RP:A Stroll Through The City Of The Dead
Part of the The Lesser of Two Evils Arc
Pale Moonlit Path
The moon seems to shine more brightly here and a lends the pale treetops an eerie shimmer. Ever-present is a thick white fog that obscures even the sharpest vision of all in the distance but a massive, arched bridge to the west and a dark stoned walkway branching from the main road, leading south. Upon this one can find several large statues constructed from the same unknown stone, as the path leads toward a massive building of a strange design.
Satoshi, cloaked as she is in clinging frosted mists, looks the part of a Vailkrin ghost as glimpses of her pale form flit between banks of fog in a ceaseless pace from one end of the pathway to the other. Most of the light foot traffic doesn't even notice the magus, obscured as she is, and the handful that do are familiar with the northerly 'Ghost' known to prowl this area she long ago claimed as her hunting grounds. Tonight, however, Satoshi is not on the hunt for prey, but rather information, playing the role of scout for the city's defenders in monitoring the movements of suspected rebellious vampires.
Ignatius could have probably been easily mistaken for a city guard on patrol, making his lonely rounds about the outskirts of the city of the dead. He carried himself high and with a sort of regal poise that seemed so painfully out of place with rotting flesh and empty eyesockets - a hand resting upon the pommel of his backe swerd as he took slow steps along the path that he walked. Frankly, he did not pay too much mind to this wandering "ghost" of cold aside from a curt nod and an aknowledging tip of his hat. To an undead, a ghost was nothing particularly out of place.
Strauss is unmistakable in his crimson robes. Despite the mists, the blood color is clearly noticed, covering the rather tall, and thin figure that approaches. He is alone, unarmored, and confident. With only his cleaver falchion at his side, the figure continues down the road, unaware of whatever meeting is about to take place.
Satoshi, without breaking pace, begins to merge toward what she takes to be one of Redhale's city guards once she spots the red-clad stranger ambling confidently down the road. It isn't so much a desire for protection that causes the kit to draw nearer to the undead, but rather a prudent belief that if there's going to be trouble from what looks like enemy coven, it might as well be started with an ally beside her. Satoshi may be confident in her abilities, and presently in a location that enhances their lethality considerably, but she's never been against stacking the deck heavily in her favor whenever possible.
Ignatius gave pause in his walk as Satoshi's own path brought her to move over to him. For much of that moment, he remained silent to observe her movement with dead eyes watching her to try and gauge her motives. He had been aware of the other but maintained an appearance of disinterest in this red-garbed traveller. If the other had no ill-intent then there was nothing for him to concern himself about but if the traveller had a mind to stir up trouble, then Ignatius had no intentions of giving the man the satisfaction of suspiscion. "Ma'am." He finally said, nodding to Satoshi once more.
Strauss is soon aware of two others approaching. He had suspected that Vailkrin would be populated and so it is no surprise to him. When Strauss nears the pair, he nods to them, and stops. Being new to the general area, Strauss is careful not to provoke either of them with sudden movements. In Vailkrin, he has heard, anyone could be your enemy, especially given the city's politics of late. Strauss greets them with words, the low, cold vocalization clearly unaccustomed to regular discussions, "Quite a chaotic city this. But in a metropolis built to exclusively house those of us who are no longer breathing, little more is to be expected."
Satoshi comes to a halt a short distance from the undead man, returning the nod even as she turns to regard the robed stranger. After a brief time scrutinizing him, she nods to him as well and cracks a lopsided, fanged grin. "True indeed. A home for those of us who refuse to rest in peace, non? The current rift is proving troublesome, really, don't you think?" A glance is sent to both strangers then, trying to gauge any reactions she might be able to use to determine where loyalties lie--if they lie anywhere, yet.
Ignatius took a glance over his shoulder, empty eyes staring towards the city that lay in the distance behind them. "Troublesome indeed." He remarked as his hollowed gaze fell back upon the female vampire for a moment, head tilting towards the male for but a moment to give him a very slow nod - empty eye holes narrowing as if to silently say "I'm watching you" - before he looked back to Satoshi. "I've not decided which side I stand at in this disagreement as of yet. I've seen too little of them both to swear my sword to either." Fingers tapped rythymically on the pommel of his sheathed blade. "So I play the hedge knight at the moment."
