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PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 6:54 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:"Well, look who's here lads!" a Deathwatch Knight shouted to his compatriots when he saw Morr Grimm joining the session. "It's Sir Morr Grimm!"

Immediately, all eyes turned over to greet the vintner followed by japes and salutations.

"Sir Morr Grimm! How wonderful it is to join us!" cheered the Lesser Vampire that lacks a nose yet his smile was genuine and pleasing.

"Ha! The old guard has arrived." A Lesser Vampire laughed. He was young, really young; even by human years and he carried a aura of eagerness and optimism that contrast that of Morr Grimm's

"Brought wine to share?" A Lesser Vampire with an eyepatch grunted. Grimm brought the wine bottle out of his bag in response causing the eyepatch Vampire to snicker. "You never disappoint your elders."

And on and on the small talk continued as all the Lesser Vampires quickly told stories of their adventurers and most importantly, their kills.

"This nose I lost?" said the Vampire who is known as Sir Gregor von Stahl. "Fuckin' lost it to a warg! A WARG! Can you believe it? Had to kill it with my bare hands 'cause my fuckin' axe was stuck in the corpse of a bear!"

Sir Grimm said nothing though his eyes gave a hint of amusement.

The really young vampire, Sir Matthias von Yermolayevich, really hollered in laughter. "My poor elder. If it was me, I could kill a warg and a bear with only a bare hand!"

"Oh shut your cock!"

Morr Grimm had already left the crowd to place his wine bottle next to the rest of the wine beverages. They too had labels written over them: Mournheim, Oberstyre, Sternburg Gate, and many others. Some had pale red liquid, others had black red liquid, and many had the same deep red color like Grimm's Stonehollow wine.

Behind him, the vampire knight could already hear a change in tone with his brethren as they soon began talking about a different subject. One that he knew without turning around.

"Sir Grimm," Sir Yermolayevich walked over to ask Grimm, "Who's the the girls following ye? Don't tell me your planning to build a harem out of humans!" The young vampire chuckled at his own joke at the end yet Grimm wasn't responding at all.

When Grimm did spoke, he wanted to be done with this whole affair. "Everyone, get your chalices and make for a toast!"

While everyone brought ought their cups and mugs to fill with wine, Grimm looked over to Siona and Rithi with a glared that demand utter silence with to proceedings. This event is not meant for humans. His eyes seem to say.

All the Lesser Vampires poured their wine into each other's cups as they began to prepare a toast before the statue. A Deathwatch Knight, Sir Randolf von Petrovich, came before the gathering at the foot of the statue to present the worlds of the Lesser Vampires.

"Friends, Comrades, Brothers..." He began with his mug raised in the air. "Eons ago, this land of Ravyrnyra was of rock, stone, and dust. Endless war raged upon this soil, a futile war, a corrupt war. The Higher Vampires were leeches and cowards for they were the last one to enter battle and the first ones to leave. We were puppets on a string only to be thrown away if our usefulness has diminished. But not him!" Sir Petrovich raised his mug to that statue.

"Not Drakula von Krieg! He was strong, he was smart, and he was brave! He did what no one else did: unification. Not by poison but rallying the Lesser Vampires to his cause. He gave use purpose: to be the best warriors that world has ever known. After all those wasted years, slaying each other, Drakula von Krieg gave us the respect we deserve!"

All the Lesser Vampires raised their mugs and cups of wine in unison.

"Hail the victorious champion!" Sir Petrovich saluted with his mug before drinking with great gusto.

"Hail the victorious champion!" repeated the gathered knights of Ravyrnyra before drinking the wine like a man dying of thirst.


Siona listened to the vampires, but said nothing. They all laughed and joked, chuffing Morr Grimm on the shoulder as they greeted him. He said nothing, but it was clear from the greeting he received that he was one of the most respected in their gathering. Rithi seemed uncomfortable, afraid even, but Siona made sure to show nothing. She watched with curiosity, making a mental note to write this experience down later. She knew a few College mages who might like to read about this ceremony of sorts.

"Siona, what are we-" Siona smacked Rithi in the shoulder with her knuckles, giving her the hint to shut up. Siona had looked at Morr Grimm, and his eyes seemed to say 'shut the fuck up right now. This is not for you, and you are only here because I am allowing it.' Siona certainly got the message.

The vampires all uncorked their wine, and Siona hoped for the best as she did the same with hers. She raised hers with the vampires, but said nothing, before taking a long tug. It was the best wine she had ever tasted. It was everything and more than she has believed it would be. She smacked her lips as she swallowed, suddenly finding her spirits lifted with the joy of drinking something as magnificent as Stonehollow Wine. She put it into Rithi's hand, and gave her a look of her own, trying to communicate that her young companion only take one drink. She got the message, taking a good drink as well and smiling, before handing the bottle back to Siona. She took it and corked it again, holding the bottle loosely in her fingers by her side.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 7:38 pm
by Union Princes
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona listened to the vampires, but said nothing. They all laughed and joked, chuffing Morr Grimm on the shoulder as they greeted him. He said nothing, but it was clear from the greeting he received that he was one of the most respected in their gathering. Rithi seemed uncomfortable, afraid even, but Siona made sure to show nothing. She watched with curiosity, making a mental note to write this experience down later. She knew a few College mages who might like to read about this ceremony of sorts.

"Siona, what are we-" Siona smacked Rithi in the shoulder with her knuckles, giving her the hint to shut up. Siona had looked at Morr Grimm, and his eyes seemed to say 'shut the fuck up right now. This is not for you, and you are only here because I am allowing it.' Siona certainly got the message.

The vampires all uncorked their wine, and Siona hoped for the best as she did the same with hers. She raised hers with the vampires, but said nothing, before taking a long tug. It was the best wine she had ever tasted. It was everything and more than she has believed it would be. She smacked her lips as she swallowed, suddenly finding her spirits lifted with the joy of drinking something as magnificent as Stonehollow Wine. She put it into Rithi's hand, and gave her a look of her own, trying to communicate that her young companion only take one drink. She got the message, taking a good drink as well and smiling, before handing the bottle back to Siona. She took it and corked it again, holding the bottle loosely in her fingers by her side.


Siona and Rithi can't be ignored anymore. As the ceremony was concluded, none of the Lesser Vampires anted to leave yet as they all had a burning question in their heads.

Sir Gregor grabbed hold of Sir Morr after he put away the wine bottle. "Say... Grimm, who are those ladies?" he asked causing a sea of nodding heads and more stares in the girls' direction. "And why are they here?"

"Yes." Morr Grimm responded after staring intently at his comrade before turning to face Siona. "I was wondering of the same thing."

"So," Grimm continued as he faced Siona, "Why are you here?"

Behind him, all kindness of the Lesser Vampires vanished like morning mist. Now there was only curiosity and possibly suspicion among the vampire knights. Some hands were reaching for their blades. Blades, not swords that human knights use, that are cleavers and axes that chop, cut, and slice into flesh and bone. They did this because they never seen Morr Grimm travel with companions whose destination he does not know of.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 15, 2019 8:08 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona listened to the vampires, but said nothing. They all laughed and joked, chuffing Morr Grimm on the shoulder as they greeted him. He said nothing, but it was clear from the greeting he received that he was one of the most respected in their gathering. Rithi seemed uncomfortable, afraid even, but Siona made sure to show nothing. She watched with curiosity, making a mental note to write this experience down later. She knew a few College mages who might like to read about this ceremony of sorts.

"Siona, what are we-" Siona smacked Rithi in the shoulder with her knuckles, giving her the hint to shut up. Siona had looked at Morr Grimm, and his eyes seemed to say 'shut the fuck up right now. This is not for you, and you are only here because I am allowing it.' Siona certainly got the message.

The vampires all uncorked their wine, and Siona hoped for the best as she did the same with hers. She raised hers with the vampires, but said nothing, before taking a long tug. It was the best wine she had ever tasted. It was everything and more than she has believed it would be. She smacked her lips as she swallowed, suddenly finding her spirits lifted with the joy of drinking something as magnificent as Stonehollow Wine. She put it into Rithi's hand, and gave her a look of her own, trying to communicate that her young companion only take one drink. She got the message, taking a good drink as well and smiling, before handing the bottle back to Siona. She took it and corked it again, holding the bottle loosely in her fingers by her side.


Siona and Rithi can't be ignored anymore. As the ceremony was concluded, none of the Lesser Vampires anted to leave yet as they all had a burning question in their heads.

Sir Gregor grabbed hold of Sir Morr after he put away the wine bottle. "Say... Grimm, who are those ladies?" he asked causing a sea of nodding heads and more stares in the girls' direction. "And why are they here?"

"Yes." Morr Grimm responded after staring intently at his comrade before turning to face Siona. "I was wondering of the same thing."

"So," Grimm continued as he faced Siona, "Why are you here?"

Behind him, all kindness of the Lesser Vampires vanished like morning mist. Now there was only curiosity and possibly suspicion among the vampire knights. Some hands were reaching for their blades. Blades, not swords that human knights use, that are cleavers and axes that chop, cut, and slice into flesh and bone. They did this because they never seen Morr Grimm travel with companions whose destination he does not know of.


Siona felt the mood change, and changed hers with it as the heads of the vampires all turned towards her. She placed the wine lightly on the ground when she saw some of the vampires reach for their blades, and lightly rested her own hand on her sword. She kept herself calm, but took on the stance of an experienced fighter. This was not going to plan. Rithi, about as defenseless as could be, placed her hand on her dagger, but it wasn't much.

"Im a scholar," she said. "I come to learn of the Vampire's, study your history, culture and ideals." As she spoke, she brushed Rithi behind her with one arm. If things went south, she doubted she could fight everyone here, but she hoped she could be able to escape. It was a slim bet, but a possibility all the same. "However, I do have an ultimate goal in mind. I wish to enter Montesquieu, and learn its secrets. Should that be allowed of course. If not, I am fine to go on my way, though I would hope you will hear me out on my reasoning first."

With her other hand, she dipped it into her cloak, and held it tight around a scroll. She felt it chill her fingers, the power it held creeping into her skin. The Writ Of Sealing, what sealed the Damned Lord her. Should she need to summon him, she would need to be fast. The scroll would have to be stained with her blood before she could use it, and she would need to get her thumb to her mouth to bite it in one fluid motion once the connection was completed in her mind.

As Siona spoke, she focused on splitting her mind, allowing one part of her to walk dreams and enter the Place Beyond The Pale, and kept the other where she was. She talked, but let her unconscious wander, until she reached where she needed to be. It was cold in the Pale, and Siona felt her physical body begin to chill, and she hoped she would be able to complete what she needed too before she began to shiver. She wrote the signs of summoning in the air, and grasped with her mind at the tether between her and the Writ Of Sealing, and her hand clutching it in her cloak. With her connections complete, she thought the name, Aern Geoth, the Damned Lord. She could feel his presence, though not see him. His cold eyes, and knowledge of places unknown even to Siona. She could feel him staring through her eyes into her world, taking in the vampires, hands on their blades and their voices dangerous.

"You call me," he said, his voice rough and frigid like leather in winter time, "but you don't bring me forth into the sun."

"You will come when I call your name," said Siona. In the world, her lips twitched some, but she did not speak. She focused, making sure she gave nothing away, and keeping the rest of the conversation in her head. In the Pale.

The Damned Lord thought, and though Siona could not tell what he thought, she could feel the malice in it. Whatever he had done in life, it had changed him, and he was not quite human anymore. He was far more like the vampires than Siona was, or any other human who had ever lived.

"They will be meat, should you bring me forth now," he said.

"I am aware of that," said Siona. "That is why I have called to you now."

Rithi breathed hard, and Siona could sense her shaking with fear. Her own breath had gone cold, the freeze of the Aether beginning to seep out from her body even in such short time. Her breath began to fog, and the ground beneath her feet started to dry up and die like on a fall morning. She tried her hardest not to, but in only a few seconds she had begun to shiver. Now, anyone with even a hint of summoning knowledge would know what she was doing. They would know that her mind was split, and that she had brought forth the name of something from beyond our world to be taken into our world to fight for her. Siona hoped they would not take it as a threat, just a demonstration of her abilities. Though they may be able to kill her or run her off, it would not be easy for them, and she would not let it be.

"So," she said at last, her breath coming out in a puff of steam. "What say you, Morr Grimm? Will you let me pass?"

PostPosted: Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:46 am
by Union Princes
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona felt the mood change, and changed hers with it as the heads of the vampires all turned towards her. She placed the wine lightly on the ground when she saw some of the vampires reach for their blades, and lightly rested her own hand on her sword. She kept herself calm, but took on the stance of an experienced fighter. This was not going to plan. Rithi, about as defenseless as could be, placed her hand on her dagger, but it wasn't much.

"Im a scholar," she said. "I come to learn of the Vampire's, study your history, culture and ideals." As she spoke, she brushed Rithi behind her with one arm. If things went south, she doubted she could fight everyone here, but she hoped she could be able to escape. It was a slim bet, but a possibility all the same. "However, I do have an ultimate goal in mind. I wish to enter Montesquieu, and learn its secrets. Should that be allowed of course. If not, I am fine to go on my way, though I would hope you will hear me out on my reasoning first."

With her other hand, she dipped it into her cloak, and held it tight around a scroll. She felt it chill her fingers, the power it held creeping into her skin. The Writ Of Sealing, what sealed the Damned Lord her. Should she need to summon him, she would need to be fast. The scroll would have to be stained with her blood before she could use it, and she would need to get her thumb to her mouth to bite it in one fluid motion once the connection was completed in her mind.

As Siona spoke, she focused on splitting her mind, allowing one part of her to walk dreams and enter the Place Beyond The Pale, and kept the other where she was. She talked, but let her unconscious wander, until she reached where she needed to be. It was cold in the Pale, and Siona felt her physical body begin to chill, and she hoped she would be able to complete what she needed too before she began to shiver. She wrote the signs of summoning in the air, and grasped with her mind at the tether between her and the Writ Of Sealing, and her hand clutching it in her cloak. With her connections complete, she thought the name, Aern Geoth, the Damned Lord. She could feel his presence, though not see him. His cold eyes, and knowledge of places unknown even to Siona. She could feel him staring through her eyes into her world, taking in the vampires, hands on their blades and their voices dangerous.

"You call me," he said, his voice rough and frigid like leather in winter time, "but you don't bring me forth into the sun."

"You will come when I call your name," said Siona. In the world, her lips twitched some, but she did not speak. She focused, making sure she gave nothing away, and keeping the rest of the conversation in her head. In the Pale.

The Damned Lord thought, and though Siona could not tell what he thought, she could feel the malice in it. Whatever he had done in life, it had changed him, and he was not quite human anymore. He was far more like the vampires than Siona was, or any other human who had ever lived.

