flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo (NoxRogue)

[Nox]

Click Chess Pieces For Character Pictures.
-- Yuri de Elias Schiffer ((Nox)), Liliana Greand ((Rogue)).
-- Annaleise de Elias Schiffer.
​

Though the night was cold, like the skin of the dead, he was oblivious by way of the heavy coat on his upper body. It enveloped him, promising the warmth of a new day's sun, for as long as he kept it upon him. The coat was nothing fancy; it had not been crafted from the finest materials, but it's purpose was for the travel-weary. It had been weaved with gray fabric, adorned with golden twists of material along the hems of the coat, some of those golden edges frayed and tattered from usage. The man wearing this coat leaned forward, some of the accoutrements attached to the fabric chiming with the sudden shift in posture. He held his black leather clad hands before the fire, the gloves assimilating the heat and passing it through to the skin. He could hear the soft humming being perpetrated by his companion. It reminded him of a time long since past. A time when he himself felt he was a well-to-do man. Bronzed skin. A body chiseled from granite and marble. The strength to face convictions and judgement with naught but a hearty disposition and an even heartier scoff. Now the man was a shadow of his former self. Some might have called it a wisp, even. His ebony tresses were drawn behind his head, slicked back with wayward grease he had happened upon, the length tickling the undersides of his shoulder blades. Where bronze skin once was lay pallid, sallow skin. Though it seemed to shine with an ethereal glow, it was only because of the "gift", if it could be called that, that he had been bestowed with. He lifted his eyes, focusing on the woman across the flickering fire they had created for warmth, the light from the flames refracting against his vibrant blue pupils, causing them to twinkle like beautiful sapphires. His left hand came across, tugging at the edges of the heavy coat, drawing it over the blood red tailored vest and lace frill that dangled from his throat and to a close. While hardly mentionable, being as nondescript as the gray slacks and black loafers on his lower body, there was a clockwork piece dangling from a silver chain hanging in the left forward vest pocket. It extended to the corresponding pocket of his slack. A treasure, given to him by his sister. His sister. Annaleise.....

There was a time when a young man had to stand up and do what was right for the way of the family. His parents had raised them well. They had the finest education within their means. His father, though originally a vagabond and a mercenary, had come to love his mother and settle down. He even joined the ranks of the Magistrate, using his previous aptitude to further a career in their militia. Everything was wonderful, until the letter. He still remembered the reaction. A downward glance. A futile effort to catch his mother as she collapsed into a racking sob. The smell of the man who had delivered it. He smelled of leather and grass. His father had been murdered by the opposing force on the battlefield. Their life changed drastically in a manner of five minutes. It took only a year for his mother to give up on life and join his father, leaving them orphaned. What was a boy of fourteen to do? Not a soul would beggar to hire such a young chap. They all turned him away, even in his time of need. So he did what a man would do. More importantly, he did what his father would do. He took the sword that once hung proudly in their living area as a testament to the great man his father was and became a sellsword. It turned out the preaching of genetics by all those scientists was true. He had a knack for it.

With his living as a sword-for-hire, he was able to provide for himself and more importantly, give a good life to his sister. She never wanted nor needed for any item. Though it kept him away to the battlefield, they remained close. As close as they had always been. They shared a blood bond, but not only that, a bond of love and friendship. He never thought that that bond would be what was his salvation, but her damnation. How was he to know what a legend, a nightmare, a child's fable to scare children to sleep, would look like face-to-face? He wouldn't, but he came to know. The vampire, or Methuselah, as they were known in their tongue, easily had overwhelmed his natural, humanly skill. He never understood why the Methuselah partook of him so openly, but left him to die a dog's death in the pouring rain. He still remembered that rain to this day. For some reason, it was sour. It felt like Death was grasping him. But he survived, if he could call it that. He did not want to die without first setting eyes on his sister. So through the battlefield he dragged himself, within an inch of his life, back to their cabin in the plush countryside. He made it to the steps before his body refused to cooperate. She found him, disheveled and on the verge of the abyss. She brought him in and poured tears for her brother. In return, he embraced her, draining her life from her, but giving her another. In his frenzy for blood, after the change had effected, he turned the only person he loved into an abomination, leaving himself to teeter on the edge.

What the Methuselah never spoke of was the fact that if one were to drink of a compatible blood descended of your own lineage, it would staunch the transformation or revert it, creating a hybrid of half human, half Methuselah. He was neither. He had been graced with their power, but suffered none of their weaknesses. The catch? His sister took the transformation. His ignorance in the matter left her to become something that was intended to be his burden. That had been eighty years ago, a young man on the cusp of twenty-six, yet now never knowing what it was like to reach that age. He blinked, the sapphire eyes refocusing to his companion as she spoke something to him. He ran his tongue over his dry, aching lips. He hadn't heard a word she had said. They had spent most of the night in their own thoughts, contemplative of what was to come...

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

To say that there was a bite in the air around them would be a sheer understatement. Even through her own heavy coat, she could feel it and though the fire before them was supposed to quell that chill, she found that it had done next to nothing for her. However, it wasn’t the coldest night she had endured. Emerald green eyes shifted behind tussled sandy blonde hair. She felt her expression fall. His hands turned towards the fire, the vacant expression. An expression she had seen nearly a thousand times before. He was thinking about her. Thinking about the past. No matter how many times she had tried to ease his mind… it always wandered there. Dangling dangerously between the righteous man and the guilty. “It’s cold tonight… almost foreboding.” She’d spoken aloud. However, she could tell he hadn’t heard her. His past plagued him… It wasn’t to say that the pale woman couldn’t relate.

She had delicate skin that lit up beneath the fire’s glow, like porcelain, and she was petite in form, although in quite good shape. She had to be, being a gypsy and whatnot. And the more she pondered over her partner’s contemplative state, the more she felt herself sinking into her own past as the fire seemed to roar around then. She hugged the heavy fur coat around herself, blocking the petite figure from the bite of the air. He would have said the fur coat suit her, her expression suited her. Not her companion… but her brother. She had been rather well off when she was younger, she and her eldest brother Dominiri. Her mother had been a housewife, but her father a rather well known doctor. He had developed a name for himself and his wealth, concocting cures and dedicating all the time he could offer to the needy and wealthy alike. However, fame like that does not often go unnoticed. And although the first fourteen years of her life had been wonderful, pampered years, nothing could have prepared her for what fate had in store.

She remembered the day as if it had been yesterday, her father leaving with her mother to travel to the city. Of course, being the strong headed girl that she had been, she was determined that she could handle being on her own. Who wanted to go everywhere with their parents anymore? Had she known they’d not be coming back… things may have ended differently. After two weeks without their parents, she and Dominiri finally retrieved a notice form the state. Their parents had gone missing, and with them had gone the rights to the estate and any wealth they may have had, leaving the fourteen year old girl and the seventeen year old boy to fend for themselves. Scared, and very upset, the blonde haired green eyed girl started off throwing fits. Making a mockery of herself, thrashing against her brother until she could feel the tears drying against her cheek and her knees weakening. He had never faulted her, though. Had never looked down upon her, or chastised her for being so angry. He merely stayed with her, did everything he could to make sure that they would have a roof over their heads and food in their mouths day by day. A job at the butcher here… the bakery there. It was difficult indeed to find someone who would hire one so young. But he found a way, all for her.

Two years into this terrible travesty, he left her in the cozy of a cot they’d been given by one of Dominiri’s bosses. Assuring her he would return soon, and with food. Something more than just bread and rice. She, of course, complied. She’d grown up quite a bit, after all, from the bratty little sister she had been before. However, two days passed, and then three… and then four… and before she knew it, a month had passed and she had not seen hide nor hair of her brother. In her heart… she knew something terrible had happened to him. Knew that he… would never be coming home to her. And though she knew this in her heart, her mind and body would not so easily admit that defeat. And she set out… traveling. Eating when she could. She wouldn’t have been able to tell you where she was going… She honestly didn’t know. The wind blew and her feet followed, and her thoughts kept her mind weary. She was unsure of what she’d hoped she would find… but she would look. Look until her feet bled.

Long lashes lowered as the woman pinched her eyes closed and cowered in the face of a particularly unfriendly gust of wind. Shaking her head, and hopefully the thoughts with it, she looked back to her pale companion, and a soft smile tugged at full lips. A… somewhat comforting smile, something to tell him that it was alright, that she was there, and that he was not suffering alone. Tucking her arms into the jacket, she lowered her head, letting her eyes to little more than follow the flames that danced before them.

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

The smile that tugged at her lips was comforting, even if he didn't openly express it. His eyes softened and he shook his head and gave her what was tantamount to a crooked, goofy smile. He hadn't ever really been a man to express emotion with a smile. He had always been a man of action. The smile dissipated before long. Looking over her, he began to drift back into his thoughts, recoiling into them with a feverish impact. She had been such a good companion to him in the year they had been traveling with one another. It had been tense at first, after the way they had met. It was a rather unfortunate tale. He scoffed, more to himself, thinking of their paths crossing. He had traveled for weeks on end, ignoring his hunger, trying to subside on animals. He didn't need blood as frequently as his full-blooded brethren, but he still needed it to function and access the majority of his powers. When he happened upon her, he had been a month and a half without human blood, the sensation in the pit of his stomach like an all-encompassing void, threatening to devour him from within. He had huddled underneath a rock for warmth, as currently, being near the ocean, it was raining with quite the fervor. He was soaking through and through, his bones chilled from lack of sustenance and lack of warmth. That was the first time his preternatural eyes had caught sight of her and her traveling companions. The light they carried was like a beacon.

They had noticed him and though gypsies were known to be anti-social people, they were very righteous and selfless. They tended to have an altruistic streak to their motives, though when pressed, they were not afraid to fend for only themselves. Her companions, a small, lithe wisp of a boy, and a teenage girl, were the first to approach him. He heard them speaking, but he was in such a daze that he could not begin to fathom the words that they actually spoke. They lifted him by the arms and helped him along the wet earth, toward the dirt path they were traveling and toward their caravan. He was thankful, even in his delirium. He was welcomed into the back of the wagon, where he met the woman in the cloak he had seen just moments before. With a flourish of her wrist she had lowered the hood, revealing her face. He remembered thinking to himself how attractive she was. In another life, they might have had a chance to court one another as human's do. But life cares not for possibilities, only the realities. He glanced to her collarbone, near her throat. He could feel the warmth from her, radiating, wishing to be soaked up and assimilated into his own body. The temptation was so much. He just couldn't resist...

