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

[Black Hand]

Darkness Eternal = Anne Rice?

Wouldn't surprise me. Your descriptions are as powerful as they are evocative. I am 'there' as these events transpire.

One word of caution however.

I get one hint of 'Twilight', and I'm calling Wesley Snipes to reprise his 'Blade' Role...

[McBadgere]

You're a very funny guy.

Yes, yes I am...Just ask anyone here...*Nods*....

Anyone?...

*Watches tumbleweed*...

...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jan 21 2012, 08:14 AM

[Darkness Eternal]

Darkness Eternal = Anne Rice?

Wouldn't surprise me. Your descriptions are as powerful as they are evocative. I am 'there' as these events transpire.

One word of caution however.

I get one hint of 'Twilight', and I'm calling Wesley Snipes to reprise his 'Blade' Role...

I have a stalker

And I think I've read one of Anne Rice's book before. I admire her style.

I'll admit, I was hoping you wouldn't mention "Twilight" in this thread unless specifically stating the time change. But since you already have, let me begin by saying this: There will be no vampire falls in love with mortal mumbo jumbo. It's more of a Dracula/Palpatine feel to it.

You're a very funny guy.

Yes, yes I am...Just ask anyone here...*Nods*....

Anyone?...

*Watches tumbleweed*...

...

Don't worry. You still got my

[Darkness Eternal]

~Chapter II: Rising Trangressions~

"If you fail to succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried."

The night was awake with all manners of creatures, big and small. From the largest owl to the lowest cricket, the darkness was not without silence. And also, not without the creeping spectators who witnessed something out of their range of ordinary. Thunder joined in with the relentless cacophany, soon shedding the heavens open with an unforgiving storm of rain which drenched the land below.

A graveyard behind the castle was not as large as the public cemenaties. It was roughly medium sized, containing a few dead bodies which rested in their graves. The family of Lord Alucardius, the human ones, whom unwillingly surrendered to old age or an even more ghastly fate. And that night would soon prove the first night where a new coming stranger would be added to dead.

Draken struck the ground with the empty shovel, only to pull it back with an even greater weight of mud. Stab, unload, repeat. Stab, unload, repeat. It took him two standard hours to complete the work of digging a deep grave that would forever house the corpse of the woman he drained. What was her name? It scarcely mattered now. Dirty and sweaty and now nearly soaking wet from the rain, the noble vampire leaned down and picked up the naked and bloodless cadaver. He held her in his arms, staring into the body as if considering to burn her. But such things would take time.

If I bit her and she still lived, three days later she would rise as a vampire, he told himself. But she had no pulse, nor faint signs of life. For all intents and purposes, she was dead. Her soul discarded to whatever afterlife that welcomed her. He sighed, throwing her nude and alabaster-colored body into the deep grave behind the large tombstones, which served to block it from any prying eyes that would gaze out the window above. And it wasn't as if the servants ever visited the graves. Not even his own father and sister paid respects to the dead. It would be the last thing to cross their minds.

As he released his hold, she tumbled down, her body twisted and odd shaped. Draken threw in her clothes as well, including her bra, undergarments and robe. After he was done, he began to fill in the hole as quick as he dug it. Masser and Secunda gracing his presence with their shining light.

He was peeved to the core at his unfortunate twist of fate. Out of all the women he could of chosen, he had to come across the noble's daughter. Daughter of a certain Lentulus. To make matters worse, Lentulus was engaged in numerous legal dealings and meetings with his father, Alucardius. Her death could hinder the progress of their relationship and potentially harm them if the human father ever found her. Draken let out a frustrated snarl as he picked up his pace. No one will find out, not my father, not hers. Not even Raven.

His sister and father where in Skingrad, days away from the castle. That little blood-sponge is finally going on her first hunt alone, more than enough time for me to cover my tracks, thought Draken in an overly optimistic imagination.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 27 2012, 07:49 AM

[Darkness Eternal]

~Chapter III: Baptisms By Blood~

“Before a child learns to mature, it must learn how to nourish itself.”

Castle Skingrad was days away from the castle. The rain was still falling on the expensive carriages as it approached the intimidating iron gate of the sprawling grounds of the king. Castle Skingrad stood as a large royal building dating from the days of the Second Era, where kings ruled with an iron fist. On the colossal stone walls and fierce battlements rose sharp needles that stretched upwards. It’s beautiful décor was decorated with arches and grand columns. The faint glow of the candles could be seen across the narrow windows, suggesting that the nocturnal activities of the party was still transpiring. A circular well, located across the walk from the wide arch of the gates, was open for collection.

The lobby was as impressive as the exterior of the castle itself. Grand tapestries and oil paintings hung on the gleaming stone walls. Beautiful stone covered the floor to the foot of a magnificent imperial staircase that led upwards to the upper floors of the castle. A large chandelier sparkled on the royal hall and welcomed the arrival of new guests. People traversed briskly in the great hall, which was deliciously decorated in light shades of red and black and rich brown walnut.

Torches placed in the light den walls and ceiling and shine into a wool rug with crimson floral design. On the aged tables and under the intricately carved moldings running over the edges of the roof rested ornamental lamps, where black and gray colors. The windows were blocked by thick velvet curtains of an intense burgundy that kept at bay any uninvited prying eyes that had made it past the main gates and tried to spy from outside the castle. In a secluded room in the castle, stood a young woman, preparing herself for one of her greatest night in an eternity.

Raven Meridius Vladmirius stood in great shape, entrapped in a beautiful nibenese party dress of the most expensive stores in Cyrodiil. To match her clothes, her lustrous long hair fell past her shoulders, gleaming in the torch light. Her almost pale face was a direct contrast to her amber eyes, which were alert and cunning. She held her hands behind her back, exhilarated at the thought of her first great task. She was going to learn how to hunt and feed in public.

Looking for prey, she traversed the short hall into the balcony, overlooking the castle’s main room below. A flock of elegant nobles and aristocrats, as well as politicians and wealthy known individuals walked around in lavish sets, lying on velvet lines couches, whispering in various corners or exchanging giggles and gossip. The sharp thrill of laughter mingled with the faint clink of glass cups filled the air. Various sets of groups composed of Man and Mer wearing the latest designs from the present fashion, smiled with protruding teeth as white as pearls at each other.

Raven’s face hardened at the sight. She had little patience for those who were like them. Although undoubtedly civilized, these were not “noble” individuals per se, but merely dilettantes who's greater interest in their own selfish delights in the waning years of their pathetic lives. Do they not know anything else? she wondered, they are no different than Draken.

The decadent atmosphere reeked profoundly of expensive perfume and alcohol contaminated blood, but in spite of the numerous individuals that filled the room, the temperature was still pleasantly cool. An angry hiss escaped from Raven’s pale lips as she tried to locate her father, who was obviously nowhere in sight.

There were too many people there, over a hundred individuals cluttered the halls and dining area. Servants walked in-between the snobbish guests, serving platters full of sweetrolls and treats, as well as drinks and saltier food. She sighed and walked among them, searching for her creator and potentially, her prey as well.

Her sudden appearance did not draw much attention. A few curious heads turned toward her and looked at her abnormally golden eyes that were utterly boring and lacking any interest before proceeding with more suggestive entertainment. Raven caused barely a change in the flow of sophisticated whispers that ran from one side to another the luxurious chamber.

No matter, thought Raven. Those were not the people who she had to speak to. Her eyes scanned the room hoping to locate Alucardius himself, but he was not in sight. It took moments for her to remember that she was to hunt alone without the direction intervention of her parent.


****

The hour was passing by and her features were growing more noticeable. Her face less supple than before. I need to feed…my throat is as dry as the Alik’r, she complained. Her yellow-tainted eyes were growing to a faint, but fiercely bright orange-red. She sighed and graciously walked to the hallway. Her angry features morphed into a deceitful smile and subtle craftiness. In public, Raven did her best to appear lovable and innocent. Such things were essential to her development as a noblewoman and a vampire.