"They will be meat, should you bring me forth now," he said.

"I am aware of that," said Siona. "That is why I have called to you now."

Rithi breathed hard, and Siona could sense her shaking with fear. Her own breath had gone cold, the freeze of the Aether beginning to seep out from her body even in such short time. Her breath began to fog, and the ground beneath her feet started to dry up and die like on a fall morning. She tried her hardest not to, but in only a few seconds she had begun to shiver. Now, anyone with even a hint of summoning knowledge would know what she was doing. They would know that her mind was split, and that she had brought forth the name of something from beyond our world to be taken into our world to fight for her. Siona hoped they would not take it as a threat, just a demonstration of her abilities. Though they may be able to kill her or run her off, it would not be easy for them, and she would not let it be.

"So," she said at last, her breath coming out in a puff of steam. "What say you, Morr Grimm? Will you let me pass?"


First there was curiosity and suspicion, now there was only confusion. A Scholar? Studying Vampire culture, history, and ideals? Did they even have a culture and ideals to begin with? The Lesser Vampires looked at each other as if their neighbor had the answer. Even Morr Grimm was deep in thought of being studied.

There were already whispers and and small arguments of their dazed revelation. Even more so on Montesquieu. If she was just like every other scholar, her request would automatically be turned down. But the fact she went to a Deathwatch Knight directly, especially one that controls Gallowkeep, is a new experience for the Vampires.

If Morr Grimm was intimidated, then he did a good job showing the exact opposite emotion on his face. Siona was showing too much defiance to the Lesser Vampires. A great insult taken in front of the statue of Drakula.

Finally, Sir Grimm spoke up with one question, one test: "Can you read the ancient scriptures of the Vampire Counts?"

It was a trick question and every Lesser Vampire in Ravyrnyra knew it. The language of Vampire Counts was long since dead and forgotten the moment the last Higher Vampire was slain.

PostPosted: Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:00 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona felt the mood change, and changed hers with it as the heads of the vampires all turned towards her. She placed the wine lightly on the ground when she saw some of the vampires reach for their blades, and lightly rested her own hand on her sword. She kept herself calm, but took on the stance of an experienced fighter. This was not going to plan. Rithi, about as defenseless as could be, placed her hand on her dagger, but it wasn't much.

"Im a scholar," she said. "I come to learn of the Vampire's, study your history, culture and ideals." As she spoke, she brushed Rithi behind her with one arm. If things went south, she doubted she could fight everyone here, but she hoped she could be able to escape. It was a slim bet, but a possibility all the same. "However, I do have an ultimate goal in mind. I wish to enter Montesquieu, and learn its secrets. Should that be allowed of course. If not, I am fine to go on my way, though I would hope you will hear me out on my reasoning first."

With her other hand, she dipped it into her cloak, and held it tight around a scroll. She felt it chill her fingers, the power it held creeping into her skin. The Writ Of Sealing, what sealed the Damned Lord her. Should she need to summon him, she would need to be fast. The scroll would have to be stained with her blood before she could use it, and she would need to get her thumb to her mouth to bite it in one fluid motion once the connection was completed in her mind.

As Siona spoke, she focused on splitting her mind, allowing one part of her to walk dreams and enter the Place Beyond The Pale, and kept the other where she was. She talked, but let her unconscious wander, until she reached where she needed to be. It was cold in the Pale, and Siona felt her physical body begin to chill, and she hoped she would be able to complete what she needed too before she began to shiver. She wrote the signs of summoning in the air, and grasped with her mind at the tether between her and the Writ Of Sealing, and her hand clutching it in her cloak. With her connections complete, she thought the name, Aern Geoth, the Damned Lord. She could feel his presence, though not see him. His cold eyes, and knowledge of places unknown even to Siona. She could feel him staring through her eyes into her world, taking in the vampires, hands on their blades and their voices dangerous.

"You call me," he said, his voice rough and frigid like leather in winter time, "but you don't bring me forth into the sun."

"You will come when I call your name," said Siona. In the world, her lips twitched some, but she did not speak. She focused, making sure she gave nothing away, and keeping the rest of the conversation in her head. In the Pale.

The Damned Lord thought, and though Siona could not tell what he thought, she could feel the malice in it. Whatever he had done in life, it had changed him, and he was not quite human anymore. He was far more like the vampires than Siona was, or any other human who had ever lived.

"They will be meat, should you bring me forth now," he said.

"I am aware of that," said Siona. "That is why I have called to you now."

Rithi breathed hard, and Siona could sense her shaking with fear. Her own breath had gone cold, the freeze of the Aether beginning to seep out from her body even in such short time. Her breath began to fog, and the ground beneath her feet started to dry up and die like on a fall morning. She tried her hardest not to, but in only a few seconds she had begun to shiver. Now, anyone with even a hint of summoning knowledge would know what she was doing. They would know that her mind was split, and that she had brought forth the name of something from beyond our world to be taken into our world to fight for her. Siona hoped they would not take it as a threat, just a demonstration of her abilities. Though they may be able to kill her or run her off, it would not be easy for them, and she would not let it be.

"So," she said at last, her breath coming out in a puff of steam. "What say you, Morr Grimm? Will you let me pass?"


First there was curiosity and suspicion, now there was only confusion. A Scholar? Studying Vampire culture, history, and ideals? Did they even have a culture and ideals to begin with? The Lesser Vampires looked at each other as if their neighbor had the answer. Even Morr Grimm was deep in thought of being studied.

There were already whispers and and small arguments of their dazed revelation. Even more so on Montesquieu. If she was just like every other scholar, her request would automatically be turned down. But the fact she went to a Deathwatch Knight directly, especially one that controls Gallowkeep, is a new experience for the Vampires.

If Morr Grimm was intimidated, then he did a good job showing the exact opposite emotion on his face. Siona was showing too much defiance to the Lesser Vampires. A great insult taken in front of the statue of Drakula.

Finally, Sir Grimm spoke up with one question, one test: "Can you read the ancient scriptures of the Vampire Counts?"

It was a trick question and every Lesser Vampire in Ravyrnyra knew it. The language of Vampire Counts was long since dead and forgotten the moment the last Higher Vampire was slain.


Siona snifed, and flicked her eyes from vampire to vampire. She waited to answer, watching the vampires carefully, before she spoke in a clear, loud voice. "Its a dead language," she said. "It died with the last of the Vampire Count's."

Siona shifted uncomfortably. She wanted this confrontation to go one of its two directions. Either in violence or in peace, she just wanted to be able to either summon Aern Geoth or dispel him. Either way it mattered little, as long as she could bring her mind back from the Pale and be rid of this blasted cold that was seeping from her body. Her extremities had begun to hurt, and she could only bearly feel the tips of her nose and fingers. Siona found that she desperately missed the sun of Ravyrnyra. Or the warmth of good wine in her stomach that she had felt earlier.

There was a pause in the conversation, before Siona spoke again, any pretense of cordiality lost. She did not mean to insult, but she did mean to make her displeasure known. "If you are going to try and give me a trick question, please don't insult my intelligence with something so benign as that. Even the Neophyte mages at the Colleges know that the Vampire Count's language is extinct."

PostPosted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 10:32 am
by Union Princes
Morr Grimm sigh in defeat. He was undeniably beaten and there was no use arguing with her. So there was only one thing left to do.

Turning to his fellow knights, Sir Grimm gave one last order:

"Spread the word to all the Lesser Vampires of Ravyrnyra." he said with calmness in his tone. "Alert General Boris von Richtofen, General Kaiser von Tsaryvich, Captain Dmitri von Stauffer, and Lieutenant Isaak von Staudenmaier. Tell everyone to assemble to Montesquieu by tomorrow."

Silence. Dead silence as the vampire knights contemplated on the consequences of a human entering a place deemed heretical by the Imperial Church.

"She will be killed for it." Sir Randolf muttered to Morr Grimm. "The Imperial Church will burn her for it."

Looking back at Siona, Grimm smiled for only one second. A flash of a grin that would leave people wondering if it ever existed. "They can bloody well try."

"Now go!" Grimm shouted. "Tell the champions of Drakula the good news."

All the Vampire Knights quickly got onto their Nightmares and scattered in all directions with their mounts howling like a banshee leaving behind clouds of ash and cinder.

With the trio alone, Grimm got back onto his mount.

"Don't just stand there." He said to Siona and Rithi. "There's a big day for you girls tomorrow. I suggest we keep moving."

Grimm then went back onto the road and rode off in a slow steady speed. There's only one place to go before the library: Gallowkeep.

PostPosted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 7:57 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:Morr Grimm sigh in defeat. He was undeniably beaten and there was no use arguing with her. So there was only one thing left to do.

Turning to his fellow knights, Sir Grimm gave one last order:

"Spread the word to all the Lesser Vampires of Ravyrnyra." he said with calmness in his tone. "Alert General Boris von Richtofen, General Kaiser von Tsaryvich, Captain Dmitri von Stauffer, and Lieutenant Isaak von Staudenmaier. Tell everyone to assemble to Montesquieu by tomorrow."

Silence. Dead silence as the vampire knights contemplated on the consequences of a human entering a place deemed heretical by the Imperial Church.

"She will be killed for it." Sir Randolf muttered to Morr Grimm. "The Imperial Church will burn her for it."

Looking back at Siona, Grimm smiled for only one second. A flash of a grin that would leave people wondering if it ever existed. "They can bloody well try."

"Now go!" Grimm shouted. "Tell the champions of Drakula the good news."

All the Vampire Knights quickly got onto their Nightmares and scattered in all directions with their mounts howling like a banshee leaving behind clouds of ash and cinder.

With the trio alone, Grimm got back onto his mount.

"Don't just stand there." He said to Siona and Rithi. "There's a big day for you girls tomorrow. I suggest we keep moving."

Grimm then went back onto the road and rode off in a slow steady speed. There's only one place to go before the library: Gallowkeep.


Siona sighed, letting go of the Writ of Sealing in her cloak, and bringing her mind back from the Pale. She dropped the signs summoning the Damned Lord to her mind, and heard him speak to her in his harsh, leathery voice. "Your leaving then?" he said, his voice a facade of acceptance but clearly desperate. He was a slave to Siona, a soldier who fought and died incessantly until she died, at which point he would be cast out of existence and into the Land Of The Dead. The only thing he ever seemed to want was to be summoned, to be let loose into the world to feel air move, smell nature, and destroy what stood before him. And it was Siona who decided when those chances were given.

"Yes," said Siona, turning to look over her shoulder at where his voice had come from. She could not see him, but she could sense his presence. "I have no need of you. Now go. Retertse ans plassidus." She spoke the words to dismiss summoned spirits, and felt more than saw as the Damned Lord dissipated. His spirit left, but she could still feel him in her mind for some time to come. He would remain connected for a while, but eventually he would be gone, as he always was. And once he was gone, he would not return until she summoned him again.

As Siona brought her subconscious back together with her conscious, she felt her mind become full once more, and shivered as the cold of the Pale began to leave her body. She looked around herself, rubbing her hands together and blowing into them. The grass around her all was frosted over like an early winter chill had swept through, the grass brown and dead. It was a sad reality of keeping part of ones mind in the Pale for too long, the plants nearby would be frozen and killed. She shivered, and her teeth chattered. It would take a little while to get warm again, she had been int the Pale for far longer than was safe, and she considered it a small miracle that she hadn't gotten frostbite or hypothermia.

"What was that?" said Rithi, looking up at Siona.

"Summoning," said Siona. "If you allow your mind to linger long in the Pale, the cold begins to seep out into our world with your body as a link between the two."

"Oh," said Rithi. Suddenly becoming a mage didn't seem nearly as exciting as it had when she first met Siona. "Is it like that when you walk dreams as well?" she said.

"No," said Siona, running her hands through her hair and combing out the ice crystals that had formed there. "Dream walking is exactly as it sounds. It is only like that when you use it to leave our world."

"I don't think I understand," said Rithi.

Before Siona could respond however, Morr Grimm spoke to her again. He had sent off his knights, sending them scattered in all directions. He hadnt said it directly yet, but it was more than clear that her attempts to get into the Library were successful. "Ill tell you later," said Sion to Rithi. "Lets get back on the horse."

She leaned down, picking up her wine again and putting it lightly into her bag, before making her way back across the rode to the horse. It sniffed the air uncomfortably, watching Siona. She suspected that being so close to so many Vampires, she probably smelled a little like them now. Not that she could tell, to her they smelled like anyone else, but to an animal it was probably disconcerting to say the least. She pet the horse and shushed it, before pulling herself up into the saddle and dragging Rithi up behind her. The two secure on the horse, Siona whipped the reigns and galloped off after Morr Grimm, coming up next to him.

She rode next to him for some time, watching him out of the corner of her eye. Most people, Siona was able to figure out quite easily. She was often hired to walk others dreams, to help them work out their meanings and learn what was missing in their lives. She never told anyone, but this gave her a much deeper view into who they were than they probably would be comfortable with. And when she felt threatened by someone, she was not against walking their dreams either. But Morr Grimm, he was someone she felt both threatened and comforted by. And yet, in her short time knowing him, had already come to decide that she wouldn't even dare to walk his dreams if he asked her. At last, she decided that it was better to ask him her question directly, than sit and stew in it. He struck her as the type who would appreciate directness, rather than her dancing around a subject.

"So," she said, her voice seemingly unconcerned, "what convinced you to take me up on my offer?"

PostPosted: Thu Jan 17, 2019 8:18 pm
by Union Princes
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona sighed, letting go of the Writ of Sealing in her cloak, and bringing her mind back from the Pale. She dropped the signs summoning the Damned Lord to her mind, and heard him speak to her in his harsh, leathery voice. "Your leaving then?" he said, his voice a facade of acceptance but clearly desperate. He was a slave to Siona, a soldier who fought and died incessantly until she died, at which point he would be cast out of existence and into the Land Of The Dead. The only thing he ever seemed to want was to be summoned, to be let loose into the world to feel air move, smell nature, and destroy what stood before him. And it was Siona who decided when those chances were given.

"Yes," said Siona, turning to look over her shoulder at where his voice had come from. She could not see him, but she could sense his presence. "I have no need of you. Now go. Retertse ans plassidus." She spoke the words to dismiss summoned spirits, and felt more than saw as the Damned Lord dissipated. His spirit left, but she could still feel him in her mind for some time to come. He would remain connected for a while, but eventually he would be gone, as he always was. And once he was gone, he would not return until she summoned him again.

As Siona brought her subconscious back together with her conscious, she felt her mind become full once more, and shivered as the cold of the Pale began to leave her body. She looked around herself, rubbing her hands together and blowing into them. The grass around her all was frosted over like an early winter chill had swept through, the grass brown and dead. It was a sad reality of keeping part of ones mind in the Pale for too long, the plants nearby would be frozen and killed. She shivered, and her teeth chattered. It would take a little while to get warm again, she had been int the Pale for far longer than was safe, and she considered it a small miracle that she hadn't gotten frostbite or hypothermia.

