigan stared at him for a few moments and then his eyes widened even more and he removed himself from his brother entirely.

“You have fed.” He whispered, shocked. “But not from a human.”
Zory shrugged his shoulders, obviously trying not to make a big deal of it, but he’d wondered if Vorigan would notice and how he would react.

Zory has not fed for years, by choice and because he did not need to. He chose never to spill human blood because he had an empathy for the humans, and secretly did not want Vlad’s war to be victorious. Vorigan knew that, Zory had told him as much, but the simple fact that Zory had fed, did that mean that he had changed?

“No,” Zory said, as if he could read Vorigan’s thoughts, “I still want there to be peace. But the woman that I fed from…” His voice broke off and he let his eyes drop to the floor.

“The woman was something other than human, as you have guessed. Father knows about her, but he won’t tell me anything, as usual.” Then Zory gripped his brother, there was a crazed light in his eyes.

“You have to ask him what he know, Vori, you have to. There’s something inside me now that I cannot keep at bay. I want to drink blood, more than I have ever wanted anything in my entire life. It is not the same fledgling lust that I remember, now it is an evil, burning need and I do not care who I come across, I wish to destroy them. Whatever the creature was, she made me frenzy and I could not stop myself until I had drank my fill of her.” Zory shuddered, “And I want more of her. I can still her face…and I want her.”

Zory shivered and let Vorigan go, then turned his back on his brother and walked away. Vorigan stood there, staring, shocked, and a little disgusted. Zory had always been the strong one, never needing the blood like the rest of them. Vlad had always told him it was because Zory was Kostroman and stubborn. But this was so different, so surreal.

“I will ask for you, brother.” Vorigan said to the empty space then, put on his silver mask and stepped back into the Ballroom. The band had struck up some lively and soothing music that many had started dancing to. Out of the corner of his eyes, Vorigan saw the young girl he’d spoken to and noticed how many gave her a wide space. He smiled to himself, a job well done, for now at least.

Then he saw his father enter and the beautiful woman on his arm, the woman that so many seemed to have been talking about. He let his blue eyes follow her; she was beautiful, she moved with an ancient grace that seemed to be lost in this era. From next to him he heard someone whisper, ‘whore’ and he frowned, this woman looked nothing like a woman to be used and thrown away. She was, what was the right word for it, powerful, he thought, she looked unimaginable powerful.

Vorigan let his eyes rove over the crowd and after a while he snagged a cup of blood infused wine.

“What are you up to, Vlad.” He mused to himself, “What are you up to?”
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Kiara Ragnarök
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Queen of Karash
Karash
Kiara slipped her arm through Vlad's smiling up at him. She walked with him through the throng of people, her silver eyes dancing in the flickering candlelight all around.

As she walked, whispers followed her and she could not help but smile at the young simple minds who had no defense but to call her names behind her back. Silly little fledglings, they would learn.

Not one of them, excluding Vlad, knew what she was capable of or they would never disrespect her so. Ah, but it was a party, was it not?

Kiara laughed softly, power lacing through the sound so that it slid around bodies and filled the air with a tremulous tingling energy. Heads started to turn to her, shivering with the crawling sensation. A smirk played over her ruby colored mouth and she pressed her fingers into Vlad's arm.

"You're looking well tonight, my Lord. I've always loved you in black and red." She looked up at Vlad and winked at him before she turned her face out across the crowd.

"So which is Vorigan or rather, is he even here yet? And I am glad that Zory is doing better. I admit, I do feel a little bad that I trounced him so soundly. It was beneath me to lose my temper like that."

Kiara plucked a flute of champagne laced with blood from a passing tray and sipped from the glass, her eyes roving over the masked faces. The whispers and soft conversations swirling through the huge room, creating a nearly tangible layer of atmosphere. "And where is your other son, Erik? I have a feeling he might make a fuss when he sees me. He wasn't happy last I saw him."

She curled a little closer to the shelter Vlad provided for her and leaned up to whisper in his ear, her mouth brushing against his skin. "Who should I get to know first, Tepes? Surely your nobles are here as well?"
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Ashtel Nightstalker
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Vampire
Nyston
Ashtel roamed the ballroom aimlessly. He waited for Vlad to come and begin the bloody coronation already. As soon as the blasted ceremony was over, he was gone. He had places to be, things to attend to. He caught sight of Leccy several times, but whenever he moved closer she moved away again.

He quickly forgot about Leccy though as he felt a commanding presence enter the room. He turned to see Vlad entering, dressed sharply in black and red. On his arm was the whore. On second look, Ashtel was forced to admit that her beauty was but one of her blessings. One look in those silver eyes and he could see that she was more than he had thought. She was old, so very old, she made Leccy seem younger than himself.

Ashtel was nearly entranced by her presence, a presence that came close to matching that of Vlad, King of Darkness himself. So, perhaps the dark Lord was not so befuddled as most thought. He had chosen a woman of beauty, with power and intelligence. Ashtel himself had been mistaken.

What did this mean for his own future plans? Ashtel was one who, though he despised the Human race and saw them as nothing but cattle and pawns, did not want them to be exterminated. Even cattle and pawns had their place in the order of things. Without them, the vampires would eventually turn on each other and wipe themselves out. Even he, the monster that he was, knew this. So why had Vlad done as he did? That was why Ashtel had believed him to be mad. If the vampire lord was not mad, and had such a woman by his side, then the chances of Vlad actually winning his war were quite good.

Ashtel wasn't so sure that he could just let that happen.