Strauss grins at the remarks and glances of both, "I am Strauss Von Henz. I of the Henz bloodline, a name that is nearly unheard of these days. Indeed most organization amongst us is rare and unheard of period. I have never been to this city as my House lies near Gualon itself. Mostly for the sport. Orcs and giants make for interesting prey even if the latter requires an entire pack. But I assume you wonder where my loyalties lie. Honestly we are not information gatherers. Call me an emissary if you will. My elders wish to understand the situation here."
Satoshi looks between the two before deciding to address the nearer first, eager to learn more about him now that he's stated he isn't a city guard as she'd thought. "For you, finding a side would be an easy matter, if you choose to go looking. Redhale's is the group that fights with vampires and undead alongside each other. The other, headed by an organization of vampire covens, view your kind as no more than slaves and workers." Her whiskers are given a sharp twitch then, as if she's scented something bitter, before the other vampire is replied to with nod. "The master undead Redhale, or the revenant Kasyr, can fill you in on happenings, but if you're curious about the other covens they strive against, I couldn't tell you how to get into contact with them. They have a habit of trying to kill me when I get too close~." One would think, by the sing-song tone of her voice with that last statement, that the kit takes some sort of entertainment from such happenings.
Kasyr is in the area- a fact that is relatively unsurprising, if one takes into account the various errands he's typically engaged in. Moreover, given that first and foremost amongst the tasks he's set out for himself is engaging any enemy troops that attempt to push out from contested areas in Vailkrin..it's no real surprise that the unmistakeable scent of blood lingers in the air around him.
Strauss nods at Satoshi's words while noticing Kasyr's approach, "I see. If you would again forgive my ignorance, but neither myself, nor to my knowledge, the elders of House Henz, are aware of the esteemed Kasyr. We have always kept to ourselves more often than not. I would be pleased to be apprised of the situation here by this revenant. My elders are eager to join in the bloodshed but are wary of whose side to choose. As much as my bloodline is inclined towards dismembering for sport, it is wise to choose one's battles with some speck of intelligence." He grins.
Satoshi rocks back on her heels, doing her best to hide the smirk creeping across her face and threatening to curl her whiskers. Kasyr's approach, along with the stranger's words, are the culprits behind the kit's sudden amusement, but for the moment she doesn't reveal the kensai's identity as she waves him over. "M'love, I've stumbled across someone interested in the goings on here~. You've gotten more information than I have, so lend a hand~? And," Satoshi sniffs curiously at the calico, frowning slightly, "you've been having more fun than me too. That's hardly fair~."
Kasyr casually shrug, the action sending spatters of blood flecking off his trenchcoat. Whatever bit of 'fun' he'd engaged in, it was recent. Still, despite the remnants of that particular altercation, the Kensai didn't have any weapons that were readily noticeable. It doesn't particularily help that the Revenants mithril mesh gloves are effectively dripping scarlet. " Peut-etre. But it's hardly as amusing as lingering around tu, or hunting dragons, cherie." It's only after that particular comment that the Kensai affixes Strauss with a curious look, "Interested in.. Oh, he's new to Vailkrin? Et bien, er- where to start? I suppose the easiest way to say this, es that the city es in a state of upheaval. The former governor, Ginger Con Snapdragon, was murdered in cold blood. The lady Joliette, who intended to replace her, has gone on an errand of ..gravest importance, et it es unknown if she's to return. Et, on top of that, a Coven of vampires has taken it upon themselves to try and establish themselves as the head of the city through some particularily nasty tactics involving dominating the dead, et trying to obliterate the only people that would oppose them. Which currently, involves moi, et monsieur Redhale. Et, to add insult to injury," There's a sort of grandiose shrug, before the Revenant spreads his arms out as though to gesture towards the city as a whole, "We're sitting between a city that es -heavily- suspected of working with the Parasite...et a city that es -officially- part of his empire, and amidst his most fervent supporters. The likes of which are both likely waiting to see if we'll get weak enough to simply take out in one fell swoop."