He had attacked her, pinning her to the wall and the back of the bench. If it wasn't for the thirst, it would have been a seductive, albeit intrusive, position. His crotch was pressed into her own, her legs spread wide at the angle. One of them was bent at the knee, with a slight cant to their position. Her back was against the wall. He could feel the heat from her own crotch against him, even through the soaking wet pants. She made a noise, but that was of no consequence to him. One hand was pinning her wrist to the wall, another laid over the top of her own hand, keeping it to the bench. His head was inclined, leaning ever closer to her collarbone. His eyes, in the fit of the frenzy, had taken an amber hue, like honey. He could smell her. Her small, but perfect, amount of bosom was heaving against his chest, her breathing indicative of how she was trying to grasp what was happening. Then he heard her speak: "Methuselah." He faltered for a moment and in that window of opportunity, she was able to fling him off of her and onto the floor, from lack of nutrition on his behalf. He shook his head, "I apologize. I couldn't...help it. I'm not as you see." He just remained there, quite capable of understanding now the look she was conveying through her eyes.

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

Of course, she had never been one to leave someone in need. Regardless of the mission they were on. The more the merrier. The more bodies, the more work could be done, the more ell** could be earned and the easier it would be on the caravan as a whole. The young boy and girl had brought the man, sopping wet to his core, into her wagon. He was handsome, she noted instantly, even if he did resemble a dog having been left in the rain. She turned her head to the side as they left them, her fingers curling around the hood of her cloak before pulling it down to reveal herself. There was a bit of an exotic tan to her skin. Naturally, with all the traveling she had done. One would almost suggest that she had been born with it. Of course, she wasn’t. Her eyes watched him carefully, warily almost before she settled down. He hadn’t seemed too threatening, which was good. However, his gaze was… suspicious.

As if to catch her thoughts, quickly prove her wrong, he lunged forward. Her body stiffened instantly, rigid muscles resisting against him as she felt their hips connecting. The loose, almost silk like skirt shifted around them as he pressed her back, his head dipping into the curvature of her neckline. Her pulse was racing and her chest heaving quickly. This had not been what she was anticipating from him, especially not after her companions had so selflessly brought him to her, to offer him a place of residence. And then, as cold lips finally brushed across her collarbone, she almost instantly realized what was happening here. She swallowed, the action rolling along her throat before she breathed out a single word: “Methuselah.” Her accent was… immaculate to say the least. It was obvious that she had been well educated. The word itself seemed to stop him. Shifting, she flung him off of her and into the ground of her wagon. Emerald green eyes were narrowed, disdainfully. And to think, she was going to extent hospitality to him. Her chest continued to heave has he offered his apologies, and her brow quirked. A pink tongue moved from behind closed lips, dampening the full forms before slinking back into her mouth. “Not as I see?” She questioned, almost haughtily. He was dangerous to her, and to her caravan. However, he could also be of… use.

She poked her head out of her wagon, calling to a few of her companions before slinking her body back in. And, though petite, she was well formed. Small breasts paired with a slender waist and white hips. And as her companions rushed in as she had asked, she motioned towards the man who had attacked her. “Restrain him. He is Methuselah. He is hungry and cannot be trusted.” She stated before sitting back down onto her bench. The full lips curled into an almost cruel smile. “However, the next city we pass through will pay a high price for your kind. We could live off of you for months…” She mused, crossing her legs and leaning back. Although her body was still ablaze from the previous close encounter, she seemed to be keeping her cool quite well. “So, make sure he stays comfortable. And safe. Not a hair on his head misplaced, my friends. And tomorrow, we dine on meat.” She said as the men manhandled him out of her wagon and into another. It was dark, well covered, and a set of eight chains consisted, four to the front wall, four to the back. They pushed him to the back, locking silver shackles around his wrists and ankles before they left, leaving him with nothing more but the pulsating sound of their music as they danced.

((**A form of Currency.))

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

To say he was strong enough to fight against them being a Methuselah was an understatement. He seemed frail from his self-imposed malnourishment, so there was little to no effort being exerted to bring him to the separate wagon and imprison him. While listening to their music, he let his mind wander in an attempt to quell the feeling the solitude. It had been quite some time since he had interaction with humans on the level that he previously mucked up and he found a pang, a twinge if you will, in his chest for that company again. He didn't fault her for her caution though. He had attempted to drain her for his own selfish reasons, after all. It felt like an eternity secluded from them, left with nothing but traces of conversations and the shifting of the wagon as it traveled over holes in the worn roads. Eventually the caravan came to a stop once more. When they lifted the flap on the end, he was greeted by small fragments of light from the street lamps running parallel on both sides of the dusty streets. He was wrest free from his shackles and thrown from the end to the ground. It was then his eyes came upon the city they were in. Derelict as it was, it still seemed to be decently populated. There was a man near them. He had a shock of hair and a thick, grisly beard. He was wearing rather off-putting clothing, bright in color and hue. They were mentioning him. Then he craned his head into the door and before he could blink the street was flooded with people from inside the decrepit building they were before. He heard the screaming and the struggling. He just couldn't bring his body to do anything about it.

He was like paper in their arms as they dragged him inside. He knew this smell, knew this taste filtering into his mouth from the smoke: they had brought him to an opium den. They flung him into a chair, rocking back onto the two hind legs before he crashed back to the floor. He almost collapsed forward and onto the floor from his perch in the chair if not for the man. His voice was gruff, his accent thick. He was a Northerner, that much was apparent, "Fear not blood man. We have place for you here, just as for the gypsies. Funny thing about gypsies. No one to miss them, right? You are going to be an asset, I know. And cheap, too. I got you for free and a few extra women for my customers. Shackle him." They bound him without hesitation as the man removed a cigar and began to light it, parting his mouth to continue speaking, though it sounded muffled, "You see, our customers love opium. But sometimes they get too strung out to enjoy anymore and they leave to sober. Not good for business. You have purpose. You are going to drain blood and 'poison', so to speak, from them. They get unhigh and want to get high more without leaving. I make more money. Don't think about draining them to point of death either. I know that's how you turn them. No more Methuselah unless I say blood man." With a snap of his fingers, another order was issued, "Prepare women a room and let customers know we have new selection. Kill the men that were with them. No purpose. Everyone must have purpose."

His head lolled around. The frenzy was becoming stronger and he was becoming weaker by the moment. So weak that he wouldn't even be able to save himself, let alone these people. What felt like days passed where he was left alone until the man came back, "Your first night has arrived. Guards will be watching you, and you be kept chained for---" A man came into the room after a knock, leaning inside to convey a quick message, "Boss, bad news. That young gypsy girl, the teenager or whatever, Malak broke her unfortunately. Just rode her right to death. Little thing couldn't handle all that fucking obviously." The man blew smoke from the cigar into the air, "Malak very loyal returning customer. We let it go. Take her out back and burn her. Let the men know they can fuck her if they want before you burn her." The man nodded, "They'll enjoy that." With that the door closed, "Big night boy. Come." He unshackled him, then refitted him with another set of shackles attached with a chain, leading him out to the club. The night was a blur. He began to feel his strength renewed after the fifth person he fed from in order to purge them of their intoxication. The guards were stiff and watchful though. Once he was fully restored, he would have to look for an opportunity. After the twelfth person his nostrils caught the scent of human flesh burning, wafting through the club, too subtle for humans. That they would do that to a girl on the cusp of womanhood, not even eighteen yet. They would pay. He had seen the worse in men several times on the battlefield. He had learn to turn that emotional attachment to the preservation of life off. Some life didn't deserve to be preserved.

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

She had been so wrong about this town. And she felt it worsening the more she saw of these… ‘men’. If they could even be called such. She hadn’t enjoyed being manhandled from her wagon, and she was far less pleased about their plan for she and her caravan. And in such, she’d fought them, thrashed against them until she was met with a sharp, stabbing pain in her side which was followed by an instant high that sent her head reeling. Her lips parted, trembling as she felt her knees getting rubbery, weak beneath her. And she may have been thankful for the men who had caught her, had she not had to immediately deal with wandering hands. Filthy, large, wondering hands. Exhaling through parted lips, she felt her eyes rolling before her head followed suit. She’d set eyes on the Methuselah as they dragged her in, separated her from the young ones. He looked worse off than she was, which… was a stretch.

The next few days for her… or perhaps it had only been a few hours, were miserable. Her entire body was burning. Her mind was foggy and her hips ached. Screams and cries reached her ears, often. And though her mind willed her body to move forward, to fight, she had never made any lee-way. They’d always been stronger than her, quicker than her. And so much heavier than her. And as certain screams could no longer be heard, her chest tightened. Children… they were just children… She hadn’t had much time to mourn them as she felt a powerful jerk. Hard enough to cause her head to snap back and ram into the headboard. Or was it a wall…? Her mind was fogged again, a mind reeling high accompanying her body was man after man poured in and out of her body. Ride after ride until her body was numb to them, numb to their bites and scratches. Numb to the consisting ramming of hardened members crashing violently into a weakening cervix.

And in a million years, she never saw herself in this position. Being the inevitable death of children… wrapped up in an opium den, being little more than a petite whore for ruffians to use and abuse. Her entire body was wracked with shame, guilt, and fear. Pure terror. Was she going to die here…? After a few hours, she felt her body stilling, no wandering hands. No scratchy beards, just… relief. A coolness washing over bare skin that could only be akin to something she would experience in Heaven. If, of course, such a thing had ever existed. Emerald eyes finally opened, resting tiredly on a familiar face. A shackled Methuselah, faces buzzing around her quickly. Almost too quickly. She licked her lips, only succeeding in reminding her exactly how dry her mouth really was. Bruises settled on her shoulders and sides, along her hips and even on the delicate curve of her neck. They very curve he had previously explored. An encounter she was beginning to regret avoiding.

Thoughts were immediately cut short as a rather unfriendly grasp closed around her chin, jerking her to face him. Another fucking thug. Terrible breath and a terrible drug problem. Whispering trash into her ear, as if she was supposed to be enjoying it. Like she had been waiting for this man all night. She found herself groaning, trying to move her hands, although being unable to do so. They’d made rather sure that she would oppose no threat to them or their customers.

