Order Vampyrum: The Ascension of the Cyrodiilic Vampires, Behind the concealed veil of the darkness within the Empire. Options

[Darkness Eternal]

Author's note: Well, this is a story I am working on regarding two of my characters, seldom used in RP's. The two chapters will be a prologue to my story. This is a rough draft and is not to be considered the final work. The events depicted will be in the future, rather than the past where the story begins. What I seek is proper feedback and a reviews on what could be improved and what could be discarded. I did not put as much work into the scenes as I could of had, but it's the idea of a prologue that makes me wonder if it's good or not. Thanks guys! I will be posting just the three part intro.

Raven Meridius

Draken Decumus.

BRIEF SYNOPSIS AND DRAMATIS PERSONAE:

Alucardius: Once a vampire of the Order, Alucardius was a man of renown and glorious splendor. Due to troublesome issues with his vampiric wife, Alucardius was stripped of his position of power by his superiors. And thus became a rogue seeking to return to the clan’s good graces. He also fathered two vampiric children, Raven and Draken, whom he indoctrinates the ways of the Order.

Raven Meridius Vladmirius: Young eighteen year old Imperial. Under unnatural circumstances, she was born a vampire from her two immortal parents. Growing in a life of seclusion from the outside world, she kept herself busy with ancient books and texts of history. Raven was subject of admiration from her father, hate from brother, and scolded by her mother due to her knack for insidiousness and merciless demeanour. Growing up in a family later devoid of a mother figure, Raven became extremely manipulative and deceitful, becoming an expert in persuasion and skilled in the psychological entrapment. She harbors a strong desire for power and is a true megalomaniac.

Draken Decumus Vladmirius: The hot-headed, arrogant, bitter and wastrel son of Alucardius. Also born a vampire of Cyrodiilic blood. Unlike his sister, Draken was frowned upon by his father, and also was victim to Raven’s manipulative antics. Having strong ties to his mother at a young age, Draken was attached to his maternal figure. From the time he lost his mother, he became brash and hateful, fearing he was left alone. Growing up, Draken became careless and overconfident, yet gifted with an unbreakable determination and an iron will, trying to be free from his father’s strict ways and his sister’s deceptive nature. Much like Raven, Draken upholds the family value and seeks to obtain power. Also a known womanizer and harbors a draconian outlook on justice.

Verona:Wife of Alucardius, mother of Draken and Raven. She underwent a ritual with Molag Bal to bear vampiric offspring. Verona was a vampire in service of the Order for three centuries before she was accused of treason and betrayal, and sentenced to death.

Crassus: Vampire of the Order and friend of Alucardius. Crassus stands a high figure in the Imperial Legion, commanding numerous individual and subjects. Being a vampire, Crassus is sworn to keep the existence of the Order and their respected members a secret. He is responsible for erasing traces of vampires and also a major player in the power-games of the Order. Known for securing prisoners and beggars and using them as cattle in the lowest parts of the Imperial prison.

Maela(also known as Maesa) Sibylla Sextius: A beautiful blond-haired Imperial, apprentice to the Arch-Mage of the Arcane University. Known for her skilled use in alchemy. Becomes friends with Raven. Maela is involved in a Necromancer cult within the Mages Guild.

Sir Lentulus: A human nobleman. Influential and powerful, Lentulus is head of an organized crime in Cyrodiil. Having ties with the corrupt officers of the Legion, he secures illegal narcotics such as Moon-sugar and Skooma. Also has connections with thieves from Morrowind, whom he purchases ancient banned scrolls and manuscripts from the Tribunal. Also has two children after the third was murdered by Draken.

Regulus: Bald, Colovian vampire of the Order. Over two centuries old.



[i] STORY SO FAR:

Cyrodiil stands a prosperous province ever since the waning days of the Second Era. Being known as the heart of Empire, Cyrodiil became the seat of Imperial power and governance. Being a melting pot of the world, it was inhabited by a cornucopia of races from all corners of Tamriel. Unbeknown to most of the population, however, it housed the latest generation of vampires. The Order Vampyrum stood a civil tribe of vampires whom ousted and eradicated Cyrodiil’s original vampire inhabitants in clandestine warfare. Under the guise of mortal men and women, the vampires of the Order infiltrated politics and the highest seats of society to consolidate their own power and establish themselves as influential entrepreneurs, able to maintain secrecy amidst the population while pulling the strings of mortal kings and princes.

Among the members of the Order, Alucardius was an esteemed vampire who came to prominence at the end of the Second Era. Responsible for the annihilation of the barbaric clans of vampires in Cyrodiil, Alucardius was widely respected by the Order’s greatest members. Following the conquest, Alucardius came to marry a woman. Eventually, he came to father two offspring whom inherited the “Dark Gift”. As blessed as he considered himself to be, he soon lost his title and station when he unwillingly was responsible for a heinous crime to his kind.