Noticing the door of the castle front opening, Raven made her way to the balcony to see new guests of all colors and sized pour in. She leaned against the pillar in the corner, away from sight, as she studied which victim would be best for her. Truth be told, she was nervous. She had to do this alone. Her years have been nothing more than feeding on sleeping servants in the safe confines of her home, but tonight she had to learn how to hunt among the living cattle. She was so lost in thought that she did not notice right away a slender hand touch her shoulder. The hand belonged to Alucardius.

“Do you feast yours eyes first?

Raven showed obvious disinterest to her father’s presence. She shook her head and kept searching for a potential prey amidst the crowd. Tables and wooden benches had been modified to accommodate the various courtiers, artisans, jesters, nobles and legionnaires in attendance. The servants scurried back and forth between the hall and the dining area, carrying a seemingly endless sheet of delicious treats and dishes. Alucardius pointed silently to a strong orc woman standing alone in a table.

“How about that one?” asked the older vampire.

Raven shook her head. “I spotted three orcs this night. She is the only one alone. If I am to lure in my prey, I must be nimble and remain incognito. Everyone would notice a young Imperial woman talking to the orc. They are vilified and seldom loved by the community.”

“And?” asked Alucardius with a hint of curiosity.

“And if I would choose to kill her, people would count me suspect. A young girl speaking with a orc twice her size hardly goes unnoticed. And besides, I’ve heard the pariah folk taste as broth. Not enough to suit my palate, I‘m afraid.”

Alucardius smiled in satisfaction. He was proud of her daughter’s knowledge of culture and public perspective on mortal matters. She leaned in closer, pointing a finger to another potential victim. For about ten minutes, Raven kept dismissing the possibility to finding a perfect first kill. It was understandable, she wanted her baptism by blood to be memorable, but as always, there was a limit to what she was doing.

“You are being too picky,” he said finally. "Choose one before the night ends.”

Raven nodded and glanced at the crowd again. After picking suitable cattle, her eyes came across something that made her palate water. Ah, there’s one. I wish mother was still alive to see this. She allowed herself a sly smile and went to pursue her prey.

****
Alucardius stood watch as any influential entrepreneur would. Renown in his time as a warrior of the fighters guild and somewhat of a philosopher, he took great measures to make sure he instilled his tenets, and that of the Order, into the mindset of his two offspring. From what he understood, Raven was already showing signs of a true vampire, more so than his own son, Draken.

But even so, before one could learn the steps of becoming an influential leader, they must learn to nourish themselves with knowledge. Even something as simple as an infant need to learn how to feed itself before maturing. And today marked the day where his daughter would feed outside of the manor confines for the first time. A welcome requirement that differed from nightly escapades to the neighboring chamber in mind of feeding on a sleeping servant, or drinking off of pitchers and jugs of harvested blood. Tonight, my daughter finally grows to become a woman.

Among the multitude stood a young man. Bearing wavy brown hair, and a lithe built, he came as common Imperials do. His eyes were green and alert. Raven approached nearby without thinking twice. The young boy looked up at her as she arrived, his eyes twinkling at the sight of her. She guessed he was fifteen, perhaps sixteen at best. Although she did not look directly at him, he couldn’t deny she was there for a sole reason.

“Are you lost?” He said, approximating himself to her.

She looked at him, tilting her head in a masked cloak of innocence “Hmm? Oh, I am just exploring the grand castle.“

“Exploring?” he questioned with a laugh “is that all you do in a party? Explore?”

She realized her poor choice of words. But with careful prying, she would be able to lure him into her grasp. She touched him gently, a sign of comfort.

“Well,” she paused, glancing at a servant who passed on by. She grabbed a glass of wine sitting above a moving platter, bringing it to her face, but not yet drinking it. “I can do much more than that.”

“I knew there was more to you,” he continued “Some come for free food, drink. Others come to gossip, to dabble in latest rumors, others to secure business--”

Raven cut him short, using an alluring smile to soften the interruption. “And what about you?”

He stared at her from the rims of his own wine glass. “I care little for gossip, so I’m here mostly for food and drink.”

The young Imperial woman tilted her head to the side, squinting slightly. “Something tells me you’re leaving something out.”

“And what would you imagine that to be?” he hid his hands in his pockets.

Raven shrugged weakly “You ask me. A friend…perhaps even a lover.”

He smirked faintly. She could see the red in his face increase and swell, his pupils dilate. Gotcha, she thought. She kicked her head to the direction where she was heading to, secretly hoping he would follow. And sure enough, he did.

For many minutes, they talked about many topics which she considered uninteresting. Most gossip and rumors, and few flirtatious remarks here and there. She found it fascination how someone could twist the truth about themselves and yet subconsciously their words betray their every lie. She made sure he was not related to any influential nobleman or noblewoman or even the Count. To her advantage, he was just a random party jumper, hailing from the Imperial City.

“So, you must know a lot of people in the Imperial City.” He said to her.

“I always love making new friends.” Responded Raven as they walked up the stairs of the castle, toward the second floor. They turned a few corners and finally, they sat on a lone bench in one of the halls. He was closer now, sitting side by side to her, his arms touching her own. He studied her vigorously, looking up and down slowly as if a wolf considering devouring a lamb.

Taking her lower lip between her teeth, Raven lowered her head before gazing up. “If you were willing to spend this night the way you wanted to spend it, how would you do it?”

He grinned, surely thinking he had lured her in. “With a beautiful and intelligent girl. Someone with black hair…soft lips and a great sense of fashion.” he giggled at his last comment.

For what seemed an eternity they stared into each other’s eyes. Drinking in the moment, basking in the unending dance of an innocent and yet guilty sensuality of an adolescent nature. Time seemed to be bringing them in now, closer to each other. Eyes closing, lips spread apart, they nearly clashed. But the boy did not feel the soft and warm lips of a girl, instead he felt air. A disappointed feeling sunk his heart as his neck was kissed first.

He opened his eyes to see Raven touch his hands, pulling herself and him off of the bench. “Come with me,” she said.

The halls were dark, save for the faint candles on the tables and walls on either side of the corridors. Various rooms where created to accommodate the king’s best of allies. In her case, she was the daughter of his best of friends. Raven led him into a room to flee from the loud chatter below them. There were few soldiers guarding the halls, but they thought nothing of a single adolescent and what could pass as her young brother walking the halls for a private time.

Her cold hands pulled at her companion, leading him on through the halls. She could feel the blood pulsing within his veins beneath the wrist. And she longed for draining it. She glanced back, making sure her father was there to witness her prowess. And sure enough, he followed, but at a safe distance away until she stopped to allow him to pass by.

She watched as her father disappeared in the corner, unbeknownst to her victim that she was related. After she vanished from the hall, he followed her tracks. The room ahead was dark and filled with shadow. Only a minor amount of torches sputtered on the stone wall, their dying flames only barely able to pierce the dark gloom. She led him out to the balcony and began speaking to him. The door behind her closed. No one was able to witness her murder in the balcony, unless they could see through doors such as a vampire.

Standing high above, they held hands and stared out into the clouds. A rather anti-romantic atmosphere. Yet she knew she had the potential of even making a day in a realm of Oblivion seem amiable.

The young woman turned to face him, smiling sheepishly at the boy. She flicked her hair aside, leaning in for the kiss. Enticed with the thought, he did the same, albeit quicker than she did. Suddenly, without hesitation, completely consumed by passion and hunger, Raven opened her mouth, teeth elongating into fangs. She touched him on the side of the face, immediately entrancing him with a single power of the vampire’s seduction. Every emotion he felt was amplified, and the most potent was lust, or perhaps even a misguided sense of love.

He felt compelled to surrender to her every whim, while she surrendered to a deep longing that had plagued her for months now. She moaned as she opened her mouth and sank her elongated teeth deeper into his throat. Yes, she thought ecstatically. Finally! The blood of the young was always the best. Fresh, untainted and rich.

The thunder storms matching the rhythm of the fading heart-beat of the fading prey. After all his blood was drained, Raven shoved the debilitated boy off the balcony. His body twisting and twirling under the inescapable power of gravity as he finally landed below with a glorious crash that matched the celestial thunder drums.