"What was that?" said Rithi, looking up at Siona.

"Summoning," said Siona. "If you allow your mind to linger long in the Pale, the cold begins to seep out into our world with your body as a link between the two."

"Oh," said Rithi. Suddenly becoming a mage didn't seem nearly as exciting as it had when she first met Siona. "Is it like that when you walk dreams as well?" she said.

"No," said Siona, running her hands through her hair and combing out the ice crystals that had formed there. "Dream walking is exactly as it sounds. It is only like that when you use it to leave our world."

"I don't think I understand," said Rithi.

Before Siona could respond however, Morr Grimm spoke to her again. He had sent off his knights, sending them scattered in all directions. He hadnt said it directly yet, but it was more than clear that her attempts to get into the Library were successful. "Ill tell you later," said Sion to Rithi. "Lets get back on the horse."

She leaned down, picking up her wine again and putting it lightly into her bag, before making her way back across the rode to the horse. It sniffed the air uncomfortably, watching Siona. She suspected that being so close to so many Vampires, she probably smelled a little like them now. Not that she could tell, to her they smelled like anyone else, but to an animal it was probably disconcerting to say the least. She pet the horse and shushed it, before pulling herself up into the saddle and dragging Rithi up behind her. The two secure on the horse, Siona whipped the reigns and galloped off after Morr Grimm, coming up next to him.

She rode next to him for some time, watching him out of the corner of her eye. Most people, Siona was able to figure out quite easily. She was often hired to walk others dreams, to help them work out their meanings and learn what was missing in their lives. She never told anyone, but this gave her a much deeper view into who they were than they probably would be comfortable with. And when she felt threatened by someone, she was not against walking their dreams either. But Morr Grimm, he was someone she felt both threatened and comforted by. And yet, in her short time knowing him, had already come to decide that she wouldn't even dare to walk his dreams if he asked her. At last, she decided that it was better to ask him her question directly, than sit and stew in it. He struck her as the type who would appreciate directness, rather than her dancing around a subject.

"So," she said, her voice seemingly unconcerned, "what convinced you to take me up on my offer?"


Grimm glanced over to her when she caught up to him on the horse granted to them. It seems she wasn't expecting to be granted entry so quickly.

'It was because you were going to enter Montesquieu anyway." He scowled. "I very much prefer to know where you're going and how you will travel in order to avoid having to clean human blood off the walls and floors of the library."

He paused in his answer as he faced forward to see the road ahead. Again, the terrain was open with rolling hills decorated with rows of grapevines and fruit trees with flower bushes decorating the horizon. The sights of villages and towns marked human settlements safe from immediate dangers and free from crime and corruption.

Morr Grimm continued. "It also helped your cause that you admit that you don't know what you are seeking for when you said 'no'. You were right that the dialect of the Higher Vampires being extinct therefore making the scriptures in Montesquieu indecipherable, even to us Lesser Vampires. A wealth of knowledge lost to us forever."

"I granted you permission for entry of the library because you were the only scholar that did not claim to know the language of the Higher Vampires."

PostPosted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 7:51 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona sighed, letting go of the Writ of Sealing in her cloak, and bringing her mind back from the Pale. She dropped the signs summoning the Damned Lord to her mind, and heard him speak to her in his harsh, leathery voice. "Your leaving then?" he said, his voice a facade of acceptance but clearly desperate. He was a slave to Siona, a soldier who fought and died incessantly until she died, at which point he would be cast out of existence and into the Land Of The Dead. The only thing he ever seemed to want was to be summoned, to be let loose into the world to feel air move, smell nature, and destroy what stood before him. And it was Siona who decided when those chances were given.

"Yes," said Siona, turning to look over her shoulder at where his voice had come from. She could not see him, but she could sense his presence. "I have no need of you. Now go. Retertse ans plassidus." She spoke the words to dismiss summoned spirits, and felt more than saw as the Damned Lord dissipated. His spirit left, but she could still feel him in her mind for some time to come. He would remain connected for a while, but eventually he would be gone, as he always was. And once he was gone, he would not return until she summoned him again.

As Siona brought her subconscious back together with her conscious, she felt her mind become full once more, and shivered as the cold of the Pale began to leave her body. She looked around herself, rubbing her hands together and blowing into them. The grass around her all was frosted over like an early winter chill had swept through, the grass brown and dead. It was a sad reality of keeping part of ones mind in the Pale for too long, the plants nearby would be frozen and killed. She shivered, and her teeth chattered. It would take a little while to get warm again, she had been int the Pale for far longer than was safe, and she considered it a small miracle that she hadn't gotten frostbite or hypothermia.

"What was that?" said Rithi, looking up at Siona.

"Summoning," said Siona. "If you allow your mind to linger long in the Pale, the cold begins to seep out into our world with your body as a link between the two."

"Oh," said Rithi. Suddenly becoming a mage didn't seem nearly as exciting as it had when she first met Siona. "Is it like that when you walk dreams as well?" she said.

"No," said Siona, running her hands through her hair and combing out the ice crystals that had formed there. "Dream walking is exactly as it sounds. It is only like that when you use it to leave our world."

"I don't think I understand," said Rithi.

Before Siona could respond however, Morr Grimm spoke to her again. He had sent off his knights, sending them scattered in all directions. He hadnt said it directly yet, but it was more than clear that her attempts to get into the Library were successful. "Ill tell you later," said Sion to Rithi. "Lets get back on the horse."

She leaned down, picking up her wine again and putting it lightly into her bag, before making her way back across the rode to the horse. It sniffed the air uncomfortably, watching Siona. She suspected that being so close to so many Vampires, she probably smelled a little like them now. Not that she could tell, to her they smelled like anyone else, but to an animal it was probably disconcerting to say the least. She pet the horse and shushed it, before pulling herself up into the saddle and dragging Rithi up behind her. The two secure on the horse, Siona whipped the reigns and galloped off after Morr Grimm, coming up next to him.

She rode next to him for some time, watching him out of the corner of her eye. Most people, Siona was able to figure out quite easily. She was often hired to walk others dreams, to help them work out their meanings and learn what was missing in their lives. She never told anyone, but this gave her a much deeper view into who they were than they probably would be comfortable with. And when she felt threatened by someone, she was not against walking their dreams either. But Morr Grimm, he was someone she felt both threatened and comforted by. And yet, in her short time knowing him, had already come to decide that she wouldn't even dare to walk his dreams if he asked her. At last, she decided that it was better to ask him her question directly, than sit and stew in it. He struck her as the type who would appreciate directness, rather than her dancing around a subject.

"So," she said, her voice seemingly unconcerned, "what convinced you to take me up on my offer?"


Grimm glanced over to her when she caught up to him on the horse granted to them. It seems she wasn't expecting to be granted entry so quickly.

'It was because you were going to enter Montesquieu anyway." He scowled. "I very much prefer to know where you're going and how you will travel in order to avoid having to clean human blood off the walls and floors of the library."

He paused in his answer as he faced forward to see the road ahead. Again, the terrain was open with rolling hills decorated with rows of grapevines and fruit trees with flower bushes decorating the horizon. The sights of villages and towns marked human settlements safe from immediate dangers and free from crime and corruption.

Morr Grimm continued. "It also helped your cause that you admit that you don't know what you are seeking for when you said 'no'. You were right that the dialect of the Higher Vampires being extinct therefore making the scriptures in Montesquieu indecipherable, even to us Lesser Vampires. A wealth of knowledge lost to us forever."

"I granted you permission for entry of the library because you were the only scholar that did not claim to know the language of the Higher Vampires."


Siona nodded at Morr Grimm's answer, studying her horses ears. One was nicked, and she wondered absently what had caused it. She still shivered some, and rubbed her hands over her arms to warm herself up. Though at first having to juggler her own comfort and Rithi on the back of horse had been frustrating, she was now grateful for the extra warmth that Rithi brought. Finally Siona looked out over her shoulder, looking back to Montesquieu, and studying the spire that rose up from the library. What secrets do you hide? he wondered. She contemplated what she should do with this new information. Part of her wanted to send a letter to a friend, a man named Stalyich who was now on his fourth year at one of the Colleges. She trusted him, and she knew that he wouldn't go and blather to everyone he knew about her being allowed into Montesquieu. But on the other hand, in this current political climate, she feared what would become of her if the letter was intercepted. She would be hunted like a dog for the rest of her life, and would be a blasphemer of the church. Do to her path in life she already straddled that line, and she wanted to avoid any chance she could get of being tipped over it. And further more, she wanted to give as little reason as any to the Vampires to kill her.

"Have you had many scholars come to ask this before?" she said after a while, looking over at Morr Gimm.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 18, 2019 9:19 pm
by Union Princes
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona nodded at Morr Grimm's answer, studying her horses ears. One was nicked, and she wondered absently what had caused it. She still shivered some, and rubbed her hands over her arms to warm herself up. Though at first having to juggler her own comfort and Rithi on the back of horse had been frustrating, she was now grateful for the extra warmth that Rithi brought. Finally Siona looked out over her shoulder, looking back to Montesquieu, and studying the spire that rose up from the library. What secrets do you hide? he wondered. She contemplated what she should do with this new information. Part of her wanted to send a letter to a friend, a man named Stalyich who was now on his fourth year at one of the Colleges. She trusted him, and she knew that he wouldn't go and blather to everyone he knew about her being allowed into Montesquieu. But on the other hand, in this current political climate, she feared what would become of her if the letter was intercepted. She would be hunted like a dog for the rest of her life, and would be a blasphemer of the church. Do to her path in life she already straddled that line, and she wanted to avoid any chance she could get of being tipped over it. And further more, she wanted to give as little reason as any to the Vampires to kill her.

"Have you had many scholars come to ask this before?" she said after a while, looking over at Morr Gimm.


This question forced Grimm to a halt. His Nightmare gave a whine of a dozen horses burning to death. He looked directly at Siona with eyes sharper than his sword. "No." Grimm answered before resuming his speed. "Nobody asked anything from me. Nobody bothered to ask at all. Every on of those scholars went directly to Montesquieu only to be sent away or killed. The guards there can be so unreasonable."

"But at least you were smart enough to come here alone aside from a friend that is always present." Morr Grimm added. "Some quests can easily be interrupted in Ravyrnyra."



The path went on while the sun was beginning to set. But lo and behold, Siona will get to see another relic of the past up front and personal: Gallowkeep.

It was when the trio came rode on top of a hill that Siona and Rithi get to see Grimm's landed title. The size of this fortress cannot be understated. For a landed knight, Grimm could have many thousands of soldiers under his command just like every other Lesser Vampire who holds a castle to their name. But Gallowkeep was entirely different matter. Resting on uneven ground, this fortress had four layers of walls with 3 gates in the first wall alone with winding paths leading up to them. 50 towers of every shape and size could be spotted at this distance while plums of smokes rises from giant forges housed inside Gallowkeep. How this was not labeled as a fortified city remains a mystery as villages hugged the edges of Gallowkeep as trebuchets, ballistaes, and cauldrons stood by at the ready.

The sight of the fortress made of stone and iron was breathtaking and terrifying to any besieging force. As such, there was no better home that represents Morr Grimm. The trio arrived at a gate after going up through winding path resembling the slithering body of a snake. The gate was of wood reinforced with steel and so thick that it would take a giant to burst through. Siona could look up and see that the walls were maned by Deathwatch Knights with their black armor and weapons followed by Blood Knights and other human garrison forces.

Inside Gallowkeep was even more impressive. It was practically a large town inside with its main industry being metallurgy and black smithing. Rows and rows of muscled human men and women hammering, smithing, and cleaning swords, plate armor, nails, shields, helmets, chainmail, arrows, bows, crossbows, utensils, plows, and more other metal products used in war and in peace. The foodstand was in a constant state of business as wokers haggled, bartered, and bought fish, apples, beer, meat, bread, cheese, clothing, and maps from traders and merchants who came from all four corners of the Terran Empire. There could be thousands of families living within these walls with many more living outside of it.

As Grimm guided Siona and Rithi through the streets, they get to see another awe-inspiring structure. The main keep of Gallowkeep was bigger than the entire estate of Stonehollow. After they passed the fourth wall, the trio entered the main courtyard decorated with roses, both red and white, as well as lavenders.

Already, someone was waiting for them to arrive. Someone Siona and Rithi was bound to meet since they chosen Sir Morr to be their voice of reason in Ravyrnyra. That person was Lady Grimm, wife of Morr Grimm. She wasn't young or old nor was she pretty or ugly. From the sunset, Lady Grimm looked ageless like a painting than was never worn down through time and she wore a simple grey dress. No jewelry no nothing. She only bowed at Siona and Rithi while her husband brushed past her after whispering "We have guests" into her ear.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 12:03 am
by Tasuirin



Çīxɛheca Naşāt-Hɛ̄xiŧ,
Xhiɲeŧihcɛ̄hnŧiňɛ̄h Army,
Outside Lemongrove,
Night




Chixeheca neared the small settlement with the large contingent of Lizardfolk troops. For the first time in her life, she had been given command of Nichithe's elite Şīçīŧīťɛ guard, as well as much of the rest of the contingent of the Forest Tribe's army. In total, all of the members of the tribe had at least basic spears, a common Lizardfolk weapon. Some more elite troops had far better spears, others holding bows with quivers of arrows on their backs, and a very small contingent of others had blowpipes. While Chixeheca had a comprehensive knowledge of usual Lizardfolk strategy, as well as common human responses, she wasn't sure she'd need use much of that knowledge. This small town, as Nichithe had said, posed very little threat. But it was an excellent political move. Chixeheca was highly confident in her ability to kill everyone in the town. She wasn't called "human-killer" for nothing. And likely, she would receive very few casualties. They weren't expecting an attack, especially not in large numbers.

Nichithe's prediction was largely correct. Looking at the walls, if they could be called that, they were highly dilapidated. Definitely not reinforced or expectant of any kind of attack. 5,000 Lizardfolk waited for their commander's call to engage. A sharp croak was the response. The troops, bowed low to the grounds on their scaly bellies, creeping along the ground, either between dense citrus trees or along grassy plains surrounding the town. The land was fertile. If it were within Nichithe's plan to take the town, it would have made an excellent agricultural base. But that was not the plan.