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

The night came to an end for him, their boss relaying to one of the guards to actually let him get some rest. So they dragged him, along the halls, as if he were a trophy, back to his prison. The man brought him into the room and led him to the chair, lifting the chain and hooking it to the wall. He looked back at the Methuselah as he finished clasping it to the large iron ring mounted at face level with him, "Lucky you. Good thing you aren't a woman, am I right?" Yuri's face was hardened, like steel. He finally spoke since the first time there, his voice smooth and velvety, but his tone harsh, "Unfortunate for you that you work for this man." He flung himself from the chair and jerked with all of his preternatural might against the chain, tearing the mount free of the wall. The sheer momentum and force he had exerted caused the mount to strike the man in the face, as he was directly in front of it, shattering the bones residing underneath the skin with a sickening sound of metal striking flesh, caving his entire face in. He crumpled to the ground, his death suitable to Yuri. Even if he were alive, he could drown in the puddle of blood that was forming for all he cared. He moved to the man and searched his body for freedom. Eventually he produced a set of keys and with some maneuvering, he managed to free himself using the two pronged instrument from his bindings. They dropped to the ground with a metallic clank. Sounded like freedom to him. Freedom and death.

He tore the remainder of his shirt off, not that there was much left, leaving his chiseled upper body reminiscent of an Adonis, exposed. He ran his fingers along his left wrist, trying to soften the skin and soothe the ache. Now for his exit. He felt it would have to be spectacular. Only twenty minutes had passed before the scream fully reached her ears. the man she was with jerked away, running toward the door to see what the commotion was about. He flung it opened and was greeted with a palm. Yuri pushed and with a flourish of his wrist, manipulated the man into the wall beside the door frame. Without even entering Yuri twisted and came low, swinging his left foot around and through the opening. He squared his shin against the man's chest, the velocity and strength behind the kick shattering the drywall and sending the man tumbling through the wall and back out into the hallway, leaving an imprint of his body against the adjacent wall. He was unconscious. Yuri righted himself and looked over toward the Gypsy, "Come with me." As he turned and exited the door, he brought a swift heel to the side of the unconscious man's chin, applying so much pressure behind the gesture that his head spun with the blow and she heard the morbid sound of his neck snapping. Yuri righted his foot and out into the horror of the den of the club they went.

There were bodies everywhere. The only people left alive were the women, who were cowering in the corners, covered in blood. He glanced over his shoulder to her, "Only one of your companions was left, unfortunately. She is not in her right mind, though. I beggar to think they destroyed her mentally." He left her to attend to the women and returned a moment later dragging the owner tied to a chair into the center of the room. He twisted the chair around and turned to look at the man square in the eye, "Ruffian, where is your money?" The man seemed snide, "I would not tell you." Yuri did not flinch, popping a palm against his forehead, "Your way." He brought his other hand to his mouth and with some adroit motion, she saw him rip the man's tongue out and cast it aside. The man was screaming, blood pouring from the wound. Yuri continued, "Same question." The man had tears in his eyes, his body convulsing. Yuri popped his palm against his forehead again. This time he cast his right eye to the side. The man was hysterical, "Last attempt." The man kept jerking his head to the right and Yuri followed his line of sight, "Wonderful. These women will be delighted to know you severed their services and left them with an amazing severance package. Speaking of severance." She saw the glint of a blade and Yuri turning around, throwing his hand back. He was walking away as something struck the floor with a clank, then a thud. The first thing was a small knife. The second was the man's head.

He retrieved the man's enormous stash of money and came to the center of the club for them. He had a silver chain wrapped around his wrist, allowing the leeway of four to six inches of chain to dangle between his wrist and the sheath of a sword it was attached to. The pommel was rather nice, as the hilt was also, blanketed in black leather scraps. He had a red ribbon tied around the end, flowing freely from it. He looked to the woman, removing a small amount of Ell from it. About four thousand Ell. Enough to eat for two months, buy new clothing, a roof over his head for four days, and to polish and sharpen his blade. The rest he tossed toward them, "You should leave before the Militia arrives, though I beggar to believe it shall be a fortnight before they realize what happened here. That was also payment for the unfortunate way we met, Gypsy." He then began to exit toward the door before him, intending on leaving her with the women.

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

The screeching that reached her ears was both melodious and annoying. Brows furrowed in the jest of it, her body squirming as if enjoying being without the pressure. And she heard him. Now, if she was anything, she was grateful to him, and she surely did not have to be told twice to follow. She stumbled after him, her mind still a bit foggy and her head reeling. All of this… retribution. She was more than satisfied with it, what woman in her situation wouldn’t be? She rested, once she found the woman he spoke of, her back pressed into the wall and her chest heaving. The woman, all but shattered pieces of her former self, clung to the blonde’s leg, stroking her knee softly and humming a tune that she knew all too well. All of them, her entire caravan, wiped out by this fucking pig and his greed. What type of man did this? What type of human subjected children to this kind of… torture? She’d remembered hearing the screams, quieting until eventually she knew the girls were gone. Fucked to death. And what an awful way to go…

Her head turned towards the door as the man who had brought them here had been thrust through it like some sort of… limp rag. The aforementioned green eyes narrowed, watching the man with a contempt and disdain that only a woman could hold. She could practically feel her teeth grinding together at just the sight of him. However, as the tongue was torn from the man’s mouth and cast aside, like a tag attached to clothing, she felt a huge amount of sickening satisfaction. Perhaps it was wrong of her to have been glad the man was suffering. Or, perhaps not. She stood still, watching and allowing her final companion to stroke her leg to comfort herself and enjoying the immense physical and mental torture this man was enduring. And when he finally disclosed the location of the money, the gypsy’s face twisted in disgust at the thought that he might have gotten off just that easily. And yet, much to her surprise (and quite honestly, delight) the warming thump of a well deserved severed head hit the ground. She smirked. She couldn’t have done it better herself.

She kept her eyes on the Methuselah now, studying him inside and out. A righteous Vampire… it almost seemed ironic. A Vampire who practiced right and wrong. And instantly, she felt a bit ashamed for the way she had treated him previously. Perhaps not all races were created equally. She caught what she could, enough for her and left the rest for the other women to pick through. She turned, quickly on her heel as he headed towards the door. She… didn’t want him to go. “Methuselah.” She stopped him, calling out to him. “Liliana. My name is Liliana…” She answered softly. It was obvious that she was grateful to him. “Could you… help me?” She questioned, looking down to the woman who was still stroking her leg, softly. “Mentally, she is broken. I cannot travel with her as long as she is this… unwell.” She glanced back towards him. She had no more companions. No more caravan. And… essentially, no one to protect her should she end up in a situation like this again. Perhaps they could help one another. Being a gypsy, she was knowledgeable about the land. And how to survive comfortably with bare minimum.

She licked her lips, her mouth just as dry as ever, but it served the purpose of dampening them all the same before she parted her lips to continue to speak. “My caravan is gone, and my last companion is naught but a shell of her former self. I am alone… without partnership… Perhaps we can assist one another…” She said, swallowing shortly after. “I am unsure of your intentions, Methuselah… But I have no direction… It is your decision…” She finished.

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

A cant of head and a ceasing of movement relayed to her he was paying attention to what she had to say. So she had formally introduced herself. He was obligated as a gentleman to return the formality, "I am Yuri de Elias Schiffer." He listened to her plight and then cast his eyes toward the cowering woman. She was in no mind to be able to travel with them. She was correct in that assumption. Once she finished, he conveyed his decision to her, "We can journey together, but my road is a harsh one. I will afford the time in helping your friend. Might a sanitarium be suited to her needs? Once we are there, we shall part. I alone have to travel this road laid before me." He waited for her to hoist her friend to her feet and help her along before they exited out into the rain together. It was then he explained his nature, "And also, Liliana, I am a human Methuselah hybrid. I am neither. A mixture of sorts." They walked along the dusty roads. The shops were long closed, so they would have no way to acquire clothing and in honesty's effort, they needn't have loitered at this place. The Militia would be along soon. So they began their journey. They traveled for a full three days before they crossed another city and luckily for them, it had a rather splendid sanitarium.

Before that matter could be settled, though, they acquired clothing. He had forgotten, lost in this memory, that not only was it the first time he had met Liliana, but it was when he first purchased the clothing he was currently wearing in the present. Once the clothing had been purchased, his memory continued to unfold with the events that happened at the sanitarium. The three days was filled with idle banter, but no more than twenty sentences had been said between them. Once she checked the woman into the sanitarium, what with it's fields of orcads and beautiful Elmwood trees, they departed for the street. It was there he came to stop before her, casting those sapphire eyes upon her so suddenly. He was studying her expression. It seemed she was pained at the loss of the woman, but even he understood she needed attention Liliana was unfit to give. He twisted the chain absentmindedly, causing the sheath to spin a rotation in direct correlation to his movements. It was time for them to part.

His tongue flickered, however briefly, over his dry lips before he spoke, "This is where I must go. Thank you for the company Liliana. I hope you find a path of your own to travel without your caravan. Be sure to visit the woman every now and then though." With the index and middle finger of his right hand raised to his forehead, he dropped it in a gesture of meaningless salute and a way of bidding her farewell. He turned on his heel, only to be stopped by her. He craned his neck, looking over his shoulder to seem attentive as he listened. Then he relayed his cause to her, "In my misfortune, I happened to convert my sister to the damned. I seek her location. I have this blood to return her, so she can live her human life without this dark gift. I have traveled for seventy-nine years on the whims of drunkards and false information and I will continue until she is found. That is the path these feet travel. It is fraught with little food, no shelter, and danger. I would feel like less of a purposed gentleman, given my previous actions, but one nonetheless, if I extended a hand to someone as fair as yourself on this journey."

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

Liliana had spoken with him, idly here and there. The woman, her previous companion, offered little in the way of conversation. However, their closeness, previous closeness, should have been more than obvious. The woman clung to Liliana, as if she were going to lead her to some sort of salvation. Hummed songs that she often urged Liliana to hum as well, and lastly, she kept her fingers tangled in with the blondes at all times. Stroking her thumb over the fingers it could reach, humming little songs, singing to Liliana, but only in the form of little pet names. Lily, Annie, Ana. None of which Liliana was fond of, but all of which she tolerated. And after the three day journey, and the woman was finally taken off of her hands, Liliana felt a sadness, similar to that same sadness she’d felt long ago. That… completely isolated feeling. Both of some kind of regret and relief.

And this was when he spoke, when she first noticed he had been watching her so closely. She turned her head towards him, sad eyes strengthening themselves in the face of a stranger. Well, an acquaintance. She frowned at his willingness to leave her so suddenly. Although, she saw a sadness, a callousness in those sapphire eyes that even she herself could not begin to fathom. She turned towards him. “Wait…” She stopped him. She was unsure of what it was about this man, this sadness that she could not understand, but surely felt from him, drew her to him. Even after he had attacked her that night. That fateful night. “Where are you going…? Why is this a road you must travel alone?” She questioned, approaching him slowly. The fur cloak she wore just barely kept from the ground, and it closed around a green dress, both elegant and seductive in nature. She listened to him explain his story, why he felt he must go it alone before light colored brows furrowed.