Strauss rubs his bare chin with perplexedly, "I see. The fact that this coven does not walk about openly, and you do, signifies a greater amount of courage on your part. My House, despite it's lack of fame, or infamy, are strong warriors. We lack skill in the magical arts in favor of immense physical prowess. I tell you this because it is far more likely that we will side with your faction instead of this other coven. There is much to be said of those who walk openly without fear of assassin. Stealth is for those who cannot win. Most of the time anyways."
Satoshi sidles up alongside Kasyr and leans against him casually--after she's whistled up a spell to coax the damp blood off that section of his coat. Scooping up the sphere of pilfered blood into her hand, the kit contents herself with listening to the exchange between husband and stranger while absently tweaking various shapes out of the ruby liquid. Aside from a quiet murmur of, "I'd like to see one of his House pitted against Dami. The damage would be catastrophic, me thinks~" when Strauss describes his kins' attributes.
Kasyr tugs on one of his ears, looking just a mite puzzled, "They -have- been known to walk abroad, just...not so much recently. Still, they attended that Parley, where they botched an assassination attempt. I mean, it was technically a good idea to try et kill moi et Red there- just, the delivery was all wrong." Really, if one hadn't noticed the fact that the Revenant has, for some godforsaken reason, cat ears- it's effectively impossible to miss now. Mostly because he's still tugging on them, "For the most part, however, you're correct- they've been put on the defensive, et we haven't exactly seen any of those of their higher ranks in some time. It es, in a sense, rather disconcerting. The one thing I've held my breath on, es hoping that they don't pull the naga into this particular engagement- as that would prove..troublesome. The last thing I want to see es Archmosian involvement." The kensai pauses at this point before causually extending his right hand out, "Er, I do apologize, by the way. Kasyr Azakhaer, Former governor of Vailkrin et...in the process of earning back my position, en fait. At least over the vampire quarters."
Strauss clasps the offered hand as if already, for his part, declaring his desire to side with Kasyr, "All the same I believe that my elders will find you more to their liking. I am Strauss Von Henz of House Henz. All of us adopt the same surname after our embrace. I am, in short, an emissary, trusted with deciding which faction, in my opinion, that House Henz would side with. My elders have the final say but they tend to choose those who are closest to their thinking when attempting to decipher as to whether they would personally meet with the leaders of a faction. We love, above all things, war. But we would only fight alongside those who share at least a quantity of our values. Would you be interested in meeting with my betters?"
Satoshi , never one to be left out of an introduction, extends her left hand out next--once she's banished the blood to reside around her wrist momentarily. Why the foxkin is offering the wrong hand isn't readily plain, although Strauss may be able to guess at there being some flaw in her limb right arm that prevents it from being used, if he's keen-eyed enough. And not distracted by the ice-cold flesh the cryomancer has to offer, as well. "A~nd, 'm Satoshi Azakhaer, queen of Frostmaw, and former foreign affairs minister to Vailkrin~."
Kasyr offers a Strauss a firm shake, before his hand casually retracts, so that the kensai can instead simply settle his hands in the pockets of his trenchcoat. "I would most certainly be honoured to accept this invitation, monsieur- I could even bring members of my house, et my coven to this particular ensemble, so as to provide a better picture of my...entourage."
Strauss nods, retracting his right hand, the left almost simultaneously clasping Satoshi's, "A pleasure my lady. It has not often been the joy of one such as I to meet a Queen." To Kasyr he says, "We would be delighted. When our meeting comes to a close, I assure you that I will bring word to my elders, and I shall return with their near certain verdict. It never hurts to have another House at your side, as you well know, and for us to go to war again, well it has been far too long."
Satoshi gives Strauss a wink in response, looking far more vulpine than regal. "It sounds like your House carries similar opinions as my people of Frostmaw. They consider themselves the children of the god of War, Aramoth, and for good reason. You said you're located near Gualon, yes? I wonder if there's old ties in there somewhere, with the giants of Gualon being ancient kin to the frost giants..." The musing mage is musing~.