Losing his privileges, Alucardius because a scheming rogue and a secretive man, forging relationships with key mortals of the highest echelon in society, namely a noble and crime lord known as Lentulus. Owning more land than most of the nobles and receiving banned manuscripts from Morrowind, Alucardius planned to use Lentulus to further his own agenda. He simultaneously used the purchased scrolls and books to increase his knowledge and that of his children, while also reinforcing his “friendship” with the nobleman. Having false pretense, Alucardius plans to purchase all of the land marks in key locations in Cyrodiil to form and construct hidden underground cattle cells for his vampire brethren, to facilitate feeding possibilities to those who would travel. This would serve to drop the death rate of civilians in the idea that the Order can further walk through the centuries of history undetected.

As his plotting begun, he sought to train his children, Draken and Raven, in his footsteps. With the absence of a mother figure, Alucardius raised the two with rigorous discipline in fear that his plans could potentially be hindered. Knowing his daughter was truly gifted with manipulative traits, he sought bring her into his sway, more so than his son whom he regarded as dispassionate. Alucardius took Raven to test her hunting capabilities in a social gathering in Skingrad.

During the absence of his father and sister, Draken also had traveled to a party in the Imperial City. Full of lust and hunger, he lured a young woman back to his abode where he later killed her. Feeling distraught for disobeying his father, Draken buried the corpse in the cemetery in the back of his home.

Following a successful kill, Raven returned home with her father, eager to continue on her lessons and training both physical and mentally. From expanding knowledge in philosophy to martial skills, both siblings were ready to begin their plans.

Raven, sensing her brother quiet and more secluded, sought to pester him with venomous words coated in honey, thus eventually able to make him confess. Distraught and angered, Raven seized the opportunity to forge a brief alliance with her brother in hopes of using him to aid her in her quest for power. Secretly knowing he was a potential scapegoat if her plans ever failed to blossom.

Draken, having no choice but to accept his sister’s offer for a mutual family partnership, joined arms with her in a secret plan to topple the Lentulus family and to rise as powerful members of society themselves. Knowing how manipulative Raven is, Draken played along with the idea, pitting his hopes on his determination to be dominant.

Taking the first steps of her carefully crafted scheme, Raven begun to seek membership in the Arcane University, where he hoped to get a foothold in the Empire’s magical and political dealings, as well as potentially meet allies and pawns in her game. Following her meeting with the Arch-Mage, Raven accompanied a young apprentice named Maela to gather alchemical ingredients. Both were ambushed by bandits later that night, and as skilled as the vampire was, she was defeated and kidnapped in the bandit’s hope for a ransom.

Not present during his sister’s disappearance, Draken became infuriated and sought to rescue in hopes of remaining in his father’s good graces, and among other things. Starving himself for four days, Draken became a walking monstrosity, but with a prowess and the efficiency he never before had the privilege of using. Draken came across one of the bandits, and was able to locate the headquarters in which his sister was being captive. Draken assaulted the bandit fort, and destroyed the camp in a merciless slaughter.

Raven, starved and near insanity, was able to escape her captives by seducing the guard and later killing the others. She was later reunited with her brother, who was able to return to the household safely. Upon reaching the manor, Draken and Raven met Crassus, a vampire of the Order. While there, they were verbally disciplined by Alucardius. Even so, Alucardius saw that Crassus took an interest in Draken’s destructive feat, and thus openly allowed Draken to freely pursue a career in the Legion if he proves himself capable. Raven, showing her worth, was given permission to go to the Arcane University, where her plans are soon to unravel.

Prologue: Part I

"There was but one tribe in Cyrodiil, a powerful clan who had ousted all other competitors, much like the Imperials themselves had done. Their true name was unknown, lost in history, but they were experts at concealment. If they kept themselves well-fed, they were indistinguishable from living persons. They were cultured, more civilized than the vampires of the provinces.”-Immortal Blood.


"Know first that we are no simple tribe of savages, tearing throats with the orgiastic abandon of our scattered, tribal brethren. Ours is a civil fraternity, to which we are bound - every one - by our dual hunger for flesh and influence. By the virtue of Imperial structure and bureaucracy, Cyrodiil has become our stronghold in the Third Era, and we suffer no savage rivals within our boundries, reveal ourselves to none, and manipulate the hand of society to mete out our agendas. Maintain supple appearance through satisfaction of the thirst. Second, devote your pursuits to the procurement of influence, political and otherwise. Our strength is not in physical numbers, but in skillful manipulation of society. ”-Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum.



　
Imperial Palace, 3E 202. Tirdas, Last Seed.

The night sky proved itself to be an infinite void of shining stars that resembled a dark blanket dotted with glowing gnats. Beings watching from balconies of their buildings as the celebration for the coronation of Emperor Uriel Septim IV drew countless races from Cyrodiil to the main city itself. Anyone in the endless cityscape can find it beautiful. People gathered around the Imperial Palace, a building where the empire’s finest rulers and authority dwelled. It was truly a sight to marvel at. From the inside, however, it's different. The conflict from within the palace was a tempest of panic and paranoia. From the inside, the problem is desperation and fear and the bone-chilling possibility that someone wants a political leader dead. With a single member of the High Council in place, the state of the Empire’s sanity threatened to crumble. And not all was as it had seemed.