“Then, perhaps you should consider me extending my hand? With my experience, food and shelter will be of no consequence. And I fear far worse the dangers I face alone… then the dangers I would face at the side of another…” She licked her lips and stopped in front of him. “We’ve all lost something, something important. For years I’ve traveled, with no destination. No goal. When my brother disappeared, what I knew it my mind, I would not accept in my heart. I follow a trail that falsely promises it will lead to him, when I know he has long since been away from this world… Let me help you. Give me a path to follow. Take me with you….” Once more, she was not sure of what it was of him that pulled to her. But her chest tightened, screamed out for him. Screamed out to comfort him, to carry his burden for him, to carry him should the need be.

The hair on her arms and the back of her neck stood in anticipation. ‘No’ was not an answer that Liliana was prepared to accept. Nor was she going to accept it. And those emerald green eyes that stared into his own sapphire irises were sympathetic, and were determined. He had saved her, from quite an untimely end, should she had met it there. The least she owed him was her companionship. And inwardly, she knew she did not want to be alone. Liliana felt that he, once he became used to companionship once more, would not want to be without it again. There was… something about losing someone dear to you, that made you yearn for closeness. With strangers, with family or friends. A yearning that no traveling, liquor or sex would ever fulfill. And she felt it in him, felt it radiating from him. The same way it radiated from her.

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

Her plea did not fall on deaf ears. Though normally the point would have been moot to him, she was in need. She knew the lay of the land and how to thrive from it, but she lacked a way to properly defend himself. She would be useful to him, and him to her, so on and so forth. He pondered for a moment before reproaching her, "This is naught but a fool's errand for you. You have no ties to my plight and this burden is heavy enough to even render a man stronger than myself all but weak in the knees. You seek Death so willingly Liliana? Well--" His tone softened, "In that case, I will just have to do my best to protect you from harm. I will have to teach you to steel yourself and hone your body into an instrument of devastation. A force upon which to be reckoned, no matter the foe. In return, you can be my companion and help with the navigation of these lands." He did enjoy what little interaction they had shared and together they might be a formidable partnership. Together they might be able to wrangle some information on the whereabouts of both his sister and her wayward brother. Two heads, as the adage implies, are better than one.

His reflection was broken by Liliana's words once more over the campfire. He only caught half of them as the memory of their first encounter broke, leaving him back in the reality of the present. A year together. In that entire year he had taught her to become a formidable fighter and she had taught him the intricacies of surviving off the land. Their partnership was truly a plentiful exchange. He responded to her rather emptily, "I was lost in a sea of memories, transfixed by the current in which I rode. You will have to forgive me. Though I find this night draws closer to its inevitable end, Liliana. Vallacre is just a crest and a skip away. I say we retire and prepare for our small trek tomorrow. I beggar to say by Noon's Eye we will be upon Vallacre and in the heart of Gaal Castle. The headquarters of the Militia lies in this city also, so maybe they can direct us toward a recruitment officer who has some idea about your brother."

Over their year they had gathered information reporting a fair skin, chestnut hair maiden in the halls of Gaal Castle, floating like a phantom through the halls while the denizens of Vallacre speculated with baseless conjecture on the "haunting". All descriptions seemed to match his sister's own, so it would not be a waste of their time. It happened to coincide with the information of her brother having joined the Militia right before he vanished from her life. Two birds, one stone. He lifted himself from the log he had been resting upon and stepped over it, settling down. He laid on his back, head canted forward by the log on which he rested it. He drew the arm with his sword attached by the chain to his wrist upon his chest, shutting his eyes and allow slumber to cradle him. Soon morning would be upon them and though it was a short stretch, he was eager to venture to Vallacre and investigate these claims on his sister. He knew even Liliana was just as eager to take any scraps of information pertaining to her brother. Soon they might have the solution to both of their journeys.

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

An…. Urge for death wasn’t something she said she wanted, per se. Perhaps… just closure. So that her heart could hear what her mind knew. And as he accepted her offer, finally, promising to teach her to become a weapon, a force to be reckoned with, she felt her lips curling into a smile. A rather bright one, one she’d fear she’d never smile again. Thus, showing him the first shine of who the gypsy he had attacked truly was. She was a gentle soul, entirely carved from the opposite result at birth. Once a spoiled girl, who had the world at her fingers, had been humbled and placed at the mercy of the world. Traveling it uselessly…. Until now.

She could tell that look in his eyes, thinking, thinking. Always thinking. She worried about him sometimes. His mind was always plagued. She could never be certain if he was thinking of his sister… or of something else. They were both rather contemplative people, and had their fair share of silent moments, thoughtful moment. But equally as such, Liliana found herself attached to the man she’d been traveling with. The Methuselah Hybrid that she had once threatened to sell. The Hybrid who had saved her life time and time again over the past year. But, this was irrelevant. “Are you alright, Yuri?” She questioned him quietly, breaking him loose of whatever thoughts he may be having, urging him to talk to her of them, if the need be. Her expression was rather soft as she answered, and she relaxed, at ease that he seemed to be fine.

However, as he brought up mention of her brother, she’d stiffened. Rumors had been tossed out here and there… but Liliana was sure, she knew that he was gone. Dominiri, had he been alive, would never have gone this long without finding her. Even with the world in between them, had her brother truly been on this Earth, he would have come to her. Taken her home. She seemed to recoil, inwardly, although a smile stretched across her face all the same. Sorrowful as it may have been. She leaned back, closing the coat tightly around her and tried to relax as best she could. The tiny slivers of information they had found in the past had made her… hopeful. Had brought a bit of light into a step that had otherwise been shadowed in her denial, her confusion. Helping him search for his sister had righted her. And traveling with him… had lightened her heart.

No man, by any race, could ever be as righteous as he. Could ever hold the same place in her mind and in her heart that Yuri held. She tucked her head into her coat, her mind wandering to what would be, sure claim of her brother being alive be true. Would she leave him to find his sister on his own? Would she travel with him until the very end, no matter how bittersweet the results? She couldn’t imagine leaving his side… even if her brother was about. She felt almost… overwhelmed with all of these emotions, the ‘what-ifs’ now plaguing her own mind. Rather ironic to think she had not long ago been thinking of him, lost in thought. Worried about him. And yet it seemed that Liliana could not even keep her own mind in the same gear set. Clearing her mind as best she could manage, she finally closed the emerald green orbs and forced herself to fall into a rather restless sleep.

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

-- Yuri de Elias Schiffer ((Nox)), Liliana Greand ((Rogue)).
-- Drusilla.
-- Captain Richter Michaelis. -- Luthra.​

It was indeed close to Noon's Eye when they were just a few yards from the entrance into Vallacre. The city itself was magnificent from an outsider's view. The sidewalks had been paved and lined with cobblestone and they could see the vehicles edging along the center of the concrete road, cars and trucks busying themselves with life. Two guards from the Militia, garbed in their usual attire of drab brown coats with matching brown slacks and black loafers, stood ever watchful by the gate that would gain them entry to the city. They both wielded rifles, intersecting at the barrels. Their hats were tipped forward, broad, except for the slender brim. It was used to shield their eyes from the sun. He pondered on the fact that the Militia, in league with the King, created a ban on firearms in belief that they turned the tides of war into a reckless massacre and that they were unsafe, yet the Militia was the only faction allowed to carry them. This actually carved a grin onto his fact, his lips cracking into an upward tug. They stopped before them, the guards checking them over, "What have you in Vallacre?" Yuri addressed them, even as they eyed his sword, "We've come in lieu of the Militia's recruitment procedures. We thoroughly wish to join." The man lifted their rifles and allowed them entry into the large city, "Behave. Be mindful of vehicles. Good luck." Sometimes a lie was needed to obtain things you wanted.

Their heels clicked against the pebbles laid in the cobblestone as they used the sidewalk to traverse the city. The jagged infrastructure of the buildings behind buildings created a veritable skyline that resembled the masts of a shipyard. The buildings jutted up and down, all over the place. The closer they walked to the square, the more that Gaal Castle, only a mile or so outside of the city, came into focus. It was foreboding in size, that was to be said. He looked back over his shoulder to Liliana, "Have you an idea of where we are to go? I feel this sprawling metropolis might devour us without some sense of direction. Also you can never trust a man to lead." He let her take point and guide them through the city. They wandered for what felt like hours, though time was deceptive. Only an hour had actually passed before they happened upon the square. It was cordoned off from the majority of the city, as it was filled with pedestrians galore, bustling about the large ceremonial fountain erected in the center, the sunlight cast upon it causing the water tumbling through the air to look iridescent. He nudged his way through the crowd after Liliana, headed toward the Militia's headquarters, which happened to be here. They passed by several bakeries and different marketplace vendors peddling their wares for the crowd. He reminded himself to return to one particular vendor selling deep friend batter on a stick with honey drizzled over it.

She opened the door leading into the headquarter, which in itself was ginormous. A woman, maybe aged forty years, was behind the counter, typing. When she approached her she lifted her eyes to Liliana, "How may I assist you ma'am and sir?" Yuri leaned his elbow and bicep into the counter, letting Liliana do most of the talking, but keeping an eye on her nevertheless. The woman posed a query for her shortly after she finished, "Now you said you needed to speak to recruitment about your missing brother who joined and then went missing? I will see what I can do." She lifted a phone and spun in her chair, starting a conversation with the person on the other end. Once she replaced it on the cradle she spun back around and face them with the news, "Unfortunately Recruitment is busy and they informed me they do not disclose soldier's records, even to family. I am truly sorry." Yuri could see the disappointment in her eyes. It paned him, honestly. He used his bicep to shove off the counter and turned toward the woman to protest but was cut off mid-sentence with a "Yuri? Is that you Yuri?" He knew that voice. He had served with the man before. Richter Michaelis.