She wiped the blood from her lips with the back of her hand and looked below. She smiled and turned, opening the door to find her father standing there. The emotion plastered on his face was what Raven expected; A proud smile. Words were not required to express his feelings, his facial expression already had done that: You have done well.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 27 2012, 07:53 AM

[McBadgere]

Fair dues...That's good right there, that is...

I like that...

I am interested to see how Draken's murder causes trouble...

Raven is hot...Yes she is... ...

*Applauds*...

Nice one!!... ...

[Darkness Eternal]

Fair dues...That's good right there, that is...

I like that...

I am interested to see how Draken's murder causes trouble...

Raven is hot...Yes she is... ...

*Applauds*...

Nice one!!... ...

Thanks man. I didn't feel this chapter was as powerful as some of the other ones I have floating about. But it will cause some measure trouble, beyond that I cannot say.

[McBadgere]

Light and dark...*Shrug*...Looked and felt good to me... ...

Genuinely nice job...

[Athynae]

And the plot thickens...as far as this chapter not being as powerful, nonsense. Every chapter fulfills a purpose, on the surface some may seem less "dramatic" or emotionally deep but they are priceless in the process of character development and or setting the scene so to speak for what is to come. And you are doing a fine job of that...

I'm hooked, I sure hope I haven't been bitten, following these vamps around one might begin to wonder...

Keep up the good work, impatiently waiting for more.

[mALX]

Chapter II - loved Draken's thought process at the end especially. No problem, just bury her right here on our property...what was he thinking? He obviously wasn't blessed with Raven's resourceful mind !!

Chapter III -

reeked profoundly of expensive perfume and alcohol contaminated blood

Excellent line !!

Tonight, my daughter finally grows to become a woman.

Nice touch to make hunting a rite of passage !!

his pupils dilate. Gotcha, she thought

Loved that little detail, perfect bit of realism - and loved Raven's reaction !!

There was a little bit of head hopping going on between Raven and the lad from their meeting to the end of the chapter, POV changing. It hindered the immersion in the scene a bit, and from what I've seen of your writing so far you could have rocked that scene easily.

Other than that, Great Write !!

[Darkness Eternal]

McBadgere:Thanks, guy.

Athynae: I guess you're right. Thanks.

mALX:I re-read it and saw the error. I guess my weakness is having many characters in one scene and just writing in a single perspective. It's something I have to practice. As in regards to Draken, yeah, you will see some differences between him and his sister. Whereas one is insidious, the other may be impulsive.

Author's Note: I struck against using the name calling scene, but I just thought it was a minor throwback in the Daggerfall days: Yes, the "rude" name calling was indeed used against vampires in a quest. Even if it seemed a bit childish.

~Chapter IV: Internal Feud ~

"There is no growth sans conflict, only stagnation."

The great hall of the Vladmirius Castle dwarfed any other room in the building. Ponderous stone pillars supported the elevated ceiling, while the doorways led away to dark passageways lit by the torch lights on the side of the hall. An iron chandelier hung from above, holding an array of bright candles. Raven walked on by, paying no attention to the very familiar surroundings that would be her home for the next few centuries.

She continued to walk up the steps leading to the upper halls where her room was. She was eager to engage in a heated bath in the privacy of her chambers. But first she would have to feed before she cleaned herself up. She reached her room and entered it, locking the door behind it. The shadowy gloom of her chamber was her most soothing place to be at the moment.

Beyond the locked door was a grand space; A four-poster bed was piled high with soft red pillows and fine linens. A few drawers and tables lay about, with few unused clothing within and other useless items. Raven traversed the windowless room, reaching the end. She pulled down a hanging torch-holder alongside the wall, unlocking an extra clandestine chamber within her room. The stone door slid to the side, revealing a sparse area within. My real nest, she reflected.

Within the real chamber was a black deluxe coffin bed with a red interior, bedecked with three crimson pillows bearing golden buttons. The exterior of it was golden as well, having a black core with large handles atop. Anyone who would walk in would also notice the dark chamber’s other novelties. A wash basin, box of jewelry, and other feminine items all littered the top of a dark mahogany dressing table.

The air was freshened with the scent of tansy and lavender. A large frame mirror, placed atop the vanity, proved false to the myth that vampires could cast no reflection. Altmeri carpet, imported from the Summerset Isles, covered the stone cold floor. A wooden armoire made from the finest hands in Cyrodiil held Raven’s vast and extensive wardrobe. Standing in a corner were two statuettes of the Order’s respected patrons; Molag Bal and Clavicus Vile. Underneath their frozen position was a few gold served as offering.

Raven dipped her hand in the wash basin, cleaning it of all germs and impurity. She washed her cold face thoroughly, eyes being washed and face being cleaned. She wanted to be in presentable form before praying to her patrons. After she finished, Raven knelt down beneath the statuettes, giving them each of her gold coins as offering.

“Lord Vile, I present this offering as appreciation of your gratitude. Thanks to you, we can twist men to our offices of power and manipulate mankind for our interest. Without you we would be reduced to nothing but barbaric savages. Tonight I finally made my first kill, yet in my pride I humble myself in your presence.” she whispered, eyes closed as she placed the gold beneath the miniature statue. She seldom dwelt on her current family, who did not show much love for him or at least his gift. She knew Draken looked at her with contempt, much like her mother did years ago, they value courage and strength, not guile and manipulation. While power was cherished, it was useless without deception.

“Lord Molag,” Raven began, setting a new offering for Bal “By violating Lamae, you have brought forth Our kind. Thanks to you, the blood of superiors is adrift my veins. I give you this offering as a token of my gratitude as a Daughter of Coldharbour.” she smiled as she laid down her present. After awhile, she got dressed for supper.

****

Alucardius and his late wife Verona had worked hard for their accomplishments within the empire, they had endured grand schemes and plots to improve their lifestyle and to better prepare their children into the world.

Thanks to the bond, they were able to mingle with individuals, interact with those who where in possession of information, and create relationships with valuable political allies. They were able to hide their true nature behind an assumed identity. Living in solitude in his castle, he raised his childred. It was necessary not just to train his children, but also to continue to increase his own skills and knowledge along the way. Raven was proud how it all turned out to be. She couldn't ask for more.

Moving silently, Raven slipped from the bedchamber out into the hallways of the mansion she called home. Expensive tapestries covered the walls and dark, hand-woven rugs followed the corridors as she made her way past room after room, each decorated with intricately new furniture, rare objects of art, and other obvious displays of wealth. It took her almost an entire minute to traverse the length of the house and reach the door that led to the stairs below. Her cold hands slowly slid along the armrest on the stairs as she descended to the dining area. As she nimbly walked toward the large door, she could hear the voices of her father and brother coming from the other side.

"I had to dismiss them for a few days. I wasn't feeling particularly well and I was famished," Draken said.

Raven recalled the little story of sending all the servants home early and also dissapearing for a few days. For what exactly? She thought, because he forgot to drink a few pints of blood? As stupid as he is, I doubt he is that reckless. And what in Oblivion was he doing here alone all this time, I wonder?

In the spacious dining area, the door of the grand hall swung open with the gentle shove of her hand. She looked at the mirror at the other side of the room, seeing herself. Shimmering black hair tumbled down onto her shoulders like the darkness she always loved. Crimson eyes gazed from a snow-white face that undoubtedly rivaled the greatest princesses and women of legend and history, even in a simple night gown. A crest-shaped pendant, placed in the center of a ruby gemstone, hung from a silver chain circling her neck. The precious jewelry hopped above the ivory slopes of her breasts as she walked across the torch lit halls, adding herself to table of the two dining immortals; Her father and brother.

Alucardius was the first to capture Raven's attention, her father was clad in all his finery, wearing an elegant attire of the darkest silk and purple. His dark brown hair cropped as most Imperial male, a wide smile came across his face as Raven took a seat across her brother, Draken. Pitiful idiot, she scolded inwardly as she spared a contemptuous glance at her sibling.

