Topic: Chapter 1: The Belgarde Hunts

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 13:59 EST
Basil swung his fist across Declan's pretty face.


There was a shake of head to be given by the interrogatee. His gums and teeth didn't like the other man's fist, and the blood showed this. Declan swirled his tongue around and collected the blood and politely spit it off to the side.

?Playing it tough will only make things more difficult.? Basil said, recoiling his punching arm.

Declan looked up at him, chained to a cross in a dark dungeon room. ?I haven't been here very long. That means I don't know a whole lot that will make sense to you yet. What I do know, you punch me for.? He cleaned the red stain from his teeth with a once more tongue-over.

?If all you're going to do is tell us, tall tales, then you're not worth keeping alive.? Basil said, flashing very faintly his pair of very real vampire fangs.

?Spare me that. I don't know what you are up to, but if you were going to kill me, you'd have done that before these chains started cramping,? Declan jangled the hand-held links that wrapped his wrists. ?Besides, you'd be fools to get blood all over those nice clothes. Maybe try a different game.?

Basil crossed his arms.

Behind Basil, an extravagantly dressed man gazed out a moonlit window. The collar of his cape reached up to his jawbones and hid the operations of a contender for the smoothest voice of all time.

?Do you know whose castle this is, Declan?? Armand asked.

Declan lifted his sunken head from this drooping torturesque pose.

?This castle is my father's. Before him, it was his father's... and then his father's. A tree with names for branches hangs in this castle. It sure adds something special to the stones we walk on. This is Castle Belgarde, home of the Belgarde family. I am Armand Belgarde. This is my brother, Basil. We will defend our family to the death. Which is why tonight is a particularly significant night.? He said, walking away from the window, where outside a mob with fire in their hands and pointy farm tools in their others.

?We may not kill you, but we may come close.? Basil told the imprisoned before his brother walked past him and drew a very long needle-like spear into his hand. Declan watched this.

?No, brother. It is not a normal man that we have chained up to a crucifix.? Armand said, slowly beginning to push the long pin through the chest of Declan. He struggled. He watched it go in. He screamed.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 14:05 EST
Outside of the castle, outside of its fortifications, a townspeople amassed and listened to rallying encouragement from identifiably dressed hunters of vampires.

?Will you let them remain?? And seep again into our nightmares and the shadows of our towns?? The monsters have violated the peacekeeping treaty and once again set foot onto our country! The last time this was done, our women who had yet to take husbands were stolen, and those who were not became widows to the husbands that fell in their own spilled blood. My grandfather was among them, and he put this holy mace into my father's hand. Now that our threat has returned, and threatened the lives of our children, the time has come to end their immortal tyranny over us, and burn their castle to the ground!!? Said Linus Mizer, a vampire hunter.

?And tonight we do not fight alone. With us is a vampire exterminator from overseas whose reputation will tremble these castle walls to the ground. Come, my dear,? Blake Mizer spoke behind his brother, offering a hand to the woman by the torch-lit hay mound.

She had been a beautiful woman of long blonde hair seemingly charged with the sunlight from the sun long set earlier in the day. She wore little in the ways of elegant dress, but told very loudly that she was a woman with her indiscreet armour top that exposed both bust-line and naked waist. Her pantwear had been tiny white shorts of little length, and did not cover naked legs that displayed themselves as she came up beside of Blake to disregard his hand and rather place her own on her bare hip.

?I've dealt with the Belgardes before. They are an exceptional race of vampire. If you value your lives, stick close to the Mizer brothers. I have my own grudge to settle with the Belgardes, so do not look to me to protect you. Just take comfort in my presence, because I am here, they will most assuredly see their downfall.? Ellea held in her other hand, a black on softer black katana, and was armed out of place with the stakes and crosses and axes everyone else carried.

?Where are you going?? Linus asked.

Ellea tossed her long blond hair to join the rest shining over her back. ?The assault starts now.?

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 14:07 EST
With a breath like reaching the surface above a deep dive, Declan gasped when the long needle was removed from his chest. More frightening to him was that he had still been alive.

?A single question in your mind plants the seeds for so many others that will only grow and confuse you more. You now know what it is like for us as vampires. Immortality is no gift, my friend. But there are those who would provide me an argument...? Armand said, unlocking the manacles from his wrists.

Declan fell to a hand smacking on the dungeon floor with a single knee. His other hand covered the wound he felt in his chest. He was still so perplexed. But he was still alive.

?Now you know just how different you are from what you thought you were. And in just a moment you will see even more distance put between yourself and your fellow man.? Armand half-gestured to the window where the mob could be heard ever-approaching. ?See how they cut you down without hesitation for no other reason than being inside this castle. They can take no chances. But I should be greatly interested in seeing you try and test the honesty of my words. Yours is a life of choices at this moment... and you can see if your brothers outside will welcome you into them, or you can join up with us. It should prove interesting to see what it takes beyond a thin skewer to put a stop to you, my friend.? Armand flung his grape-colored cape and exited the room.

Declan and Basil regarded one another then, alone in the room.

?Humans are a misguided horde. They are quick to anger. They are quick to judge. They are quick to war. I would be glad if I were you, that you are not among them.? Basil said, leaving the room as well.

Declan was alone with his thoughts questioning his humanity. A decisive gaze was paid out the window at the warmly blurry torches in risen arms making closer to the castle doors. He looked over then at the desk that his belongings had been placed upon prior to being detained: a single sword, a katana, in a blood-pink sheath. He didn't know why, but he took it up before leaving to see where his captors had gone.

Stopping at the top of the carpeted staircase, Declan took hold of the bannister. He overlooked a priceless chandelier that seemingly encased candlelight deep within it where you would never see. He remembered thinking just how devastating it would be if it crashed. Walking beneath it would take many seconds to clear its sheltering completely. It would be a horrible thing to find yourself trapped beneath.

An estoc sung from its sheath just down the stairs and in the foyer.

?I have no wish for bloodshed, but marching into these walls is the same as marching onto my sword.? Basil decreed, glaring at his own front door. He seemed to take stance there for when the battle would take place.

Both he, Declan, and Armand's attention was directed upward, higher than the second floor Declan had been on. The sound seemed to come from many fleets up, and it was a metallic and rapidly paced sort of music. It was eerie being preceded by the silence of an empty manor with quiet mob chants so far off in the distance.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 14:11 EST
?What is that?? Declan asked down to the two lords of the castle.

?That is my wife,? Armand spoke up, looking high to the ongoing floors above the second where Declan called down to him. ?She plays the harpsichord whenever a threat marches to our doorstep, in hopes of guiding the fallen to a place not so far from their ancestors... be it them, or us who fall tonight. It is a sad song.? Turning to face Declan now who had just finished coming down the stairs to stand before him.

Armand held out his hand.

?Hand me that sword.?

