Topic: Sweet Sin and Dark Magick -Closed-

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-21 19:11 EST

It was late in Citadel Raithmoore, Anatar stood there with Madeline near the exit of the citadel?s archives, or library. It was just the two of them, Kuchiki having left some time ago for her quarters, and Darcel not too long afterword. They spoke for a short time, idly conversation, small talk to kill time, and then Anatar agreed to show Madeline to her new room. He was relatively quiet as he exited the archives, waiting for her to do the same so that he could close their massive obsidian doors. Then Raithmoore turned, and headed down the hall. That part of the hall was one of perpetual twilight. The walls, floor, ceiling, everything, was the color of the sky at twilight, with a few dots of silvery stars, and what looked like rays of the sun running through the atmosphere, creating a myriad of pale pinks, oranges, and other warm colors.

?You?re room will be in the Catacombs, its only fitting for one such as yourself. Everything you?ll need during your stay can be found there, but you are welcome to explore and browse about at your leisure.? Raithmoore informed Madeline as he led her through the hall of twilight and into the next hallway, one of white walls, and paintings of heroic figures in the throws of a bloody battle. From then on out, he was silent, making no sounds as he walked down the long hallways and stairs, to the ground level and antechamber. Once there, he stopped before the large stone tablet that had a depiction of a weeping willow tree. He murmured three words under his breath, and silence followed.

The silence was broken by a low rumbling that seemed to come from somewhere below the pair?s feet. A low vibrating hum rose up to their feet as a spot in the ground before them slowly opened up, sliding away to the left, revealing a staircase that led down into pitch black darkness beneath the citadel. The Catacombs. Raithmoore walked over to Madeline, and whispered into her ear, his breath icy cold against her neck. The words whispered were the command words required to open the passage to the area below.

?Commit them to memory my dear Madeline, and repeat them to no-one.? Raithmoore said as he backed away and turned for the hole once more. ?Now then, your room awaits,? he bowed a low sweeping bow while gesturing to the hole and staircase beyond with a hand. ?After you my dear,? Anatar said to Madeline, bidding that she should go ahead, so that he did not hinder her vision when first entering the Catacombs.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-21 20:21 EST

There she stood. Deathly pale frame sculpted out of perfection wearing a rather form fitting black silk night gown along with a black sheer robe over it. Black silk slippers adorning dainty feet. Her raven tendrils freshly brushed and hanging loose and free trailing all the way down to her waist. A timeless beauty. Dangerous sweet sin.

Those hauntingly beautiful dark pitless pools of hers slowly absorbing everything. Eating whatever light that managed to reach them. Full lush bright ruby red lips parted to let a barely audible sigh escape. For those with keen ears the sigh sounded like a moan of pleasure or a cry of pain in the dark. Those lips then curled into her ever present mad grin.

No words were uttered as she followed him. Soon falling into step right beside him. A lock of dark hair falling in front of that youthful face. The face that many had worshipped and wept over. Pale digits reached to tuck it behind her ear. Her arm brushing alongside his body. Such a gesture would be considered most to be casual. However many eons of walking this realm and others Madeline?s moves were carefully calculated and done with a purpose.

Into the Twilight Hall she followed him. Eyes widening just a tad as she ate in the sights before her. Committing all to memory, ?It is lovely.? She breathed as she let her gaze linger and enjoy all before her. That mad grin falling into a smile that was an echo of the girl she was long ago.

She gave a slow nod to his words, ?Why thank you, my lord. I greatly appreciate it. Hardly anyone anymore would want to put up with an old vampire as myself.? She said with a hint of amusement and girlish laughter.

Silent as Death she followed him into the white hallway. Once more her eyes taking everything in and committing to memory. She paused here and there for the briefest of moments to admire a painting here and there. Lips curling into a small smile. However she didn?t fall behind.

Her gaze wandered over the tablet. Briefly wondering to herself what sort of enchantment and magic was upon it and how old it was. Tilting her head to the side curiously as she watched him whisper some words to the tablet. Then the puzzle was solved as the silence was broken and the ground was opened up before them. Her gaze moving to the darkness below before snapping to him as he moved towards her.