"GO AHEAD... SCREAM... NO ONE CAN HELP YOU NOW..." - ASHTEL
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Lord Vlad
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Ancient Lord of the Dark
Karash*
The King smiled at Kiara and squeeze the hand that was slipped through his arm gently.

"They are enamored with you, my dear. Ignore what they are saying." His cold blue eyes glared at a few of the fledglings that had whispered the word 'whore'. He knew which they were and they would all die, in time. He walked Kiara through the Ballroom and up on to the dais where his throne was. Then he kissed her hand and placed her in it.

"Vorigan?" He said to her, then he turned his face and scanned the room, his eyes falling over a figure totally clad in white and knew it was his son. Zory was standing not far off, Erik as well, some of Vorigan's soldiers, and more and more nobles, fledglings and unknown faces that he was sure he would remember in time.

"Yes, sweetheart, there, looking like the Moon God in white and silver." He smiled, his white teeth glinting in the candlelight that lit the room. "What a picture he makes. I wish you to be open to him, my love, he is my favorite. He is stronger than any give him credit for. They think it is because of his beauty that I love him, but that is not so, it is because of his mind and his great vitality."

Vlad let his eyes scan the room once more and then he caught sight of Mina, she stood in the doorway, a crown in her hands. He lifted his head, a motion for her to start her procession in.

"I am so glad you have all come." Vlad said, his voice carrying throughout the room, in a great echo. Everyone present hushed and turned their eyes on their King.

"We gather this night to honor this beautiful woman here, at my side." He gestured to Kiara. "She shall this night be crowned your Queen and you will all obey her as you would obey me."

Mina walked down the rows of people, the silver crown glittering with the Diamonds and Alexandrite stones that shone a blood red in the dim light. Mina was draped in a long red dress, beautiful Kostroman silk that fluttered around her feet as she walked. She was the very image of flowing blood, her pale skin shining her long silky straight black hair flowing around her shoulders and down her back.

Vlad watched her. He remembered so well the day he had won her and now, ages had passed since that day and there was still that fascination with her. She had left his chambers eons ago, content with gathering a family around her of chosen daughters and playing the vampire political games. But when he called on her she was there, ready to do his bidding, even though now, she was strong enough to resist him.

Mina reached the dais and bowed low, the crown held up above her. With a beautiful deep feminine voice she said,

"I welcome you lady in to our house and with the power vested in me, given by our King, I present you with this crown." She stood, her body liquid in its movement. She was an ancient as well, powerful energy crackling the air around her. Vlad stood aside and though he wanted to ran his hand over her shoulder and down her back, just to feel the silk against her skin, he did not, now was not the time and she, unlike so many other women, would not appreciate it. Mina let her red eyes rest on the King and with a silent smile she bowed her head to him and then stepped before Kiara and lifted the crown to rest on Kiara's head.

"Wear this, lady, and remember your duties as Queen, lead us into the next Golden Age." She rested her arms at her side again and with then said, very quietly so that only Kiara could hear her.

"Wear it longer than I did, and do not let him rule you with too iron a fist. Destroy any that think to move against you, I can smell that you are from another time, I warn you, things have changed and there is no longer such a reverence to the old ways of Kingship as Vlad thinks."

Mina's red eyes glanced at Vlad and he nodded, he didn't care what she was saying to Kiara, he knew that, whatever the topic, it was wisdom.

"And do not think that bloodshed is the only way to rule, my Queen." She whispered. "We need diplomacy as well as blood. Remember that too. Diplomacy is where the King fails."

Then she stepped aside, on Kiara's right and gestured to the throne.

"Behold, our Queen!"

The Ballroom erupted in clapping and calls of well wishes, whether they were real or not, Mina was happy to see that at least everyone was playing their part.

She slid away from the dais, her job as Queen maker, done.

Vorigan's bright eyes watched her go, he'd always been fasinated with Mina, a woman who had been mother to him, as best as she could be. He loved her, in a way and respected when she thought to give him advice. Vorigan moved with the crowd, lining up to kiss the hand of the new Queen.

When at last it came his turn he took the woman's hand and without removing the silver mask, bent his head over her hand in fealty.

"My son." Vlad said, quietly.

"My King and father." Vorigan said behind the mask, "We have much to discuss."

"Find me when the music starts, we will talk." Vlad said and Vorigan slipped back into the crowd.

Music struck up again and slaves were brought in, the feast would begin and dancing to follow.

The party was underway, and Vlad smiled, enjoying the evening.
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Kiara Ragnarök
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Queen of Karash
Karash
Kiara smiled up at Vlad as she settled into the throne. The last time she sat in one, she was drenched head to toe in blood and had just murdered an entire castle of vampires, servants, and devoted blood slaves. Her eyes gleamed with silver fire and she turned her head to look at the man Vlad pointed out, Vorigan. "I shall get to know him in time, my King." She murmured in a voice soft enough to only be heard by him.

The room fell silent and a woman in red approached her with a crown. Her entire form stilled. It was Mina. She knew the woman's face and form, from eons ago. She watched Mina move like silk sliding over satin through the Ballroom, the crowds parting for their venerable elder Queen.

Kiara nodded deeply to Mina and gave the woman her full attention, her head dipping lower to receive the weight of the Crown, the weight of responsibility.

She committed Mina's words to memory and reached out before she glided away, gently pressing her fingers to the woman's arm. "Thank you, Mina... " She whispered the words in the same tone that she had used, meant only for her ears.