Declan held it before his own eyes and pondered something very distant from the present. He did ultimately hand it over to him. ?Do you intend to leave me defenseless when your castle is stormed??

He took the sword. Declan was given a serious stare. ?You may not know what this sword can do. But I know very well. It is a thing of much destruction in the shape of an object that cuts down men. It is capable of much, much more than that. How it came into your possession is something I would take great interest in knowing.? Armand walked the blade in-front of and down the left side of the grand central staircase. Declan followed him while paying a check to Basil still guarding the front door with his estoc.

?It was given to me by a woman. I don't know why.? Declan answered, inspecting the scenery while he followed the well-dressed vampire.

?What was her name?? Armand stopped walking and turned around suddenly. Declan froze much quicker, unsure when or if his estranged company may go in for a bite on him.

He readied to give a response, but there would not be time. A blast of collected gunpowder popped loudly from the foyer followed by shouts from Basil. The townspeople's rallied cries overran the halls, and Armand was forced to raise his voice to a much louder degree when he seized Declan's shoulder.

?Come with me! Quickly!? He shouted.

He led him down the left hall behind the focal staircase and pushed his large and pale palm against a deep-faced door. Armours and weapons filled their eyes, and some were even sentient floating devices. Armand placed the blood-pink katana on a smith's table and reached to grasp both a dress of plate and a sheathed sword that was lavishly wrapped in thin and decorative chains. He handed both to Declan.

?Enchanted armour of vigor, and the vampiric sword named Liam. Equip these. You must make your decision soon, Declan. Maybe I was wrong to keep you alive. That is a decision I must live with, just as you must live with how you choose to fight for your life within these very walls. If we both survive the night, then I will tell you more about the bright blood-colored sword,? He looked over his shoulder to the pink-blooded sheath of the katana. ?Its details may interest you greatly.?

Another explosion won their attention suddenly. Armand rushed to leave the room and engage in the defense of his family's estate, but he was stopped.

?Armand!? Declan shouted. The Belgarde turned to what he had to say. ?Where would I be most useful??

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 14:25 EST
Invasion.

Castle Belgarde was breached. Intruded upon. Begun being sieged.

Upon filling the lobby and amassing beneath the chandelier, the people did become quiet with their torches and glinting farm tools and the like. The castle was rather quiet itself. And from a castle that was a living thing itself, that could only have meant one thing. It was playing possum.

Where had Basil Belgarde gone?

The Mizer brothers, Linus and Blake, both wondered this. He had been present for the breach of the door, but was now missing, as easy as it was for vampires to do. They did their homework. This was their subject, and the knew it well.

?Don't even blink. When the attack starts it will be relentless. Be ready to lay down your life for your villages.? Linus said with watchful eyes on the second floor balcony.

Ellea walked in very casually and stopped in the space that gave her the most personal space. She looked around for a family member lost in the parking lot while everyone else looked out for the thing that would kill them at any second. Soon something caught her eye, though, and she began wandering down the right side of the large staircase in the center of the lobby.

?Cainn! Where do you think you're going?!? Blake shouted. The villagers looked between them nervously.

Ellea continued walking, ?I'm going after what I came for.?

?You can't just... leave! We need your strength to kill Viszlat Belgarde!? Blake pointed his head at her but kept his mace ahead of him at the ready.

Ellea did stop, but it was to hold out a hand to the unsure villagers behind her that had nervously began following her. ?The father of Armand Belgarde still sleeps. If you're quick you might even prevent his awakening. Now, no one follow me.? she did resume her walk.

Alone again with the silence of the awaiting castle, Blake and Linus pressed closer to the steps of the staircase. Behind them were the villages casting shadows of vases and candlesticks on tables and candlestick shelves with their torches. One torch in particular cast a dying flame. It weakened and weakened until the fear begun to set in the man who held it. When the cold blue sheet atop the torch was all that remained of his flame, a gentle smoke took its place, and behind that man did glint a floating wall sword before it punctured through the man. It was as he died that the mob was cast into battle.

It was an unknown thing by the villagers, but something the Mizer brothers were suspecting, and that was that there were far more souls in objects and weapons than their party had in bodies. The door slammed shut. It was time to do battle with the furniture.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 14:46 EST
Linus shattered a fat cabinet that blocked the stairs with his mace. There would be no stopping him tonight. Tonight he saw retribution for the death of his ancestors, for the torment of his brother, and for his suffering through his father's death. All of the Belgardes would pay. His eyes told everywhere of this. He hastily ascended the stairs and continued combat with floating things; his obstacles.

?Linus! Do not engage them alone!? Blake shouted. His plan was in ruin. The organization was no longer. He grabbed a villager's shirt and yanked him from his path to continue fighting toward the stair where his brother had gone.

The hallway was much quieter where Ellea walked. A sweet smile crept onto her face. This was playing out just as she'd imagined it. She started down a new hall after caressing the head of a gargoyle situated toward the same hall.

Armand and Declan had gone up some fleets, but it was no large amount of them. Still, it only took being up two stories to look over the railing below and become nauseous. Higher than that and things became weird. Magical castles were confusing castles.

?This is as far as you go, Declan. I need to be alone for this.? Armand said before a terrifying looking pair of doors.

Declan had finished dressing his armor, and that sword looked particularly strapping in his hand, and its sheath on his belt. ?I'll give you however long you need to do what you have to, so long as I am able. After that, you can tell me about the sword.? He said.

Armand nodded his head to him before passing through the doors. Opening them cast the full view of the room inside. It was a long and tall room. A red carpet of great width laid the floor to the site of a monstrously slain corpse. It had long been skeletal by the looks of it, and its bone structure had been of a strong enough difference to suggest it was no human that left the world of the living like this. It was a fantastic scene of horror.

The doors closed slowly by themselves.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 14:55 EST
Declan placed a hand on one of the doors and then another and gave it a thoughtful push and another. It was very snugly sealed, like he had assumed. He turned and began looking around. It was very lonely on this side of the castle. The sounds of battle were a barely noticeable thing, but they were noticeable. How far had they gone from the entrance?

He walked to the corner of the square balcony encompassing the fleets down and overlooking a botanical space with a stone gray floor. Fountains ran water noisier than the cries of the men fighting furniture for their very lives. It was an alluring sort of space, and Declan was interested in exploring it sometime, and there was no time like the present.

The charm of a vampire castle could be an irrefutable mistress.

He made down the stairs that locked him up in tight walls that made direct turns over and down again, surprisingly bringing him out to the courtyard floor, something he had not expected. Now that he was here, he could marvel at the water fixtures even more, and marvel he did. He stopped before one of the larger ones and took note of his reflection before switching sword hands and handing it to his other hand in a backwards hold so he could scoop his hand into the water and cautiously bring it before his face to let enough seep through his fingers before he'd splash his face.