Inwardly she shivered when she felt his icy breath upon her neck. Though she was more than a friend to coldness she knew that she had not shivered from the cold. It had been more than enough years since she had had that sort of a reaction from anyone. She would ponder on this later on. She gave a nod that she would indeed commit them to memory. And she was oh so clever at keeping secrets.

She gave one last lingering glance to him, her face that pleasant mask, hiding all the questions buzzing in her mind. Once more no words were spoken as she lifted the hem of her skirt all ladylike as she slowly stepped into the abysmal darkness that was before them.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-21 20:55 EST

He watched her silently, with a completely passive expression as she started into the pitch black of the Catacombs. Then, just as silent as she, Raithmoore started off after her. Behind her, he studied intently, reading with his own considerable power, how strong she may be, not just physically mind you, but in other ways. He liked to know as much as he could about people, before doing much else.

His eyes didn?t need time to adjust to the pitch black darkness of the catacombs, a darkness that was only defined even more, by the sound of the entrance overhead sliding shut. His steps were silent and firm against the stone staircase beneath his feet, unfaltering in his resolve, despite the stifling air, unending darkness, and the constant echo of breathing and underground winds bouncing their way toward the pair.

?I hope the lack of light won?t be a problem, I assume you can see well enough without it. Am I correct in this assumption?? Raithmoore asked Madeline as he walked behind her, keeping just a step or two away, remaining fairly close to her, some might consider it too close. It was all calculated; all meant something, and all involved learning.

His dark robes were the only things that made sounds with his passing, as the material whispered with movement and brushed against the steps and walls around them. He waited patiently for the answer to his inquiry, as viridian eyes, cold as the harshest of winter storms, tore through the air, focused on the path before them, before her, and on her.

He knew he had an effect of some sort on her; he sought to learn more of that effect, so that, if it became necessary, he could use it to his advantage. Plants, plots, wants, needs, ideas, wishes, and much more all roamed through his mind as they made their steady descent toward the deep darkness beneath Citadel Raithmoore, to lord knows where.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-21 23:43 EST

Truth being she was powerful. Very powerful indeed. But like most women she was modest. And hid it very well. However she felt the gentle probing at the back of her mind of his slight intrusion. She chuckled low in her throat and allowed her shields to come crashing down. Those lesser than her would choke on the power and writhe on the floor begging for it to stop. Those who were slightly beneath her or equal to her would either bathe, tread, or simply ride the power. It was a glorious feeling. Tendrils of power flowing over him with seductive whispers and intimate caresses.

She would only let it go on for a few moments before locking her shields in place. Lest he know too much of course. A lady did not kiss and tell. The darkness appeared to her brighter than any day. Her black pools needing not to adjust at all. She smiled at what she saw before her. The hem of her gown held delicately in her hand. Slippers and the soft material of her gown whispering against the walls and steps as she walked.

She found the winds to be quite soothing. Closing her eyes as she let the breeze kiss her face. Smiling to herself in the darkness. Upon hearing his words she shook her head, ?No, not at all. The darkness does not impede my vision at all. So yes, you are correct in this assumption, darling.? She said in that soft girlish tone of hers.

It was here in the darkness and silence, save for the whispering wind, that she did ponder on the effect he had on her. Maybe it was the power that attracted her. Or maybe it was the fact she saw the same darkness in him that she herself carried. Or maybe it was the fact that after so long someone of interest had came along.

She was not a woman of casual lusts or feelings. Ages of watching and waiting in the world had taught her to be very careful and guarded of such things. She could not even recall the last time she had fallen in love. She remembered the first time. It was with the one who had made her. Of course he met his end at her hand after betraying her. Pitiful fool. Since then she could count the number of times on one hand where she had loved freely. After those failed incidents of such a pathetic feeling she had become cold and calculated. Always distancing herself. Always detached.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 00:27 EST

He closed his eyes as well, not because the wind felt nice or soothing to him, but because he was taking in the full measure of her power, or at least, as much as he could in the short time he had access to it. He let it wrap around him, tendrils of it seeming to almost caress him like a mother?s loving embrace. Raithmoore and power got along you see, it liked him, he liked it, and it was mutually beneficial. When she had lifted her shields, his eyes opened, the viridian hues actual alight with the faintest of glows, his smirk all the more curious and wicked.