Safe at last, the Chancellor Decius mused optimistically, his frantic eyes searched the chambers of the Imperial palace. He entered with his cadre of bodyguards, each Imperial soldier flanking him with mild caution, armed to the core with Imperial swords. Decius was far from being harmed. He watched intently The door behind him shut closed, locked by his most trusted advisors.

“There, we are safe now. Any attempts against your life shall be futile. Your decoy is at the ceremony, in care of our finest guards. If the rumored assassin attacks, you shall be secure,” said a young female voice. Decius turned around to see Raven, his protégé, his assistant and his pupil.

An Imperial of youthful stock, Raven stood of tall height and lithe built, and was the symbol of authority. Even with her apparent age of being in the early twenties, time and time again she baffled those around her with her intelligence and cunning that would benefit the empire. Black lustrous hair fell past her shoulders, matching her soft dark mages robes. Aside from her morbid attire, she was undeniably attractive to most, if not all men and women. Her face was without any faults and blemishes, her mouth was as soft as silk. Her skin was pink and flourishing, a sign of health and proper self-care.

Unlike Raven, however, Decius was pale and wrinkly, unfit to be branded chancellor. His face was a bedraggled and teeming with stress. Dark circles developed under his ageless eyes, giving him an animalistic and hungry look to them. A hooked nose was plastered in the middle of his regal face. The nails on his fingers were uncut and his hair untrimmed. By all means, he appeared as a walking corpse.

Sulfuric colored eyes stared with sympathy at Decius. He responded with a similar expression. “Thank to your investigation, I can rest peacefully knowing I am in good hands.”

The confines in which he surrounded himself was familiar, a largely sparse room with thirty comfortable throne-like seats surround a large center. The center itself might have been a circle within a circle, bearing the symbol of the Nine within it. The atmosphere was cold and dreary, mimicking the feeling his guards must of felt when standing watch as security on such a night.

“You seem unwell today,” Raven said to him, adopting an expression of concern. He dismissed her with a raise of the hand. “I am but fine. Stress has taken hold of me and I have not been able to feast for many hours. The information on the conspiracy against the Emperor you have provided has left me awake in all these days.”

"I apologize,” she lowered her head in obedience. "If I knew it would have been the product of discomfort . . . "

“No need, my child. It is for a good cause. The sooner we can discover this villain, the better. None of this would of happened if not for your careful planning. I could have been dead, you know.”

“We are safe now, Decius. Please, sit and rest. Allow your mind some ease,"Raven said, resting a cold hand on his arm. Her voice was soothing and innocent. If she only knew what is at stake, Decius thought to himself.

He smiled. “One day, you will be granted authority to take my place once I breathe my last breath. I am certain you will be ready, by then. But do me a favor; stop worrying about an old man.” he chuckled.

“It is my duty to learn what I can from you,” she replied.

“Then do as I say, and be at peace with your mind.” He waved his hands sideways to her, dismissing her sans malice. Raven did as she was told, gingerly walking away to speak with Guard captain which stood himself against one of the many pillars that surrounded the chambers. Decius felt for her. Poor child. So innocent. So young. If she only understood what it means to be in power. One day she will learn, one day.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 25 2012, 08:57 PM

[mALX]

Very interesting and well written! Look forward to more, and Welcome to the forums!

[Darkness Eternal]

Thanks Malx, I like these forums. Appreciate the feedback

Note: There may be some unanswered questions in this chapter on who the characters are, but the story spans three centuries.

Prologue Part II:

Varinia was a woman of upstanding reputation and of boundless honor. Holding the title of Captain of the Imperial forces, she was no stranger to battle. Her appearance was unlike that of the young Raven, her face bore two scars; One on the corner of her forehead, one on the side of her mouth. She had chestnut colored eyes which seemed to be intense and almost paranoiac as she rested her hand over the sheathe of her blade. She was a bit physically imposing, bearing more muscle than the average Imperial woman. So much that talk of her relation to the Orsimer had been ever so prevalent.

The captain saw Raven approached her, and immediately removed the helmet from her head, revealing a short cascade of unkempt brown hair that tumbled to her neck.

The seemingly younger woman, standing clad in a clandestine black robe that failed to hide her lithe, athletic body, approximated herself to Varinia. Her striking attributes bore a timeless and sensuality. Everything Varinina lacked. Raven, skilled in magic, but not in the art of the sword, Virinia recalled.

“I have learned the terrible truth, captain.” Raven said to Varinia. “Decius is indeed a vampire we have been led to believe.”

Varinia frowned. “What confirms our suspicions?”