Chixeheca heard an abortive shout from the left of her. Not a lookout - merely a child. Well, it was a child. The body hit the ground with a muffled thud, the grass lessening the sound of the fall. But it had still caused a bit of a stir from the meagre fortifications. A short hiss emerged from Chixeheca's mouth, and the army stopped, laying on the ground. Human voices emerged from the walls. Requests for information, perhaps? Chixeheca knew not the human tongue, nor how to speak it. Either way, soon enough, out of the still opened gates came two humans, carrying torches, the flames licking upwards as they walked slowly. Chixeheca made a long croaking sound. It attracted the attention of the humans. As well as the rest of the nearby Srasain.

As the humans walked towards where Chixeheca lay, another croak came from elsewhere. A third croak emerged, followed quickly by a fourth. The guards by Chixeheca's position looked around, flame-lit eyes filled with an evident fear. Quietly, Chixeheca gave a hiss, contrasting slightly with the now-cacophonous croaking. Both men were felled by blowpipe darts, poison tipped. The croaking immediately halted.

The men on the wall burst into action. A bell sounded as the vague silhouettes of humans scurried around the fortifications, lighting fires on their way. Chixeheca gestured the army forward, moving them towards the walls, trying to stand under them. The humans wrapped oil-soaked cloth around their arrows - a fairly useless weapon for offence, but one which would light any position quite quickly. The Srasain army stood under the walls as the first arrows cleared the position where they had stood before. The mutters of confusion from the army atop the wall reached Chixeheca's ears. She gestured for some of the Lizardfolk to climb the walls. Lizardfolk were natural climbers. The uneven rocks delivered a good gripping point, and their tails assisted with balance as they ascended. The rest of the Lizardfolk waited for the signal.

As the humans readied a second volley of arrows, this time aimed further away, a forked tongue licked over the walls. A single human lowered his bow and arrow and walked towards it. The Srasain to whom it belonged grabbed the human, tossing him over the walls. The signal. The battle began in earnest.

"CHARGE!!!" Chixeheca shouted in a language that would have been harsh to the humans' ears, but sweet to the ears of the Lizardfolk. More poured over the walls, taking only minimal casualties as the ill-trained and unprepared guards attempted to fire their blunted and unbalanced fire-arrows at the Lizardfolk. The Lizardfolk responded by stabbing most of them with pointed spears. The rest of the army poured in through the two open gates which the village possessed. It was agricultural by nature, not a fortified town. The dirt roads between small farmhouses were lit by braziers. The Lizardfolk began to enter homes.

The first one which Chixeheca entered was a small farmhouse. Two children sat in a corner, behind a mother. The father of the house held a sword, looking towards the general as she entered. She smiled widely. Bringing out her own spear. She hissed long and hard, partially to the troops behind her to stay out, and partially to the people inside, to distract and intimidate. She lunged forward, a scream carrying with her, stabbing the unprepared peasant through the heart. Her scream merged with those of the people in the corner, as she walked slowly towards them. She stabbed the woman through the chest, as the two children tried to escape. Chixeheca tripped the elder female child as the general rolled to catch them, before bringing her spear to bear on her cranium. The boy continued outside, facing a wall of spears from the Lizardfolk already there. He halted, before running straight back onto Chixeheca's own spear as he did so. The boy collapsed in a heap. They moved onto the next house.

On the walls, most of the guards had been dispatched. The Şīçīŧīťɛ guard were, for the most part, there. They attacked without mercy. The few remaining guards rushed down the steps to the village itself. And so the attackers rushed after them.

The shouts from the attackers continued on, but the frightened and desperate shouts from the defenders gradually dwindled. As the final houses were cleared, the Srasain began to tip the braziers, their fires licking out onto nearby houses, piles of hay and grasses, catching them and causing them to begin burning. Very soon, the entire village appeared to be ablaze. Hearing that all of the humans inside were dead, Chixeheca called for a retreat into the forests. The Lizardfolk dead were all gathered, none to be left for humans to find. The Srasain passed out of the two gates. On each, a small written message on parchment, in the human tongue, was nailed.

We, the Srasain, declare war on you.

Be prepared.

-N


Returning to the tribal village, Chixeheca took a final count of the dead. In total, around 200 Lizardfolk had been lost out of an initial force of 5,000. It wasn't the best success rate, but it would do for an at the time unexperienced force. And like Nichithe said, more would come once they saw that Terra had been bloodied. Now, it was just time for the humans to notice, and wonder from where the mysterious force emerged, and when and where it would strike again.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 8:43 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona nodded at Morr Grimm's answer, studying her horses ears. One was nicked, and she wondered absently what had caused it. She still shivered some, and rubbed her hands over her arms to warm herself up. Though at first having to juggler her own comfort and Rithi on the back of horse had been frustrating, she was now grateful for the extra warmth that Rithi brought. Finally Siona looked out over her shoulder, looking back to Montesquieu, and studying the spire that rose up from the library. What secrets do you hide? he wondered. She contemplated what she should do with this new information. Part of her wanted to send a letter to a friend, a man named Stalyich who was now on his fourth year at one of the Colleges. She trusted him, and she knew that he wouldn't go and blather to everyone he knew about her being allowed into Montesquieu. But on the other hand, in this current political climate, she feared what would become of her if the letter was intercepted. She would be hunted like a dog for the rest of her life, and would be a blasphemer of the church. Do to her path in life she already straddled that line, and she wanted to avoid any chance she could get of being tipped over it. And further more, she wanted to give as little reason as any to the Vampires to kill her.

"Have you had many scholars come to ask this before?" she said after a while, looking over at Morr Gimm.


This question forced Grimm to a halt. His Nightmare gave a whine of a dozen horses burning to death. He looked directly at Siona with eyes sharper than his sword. "No." Grimm answered before resuming his speed. "Nobody asked anything from me. Nobody bothered to ask at all. Every on of those scholars went directly to Montesquieu only to be sent away or killed. The guards there can be so unreasonable."

"But at least you were smart enough to come here alone aside from a friend that is always present." Morr Grimm added. "Some quests can easily be interrupted in Ravyrnyra."



The path went on while the sun was beginning to set. But lo and behold, Siona will get to see another relic of the past up front and personal: Gallowkeep.

It was when the trio came rode on top of a hill that Siona and Rithi get to see Grimm's landed title. The size of this fortress cannot be understated. For a landed knight, Grimm could have many thousands of soldiers under his command just like every other Lesser Vampire who holds a castle to their name. But Gallowkeep was entirely different matter. Resting on uneven ground, this fortress had four layers of walls with 3 gates in the first wall alone with winding paths leading up to them. 50 towers of every shape and size could be spotted at this distance while plums of smokes rises from giant forges housed inside Gallowkeep. How this was not labeled as a fortified city remains a mystery as villages hugged the edges of Gallowkeep as trebuchets, ballistaes, and cauldrons stood by at the ready.

The sight of the fortress made of stone and iron was breathtaking and terrifying to any besieging force. As such, there was no better home that represents Morr Grimm. The trio arrived at a gate after going up through winding path resembling the slithering body of a snake. The gate was of wood reinforced with steel and so thick that it would take a giant to burst through. Siona could look up and see that the walls were maned by Deathwatch Knights with their black armor and weapons followed by Blood Knights and other human garrison forces.

Inside Gallowkeep was even more impressive. It was practically a large town inside with its main industry being metallurgy and black smithing. Rows and rows of muscled human men and women hammering, smithing, and cleaning swords, plate armor, nails, shields, helmets, chainmail, arrows, bows, crossbows, utensils, plows, and more other metal products used in war and in peace. The foodstand was in a constant state of business as wokers haggled, bartered, and bought fish, apples, beer, meat, bread, cheese, clothing, and maps from traders and merchants who came from all four corners of the Terran Empire. There could be thousands of families living within these walls with many more living outside of it.

As Grimm guided Siona and Rithi through the streets, they get to see another awe-inspiring structure. The main keep of Gallowkeep was bigger than the entire estate of Stonehollow. After they passed the fourth wall, the trio entered the main courtyard decorated with roses, both red and white, as well as lavenders.

Already, someone was waiting for them to arrive. Someone Siona and Rithi was bound to meet since they chosen Sir Morr to be their voice of reason in Ravyrnyra. That person was Lady Grimm, wife of Morr Grimm. She wasn't young or old nor was she pretty or ugly. From the sunset, Lady Grimm looked ageless like a painting than was never worn down through time and she wore a simple grey dress. No jewelry no nothing. She only bowed at Siona and Rithi while her husband brushed past her after whispering "We have guests" into her ear.


Siona gazed at Morr Grimm's home, the castle looming large and powerful over the countryside. It was far grander than even the castles of most lords, and she very quickly understood just who it was that Morr Grimm was. Maybe only a knight in the eyes of the Empire, but he may as well have been a king in the lands he lived in. She made sure to keep her face impassive, not wanting to make a fool of herself, but that idea was seemingly lost on Rithi, who stared mouth agape.

"Have you ever seen anything like that in your life?" she said. "I thought only Kings and Emperors could afford to live in such grand places as this."

"I've seen some like this," said Siona. "But its the first time I've ever been invited into one." She spoke softly, even more so than she usually did. Whereas normally she was quiet but her intensity did the talking for her, now she kept herself as quiet as she could in the hopes Rithi would get the message. She didn't however, and continued to stare. She babbled on in Siona's ear, talking like a toddler who had a question for everything. Siona kept her face forward and impassive, as was her custom, but still couldn't help but glance at everything out of the corner of her eye. Really, it was nothing she hadn't seen before. Shopkeepers and blacksmiths and markets were not uncommon in the world. But inside of what was ostensibly a castle, that was an entirely different story. This place could hardly even be considered a castle, it was more like a palace, or a small city.

She followed behind Morr Grimm as they wound their way through the fortress. If fortress was really the right word, though Siona felt odd calling it that. She looked up at the many towers and ballista's and catapults that peaked over the edges of the walls, marveling at the size and grandeur of each gate they made their way through. She brushed her hair behind an ear, and gave a slight smile to a young man smoking a pipe in blacksmiths clothes. He was handsome, and Siona caught him looking at her with approval. Despite her often cold and scholarly personality, it still always felt good to know someone was approving. He nodded at Siona and puffed his pipe, returning the smile before standing form his stool and making his way back to his forge.

"He sure seemed to like you," said Rithi.

Siona just grinned, but Rithi was not to be dissuaded by silence.

"He sure was handsome, wasn't he?" she said.

"I suppose," said Siona. "In a rugged sort of way."

Siona couldn't see it, but she could practically feel Rithi give her a look of indignation.

"Why do you always act so aloof?" she said, her voice half joking but also half not. "I've never met a girl so seemingly uninterested in the handsome blacksmith boy as you are. Haven't you read any fairy tales? Don't you know handsome blacksmith boys are always long lost princes, and that by marrying them you will become a princess and help lift an ancient curse on his kingdom?"

"You know," said Siona, "ancient curses seem a lot less exciting when you have lifted actual ancient curses."

Rithi paused, mulling that one over. She looked back over her shoulder at the blacksmith boy, now patting the ashes out of his pipe, before looking back at the wild black hair on the back of Siona's head. "You've lifted ancient curses?" she said.

"Twice," said Siona. "Once with my old master, Jashe, and once on my own."

Rithi suddenly was on a new train of thought from any handsome boys in the market. Her mind was fixed firmly on the thoughts of magic and adventure again, and she mulled over what kinds of things Siona must have done to lift a curse. She imagined Siona fighting black, shadowy spirits in some northern tomb, with a grizzled master by her side. Before long, she found herself replacing Siona with herself, and replacing Siona's master with Siona. Rithi could see herself, fire in one hand and a sword in the other, back to back with Siona as they protected helpless villagers from mortal peril. She grinned at that thought, seeing as their enemies flew across the battlefield with great gusts of wind or the swords of summoned giants as the two brave mages smote their enemies. Little did she know there was much more mental acumen that went into magic, not just flailing ones arms about and shouting funny phrases.

Rithi's daydreaming continued until they reached the entrance to Gallowkeep, Morr Grimm's home, for lack of a better word. Siona swung herself from off of her horse, allowing a stable hand to take it away after Rithi had clambered down with far less grace and poise. Siona followed behind Morr Grimm, her cloak billowing out like a proper mage from a myth, her trusty companion by her side as she entered the brave lords castle. It all felt surreal, like some tale Ms Maadran would tell the children of the caravan around the campfire. As Siona came face to face with Morr Grimm's wife, the image was complete in both her and Rithi's mind. It was all so bizarre, to be the one doing these things. She had only ever heard of College mages being given these types of honors, not wandering mages. Hell, for all the peasents like to talk about her, it didnt change the fact that Siona was practically the mage equivalent to a hedge knight.

Siona watched as Morr Grimm leaned down and whispered in his wifes ear, as she stood waiting to greet them. She was not the most beautiful or grand woman who Siona had ever seen, what with her average face and plain clothing. And yet she held herself with such a grace and regality, that it left Siona a little in awe, and more than a little taken aback. Siona paused, not entirely sure what to do in this type of situation, but eventually went with what she hoped was the safest bet. She didn't know how to curtsy, and so she leaned forward and bowed, smacking Rithi on the shoulder to get her to do the same. Where she had managed to win Morr Grimm's appreciation through priving her dedication and bravery, she suspected it would take a lot more to make that same impression with his wife. And Lady Grimm's face gave absolutely nothing away as to what it would take to win her appreciation.

"Lady Grimm," said Siona. "It is a pleasure and an honor to meet you. I am Siona Willun, know by some as the Black Raven or the Dream Walker. And this is my apprentice." She gave Rithi another little smack on the shoulder, and Rithi spoke as well.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Grimm," said Rithi, her voice cracking a little under the stress of this situation. "I am Rithi Stoneswallow, apprentice to Siona Willun. I come to you with no titles of my own, but it is my hope that under Siona's tutelage I will one day earn them."

PostPosted: Tue Jan 22, 2019 7:26 pm
by Union Princes
The Twelve Isles wrote:
Siona gazed at Morr Grimm's home, the castle looming large and powerful over the countryside. It was far grander than even the castles of most lords, and she very quickly understood just who it was that Morr Grimm was. Maybe only a knight in the eyes of the Empire, but he may as well have been a king in the lands he lived in. She made sure to keep her face impassive, not wanting to make a fool of herself, but that idea was seemingly lost on Rithi, who stared mouth agape.

"Have you ever seen anything like that in your life?" she said. "I thought only Kings and Emperors could afford to live in such grand places as this."

"I've seen some like this," said Siona. "But its the first time I've ever been invited into one." She spoke softly, even more so than she usually did. Whereas normally she was quiet but her intensity did the talking for her, now she kept herself as quiet as she could in the hopes Rithi would get the message. She didn't however, and continued to stare. She babbled on in Siona's ear, talking like a toddler who had a question for everything. Siona kept her face forward and impassive, as was her custom, but still couldn't help but glance at everything out of the corner of her eye. Really, it was nothing she hadn't seen before. Shopkeepers and blacksmiths and markets were not uncommon in the world. But inside of what was ostensibly a castle, that was an entirely different story. This place could hardly even be considered a castle, it was more like a palace, or a small city.