The room erupted into applause and hooting. She knew that not all of it, if any was genuine. Kiara stood and raised her voice slightly, power leaching into the sweet tones, "My dear friends, thank you for your applause. I vow to be a modern Queen. To lead our people into a new era of prosperity and power, the likes of which we have never seen. I will hold Court in two days time. Everyone will be able to attend. There is no longer the strict importance to be placed on class distinction, but rather, how well you individually may serve your King and Queen."


She sat down once more for the queue of people to kiss her hand or make their vows to the new Queen. Kiara smiled politely through it, and nodded to Vorigan when he bowed over her hand. She should have worn gloves...

When the line was finally gone, she stood from her throne, slipped her shoes off for they were pinching her feet and went to Vlad's side. "So, I suspect that you have things to attend to, but I will have my dance before you go." She slid her hand into his and grinned.
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Khorne Bloodfang
Vampire Soldier
Karash*
Khorne stood silently in his corner while the rest of the idiots walked around trying to look important. He couldn’t understand how their race had become so obsessed with the idiotic and the unnecessary. Who cared what was going on with King Vlad? They should be more concerned with the humans, he knew it was necessary to have the cattle around for their people to survive on but why did they need to have such people around here? Khorne loved to simply hunt down a runaway, though sometimes they needed incentive to start running away. It didn’t take much to get the cattle running, most of the time anyway. As Kharn sat there with his thoughts he saw a girl walking by and the others were giving her a very wide berth. He couldn’t think of what could make them do so, then he noticed it. Foxfire was coming off her, he resisted the urge to cover his nose. He would not let that cattle make him turn away or show weakness just because she had gotten some herbs to drive off the feeders.

Suddenly there was a great commotion as the king began the ceremony, a woman in dark red silk that seemed to show the blood that all the vampires hungered for walked down the rows of people to where Vlad and his new queen were standing. Khorne listened in with feigned interest as the woman went through the motions of crowning the new queen. He could see that there was a line forming to honor the new queen and waited for it to reach about where he was standing before he got in. Khorne was really in no rush to meet this new woman, truthfully he was in no rush to be anywhere. He wanted to fight. He wanted to be out slaughtering! He was being wasted here rotting in the capitol where all resistance had been crushed and there was nothing to let his bloodlust on.

As he approached the new queen he could see that she was far more than people thought him to be. She was obviously very beautiful and from her demeanor she was very powerful, certainly not the whore that so many were talking about her being. Her eyes had a strength that was not seen simply by the silver color. She also seemed to have a sweet demeanor yet he doubted she wouldn’t have come this far if she truly was that weak and concerned with others. He took her hand and kissed it without uttering a word, simply wishing to get back to his own affairs so he could take off his damned mask. Thankfully it was almost over, all that remained was the dancing and festivities. He would only have to stay for a little while longer and then he could be on his way.
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Vorigan
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Karash*
"The boredom on your face tells me you are used to the field, and not the courts."

Vorigan slipped the sliver mask off of his face and stared at Khorne.

"You are a soldier, yes?"

Vorigan gave the younger vampire a moment to respond to him, but then grew tired of waiting and instead, he turned and drew another cup of blood wine off a tray that passed by him.

"Do you know who I am soldier?"

The Prince's words were crisp. If the soldier was a simpleton, then so be it, he would seek out another to carry out his wishes, but if the young vampire wasn't thick, then perhaps he would be useful. Either way, he needed a loyal soldier. Vorigan watched Khorne's eyes glance over in the direction of the young girl whom he'd given the foxfire to and he narrowed his eyes and stared at Khorne.

"She is off limits." the statement was simple enough, and if his orders were not followed, fledglings would die. "I do not like to see the children tormented. There is enough of that in their future."

Then a noise caught the General's ears and he turned his head. There was the faintest pitter patter of bare feet and he knew who it must be just from her scent. He turned his body to stare at the Ballroom doors, and soon enough he could hear her heart beat.

Vorigan looked up at the King, who's head was turned as well, he could hear her as well.

"You will be needed. Keep yourself close soldier."

Vorigan stood where he was, his entire body in tune with the sounds he was listening to, the smells he could taste, feet away from her. The madness was palpable, even from a distance, but she was so important, so necessary for so many of their plans.

Mim stood in the doorway. Gods, she was lovely, dark hair, dark eyes, but they were not a dark chocolate, but a black so deep that it took his breath whenever he saw her. Vorigan looked to his father again and Vlad seemed to say, with just a slight inclination of his head, "get to her and make sure she is not seen."

Mim's eyes were wide, she was searching the crowd. The white dress she wore as smattered with soot and her feet were bare as they always were. Vorigan smiled to himself and moved quickly to intercept her before...

A vampire sprang out of the crowd, his movement quick, his manner evil and harsh. Mim dropped to her knees before him and bowed her head. Vorigan stopped and looked up again at Vlad who had taken Kiara's hand, smiling and moved into the center of the room, along with other vampire couples and was dancing with his new Queen, but his eyes were on Vorigan, and there was concern in them.

"My master." Vorigan heard Mim say as she all but pressed herself into the stone floor.

"Where were you?"

"On orders of the King's." Mim mumbled and pressed her face against the floor.

"Stupid little witch." The vampire snapped and gripped her harshly by the shoulder, dragging the lovely little woman to her feet. Vorigan winced as Mim did and turned his face away as she cried out in pain. He heard her collar bone snap from the force of her Master's hand.

"I told you that you have to ask my leave and you are not Vlad's property, you are mine. He must come to me if he thinks to use you or your Vritra."