Raven drew out a long breath, rubbing her temple. “I inquired him on the negative state of his health. He told me it was due to stress and the lack of nutrition. That adds to the fact that he retreats to his chambers at day, that we only see him active at night. That he seldom is seen in Council meetings. It's only a matter of time before his influence warps the minds of the righteous.”

“It is true, then,” Varinia said with a hiss. “We must act quickly and destroy him before he has a chance to escape or put any of us in danger.”

Raven placed a hand on her shoulder, whispering with haste. “But what of yours guards? They will mistake you for the assassin and seek to impede our efforts. I perhaps can lend a hand as you carry out the task of destroying Decius.”

“You may have skill in the arts of negotiation and diplomacy, but you are no match for my men. They are well-trained and will overwhelm when they have the chance. And I shall not have them killed for their misunderstanding. If you can attempt to use your powers of illusion, then we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed and prove to them that Decius is a blood-sucking abomination.” Raven nodded obediently and stepped aside as Varinia unsheathed her sword. She marched to where Decius was, shouting loud so that her voice echoed throughout the Council Chambers. Scorn and malice tainting her words.

"I should have known you were plotting to take over!"

Confusion showed in Decius’ eyes as he rose from his seat. “I beg your pardon?”

The captain looked at Raven “You have my gratitude, for informing us of this vampire conspiracy against the empire!”

Decius let his bafflement show to all. “Vampire? I am no vampire!”

The guards of the chamber were uneasy. Most rushed to the scene, standing behind Varinia and some even near Decius. Both sides not sure of what was transpiring. But where words failed, action succeeded. When negotiation was fated to die, violence would thrive.

An anonymous voice from one of the guards sounded off “She’s the assassin! She wants to kill the chancellor! To arms! To arms!” All of the guards unsheathed their blades in a symphonic unison. Each charged across the chamber to reach Varinia and Decius.

“Raven! Do as we planned! Calm them!” Varinia shouted as stabbed forth at Decius, who unsheathed his own blade and began to duel the captain.

The black-haired Imperial was always obedient, always following orders. But tonight, the guise of servitude was discarded. The mask of loyalty destroyed and the cloak of deception was now in full display. She quickly unsheathed her twin sabers and jumped into the fray with inhuman speed. Raven descended on the first of five guards. She surprised the first guard by leaping from behind the pillar, impaling his neck with the thrust of her sword. The blade slipped back out of his flesh as quickly as it had entered.
　
As the first man toppled over, Raven jumped in the air toward her next opponent, instantly closing the six meters that stood between them both. As she came down beside her adversary, she swung her two sword simultaneously toward his face. The powerful strike bisected the guard’s head, cleaving his skull in two. The ghastly deaths of the two guards gave the others time to recognize what was happening. They sought their attention to the Imperial woman, Raven.

Varinia heard a cry of pain, she heard the clamoring of swords behind her. What in Oblivion is she doing? I told her no one has to die! But her efforts to stop the girl would be for nothing. She had to destroy Decius once and for all. To ensure that purity was granted among the empire’s finest. And she would do so with her blade.
　
The two combatants fought their way across the Council Chambers, swords swinging, bringing to life every attribute they had acquired over the years. But Varinia had the advantage. Decius was far from a warrior, he was not battle-hardened as the others. There was only so much he could do to save himself. He knew that, and so did Varinia. She thrusts her weapon forward, but is countered by a sloppy side sweep from Decius. She pushes on with haste, whole Decius retreats with cowardice.

The guards fighting Raven attempted to increase their attacks, and indeed, the Imperial woman was moving away from Varinia and Decius. But they recognized that while it might appear as if the Legion guards were forcing her back before them, it was Raven who was controlling the confrontation. Wheeling and twirling, parrying and blocking with amazing ease, their adversary was taking them with her, luring them on to a spot of her own choosing.

Her agility and prowess was more than enough to hold them both at bay, constantly on the offensive while at the same moment effectively dulling their counterattacks, mercilessly searching for an opening she could take advantage of. Three against one was more than she could handle, so it would seem. The battle seemed won when the Imperial girl dropped her blades and raised her hands in an act to surrender.

“Please! I am sorry. I yield! I yield!” Raven cried out loud. The voice of an innocent young woman caused the men to drop their guards. Would they be compelled to take the life of a young girl who believed her superior was a vampire?

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 25 2012, 08:29 PM

[Darkness Eternal]

Prologue: Part III

Varinia was protecting more than just her life: each stab of the sword, and the blocking of was an action of defense of Imperial bureaucracy, of justice and peace, of the freedom and choice of ordinary races to live their own lives in their lives without the influence of a monster. She was fighting for the empire that she adored. And as she thought about that love, she disarmed Decius with the flick of her blade, his shorts-word flying off and clattering to the floor.

“No escape, vampire,” she spat at Decius, holding the tip of her blade to his throat. She dared not look behind her to see if Raven was safe or not. "It ends here."

"What madness has claimed you? What fever grips your mind to make you believe I am such thing?" asked the man.

Varinia would not have it. Deceptive words falls on deaf ears, she told herself. There is no negotiation with a vampire.