But just then the sword had rumbled in his hand that held it so improperly. It surprised Declan. How easily he could be distracted that there was a battle waging between an ancient bloodline of vampire s and a family of hunters that swore their extermination. The Sword Named Liam was given a much more capable hand from Declan, and he turned on his guard very suddenly.

?Nice sword. It doesn't look like it is just any ordinary sword, either. But I am wondering where is the one I gave you to hold onto?? Ellea asked with a very noticeable air of anger, walking into the courtyard with him from an alternate entrance than Declan's own.

He was surprised at who it had been, and he'd half been expecting a marauding villager. But this was better. He had so many questions, moreso since waking up in the dungeon here. And this woman had his answers. ?Armand Belgarde has it. Contrary to what you might think, I'm sure it's in good hands. He's going to answer some questions of mine about it, unless you'd like to?? Not feeling very safe around the woman, he began to move around the fountain, positioning it between them.

?I entrusted that sword to you, Declan. It is very precious to me. I'd hate to lose it in this castle. I've already gotten lost once, myself.? She humored his fear of cooties and began slowly pursuing him around the fountain, at least keeping him walking, while she crept a subtly seductive canter.

?There is a story to that sword Armand is not telling me. I think it is responsible for eviler things than I can imagine, and furthermore, I think you're the one behind its swing. I haven't put it all together yet.? Declan speculated.

?You think I am an evil woman?? Ellea asked with her free hand over her bosom.

?I don't know anything about you. It's a hard subject to learn when we're on opposite sides of a battle taking place.? Declan readied his sword when Ellea slowly drew the black on black katana.

?You are starting to upset me, Declan. I have never lied to you, and I've given no reason for you not to trust me. This little vampire hunt? I thought it would be fun, and it would be more fun if we were on opposite sides.? Ellea said, stepping closer with her blade moving out to invade the space of the Sword Named Liam.

Declan reacted to the invasion by forcing a lock to engage between them. He was forceful, and he was unforgiving, but so was she. They came against each other with their blades between them with a stern amount of strength applied that slowly loosened to welcome back communications.

?See, isn't this fun?? Ellea asked with a flirty little grin on her lips. ?You had better be on your guard. I am a vampire hunter tonight, and I'm not the only one. There's a bunch of angry men roaming these halls, and they won't think twice about piercing through your body with farming tools.?

?How about you?? Declan asked her, still keeping his guard up. She did give usually helpful advice after all.

Ellea stared into his eyes for what seemed like a thoughtful moment. When it was least expected, she ended the sword lock they so intimately shared. She gave him one more stare before she turned and would begin walking away in those short shorts. ?I can't kill you. You still have to get my sword back. Depending on whether it is returned or not will determine what I do with you,? She looked seriously at him. ?I will see you again soon.? She looked like she wanted to do something else, or say something else, but she did not. She left the courtyard.

?Why? What do you have to do!? He shouted after her and did give chase. Tile made a sickly transition into carpet that was in disrepair because of the moisture from the botanical life in the courtyard. The crossroads of the hall was reached and far less affected here and better lit by candlelight. But out of that shadow Ellea had gone through and into this only shewed that she had disappeared.

Declan took a hurried deep breath with looks down his four paths, each a contemplative glance.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 15:00 EST
Deep inside of what looked like a worship center stood many vacant wood benches divided into two lines. Between them had been Armand. Here the harpsichord sounded clearer and closer than anywhere else in the castle. It played still. Its melancholic melody comforting him while he gazed up to neighboring crucifixes facing one another from chained positions. On one had been the nailed torso of a man long in his skeletal form, and on the other had been the same of a man's lower body.

In one swift move, Armand unleashed from inside his cloak with both hands, curved blades, and they did fly out and meet with the chains holding each crucifix back. Two chains still held, and they would be the ones that would swing the large structures through the air and against one another where they collided. They did this once and again before they fell to the front of the hall where the many benches faced.

Armand Belgarde took casual strides up the many but thin carpeted steps to the stage space where this now wreck lay. ?You told me to let you sleep in the Melodic Necrosis until the day the Mizers returned for you. They are here now, storming our home.? He picked up one of the curved swords and stood over the decayed anatomy of a crucified man.

He sliced open his very hand and held it out over the body. All over did he glisten and pour his crimson life force, even when the body started to clumsily contort, or try to contort steps closer to the world of the living again. What gruesome details followed were cracks and snaps and rushing waters that clotted and clotted still and reformed as flesh. Tearing wrists and feet off the cross, a soon naked man panted naked on the lectern carpet and tried to process where he was with a brain that was only moments ago disassembled.

?Dust off your armor, Father.? Armand said.

The eldest Belgarde, Viszlat, parted his lips where vampire teeth subtly peeked, and looked at his son.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 15:09 EST
Parts of the castle the villagers had not even suspected had engaged them in combat. A large hit to their numbers had been nearing the Skullery Museum where the many kitchen appliances impaled themselves within persons.

A great battle had broken out between a Mizer and a Belgarde. Linus Mizer and Basil Belgarde. Two bloodlines that could not have been more appropriate to clash. Armand and Blake were much more diplomatic, but even they agreed in this that dialog was closed. The Mizer Mace, given to Linus by his father, Leslie, did combat with Basil's sword.

?Vampire scum! Be gone from this land!?

Basil snapped for his exposed mace hand with his only remaining weapon being his bite, and the vampire hunter's hand smartly withdrew and transformed into a fist to glide across Basil's face. Mizers were prepared for anything. They had to be. Their enemy was the unliving. One such advantage posed itself when disconnected slashes swung from the still sword Basil held. Linus was forced to retreat with a vibrating mace that stung his grip.

?You are not fit to feast upon. You'll bleed out this night, and you'll remain that way. There is no superior existence waiting for your corpse, Mizer.? Basil threatened right back.

Men all around were screaming. One did crawl backwards away from the sight of already bloody kitchen cutlery that had presumably fileted someone already. His shrieks were silenced by a sound indicative of much strength that behind the stabs of knives that had no one holding them. Indeed, the bulk of the mob was still somewhat together. But a large enough number of the initial raid had broken up and fled throughout the house. Not everyone was fit to keep their cool under this sort of pressure.

Declan had been trying to find his way back, and hearing a person, he made to catch up to the sounds. Turning down a hall, he saw a terrified man who had also realized him. He ran for Declan with a pace increased from what it had been, and when he met him, he shoved into and past him. Declan could only give a shove back to lessen the assault to his own balance. He disliked what was going on at present, but being lost was not where he would like to be, either. Whatever this was going on, he assumed he might have some voice in it, but that remained to be figured out. He would only know if he was in the situation, and being lost was not helping.

Planning to move straight ahead instead of down the choice of another hall, the Sword Named Liam shook in his grip, alerting him strangely again. He looked down the hall before deciding it was best to go down it.