Kasyr can't help but offer a smirk to noone in particular, "Et bien, whilst I can't promise that this war in Vailkrin will be enough to sate their appetites for battle, I can at least wager that the ensuing conflicts with Archmosian forces will undoubtedly make up for it." Pausing for emphasis, the revenant can't help but inquire after, "I am curious as to a particular detail, just so you know. Es it simply the conflict that your house craves, et whatever spoils might be wrought from such a momentous conflict...or es there other things which they seek. I'm just curious, since the hierarchy for the various houses es undoubtedly going to become quite..different after the dust settles from...this."
Strauss muses as well, "You pose an excellent question Herr Kasyr. As one who is neither a neonate or an elder, I can speak for the lower ranks, and the more proven, when I say that the soldiers are in it for the pure bloodlust of it all. I myself can see however that there is a potential for desired alliances in joining you. Fighting side by side with another can be more revealing than even the deepest of discussions. My elders would be very pleased to make pleasant politics with other Houses. Despite whatever changes that may, or may not occur, there is more to be gained despite the obvious sate of blood hunger. The elders may enjoy killing, but they have developed a more refined, and regal mind of nobility during their long years. I have been told that even my own rage has become more collected during my couple of centuries post siring, and that my continued survival may indeed mean my own ascension, and.. evolution. This war may prove to be one of the tests that await me before such an honor. We shall see. Ambition is as great of a motivation as battle itself."
Satoshi suddenly finds herself feeling like a very young vampire indeed. A positive thing, when you're a vain female, but not so much when you're the proud fledgeling of a revenant. Silent in her internal debate, the kit half-listens to the conversation and continues to idly manipulating the abducted blood into more elaborate shapes and patterns.
Strauss said to Satoshi, "As for your musing my lady, it is very likely that my bloodline has evolved from the drinking of giants, trolls, orcs, and the like. Their blood infused within us over the millenia that we have existed in Gualon, has changed us in many ways."
Kasyr leans forward a bit, a bemused expression befitting of a cattish kensai currently painted across his features, "That's how it goes, non? Reap the spoils of our existance, so long as you live long enough. At worst, even should this conflict not prove to be the catalyst in your own ascension, it should at least prove noteworthy in the experiences gained. ..Not to mention the glory- It es not every day we sit on the cusp of altering the very fate of our kind upon this continent. This battle es going to be pivotal..on quite a few levels." The revenant can't help but trail off at that point, his features contorting to a degree at the things he's contemplating. Distractedly, he can't help but direct a comment over towards Satoshi, "Which, I suppose the details in the process with you, has no doubt contributed to certain anamolies. Et will likely do the same with the rest of Coterie."
Satoshi said to Kasyr, "...anomalies?"
Strauss agrees with another nod of head, "Of course. I agree. Most of the elders in my House are at least three centuries embraced. It is not often that one even slightly younger is appointed but it has happened before. Either way I anticipate an alliance with you greatly. The sooner my foes are impaled to all manner of solid surfaces, the sooner I can indulge in the 'after war.' Once we are intoxicated by long battles, it is like intoxication, and we hunt. In this case, we are fighting fellow undead, and so we will likely turn our attentions to a smaller village of beating hearts. The feeding frenzy is never pleasant for the village inhabitants. Which is why we always choose remote communities. Whatever the modern mortals like to believe, we vampires have never stopped hunting in mass. Gualon knows all too well how that turns out. Like a dark rumor seldom shared with outsiders. Giants found dead, completely drained of blood, with scores of twin puncture wounds is enough to draw attentions. But our fights with Gualon are not often. We have no desire to even think of eliminating our chief source of blood. We can show restraint when necessary. I am not sure of your practices in such. Some vampires do not support such slaughter feedings. It is no shame as every House has different beliefs. We certainly would not want to mar your name in any way with our own habits. We would be counted as your associates in this and our actions may be reflected onto your own merit."
Kasyr said to Satoshi, "Your turning, the development of your gift. Quoi-ce-soit."
Satoshi mutters, "I didn't think it was -that- odd..."