Yuri turned to face the man. Richter had grown since they last met. He had grown into a fine man who filled out the uniform well. He was more muscular now, with his ebony tresses having grown even longer. He held a scar on his chin, not too prevalent, his face still young looking, yet more stern and commanding. Richter outstretched a gloved hand and gripped Yuri's own, "It's been what, three or four years?" Yuri gave his a nod of affirmation, "Yes Richter. The time has flown. You are a Captain now? Your wings take you through the ranks, do they?" Richter gave him a smile. One Liliana would find both enticing and charming, for sure. Green eyes motioned toward her, "Is this your wife? What a beautiful creature you have obtained. I am jealous, no doubt. Can't you see it?" Yuri shook his head, "Your jokes were never funny. She is my traveling companion. Speaking of which--" Richter had released his hand, letting their hands fall in unison to their respective sides, "She is seeking information on her brother. Let me explain." After thoroughly going over the details with Richter, he placed one leather clad index to his chin, "Recruitment is very fickle. I might be able to persuade them to be more forthcoming, but I have a massive problem before me. If you were willing to lend me that superior sword of yours to my cause, I would surely swindle them."

Yuri looked to Liliana to see what she thought then back to Richter, "What is the problem Richter? We are willing to do whatever falls into our eager laps for this information." Richter smiled and led them to his office, which in itself was quite spacious and poured them a drink of their choice. He leaned his buttocks onto the table, hands gripping the edges and spoke freely with them as if they were old friends, "Gaals Castle has been a recent plague on this land if you will. Strange, morbid creatures have been appearing from time to time. They wish only the most ill of harm to our denizens. We have sent a reconnaissance team to the Castle, but only one returned. It was rather unfortunate. The boy was driven almost stark raving mad from what he saw. Whatever it was, he pieced together that they only made it into the foyer and that there is some sort of barrier machination baring entrance to other areas. As you know, the Militia is never above the gainful employing of mercenaries in our ranks when needed. I would like you to lead another team to the Castle and if nothing else, inform us of the type of barrier we face. Do I have your cooperation?"

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

The size of the city was massive… intimidating to say the least. Liliana wasn’t exactly sure what she had been expecting… but this had certainly not been it. Her eyes wandered around the scenery, studying the guards and the bustling people littered about the streets. The single largest city she had ever seen, hands down, was the one that loomed before her, almost ominously. Of course it felt ominous because she knew this city held secrets. The secrets to several years of suffering and searching. The secrets required to end their time together… She’d be happy for him to have his sister. To meet his sister once more and right the things that had been wronged in the past with the two of them.

As he finally admitted he would get them lost, she took the reigns, stepping in front of him and beginning to lead the way through the winding city. She genuinely wondered how the sunlight ever reached the ground here. Her steps were quick, and swift, although she was sure not to lose her companion, and within twenty minutes of walking, they finally reached the core of the city. She mused around the setting. The fountain was beautiful, and the iridescent glow that the water caused had only further stalled her. In her travels, naturally Liliana had seen millions of beautiful things, but this had easily capped it. She was in awe, until of course, her mind jumped to the Militia headquarters. She chewed nervously on her lower lip before moving into the building. If there was one thing she could give to Yuri, it was the fact that he had refused to let her give up on her brother. Had refused to let her accept something she was sure her mind had known… fueled the hope in her heart… because he knew more than anything that she needed it. She needed that little peace of mind.

Liliana made her way to the counter, her eyes locked onto the elderly woman there and stood quietly ad the counter before she was recognized. She offered a smile, shaky in nature before parting her lips to speak. “My brother… he joined the Militia some years ago… but he never returned home… I… Need to know where he is… if he’s alive…” The words seemed to spill from her lips as if she were some four year old child explaining how she had broken something to her parents. She paid no mind when the woman turned around, giving her the respect of a private phone call before turning an uncertain emerald gaze to Yuri. She studied him then, from top to bottom, recalling all of the little things in the back of her mind. She was thankful to have met him… to have been attacked by him that year ago. And before she could think any more about the subject. The woman turned around. Liliana tore her gaze away from her pale companion and back to the woman only to receive bad news. She felt it hit in her chest, first, tightening it before the disappointment flitted across her gaze. She offered the woman a smile and opened her mouth to thank her, only to be cut off by the voice of a man.

She turned around about the same time that Yuri had and let her gaze fall onto the man who had spoken. Handsome, of course, and obviously built for the battlefield. It made her wonder what her brother would look like now… if…. Her thoughts were, thankfully, cut short again as the man stepped forward and shook Yuri’s hand, standing back and allowing the two previous friends to speak with one another. She noted the smile of the man. A smile could tell someone a lot about a person. However, she wasn’t sure what she read from him. And as his eyes finally fell to her, she stood her ground and offered him a smile and a nod. However, shortly after the smile faded and a light brown arched. She wasn’t entirely sure of the man was insulting her or complimenting her. Sarcasm, to say, was not something she had ever been good at pointing out. And then, Yuri spilled her story out to the man, a man he believed could help them. And if he believed it, so did she.

Liliana felt his gaze on her as the job was proposed, and she offered him a curt nod. Even if she had said no, it wasn’t as if he wouldn’t have jumped in without her. When she had previously noted that Yuri de Elias Schiffer was a righteous man, she had not been exaggerating. He helped any and all who came to him, whether helping them benefited him or not. It was one of the things that Liliana admired most about him, although it was not something she found in herself quite as freely as he had. People had to survive, she understood, and she had to survive as well. Had it not been for him, she would not have been quite as helpful as she had been. She followed after him into the office and settled down, declining the offer of a drink. She hadn’t wanted anything… all it would have done was cloud her mind. She sat, listening attentively, and when they were asked of their cooperation, he didn’t have to ask twice, and Yuri didn’t even need to glance to her. Of course he had it.

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

Richter moved from the desk and swung around behind it, pulling out the leather swivel chair and taking a seat in it. He looked between them, "Of course we would compensate you. As the expedition shouldn't take more than a day, we will set your fee at six thousand Ell. Of course, we will provide you lodging in the city and meals on us. Once the expedition is complete, we will need to determine the best course of action in which to deal with the barrier. We need to further our exploration into Gaal Castle and find the source of these abominations. We will naturally keep you comfortable, in case your services are needed once more to explore the depths. As for now, I will have someone escort you to your room and board and from there, we will contact you once I have a team put together. Thank you for your cooperation Yuri and Liliana." He pressed a button on an intercom, corresponding to another intercom and spoke when a voice asked what he needed, "Send a soldier to escort Mister de Elias Schiffer and Miss Greand." Within a few moments a soldier, bearing the same uniform as all the others around, stepped into the office. Richter gave them a curt smile, "We shall see each other soon. Lady Luck embrace you." Yuri lifted from the seat alongside Liliana and they moved back out into the hallway from the office. The soldier picked up his pace and once they had navigated the twisted and winding corridors of the headquarters, they were back out onto the streets of Vallacre in pursuit of their room and board.

It took them all of ten minutes to travel to the Inn which they had prepared for them to stay out. It was labeled as the "Seven Port Inn", which seemed to be a play on the fact that Vallacre itself was something of a port city with seven separate ports. The man opened the door for them, displaying a refined set of manners, and followed behind them with the closing of the door. He stepped up to the counter and informed the mistress behind the counter of the situation, at which she smiled and turned around. She lifted a key from a row of protruding bars and handed it to the young Militia man. He turned around and exchanged it with Liliana, "This is your room. Food is three times a day. She is going to go and prepare lunch for you momentarily. We ask you stay here until contact by Captain Michaelis. Once he has been in contact, whatever job he has given to you will need to be completed. Enjoy your stay." The man turned, placing the wide hat on his head and exited the building. The woman behind the counter smiled to them, "I am Clara. Is there something in particular you lovelies would like?" Yuri relayed his order then allowed Liliana to follow suit. She directed them to one of the wooden tables and Yuri pulled Liliana's chair out for her as he strolled by, taking a seat in his own. Now to wait.

As their food was being prepared, Yuri commented on their situation, "I think we found a good predicament to be in. We will receive compensation, warm food, hot showers, and a soft bed, in addition to the information on your brother. I beggar to think that this is a perfect setup. Which is why I am weary. I do trust Richter, but not the Militia. We will need to be--" the food, steaming from preparation, was laid before them. Instead of eating, he continued, "Cautious when around them. The extra Ell will be worth it, but we cannot get in over our heads or let the Militia use us as pawns, I'm afraid." He lifted the fork and lowered it into the mound of rice before him, lifting it and putting it into his mouth. While not necessarily in need to food for nourishment, he still enjoyed eating it. It was part of the human side he still had. Sometimes he felt that it did make him full and helped to ease the pain of hunger, if only ever so slightly. They chatted over their food, giving their opinion on the food and the setting around them. Once they had finished their meal, Yuri moved from the table and began to ascend the staircase to the upper floor, where their room was. He found the matching room number, a room "204". The two pronged key slide into the keyhole and with a twist, they were given entrance to their new room.

It was spacious, with two king sized beds for the taking. There was an alcove with a window they could enjoy the view from, and a set of two or three steps that led to a hardwood floor section where a desk with a lamp resided. Yuri removed the chain from around his wrist and set the sword aside. He looked back toward her, "This is rather nice. I think this has to be the nicest room we have stayed in together. Well, though it seems improper for us to shower before a mission, I say we do. Of course, you may go first Liliana." He shrugged his shoulders and helped himself to remove the heavy coat, folding it over his arm and laying it on bed. He then turned and took a seat on the bed, leaning back onto his palms, supporting his weight with his arms, "I"ll be here when you are finished. We'll have to find something to do to preoccupy our minds and bodies while we await their declaration of intent. I'm sure there is something we could do. Enjoy your shower or bath for however long you desire."

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

Liliana was actually very glad to have had all of these things provided for them. And as she walked with him to their temporary place of residence she made sure to stay close to Yuri. And the Ell would be fantastic, and six thousand of it, a piece, would be excellent for them. They would never have to sleep in cold again. Well… at least for a few months… If there were even a few months left in their journey together. They headed into the lobby and her eyes glanced around the spacious place before the soldier who had so regally escorted them there had begun speaking. She smiled, wide at him. “Understood, thank you.” She responded before turning her attention to Clara. Such a pretty girl, Liliana mused before answering her. “Hello. Please, call me Liliana. And actually, a good chicken and rice dish would be wonderful…” She said to her, after of course Yuri had ordered his food. She followed her to the table, nodding to Yuri as he pulled out her seat and settled down.

She looked across at him and listened as he mused their situation. He was correct. The Militia could be… corrupt at times, although Captain Richter seemed to be quite the virtuous man. She nodded in agreement with him before looking down at the food that had been prepared. It all looked so wonderful. She began to eat, chatting idly back and forth with him about various things as they ate. Things about the food and about their situation before finally they were finished eating. He seemed to enjoy his food, which she was thankful for. She knew he had not needed food to sustain himself, and at times, food she had heard could even be poisonous to some Methuselah. But, being a Hybrid, it posed him no threat. And though it offered no true nourishment, she couldn’t blame him for eating it regardless. She thought if she were in the same situation, she would still want to enjoy the simplicities of fine dining. As he stood and moved towards their room, she followed faithfully after him. The door swung open, revealing the luxurious room to them, and Liliana’s eyes lit up. It was so wonderful!