She followed behind Morr Grimm as they wound their way through the fortress. If fortress was really the right word, though Siona felt odd calling it that. She looked up at the many towers and ballista's and catapults that peaked over the edges of the walls, marveling at the size and grandeur of each gate they made their way through. She brushed her hair behind an ear, and gave a slight smile to a young man smoking a pipe in blacksmiths clothes. He was handsome, and Siona caught him looking at her with approval. Despite her often cold and scholarly personality, it still always felt good to know someone was approving. He nodded at Siona and puffed his pipe, returning the smile before standing form his stool and making his way back to his forge.

"He sure seemed to like you," said Rithi.

Siona just grinned, but Rithi was not to be dissuaded by silence.

"He sure was handsome, wasn't he?" she said.

"I suppose," said Siona. "In a rugged sort of way."

Siona couldn't see it, but she could practically feel Rithi give her a look of indignation.

"Why do you always act so aloof?" she said, her voice half joking but also half not. "I've never met a girl so seemingly uninterested in the handsome blacksmith boy as you are. Haven't you read any fairy tales? Don't you know handsome blacksmith boys are always long lost princes, and that by marrying them you will become a princess and help lift an ancient curse on his kingdom?"

"You know," said Siona, "ancient curses seem a lot less exciting when you have lifted actual ancient curses."

Rithi paused, mulling that one over. She looked back over her shoulder at the blacksmith boy, now patting the ashes out of his pipe, before looking back at the wild black hair on the back of Siona's head. "You've lifted ancient curses?" she said.

"Twice," said Siona. "Once with my old master, Jashe, and once on my own."

Rithi suddenly was on a new train of thought from any handsome boys in the market. Her mind was fixed firmly on the thoughts of magic and adventure again, and she mulled over what kinds of things Siona must have done to lift a curse. She imagined Siona fighting black, shadowy spirits in some northern tomb, with a grizzled master by her side. Before long, she found herself replacing Siona with herself, and replacing Siona's master with Siona. Rithi could see herself, fire in one hand and a sword in the other, back to back with Siona as they protected helpless villagers from mortal peril. She grinned at that thought, seeing as their enemies flew across the battlefield with great gusts of wind or the swords of summoned giants as the two brave mages smote their enemies. Little did she know there was much more mental acumen that went into magic, not just flailing ones arms about and shouting funny phrases.

Rithi's daydreaming continued until they reached the entrance to Gallowkeep, Morr Grimm's home, for lack of a better word. Siona swung herself from off of her horse, allowing a stable hand to take it away after Rithi had clambered down with far less grace and poise. Siona followed behind Morr Grimm, her cloak billowing out like a proper mage from a myth, her trusty companion by her side as she entered the brave lords castle. It all felt surreal, like some tale Ms Maadran would tell the children of the caravan around the campfire. As Siona came face to face with Morr Grimm's wife, the image was complete in both her and Rithi's mind. It was all so bizarre, to be the one doing these things. She had only ever heard of College mages being given these types of honors, not wandering mages. Hell, for all the peasents like to talk about her, it didnt change the fact that Siona was practically the mage equivalent to a hedge knight.

Siona watched as Morr Grimm leaned down and whispered in his wifes ear, as she stood waiting to greet them. She was not the most beautiful or grand woman who Siona had ever seen, what with her average face and plain clothing. And yet she held herself with such a grace and regality, that it left Siona a little in awe, and more than a little taken aback. Siona paused, not entirely sure what to do in this type of situation, but eventually went with what she hoped was the safest bet. She didn't know how to curtsy, and so she leaned forward and bowed, smacking Rithi on the shoulder to get her to do the same. Where she had managed to win Morr Grimm's appreciation through priving her dedication and bravery, she suspected it would take a lot more to make that same impression with his wife. And Lady Grimm's face gave absolutely nothing away as to what it would take to win her appreciation.

"Lady Grimm," said Siona. "It is a pleasure and an honor to meet you. I am Siona Willun, know by some as the Black Raven or the Dream Walker. And this is my apprentice." She gave Rithi another little smack on the shoulder, and Rithi spoke as well.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Grimm," said Rithi, her voice cracking a little under the stress of this situation. "I am Rithi Stoneswallow, apprentice to Siona Willun. I come to you with no titles of my own, but it is my hope that under Siona's tutelage I will one day earn them."

Lady Grimm smiled although it was clear she wasn't used to smiling. When she spoke, her words were as calm as a quiet pond. "Welcome to our humble abode. I am Catherine Grimm and do not fret on titles." She assures Rithi. "They're just titles. There's no Lesser Vampire in these lands that uses titles such as dukes or counts. Your name may be forgotten but your deeds will be immortal."

"You must be famished on your journey." Lady Catherine states to Siona and Rithi. "Come join us for dinner."

Lady Grimm escorted them into the keep where they entree the Grand Hall. Usually, a Grand Hall would be decorated with elaborated cloths and exotic paintings and sculptures. But here, "grandeur" and "nobility" seem to not exist in Morr Grimm's vocabulary. The Grand Hall was simply a hall only decorated with portraits of the ancestors of House Grimm. Vampires in the paintings weren't as grim as Morr but they still had that sense of duty within those portraits. But at least the hall was well lit with plenty of candles.

Hanging from the ceiling were two types of banners: one for House Grimm and one for the Night King. Grimm's banner was a black rook with a grey sword in the center on a white background while the banner of the Night King was a black crown with three spiked ends on top of a crimson background.

Other than that, any noble lord would call Grimm's Grand Hall a "tomb" due to the lack of "life" in the form of nonexistent decorations. Yet, as Lady Catherine guided the pair to the dinner area, they bumped into another member of House Grimm. It was Morr's eldest daughter and she was just recently told there was guests.

Unlike her mother, the daughter was young, undeniably beautiful amd possibly the same age as Siona. Her black hair was just as deep as Siona's. She wore a red dress with sapphire blue patterns and a necklace of emerald stones around her neck.

Morr's daughter was immediately staring at Siona as if she jumped out of a fairy tale. That suprise turned into curiosity as she bit her lip revealing her vampire fangs.

"Slavena," Lady Catherine called for her daughter's attention without raising her voice. "Go check to see that a room is prepared for them before joining us."

Slavena hastily nodded before scampering off. Despite how empty the Grand Hall was, they could barely hear the echoes of Slavena's feet.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 22, 2019 7:51 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:
Siona gazed at Morr Grimm's home, the castle looming large and powerful over the countryside. It was far grander than even the castles of most lords, and she very quickly understood just who it was that Morr Grimm was. Maybe only a knight in the eyes of the Empire, but he may as well have been a king in the lands he lived in. She made sure to keep her face impassive, not wanting to make a fool of herself, but that idea was seemingly lost on Rithi, who stared mouth agape.

"Have you ever seen anything like that in your life?" she said. "I thought only Kings and Emperors could afford to live in such grand places as this."

"I've seen some like this," said Siona. "But its the first time I've ever been invited into one." She spoke softly, even more so than she usually did. Whereas normally she was quiet but her intensity did the talking for her, now she kept herself as quiet as she could in the hopes Rithi would get the message. She didn't however, and continued to stare. She babbled on in Siona's ear, talking like a toddler who had a question for everything. Siona kept her face forward and impassive, as was her custom, but still couldn't help but glance at everything out of the corner of her eye. Really, it was nothing she hadn't seen before. Shopkeepers and blacksmiths and markets were not uncommon in the world. But inside of what was ostensibly a castle, that was an entirely different story. This place could hardly even be considered a castle, it was more like a palace, or a small city.

She followed behind Morr Grimm as they wound their way through the fortress. If fortress was really the right word, though Siona felt odd calling it that. She looked up at the many towers and ballista's and catapults that peaked over the edges of the walls, marveling at the size and grandeur of each gate they made their way through. She brushed her hair behind an ear, and gave a slight smile to a young man smoking a pipe in blacksmiths clothes. He was handsome, and Siona caught him looking at her with approval. Despite her often cold and scholarly personality, it still always felt good to know someone was approving. He nodded at Siona and puffed his pipe, returning the smile before standing form his stool and making his way back to his forge.

"He sure seemed to like you," said Rithi.

Siona just grinned, but Rithi was not to be dissuaded by silence.

"He sure was handsome, wasn't he?" she said.

"I suppose," said Siona. "In a rugged sort of way."

Siona couldn't see it, but she could practically feel Rithi give her a look of indignation.

"Why do you always act so aloof?" she said, her voice half joking but also half not. "I've never met a girl so seemingly uninterested in the handsome blacksmith boy as you are. Haven't you read any fairy tales? Don't you know handsome blacksmith boys are always long lost princes, and that by marrying them you will become a princess and help lift an ancient curse on his kingdom?"

"You know," said Siona, "ancient curses seem a lot less exciting when you have lifted actual ancient curses."

Rithi paused, mulling that one over. She looked back over her shoulder at the blacksmith boy, now patting the ashes out of his pipe, before looking back at the wild black hair on the back of Siona's head. "You've lifted ancient curses?" she said.

"Twice," said Siona. "Once with my old master, Jashe, and once on my own."

Rithi suddenly was on a new train of thought from any handsome boys in the market. Her mind was fixed firmly on the thoughts of magic and adventure again, and she mulled over what kinds of things Siona must have done to lift a curse. She imagined Siona fighting black, shadowy spirits in some northern tomb, with a grizzled master by her side. Before long, she found herself replacing Siona with herself, and replacing Siona's master with Siona. Rithi could see herself, fire in one hand and a sword in the other, back to back with Siona as they protected helpless villagers from mortal peril. She grinned at that thought, seeing as their enemies flew across the battlefield with great gusts of wind or the swords of summoned giants as the two brave mages smote their enemies. Little did she know there was much more mental acumen that went into magic, not just flailing ones arms about and shouting funny phrases.

Rithi's daydreaming continued until they reached the entrance to Gallowkeep, Morr Grimm's home, for lack of a better word. Siona swung herself from off of her horse, allowing a stable hand to take it away after Rithi had clambered down with far less grace and poise. Siona followed behind Morr Grimm, her cloak billowing out like a proper mage from a myth, her trusty companion by her side as she entered the brave lords castle. It all felt surreal, like some tale Ms Maadran would tell the children of the caravan around the campfire. As Siona came face to face with Morr Grimm's wife, the image was complete in both her and Rithi's mind. It was all so bizarre, to be the one doing these things. She had only ever heard of College mages being given these types of honors, not wandering mages. Hell, for all the peasents like to talk about her, it didnt change the fact that Siona was practically the mage equivalent to a hedge knight.

Siona watched as Morr Grimm leaned down and whispered in his wifes ear, as she stood waiting to greet them. She was not the most beautiful or grand woman who Siona had ever seen, what with her average face and plain clothing. And yet she held herself with such a grace and regality, that it left Siona a little in awe, and more than a little taken aback. Siona paused, not entirely sure what to do in this type of situation, but eventually went with what she hoped was the safest bet. She didn't know how to curtsy, and so she leaned forward and bowed, smacking Rithi on the shoulder to get her to do the same. Where she had managed to win Morr Grimm's appreciation through priving her dedication and bravery, she suspected it would take a lot more to make that same impression with his wife. And Lady Grimm's face gave absolutely nothing away as to what it would take to win her appreciation.

"Lady Grimm," said Siona. "It is a pleasure and an honor to meet you. I am Siona Willun, know by some as the Black Raven or the Dream Walker. And this is my apprentice." She gave Rithi another little smack on the shoulder, and Rithi spoke as well.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Grimm," said Rithi, her voice cracking a little under the stress of this situation. "I am Rithi Stoneswallow, apprentice to Siona Willun. I come to you with no titles of my own, but it is my hope that under Siona's tutelage I will one day earn them."

Lady Grimm smiled although it was clear she wasn't used to smiling. When she spoke, her words were as calm as a quiet pond. "Welcome to our humble abode. I am Catherine Grimm and do not fret on titles." She assures Rithi. "They're just titles. There's no Lesser Vampire in these lands that uses titles such as dukes or counts. Your name may be forgotten but your deeds will be immortal."

"You must be famished on your journey." Lady Catherine states to Siona and Rithi. "Come join us for dinner."

Lady Grimm escorted them into the keep where they entree the Grand Hall. Usually, a Grand Hall would be decorated with elaborated cloths and exotic paintings and sculptures. But here, "grandeur" and "nobility" seem to not exist in Morr Grimm's vocabulary. The Grand Hall was simply a hall only decorated with portraits of the ancestors of House Grimm. Vampires in the paintings weren't as grim as Morr but they still had that sense of duty within those portraits. But at least the hall was well lit with plenty of candles.

Hanging from the ceiling were two types of banners: one for House Grimm and one for the Night King. Grimm's banner was a black rook with a grey sword in the center on a white background while the banner of the Night King was a black crown with three spiked ends on top of a crimson background.

Other than that, any noble lord would call Grimm's Grand Hall a "tomb" due to the lack of "life" in the form of nonexistent decorations. Yet, as Lady Catherine guided the pair to the dinner area, they bumped into another member of House Grimm. It was Morr's eldest daughter and she was just recently told there was guests.

Unlike her mother, the daughter was young, undeniably beautiful amd possibly the same age as Siona. Her black hair was just as deep as Siona's. She wore a red dress with sapphire blue patterns and a necklace of emerald stones around her neck.

Morr's daughter was immediately staring at Siona as if she jumped out of a fairy tale. That suprise turned into curiosity as she bit her lip revealing her vampire fangs.

"Slavena," Lady Catherine called for her daughter's attention without raising her voice. "Go check to see that a room is prepared for them before joining us."

Slavena hastily nodded before scampering off. Despite how empty the Grand Hall was, they could barely hear the echoes of Slavena's feet.


Siona nodded and smiled when Lady Grimm mentioned dinner. Siona had been on the road all day, and much of it on horseback. While she knew how to ride, she was not used to it, and her legs felt like butter because of it. Near the end, it felt like she couldn't shift herself in the saddle in any way without finding some other part of herself that was uncomfortable. Siona followed Lady Grimm closely, throwing her cloak over her shoulder and adjusting her bag. She unclasped it, taking it off and letting it hang from her hand as she walked, and Rithi did the same. Siona was used to hauling around her books and supplies, but Rithi took any chance she could get to take her pack off. She was already small and skinny, and coupled with the fact that she had not really traveled extensively ever before she found that the books Siona was having her study, her food, her changes of clothes and other such supplies made her ache in every way possible.