Everyone's attention was gathered when a thundering voice shook the very walls of the Belgarde Castle. Declan placed a hand on the wall near one of the dozens of empty bedrooms. Blake Mizer gazed up from the railing on the fourth floor, and Linus and Basil halted their duel to regard this voice.

?Who invades my castle?!? Viszlat Belgarde's magnificent voice boomed.

No one dare reply to him for fear of the repercussions. It was that intimidating.

?My minions, cease your defense of the castle!? He shouted again, and all floating objects froze perfectly in place.

?What is this?? Blake quietly whispered to himself. He began to race down the stairs to the first floor again. His search of the senior Belgarde apparently over.

?You mortals dare invade my home and threaten my family and deface my possessions. An unforgivable trespass. Your souls will wander these halls lost long after I remove them from your mortal containers. I will curse your houses so, your lines will end with your sons falling ill of madness and mindlessness until they take their own lives. You will regret the moment you set foot upon this land, and you will beg me to end your pain a thousand times before you feel the worst of my punishment!? Viszlat did not need to shout, his normal voice accomplished this for him with the added echo of the open space.

He was in sight now. Nothing horrific, no, not unless you knew who he was. He was fully himself once again. He was dressed in armour of yellow and blood red and a black cloak with a very blood red interior. In his hand he held a frightening sight. It was four teeth, long and sharp and of a dirk's length. They were polished and only slightly curved. The fangs of his father, Magnus Belgarde. All of his fingers wore these save for his end finger. This hand gripped the railing and he did look down at this gathering of intruders.

Silently and in anger, Blake had listened to this. But there was a small bit of him that was glad to hear who it had been. The Belgardes were his enemy, but it was Viszlat that had made him who he was. It was Viszlat who killed his father.

?Hm.? Viszlat appraised this threat. It was as he thought. But he'd keep that to himself for now. He released the railing and walked the short distance over to Ellea who had been seated in a very comfortable looking couch. ?How was that little performance?? He asked.

?Over-the-top. But it was cute.? She replied, crossing her legs.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-24 15:15 EST
?In many ways I dreaded this day. But over my years of sleep I have had time to reflect on what this day might mean. It is as I have always believed. Immortality is a curse. But perhaps it does not have to be so for my sons,? Viszlat said while he gave a serious stare to Ellea; a stare that made him sigh and smile. ?Death comes with your pretty face, Ellea. Depending how you look at it, it is either a good thing or a bad thing. Tonight I think, it is a good thing. I wish you luck in the future. I know you have big plans. Farewell.?

?You are one of my favorite vampires, Viszlat. It won't be the same here without you. I will miss you.? Ellea said, leaning her cheek onto her fist. That couch looked so comfortable; there was no reason to get up from it anytime soon.

Viszlat bowed to her as he would anyone he regarded with any great respect. He then returned to the railing and leaped it.

?This will all be resolved with one fight!? Viszlat Belgarde declared.


?Defenders of my castle. It's time to cease this slaughter, both within our walls and the land we share. The winner of this fight will determine whether we meld into the night, along with our black castle; or if we can share this country with one another. I call out for the champion of the Mizers! Let him do battle for our rite of a stake.?

It was Linus who pushed through the countrymen and walked around frozen furniture. The weapon of the Mizers, the vampire bashing mace with the stake for a pommel, was held low at his side while he came to stand before his enemy.

?You have everything in such order, do you not, child? You had hoped to find me, and you had hoped you would have been able to make it this far into our estate. But things are not as they seem. Everything has gone according to my planning. You did not really think you could put an end to the Belgardes? No, I do not think you thought you could do this... anymore than you thought you could keep the truth about your sister from your brother.? Viszlat said.

Linus was instantly off-guard.

?You cannot turn vampire hunters out of Mizer daughters, can you? No, it is best to not even have them at all. It makes things easier.? Viszlat carried on.

?What is he talking about, brother??? Blake arrived on the first floor. Linus didn't have anything to say. ?Does he know anything about Cynthia?!?

?Your sister didn't die, boy,? Viszlat answered him.

?Silence, Belgarde!? Linus roared.

?She is very much alive, still. I say that with the utmost meaning of the word. She lives here. She hungers still, she thirsts still, she has color to her skin, still.? Viszlat continued.

?What is he talking about, brother??? Blake asked so sadly. It seemed he had believed an entirely different story, and for much of his life at that.

It was when their attention was directed upward, beyond the chandelier and filling the space of the upper balconies and the space of the rafters high up, that Blake began to piece together the puzzle he had had before him for so very many years.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-25 11:08 EST
The harpsichord had such a strong presence, but none stronger than the hallway where Declan had been guided. Returning to the warring countrymen and the animated castle paled in comparison to this alluring music. It was why he had decided to root out where it was coming from. Slowly, he placed his hand on the closed door, and then his other on the handle and moved it open rather fluidly.

Inside was a long hall-like room, paved in dark red carpet, and leading to the instrument of his journey with pipes that ran up the back wall. Seated before it was a woman of a beautiful brunette head of hair. Long and cumbersome, but expertly fashioned in a braid and well-managed. Declan approached her at a pace that would allow for some more of her music to be heard, but only this. He had to interrupt her, and she knew it as well.

She stopped playing.

Declan hadn't even extended his hand to touch her shoulder and alert her of his presence. He recoiled that action.

?I know why you've come.? Her beautiful voice spoke, though she did not turn around. Declan swallowed hard. It seemed he was the only one without a program to tonight's events.

?Maybe you can tell me then?? Declan asked.

She looked at him, though it seemed to toll some great distress to do so. ?News of your coming... you are the man who would wield the Sword Named Liam. When this would happen, a great man would lose his life tonight.?

Declan shook his head, going so far as to drop the sword into a noisy clangor upon the carpet. ?No one has to wield anything. Nothing's set in stone. You tell me what this is that's going to happen, and you can come with me, and we'll try and stop all this.? He held out his hand to her. But she refused.

?You do not understand.? She said.

?What is your name?? Declan asked.

?Cynthia. And you are Declan. I apologize. It is nice to meet you,? She wiped her tears, ?I was simply not prepared for this day.?

He looked at her in a serious confusion. ?How could you possibly have known my name??

?You are wrong, Declan. Everything here is set in stone; and I think there is something you should probably be doing.?

?Come with me. We can appeal these people.? Declan suggested.

?GO! And take your sword with you. I need to be alone. There is a funeral song that will need playing tonight.? Slowly, she began to turn back to her keys.

Declan retreated a step with her raising her voice. She had been so beautiful, but was so full of rage in that moment. He didn't know what to make of these emotions. He didn't know where they were rooted. He took the Sword Named Liam back into his hand and began to hesitantly leave the room where the sad woman played sad music. Once outside, he adopted a sprint.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-25 18:07 EST
Great magics did battle in the main lobby of the castle. The superior Mizer hunter, Linus, cast great likenesses of holy candles, rocketing on jets of holy blasts toward his foe. Likewise, Viszlat cast shadows made out of blood color; so deep and so thick that it did become night for some moments until he was either hit or Linus cast his powerful light upon it.