A cascade of smooth black hair crowned the cranium of Alucardius’ notoriously decadent heir. His white complexion, flushed with the red nectar, bespoke over a decade of overindulgence. The sleeves of his velvet-colored brocade attire were fashionably cut, the better to display the costly silk shirt underneath. His light red hose was put away into a pair of polished gold trimmed shoes. Sapphire and emerald rings glittered on his fingers.

Draken, on the other hand, stared down Raven with much hostility. Her brother's blasé attitude insulted her much. Athough there was a likely prospect of knowing Draken for many centuries to come, having been stuck with him since she'd been born, she had never liked him much." Often at time's they both stabbed at each other's throats with verbal fencing, so often that it worried Alucardius.

"Ah, Raven. I am so glad of you to have joined us for once. Did you tell your brother of the first hunt you undertook?" said the loving voice of her father.

"I had been rather occupied," Raven said, preparing her silverware, she did not need to explain to her father that she was reading her books in her chambers. It was a hobby she always had done for the past few years. “No, I did not tell him.”

Draken regarded his sister without enthusiasm. “I should have known you would be the last to arrive for supper. And besides, I fared better in my first kill."

"Ah? I did not realize you missed my presence. Brings warm to my heart in the knowledge that I have a loving brother such as yourself. My oh my, what would I ever do without you? And I recall that day which you chased a wench in the forest because she mistook you for a deviant. Very subtle Draken, very subtle." She knew her sarcastic tone struck Draken with an impact.

"I felt no such mawkish mortal regard for you," Draken said simply, ignoring her latter comment.

"So what? I would rather die first than to have you feel something for me." Raven remarked with equal disdain.

Draken arched an abstracted eyebrow. “How horribly traditional of you. Small wonder the mortals persist on labeling us as walking corpses.”

"Perhaps I would prove them correct by making you an example," Raven hissed.

"Blood-sponge.” Draken insulted.

“Bugaboo.” Raven threw back a taunt.

“Book-leech.” He slammed his fist onto the table, causing pitchers and cups to bounce wildly, nearly staining the table with blood.

“Blood-snorter!“ Raven barked.

"Enough. Both of you." Alucardius concluded the immature argument with aggression. Obviously, she was aggravated at the pointless bickering of her two children.

"As you say." Draken rebelliously addressed Alucardius, whom was umbrageous at the sibling rivalry, but he knew well that Draken often began the quarrels, and therefore had to be dealt with a slight measure of harsh discipline.

“You will learn your place. That is no way to speak with your young sister.” Alucardius said sternly. His voice softened as he strove to reason with his son. He came into the room after some other business in the servant quarters. Alucardius’s disappointment with his wastrel offspring was starting to grow.

"Forgive me, father," Draken said softly, his eyes taking a peek at Raven's noticeable smirk.

“Do not get angry at Draken, father. He simply needs a desperate lesson in manners. I‘m sure he will learn eventually…he has eternity to try, doesn‘t he?" Raven said, her voice fairly dripping with sarcasm.

Alucardius chose to ignore his other child’s impudent tone. “Go to your studies after you are finished eating." he decreed. “Both of you. I will join you presently for the next lesson.”

Raven descended on her food, her tongue tracing the smooth contours of her fangs. Although the vampires only required blood, very few were willing to deny themselves the etiquette pleasures of feasting on mortal food the same. They ate for the taste and sensation of being able to do so, rather than to sustain themselves.

Eternity was far too distant a span not to learn a bit of variety now and then. Raven began savoring bites of boar, beef, and bloodied venison. She neatly picked apart her meal with her fork and knife, making little to no mess at all.

“I am summoned to a meeting with the aristocratic family leader, Lentulus.” Alucardius reminded Draken, clearly vexed by his offspring’s annoying attitude. Raven, too, was offended by his conspicuous lack of concern for practically anything.

"How unfortunate. Dealing with a corrupt nobleman." Draken conceded.

Alucardius puckered an angry lip at his wayward son. “Make yourself useful for once and assist me on this small errand."

"What sort of errand?" asked Draken.

"I will go to Anvil in two days.“ responded Alucardius. “Do not leave the castler grounds. Remain here until I return. Pursue in your studies and physical conditioning after I have departed." ”

“As you wish,“ Draken assented, sighing heavily. He stood from his seat and exited the dining area with his head high. Raven shook her head slightly at the sight, yet she felt his disdain.

She felt a twinge of sympathy for her frustrated brother; unlike any mortal heir, Draken could not look forward to ever inheriting his father’s exalted title in the mortal hierarchy. Alucardius was immortal, after all, and nothing could ever hide that inconvenient fact. Small wonder, she reflected, that Draken wastes his nights in mindless squandering of coin and sleeping all day. He’s an heir to a legacy that stands beyond his grasp.

Alucardius awaited Raven's slow chewing to cease before he had a request to make of her. She saw his eyes search for the exit, making sure Draken was gone from sight.

"Your brother is troubled, I believe he still suffers emotionally from the loss of your mother," said Alucardius after a moment. "You both need to find a way to put an end to your petty bickering."

Raven sighed, shaking her head slightly "I do not bear the patience of tolerating Draken's meandering drivel. If he cannot get over mother's death, than that is his problem. I got better things to worry about.”

“It may not be so bad as you fear. Perhaps your gentle persuasion can curb his more extravagant tendencies."

"May I inquire as to why I need to do such thing?"

"You will make a fine leader in the near future, and you already make an oustanding young woman. And I admire you for that. I cherish my son as well, but he needs to understand that his precarious outlook on our way of life is well past beyond it's limits. If you can convince him otherwise, feed him your knowledge and inspire him, then perhaps he can make me proud as well. Your ascension in life is not simply to please me, but rather to sharpen your destiny. Remember that, Raven. If you can learn from each other, that would be a blessing." Alucardius said.

An undeserved one, she thought.

****

Alucardius introduced the world of politics to Draken, although being negative about it, he held his tongue. He had not been unmoved by his father's excessive display of emotion; despite their frequent quarrels, he did not doubted that his father cared for him profoundly. And yet this talk of politics and duty bored him to death. World intrigues and diplomatic maneuvers held no attraction to him. Where was the glory? The passion? In such bloodless games. The prospect of wasting his precious immortality dancing with puppets in a grand worldly stage filled his soul with dread. Draken complained inwardly; I'd sooner be trapped in Oblivion to be tortured by dozens of Daedra than suffer through another interminable lesson, unlike a certain 'perfect' sister.

Raven, who always enjoyed it and always wanted him to suffer by participating in such torture, had had been able to cope with this lifestyle. It was no wonder his father and at times, his mother often mentioned her to he other nobles and bragged about her intelligence; She had embraced their lessons and had shown an incredible affinity for vampirism as well as Imperial interests. Raven is younger by about two years and yet she displays greater success than him. I should of never been born, he thought, if a younger woman is to best me in every attribute. It's only a matter of time before she actually begins to command him. That would be the end of me, Draken thought.

The whole situation made him angry, this love-hate relationship with his sister often gets unstable. It won't be long until father tries to use her to change his behavior, he can well expect it. But before all of this, he had to set his mind on the task; Sit by and learn. Father doesn’t trust me in public cities, Draken thought angrily. He was of proper age, twenty years old and he still has centuries to come. It would be better if he began now.

The young vampire passed through the very familiar grand corridor of his home. His steps were somber and low, he wasn’t enamored by the thought of listening to more rambling about the Order and their respected members. As far as he was concerned, he wasn’t even counted amongst the upper echelon of vampires yet. As if I give a damn about any of that, Draken thought, soon I shall break free from the chains of petty servitude. Begin my own life, sans the influence of my father and my pestering daughter.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 27 2012, 08:02 AM

[McBadgere]

Fair dues...That's long that is... ...

I enjoyed it nevertheless... ...

I shall look up umbrageous!!...I know umbrage, and thusly can imagine that umbrageous means basically that, but never heard umbrageous...Well done that writer!!... ...

I think I'm falling in love with Raven... ...

That's just a brilliant story that...Looking forward to seeing how it all pans out...

Nice one!!...