“I . . .yield,” Raven cried in a much soother voice. But her fingers betrayed her speech, her hands seemed like talons of a hawk preparing to catch it’s prey unaware. And in a way, it was exactly that. Without warning, a burst of blue electricity hissed from her cold fingers, catching the guards in a storm of crackling energy. A dark fire ignited in her eyes as she unleashed her power.

The guards danced as puppets before their dark ventriloquist, biting their tongues in the painful shower. Their limbs contorted and twisted and their blood began to boil. Her hands grew hotter with such an intensity, that she thought they would be set aflame. When she finally released her hands away, the Legion soldier’s smoking lifeless bodies dropped to the floor. Raven sighed with exasperation at such a moment, quickly taking her attention to the remaining duelists; Decius and Varinia.

Decius had fallen, as predicted. Varinia stood victor, still left to deliver the killing blow. Raven took herself to Varinia, slowly walking up behind her only to stand by her side. “Quickly, the others outside could of heard the commotion. End the life of the vampire!”

Decius wheezed and coughed, looking at Raven with a blank stare of bewilderment. There were no words to describe his emotion.

Varinia raised her blade high and quickly brought it down onto the helpless foe. The tip of the weapon striking his chest, drawing a crimson stain of blood that began to soak his regal robes. He gasped in pain, eyes full of sorrow and disbelief. He held himself up from the floor with one hand, but quickly tumbled to the cold floor of the chambers. He gazed up to see a frown in Varinia’s face and a sly smile on Ravens.

Moments passed, seconds to be exact, and the unexplainable happened. Decius’ body was still there. There was no dust, no ash, just the bloody remains of any mundane individual not cursed with vampirism. Uncertainty tainted Varinia’s eyes as she slowly opened her mouth in the shocking realization. Decius is no vampire! His lack of supple appearance was due to stress and old age, most likely. What have I done?

Decius gazed up once more, his mouth painted with blood. He looked at Raven and hissed his last words before passing onto death. “Treacherous snake.”

Varinia averted her eyes to Raven and shook her head in disgust. Her men was killed, the chancellor was murdered by her hand, all of this did not add up. "Why?"

“The future of the Order no longer relies on physical prowess but on political cunning. I am here to take the reigns and establish Vampiric influence. The death of the chancellor is a nescessary loss," Raven simply said with a casual ease. "The end of corruption is nigh."

The Order? Varinia recalled the tales of a covert vampiric Order. So it is true! They do exist! And the one woman she trusted was among them. Varinia held her blade tightly, bracing herself. “You already failed, vampire. The body of the chancellor will prove your treachery.”

Raven tilted her head. “His blood stains your blade.”

“By your instruction, you vile serpent! The High Council shall hear about this. Your fell plan shall not succeed.”

Raven stepped back slightly, hands resting on her sides to not startle the angered Varinia. Her tone was now a menacing hiss. “It shall when the truth dies with you.”

Unexpectadly, Raven stretched her hand slightly, turning it to the side as if inspecting something in her hand, but her eyes were on the body of the chancellor. The Imperial captain saw in the corner of her eye a blue haze. She turned to see the corpse rising up from his feet, levitating in the air. A sick and mindless moan escaped his crimson lips as he was given a corrupted version of the term “life”. What sorcery is this?

The chancellor, hanging by the will of a dark puppeteer, attacked Varinia with the strength and speed she never witnessed from an old man. Could she bring herself to kill him a second time knowing he was innocent? There was no hope for him anyways, he was already dead, just a shell of a man being defiled by the whims of a vampire. Varinia backed away from the charging zombie-like Decius, not yet willing to kill him.

“No witnesses, Varinia. Your men will not speal to the actions of today. And you shall find yourself among them. Tell me, how do you feel on such matter?”

Varinia tried to ignore the vampire’s words as she concentrated on Decius. He wielded two weapons now, one of the sabers and his imperial sword. He attacked relentlessly, black eyes staring at the living enemy ahead of him. “You…shall…die.” Moaned the Chancellor.

“He is a form of undead, now. Go ahead, Varinia, take his life as you swore to do earlier. You can justify your actions to the Council.” Raven added.

“Shut up!” Varinia cried dispersedly as she blocked an incoming blow from the thrall. Raven paced back and forth, hands behind her back, inspecting the battle with a cunning curiosity.

Raven watched intently, the odds going against Varinia. If she fell victim to Decius’ blade, she would no longer be a loose end. If he fell to hers, he would turn to ash, further supporting the rumor of him being a vampire, rendering Varinia’s death an unfortunate sacrifice.

Varinia heard the heavy knocking of the doors that led into the chambers. She remembered it was locked from within and that the elite guards were outside in the halls, only now lured by the sound of battle. They kicked, pushed and struck at the door with growing aggression. “By the name of the Imperial Legion, open this door!”

Raven saw the opportunity. “Help!” she yelped with an innocent voice. “Murder!”