There were cheers among the many townspeople regardless of Linus' winning or not. Just seeing him attacking, or surviving, was good enough to cheer for. While this battling went on, Ellea had not yet moved from her seated position on that sofa upstairs. Her blackened blade neatly tucked against her, and showy legs traced upon by idle fingertips.

From down the hall, Armand Belgarde approached and looked over to her. ?It is a boring night??

?No.? She comfortably replied, closing her eyes.

?Just waiting for something then.? He need not ask. He figured it was either one or the other. Indeed, she nodded her head instead of answer him. ?We all have our part to play. My father is playing his, and it is time that I play mine. I'd rather not be here for this next bit. Excuse me.? He walked past her and continued across the balcony to the other side of the floor. Ellea's eyes only afterward opened to where he had been.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-25 18:09 EST
Vicious cuts were made from the grip alone that Viszlat seized Linus' throat in.

?You are defeated. There is much grieving that awaits your family and friends that will come along with your death, so I will spare your life if you take your people and go, never to intrude upon this place again.? Viszlat offered with the large razor fangs around his neck.

?You...bastard!? Linus hollered. ?I'll never agree to your terms. Better we all die here than risk a Belgarde ever coming and stealing another daughter... another sister from anyone, ever again!?

?Then... you'll have to die.? Viszlat began to cut deeper into the sides of his neck.

?Brother!!? Blake shouted. A breach of the private duel was made. The elder vampire grunted at having to fend off two opponents rather suddenly, but he met with Blake clash for clash even though he had come from behind.

?Coward!!? Basil shouted, rushing to assist his father. But he would not get that chance. Basil gasped at this next sight.

While Viszlat had fended off Blake, the injured Linus impaled him through the heart entirely with that stake end of his great mace. He was a strong vampire who could endure much, but one of the unchanging truths about vampires was that a stake through the heart would do it every time, and the Mizers had made a career out of being best at it.

Blue waves of a fire-like energy left the body of the fallen elder, something that returned the worry to the Mizer brothers. With the death of Viszlat Belgarde, both Armand and Basil moved up in power. The castle and its magic had officially changed owners. All of its servants had changed masters. The Mizer brothers never realized this fact more than taking in the sight of Basil Belgarde receiving the demonic strength into his own body; the strength of his father. It did not help matters that he was presently enraged.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-25 18:10 EST

Declan made great haste through the labyrinth of hallways. He traded the closeness to the harpsichord for the closeness of the battle, but he was still a private distance away it seemed. What would he do when he came into contact with someone who was ready to take his life, like Ellea had said? Like any of this, he wouldn't know until he was in the situation. Thankfully, things looked a whole lot easier up ahead. He may have just found his way back, and he may have found a way to make this all easier. Armand Belgarde stood waiting in his current path, and he made for him, waving.

?Armand! What's happened? I've heard all kinds of things. I found this woman; Cynthia...? He began, but he'd stop running and gaze on curious, and then frightened at the vampire.

He exuded that fine blue flame like a luscious smoke all the way from his black boots to his white hair. In each his hands a sword. One olden and similar to the Sword Named Liam, and the other sheathed in a pink scabbard. He held the latter out.

?The situation has changed, Declan. You want to know the history behind this blade? You'll have to fight me for it.?

?Just what is this?? Declan sharpened his eyes in the direction of anger.

?What has remained the same is that you need to stay alive. I don't think you'll be able to do that if you don't return this sword to its owner, and you definitely won't if you don't defend yourself against me now.? He replied before rushing off to meet with him.

Declan could barely gasp before he had to grasp the Sword Named Liam in a two-handed grip. The vampire raced toward him so elegantly. It was very awkward and difficult to predict where he would come from, but he did manage to parry him successfully.

?It seems everyone knows what's going on here but me. Maybe you'll tell me that as well if I beat you?? Declan growled into another offensive collision of blades.

?Like I said, just stay alive.? Armand calmly retorted.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-25 18:41 EST
The real battle had raged on back in the main lobby. Whatever you could have imagined happened, happened. The villagers had fallen like the vampire killers they weren't. All of them. Basil Belgarde left no man standing that wasn't a Mizer. In-fact, they were the only ones who had managed to survive this new and improved vampire. Both of them were able to coordinate now that it was an open brawl, and had met back up after avoiding one of Basil's high-powered attacks.

?How do we do this, Linus?? Blake asked, never taking his eyes off of Basil.

?It's quite simple, boys.? An attractive and feminine voice spoke from the stairs. ?You don't.?

The Mizer brothers curiously looked up to her, Blake with the more surprise than his brother. It was Ellea. Basil had been panting the hardest, but even he was beginning to calm and return his form to a much more human-looking appearance after hearing that voice.

Blake was the first to speak up. To some degree, he knew what Ellea was capable of. ?What do you mean??

?I mean what I say. I have no reason to say insincere things. It simply does not matter what you men's intentions are.? She said, coming up to the lowest most railing and gripping it with both hands, kicking back a leg slightly.

Blake only clenched his teeth instead of saying something. He figured doing that would have been dangerous. But Linus was not so afraid.

?I've been waiting long enough to pay these sick bastards back for killing my family... for stealing my sister away when she was still so young!!? Linus defended.

?This battle is over. You two will return home, and for this very specific reason: You will tell your small village, and its neighboring villages, that everyone but you two perished in this siege. You will also tell them of this new law... to never interlope on this land again.?

?I am not done. No... not until every stone is knocked down. Kah!!? Linus screamed as his mace turned red very briefly in his hands as it reached an impossible heat that turned it bright, pink and then smoking. The same for Blake's weapon. They both looked on in awe at this, and then at Ellea whose red eyes glowed that very color. Blake couldn't help but tremble inside his eye sockets.

?The vampire you just killed was a friend of mine, and you will honor his terms even if you do not like them.? She said eye-piercingly.

?Is that what we'll do...Ellea!?? This time Blake could not contain his anger. He clenched his teeth, and he clenched his fists. ?You sided with us, remember??

?I did. Things were more fun that way. But now I've had my fun. Don't be in such a rush to throw your lives away. Though you do not need it, it should comfort you to know that peaceful years now await all life on this planet. Will you help pave the road for this? Or will you defy me, and be forgotten forever??

Basil coolly stepped up, perfectly calm and recollected. ?The quarrel between you and my father ended with his demise. Yes, you have lost a sister, and my brother has gained a wife. But this was to happen regardless. It is a circumstance none of us have any control over,? He looked over to Ellea. ?A woman falls in love with who she falls in love with, and that is that. I will honor this peacetime... for however long it shall last. You may go.? Approvingly, he waved them off while he began to carry the remains of his father through the castle.