*Applauds heartily*...

Oooh, hang on...This, is a tad iffy...

Although she will know Draken for many centuries to come, she was stuck with him ever since she was born. And she had never liked him much

Ummm...I may not be entirely right about what's going on technically in this sentence...But slight wrongness therein there is...

"Although she will know for many centuries" is either a premonition or simply a guess, however, it is future...

"She was stuck with him" is present tense, but then you say "Ever since she was born." which is past tense.

If I may?...

Athough there was a likely prospect of knowing Draken for many centuries to come, having been stuck with him since she'd been born, she had never liked him much."

Dunno...Clever peoples may have a better idea...

Brilliantly written though...Brilliant...

This post has been edited by McBadgere: Jan 24 2012, 05:13 AM

[Darkness Eternal]

*Bows*. Thanks! You're a breath of fresh air.

And facepalm for that mistake. You know that feeling when you write fast and too much? I will go edit it.

[McBadgere]

*Is stuck on plot problem personally...* ...

But yes, slowing down a little does help... ...

*Bows in return*... ...

[Darkness Eternal]

~Chapter V: Immortal Knowledge Vampyrum~

"Knowledge is power."

Raven and Draken had a unending schedule to obey. Morndas was strictly a day to learn of the Order and the clan. Tirdas was a day to practice the art of hand to hand, sword and marksmanship combat. Middas was the day to study mortal history. Turdas was study politics and the current daily minutiae of the world. Fredas, loredas and sundas was usually a day to take a break. Somehow Raven felt that the castle served as both a home and a school. In a way, it did. It was strange for her to live alone with no one else but family. The outside world was but a mystery. She never experienced it as much as other normal adolescents did. Some would claim Alucardius is over protective, but she just saw it as it is. Preparation.

A few dozen strides brought Raven to a small annex at the rear end of the manor. The door was closed to maintain the respectable silence. She gently pushed the door open and stepped into the building that served as a huge library. The interior was a single square room, six meters on each side, lit only by a metal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The walls were lined by shelves overflowing with the books, letters and manuscripts her father had collected over the years: The history of vampires and their existence in Tamriel, the history of empires and provinces, men and women of times long past. This was easily her favorite room in the manor besides her chamber.

In the center of the room was a podium. Resting on the podium was the Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum; The tenets of the vampires from Cyrodiil. The book was old, but the edges were lined with velvet material to preserve it. It contained the Order‘s understanding and knowledge. Everything she had learned about the ways of the vampire. All the teachings and all of the philosophy, recorded for all eternity. It was the Order’s legacy, a way to share an eternity of wisdom with those who would obey the laws and preserve the Order. She grabbed the book and carried it to a seat that was alongside the shelf.

Like most of the volumes along the shelves of the library, this one had been discovered from a long lost source. The world might believe that vampires are rare in the world, but it’s legends had an amazing influence on the minds of people across every province. Some of the knowledge came from the Tribunal Temple itself in Vvardenfell.

The attempts of the Tribunal Temple to discover and confiscate anything that could be linked to vampires had only succeeded in increasing up the prices and forcing individuals to work through anonymous beings to conceal themselves. The temple went to great lengths to keep the true danger of vampires away from the public, so much that vampires were believed to be extinct in Morrowind. Of course, no one knew for sure. The Order kept their eyes open for that particular fact. The Quarra, Berne or Aundae could be of minor threat if they ever set foot upon Cyrodiil. Alucardius was one of the most intelligent man in the Order simply because he was able to use individuals as go-betweens to secure himself the forbidden knowledge. Which is one of the reasons for the partnership with the nobleman, Sir Lentulus, who has ties with Morrowind.

This suited Alucardius well. He had been able to collect and expand his book chamber without fear of drawing attention to himself from foreign forces: he was just another noble, another anonymous scholar obsessed with vampirism. And to that end, she was able to read the collect knowledge for her mind to expand upon.

She began to reread the Manifesto, but came to an abrupt stop when she saw Draken enter the library. Unlike her, his expression was a jaded one. He was not going to enjoy the lesson, she predicted it. She eyed him as he walked by and took his seat across from where she was at. He landed with a heavy collapse, his anger fuming at the highest. A smile came upon her face. Draken glanced at her and saw that she was smirking.

“What is it?” he asked aggressively.

Raven shrugged, her grin still noticeable. “I swell with happiness to see that my brother can enjoy another lesson without complaining.”

“Then see your happiness deflate,” Draken scoffed. “Why must we learn about this anyways? Father won’t even allow us to wonder outside of these walls except to feed. And most of our supply he brings home. It seems he wants to keep us imprisoned here.”

As if the moment was precise, Alucardius came inside the room. He was covered in his regular business attire. Bedecked in a fine extravagant velvet blouse and pants. His feet where covered with red-trimmed shoes. His hair was cropped to a smooth cut that ran from front to back. He was glaring straight at Draken, but not with hostility, but curiosity.

“You think you are ready to begin a life on your own?”

“I am ready.” Draken stated.

“That remains to be seen.” Alucardius forced a sigh.

Draken was caught silent for the first time in awhile. He wasn’t sure how to respond to that. He sat back in his seat and opened his book. He was ready to begin the lesson. The father regarding him with a curious stare before turning his attention to his daughter.

“Raven, my dear, begin reading the Manifesto.” Alucardius commanded.

Raven did as she was told, reading the section “On Our Order.” She proceeded to pause, taking her eyes to her father. And then to Draken, who seemed to be floating elsewhere. His mind locked into the air as if something caught his attention. I wonder what he is thinking of, she thought, something must be bothering him.

It couldn’t be the lesson. He always tried to impress his father by acting as if he was paying attention. Now it seemed like he didn’t even care. Does he finally show what he was feeling or is something profoundly bothering him? She struck it from her mind as her father’s voice roused her from her mind.

"The tenets of the Manifesto are more than just words to be memorized. They are essential to the development of those who seek it's truth. Strength alone cannot bring down an enemy, it's merely a tool for an end. Our Order is ancient. Centuries old. Only know are we beginning to establish ourselves in the highest circles of power, infiltrating politics in this age and day." Alucardius explained to his daughter--his hands clenched behind his back as he slowly walked up behind her.

Alucardius continued his lesson to his daughter. Who listened intently to what he had to say. She was going to part of a covert organization of vampires who's sole purpose was to gain power through deception and manipulation. For a long time, she studied these things and understood them with each passing moment.

"Begin reading again. On Our Patrons." Instructed Alucardius--he took a seat right across where Raven was seated. His eyes staring straight at Raven, staring at her as she continued reading the Manifesto. Raven finished the sentence soon after, awaiting her father's response.

"We must never allow our patrons to fall into disregard. We are blessed by Molag Bal and guided by the power of Clavicus Vile. For him, our tribe is unique. You owe your life to Him, if not for the bond made, you would be naught but ash the moment the sun strikes your skin. As you feed, you developed a temporary immunity to the bane of our existence. Begin ‘On Our Rivals‘.“ He said, his voice stern and firm--He kept both of his hands over the desk, his finger's bedecked with rings of sapphire and gold.

Raven read the part.

"Some of us give into the thirst and let it control them. They are unable to hold themselves above it, and in doing so they are reduced to slaves rather than masters. These brutish savages create tribes and broods and herds of abominable monsters. Eternally thirsty, they seek the drain the world around them. If they set foot upon our territory, not only our food source would be compromised, but our secret as well. Commence ’On our Conduct.’” He gestured toward the book, giving her the sign to continue.

She read it loud and clear. After she finished, she gazed up to see a studious expression make itself clear on her father’s face.

"Clandestinity. Deception. Patience. These are our advantages against society and other vampires. We are able to walk in the day, but our lives must be behind the veil and under the shadows. Our livelihood depends greatly in our ability to blend in as well as our discretion. That is why we must regularly feed to maintain our human appearance. To make use of the pawns, we must make ourselves like them."

"Pawns?" Draken suddenly jumped in after minutes of participating in a stoic silence.