The guards continued to barrage the door with an array of hostile attacks. Varinia glanced over her shoulder, distracted by the gates being flung open, revealing a heavy number of Imperial troops. Just as she turned around, she felt a stabbing pain on her chest. A blow dealt by the enthralled Decius. She clenched her teeth, trying to hold off the pain. But it was too much. She looked at her chest and stomach, seeing two blades lodged inside of her.

With her remaining strength, she raised her own sword and stabbed the enthralled Decius repeatedly. But the unthinkable happened; Decius whispered unintelligible words as he stepped back, his body sizzling and deteriorating. Before her very eyes, the thrall turned to ash, crumbling to the ground with dusty remains. No!that is not what I wanted, she thought as her legs failed to support her.

Varinia fell on her sides, blades still in embedded in her flesh. The last vision brought dread to her heart; Imperial soldiers barging into the room, led by the esteemed Legatus; Draken Decumus Vladmirius.

The ashes of Decius would be false evidence to his status as a vampire. Varinia wheezed painfully as she felt her life fade from her. Raven stepped over the ashes, black boots scattering the dust away from her presence.

"You were deceived," said Raven menacingly. "And die knowing that you helped me."

I was doomed the day I befriended that woman, thought Varinia as she died with eyes eternally staring into nothing. The simple manipulation of a single woman would echo throughout the centuries. And Varinia knew it could not be undone.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 25 2012, 09:04 PM

[mALX]

I'm coming back to read these two chapters, just having a busy week and trying to find a free minute to catch up with the stories on here, lol. Sorry for the delay!

[McBadgere]

What I thought was cool was the complete reversal of things with this...At the start I thought Raven could be a cool hero-type...Then she's a boo-hiss baddie!...It's a shame as I thought she could be a really cool yet hot character... ...

Although, a sexy badass is always good... ...

There's some typo nits, and probably more of other types...But like you said at the start...It's not the finished thing so...

Nice one!!... ...

The Vampiric order idea is cool btw...I'm really not a big Vamp fan, and even I thought that was cool!!... ...

Look forward to seeing more... ...

[Athynae]

Now that is some deceit there, wow. Great story thus far, I'm anxious to see where we go from here.

[Darkness Eternal]

I'm coming back to read these two chapters, just having a busy week and trying to find a free minute to catch up with the stories on here, lol. Sorry for the delay!

No problem mALX. Take you're this. This is a rough draft anyways, not entirely the finished version. But I appreciate it.

What I thought was cool was the complete reversal of things with this...At the start I thought Raven could be a cool hero-type...Then she's a boo-hiss baddie!...It's a shame as I thought she could be a really cool yet hot character... ...

Although, a sexy badass is always good... ...

There's some typo nits, and probably more of other types...But like you said at the start...It's not the finished thing so...

Nice one!!... ...

The Vampiric order idea is cool btw...I'm really not a big Vamp fan, and even I thought that was cool!!... ...

Look forward to seeing more... ...

Yeah, Raven is the manipulative arche-type. I did forget the italics. Using Word always is a peeve since it makes me forget things when I post them online.

And as for the vampire order, I felt Bethesda could of done so much with them. The only instances we hear about them are in the books mentioned in the first post with the quotes. Some NPC's even match the characteristics of this Order, but enough of that.

Now that is some deceit there, wow. Great story thus far, I'm anxious to see where we go from here.

Thanks. Deception and vampires are nearly the same peas in a single pod

[Darkness Eternal]

Chapter I: Base Desires

Fifty Years Earlier. 3E 150, Cyrodiil, Vladmirius Castle. Fridas, 20th of Evening Star.

****

An Imperial nobleman, Draken Decumus Vladmirius, stared at his own reflection. He was posing in the mirror of his bedroom. Thanks to his father and sister’s absence, Draken could take advantage of the castle grounds for the night, more than the unfortunate collection of cattle servants that wasted the fort’s space hours earlier. As the “prince of the house,” he saw fit to rid them for the late evening.

His dressing room was the size of a small apartment and was richly decorated with magnificent features of superb quality and design. A cabinet of gargantuan proportions was open, displaying the grand array of clothing within. He stood above an intricate red rug that protected the expensive pedicure on his feet. A chandelier standing above him offered a bright light for the young Imperial to admire himself.

A cascade of smooth black hair gave him the romantic air of a prince, while his chest and biceps were neat and well proportioned for a young man. Dark, penetrating eyes gleamed with satisfaction, pleased by what they saw. Not bad, he thought with admiration. Draken was a gentleman at least by cunning façade. But he knew his ego had began to grow from seeds of wealth and standing. And he welcomed it.

Coming up behind him, was a young girl on the cusp of womanhood. He saw her reflection on the mirror and admired her beauty, or more specifically, his own good taste in women. She was an Imperial blond with blue eyes, bearing a cute complexion of black freckles that bordered her nose. Aurelia was her name.