?This is good to hear, I?d hate to have to light the way with torches, and they really do detract from the look and beauty of the place.? He replied as his smirk slowly faded back into an expression of blank and calm stoicism. Truly, he detested light, hated the sun, hated keeping the citadel so well lit, but with Kuchiki, Darcel, and possibly more coming along, he had to accommodate.

He pondered once more the effect he seemed to be having on her, hopefully it would be an easy thing for him to figure out and harness, after all, the faster one learned about one?s effect on people, the easier it was to make them docile. These thoughts whirled through his head, and were accompanied by a wicked, albeit brief smirk once again. If it was some sort of lust or love thing, it would be mildly amusing to Raithmoore, who had gone so very long without any such emotions or feelings. Indeed, the only person he was truly attached to these days, was his servant Ishtar, and that was only because of the long amount of time he had spent with the woman, it was a fatherly affection, if anything at all.

The staircase went on for some time, curving in a subtle spiral downward some several hundred feet below ground. Finally, when they reached it, they would find themselves standing in a short and wide hallway, with a large set of double obsidian doors at the end. Macabre images painted the stone walls, depictions of death, undead, war, plagues, fire raining down on villages, vampires, liches, evil dragons scouring the lands. On the doors were two symbols, the right hand door was that of a skull, seemingly dipped in blood and pressed against the structure, then on the right was a bloody hand print. Both gave of the faintest of crimson glows. There was a whispering in the air, a dark and incoherent speech, the subtle utterance of incantations, necromancy was at work here, the undead reigned supreme.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-22 00:55 EST

She could not help but ponder on what he had seen when she lowered her shields. Most saw her memories. The horrid things she had done in the past through her eyes. Felt the brushes of the emotions she experienced. The pleasure in draining a peasant child dry. Tasting the tears from when her first love had betrayed her. The sadistic fascination she had experienced while watching empires fall by her hand. The detachment of a god she felt to those who had worshipped at her feet and wept to see her smile.

Or he would simply feel the grade of her power. See the things she had done to acquire such power. The dark rituals she had participated in. Body pale as death dancing nude and free in the moonlight. Slitting the throats of trembling virgins that had willingly sacrificed themselves to their dark goddess. The whispered words of dark magic falling from those ruby red lips of hers. Offering herself to a dark priest for a small taste of his power.

Thoughts were shattered like the stained glass of a church window as she heard his words break into them like stones being thrown. A slow smile crept onto that lovely visage of hers, ?Yes. Sometimes the darkness will reveal things that cannot be seen in the light with the naked eye.?

She said softly as she gloriously ate in the sights before her. Yes indeed this place was suited for her. In more than one way. Memories of dungeons and dark dank places that she had once owned and been prisoner in flashed through her mind. However she pushed the memories back. That was something to think about another day and another time.

She was far from a docile person. At least not now. Never again would she be a slave to man. ?Oh but we all know such things are not true.? A voice in her head whispered full of dark snickers. She tilted her head as she listened to these voices and shook her head. No matter how cold, calculated, and detached she was she was still female. And being female cursed her with a heart. Even though that heart was encased in ice and stone it was not impenetrable. However she would use any slight of hand, any trick of the eyes, any evasion of clever speech to avoid such things.

Once they had reached the bottom of the stairs she let the hem of her dress fall. The fabric whispering against her smooth skin as she did so. She smiled faintly at the images on the walls. Walking over and lovingly caressing some of the images. She closed her eyes then. She could almost hear the screams now. In the back of her mind like a distant call of a lost lover. She opened her eyes then and eyed the door.

Soon that incoherent speech reached her ears. Her smile widening all the more. She felt it. Like a tickling to the back of her neck. A hand caressing her arm causing goosebumps to break out on the skin. The whisper of sweet nothings in the ear. Yes, it was there. Magic. Dark magic at that. The magic that coursed through her veins. For once she felt right at home.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 01:15 EST

Raithmoore watched her for a moment, and nodded a touch to her words. ?Truer words have not been said.? He replied as they made their way down. A hand lifted to brush along the wall, and with that subtle touch of his fingers, he felt a power surge into him with a sudden ferocity that was almost powerful enough to knock him back a step. Such was the strength of his home, such was its power.

He offered no words as he walked past, his own brush against her subtle and seemingly casual, just as her earlier one had been. But he too had lived a long time, he too had learned how to make such things seem to be nothing more than a mere act of chance and fate. Raithmoore?s silent and lithe strides carried him toward the set of doors before the pair, and it was there he stopped.