"Tools to further our agendas; pathetic servants; base animals absent ambition or rights; thralls without any hope of advancement; anyone can be abused without consequence. Yet…” he paused.

Both siblings waited. Alucardius continued: “Our task is not to bring fate on all those unfit to thrive, however. We are not careless murderers. All we do must serve for our purpose. For the preservation of our Order. We must make use of whomever we can to obtain power for ourselves.“

The young Raven felt a surge of pride increase within her. She was starting to get the grip of it. The reason her father utilized servants was due to the fact that he had to feed. She recalled deep inside her mind-- meeting with other human nobles while her and her brother had to remain upstairs in their rooms. Discretion and secrecy.

"I understand, father. But where do I begin? How do I start with my ambitions?" asked Raven.

"You begin on the quest for power by first gaining control over yourself. Then an individual, then a group, then a group of individuals. You can do anything if you set your mind to it and before you know it, you will be among the circles of those who control the world."

"And what can prevent an individual from controlling me?" She asked.

"Discover someone quicker and you will not be able to dodge the strike at your back. Come upon a person with more patience and you cannot block the knife at your throat. Tangle with a successor and you will be succeeded. Therefore, you must always be quicker. Have more equanimity and you shall never risk being defeated."

Raven nodded, placing everything she heard on her notes and papers. History books and old novels were also cluttered on the desk on where she wrote. But they were useless if she did not learn the cardinal rules of a Cyrodilic vampire; control & domination. But she had to think of the threats to her power or the power of the Order--And the only true threat besides mortals were other vampires.

“Vampires are known by their rapacious violence against mortals. We have always heard terrible tales told of us swooping down from the darkness above to kidnap infants from their cribs and drain the blood of the innocent.” Alucardius said.

Raven interrupted with pride in her voice. “We of the Order are also individuals of incredible beauty, deadly ambition and a knack of predatory sensuality.”

Alucardius responded directly to Raven’s comment. “True, my dear. But there is a trait that all vampires inherit. A nature that every one of us are bound. We are damned. Immortal predators. All goals, aspirations and passions fall second to our nature; Our thirst for blood.”

Raven nodded slightly. “But our thirst is steeled by the power of Lord Vile, correct? We do not suffer from bloodlust as much as the other barbaric savages. I do not see any reason we should worry.”

“But the blood rage is still there. Less potent, but nevertheless present. Remember the reason why we must feed.”

Raven scratched the top of her head. She began swirling her hair. Looking for more questions on the subject of vampirism.

“Which of the clans are the strongest?”

“Depends on the context of strength.”

She chose a more specific question. “Which clans are the strongest in all aspects? The ones of Morrowind?”

“ The Quarra vampires are strong and barbaric. They are the most physically powerful of the clans of Vvardenfell, and they are exceptionally cruel. They seek to rule the other clans through subjugation. They attack their prey with ecstatic frenzy Our clan has learned to loathe. Others such as the Aundae are more blessed in the subtle intricacies of vampirism, gifted with the ability to hypnotize their prey with dark powers as we are. The Aundae seek domination through the imposition of their will. They are powerful in magic, and hungry for power as we are. Others rely on stealth and ambush instead of their powers, clans such as the Berne who slide through the night to hunt their prey, and seek power through cunning, not force.”

Alucarius paused and fixed her with a long glare, as if considering whether to add more.

“A rare few have a natural gifts of all these aspects. Our clan have exceptional strength and power if we starve ourselves for seventy-two hours. Our abilities are increased. We are faster, stronger and more powerful. We can summon our own dark powers of seduction to entrance our prey, we can enthrall the dead, cloak ourselves from the naked eye and even impose fear on those who are strong. Yet, even with these powers combined, we lose our greatest strength.”

Raven nodded enthusiastically. She understood that the vampire clan of Cyrodiil had all of the powers combined. Only if they allowed themselves to diet from blood for four days. A downside to the Pact with Clavicus Vile. To achieve their true potential and the unleashing of raw power, they must keep themselves far from human sight. Raven began wondering if the other clans combined could be of challenge to them.

"The Province of Morrowind has three Bloodlines: The Quarra, the Aundae & the Berne. Iliac Bay alone holds nine clans. Valenwood harbors four. What can hold them from entering our territory and starting a war?" Raven asked.

"Nothing; Save Us"

"I do not understand," Raven insisted. "What if they join forces?"

"There are few members of the Order within the Empire's political station. Even fewer in the High Council. The ones in High Command sends information to those in lesser stations. If anything interferes with our way of life, one takes the responsibility of taking care of that nuisance. We cannot draw attention to ourselves if we gather in numbers unless it is absolutely necessary. The Elder Council has power that exceeds any other, sometimes even the Emperor. If something like that may happen, we can take care of it before it grows to be an infestation made public."

"And if someone within our clan does not agree with our way of life? What becomes of them?" Raven's curiosity blossomed.

"Then we remove such person from existence."

The study helped reinforce the illusion that the Vladmirius family were wealthy nobles obsessively traversing Cyrodiil in search of profitable business ventures. To some degree, this was true. Over the past decades, Alucardius had used the information he had gathered to grow his wealth significantly. Though for Alucardius, it was all a means to an end.

From the halls of the Imperial Palace to the tribal councils of the most lesser beings, the lifeblood of a power was knowledge. History was shaped by individuals who understood that knowledge, if properly exploited and controlled, could defeat any enemy and bring about any manner of success.

Raven was too young to even think of ruling from her own office of power. While she was still under her father’s house, she had to obey his every law, that was until she broke free from it and controlled things herself. But such plans were not too distant, she believed. She still had many years to study and to learn how things worked, but she could easily begin to take the first steps of influence. Only now was she grasping her own potential, she knew few facts of both their own history and the history of mortals and how society as a whole works.

For one thing that was important was the way of life and how to simply exploit weaknesses. The best history of her clan, that she had been able to muster, stemmed from a small collection of sources, chosen specifically for their relative reliability and trustworthiness. When she considered how Order culture is sparsely spread, and how secretive they tend to be both as a society and as individuals, the true magnitude of the challenge of collecting a reliable source of history of the clan comes into view, as a mountain suddenly revealed through breaking fog.

Beyond that crag is the past, hidden by lies, mistakes, and speculation. Some malicious and some fielded for their own good. To navigate the precipitous terrain, they required maps to show them where the trails and mountain passes can be located -- but not all the directions offered to them are accurate, and not all of them are even intended to be.

Raven excused herself from the library upon being told to do so. The lesson was overly brief comparing to the other days. She held her books in hand and quickly scampered out of the room.

****

Draken got up from his seat, disappointment in his face showed that he perhaps felt left out of the conversation. As he followed toward the exit, Alucardius cleared his throat.

“Draken, you remain here,” said the oldest Imperial. “I need to discuss some matters with you.”

He turned around slowly and sighed inwardly. He said nothing at all. He just kept his unfazed gaze at his father. Alucardius motioned for Draken to take a seat. The young Imperial sighed and did as he was told. He sat back down in his chair and clasped his fingers together. Another private lesson, Draken thought, how delightful.

“You have to moderate your behavior once you are out in public. I have seen that you‘ve become increasingly reckless these past months.” Warned Alucardius.

Draken bristled at the implication. “Your lack of faith in me is insulting. Why don’t you send Raven ahead to work under your whims?”

“Because you are my son, Draken. My task is not to judge or command; it is simply to guide and nurture both of you into an unforgiving world of injustice. I am here to lead by example. So for centuries to come, you may live your life the way you please, but wisely.”

His son lowered his head. Was this true? If so, why did he have a clear sense of favoritism toward his sister.

“Because you are not yet a full member of the Order yourself, you might assume that it is the my duty to bestow all of my knowledge of Our secrets to you. You could not be more mistaken. It is your duty to learn all that you can from the me, and my right to stray from revealing all of our secrets. I have seen many teachers teach more than they should, so much that they became unnecessary.”

“You think I will find you unnecessary.” Draken didn’t make it a question.

“I wasn’t born yesterday. I was born two-hundred centuries ago. One of the attributes of the young is finding their superiors useless once they gathered all sorts of knowledge. It is inevitable.”