Siona studied the castle as they walked, noting that it fit in with everything else Morr Grimm had demonstrated about himself before. It was sparse, but regal at the same time. The spartan conditions of it made her feel his philosophy's on life in her bones, and somehow the large ceilings and stonework of the walls made her feel smaller without any significant drapery or paintings to occupy her vision. She felt certain that was on purpose, especially when she reached the dining hall. All that decorated the walls were paintings of the Grimm line, the old vampires gazing down at her with gravity. Siona stared up at them, taking in the lineage of House Grimm, when she suddenly stopped short at a figure in her vision.

Siona looked back down at a young woman who seemed to be around her age, maybe a bit younger, though she couldn't quite tell. She looked back at Siona with curiosity, biting her lip as she did so, revealing two sharp white fangs. She gave Siona the impression of a cat, slinky and mischievous. "Um, hello," she said. The usual gravity her voice carried faltered a little at the strangeness of the encounter, but still held out underneath her words nonetheless.

Before the girl could respond, Lady Grimm called out to her. She did not raise her voice, but it cut through the hall like she had. "Slavena," she said, "go check to see that a room is prepared for them before joining us."

Slavena, as the girl was named, nodded quickly before quickly making her way in the opposite direction. Siona watched her go, noting the fine clothing and making a series of connections in her head. "I take it Slavena is your daughter then?" she said.

PostPosted: Tue Jan 22, 2019 9:13 pm
by Union Princes
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona nodded and smiled when Lady Grimm mentioned dinner. Siona had been on the road all day, and much of it on horseback. While she knew how to ride, she was not used to it, and her legs felt like butter because of it. Near the end, it felt like she couldn't shift herself in the saddle in any way without finding some other part of herself that was uncomfortable. Siona followed Lady Grimm closely, throwing her cloak over her shoulder and adjusting her bag. She unclasped it, taking it off and letting it hang from her hand as she walked, and Rithi did the same. Siona was used to hauling around her books and supplies, but Rithi took any chance she could get to take her pack off. She was already small and skinny, and coupled with the fact that she had not really traveled extensively ever before she found that the books Siona was having her study, her food, her changes of clothes and other such supplies made her ache in every way possible.

Siona studied the castle as they walked, noting that it fit in with everything else Morr Grimm had demonstrated about himself before. It was sparse, but regal at the same time. The spartan conditions of it made her feel his philosophy's on life in her bones, and somehow the large ceilings and stonework of the walls made her feel smaller without any significant drapery or paintings to occupy her vision. She felt certain that was on purpose, especially when she reached the dining hall. All that decorated the walls were paintings of the Grimm line, the old vampires gazing down at her with gravity. Siona stared up at them, taking in the lineage of House Grimm, when she suddenly stopped short at a figure in her vision.

Siona looked back down at a young woman who seemed to be around her age, maybe a bit younger, though she couldn't quite tell. She looked back at Siona with curiosity, biting her lip as she did so, revealing two sharp white fangs. She gave Siona the impression of a cat, slinky and mischievous. "Um, hello," she said. The usual gravity her voice carried faltered a little at the strangeness of the encounter, but still held out underneath her words nonetheless.

Before the girl could respond, Lady Grimm called out to her. She did not raise her voice, but it cut through the hall like she had. "Slavena," she said, "go check to see that a room is prepared for them before joining us."

Slavena, as the girl was named, nodded quickly before quickly making her way in the opposite direction. Siona watched her go, noting the fine clothing and making a series of connections in her head. "I take it Slavena is your daughter then?" she said.


"Hmm?" Catherine Grimm tilted her head. She nodded once in reply. "Yes. She is our eldest daughter. Shame though that they are no suitors for a women of her age. Morr and I were so sure that there would be a large contingent of vampire knights determined to win her hand."

With a sigh, Lady Grimm continue to lead the pair to the dining hall. When they arrived, Siona and Rithi get to witness how empty this keep is. Since Gallowkeep was originally the castle for the Deathwatch order, the dining hall was created to accommodate all of its members not a small family of knights and vinters.

It was surreal walking past rows and rows of empty tables and chairs that were cleaned just to prevent dust from settling yet they themselves would hardly ever used. At the other end of the dining hall sat Morr Grimm, sitting stiffly in his high lord's chair. He glared at his wife and at Siona as the trio approached their seats. Grimm said no words only watched their every move.

It was then when Siona would notice someone else sitting across from Catherine. It was the son and heir of Morr yet he barely looked young adult at all. Just a kid who was still a squire to his knight and father. He nearly bounced out of his chair in glee when he saw Siona and Rithi but his father's presence ensured none of that.

What was really surprising was that sitting across from Rithi was a little girl. A human girl and she looked as if she was 7 years old. She waved at Rithi than Siona before being interrupted with Slavena bursting into the dining hall.

Siona could easily see Morr's unamused face when he saw his daughter rushing to eat. It's not like the food is going anywhere.

Alas, food was finally brought put in a form of roasted pig and chicken followed by meatpies while being complemented by water and Stonehollow Wine.

Before anyone could dig in, the Grimm family simply waited for the human girl to finish her prayer, even though it was a lazy and sloppy prayer.

"Dig in." Morr gestured at the food before taking a chicken leg and biting into it in a cold methodical manner.

PostPosted: Wed Jan 23, 2019 8:20 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona nodded and smiled when Lady Grimm mentioned dinner. Siona had been on the road all day, and much of it on horseback. While she knew how to ride, she was not used to it, and her legs felt like butter because of it. Near the end, it felt like she couldn't shift herself in the saddle in any way without finding some other part of herself that was uncomfortable. Siona followed Lady Grimm closely, throwing her cloak over her shoulder and adjusting her bag. She unclasped it, taking it off and letting it hang from her hand as she walked, and Rithi did the same. Siona was used to hauling around her books and supplies, but Rithi took any chance she could get to take her pack off. She was already small and skinny, and coupled with the fact that she had not really traveled extensively ever before she found that the books Siona was having her study, her food, her changes of clothes and other such supplies made her ache in every way possible.

Siona studied the castle as they walked, noting that it fit in with everything else Morr Grimm had demonstrated about himself before. It was sparse, but regal at the same time. The spartan conditions of it made her feel his philosophy's on life in her bones, and somehow the large ceilings and stonework of the walls made her feel smaller without any significant drapery or paintings to occupy her vision. She felt certain that was on purpose, especially when she reached the dining hall. All that decorated the walls were paintings of the Grimm line, the old vampires gazing down at her with gravity. Siona stared up at them, taking in the lineage of House Grimm, when she suddenly stopped short at a figure in her vision.

Siona looked back down at a young woman who seemed to be around her age, maybe a bit younger, though she couldn't quite tell. She looked back at Siona with curiosity, biting her lip as she did so, revealing two sharp white fangs. She gave Siona the impression of a cat, slinky and mischievous. "Um, hello," she said. The usual gravity her voice carried faltered a little at the strangeness of the encounter, but still held out underneath her words nonetheless.

Before the girl could respond, Lady Grimm called out to her. She did not raise her voice, but it cut through the hall like she had. "Slavena," she said, "go check to see that a room is prepared for them before joining us."

Slavena, as the girl was named, nodded quickly before quickly making her way in the opposite direction. Siona watched her go, noting the fine clothing and making a series of connections in her head. "I take it Slavena is your daughter then?" she said.


"Hmm?" Catherine Grimm tilted her head. She nodded once in reply. "Yes. She is our eldest daughter. Shame though that they are no suitors for a women of her age. Morr and I were so sure that there would be a large contingent of vampire knights determined to win her hand."

With a sigh, Lady Grimm continue to lead the pair to the dining hall. When they arrived, Siona and Rithi get to witness how empty this keep is. Since Gallowkeep was originally the castle for the Deathwatch order, the dining hall was created to accommodate all of its members not a small family of knights and vinters.

It was surreal walking past rows and rows of empty tables and chairs that were cleaned just to prevent dust from settling yet they themselves would hardly ever used. At the other end of the dining hall sat Morr Grimm, sitting stiffly in his high lord's chair. He glared at his wife and at Siona as the trio approached their seats. Grimm said no words only watched their every move.

It was then when Siona would notice someone else sitting across from Catherine. It was the son and heir of Morr yet he barely looked young adult at all. Just a kid who was still a squire to his knight and father. He nearly bounced out of his chair in glee when he saw Siona and Rithi but his father's presence ensured none of that.

What was really surprising was that sitting across from Rithi was a little girl. A human girl and she looked as if she was 7 years old. She waved at Rithi than Siona before being interrupted with Slavena bursting into the dining hall.

Siona could easily see Morr's unamused face when he saw his daughter rushing to eat. It's not like the food is going anywhere.

Alas, food was finally brought put in a form of roasted pig and chicken followed by meatpies while being complemented by water and Stonehollow Wine.

Before anyone could dig in, the Grimm family simply waited for the human girl to finish her prayer, even though it was a lazy and sloppy prayer.

"Dig in." Morr gestured at the food before taking a chicken leg and biting into it in a cold methodical manner.


Siona smiled and nodded warmly to the Grimm children, noticing the barely restrained excitement of who appeared to be Morr's eldest son. He seemed like he was at that awkward place in life where he knew he wasn't a kid anymore, but still felt like he was one. Siona remembered it well, that sense of having to act older than you feel so that family and friends wouldn't judge you. As Siona sat, leaning her sword up against the table next to her, she mulled over what Lady Grimm had said about Slavena. It seemed surprising that she had no suitors, a beautiful young woman was often quickly swamped by prospective suitors in Rosha culture, and it had always seemed to be the same in the non wandering people as well. Still, there was always something, and Siona wondered if it may become more apparent the more she got to know Slavena, though she hoped it wouldn't be the case. However, she got some idea as Slavena burst into the hall, rushing to the table like it contained the first food she had seen in weeks. It seemed that Slavena was, well, just a bit goofy.

Rithi smiled and waved happily at the youngest child, and did her best to appear womanly and well traveled for Morr Grimm's son, though Siona noted that Rithi was not exactly the most womanly in the world. Even in the world of young people just entering puberty, Rithi was still a stick. But she had tenacity and enough personality for three normal people, that Siona couldn't deny.

Siona leaned in some, looking up and down the table as everyone sat, taking them in. They were certainly a pretty odd family, but one that seemed charming and loving in their own way. But the main question was the youngest. She couldn't have been much more than seven or eight, but she was also clearly not vampire. She mulled over how to bring it up in a way that wouldn't be rude, but she chose not to mention it in the end. Better not to offend someone in their own home. Instead, she grinned at the young kids across the table from her and said, "I take it your the Grimm children then?"

PostPosted: Thu Jan 24, 2019 7:46 pm
by Union Princes
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona smiled and nodded warmly to the Grimm children, noticing the barely restrained excitement of who appeared to be Morr's eldest son. He seemed like he was at that awkward place in life where he knew he wasn't a kid anymore, but still felt like he was one. Siona remembered it well, that sense of having to act older than you feel so that family and friends wouldn't judge you. As Siona sat, leaning her sword up against the table next to her, she mulled over what Lady Grimm had said about Slavena. It seemed surprising that she had no suitors, a beautiful young woman was often quickly swamped by prospective suitors in Rosha culture, and it had always seemed to be the same in the non wandering people as well. Still, there was always something, and Siona wondered if it may become more apparent the more she got to know Slavena, though she hoped it wouldn't be the case. However, she got some idea as Slavena burst into the hall, rushing to the table like it contained the first food she had seen in weeks. It seemed that Slavena was, well, just a bit goofy.

Rithi smiled and waved happily at the youngest child, and did her best to appear womanly and well traveled for Morr Grimm's son, though Siona noted that Rithi was not exactly the most womanly in the world. Even in the world of young people just entering puberty, Rithi was still a stick. But she had tenacity and enough personality for three normal people, that Siona couldn't deny.

Siona leaned in some, looking up and down the table as everyone sat, taking them in. They were certainly a pretty odd family, but one that seemed charming and loving in their own way. But the main question was the youngest. She couldn't have been much more than seven or eight, but she was also clearly not vampire. She mulled over how to bring it up in a way that wouldn't be rude, but she chose not to mention it in the end. Better not to offend someone in their own home. Instead, she grinned at the young kids across the table from her and said, "I take it your the Grimm children then?"


Slavena didn't answer Siona's question. All she did was stare longingly into her eyes and face as if Siona's face was puzzle needed to be solved. She simply ate her meatpie without even looking down. Slavena was devouring Siona's presence like a hungry lioness. Her brother on the other hand nearly choked on his roasted pig trying to answer her question.

"MMmmmmpph." He squirmed much to the silent disappointment to his father. "We are! I'm Stanislav! And she is Slavena!"

Stanislav jabbed a finger at his sister who showed no reaction other than smile as she continued staring at Siona with twinkling eyes.

"Oh! and Reyanna..." He leaned back to look over Slavena's shoulder to check on the third child, "She is our adopted sister! Her Ma and Pa died so father had to take her in."

Reyanna looked up from her plate at the mention of her name and simply smiled. Just then, a servant arrived with three chalices of silver filled with red liquid that looked suspiciously of blood. It was passed down to Grimm, then Catherine, and finally Slavena.

"Fresh from the dungeon." the servant whispers to Morr Grimm before leaving the family and guests.

PostPosted: Fri Jan 25, 2019 8:13 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:Siona smiled and nodded warmly to the Grimm children, noticing the barely restrained excitement of who appeared to be Morr's eldest son. He seemed like he was at that awkward place in life where he knew he wasn't a kid anymore, but still felt like he was one. Siona remembered it well, that sense of having to act older than you feel so that family and friends wouldn't judge you. As Siona sat, leaning her sword up against the table next to her, she mulled over what Lady Grimm had said about Slavena. It seemed surprising that she had no suitors, a beautiful young woman was often quickly swamped by prospective suitors in Rosha culture, and it had always seemed to be the same in the non wandering people as well. Still, there was always something, and Siona wondered if it may become more apparent the more she got to know Slavena, though she hoped it wouldn't be the case. However, she got some idea as Slavena burst into the hall, rushing to the table like it contained the first food she had seen in weeks. It seemed that Slavena was, well, just a bit goofy.

Rithi smiled and waved happily at the youngest child, and did her best to appear womanly and well traveled for Morr Grimm's son, though Siona noted that Rithi was not exactly the most womanly in the world. Even in the world of young people just entering puberty, Rithi was still a stick. But she had tenacity and enough personality for three normal people, that Siona couldn't deny.

Siona leaned in some, looking up and down the table as everyone sat, taking them in. They were certainly a pretty odd family, but one that seemed charming and loving in their own way. But the main question was the youngest. She couldn't have been much more than seven or eight, but she was also clearly not vampire. She mulled over how to bring it up in a way that wouldn't be rude, but she chose not to mention it in the end. Better not to offend someone in their own home. Instead, she grinned at the young kids across the table from her and said, "I take it your the Grimm children then?"