Hands down, this had to be the best room they’d stayed in together, in their entire year of travel. Liliana, particularly, knew she would enjoy the balcony. The view. Regardless of being rather pleased with Luxury, Liliana would not be able to resist the lure of the night air. She turned her gaze to him and smiled brightly as he spoke. “I agree, it is very nice.” She said, moving forward and brushing her fingers across the fabric of the bed spread. She would take a shower, in a moment. She watched him get comfortable before she made her way towards him. She leaned down and gripped his hand, tugging him into a standing position. Once he was on his feet, she curled her arms around his neck in a hug. The pair of bodies, hot and cold, pushed together, and she tucked her head into his neckline. “Thank you…” She spoke, softly. She loosened her grip and leaned back, being able to gaze into those sapphire eyes she so wholly adored. “For everything… And should things not go well, and my brother no longer be of this world… I’m glad either way that I’ve been able to travel with you.” She spoke, moving her hand to cup his cheek lovingly. “You’ve been a blessing to me, Yuri de Elias Schiffer…” She finished, brushing her thumb softly along his cheekbone before pulling away from him now and heading into the bathroom where she would shower.

Leaving the fur cloak on her bed, she undressed completely behind the closed door of the bathroom, leaning over shortly after to turn the water on. Once it was warm enough, she stepped in, letting the warm water beat down against her lightly tanned skin, like a thousand comforting needles constantly pressing into her. She washed her hair, and lathered her body before rinsing it all off. And four twenty minutes, she remained in the bathroom, simply enjoying the warmth of the water before turning off the water and stepping out of the tub. She dried herself off before sliding her green dress back on, and began to use the towel to dab at her stringy wet hair. She exited the bathroom now, dabbing and ruffling before sighing contently. “That was nice…” She mused softly before smiling at him. “It’s all yours.”

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

Her embrace was unexpected, but as previously mentioned, he was a man of action more than words. He put one arm around her waist, letting her settle against him for however long she saw fit. Once she enough, he let his arm drop back to his side and listened to her praise and gratitude before he responded, "You have been a wonderful companion Liliana. I'm glad you think of me in such a lovely light. If this truly is our endgame, no mater the outcome, I was glad to have met you." He let her rub his cheek and step away toward the shower. He lowered himself back to the bed as he heard her turning the knob and allowing the hot water to begin its descent into the tub. His mind wandered. Over the course of a year, he had grown very attached to Liliana. His feelings for her were always teetering on friendship and love. He acknowledged several times before this that he was probably in love with her, but their mission left them without a chance to express this notion. The shower subsided, signaling she was almost finished. He reached down and unbuttoned the vest, followed by his shirt, leaving his upper body bare, but clothed on his lower half. When she exited and told him it was time, he gave her a curt nod as he rose and traveled to the bathroom.

The water was amazing. It had been such a long time since they had actually taken a hot shower, instead of using streams to quickly bathe themselves. While they had Ell, they reserved it for food, emergencies, and supplies. He leaned forward, palms against the tile, letting the water cascade and roll down his shoulders and back. It took him only a few minutes of leisure before he began to fully clean himself, his hair taking more of a priority than anything. After fifteen minutes, he exited, a fresh sheen of water still clinging to his muscular body. Strings of saturated hair hung in his face from the water. Normally he kept the hair pulled back, away from his forehead, but after that shower, he didn't see a reason until it dried. He looked over to her, "To paraphrase you, that was wonderful." He took a seat on the bed and just leaned back, basking in the warmth of the room. He lowered his eyes to her, "As long as we continued to be employed by the Militia, we can keep this luxury. I do wonder, however, how they intend to bypass a barrier. Maybe its some machination unseen by them not enforced by magic. Maybe a lever or the like. That would be convenient."

Their conversation drifted away from their soon to be job and onto the small things they had enjoyed in this room. Then a call rang the phone on the desk. Yuri hoisted himself to his feet and descended the small steps hurriedly, lifting the phone from the cradle, "Yes, this is Yuri. All right. As you wish. Yes, we will prepare accordingly. We shall meet then." He turned to her as he replaced the phone on the cradle, "The team we will assembled in the square in only but an hour. They left some expeditionary money, as they called it, for us at the counter downstairs. In order for us to be prepared for the mission. I say we go and claim it." He climbed the steps once more and dressed and soon they were downstairs to claim their prize. Once it was secure, they ventured out into the square to purchase some supplies better suited to their future adventure. Yuri's first stop was a smithy, one where a blacksmith could polish and sharpen his blade. He left it there and continued out with her, though there seemed to be a twinge of hesitation to his step, as if he wasn't wholly comfortable with the idea of leaving the blade. He did this every time they met with a blacksmith. Now, though, it was time to acquire more suitable gear.

Yuri made a simple selection. Black leather gaiters with a lustrous shine to them, signifying they were new. They were practical, providing warmth and protection from weather, with their inner lining being some sort of fleece material, but feeling light and non restrictive. He opted for another shirt, much like the one he was wearing before, with a lace frill extending from the collar and frilled sleeves, to keep with his gentleman image. He found a gray vest with what seemed to be a corduroy like pattern, but was assured it was simply because the material between the sets of fabric was a lightweight armor, good for protection from blades. Though it wouldn't stop them completely, a slash might be slowed or halted. But he warned never a thrust, and if they managed to alarm Militia members, it in no piece would stop a wayward bullet. The final acquisition was a heavy black coat, much like the one he had before, including the same golden twisted fabric for the edges. He shrugged the coat on as he listened to the shop keep talk about how the material was akin to leather, so it stayed dried and water just slid off of it. He stated it was warm, able to withstand even some of the lowest temperatures, and it was fire retardant. He even sold him on a pair of matching black gloves for the coat. Once he had purchased everything, he replaced the pocket watch his sister had gave him in the vest, attaching the chain to his left pocket. He looked to Liliana, "Now it is your turn. After that, we should reclaim my piece and be ready for the expedition."

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

Liliana knew exactly how she felt about her traveling companion. In her heart, she knew, but in her mind, she was unsure. Her mind and heart were always at odds. She stretched out across the mattress as he showered, thinking about this fully. She adored him, always wanted him near. Had she ever been separated from him, she didn’t know what she would have done. And she didn’t ever want to be without him, although their separation was… inevitable. And what would she do, where would she go then…? Would she… find a place to settle down, whether or not she found her brother? Or would her heart and mind send her traveling again… pining for her companion? Her thought were cut short as he re-entered the room, reiterating something she had previously said. She smiled at him and rolled onto her back before sitting up and pressing her back to the headboard.

When he spoke to her, she thought about it for a minute, letting her thoughts shift now. “Perhaps some kind of magic…? A seal? There’s no way to truly know, but let us hope that it is as simple as a lever…” She said with a soft chuckle. And soon, their conversations shifted from work to the little things in the room. The warmth, the softness of the sheets. She was rather happy that they shared a room, having previously been worried that they would separate the two of them. And before long, the phone rang. She edged herself to the edge of the bed and peered over until he turned towards her. Listening to him, she finally nodded and stood, shrugging on her coat and waiting for him before they headed downstairs to retrieve the Ell and go out to shop for more appropriate clothing. She chuckled at his reaction to leaving his trusty blade with the blacksmith. She had always known he was attached to it. And she felt sorry for him each and every time they had to, but she lovingly rubbed a palm between his shoulder blades, assuring him that all would be well, and his trusty sidekick would be as good as new by the time they returned.

She followed after him, watching him as he picked out his clothing, noting that even in practical battle wear he was handsome. Once he had finally completed his get up, she smiled. She nodded at his statement before turning to make her way to find her own things, speaking shortly after they began moving. “You look very handsome, Yuri.” She told him, although she was sure he didn’t need her confirmation for such. Liliana was certain that he knew he looked good. And after a good fifteen minutes of shopping, she’d finally found her own clothing. A comfortable, long sleeved dress, loose about her form and black. It was rather short and rather low cut, stopping several inches above her knee to reveal the hem of a pair of white stockings. Black and gold, donned with several elegant designs and obviously help up with a black garter belt to avoid constant slipping. There was a long, red glove on her left hand, the top seam donned with a strange golden and green hem made of metal. Several golden belts hung loosely from her hips, and a large golden bracelet dangled from her wrist. There was a small, black dagger attacked to her right thigh, and a pair of nearly knee high stiletto boots rested on her feet, the top donned in gold, and littered along the zipper with the same designs that donned her stockings. And finally, another fur coat, black and heavy. The fur along the collar was much longer than the rest, almost akin to black feathers. And finally, she’d bought a hair tie, allowing her to tie her hair back away from her face, leaving nothing more than her bangs hanging in her eyes, barely.

Once this was said and done, and properly worn, she turned towards him with a smile and nod, indicating that she was ready to meet the rest of the team. And finally, they headed off to the area where Richter had informed Yuri they would all gather, and once there, Liliana offered them all a small smile in greeting. When it came to others, she found, she was a woman of very few words.

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

She looked ravishing in the clothing she had procured and he noted that, "You look stunning Liliana. Why if I was any less of a gentleman, I would pilfer your clothing and leave you ragged with ecstasy." They went to retrieve the blade, which Yuri took from the blacksmith. He laid his hand on the hilt and extracted the sword from its housing, inspecting the blade. It gleamed in the light like a new piece and from his years traveling and fighting he knew just by looking at the edge it was razor sharp. The blacksmith looked to him, "Soon that blade will be of no use young man. It has been sharpened many times. It will lose its integrity I say maybe with four or five more sharpens." Yuri looked to him, attaching the chain back to his left wrist, "Well kind sir, hopefully this blade will retired after this excursion." Yuri replaced the blade and out onto the streets they traveled, toward the team that had been assembled. It was seven people, bringing the total to nine with him and Liliana included. Some were young, but there was one man nearing thirty. They stopped before them and Yuri gave them a nod of greeting. The oldest man looked to them, their rifles at the ready, but not pointed toward them. Then he spoke, "You must be the mercenaries. Load of rubbish if you ask me. We are capable of handling this expedition. So all I ask is you shut up and do as I say. We don't need you showing out." Yuri listened to the man, but met him back with a commanding retort, "Unfortunately, sir, that is not how this will be. Captain Michaelis appointed me as leader of this foray, and so it shall be. Would you disobey an order from a superior officer? I am in charge and if nothing more, there shall be no showing out from you. Now fall back in line and in my order, move." The man begrudgingly moved back into the line and waited for his orders. And they came swiftly.