Draken did not want to argue. He had enough of this conversation. He lifted his head toward his father and stood upright. “And so it is. Forgive me now, but I must depart.”

“Depart?”

“To the Imperial City.” Draken answered.

Alucardius frowned. “After your little display with your sister at the dinner table? I think not. Especially now that Emperor Magnus is in power and there are countless Imperial guards abound. Last thing I need is for you to lose temper and cause trouble.”

Draken growled silently. Raising his hand and making a gesture of question. “Why do you insist on treating me as a child?”

“Until you insist on ceasing to act as one.” was the harsh response of his father. Nothing more was said. Alucardius left the room, leaving Draken alone to think for himself.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 27 2012, 08:07 AM

[Darkness Eternal]

~Chapter VI: The Art of Combat~

"The art of the blade is a more mundane form of combat. While not as dangerous as the arcane arts, it is nevertheless deadly. "

It was training day for the two adolescent nobles. While a day prior they fed themselves with knowledge, now they would feed their appetite for a competitive confrontation.

A sturdy wooden door swung open, offering the view of the armory and training room beyond. Alucardius stepped inside, and with an exaggerated sense of politeness, offered his hand for both Raven and Draken to step inside. The room was dimly light by a torches on the four corners and a lamp atop the weapon table. The lights illuminated the wide, windowless chambers that provided housing of the various blade weapons in the room; Swords, sabers, daggers and staffs. All coming from Alucardius’ human life when he was in the Guild of Fighters. Racks of training swords were racked up along the walls. Wooden training dummies were standing silent, awaiting their daily punishment. Draken and Raven prepared their own favorite weapons to begin the day’s training under the house.

Alucardius held his hands behind his back and arched his head upward.

“The past month you have been training yourselves to temper your movements and prowess. You are quicker than most mortals. But today you shall train yourselves to battle what would be a stronger opponent.”

“How so?” Raven asked.

Alucardius smiled generously to her. “An adversary who is stronger and faster requires a more… precise manner of departure. Would you hold back your attacks against another rival vampire?”

“No,” Draken said. “I would reduce him to dust!”

Alucardius frowned, his displeasure obvious. “Overconfidence, as I often have stressed before, can be the downfall of any man. More so, you have the bloodlust of a murderer. While beneficial, that needs to be held in reserve unless a violent confrontation serves your purpose. Even so, we are not assassins, Draken. We are simple beings with extraordinary gift. One day I may call upon you to act as my hand, it would be best to have you in prime condition.”

Draken kept his head high and proud. Unfazed by the wise council of his father, whom had undoubtedly corrected him.

Alucardius motioned them to begin their training stance against each other. He went and took a seat on the chair sitting on the far side of the room near the pillar.

“Our strength is not in numbers, but skillful manipulation of society. You must learn to keep your talent with the blade to yourselves. Guard it with your heart as much as you would your condition. Only when dire times are of happening, you may unleash your skill to best an opponent.”

“How should we know when the time is dire?” Draken asked.

“Should you find yourself surrounded by a group of enemies, or perhaps alone in a cavern or perhaps in a palace building where an assassin has dispatched all of our guards--and there is no one else but your opponent to witness your skill…then you are allowed to tie up loose ends. Now, enough questions. Begin.”

Alucardius watched his children duel in constant motion, parrying thrusts of each other’s strikes. Raven wielded two practice swords at her hand while Draken wielded a metal staff with sharp edges. It was made from a weak metal and was sure to cause minimal damage to tissue that otherwise could be repaired with a few pints of blood. While Raven was had proficiency, but he couldn’t help but be proud at Draken’s extensive knowledge and skill with the single blade. He became proficient in the use a year back and now is practicing with a staff to alter his mastery. Raven on the other hand was more calm in her attacks. Her talents were more in her subtle manipulations of battle. Where Draken was strong and powerful, Raven was fast and agile. Both were efficient duelists after years of practice. But something was awry.

The only aspect of Raven’s technique that vexed Alucardius more was his daughter’s desire for using two blades. What was the future of etiquette and gallantry if a swordsman could not best another with a single blade? What had become of etiquette and gallantry, in any case? Alucardius thought.

Raven was fast, and so was Draken. He had the advantage of efficiency and physical strength. He executed moves almost faster than the human eye could catch. His impales and strikes demonstrated little lack of hesitancy. Once committed to an attack, he never faltered. He never paused to recalculate his actions. His maneuvers went exactly where he meant them to go. And he always sought for points beyond his adversary in order to slice clear through.

Alucardius had taught his children enough. Taught by his coaching, their training in the various forms of fencing and melee dueling made them lethal opponents. But they were not invincible. Because they could be easily confused by unpredictability, and they had no apparent knowledge of finesse. A player of any board game could memorize all the original openings and countermoves, and still not hold title of master of the game. Defeat often came at the expense of less experienced practitioners who knew nothing at all about the traditional strategies.

A professional martial artist, a combat duelist, could be defeated by a tavern brawler who knew nothing about form but everything about putting an end to a conflict, without a thought to triumphing beautifully or elegantly. Reliability to form opened an individual to defeat by the unpredictable. This was often the failing of trained swordsman, and it would be the failing of his children if they kept at it the way that they did. At first they were doing everything right as they should, then it all went to oblivion.

Draken and Raven were dancing now. Going through their trained motions. A power attack answered by a stab; A block answered by a slash. Alucardius couldn't suffer another moment of it. This is atrocious, he seethed.

“Wrong, wrong, no, no! Enough!“ he yelled, coming to his feet and walking to the middle of the training room, his arms extended to both sides to stop the duelists. When he was confident that he had captured their attention, he swung to Draken.

"Power moves can serve you well against any mortal opponent lacking the talent with the magical arts. But I pity you should you have to face off against a spellsword or a Mage.” He called into hand his courtly, intricate saber from it’s sheathe and drew a rapid X in the air: an opening flourish.

“A being trained in the art of death will not wait for you to see him or her as a target, or give themselves the title of adversary, as if in some sparring match. Your strikes must be instant and spontaneous, nothing below lethal, for you stand as a vampire. And that is enough to mark you for death.”

Alucardius held the blade in the air, twirling it sideways in another flourish before adopting a fencing position.

“Do I need to display to you what responses you can expect from a member of the Mages Guild or a necromancer? From a vampire hunter or, Molag Bal help you, a vampire ancient?”

The elder vampire flicked his sword quickly in a circular motion, ridding the two adolescents of their weapons, then placing the sharp tip a millimeter from Draken’s bewildered expression.

"Finesse. Gallantry. Efficiency. Otherwise, my boy, I fear that you will nothing but a pile of ash. Do you understand, my son?”

His red eyes blinked unfathomable, Draken sighed. “I understand, father.”

Alucardius withdrew his sword.

“You may continue, then. With some measure of polish.”

Alucardius seated himself and watched them go at it. Pathetic, he thought. But he knew that he was partly to blame. He had made the same mistake with Raven that he had made with Draken, by allowing her to fill herself with anger, as if anger could substitute for dispassion. Even the most angry could be defeated. Even the most hateful individual.

When he should have been helping Raven rid herself of flaw, he had instead allowed her to grow to a phase of being dispassionate. She enjoyed reading books while Draken was more of a fighter. But both needed to learn more than a single skill. He watched as Raven disarmed Draken, only to be maneuvered away by his own hands as she tried to strike at him.

The entire sequence ended with Draken kneeing her in the stomach hard, resulting in her falling to the ground. Draken quickly held her down to the throat with his boot. Raven growled in defeat as Draken’s smirk grew. He was enjoying this. Alucardius stood up again in haste and motioned for Draken to release his hold. The son stepped away as Raven climbed to her feet. Alucardius strode near her, placing his hand on her shoulder.

“You wield two blades, but you must treat them as one. You have an advantage. Draken has limitations with his style, yet he bested you with his knowledge. You have the offensive and defensive at a single moment. Let me show you.”