Mim began crying, the pain caused to her obviously great. Vorigan turned his face away from the scene. Vlad continued his dance, fury in his eyes. Though he was King there was only so much he could do about the treatment of other vampires' slaves. Mim was special as well, and he did not want any to know just how special she was. Vlad tightened his hold on Kiara as they moved together slowly in a dance.

"That one, by the door, abusing his human, he is the first I would like to destroy. Unfortunately he is very influential and has many friends so he is not so easily snuffed out. His name is Casimir."

Vlad turned his face away, he too could hear Mim crying and it was all that he could do to ignore it.

"I would have his heart for treating the poor girl as he does. But you will know all of it soon."

Vorigan watched his father from across the room and turned his attention back Mim, he could hear her gasping now, the pain so great she couldn't keep her voice low. But no one else cared or even looked surprised. Casimir was a devil, and no one crossed him. He drew Mim up by her arm, making her cry out from the pain and bit into her neck and dragged her from the room. Vorigan shuddered, there was pain in Mim's voice and then the sigh of being drowned in a swoon induced by her Master's bite. Vorigan stared after Casimir and snarled to himself. He would need to get Mim alone, but if she would be coherent after her torture he wasn't sure how much information she could give him.

Then his eye caught sight of a man, a human he did not know. The man had the smell of fresh wind and Vritra and Mim. Vorigan wasted no time but moved to the man's side.

"You seem out of place, sir." He said, keeping his voice level and welcoming. "If you arrived here with the young lady that was just dragged out, I apologize, if not, I would have you state your business before the room realizes you have blood running through you none of them have yet tasted." His smile was genuine.

"Perhaps you are here to congratulate our new Queen?"
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Kiara Ragnarök
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Queen of Karash
Karash
Kiara turned her dance with Vlad toward the commotion, her silver eyes flaring hot and angry as she watched through bodies the treatment of a young woman. "Vlad, that vampire will be destroyed. By my hand or yours, it will be done."

She watched the scene as long as she could before being swept into the dance with her King, twirled around the dance floor, pretending the tremors that went through the stone wasn't her doing.

Devlin glared after the strong vampire that had dragged the gentle bat-crazy Mim off. He wanted nothing more than to chase after him, grab a sword and chop the bleeder's head off. But this was not the place to be killing off a powerful vampire in the middle of some bloody shindig. He turned to the man who addressed him and sneered, brogue thick in his baritone.

"I was brough' here with the young gel. And ye can shove yer apology up yer arse. I've come for a wench with blond hair and silver eyes. " Devlin scanned the crowd and he spotted his quarry. Kiara was dancing with a tall man in black, a look of supreme distaste marring her masked features.

He snarled and shoved himself through the mob of vampires, pushing past the ones who stood in his path, and outright bringing a few to their knees who dared think he was a meal.

With a roar of rage, Beserkergang threatening to overtake him, Devlin burst onto the dance floor and shouted as he stalked toward Kiara in her jade and cream dress, a silver crown nestled in her blond hair. Ah, so she was the 'Queen' was she?

"Kiara Illuminatus Mandruleanu Dumont! I will have yer head for this, woman."

Kiara lifted her head and peered around Vlad with a wide happy smile. She pushed her way in front of Vlad and held her arms out as if to embrace more than six and a half feet of enraged Scotsman. "Devlin, my dear! How did you get here? Do you like my dress?" She twirled the skirts to and fro as Devlin grabbed her shoulders and shook her like a rag doll.

"I'm goin' tae break yer fool neck, wench. How the bluidy feck did ye get here?"

Kiara giggled the whole time he shook her.

Devlin dug his hands into her slender shoulders and squeezed hard enough to hear the bones creeking. But when his hands slid up to around her neck, Kiara's eyes flashed cold and he was suddenly suspended upside down, facing her with his arms and legs bound rigidly.

Kiara hissed out a sharp rebuke and slapped Devlin's face hard enough to leave a livid handprint across his cheek. By now the entire assembly would be watching in fascination. And the music has died away into a hesitant silence. She glanced at Vlad and motioned to him that she had this. "My dear sweet Devlin, you have mistaken your place. We will talk later about the circumstances of my arrival... and you will explain yourself regarding yours."

She wrapped a hand around his throat and gripped hard, nails digging into flesh. Blood ran in rivulets down his face into his hair and Devlin snarled in rage, his body transforming, muscles filling out and clothes straining once more around the new girth of his arms and legs.

Kiara laughed and slapped his other cheek before letting him drop to the floor. She crouched down and said loud enough for the entire room to hear, "You will wait until my Coronation Ball is over, or I will rip your spleen out through your nose. Again."

She snapped her fingers and servants came out to roll the still bound by invisible power onto a trolley and wheel him to some part of the castle Kiara could call on him after.

Devlin screamed and fought the restraints, his voice bestial in his rage. The last thing he wanted was to be bound away until the stupid feckin' chit would come to him. The only good thing about their rendezvous later would be that they could beat each other to a pulp and then settle out the hows and whys of their presence here.