The path they traveled through the city was an empty one. People parted for their presence, allowing them to leave the northern exit of the city and out onto a dirt path. They happened upon a fork and once there, took the right path. The deeper they got toward the castle, the more ominous it loomed over them. Even the forest seemed to respond to the corruption. There were mazes of dead trees, like some horrible nightmare. He heard hushed whispers permeating them, as if converging on them. It was frightening, for a lesser man. Eventually they came to the wrought iron gate erected as a guard, so the speak, from outsiders into the castle. The men stepped forward, one of them releasing the bolt on the chain keeping it shut. An eerie creak resounded from the gate as the right side swung open. Yuri parted their ranks and stepped forward, "Be on alert. Liliana, by me. Two beside her. Fifteen paces, the rest of the rank behind. Pull a full perimeter and keep your eyes trained. Nine enter, nine leave. I will not accept anything less than that." Yuri had always been a soldier through and through. He was an excellent combatant. She had seen this numerous times. While they might have lacked faith in his abilities, he knew Liliana would not question them. So with their formation fulfilled, they opened the double doors to the castle and into the abyss their descent began.

The foyer was monstrous, leading up to three floors with intersecting staircases tailored with red velvet carpets. There seemed to be several rooms for them to explore running parallel to each wall on either side. Yuri looked down to the marble tile that glistened with the light of the sun beaming over it. The previous owner was well off, that was for sure. He took one step forward, "I see not a trace of a barrier. Mayhaps the man, in his delirium, was incorrect?" There was a groan from nearby, though Yuri was the only one to hear it with his preternatural abilities. He looked in the direction it came from as one of the soldiers broke rank and stepped toward the staircase, "He said the barrier was--" Within that moment the man dissolved into ash. It was as if he had been exposed to a concentrated level of heat, leaving nothing but smoldering ash. Yuri jerked his head toward the man's ash, weathering the smoke enough to catch a fading glimpse of the barrier. Then a howl echoed through the hall. It seemed more of a wail, as if a woman was being tortured. Yuri fell back, laying his right hand over the hilt, "Something wicked this way comes." There was a chaos of sounds as the hall began to be flooded by these...creatures. Pandemonium set in. She saw the gleam of the blade as Yuri swung it to greet their guests. The creatures were gangly and seemed to be made of sinew and...black ooze. They moved in sporadic jerks and twitches. Yuri was cutting a swathe through them, attempting to wrest one of the soldiers free from their grasp. In the chaos, their rank had broken. A sure sign of young, inexperienced soldiers.

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

She grinned at him and his words, turning her gaze towards him shortly after he spoke. “Oh, Yuri, you have such a way with words… I find myself a bit flustered.” She retorted playfully, although her playfulness was questioned in her mind. It almost seemed like… an offer. An invitation, even. But, she quickly pushed the thoughts away from her mind and continued walking with him, her face twisting into a grimace at the rude comments of the older man. Her brows remained furrowed towards him after that, her arms crossed beneath her breasts, pushing the petite mounds of flesh upwards. And before long, they were moving to the castle.

People seemed to part for them, as if their presence was… intimidating to the people of the city. And… admittedly, Liliana understood this fear of the Militia. They had been less than kind over the years to several cities, and no one wanted to be the butt of the brutality. Another set of thoughts she brushed from her mind before they came across the woods. She was taken aback by the condition that the plant life was in. Of course, in winter, it was only customary for the trees to be lacking in green and lively appearance, but these trees seemed far more than dead. As if the castle that they were approaching had been sapping the life from them since they had budded into plants. She turned her gaze towards him to find him intent on their mission, staring ahead as he often did when something like this came about. She returned her gaze to the path ahead of them, now deciding to ignore any of her thoughts should they plague her. All were negative and weary, she’d nearly found herself frightened already. And finally, they happened upon the large castle, mansion, whatever one would call it. And once inside they gate, he laid out their formation. She made her way beside him, as he had requested, and watched and waited patiently as the other members fell into line. And it was in they went.

It wasn’t hard to assume that this place was haunted or damned, each and every inch of the castle was foreboding… ominous and almost frightening. The place had been well constructed, and would have easily cost over three million Ell with all of the marble and intricate designs. However, as they moved towards the area that had the presumed barrier, nothing of the sort seemed to come into view, and soon Yuri stated such. Liliana did not hear the groan, and she had been watching the solider that had moved away from the group just before he had turned into ash. She had sucked in a gasp, covering her mouth in her surprise before creatures began to fill the hallway shortly after Yuri’s warning. Her gaze jerked towards them, and she swallowed the bit of fear she was beginning to feel. Her hand pushed back the coat before sliding along her thigh and gripping the hilt of a long, dagger. She jerked it from the sheath and awaited for them to move in any closer before she herself began to combat them.

And, like most women, her movements were flashy and showy. A grand display of flexibility and agility, both working to her advantage as she seemed duck and dodge, stabbing and slicing through only when it was appropriate and she had found an opening. And she had done what she could to keep her spot in the formation, while making sure, as best she could, that the soldiers behind her were also kept from harm. Had she not been a part of the mission, had she not met Yuri, she would have left them there. But having worked with Yuri for so long, she herself had finally begun to feel a sense of righteousness. And urge to fulfill and do what she knew was right. But this being said, she stayed with him. Fear was obvious in her eyes, but determination latent in her heart.

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

The blade sunk into what could be consider flesh, rending it with relative ease with each precise thrust and swing. The creatures, even with appendages severed, were still able to move. Yuri found it daunting to have to deal with such a large quantity. He heard the sound of a rifle ring through the halls and turned, looking at the man. He was met with a bullet speeding toward him. He flung his sheath back, attaching it behind the head of the creature positioned to the back of him and leaned out of the way, pulling the beast forward and into the bullet. His speed was unmatched on this field thanks to the dark gift, the creature's head exploding from the impact. He tore the sheath from the creature and swung his arm around, striking another in the face and following the blade behind it to decapitate it, but both were still moving. He stayed light on his feet, bringing his right leg around and catching one across the arm, pushing it onto another. He crouched low and brought the blade across both waists, cutting the beings in half before a flourish of his wrist and an upward motion sent the sheath spinning in a circle before his hand, planting it into the chest of a creature and lifting it into the air. The rotation of the sheath kept the creature afloat, suspended above him with each twist and pull of his wrist until he finally turned and arched the blade over his head, letting the front of the creature fall at his feet, the bottom half behind him. He looked to Liliana, having fought a safe area around the soldier, "We need to retreat." The soldier moved back toward formation, as did Yuri.

The creatures were still descending on them, even as they fought their way back toward the double doors. Yuri brought his heel forward in a front kick, lifting one of the creatures off the ground and toward the staircase. It immediately dissolved into nothing, no bones to turn to ash, just nothing. Yuri noticed this and proclaimed to the soldiers his intent, "Drive them to the barrier!" Now the pace increased as they fought the creatures back, Yuri using his heightened speed to control the front rank of beings. He was almost a blur, his movements indescribable as he blitzed along the creatures, driving them toward the barrier. then he and Liliana began to work together, moving in what seemed to be choreographed sequences, but was truly just their time spent fighting alongside one another. Parry. Slash. Thrust. Duck. Liliana sliding over his back with a wayward kick. Elbow. Twist. Liliana front kicking along his side. Swipe with the blade. Fold blade along forearm. Bring it back into creature behind him. Lean back. Liliana drawing the blade across the air where his head wound be. They moved like professionals, fighting these creatures back until there was nothing left and they were the victors. Yuri slung his blade toward the ground, removing any substance the creatures had left on the blade, purging it of their filth. He looked back to the soldiers, "We have nary but a moment to explore this foyer. Check everything before the line of the barrier. Do not extend past the staircase."

They were off, each person separating to find some sort of mechanism to allow them entrance further into the castle. He checked the vases embedded in the walls, checked the doors, checked the floor. Everything was fruitless. The doors were barred, though the creatures had exited from them. He stepped back and brought his foot forward, but even with his unnatural strength, the doors did not break or budge. He lowered his foot back to the floor, "Magic." It took them all of ten minutes finding nothing before Yuri led them back outside, "Come, we shall return to Captain Michaelis and inform him of the situation. There is definitely magic barring our entry deeper into this castle. We must locate a Pagan or someone versed in magic to help us extend our exploration deeper into this lair." They traveled along the path they had previously taken, headed back into the town. They could still hear the wails, lamenting their fallen brothers and sisters, so it seemed. Yuri ignored this and continued his jog toward the town. This situation was apt to become more dangerous than he had previously decided. He and Liliana would need to discuss this at length. He wanted to explore the Castle, but she might have some reservations about doing it, which he would take into account. It was almost four in the Noon by the time they reached the city. Soon night would be descending upon them, enveloping them in darkness.

 

[Rogue]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

The situation was proving to be a bit overwhelming. And though Liliana’s stamina and endurance was far more than any other human of her age and height, she was still human, and the sheer number of these seemingly indestructible creatures was beginning to wear on her stamina. However, Yuri had stayed at her side, worked with her, and this alone made all of the difference in the world. She exhaled, and inhaled deeply, making sure to take the proper steps to keeping her body well equipped to continue their battle. And then she heard him. She was almost relieved to hear him say such, and as they moved towards the exit, one of the creatures was kicked violently towards the staircase, the barrier, and instantly it dissolved. And immediately, almost as if he had read her mind, he had demanded they all be pushed towards the staircase.

And with new fervor they did so, pushing them back and back until they’d all been eradicated, giving Liliana time to catch her breath and thankfully sit still for a moment. She’d slung the filth off of her own blade before re-sheathing it and examining the area. Everything seemed to be closed off, blocked off. She grimaced in light of it, that what she had said previously had been confirmed, this was definitely magic. After ten minutes of nothing, they all regrouped and sat in patient waiting for his next orders. Leaving. Good. Liliana’s skin had been crawling since they had entered this damnable place. She was glad to be outside again, even if the outside was just as foreboding. She turned her gaze to him as he began speaking. They’d be in need of a Pagan, would they? Liliana had met a few in her travels before she had met the Hybrid, although where she had met these Pagans had long since escaped her mind. She had confidence that Captain Michaelis would be able to find one suitable to their mission. Pagans were not unreasonable people, after all.