His hands were hidden in the folds of his cloak, but the garment was thrown out wide, cast over his shoulders so that he could extend his arms, palms up, toward the doors. A soft chanting escaped his lips, picking up on time with the incoherent words that had drifted through the air. With these words, the skull lit up first, and the chanting grew louder, but it wasn?t his words that picked up, it was the incoherent ones that were drifting toward their ears.

Afterword, more chanting came, followed by a lighting of the hand-print on the other door, which was accompanied by the low sound of a hand banging on metal with a steady rhythmic beat. Finally, the chanting ceased all around, save for the quiet, and once again incoherent whispers that drifted through the air.

The center of the two doors, where one met the other, had lit up with a skull and a bloody hand-print on its forehead, then with a deep grating sound, the doors opened, revealing more infinite darkness beyond.

?My dear Madeline, welcome to The Catacombs.? Raithmoore said as he bowed to her, and gestured with one hand down the ceaselessly dark hallway before them. It seems the steady beating and chanting had once again picked up, or was it simply the fact that the open doors no longer hindered the sounds? Who knows?

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-22 01:54 EST

She smiled wickedly to his words. Nice to know someone agreed with this old vampire every once in a while. She watched as the power flowed through him and knock him back a bit. An amused laugh falling from those bright ruby lips of hers. Lips that have whispered sweet empty promises, lips that have pressed against millions of necks, lips that have ordered the deaths of many mortals in her name.

Though it had attracted her greatly. Power was something that called to her. Beckoned her with sweet nothings. Dangerous kisses. Sinful caresses. Yes, power was something she would bow for. Something she would crawl on her knees for. Something she craved. Something she wanted. Power was what coursed through her veins. Along with magic. Along with whatever it was that made her live all these long years cursed with the hunger for what courses through a mortal?s veins.

She smirked as she noted the casual gesture. It amused her greatly. It was refreshing to have a worthy opponent to play such games with. Something she had not seen in a long while. Silently she observed him as he opened the doors. Chuckling low in her throat at his dramatic gestures. Was such a show for her? She dimly wondered. ?No of course not you fool. Everything is not about you you know.? That snickering voice whispered in her mind. She pushed the voice away as she continued to observe him. Ages of walking on this world and she had gone slightly mad from the past behind her and the power she had obtained over the long years.

Silent steps carried her forth to stop beside him. Readjusting her robe her arm brushing along side him once more. Again another calculated move that would most of the time be shrugged off as chance. Oh how such small games amused her. It was a careful dance of batted eyelashes, sly looks, and suggestive smiles. Such things she learned over the years.

Then she curtsied before him bowing her head at the same time, ?I thank you for your most humble welcome Lord Anatar Raithmoore.? The words uttered with the utmost solemn tone. She stood up straight and turned on her heel to walk into the welcoming darkness beyond.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 02:29 EST

He smirked at her second brush as she stood beside him, then let his viridian gaze trail after her while she walked off. After a moment, he started off after her, this time deciding to take the lead himself, but not before brushing against her once more in a seemingly idle gesture.

?The first section of The Catacombs is known as the Tombs.? Sounded like your average underground cemetery didn?t it? Except for the sounds of voices, dances, music, screams of pain, cries of pleasure, a cacophony of different feelings and emotions radiated through the air. This was his true kingdom; this was the realm of the Lich King.

Their path was another hallway adorned with macabre images and gruesome scenes of death, but they fell away to a plain and smooth surfaced wall around them. After a few moments, the pair would reach a turn that hooked left and sloped downward just a touch. At the end of this tunnel, was the faintest of green lights, flickering like a flame, with shadows of what appeared to be dancers being cast on the walls.

As they reached the end of the tunnel they would find themselves not in an underground cemetery as its name suggested, but a sprawling and massive subterranean city, with tall buildings fashioned from stone, even some made from stalagmites that had been hollowed out for the use of the citizens. This city was not filled with any living thing, or at least, nothing breathed when it wasn?t talking. It was a city of undead, a necropolis, and the kingdom of Anatar Raithmoore the Lich King.