Slavena didn't answer Siona's question. All she did was stare longingly into her eyes and face as if Siona's face was puzzle needed to be solved. She simply ate her meatpie without even looking down. Slavena was devouring Siona's presence like a hungry lioness. Her brother on the other hand nearly choked on his roasted pig trying to answer her question.

"MMmmmmpph." He squirmed much to the silent disappointment to his father. "We are! I'm Stanislav! And she is Slavena!"

Stanislav jabbed a finger at his sister who showed no reaction other than smile as she continued staring at Siona with twinkling eyes.

"Oh! and Reyanna..." He leaned back to look over Slavena's shoulder to check on the third child, "She is our adopted sister! Her Ma and Pa died so father had to take her in."

Reyanna looked up from her plate at the mention of her name and simply smiled. Just then, a servant arrived with three chalices of silver filled with red liquid that looked suspiciously of blood. It was passed down to Grimm, then Catherine, and finally Slavena.

"Fresh from the dungeon." the servant whispers to Morr Grimm before leaving the family and guests.


"Well, its wonderful to meet you all," said Siona. She sipped on her wine, flicking her eyes over to Slavena from time to time. She watched Siona in what appeared to be rapt fascination, looking at her like the blacksmith boy had, but with far more intensity. Siona didn't want to jump to conclusions, but she suddenly got the impression that Slavena had not had any suitors because she was just simply uninterested in them to begin with. And judging by how she was clearly pretty forward with her affections, it made Siona wonder how Morr and Lady Grimm had not picked up on that fact, or if they had and were just choosing not to acknowledge it. It made her feel a little sad. But also, she sort of liked it at the same time, to be someone so mysterious and enticing to someone else. For a person like Slavena, who had likely spent much of her life in a fairly limited social circle in a fairly small local, it must be exciting to have mysterious wandering mages come into your home, their cloaks fluttering like ancient heroes and swords on their hip. It felt sort of good to be a bit of excitement in someones life.

She gave another of her slight smile's to Slavena, brushing her hair back as she did so. She would need to get it cut again soon, it was getting to floppy and messy. While she tucked her hair behind her ears and brushed it out of her face, a servant came up with three glasses on an elegant silver platter. Inside was a dark red liquid, which Siona mistook for wine when she first saw it. She took another bite of her food, and glanced back up as she chewed, watching closer as she servant whispered into Morr Grimm's ear. She watched as he nodded, then studied the liquid as the two older of Morr's children sipped it. It clung to the sides of the glass, and was in no way see through. Almost like, blood.

Siona sat up at that, watching carefully. She was not surprised that vampires drank blood, but it was a whole other ordeal to see them actually doing it. And in such a casual manner, it was a little disconcerting. She opened her mouth to say something, but thought against it, and sipped her wine instead. She averted her eyes, watching her food as she pushed it around with a fork, before lifting a piece of pork to her lips and chewing. Finally, she looked up again at Reyanna. She seemed a little sad, but not depressed. Siona watched her out of the corner of her eye, studying her and searching for any signs of anger or fear. Not that she worried Grimm's family would hurt her, they seemed like good people at heart. But being an orphan who's parents died sure seemed like it would be something that may weigh on ones mind, no matter how small, and Siona thought that her skills as a dream walker could be helpful to someone in that position. She decided she would keep her eye on Reyanna, and broach the topic if it ever came up.

As for Stanislav, Siona watched him too. He seemed like he was a sweet boy, like the type who would be more interested in pretty things and books than being a knight. Siona understood that in a family like his, in a position like his was, there was only so far he could get with that. It would be expected that he would be a knight, as she was sure many of the men in his family going back generations had. But still, he seemed out of place, trying to look strong and brave under the intense gaze of his father. The more she watched Stanislav and Morr's interactions, the more it reminded her of her relationship with her own father. Kater had never been kind to her, and she had never thought of him as her true father. That was a position occupied by Mr Maadran, with his easy smile and loving bear hugs. But Kater had always insisted, and he had taught Siona to be strong and to fight well, skills she never forgot and never would. But at heart she was a scholar. She liked books, nature and culture, not swords and combat. And as far as she could tell, Stanislav was the same way. Siona only hoped he would be OK as he got older, and wouldn't let his fathers intensity rub off on him. A kind ruler, who was in touch with themselves and who they were was always a more effective one. It made them seem more human. And furthermore, it would feel better for him, as it did for her, to be oneself instead of trying to prove anything to anyone.

Siona looked over at Rithi as she studied the Grimm family. Rithi chewed happily on her food, her skinniness in no way affecting her appetite. Siona felt confidant that the girl could eat a horse if one was to put her up to it. Rithi looked on at Stanislav, doing her best to give him bedroom eyes and looking like an idiot as she did so. Siona grinned at her, remembering being that young with Caernish. Caernish had been her oldest friend, and then one day years ago had then become attractive and exciting in ways Siona had not expected. He had been the talk among all the girls, and even a couple of boys (though they always seemed scared to tell) in the caravan, with his thick auburn hair and bright green eyes, his skin tanned by the sun of the road. The girls always came to Siona, seeing as she had been his friend since they were children, and asked her everything he liked to try and get his attention. Siona had dispensed with much misinformation, though she didn't know why. Now she watched as Rithi seemed to be feeling the same way about the sweet knights son, who ate his meal with the simultaneous grace of a king and quiet uncomfortableness of a boy desperate to prove himself to his father. She looked back at Slavena as she thought of Caernish, rubbed her nose, and looked away uncomfortably from the pretty girl.

Siona looked back to her own food, thinking over the table. It seemed every family was the same, with their quirks that made them all both happy and sad. She wondered if anything was different anywhere, or if no matter where you were in the Empire this was what it was like. Finally, she looked up from her food, and around at the faces surrounding her. She felt like she should make conversation, and ingratiate herself to her hosts. "This is a beautiful castle," she said to no one in particular, or to the table at large. "I've met College Mages who have entered such places, but Ive never been inside of anything more grand than a mayors house. It's truly and honor to be here."

PostPosted: Sat Jan 26, 2019 9:58 am
by Union Princes
The Twelve Isles wrote:
"Well, its wonderful to meet you all," said Siona. She sipped on her wine, flicking her eyes over to Slavena from time to time. She watched Siona in what appeared to be rapt fascination, looking at her like the blacksmith boy had, but with far more intensity. Siona didn't want to jump to conclusions, but she suddenly got the impression that Slavena had not had any suitors because she was just simply uninterested in them to begin with. And judging by how she was clearly pretty forward with her affections, it made Siona wonder how Morr and Lady Grimm had not picked up on that fact, or if they had and were just choosing not to acknowledge it. It made her feel a little sad. But also, she sort of liked it at the same time, to be someone so mysterious and enticing to someone else. For a person like Slavena, who had likely spent much of her life in a fairly limited social circle in a fairly small local, it must be exciting to have mysterious wandering mages come into your home, their cloaks fluttering like ancient heroes and swords on their hip. It felt sort of good to be a bit of excitement in someones life.

She gave another of her slight smile's to Slavena, brushing her hair back as she did so. She would need to get it cut again soon, it was getting to floppy and messy. While she tucked her hair behind her ears and brushed it out of her face, a servant came up with three glasses on an elegant silver platter. Inside was a dark red liquid, which Siona mistook for wine when she first saw it. She took another bite of her food, and glanced back up as she chewed, watching closer as she servant whispered into Morr Grimm's ear. She watched as he nodded, then studied the liquid as the two older of Morr's children sipped it. It clung to the sides of the glass, and was in no way see through. Almost like, blood.

Siona sat up at that, watching carefully. She was not surprised that vampires drank blood, but it was a whole other ordeal to see them actually doing it. And in such a casual manner, it was a little disconcerting. She opened her mouth to say something, but thought against it, and sipped her wine instead. She averted her eyes, watching her food as she pushed it around with a fork, before lifting a piece of pork to her lips and chewing. Finally, she looked up again at Reyanna. She seemed a little sad, but not depressed. Siona watched her out of the corner of her eye, studying her and searching for any signs of anger or fear. Not that she worried Grimm's family would hurt her, they seemed like good people at heart. But being an orphan who's parents died sure seemed like it would be something that may weigh on ones mind, no matter how small, and Siona thought that her skills as a dream walker could be helpful to someone in that position. She decided she would keep her eye on Reyanna, and broach the topic if it ever came up.

As for Stanislav, Siona watched him too. He seemed like he was a sweet boy, like the type who would be more interested in pretty things and books than being a knight. Siona understood that in a family like his, in a position like his was, there was only so far he could get with that. It would be expected that he would be a knight, as she was sure many of the men in his family going back generations had. But still, he seemed out of place, trying to look strong and brave under the intense gaze of his father. The more she watched Stanislav and Morr's interactions, the more it reminded her of her relationship with her own father. Kater had never been kind to her, and she had never thought of him as her true father. That was a position occupied by Mr Maadran, with his easy smile and loving bear hugs. But Kater had always insisted, and he had taught Siona to be strong and to fight well, skills she never forgot and never would. But at heart she was a scholar. She liked books, nature and culture, not swords and combat. And as far as she could tell, Stanislav was the same way. Siona only hoped he would be OK as he got older, and wouldn't let his fathers intensity rub off on him. A kind ruler, who was in touch with themselves and who they were was always a more effective one. It made them seem more human. And furthermore, it would feel better for him, as it did for her, to be oneself instead of trying to prove anything to anyone.

Siona looked over at Rithi as she studied the Grimm family. Rithi chewed happily on her food, her skinniness in no way affecting her appetite. Siona felt confidant that the girl could eat a horse if one was to put her up to it. Rithi looked on at Stanislav, doing her best to give him bedroom eyes and looking like an idiot as she did so. Siona grinned at her, remembering being that young with Caernish. Caernish had been her oldest friend, and then one day years ago had then become attractive and exciting in ways Siona had not expected. He had been the talk among all the girls, and even a couple of boys (though they always seemed scared to tell) in the caravan, with his thick auburn hair and bright green eyes, his skin tanned by the sun of the road. The girls always came to Siona, seeing as she had been his friend since they were children, and asked her everything he liked to try and get his attention. Siona had dispensed with much misinformation, though she didn't know why. Now she watched as Rithi seemed to be feeling the same way about the sweet knights son, who ate his meal with the simultaneous grace of a king and quiet uncomfortableness of a boy desperate to prove himself to his father. She looked back at Slavena as she thought of Caernish, rubbed her nose, and looked away uncomfortably from the pretty girl.

Siona looked back to her own food, thinking over the table. It seemed every family was the same, with their quirks that made them all both happy and sad. She wondered if anything was different anywhere, or if no matter where you were in the Empire this was what it was like. Finally, she looked up from her food, and around at the faces surrounding her. She felt like she should make conversation, and ingratiate herself to her hosts. "This is a beautiful castle," she said to no one in particular, or to the table at large. "I've met College Mages who have entered such places, but Ive never been inside of anything more grand than a mayors house. It's truly and honor to be here."


Morr Grimm and his lady wife were having their own private conversation when they finally broke off when Siona complimented the fortress. Morr looked rather puzzled as he quickly glanced around the large but empty dining all devoid of any eye catching decor. He was about to make a remark when Lady Catherine spoke up.

"Really? Thank you." she smiled, "It's not everyday when someone would see this fortress as beautiful. It's usually the reverse for some guests."

"Father, what's a College Mage?" Stanislave asked to Morr.

"Don't you know?" Slavena butted in to answer her little brother's question. "It's the type of people whose apprentices Sir Matthias would feed to the wargs."

"That doesn't sound like Sir Matthias at all." Morr Grimm rebuked.

"Well," Slavena corrected, "Before he would burn the College Mages on a stake. He likes to see the look on those mages' faces when they saw their followers torn apart by those giant wolves."

Morr Grimm grunted as he took another sip of blood. "That's the Sir Matthias I know."

PostPosted: Sat Jan 26, 2019 11:05 am
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:
"Well, its wonderful to meet you all," said Siona. She sipped on her wine, flicking her eyes over to Slavena from time to time. She watched Siona in what appeared to be rapt fascination, looking at her like the blacksmith boy had, but with far more intensity. Siona didn't want to jump to conclusions, but she suddenly got the impression that Slavena had not had any suitors because she was just simply uninterested in them to begin with. And judging by how she was clearly pretty forward with her affections, it made Siona wonder how Morr and Lady Grimm had not picked up on that fact, or if they had and were just choosing not to acknowledge it. It made her feel a little sad. But also, she sort of liked it at the same time, to be someone so mysterious and enticing to someone else. For a person like Slavena, who had likely spent much of her life in a fairly limited social circle in a fairly small local, it must be exciting to have mysterious wandering mages come into your home, their cloaks fluttering like ancient heroes and swords on their hip. It felt sort of good to be a bit of excitement in someones life.

She gave another of her slight smile's to Slavena, brushing her hair back as she did so. She would need to get it cut again soon, it was getting to floppy and messy. While she tucked her hair behind her ears and brushed it out of her face, a servant came up with three glasses on an elegant silver platter. Inside was a dark red liquid, which Siona mistook for wine when she first saw it. She took another bite of her food, and glanced back up as she chewed, watching closer as she servant whispered into Morr Grimm's ear. She watched as he nodded, then studied the liquid as the two older of Morr's children sipped it. It clung to the sides of the glass, and was in no way see through. Almost like, blood.

Siona sat up at that, watching carefully. She was not surprised that vampires drank blood, but it was a whole other ordeal to see them actually doing it. And in such a casual manner, it was a little disconcerting. She opened her mouth to say something, but thought against it, and sipped her wine instead. She averted her eyes, watching her food as she pushed it around with a fork, before lifting a piece of pork to her lips and chewing. Finally, she looked up again at Reyanna. She seemed a little sad, but not depressed. Siona watched her out of the corner of her eye, studying her and searching for any signs of anger or fear. Not that she worried Grimm's family would hurt her, they seemed like good people at heart. But being an orphan who's parents died sure seemed like it would be something that may weigh on ones mind, no matter how small, and Siona thought that her skills as a dream walker could be helpful to someone in that position. She decided she would keep her eye on Reyanna, and broach the topic if it ever came up.