She jogged alongside him, relieved to be back in the city. However… the creatures had turned this mission into far more than it had previously been, indicating that it was indeed far more dangerous than they had anticipated. But the core of that castle supposedly promised the location of his sister, the whole reason she’d begun to travel with him. And dangers or no dangers, she would not leave him to do it by himself. Not after all he’d done for her. No, she was not indestructible, she could be hurt and damaged. But for the task at hand, for the goal they were working towards, whatever injuries she sustained would me more than worth it. She would see this through, no matter what obstacles had barred them.

She followed after him as he had reported the situation to Captain Michaelis, and after this had been done, they headed back to their rooms as permitted. She instantly sat down, pulling the boots away from her legs before shortly after removing the stockings. And then the coat was discarded before she finally rested on her back, one knee pointed towards the ceiling while the other remained flat and straight on the bed. She parted her lips to speak. “If you are concerned that I may want to opt out of the mission, let me assure you that you shouldn’t be. I’m aware of the dangers, and I am not afraid. I will see this through, regardless of the obstacles.” She was always a strong headed woman… He knew that better than anyone.

 

[Nox]

RE: Flectere Si Equeo Superos, Achaeronta Movebo (NoxRogue)

Richter met them in his office. He listened to Yuri, seated behind the desk, as he explained what had happened and his thoughts on the barrier. Richter picked up a glass from the table and drained the water from it, running his tongue over his lips once he had finished. Then it was his turn to speak, "What an unfortunate end for that soldier and an unfortunate twist for you. I come to understand from the way you worded it that you desire to be the one to lead the exploration into Gaal Castle. Is it you think your sister there?" When Yuri confirmed his suspicions, he continued, "As I thought. Well for now, we will have you return to your room whilst we sort this out. I have a Pagan in mind that I visit frequently. She is very powerful and may be willing to lend her expertise on the matter. We will inform you when it has been verified and send you on your way again. Enjoy your downtime for now, will you?" Richter lifted the coat of fur from the rack, which seemed to be made of some material resembling a leopard, but closer to the fur of a wolf. Shrugging the coat on they made their way outside, where he placed the wide cap on his head and made his way toward the shop where he could find the Pagan. That left them to return to the Seven Port Inn and rest.

Yuri opened the door for her and let her take her place on her own bed, moving to the window to look out of it. He heard what she said, but for a moment seemed to be transfixed by his own thoughts. There was a silence between them before he responded, "I know you will accompany me. I just thought it would be in our best interest to discuss it. Whatever is plaguing this city and this castle is powerful. Those creatures were unlike anything I've ever encountered. I beggar to think that they are not the only powerful and twisted thing lying in wait inside of that castle. It is so spacious, after all. I just do not desire to put you into any direct line of danger for something as simple as a piece of information that could be faulty. I however, will not disregard your intentions nor your decision. If you have decide we shall continue on this path together, then together we shall go." He left the window and returned to his bed, laying on it as she did, without the added motion of his knee in the air. His eyes were focused on the ceiling, his sheathed sword laid against his chest as his thoughts traveled over the creatures and Gaal Castle itself.

Richter entered the shop of the Pagan woman, Luthra, to be welcomed by a sweet smell wafting through the air. Her shop was adorned with several different items, all pertaining to witchcraft. There were trinkets here and there, candles, books, items to use in rituals. Though normally an unsavory place for one not a Pagan to be, Luthra and Richter had come to understand one another and she had helped the Militia on more than one occasion. He removed his hat and gave a curt nod to the man behind the counter, spreading the beaded curtain to the side of said counter, allowing him entrance to the back room where Luthra was. He took a seat in the booth, looking across to her. She had always been stunning. Such a beautiful and well proportioned woman. He laid a hand on the table, followed by his hat and began, "As you know Luthra, Gaal Castle has been troublesome to this town and the Militia for quite some time. We sent an expeditionary team to scout the castle and see if we could locate the source of the creatures that have been troubling our denizens. Our team confirmed there is a magical barrier there, among other things, keeping them from entering further into its depths. We wanted to contract you, to see if you could dissipate this barrier and help us further our excursion inside. Of course, you will not be doing this for free. We will pay a hefty price for your services, as we have in the pass. What do you say?"

 

[Rogue]

She was glad to be back in their hotel room, and the warmth seemed to seep through her skin and into her bones instantly. And as he responded, she let him finish before she spoke once more. “Any danger is worth braving with you at my side…” She mused, although the phrase itself sounded tired. Of course it did, and she must have been. Regardless, she’d always enjoyed battle, specifically, she’d always enjoyed it with him. Never previously had see been much of a fighter. But, something about being with him, fighting alongside him made the battlefield feel… almost like home. Home… It was strange to think of such a concept, as it had been so long since she had ever had a place to call home. She turned her head towards him, studying him as she relaxed. She was glad he understood and had opted not to disagree on the matter, or try to change her mind. Nothing would have done such anyhow. She purred, softly in comfort before closing her eyes. She would sleep well tonight, it would seem.

As the beads stirred and the man stepped through, a grin stretched across the face of the fair skinned woman known as ‘Luthra’. White hair stretched down her back, stopping at the small of her back, and fell delicately over her shoulders. There was not much by way of clothing hiding the woman’s sinful figure. Large breasts were barely concealed by a halter top that formed an ‘X’ over them. And as eyes trailed down a slender waist and toned, flat abdomen to draw to wide, teasing hips, they would find a black skirt, made of negligee and silk flowing over her lower body, hiding toned and athletic legs from view all the way to the tips of delicate toes. Ice blue eyes studied him as he began speaking. Captain Michaelis, always one to get straight down to business, dotting his ‘I’s and crossing his ‘t’s. She let him finish before tilting her head upwards. A loose material, much like the material of her skirt, hung over her shoulders, and shifted as she stood. A large wolf like animal sat nearby. Easily four feet tall in height on all four legs, he was quite the foreboding familiar.

She made her way towards the attractive man, leaning back against the table nearest to him and parting her own lips to speak. “Now, Captain Michaelis, when have I ever turned down an opportunity to help you?” She questioned, her head tilting softly to the side, causing silken white tresses to fall over her bare, creamy shoulders. “Of course I will help you. Admittedly, Gaal Castle is a guilty curiosity of mine… I’m rather eager to find the secrets it hides within its walls…” And she stopped, the grin never once faltering. She’d always been attracted to Richter. Had worked with him several times before, and knew exactly how beautifully this man operated on the battlefield, just another reason for her to be physically attracted to him. “Now… about payment… What is it, the number or otherwise, that you had in mind… Captain..” Luthra was a respectful Pagan, one of the strongest if not the strongest. However, she had a tendency to be quite sensual, when she wanted to be.

Hungry eyes stayed trained on him, waiting for him to spew out his price or perhaps something a little more…. Worth her want. Worth her services. Lou, the familiar, sat quietly before resting on his belly and covering his nose with his large, bushy tail. He was familiar with Richter, and trusted Richter just as well as his Mistress did.

 

[Nox]

Richter knew exactly what she had in store for him. While she enjoyed Ell as payment, she had come to long ago, expect something more from him when it came to acquiring her services. For the life of him he could not remember why they had come to begin their sexual relationship, all he knew is that it had happened and at any time he or she could make a call on the other. She made it obvious by her tone and her suggestion she is in such a mood. Maybe she was only minutes away from calling him when he had come in? What a weird coincidence that would be. Richter gave her one of his notoriously charismatic smiles, "You would like your advance on the pay as usual?" He put the gloves to his mouth and used his teeth to grasp the fabric, pulling it first off of his right hand, followed by his left, setting them aside. He pushed the edge of the table, clearing the obstacle in front of him before he began to unbutton his coat, "Allow me to get comfortable." Within seconds he had stripped his coat and his shirt from his body, revealing the lean body that had come from years of rigorous physical training. A hand outstretched, he waited for her to place her own hand in his before drawing her to his lap, allowing her to straddle him and come to rest there. He looked up toward her, "Your appetite is so insatiable."

His hand flitted across her breast, removing one of the straps, followed closely by the second strap, allowing her full breasts to come into view. Her arousal betrayed her in the form of pert, erect nipples. No matter, she would become more enticed momentarily. His head dipped to her right breast, his eager mouth encompassing the nipple, suckling it. His right hand rested at the small of her back, keeping her to him. He arched her back for her so he could accept more into his mouth, his tongue dashing across the nipple, spinning rotations over it with proficiency obviously learned in the bed of several women. He released his mouth from her, kissing between her cleavage, his other hand having released himself from the confines of his slacks while he worked upon her. With a bit of effort, he had folded the long skirt up and was greeted with what he knew to be there: her bare vagina, pink and full, eagerly awaiting him. She was never one to wear underwear and that was one of the things he enjoyed most of her. His arm enveloped her waist, lifting her enough for him to spread the lips of her vagina with the head of his member. His size was only above average, a length of no more than nine inches. His girth was what was to be matched, with almost three and a half inches. He began her descent, stretching her canal as he entered her to the hilt. She was moist and warm, everything he knew her to be. He settled back in the seat more, gritting his teeth from the sensation her pulsing insides were washing over him. He laid a hand on her hips and pulled her forward, then with minimal effort, pushed her back, repeating the motion, letting her grind his member against her walls with each erratic pop of her hips. Their union carried for twenty minutes, sweat rolling over their joined bodies, their groans and moans blending with one another in feverish ecstasy. He couldn't handle the rough and fast pace she had set while riding him any longer and he released her name on still air, expanding inside of her. She knew when she became stretched even more what was to come. He erupted, the first load of thick semen jerked free from the head and crashing against her womb. Four more spurts followed in rapid succession, flooding inside of her with the promise of pleasure untold. Once they were finished, he cleaned himself up and kissed her lips gingerly, moving to inform Yuri and Liliana.

Yuri received the call, lifting it from the cradle as quickly as possible as to avoid waking Liliana up. He spoke to the people on the other end and then came to Liliana, laying a hand on her shoulder and shaking gently to jar her awake. Once she was there, he spoke, "Richter has gotten a Pagan to assist us. We are to meet her at her shop off the square. The team will be there. She will inform us of what she knows and we will journey back to Gaal Castle with her. She is going to see if she can release the barrier without much preparation. If not, we are to escort her back to the shop, gather the things she requires to release the seal, and then venture back to the castle with her in tow. Once the barrier is broken, we are to explore the upper floor, but not to leave the foyer. Richter's express orders. From there we will return to Vallacre and call it a night. Tomorrow, if the seal is indeed broken, we shall begin our descent into that abyss. We have been fully contracted by the Militia as consultants for this job."