Kiara looked up at Vlad, licking her fingers clean of the dark crimson liquid, her eyes warming to a molten shade of mercury, "Devlin is such a sweet man to come to my Ball, isn't he?" She slid her hand into Vlad's and sighed happily, "Well, shall we finish our dance?"
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Khorne Bloodfang
Vampire Soldier
Karash*
Kharn stood silently in his corner until another came over to talk to him. His mask was intricate and he was dressed in materials far fancier than Khorne's overcoat. When he spoke to him Khorne was surprised, most people didn't dare talk to a vampire with such a rage in him. He was either very high up in the chain of command or he had no idea of how bloody Khorne could be on the battlefield. For a moment he didn't answer the other vampire hoping that he would just go away when Khorne didn't respond. Unfortunately he didn't just leave, the other vampire insisted on questioning him. When he removed his mask and asked who he was Khornes jaw just about dropped. The captain had made sure that everyone knew his image, this was Vorigan. General of king Vlad's armies and one of the most powerful men in the kingdom.

"I know you your highness."

Khorne was a little surprised that the prince was speaking to him. He thought if anything he would be speaking to the captain. As Khorne spoke his mouth caught the scent of the foxfire once more and Khorne looked over he saw the girl walking about again. He could hear Vorigan make some comment about her being off limits. Khorne didn't care all that much, he only fed on those with enough guts to try to run and those here never fit the bill.

As Vorigan walked away Khorne followed at a respectable distance, not wanting to be to far should he be needed but at the same time Khorne refused to admit that anyone was truly his master. He knew otherwise but had never met the one who turned him. He followed along as they came across a woman covered in soot. When her master finally came out and started torturing her it was all that Khorne could do not to silence her. Still it wasn't his place to do so.

When Vorigan moved to talk to a human Khorne once more followed, with the distraction of the girl it was all he could do to control himself. Oh well, there was nothing that could be done about that. All he could hope for was that the girls screams would stop ringing in his skull soon enough.

"What was it you needed a soldier for Sir?"

Khorne tried to keep his tone civil but the girls shouting had really rubbed his ears raw. It took a moment to get himself back into order but once he was able to think straight again he noticed that there was blood on the floor. Apparently something had happened while he was trying to clear his head.
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Erik Trygstad
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Vampire
Karash
Erik moved through the crowd dispassionately, he mingled here and there, saying little and making conversations short as he would move onto someone new; he didn’t pay attention to anything said to him nor cared, for that matter. His only objection was to make sure he was noticed by his father, wait a few songs and then he would take his leave of this event for a quieter place to think. His attire was not his usual black, but instead his jacket was a midnight blue lined with silver and his shirt was silver while his mask matched his jacket and pants. It felt odd to be in a color other than black but it was still dark enough that he adjusted quickly. He hadn’t the faintest idea who picked it out and really he didn’t care, it suited the event and that’s all that mattered.

A smile lit up his face as his oldest brother made an entrance all in white, Vorigan knew how to draw attention. Erik couldn’t even remember the last time he saw his oldest brother or spoke with him but he decided not to approach him just yet, he was sure that Vorigan and Vlad would want to catch up. Instead he watched as Kiara was crowned Queen and fell into line with everyone else to kiss her ring, though he really wasn’t sure if he wanted to or not but did so anyways. Falling back into his usual routine of trying to please his father, he supposed. After that the music started but it didn’t play for very long as several commotions went on about the room. He couldn’t help but find it all a bit entertaining but grew bored with it as none of it concerned him. Instead, there was something else on his mind; Erik’s blue eyes scanned the room for his other brother, Zory. He was worried about him and wanted to make sure that he was alright. The young prince made his way through the crowd to his brother, whom seemed to be by himself. He tapped his shoulder before embracing him, whatever it was that troubled him; surely it couldn’t be that bad?! At least Erik hoped not.

“Zory, how are you? I can tell that something is wrong. You haven’t been yourself since that night Kiara… Is that it? Please, brother, tell me what troubles you. Maybe I can help.”

No one else really mattered to him but his family, they had always been there for him and Erik loved them more than words could express. He wanted to help Zory, it pained him to see his brother this way. He was never told what was going on, always kept in the dark when it came to certain matters but hopefully at least Zory trusted Erik enough to tell him the truth.
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Kiara Ragnarök
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Queen of Karash
Karash
Kiara waved a hand in front of Vlad's face and sighed. It seemed her King was preoccupied with something. Probably plotting what to do with that vampire that beat his thrall right in front of everyone. When she wanted entertainment tonight, that was not what she was thinking of.

She turned from Vlad with a soft pat to his arm and a murmur about champagne. Her skirts rustled against her legs as she moved through the crush of people. Kiara waved and smiled, genuinely asking after people. She engaged in polite brief conversation before excusing herself from the small group of curious vampires.

She caught a glimpse of Vlad's sons and slid seamlessly through groups of people and conversation to emerge next to Erik and Zory. She dipped a little curtsy and grinned broadly, her silver eyes picking up the reflections of lights around her.

"Good evening, my Princes. How does the night fare you this evening?" Her voice was soft so that no other nosy vampire could overhear.

Kiara turned to Zory and smiled a little apologetically, "I did want to make an apology to you, dear. I did not mean to lose my temper and I have no desire to make you an enemy. I rather hope we can have a civil relationship if nothing else. "

She knew better than to touch the young man. He already seemed jumpy and his thoughts distracted. Startling someone like their kind was always a bad idea.

Her eyes slid to the side and her head turned to follow. Kiara grinned at Erik and dipped her head, the jewels in her crown gleaming blood red in the light.

"And I know I upset you as well on our last encounter, t'was not my intention. I hope you both forgive me. We must present a united front to the public, else they exploit weakness and tear your Father down." She smiled, the edges sharp. "It's something I know a lot of, exploiting weakness, tearing apart empires, leaving nothing behind but crumbs. I know neither of you wish that."