?Welcome to my kingdom, welcome to my true domain,? he said as he gestured around the city. The source of the sound was apparent, a festival was going on not too far away, with a large emerald green flame, and several undead dancing, singing, and beating to a feverish beat around it. Most of the city?s denizens seemed to be lesser vampiric creatures, and similar undead, perfectly preserved animated corpses, not zombies, not vampires, just undead.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-22 02:51 EST

She let out a girlish giggle. Full of innocence and tinged with darkness. Full of unspoken evil promises, ?Such petty and foolish games do not become us, My Lord.? She purred as she moved past him. In doing so an icy cold hand came to caress his dark handsome face. Giving him a positively delicious devilish smile then.

?The Tombs?? She repeated as she tilted her head to listen to the various noises and sounds that reached her hearing. She was slowly beginning to feel more comfortable and at ease. It was noticeable with the slight relaxation of the shoulders. Her movements becoming less and less cold and calculated. More bold and forward. Yes, she was in her element at this place. There was no place sweeter than home. And this place was the cherry on the cake.

Her gaze wandered over to the images as she smiled wickedly, ?Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. You have an eye for images that are pleasing to the eyes of one such as myself.? She purred in that honey thick voice of hers dripping with sweet sin. The green light reflecting in those dark pools of hers as she noted the shadows twisting and writhing.

She could not help but let out a small girlish gasp at the sudden sight of the city. ?Doesn?t this place remind you of home, Maddy?? That snickering voice whispered in her mind. For once she agreed and nodded though she knew the voice in her head could not see it. The voice quieted and seemed to be as curious as she was. Indeed it was quite a sight to behold. The city was beautiful to her. Breathtaking. Lovely. So many words flowed through her mind and after a moment she soon quieted the buzzing in her brain.

She sensed all undead in the city. Lesser creatures than her. But far more than what crawled on the land of Rhy?Din itself. She wondered if any of these creatures even knew of the land above. It would probably be best if they did not. Before she knew it her slippered feet began to carry her forth towards the sounds, sights, and smells before her.

The music moved with a beat that commanded one to move in tune with it. Like one had to dance to live, to breathe, to obey. Before she knew it her body was moving in lithe graceful movements to the music. A dangerous and seductive dance is what the music commanded from her. The spell breaking she stopped and dropped her arms. An almost embarrassed look coming over her face for the briefest of moments before that pleasant mask was slipped on once more.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 03:12 EST

He chuckled quietly at her talk of games and shook his head slightly. ?No, I don?t suppose they do, but even so, one must indulge every so often.? Raithmoore replied smoothly as he walked toward the sprawling underground city. ?I take it you are pleased with the sights?? he asked while glancing toward her.

She seemed to answer his question for him though, because by the time he had glanced toward her, she had been ensnared by the call of the beat, the festival going on below. This had him smirking in a very subtle way, a smirk that widened as she danced on in those provocative motions of her?s. She really was a sight, he?d have to admit it, stunning without a doubt, seductive, and seemingly innocent with wickedness that he knew lurked beneath that girlish exterior. Couple that with the sway of her hips in that dance and any lesser man would?ve fallen to his knees then and there, but Raithmoore was not easily swayed.

?I?ll take that as a yes,? he said with a smirk, which only grew at her evident, albeit brief expression of embarrassment. Yes, his city was powerful, yes they knew of the outside world, most of them had come from it, but they obeyed their lord Raithmoore without question, for it was he who gave them the gift of unlife, and he who built the sprawling city that they dwelled in.

?Come; let me show you around, of course you won?t be staying here in the Tombs. These are basically the slums of my city, there is a much grander level below this, where the Necropolis waits,? Raithmoore said as he started down a path that led into the spiraling and twisting streets and avenues of the city. All around undead creatures bowed and offered reverence to the pair, to Raithmoore, for being their master and savior, a god amongst them. And to Madeline, because she was in the company of their king, was one of them, albeit stronger, and flowed with beauty and power. They knew their place.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-22 03:49 EST

?Indulge yes?? She purred as she turned to look at him. A sweetly sinful smirk coming across her face, ?But an old soul like myself can only indulge for so long, darling.?

Yes indeed any lesser man would have fallen to their feet and offered themselves to her right then and there. But she knew him to not be a lesser man and was not at all surprised. Eons ago when she was still young she remembered being a slave girl forced to entertain under the cold detached and hot lustful stares of many mortal men and women. All who had met their fate by her own hand.