With a sensual grin, she reached behind her and undid the clasps of her blue frock. The garment tumbled down to the carpet, exposing a sylphlike female body that made his mouth water. Her naked feet lifted away from the discarded outfit, bringing her pink flesh within a finger’s reach of Draken himself. He felt his body responding to her amazing female charms. But whereas a mundane body would demand base urges, his own required much more than fleshly pleasures.

His eyes greedily licked away at the young woman’s seducing nudeness as she bent down. She removed a pair of custom-made silk shoes. First foot followed by the other. Soon after, she began climbing up the legs and then proceeded to slowly unbuttoned his shirt, inch by inch.

After expressing a sidelong gaze, she giggled like a perverse child. Draken was indeed pleased with the worship of the girl. This life is to admire, he thought magnanimously. Why would she not feel honored and privileged to be able to lay hands on nobleman of the house?

Accepting her tantalizing invite, Draken took hold of her lithe pink hips and pulled her to closer, tangling his arms around her slender waist. His lips discovered her belly, and her skin quivered uncontrollably as he ascended the kisses toward her breasts. Her supple flesh was smooth as a child’s and warm as the morning sun. His hungry mouth left red markings on her nubile body. The woman gasped again, then bit down softly upon her lower lip.

“You are blessed by Dibella,” she exhaled. "Truly blessed. I knew I chose well when I left the party for this. Leynee was right about you.”

He moved his body in rhythm to hers, leading her to his large bed. They exchanged a deep longing kiss, his mouth exploring hers as they moved atop the soft fabric of the bed. His hands went wild, touching everywhere; her breasts, her hair and even between her legs. The rush of blood within her veins was obvious and it was growing with each pleasurable moment.

Draken’s strong hands grabbed hold of her rump, his not-so-soft touch leaving an imprint upon her flexible skin. She ran and interlocked her fingers through his hair, clinging to them as if her depended on it. But even amidst the flames of pleasure, life itself could easily be extinguished.

She laid on the bed, looking up to see the Imperial lover join her. He climbed atop, his chest touching hers, their bodies colliding. “You’re skin is cold,” she told him. She did not sound disappointed, but merely curious with the statement. He did not reply, but continued. Minutes seemed like hours, and the candles burned brightly on the side of the room. Giving the entire chamber a romantic aura.

He lacked any lovable attachments to her, but in that moment alone, he was growing closer to her than any other women he had been with. Yet, he knew his interest was born of the lust for blood, rather than just flesh.

She gazed up at Draken’s face and smiled, sinking her lips into her mouth. But the more she looked upon him, the more she began to feel something within her. A threatening feeling, an instinct commanding her to run and flee. She gazed upon his oddly colored orange eyes and froze. His irises took a more sinister color, a luminous orange and red. His mouth opened, revealing his white teeth -- no -- fangs! Before she tried to run and cower, he fell upon her. She felt a quick pain on her neck, two long incisors sinking into her jugular. Before she even knew it, she was not only losing her blood, but her life as well.

He fed sans the orgiastic abandon of his kind. He sucked and drank the crimson fluid from her veins, drowning in it’s sweet nectar-like taste. He closed his eyes, giving into his predatory urges. The moans and groans of pain and pity where ignored, pleading whimpers were replaced with a muffled silence. And there there was nothing. A quiet darkness.

He licked the blood from his lips and sat upright on his bed, gazing at the pale corpse of the unwilling donor laying on it. She was as pallid as the snow, every drop of blood was drained from her body and given to him. Her open eyes staring into the eternal void...

Now what I am going to do with her? He thought to himself. The answer came as swift as the inquiry: Bury her in the cemetery behind the house. No one will notice a fresh grave, not even the servants. He ran his fingers on her dead body, admiring how once a beautiful girl was reduced to a shallow bloodless shell. But as he studied her body, he saw something which gave chills to his temporarily warmed body. Which widened his eyes with a sudden fear and despair, causing his saturnine expression to grow even darker; The not-so-ordinary ring on her finger.

He grabbed hold of her dead hands and yanked the ring from her nerveless finger, the metal felt cold in his hand as he brought it up to his face to inspect it. No, he thought. Damn it!

The center of the forsaken ring bore the insignia of a powerful family, a brood of mortal nobles that bore importance to the escalation of his own bloodline. He dropped the ring on his bed and wrapped his hands on his head, pushing his hair back in the shocking realization. This girl was no common party wench, he realized the unfortunate truth, I murdered a noble’s daughter...

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 27 2012, 07:45 AM

[mALX]

where words failed, action succeeded. When negotiation died, violence thrived.

Great line !!

I was doomed the day I befriended that woman…thought Varinia as she died with eyes eternally staring into nothing. The simple manipulation of a single woman would echo throughout the centuries. And Varinia knew it could not be undone.

Fascinating ending to this prologue, and the last line a powerful insight into the story we will be treated with - absolutely loved this !! Awesome Write !!

[mALX]

Ah, the first chapter!

But the more she looked upon him, the more she began to feel something within her. A threatening feeling, an instinct commanding her to run and flee.