She brushed her skirts and clasped her hands in front of her, looking to both of them in turn. Such handsome young men.

"How are you liking the Ball so far?"
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Erik Trygstad
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Vampire
Karash
Erik had yet to receive any words from his brother when Kiara came in and addressed them. He bowed to her, not knowing her made it difficult to decide if he liked or hated her though he did not like what she did to Zory but every vampire had an anger point.

"I am well your majesty, thank you. And how is our lovely queen?" Kiara was lovely and there was no question that Erik found her to be attractive. He just wasn't sure how he felt what lay beneath the surface. When she apologized to Zory, it surprised him and it did help warm him up to her. And then she looked at him and apologized again. Maybe she wasn't all that bad. He just had so much anger built up from his time with the humans that he begrudged everyone else for it. It wasn't completely fair of him to do with someone he did not know. He smiled politely.

"It is behind us now your majesty, I could have behaved better myself. And I apologize for that."

Erik glanced across at his brother worriedly but said nothing, he wasn't sure if Zory wanted his troubles be known by others but Erik just wanted to see his brother happy again. He smiled at Kiara, hoping Zory would feel better soon.

"Well it certainly has been entertaining. Might I steal my new queen away for a dance?"
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Kiara Ragnarök
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Queen of Karash
Karash
Kiara beamed at Erik and held her hand out to him.

She saw the emotions skate across his face. Wariness, polite curiosity, worry, a bit of admiration for her outward appearance. At least there was no hatred.

She slid her arm through Erik's and laughed softly, walking them toward the dance floor. "Well of course you may, my Prince. And please, call me Kiara. Or the crown will inflate my ego to truly epic proportions and then there will be an uprising and they'll chop off my head."

A waltz began, the lively rhythm of strings filtering through the buzz of conversation. Kiara led them to the edge of the dance floor and slid her hand onto Erik's shoulder. For such a small woman, she projected great power.

Kiara smiled up at the Prince, her dainty fangs gleaming white in the candlelight. "Let us have fun, Erik."
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Erik Trygstad
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Vampire
Karash
The vampire took her arm into his as the two started to make their way over to the dance floor, he was a bit nervous, it had been a long time since last he danced and hoped he still remembered enough to not make a fool of himself. He smiled weakly, Erik still conflicted within himself, the events of the past plagued his every thought and his purpose seemed lost to him since then. He hated Vlad, he didn't hate Vlad, he hated him again, he didn't hate him. His father left him to suffer, apparently for him to learn humility but Erik couldn't help but wonder if it had been Zory or Vorigan, the results would not have been the same. But he was being rude, there was time to think later, right now he had a beautiful woman on his arm to pay attention to.

"As you wish Kiara." He laughed at the ego inflating part and smiled. There was a buzz as they took the floor, though Erik always ignored gossip. Erik took hold of her waist and hand and took a deep breath before the music began. Apparently his feet remembered how to waltz as if they had never forgotten and he was pleasantly surprised mostly because he didn't want to step on her toes.

"Fun you say. I think I can manage that."

He dipped her low before he twirled her one way and then the other, then lifted her up into a spin before they continued on. He was finally starting to enjoy himself.
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Posted ImageLasher Tadros
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Air Order Captain

Zory felt his shoulder being tapped and accepted his younger brother into his arms. Erik was always welcome, and he smiled at the younger man with kindness.

"You worry too much about me, little brother." Zory said, his Kostroman accent pronounce. His dark eyes held a mirth in them, but if one really looked they could see the madness that clung deeply within as well. Zory did not want to worry Erik and just shook his head.

"If it was truly something you could help with, Erik, I would have already begged you for help. It has nothing to do with Father's new Queen. Speaking of..." Zory said and let his body fall into a low bow.

"My Queen."

The words were there but the heart was not. Zory felt nothing for the woman, neither hatred nor intrigue. What he wanted was to corner Vlad and have answers, but before he could say as much his younger brother and the Queen slipped out on the dance floor and commenced to having some much needed fun. Zory let his arms cross and stared at them.

So many thoughts flurried through his mind. He could smell blood on the air, Casimir had once against beaten the poor little servant of his, Mim, Zory thought her name was, he knew both his father and Vorigan regarded the slave, but why was beyond him. The smell of her blood on the floor made Zory close his eyes and take a deep breath. It had been so long since he'd fed now, hours wasn't it? Then came shame. Zory used to go months, years even, without feeding but one taste of the pale woman in Kostroma...now it was as though he had regressed in time and could think of nothing else.

"You stand so still as if you think to hear my very thoughts." Zory said and turned his attention on Vorigan who had come close again.

"I stand still so that I might watch you, brother."

Zory snorted.

"As if we have ever been so close for you to care how I look or even to care how I feel."

Zory watched Vorigan's face, it flickered with a bit of confusion but only for the briefest of seconds.

"You think to cut me." Vorigan said. "I have ever said that I had no power over Father favoring me, and I have also always told you, that could I have the title back, I would. He loves you too, you know."

"Not enough to explain to me what's going on."

Vorigan let his face wrinkle in worry.

"You want to feed."

"Yes!" Zory hissed, quiet fury in his voice. "I want to feed from you, I can smell your ancient blood flowing in your veins and I want it!"

He grew close to his brother.

"I do not want just any blood, I want the blood that sings of power, you who are only a few steps away from Vlad's own time."

Vorigan's eyes widened.

"I would give it, if I thought you would not take it all, my brother."