Blake was still angry. He did not have words ready yet, but he assumed he would make them in moving to follow him. What he would do when he reached him, he was unsure of. But his brother had grabbed his shoulder and stopped him before that happened.

?Blake... you do not remember Cynthia because I had told you she was dead. That was my failure. I disowned her for siding with the Belgardes. But I realize the truth now... I thought she was under their charm. I convinced myself that. But she was never so sure of anything in her life.? Linus said.

?So we go home? Move on with our lives? What is a Mizer who doesn't protect the night from vampires?? Blake asked.

?Yes. We go home. Yes. We will move on with our lives. We will find new professions.? Linus looked to Ellea himself, then. ?The night no longer needs protecting from vampires.? And he would begin to leave the castle, stepping over the dead.

Ellea placed her chin in her palm where her elbow perched that railing. She softly smiled and watched him go, and Blake slowly start to do the same. In an unnoticeable moment, the corpses of the dead were erased from the floor. Their blood vanished, and their weapons were gone.

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-25 18:44 EST
It seemed almost everything had resolved. But battle still waged on some places in the castle. Armand and Declan had moved into a cold storage space; a room containing powdered snow, glaciers and a murderous wind. 'How did this happen?' He wondered. 'Going down a hall... and moving through a door in this place is like stepping into new worlds.' Declan clenched his teeth. Armand continued to swing his sword down upon Declan's; in his other hand had been the object of his desire: the pink-blooded sword.

?You're not of the living. I don't even know what I am right now. For the two of us to be doing this... Is this really the best thing you can think to do at a time like this?!? Declan shouted.

?You're wrong about that first bit. It is worth touching upon here. You will hear me say no good things about eternal life. But I am very much a living being. I am warm. I have emotions. I laugh; and I suffer. You do not get to call me not of the living while I share these gifts and curses with you.? Armand said.

Declan fought a spell of shivering in this extreme cold.

?You have many enemies at this moment, and you are running out of time. Where I fail to draw blood, the cold is successful in freezing it. Hypothermia is your newest foe. The owner of this blade is your oldest. What will you do?? Armand again teased the sword, extending it to him.

?I am not certain... but I had better decide soon, hadn't I?? Declan grinned hopelessly.

On they sword-fought. Expensive trades were made paying the vitality of their weapons. They were not magic swords, at least not in this regard. They were wearing just like a man wears; with chips and cracks and scars. When they weren't clashing, Armand was observing Declan, and Declan was blowing hot breaths into the cold air.

'This is it. I've got him!' Declan thought. His eyes went wide with this discovery. He had swung right into Armand's sword and blocked it.

?Hmph,? Armand grunted with a grin. ?Don't think you've won this so soon.?

Realization settled in.

The second blade that Armand held, though concealed, was swung back suddenly. The damage it could do with his horrific strength might as well have been the unsheathed blade itself. No time for slow thinking. It was a time of action. When he was swung against, Declan redirected his blocking sword to puncture into Armand's shoulder and push him back however many steps until he'd lower that held back arm.

The vampire did open his mouth to moan deeply. The push away from their proximity removed the blade from his shoulder, and Declan resumed a cautious guard while his opponent checked his weapon with one of his two sword hands.

?Well done.? He tossed the sword at him. Declan caught it.

A dainty applause slowly began to play in the harsh setting.

?I can't believe you actually got it for me. My hero.? Ellea said with excitement adorn her face. ?But why don't we relocate to a warmer climate, shall we??

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-25 18:47 EST
Snap. The Dining Room.


Basil and the cook were joined by Ellea, Declan and Armand, the latter two of whom had a light coat of snow upon them. Because they were gathered around the same table did not mean that they were near one another. Basil exchanged a few words with the beautiful cook that could not be heard from their distance away. It was to be assumed he told her to go and see to something, because she left soon after.

Armand moved to rejoin his brother. The last time they had been together, their father was alive, so they had some things to talk about. Ellea had begun to move behind him, but stopped early on in this direction to look back at Declan who stood still.

?Is there something on your mind?? She asked.

All he did was look around. ?Tell me... is this place just that big, or weren't there people turning this place upside-down and tearing it apart just a little while ago??

Ellea smiled. So that was what was on his mind (for the moment, anyway). ?There were. But that's all over now. A lot's happened tonight... and a lot is going to happen. That means there are quite a few things to talk about. So what better than a dinner for conversation?? she stood before him.

Declan figured he'd take it one step at a time. He handed the pink-blooded blade out to her. ?Let's start with this then. The history of this weapon. It must be deeply tied with your own. Is it as bloodstained as it looks? What kind of person are you, Ellea??

She listened to his words with interested crimson eyes, but she held out a hand to push the sword back into him. ?It is. It is my sword. It is the weapon I was meant to use, and I am the one who was meant to use it. But... I would ask that you hold onto it.? That beautiful grin came upon her lips again. So many secrets she was keeping.
?A man needs a sword to keep near him, in this place or any other. That one is a strong one, like you are. When I need it, I will ask for it.? She gripped his wrist very tenderly and then released it.

Looking at the weapon, Declan took his first gazes into the depths of its detail. A pattern-like abundance of curving lines filled the golden hilt. They looked like clouds at first. But to zoom in, to gaze at longer, and in more detail showed this artwork to be of innumerable flames. Taking hold of the firm-fitting and ornamental hilt, he undressed the sword just a few inches to examine it. His eyes widened just a moment at a realization.

?It's double-edged.?

?Quite like me, or so I've been told,? Ellea replied while he slowly began to learn things around him; things about his new life, things about her. ?I can be reckless... but it is something I am working on. You may have seen that side of me already. Truly, that blade is too dangerous for me to ever be in possession of. All the more reason for you to keep it. If I need that weapon, then things have gone very wrong. The rest of the time, I have this one.? Indeed, she had been holding onto a sword of her own this entire time, the one and the same she had held when they had their battle earlier.

?If this is yours, then whose is that?? He asked.

She quietly grinned her sunken head into a loving and yet sad memory. ?It belongs to someone very special. It always has.? It was saddening for her almost, though she hid it well. Declan didn't wanted to bring up anymore questions about her life after that, seeing he had finally scratched somewhere sensitive for her; at least not yet, anyways.

?Will you tell me who that is?? He did manage to ask, and in such a whisper at that. This caught Ellea off-guard. Thus far, he hadn't relented or showed her any compassion, but it was here now. She was unprepared for it, and had to slowly transition from this surprise into consideration of his question, all of this done through the passage of her sparkling red eyes.

?Please,? Basil alerted the spacious dining hall. ?Have a seat.?

The Belgarde's words kept Declan unsure, but they served to provide Ellea with her answer to Declan's question: Later. She brought that sword up she kept and held it into her shoulder like a rifle at rest while she began to walk down some of the table. She seemed to regard the blade very endearingly in doing so. She would stop again for Declan.