Kasyr offers a curt shrug towards Strauss, the Revenant seemingly indifferent towards the tales of carnage. It is, in a morbid sense, quite reminiscent of what transpired when he began his own life as a vampire. Still, the Kensai does suppose that he owes his conversation partner some form of response, "I tend to personally practice restraint, if only because I find it contemptuous to devastate our own food supply. Not to mention that such ..rituals lend themselves to the creation of accidental thralls et the like. I confess I have very little patience for feral thralls, et tend to purge them." That's accompanied by a particularily lax shrug on the Revenants part, before he continues, "But then, given that I am striving to avoid accumulating a legion of vampires coming to knock upon this cities doors, ...or to regain the attention of the dreadlord, Solaris- It es rather understandable. Given the latters lack of fondness for our kind, keeping things...discreet es preferable."
Kasyr said to Satoshi, "It es odd. But in a way that es prestigious, cherie."
Strauss is more than accommodating with his response, "I completely understand. It is why our practice is reserved for only the most jubilant of victories. We understand discretion and it's purposes. Some say that our clan's ways reflect the ways of more feral vampires and we agree. We remember how we once were. It is said that our House is descended from such ferals but such is a mere tale. No one knows for sure but I am positive that the elders would be willing to withhold the.. celebrations as a courtesy to yours truly."
Satoshi perks up suddenly, drawn from her thoughts with ears twitching as she glances sidelong at Kasyr. "Y'know. They -could- still celebrate. In Alithrya. Or somewhere in the Underdark~." With a positively feral smirk on her face, she turns to Strauss then to say, "It sounds similar to how the Frost giants and followers of Aramoth celebrate their victories. Bathing in the blood of your vanquished enemies and such."
Kasyr casts a sidelong glance towards Satoshi, before casually lifting his shoulders up into a shrug, "Either would be a suitable area for such ...glorious banquets- though extreme care would need to be taken. It would, after all, not do well to coax two nations into all out war against Vailkrin so soon." It's only after a moments pause that the Kensai can't help but add, "Still, I must admit, I would not mind the inherant potential in acquiring dead Naga."
Strauss can only laugh with amusement, "I see. Naga blood is said to be quite potent given their unique nature. It would be our pleasure I am sure to bring you the carcasses back with us. The terror of such an act couple with the thieving of the bodies would only add more enigma to my House's revelation. We do wish to make ourselves known with a 'bang' so to speak."
Satoshi looks toward Kasyr then with an earnest expression, barely able to keep the pleading tone from her voice, "Ahh, can I go too, then~? I haven't tried naga yet, and their city's streets are just begging for my magic~."
Kasyr nods, before his attention drifts over towards Satoshi, "I suppose if you're going, than it would be best if I accompanied tu, non? I can't see anything particularily going wrong with my involvement, after all." That aside, the Kensai simply shrugs, "Well then, I suppose all that's left es to inquire as to when would be a particularily..convenient time to arrange a meeting, non?"
Strauss nods in agreement, "Indeed. It could be any time after the decision has been made. It could be as soon as two days from now. I predict that their verdict will come quickly. Expect my reply within the next couple of days. Then the meeting can come at any time after that I am sure. Perhaps three to four days from now. My predictions are a rough estimate of course."
Satoshi 's whiskers give an involuntary twitch, the ringlet of blood around her wrist adopting a series of jagged and discordant formations. All this talk of wars, bloody celebrations, and carnage has the foxkin feeling a sudden bout of acute hunger, riling her to the point that even her mistweave cloak refuses to settle for any state less than roiling. "I think," the magus murmurs, as much to herself as anyone, "I need to go hunt soon."
Kasyr cants his head off to one side, before simply offering his wife a simple grin, "Then I think I shall accompany tu, cherie. Which es to say," On that note, Strauss is given a nod and a salute, "I look forward to hearing from tu soon- but I shall be departing with the fair lady Frostmaw, now."
Strauss bows deeply to them both, "I look forward to our next meeting where we discuss the complete annihilation of these dissidents and the long alliance between our Houses."
Satoshi simply grins, but the positively feral expression speaks volumes on her like-minded opinions of the discussions and destruction to come.
Kasyr, with nothing left to cover here, simply starts to walk away. "Adieu. Till next time."