"Shut up." Zory said, his fist clenching into balls of rage. "Just shut up. I want to destroy you, not taste you."

With that, the beautiful dark Prince stalked off.

Vorigan stood there, amazed and now very worried. He let his eyes glance back in the direction that Mim had been dragged and was silently furious on her behalf.

Vorigan looked over to the Soldier he had spoken with before and nodded to him. His mission was to recruit as many as he could this night and press them into service. Whether anyone knew it or not, they needed more numbers in the army. Young Khorn was to talk up everyone that he could, discover their weapons abilities and see if he could recruit them.

Vorigan let his blue eyes watch the room. A hand pressed to his back and smoothed up his neck and a hand pulled his face to soft lips.

Mina let him go and smiled at him.

"Mother." Vorigan whispered, shocked.

"Not mother anymore." the beautiful creature said, her red eyes looking over Kiara. "Not anymore." She leaned her body against his and took his arm.

"Have you spoken with the King?"

"Not yet."

"I gave them what he asked me to, there is nothing I can do now. I don't understand his reasons for it either."

Vorigan shook his head.

"He has promised to speak with me. But he wants Mim away from Casimir before he does. She knows too much about something."

"Don't worry on it, her madness will keep it away from her master."

"Why did he choose her?" Vorigan asked, anger in his voice and he turned and gripped Mina's shoulders.

"You would do well to tell me." She smiled at him.

"No, I wouldn't." and then she was gone from him. Vorigan sighed and shook his head.

He'd have to go in search for the woman himself and make sure that her Vampire Lord and Master had not yet killed her. Vorigan took another cup of blood wine and stood sipping at it and thinking about everything that had happened tonight, everything so dramatic and fast. He knew now why he'd loved being away from court.
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Ashtel Nightstalker
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Vampire
Nyston
Ashtel threw open the doors and stalked out onto the balcony. He stood for a moment, breathing deeply of the night air. He had seen her in there. As if Leccy was not bad enough, he had seen the one who had made her, the one he had met only once before. The one called Mina. She had an effect over him that he couldn't describe. She made his cold heart burn, not with passion, but hatred and anger. He blamed her for all that had become him. She had made Leccy and Leccy had made him. By that line of thought, he should hate Vlad, and he supposed did, but he had to admit that he feared him more. Mina had been Vlad's first queen, from a time and place long forgotten. Vlad would always be King, but this mockery of a woman no longer wore a crown. If he could not take his rage out on the maker of them all, then he would settle for the next best.

He shook his head, chuckling to himself softly. As if he could ever hurt that cold bitch. She would tear him apart without a thought. He may be ancient to some, but to her he would never be more than a fledgling. He reached into his jacket and pulled out his wooden pipe. He sparked it alight with a thought. Leaning against the iron railing, he puffed on the pipe and stared off into the night, remembering better times.

The sun shone gently through the trees and a cool wind teased the hair that brushed his forhead. He sighed as he lay back in the grass and Leli cuddled up next to him, her dark hair damp and tangled. He smiled as she kissed his neck and giggled softly. A lucky man he was, to have such a beaufiful and loving woman. They had been married nearly a year now, but still she had not concieved a child. Truthfully, he did not really care, for he knew that those first few years of childhood killed many marriages. He knew that he would not leave Leli if that happened. That was not his way. He was stubborn and would live his life in misery because it would be the right thing to do.

For now, he just lay with his beautiful wife in his arms, enjoying the cool morning. He would deal with children when the time came. He stood after a moment, pulling on his trousers as she fixed her dress. As much as he enjoyed the pleasant diversion, there was still much work to do around thier newly finished home. He kissed his wife, and then kissed her again, and again. After a few more kisses, he decided the work wasn't going anywhere anyhow. It could wait awhile...

Leccy stood there, watching them. He tasted his wife's blood pouring over his lips. It was sweet and intoxicating, filling him with a warmth he had never known, quenching his thirst with ecstacy while feeding it more desire. He heard her terrified pleas, her screams of anguish, but he couldn't stop himself -


Ashtel found himself standing on the balcony with a pile of splinters in his hand. Shuddering with a sigh, he grumbled wordlessly as he tossed the remains of his pipe over the railing. Even his own memories had become so distorted that he could barely recall his own life anymore. As he was dusting off his hands, his head snapped up and he turned around slowly. He was not alone.

"You," was all that he said in a flat voice, hating himself as he failed to fight the compulsion to drop to his knees.


"GO AHEAD... SCREAM... NO ONE CAN HELP YOU NOW..." - ASHTEL
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Lord Vlad
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Ancient Lord of the Dark
Karash*
"Me." Vlad said with a wicked grin.

"And why not me?" He asked Ashtel. There was a mockery in his voice that was subtle, but still there. He smiled and leaned against the balcony, resting his elbows against the cool stone.

"Why are you out here drowning in your past, when there is fresh blood and frivolity to be had?"

The King watched Ashtel. He knew who the man was, of course, one didn't get to be King of all Darkness without spies and knowing where his minions went. But there had been something very different about this one. His eyes Vlad thought, as he looked at Ashtel. The truth was there somewhere.

"I'm surprised to see you in my home." Vlad said with a sigh. "You've hardly darkened my door in years and now tonight, though I appreciate the gesture to my Queen, why are you here now? I know you could care less about my politics, or my new wife. So what is it?" Vlad gave Ashtel a wicked smile and leaned back on his arms.