?You're free to go where you like. But I believe dinner will be finished very shortly.?

He listened to how confidently she spoke of him apart of the revelry, and so soon after a castle siege within these very walls. ?Much as I might like to wander around, I don't think I'd like to risk stepping into another frozen wasteland.?

She heard him say this and watched with such hungrily surveying eyes, like that of a scholar on safari observing a beast she'd never seen before. Processing his words, their meaning, their intention, she pieced together what she thought he had said and meant. She giggled very earnestly. ?I won't say that the secrets of this castle are all harmless ones. I will not even say this room is safe. But at least I am here, and you're welcome to sit next to me, if you like.?

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-01-31 02:06 EST
Sitting across from Ellea, Declan followed many of the same gestures she had taken. He sat the sword he was entrusted against the table beside his chair, just like she had, and made notice of his glass of wine that was intended for him. Basil and Armand both sat at the great table's end chairs, and soon enough the four of them were accompanied by the castle caretaker: Maximilian Kovonos, a beautiful raven-haired woman, and upon speaking, she revealed vampire fangs of her own.

?Dinner is served,? she said.

A suckling pig was brought out and brought a vivid liveliness to the table's emptiness. Many dishes were brought out, far more than four people could ever eat. But it was expected of any meal prepared in Belgarde Manor. There were plates of bread with cheese, leg of lamb, potatoes and cabbage, and several dessert dishes, notably a gorgeous dish of ginger pudding that had a magnificent presentation.

?Hmm...? Declan quietly grunted.
He was not going to deny the awkwardness or discomfort at this dinner play he hadn't received so much as a bulletin to. He found the arms of his chair frequently grabbed and himself shifting regularly each time a curious thought remained unanswered here. Questions needing asking and needing it soon, he wondered if it was worth waiting a few moments longer or risk something else horrible and unexpected happening.
Armand and Basil rose from their seats then, prompting his follow of their gaze to the entrance behind his chair where their final dinner guest entered fashionably late: the performer upstairs, Cynthia. She approached the table, dressed wholly different from what Declan had seen her playing in. This was a much more formal and extravagant evening dress. He curiously watched her approach the table.

?Hey, you're ? ? Declan's tongue got caught in his throat. He wasn't sure what it was he wanted to say.

?Ah, my Beloved...? Armand spoke up after him. He rose to take Cynthia's hand beside him and escort her down into her chair; only then seating himself again.

?The fighting is over, now and forever. Let us commemorate this occasion with this fine feast. Castle Belgarde is and was always meant to be a sanctuary. It is welcome to those of you who would stay here... however long you would stay. An invitation I extend to you, my friend.? Armand held up his glass of wine to Declan. ?Welcome, to Castle Belgarde.?

Maximilian, the castle caretaker and preparer of tonight's feast, only ventured to the side of Cynthia Belgarde, adorning a plate far too fine to eat upon with the various things on the table that she pointed out for her. Interesting as her automatic and emotionless eating was ? as though this was done on average more than once daily ? it was not as interesting perhaps as this fact: she was the only one eating.

Armand had the best seat at the table, a somewhat contradictory statement when his brother Basil's seat was identical and just on another end, but their guests sat closer to his end and within earshot. He sat seated almost boosted in his chair that was blanketed by the thick cloak he wore, sprawled-out comfortably to the side of his chair he leaned. A thought weighed on his mind, a step ahead of the obvious one that he read on Declan's face. His fingers slowly entertained his lower lip in case he decided not to speak up on what he saw, but his hand did lower and he decided against the silence.

?Go ahead, Declan... You are curious about something, are you not?? Armand asked, uniting their gazes to one another. He awaited his response, whether he gave it to him with or without speaking. Seeing that he had not yet put it together, he snapped his fingers and summoned Maximilian to his side.
?Maximilian, prepare a plate for Declan, please. He must sample the suckling pig.? His fingers slowly curled again about his mouth as he resumed watching Declan, unblinking and totally focused.

The unused plates stacked at the table were accessed by Maximilian when she reached the center of it. Ellea watched her make the journey with a particular interest showing in her grin that her deep wine glass hid only so well. A cut of meat was given to one of the plates and she soon set about bringing it around to Declan's side. When it was laid before him, he could only stare at Armand and Ellea.

?We know what you are... It's time you know,? Armand told him.

?Go on,? Ellea quietly said, supporting him as if, without this, he might still suspect her of some measure of foul play.

No more. He decided to risk it and reach for his plate and pinch off a piece of the meat. Like a pill he knew would be bitter, he paused with it before his lips, but he did place it in his mouth. The result was instant within him, but he hid it on the outside very calmly. He felt the need to prove to himself that he was who always knew he was, and he liked to eat. He forced himself to chew onto that which everything within him told him not to, save for a memory of his now outdated self-image. He frowned, removing the bite and placing it back on the plate.

Basil had been watching him, his pointed fingertips silently tapping on the table's edge with great interest. He grinned more as Declan's eyes foretold his doubt and then his lost look that mingled with a defensive anger. He understood that whoever would speak to Declan now had best do so very carefully.
?It is a very human craving to eat,? He began, sounding very much like an observer. ?I sometimes wish I had a taste for the things that can be nurtured and harvested on this planet. But being dependent on it is something I am glad I am not.? Basil sat back in his chair comfortably. He held onto his glass of wine, but he would rather swirl it in his wrist than do anything else with it.

?It is not the first thing you've learned about yourself tonight, is it, Declan?? Armand asked softly. ?It is really quite simple. Anything mortal... is dying. From their fingertips to their limited number of heartbeats... nothing will change man's fate. Only sustenance can delay death's touch, but it is seconds only in our time... in your time.? He stared critically at him before drifting his eyes calmly back to Cynthia.
?Cynthia is still a mortal woman, but that will change when she is ready to join the night.? He reached for her briefly with his ghastly pale hand of long nails before laying it on the table there.
?It makes having Maximilian's cooking skills very useful in the meantime, which I think makes her happy. It is only a small pity that she does not emote her opinion of the foods as well as the good chef might like in order to improve those skills.?

?For that, I am sorry,? Cynthia quietly apologized.

?It is fine, Beloved.? Armand squeezed a telling adoration into her hand while she resumed eating, rather void and livid.

?Declan,? Ellea spoke up, quite teasingly. ?Did you enjoy the events tonight??

He looked up and across the table at her with time enough to rap his fingertips on the smooth tablecloth. He looked to Basil, who was watching the wine in his glass swirl, he looked to Cynthia who acted detached from the situation and he looked to Armand who was rolling his thumb over her hand while curiously awaiting his answer.

?I think I've put together what it is you were trying to do: stabbing me through the heart to let me gauge my longevity, bringing me here to show me the vast reaches beyond the only home I've ever known, and fashioning a murderous string of events together which led to this dinner I just learned I can't eat. My own reasons aside, I can't be the only one who is not in a mood to ?enjoy? anything right now, what, with the death of your father and all.? Declan tested the waters with the Belgardes, not wanting to speak genuine concern over Armand or Basil's coping with their father's death until he was sure this dinner was not a continuation of Ellea's design.