Raven licked the blood on her lips and began again, giving Draken a hateful stare. She entered her fighting stance with two swords while Alucardius battled her with a single weapon. He bowed slightly before beginning the match. Raven took the offensive quicker than he anticipated. Her moves fast and unpredictable, but otherwise noticeable. He blocked a downward stab and then quickly brought his blade up to deflect her side swipe strike.

“Rise above the standard moves. Utilize the unorthodox!” commanded Alucardius.

Having a particular love for acrobatics, Raven did as she was told. She held her ground and lifted her body up, holding herself with a single sword at the right hand while using her left arm to swing at her father. He blocked the attack as Raven performed a quick spin to try and disarm him, to no avail. She swept up the ground in a rapid swing to slice her father from between the legs. He jumped back and avoided her attack. Raven proceeded forward again, spinning her body strike after strike as she went on the offensive.

“I told you frequently. Have dominance over my central line!”

Raven acted upon it. Her right blade struck down near his shoulder as he right blade tried to pierce his side. Of course, he evaded it.

“Well done. Quick, destroy my focus!”

She attacked on instinct. Unleashing a rapid succession of movements and strikes, pierce, stabs and slashes, causing Alucardius to step a few feet back. Her blade struck forth to stab his heart, but Alucardius miraculously did a side twirl while simultaneously deflecting her blade aside. Raven spun her body around completely and struck again with newfound stamina.

Alucardius sighed and with a quick, fast motion, he kicked her in the stomach enough to push her back. Before she had time to recover, the tip of his weapon was at her neck. He pulled the blade away, allowing the defeated Raven to rise up.

Alucardius, despite his age, was a capable fighter and opponent. His vampirism had indeed done great wonders. He approached Raven and looked down upon her with a warming gaze.

“The blade gives you speed and maneuverability," her father explained as she casually began swinging her weapon in her hands, focusing on mastering the art of the kill by studying the balance and weight. Draken crossed his arms and continued watching the lesson between father and daughter. He leaned back on the wall, obviously upset about not participating.

"Grip the hilt lightly in your fingers. Control the blade with your wrist and hand instead of the muscle of your arm. You will then be able to form a strong wall of defense. Bear in mind, axes and war hammers can crush you, even with two weapons in hand.”

"Defense will not destroy my opponent,” Raven panted, smoothly swinging the blades from left to right. Over and over again.

“While you do not lack the strength and power, you must rely on subtle attacks,“ Alucardius explained.

“You must rely on astuteness, cunning, speed and above of all, patience to slay the enemy. “

“Draken does not.” Raven stated.

“In standard perspective, it would make sense for him to utilize his power in battle. Questions would be raised if a young girl such as you were to behead many enemies at once with a single powerful strike.”

She smirked “None would be alive to tell it. You said yourself we are to use our martial prowess when the occasion calls for it.”

He held his weapon and took a long, looping strike in her direction. Raven intercepted the blow with her dual swords, easily deflecting his sword to the side.

“Remain on the defensive against a larger opponent. Allow him to spend his energy and stamina against you.“ he explained to her. “As he fatigues, you remain strong and able. You will then have the inevitable advantage of ending his life.”

Alucardius seized the grip of his own sword with both of his hands and raised it high above his head, then he brought it all the way down in a fearsome chopping motion. Using the skills he had made her practice for three hours each day over the past year. Raven met Alucardius’ sword with one of her own blades. Had she tried to meet it straight forward, the power of his attack would have driven her own sword back into her, or knocked the weapon away from her hand. Instead she counter-attacked his weapon with a full contact, rerouting the blade so that it continued its downward arc at a completely different angle, passing harmlessly a few inches away from her shoulder.

“Well done,” Alucardius said with much approval, preparing himself for another power swipe.

“At last.” Raven complained.

“Do not block my blade. Redirect it. Patiently await for opponents to become exhausted or frustrated. Let them make a mistake, then exploit the opening and seize control, and make them pay with their lives.”

To better illustrate his speech, Alucardius took a savage attack that she picked off with ease. The momentum of his strike caused him to lean in farther than he should of, exposing his back and his shoulder to her counterattack. With the flicking of her wrist Raven was able to direct her own weapon toward his opening.

She scored a direct and straight hit, one of her weapons tracing a ten-centimeter-long line across his shoulder that would have painfully injured the arm of any other adversary. In the case of Alucardius, however, the weapon only cut through the cloth of his robe and left a small slice mark on the black fabric.

“I killed you!” she exclaimed with confident triumph, still holding her weapons.

“Well done,” he praised “Well done. You might make a fine warrior yet.”

Alucardius stroked the loose strands of her long black hair with his cold hands. He was proud of the progress made, but the night was early and the lessons had barely begun.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Jan 26 2012, 06:24 PM

[McBadgere]

Oh my God these were beautiful...If I had a tenth of the creativity that's in here I'd be happy...The thought and the work that's gone into all this is increadible...All of the backstory and lesson stuff...The weapons training...Oh my God I'm bowing down to you right now... ...*Bows down*...See?... ...

Right, quotie time...

There's something wrong on the page around the "anonymous scholar" section...

This suited Alucardius well. He had been able to collect and expand his book chamber without fear of
drawing attention to himself from foreign forces: he was just another noble, another anonymous scholar
obsessed with vampirism. And to that end, she was able to read the collect knowledge for her mind to expand upon.

This bit made me laugh and "Ooof!!" in admiration...

"And if someone within our clan does not agree with our way of life? What becomes of them?" Raven's curiosity blossomed.

"Then remove such person from existence."

This bit is just increadibly beautiful...I can't tell you how amazing this was to me...I love it so much...

Beyond that crag is the past, hidden by lies, mistakes, and speculation. Some malicious and some fielded for their own good. To navigate the precipitous terrain, they required maps to show them where the trails and mountain passes can be located -- but not all the directions offered to them are accurate, and not all of them are even intended to be.

Another "Oooof!!" moment...

Draken growled silently. Raising his hand and making a gesture of question. “Why do you insist on treating me as a child?”

“Until you insist on ceasing to act as one.” was the harsh response of his father. Nothing more was said. Alucardius left the room, leaving Draken alone to think for himself.

As difficult as it is to believe, there's too many racks on display here... ...I suggest taking "racked up" out, maybe?...

Racks of training swords were racked up along the walls

Oh-ho-ho!!...Raven dual wields swords too?...*Drools*...*Sighs*... ...

The only aspect of Raven’s technique that vexed Alucardius more was his daughter’s desire for using two blades. What was the future of etiquette and gallantry if a swordsman could not best another with a single blade? What had become of etiquette and gallantry, in any case? Alucardius thought

These two were increadible...Absolutely brilliant and amazing...Seriously...I was riveted all the way through...I stand amazed and delighted in equal measure...Sooo brilliant...

Nice one!!!... ....

*Applauds with much gusto!!*...

[Acadian]

You continue to paint some wonderful scene-setting images and naturally flowing dialogue. I enjoyed Raven’s first kill, your well-researched tying in of Clavicus Vile and Molag Bal and the family’s sword play.

[Black Hand]

o.O

Nice! Not much more I could say, not that I don't want too, rather I had to take a large chunk in all at once. Still processing all the awsum...

This post has been edited by Black Hand: Jan 28 2012, 07:12 AM

[jack cloudy]

There is a delightful mixture of various nastiness in this piece, especially in the family relations. Something tells me that one of the siblings will end up ashifying the other at some point, despite daddy dearest's grand attempts at preventing it.

Just one thing that slightly confuses me. On the one hand Alucardius (Alucard? does that mean Grandpa vampire is Draculaius?) puts great value on teaching his offspring subtlety and scheming over mere raw brutality. On the other hand however, whenever they hunt, the prey winds up dead. (with the potential exception of the family's servants.) So my idea is that vampirism in your story is really contagious to the point that anyone who survives a feeding will turn into a vampire with 100% certainty. That would explain the need for killing. Hiding and raising two vampires is bad enough, imagine if you end up with another dozen each week. As for the servants, they tap of the blood with knives or bloodsuckers and then offer it to their fangy masters in an elegant glass.