"Perhaps my other wife? Mina?" The King's smile widened. "I could call her here, if you wish an audience?"
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Kiara Ragnarök
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Queen of Karash
Karash
It really wasn't a surprise that Kiara steered the dance with Erik out to a balcony where she could hear her new husband speaking with one of his subjects.

The petite blonde nightmare resisted temptation for all of a few minutes before she twirled them out onto the balcony and broke easily from Erik's grasp to lean against a pillar in the light of the moon. "How lovely. Isn't it lovely, Erik? " She almost ignored Vlad except for meeting his eyes in a flash of silvery panic.

Kiara put up a brave front that no one except Vlad could possible hope to see through but she could feel machinations being set in motion. The people were familiar with Mina, not her. And while she loved bloodshed as much as the next vampiress, she preferred not to have herself in the running for a good maiming. And she definitely didn't want to broadcast her abilities to the entire Court. ... Well, frying a few of the hoity toity would be hilariously engaging.

"So, dearest Vladdie-kins, when shall we retire? I've got a few plans in the pipeline I'd like to flesh out." She bit at her lower lip to keep from spewing out mindless drabble like she nearly always did when she was this nervous and on edge and went this long without torturing someone.

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Lord Vlad
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Ancient Lord of the Dark
Karash*
Vlad lifted his bright eyes and caught Kiara's glance. She was nervous? He mused for a moment about what. She wasn't a new blushing bride, so it couldn't be that, though the idea of virgin terror stirred his blood for a moment. He smiled silently to himself, there were too many years and civilization ruins in both their pasts for blushing.

When Kiara spoken he nodded to her, they would retire, and they would have much to discuss. First her title, had she married him just now, or had she simply taken up a title that suited her politically. Either, he supposed would suit him. Then there was the war to hash out, and he turned his head for the briefest of moments, scanning the crowd for Vori, still the heavy scent of Mim's blood hanging in the air. He would have to divulge much to his new companion on that subject.

As he had looked for Vorigan, his eyes had caught a glimpse of Zory and he knew all too well what his son was feeling, the youngling practically ebbed blood lust. There was something to discuss with Kiara as well. Zory was a threat, perhaps enough so that he should be imprisoned, but tender were the King's feelings toward his Kostroman son.

A soft whisper caught the King's ear and he inclined his head at the beckoning of it and listened to Mina. He knew Kiara would hear her, perhaps not clearly, but Mina and she were of an age to be almost kindred, of course they all were, if one believe the old stories.

"He has taken her and Vorigan is too late, my King."

Vlad thought, and this one, near me, does he belong to you?

Vlad turned his attention back to Kiara.

"Sweetheart, come." he held out his hand to her, but did not move from his spot. "I was asking this lost child before me, why he found his way into my house, on this of all nights. Any runaway, of course is welcome home, but time has taught me to always be suspicious of traitors."

The King smiled, no teeth, lips thin and perhaps rageful as he looked at Ashtel.
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Kiara Ragnarök
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Queen of Karash
Karash
Kiara glanced at the man Vlad referred to but didn't really spare him any extra time. She turned to look at Erik and then scan the ballroom where Zory still was, "Lead on, Vladdie. " She murmured.

She still had to see to Devlin after they had their family pow-wow. And she was itching to get reacquainted with Devlin, their disagreements ended in a bloody mess and broken bones and she was craving a bit of normalcy. Kiara slid her arm into Vlad's and leaned into his tall strong frame. A surge of long lost feeling rushed into her chest and memories teased at her temples. Ah the good old days...

Kiara focused on the present and grinned broadly, her fangs glinting in the moonlight. She shifted barefoot on the balcony in her jade gown, blood-red gems glittering in her crown. "We've got a lot to iron out with your boys and Grand Dame Mina. Not to mention I want that whoreson who struck that girl dealt with."

Just like old time, circles within circles, machinations and plots and murder and usurpations... The glitter and false shine of the court, the gritty reality and herself hovering somewhere in the middle, pulling strings. But now she had a supporter again. Times were a'changin'.

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Ashtel Nightstalker
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Vampire
Nyston
Ashtel watched the exchange between king and queen with forced patience. When Vlad dared to call him a traitor, he nearly attacked the man, king or not. He had never betrayed his kind. Perhaps he had removed himself from the game for some time, but he was no traitor. If any among them was so, it was Vlad's tempermental son, Zorygan, or some such foolish name.

"I am no traitor," he said slowly, his voice forced to even tones. "I grew tired of the endless bickering and schemeing of our kind, tired of the games and betrayals so typical to those of us who choose to play with our food."

If the king took that last comment personally, then so be it. It was meant to be.

"Of all this, I grew tired. And so I slept." Ashtel stared at the man levelly. "I fail to see how this marks me traitor. Was I to check in before I took to my tomb? If my activity was of such interest to you, why did you not come and find me? Surely you knew where I was. So, I fail to see the problem." He waited a long moment before adding, "My King."

"I may not agree with your politics, or your choice in women, but you are king, and I have no choice but to serve. I have no wish to rule any other than myself. To hunt and to rest as i desire. That is all I want from this bleak exsistance which I am forced to endure, which we are all forced to endure. Because of you." Again he paused. "My King."

Astel turned from the railing and strode from the balcony, knowing he had likely just signed his own death warrant.

So be it. He was tired of the games, of the bowing and posturing. Between the war and the queen, a time of change was at hand. If that change meant his own ending, then such was fate.


"GO AHEAD... SCREAM... NO ONE CAN HELP YOU NOW..." - ASHTEL
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