Armand quietly evaluated, sparing a glance to Ellea who looked very calm. ?We knew what our father was doing, as he did. To understand his death, you must understand this: for him, his immortality was a curse. He foresaw a lasting peace with the humans here in his death, and he proudly gave it, and my brother and I are proud of him, but more than that, he can truly rest now. It is fine if you do not understand right away. Nevertheless, you have mine and my brother's thanks for assisting in the defense of this castle.? He stared at him so as to make sure the gesture's authenticity could be read.

?My father's age came as a great shock to my brother and me when he inevitably disclosed it. Needless to say, he has existed far beyond what he rightfully should have, so there is nothing for us to grieve. We have his name and his memories still, and the castle itself has far more of him, so I would not even call his passing absolute,? Basil admitted.

Declan continued down the path of the listener. The brothers' explanation had only paved the way to more confusion but at least seemed to answer that their affection for their father was veritable. With some of the night's questions answered, this brought him back into his mind where the larger questions still awaited answering, and they all centered around the blonde woman red of eyes beside of him. By the time he'd become conscious of his pondering, Ellea had already read it on his face and taken the initiative.

?If you are done with dinner, Declan,? a grin, ?I will show you to your room. You must want some privacy.? Despite not eating a bite of food or sipping even a drop of wine, Ellea politely wiped her mouth with a napkin so positively white it could have been a holy man's cloth, and took her time laying it down perfectly.

Declan stood and dropped his own napkin on the table because it had wound up in his lap when Maximilian had served him. He laid his hands down on the edge of the table for just a moment.
?If you'll all excuse me, then.? He utterly plainly, noting the others were even more aware of his sarcastic table manners than even he was, but that was fine. He felt he was allowed to be a little cross after what he had been through tonight, and began to leave the dining room with Ellea rounding the table to join him.

?Thank you for all of this trouble you went to, Max.? Ellea gave her unnecessary thanks to the cook, excusing herself, and cutely running to catch up to Declan with the sword he'd left behind. ?Hey. You're not supposed to leave this behind,? she cutely warned, and he did uninterestedly accept it, still walking.

?I didn't mind, Lady Ellea.? Max bowed her head quickly to her before bouncy blonde's quick pace took her out of the dining room.

After they'd gone, a long pause was shared by Max and the others. Armand ultimately sighed, smiling pleasantly.

?Is there something amusing that I missed?? Basil asked, gripping his masculine hand around the carven beast's head at the end of his armrest.

?I would try and find a way to help yourself remember our new tenants as they are now. I have an intuition it will be a fond memory in the future,? Armand replied.

Basil seemed analytical towards that. He smirked and returned to his brooding slouch; the priceless cape he wore, elegant and meticulously tailored, wrinkled to the abusive and careless negligence. He steered his eyes towards the woman he wouldn't have guessed would speak so soon. Armand and Max even looked her way.

Cynthia was staring at the empty hall connected to the dining room when she spoke. ?His heart is in turmoil because he does not know what life awaits him now. Everything is unknown. But what little is known, is that there is no turning back.?

Ellea Cainn

Date: 2012-02-01 03:36 EST
It was strange holding onto Ellea's sword for her; he found himself still clinging onto the thing, even though he had been alone, and alone for quite some time. The room he was in was an inviting one. He did feel that sense from it at least. Why was it so easy to relax on the same eve of so much blood-spilling in the very same halls it had happened in? Well, perhaps because there was no blood to speak of. There were no corpses. There were no traces of a battle at all.

Emotionally, however, the traces had been there. The loss of a family member: a father. Declan didn't understand vampire emotions, but he assumed they were grieving in their own way. Could they really be that different? Perhaps his death hadn't really settled in yet. Perhaps they would never be bothered by it at all. Whatever their reaction, their coping mechanism, it would keep him pondering. It was the only thing that prevented the total peace of mind he felt in his chamber; that, and this great mystery his life had become. But that was too big to solve in one sitting.

Over by his bed had been a platter with small cups, saucers and a still scolding pot of green tea upon it, not like he could drink it. He looked back at the strange sword that Ellea had entrusted to him. Its mysteries surrendered no clues no matter how meticulously he analyzed it. He refused to show it any further attention for the moment, rising from his bed where he had been studying it. He wanted so fresh air, and so headed for the door, leaving the sword beside it like some walking stick before opening it. It must have been late in the night, he noted. Not only was it after the master had retired, but it felt late, and being late, he assumed everyone had gone to bed, which made the castle halls very appealing. Being alone in that room was medicinal enough, but having fresh air to breathe and space to wander around and stretch your thoughts was entirely more appropriate.

The room he was given was on the second floor. He could have just as easily walked up the stairs from a room on the first floor and looked over the balcony, but it was nice to have it right outside his door. His forearms were given to the railing and his hands held one another. His eyes wandered about the deep halls and statues and corridors sensing the unwelcome atmosphere of the place, but the castle was vast it contradicted that by offering so much privacy.

A door opening had not been heard, but its closing certainly was. He looked down the hall and at the door some way down that neighbored his own. It was Ellea, and she looked far different than he ever seen her previously. Apart from being in a gown somewhat transparent, her hair was down, and he was reminded just how long it was, extending past even her backside.

?Are you having trouble getting to sleep?? She asked, approaching him.

Only when he'd noticed that one of his hands was removed from the railing did he realize he was on guard. His distrust of her was surely obvious with this, and it only slightly seemed to alter the mood of their meeting, but he did ease and make space for her to join him at his overlook of the lobby.

?What are you still doing up?? He counter-questioned, very softly.

?I couldn't get to sleep either.? She pouted with an adolescence about her, dropping her arms onto that railing and sending an unrestrained bust to loom as it pleased with the utmost freedom within that neglige. It was impossible to not notice. He did decide, though, to adopt a similar lean over the railing and listen to his instinct. Being aggressive with finding out what all this was; why he was here, what he was doing, what she was doing... it hadn't helped in the past. Instead, he'd go a simpler, calmer route.

?You're full of mysteries, Lea ? ? He'd begin. Ellea gasped right at that name-calling. She'd lived such a very long time; told a great many people her name, but she had never been called that before. No one had ever abbreviated her name or altered it in such a way or referred to her any other way than formally. It earned him such an awe-stricken look, and he even didn't know what to make of her reaction, but he would try to continue. ?I try to wonder what my life would have been like if you never stepped into it. It would have been better I think, but I don't know.? He sighed hopelessly, closing his eyes.

She observed him, smirking as a conveyance of some comfort. ?There's a great deal you require answers for, I know. Okay.? She placed her hand over his. ?I'll tell you everything.?