This is the point where everyone in the audience is screaming, "don't go into the basement!" - but they always do, and so she did.


Loved the impact of the ending :

He dropped the ring on his bed and wrapped his hands on his head, pushing his hair back in the shocking realization. This girl was no common party wench, he realized the unfortunate truth, I murdered a noble’s daughter...

Especially since it followed this beginning:

...two immortal children whom he seeks to instruct under strict guidelines to prepare them for a hostile world.

and the prologue ending, lol. Awesome Write !!!





This post has been edited by mALX: Jan 20 2012, 10:02 PM

[Acadian]

Welcome to our little world of fan fiction here.

That was a nice prologue establishing the depths of deceit and betrayal the lovely Raven is capable of.

Then Draken. Your descriptions clearly paint who and what he is. It seems he must take more care when selecting a dinner companion.

A fine start!

[Athynae]

Vampires and their vanity, yeesh.

Great first chapter, after wonderful prologues.

QUOTE
But the more she looked upon him, the more she began to feel something within her. A threatening feeling, an instinct commanding her to run and flee.



This is the point where everyone in the audience is screaming, "don't go into the basement!" - but they always do, and so she did.

DON'T GO UP THE STAIRS!!!

I murdered a noble's daughter...

Oops, too late! Silly woman.

Great stuff here, I'll be back as soon as there is more.

[Darkness Eternal]

@ mALX: Thanks. And don't you hate it when that happens?

@ Acadian:Thanks for the welcome. I appreciate it. I wanted to start with the character's apparent personality. Throughout the story you will see some notable differences between the siblings. One being a "screw up" and the other being a *Insert rude and profane comment here*. Characters that people love to hate.
@ Athynae: Yeah, the vanity trait is doubled when vampires are involved. I guess the murder plot can change some of that, hopefully. And gratitude.

[McBadgere]

Fair dues... ...

Nice one...

I like the Dramatis Personae...Good idea that one...*Applauds*... ...

Excellent scene...Liked it a lot!... ...And that despite my...Not being too fussed on Vamps... ...

I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with these two characters...Both have character...Flaws that will be interesting to see where they go from... ...(Just waiting to see where the character empathy starts )...

I award the Nice One and applause...

Nice one!!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

[Darkness Eternal]

Fair dues... ...

Nice one...

I like the Dramatis Personae...Good idea that one...*Applauds*... ...

Excellent scene...Liked it a lot!... ...And that despite my...Not being too fussed on Vamps... ...

I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with these two characters...Both have character...Flaws that will be interesting to see where they go from... ...(Just waiting to see where the character empathy starts )...

I award the Nice One and applause...

Nice one!!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

You are too kind. Thanks again. And I understand that especially now a days there is too much going on with vampires. Everywhere is vampires, vampires and more vampires. Ever went to a teen section and found any other book than vampires? 85% of those books are love stories -_-

I guess the Elder Scrolls lore can help me write something different. And there will be some empathy, I assure you. They aren't total heartless "asshats". There are more of anti-heroes than villains. Even ingame, vampires do have some human emotion. Janus loved his wife, or Mr.Lovidicus got frisky with his Orc maiden...enough to love her and to want to take role as a father. But enough of that, thanks very much. I will try what I can in the following chapters.

As a reader, however, what would you(Everyone who is reading) want from a vampire story? I know most vampire stories seem the same, but I want to take a special route with mine.

[McBadgere]

Noooonooonooonnoooo...

Nooooo...*Points*...Noooo...

Don't ask what I (we) want...Don't do that...

This is your story...Not ours...

We have our own stories to do that with...

You do your special thing your way...

You know the rules about filth now, so aside from that, anything goes really...

Stick to the lore...Break the lore...Take the lore, fold it and make a nice little flamingo out of it...There is no limit bar the one you put on it...

What ever makes it yours...

Good luck and enjoy!...

And a character can be an asshat as long as he's a likeable asshat... ...Or not... ...Your choice...

[Athynae]

I second what McB said, it is your story, take it where you feel it should go. Even the basic guidelines of the game are only guidelines...who follows those???

[McBadgere]

*Whistles and studies fingernails*... ...

[Darkness Eternal]

Noooonooonooonnoooo...

Nooooo...*Points*...Noooo...

Don't ask what I (we) want...Don't do that...

This is your story...Not ours...

We have our own stories to do that with...

You do your special thing your way...

You know the rules about filth now, so aside from that, anything goes really...

Stick to the lore...Break the lore...Take the lore, fold it and make a nice little flamingo out of it...There is no limit bar the one you put on it...

What ever makes it yours...

Good luck and enjoy!...

And a character can be an asshat as long as he's a likeable asshat... ...Or not... ...Your choice...

You're a very funny guy. Whatever you say, then. *Cracks knuckles*.

I second what McB said, it is your story, take it where you feel it should go. Even the basic guidelines of the game are only guidelines...who follows those???

True.