As for Stanislav, Siona watched him too. He seemed like he was a sweet boy, like the type who would be more interested in pretty things and books than being a knight. Siona understood that in a family like his, in a position like his was, there was only so far he could get with that. It would be expected that he would be a knight, as she was sure many of the men in his family going back generations had. But still, he seemed out of place, trying to look strong and brave under the intense gaze of his father. The more she watched Stanislav and Morr's interactions, the more it reminded her of her relationship with her own father. Kater had never been kind to her, and she had never thought of him as her true father. That was a position occupied by Mr Maadran, with his easy smile and loving bear hugs. But Kater had always insisted, and he had taught Siona to be strong and to fight well, skills she never forgot and never would. But at heart she was a scholar. She liked books, nature and culture, not swords and combat. And as far as she could tell, Stanislav was the same way. Siona only hoped he would be OK as he got older, and wouldn't let his fathers intensity rub off on him. A kind ruler, who was in touch with themselves and who they were was always a more effective one. It made them seem more human. And furthermore, it would feel better for him, as it did for her, to be oneself instead of trying to prove anything to anyone.

Siona looked over at Rithi as she studied the Grimm family. Rithi chewed happily on her food, her skinniness in no way affecting her appetite. Siona felt confidant that the girl could eat a horse if one was to put her up to it. Rithi looked on at Stanislav, doing her best to give him bedroom eyes and looking like an idiot as she did so. Siona grinned at her, remembering being that young with Caernish. Caernish had been her oldest friend, and then one day years ago had then become attractive and exciting in ways Siona had not expected. He had been the talk among all the girls, and even a couple of boys (though they always seemed scared to tell) in the caravan, with his thick auburn hair and bright green eyes, his skin tanned by the sun of the road. The girls always came to Siona, seeing as she had been his friend since they were children, and asked her everything he liked to try and get his attention. Siona had dispensed with much misinformation, though she didn't know why. Now she watched as Rithi seemed to be feeling the same way about the sweet knights son, who ate his meal with the simultaneous grace of a king and quiet uncomfortableness of a boy desperate to prove himself to his father. She looked back at Slavena as she thought of Caernish, rubbed her nose, and looked away uncomfortably from the pretty girl.

Siona looked back to her own food, thinking over the table. It seemed every family was the same, with their quirks that made them all both happy and sad. She wondered if anything was different anywhere, or if no matter where you were in the Empire this was what it was like. Finally, she looked up from her food, and around at the faces surrounding her. She felt like she should make conversation, and ingratiate herself to her hosts. "This is a beautiful castle," she said to no one in particular, or to the table at large. "I've met College Mages who have entered such places, but Ive never been inside of anything more grand than a mayors house. It's truly and honor to be here."


Morr Grimm and his lady wife were having their own private conversation when they finally broke off when Siona complimented the fortress. Morr looked rather puzzled as he quickly glanced around the large but empty dining all devoid of any eye catching decor. He was about to make a remark when Lady Catherine spoke up.

"Really? Thank you." she smiled, "It's not everyday when someone would see this fortress as beautiful. It's usually the reverse for some guests."

"Father, what's a College Mage?" Stanislave asked to Morr.

"Don't you know?" Slavena butted in to answer her little brother's question. "It's the type of people whose apprentices Sir Matthias would feed to the wargs."

"That doesn't sound like Sir Matthias at all." Morr Grimm rebuked.

"Well," Slavena corrected, "Before he would burn the College Mages on a stake. He likes to see the look on those mages' faces when they saw their followers torn apart by those giant wolves."

Morr Grimm grunted as he took another sip of blood. "That's the Sir Matthias I know."


Siona listened as Lady Grimm spoke, and smiled in return. "I do like it," she said. "I think often times aristocrats and folks of that sort are far to fancy and fling their wealth around to show off. Its refreshing to see something that is allowed to just be what it is."

Before anyone else could respond however, Stanislav spoke to his father. "Father, whats a college mage?" he said. It was an innocent question, one that didn't seem to be meant to disrupt any dinner conversation, but Slavena was having none of that.

"Don't you know?" she said, "It's the type of people whose apprentices Sir Matthias would feed to the wargs."

Siona sat up at that, her face going serious once more. She was no College Mage, and personally held quite a distaste for them. Why act like you were an expert in some field of magic or study, when you had never actually done anything with it other than read books on the subject? But still, despite Siona's dislike of their stuffiness, she was a mage herself, and mages stuck together. She would argue with a College Mage all day, but she would not just sit back and watch as other mages were persecuted.

As the Grimm family discussed what was and wasnt more like Sir Mathias, Siona and Rithi made brief eye contact with one another. They passed their thoughts on, making it clear that both were uncomfortable with this revelation. Siona simply took comfort in her abilities, knowing that if she ever met this Sir Mathias, she would not go easily to the stake or the wargs.

When a pause in the conversation presented itself, Siona took her chance to speak. "Who is Sir Mathias?" she said, "and why would he burn College Mages?" She kept her voice level, but did nothing to hide the discomfort on her face. She had not yet met Sir Mathias, but from this small bit of information she had about him she figured he would not be her friend or ally.

PostPosted: Sat Jan 26, 2019 8:39 pm
by Union Princes
The Twelve Isles wrote:
Siona listened as Lady Grimm spoke, and smiled in return. "I do like it," she said. "I think often times aristocrats and folks of that sort are far to fancy and fling their wealth around to show off. Its refreshing to see something that is allowed to just be what it is."

Before anyone else could respond however, Stanislav spoke to his father. "Father, whats a college mage?" he said. It was an innocent question, one that didn't seem to be meant to disrupt any dinner conversation, but Slavena was having none of that.

"Don't you know?" she said, "It's the type of people whose apprentices Sir Matthias would feed to the wargs."

Siona sat up at that, her face going serious once more. She was no College Mage, and personally held quite a distaste for them. Why act like you were an expert in some field of magic or study, when you had never actually done anything with it other than read books on the subject? But still, despite Siona's dislike of their stuffiness, she was a mage herself, and mages stuck together. She would argue with a College Mage all day, but she would not just sit back and watch as other mages were persecuted.

As the Grimm family discussed what was and wasnt more like Sir Mathias, Siona and Rithi made brief eye contact with one another. They passed their thoughts on, making it clear that both were uncomfortable with this revelation. Siona simply took comfort in her abilities, knowing that if she ever met this Sir Mathias, she would not go easily to the stake or the wargs.

When a pause in the conversation presented itself, Siona took her chance to speak. "Who is Sir Mathias?" she said, "and why would he burn College Mages?" She kept her voice level, but did nothing to hide the discomfort on her face. She had not yet met Sir Mathias, but from this small bit of information she had about him she figured he would not be her friend or ally.

"You met Sir Matthias before." Morr Grimm said a little bit surprised. "At the foot of the statue of Drakula. He was the young knight, just 4 years senior of our Stanislav. The one that claimed that he could kill the bear with one hand."

"Did she?" Slavena widened her eyes.

"Yes." Morr answered, "Siona was there, partaking in the same ceremony as the rest of us."

"And as for burning mages." Grimm sigh in annoyance. "I told him it would be worth his while to drain them of their blood rather than to waste it by fire or letting the wargs have it. That boy goes through blood like a human is dependent on beer. Hopefully, he took it to heart."

"Love," Lady Catherine intervene. "You didn't answer her question why."

Grimm sigh again. "It's because they were trespassers. They thought they could enter Montesquieu without our permission. The last time us Lesser Vampires checked, Montesquieu was closed to everybody, including humans. That was the agreement we had to the Imperial Church in order to prevent them from putting the whole library to torch."

PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2019 12:32 pm
by Khasinkonia
Kauashe-o’-wisp, Servant to Thrones
Grand Palace, Gate


I stood with stony silence for a moment as a guard lit the mess ablaze and then hurried away, covering his mouth and nose. This was not tribute.

“Your help is not necessary,” I replied, “The Charcharions will be dealt with as the new emperor sees fit. Until then, they shall have their peace, and undeserved smugness at tricking you into delivering an insult. You are welcome to remain in the capital, as you have not intentionally sinned against your nation, but do not act as if you are owed anything by us. If they desire a response from us, you are at liberty to inform them that their arrogant attempt at a slight shall be their downfall.”

PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2019 12:53 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:
The Twelve Isles wrote:
Siona listened as Lady Grimm spoke, and smiled in return. "I do like it," she said. "I think often times aristocrats and folks of that sort are far to fancy and fling their wealth around to show off. Its refreshing to see something that is allowed to just be what it is."

Before anyone else could respond however, Stanislav spoke to his father. "Father, whats a college mage?" he said. It was an innocent question, one that didn't seem to be meant to disrupt any dinner conversation, but Slavena was having none of that.

"Don't you know?" she said, "It's the type of people whose apprentices Sir Matthias would feed to the wargs."

Siona sat up at that, her face going serious once more. She was no College Mage, and personally held quite a distaste for them. Why act like you were an expert in some field of magic or study, when you had never actually done anything with it other than read books on the subject? But still, despite Siona's dislike of their stuffiness, she was a mage herself, and mages stuck together. She would argue with a College Mage all day, but she would not just sit back and watch as other mages were persecuted.

As the Grimm family discussed what was and wasnt more like Sir Mathias, Siona and Rithi made brief eye contact with one another. They passed their thoughts on, making it clear that both were uncomfortable with this revelation. Siona simply took comfort in her abilities, knowing that if she ever met this Sir Mathias, she would not go easily to the stake or the wargs.

When a pause in the conversation presented itself, Siona took her chance to speak. "Who is Sir Mathias?" she said, "and why would he burn College Mages?" She kept her voice level, but did nothing to hide the discomfort on her face. She had not yet met Sir Mathias, but from this small bit of information she had about him she figured he would not be her friend or ally.

"You met Sir Matthias before." Morr Grimm said a little bit surprised. "At the foot of the statue of Drakula. He was the young knight, just 4 years senior of our Stanislav. The one that claimed that he could kill the bear with one hand."

"Did she?" Slavena widened her eyes.

"Yes." Morr answered, "Siona was there, partaking in the same ceremony as the rest of us."

"And as for burning mages." Grimm sigh in annoyance. "I told him it would be worth his while to drain them of their blood rather than to waste it by fire or letting the wargs have it. That boy goes through blood like a human is dependent on beer. Hopefully, he took it to heart."

"Love," Lady Catherine intervene. "You didn't answer her question why."

Grimm sigh again. "It's because they were trespassers. They thought they could enter Montesquieu without our permission. The last time us Lesser Vampires checked, Montesquieu was closed to everybody, including humans. That was the agreement we had to the Imperial Church in order to prevent them from putting the whole library to torch."


"Hmm," said Siona, leaning back into her chair. She sipped her wine and mulled over what Morr Grimm had said. If Sir Matthias was who Morr said he was, then she felt a little less afraid of him. To her, he seemed like a person who just said things and acted to look bigger than he was. But what she was afraid of, was what he might be able to convince others to do. Sir Matthias seemed like he was fairly popular with the other Vampire Knights, and Montesquieu seemed to be almost a taboo topic for the Vampire's. If it had been the way it as for so long, no doubt Sir Matthias may try to kill her as well, with or without Morr's permission.

"Well," said Siona at last, putting her wine back down and resting her arms on the table. "I hope he doesn't try anything while I'm there. It would be a shame if there was any violence." She did not say it, but her tone was clear. If Sir Mathias tried anything with her, he would not take Siona alive. And he would not have an easy fight trying to take her. Siona looked around the table, gauging the thoughts of her dinner partners. She did not want them to take offence, she held no ill will against them, but she did want it to be known among the Vampires that though she was a scholar, she was not a pushover.

PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2019 2:15 pm
by Union Princes
"Oh," Stanislav piped up after eating his chicken leg. "You shouldn't worry about violence at all. Us Lesser Vampires are born to be fighters! In fact, if you want real violence you should've been present when father was having a duel of honor with a love rival to win mother's hand!"

"Stanislav," Morr addressed after taking a sip of blood, "There's no such thing as "duels of honor" in Ravyrnyra. Yes, it may seem like that but really it is just two knights fighting each other."

"It doesn't sound as grand when you say it like that." Stanislav complained.

"That's why it's called a "Slaughter" instead, dear." Lady Catherine explains while she pats her son's head.

"How come I wasn't told of this story?" Reyanna whispered to Slavena.

"It's because father isn't a good story teller." Slavena whispered back.

"Father, if you want, I could tell our guests some stories of violence of the past." Slavena offered.

"After we're done eating." Morr answered.

PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2019 7:20 pm
by The Twelve Isles
Union Princes wrote:"Oh," Stanislav piped up after eating his chicken leg. "You shouldn't worry about violence at all. Us Lesser Vampires are born to be fighters! In fact, if you want real violence you should've been present when father was having a duel of honor with a love rival to win mother's hand!"

"Stanislav," Morr addressed after taking a sip of blood, "There's no such thing as "duels of honor" in Ravyrnyra. Yes, it may seem like that but really it is just two knights fighting each other."

"It doesn't sound as grand when you say it like that." Stanislav complained.

"That's why it's called a "Slaughter" instead, dear." Lady Catherine explains while she pats her son's head.

"How come I wasn't told of this story?" Reyanna whispered to Slavena.

"It's because father isn't a good story teller." Slavena whispered back.

"Father, if you want, I could tell our guests some stories of violence of the past." Slavena offered.

"After we're done eating." Morr answered.


Siona listened as Stanislav spoke, thinking over what he said. She wondered if his words held true, that Lesser Vampires were born for violence and destruction. It was a possibility, sure, but not one she subscribed to herself. Lady Grimm and Slavena did not seem violent or even focused on it, though Siona figured that may just be due to cultural practices. After all, in Rosha culture, things were passed down to eldest children, not by sons, and it had led to a culture that was more egalitarian towards gender than many non wanderers. But even still, Stanislav still seemed to her like he was not the violent type. Rather, he seemed the type who understood violence as a tool, but who did not fit into the mold of a soldier or knight very well. Siona hoped that those words were not the truth. It would be to sad to see an entire race as little more than killing machines, rather than thinking and feeling people like all others.

She ate quietly as the table talked, thinking over her own duels in the past. She had dueled her own father before, and it had and still did feel like a duel of honor. To Siona, there was no such thing as a duel that wasnt about honor, even if you tried to phrase it otherwise. And a fight for a ladies hand, that certainly was a duel of honor. The more time she spent near Morr Grimm, the more Siona thought about her opinion on him. She respected him, but he was not quiet about his opinions, and she could see that they were very different people in many ways. He was far colder than she was, and he seemed world weary despite his tough exterior.

"I would be happy to hear stories," she said, biting back her desire to challenge Morr Grimm on some of his thoughts. It would do well to start a fight with him, just after she had earned his trust and possibly friendship. "And I would be happy to share some of my own."

Rithi perked up at that, enough so to distract her from her awkward attempts to gain Stanislavs attention. She knew some of Siona's exploits though stories she had heard, but more often than not they were the kinds heard from a cousins wife's sister, and many times they didn't even know Siona's name. She was just some wandering mage who sounded Rosha, or called some generic nickname. Now, to hear those tales from the source, was a treat unlike any other. She just hoped the stories were as exciting or more coming from the person who had experienced them firsthand.