True she was mad beyond all help. Mad with power and from the demons of her past. However she always had made sure that they had gotten theirs in the end. That karma had gotten them. If there was one thing people could be sure of about Madeline it was that no matter what she always kept her word and she always got her revenge.

She let out that seemingly innocent girlish giggle tinged with dark tempting promise if one so desired it, ?Yes, yes, and yes a thousands times over!? She said as she spread her arms out wide and twirled about in a circle. Completely at ease. He was seeing the just one of the many sides of Madeline. A rare one at that. Face full of innocent laughter those eyes filled with dark thoughts she nodded, ?Yes, this place is positively lovely. I adore it. It has been ages my good sir since I have felt at ease in any place. To be able to just breathe and enjoy what is in front of you it something I have been longing for.?

She fell silent as she fell into stride beside him. Lips curled into a mad grin. Laughing darkly with glee. Eyes full of wonder and sinful promises. She felt like she was a girl again. Once more beside a companion and just simply drinking in the world. It was a glorious feeling. One she had been searching for. And here it was. Could it be true that maybe she had found a place to stay and actually enjoy herself for a while? She did not think too far ahead though. ?Remember caution, dear Maddy. Caution is our middle name.? That voice sneered. And she had to agree. It was best to calm down just a tad bit. Though this was the most excited she had been in ages.

Her gaze falling on the citizens of this lovely city before her. Noting their stares as echoes of the past flowed through her mind. How many times had she seen such fear, adoration, love, worship, and grimace from mortals that were mere dust? Too many times by her standards. However the looks brought on the same feeling they always did. Giving her the same motivation over and over again to become that dark goddess. To take reign as the evil queen. To be more powerful and more cruel than ever before. Yes, this was indeed a good place.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 13:10 EST

"When the limit of one indulgence has been reached, simply move on to another,? Raithmoore replied with a smirk as he tossed a glance her way. ?Indulgence, simply taking, using, and keeping, what it is you want, taking your desires and wishes, and granting each and every one of them,? he finished as he walked along, seemingly oblivious to the cries and calls toward them, seeming to be unaware of the offers of servitude and god like worship the denizens of the Tombs gave him.

It was with relative silence that he walked her through the narrow and winding streets and avenues that made up his undead city, buildings dotted the place left and right, large edifices paying homage to dark gods, dark heroes and warriors, and Raithmoore himself. There were shops, buildings, homes, people walking around left and right, seemed to be just an average city, only filled with the undead.

?The Tombs, as its name suggests, was once a large series of tombs in the Catacombs, filled with nothing but decaying corpses when I found it. As was the rest of the Catacomb, save for the bottom level, but that I think, is best left to be seen rather than explained,? he said with a nod. ?Oh, and you?d do well to not tell Kuchiki or Darcel of this place, especially Kuchiki, she?s difficult as it is.?

As he spoke, Raithmoore continued through the city, until he came upon a massive set of doors, that were once again, obsidian with the same symbols as the ones that had led them into the Tombs in the first place. No chanting or rituals were needed for his second set of doors, just an idle wave of his hand and they soundlessly flew open, revealing what appeared to be more empty darkness, accompanied by a small gust of cold wind.

?The Necropolis awaits,? Raithmoore said as he started down that infinitely dark tunnel, his steps silent against the stone ground, despite the armored boots that still sheathed his feet. This hallway, unlike the others before, was devoid of decoration, art, or anything of the sort, just plain and smooth walls of stone. The floor however, made up for that lack of d?cor, with even more images of death and undeath painting the ground beneath their feet.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-22 15:09 EST

She carefully eyed him. Smirking wickedly at him, ?Indeed that may be true but too much indulgence can lead to a world of trouble, darling.?

She purred in that dark honey thick voice of hers giving him a sly smile and a wink. She too paid no mind to the cries and calls that had reached her ears. Merely closing her eyes for a brief moment as she simply bathed in the noises letting the echoes of her past fill her mind. Through all of this she never faltered in her steps. Easily keeping up with him. It was not that hard. Ages of walking had been good to her. Despite the pain and misery that came along in her past.

She gave herself over to the wonderful sights that this glorious city had to offer. Simply taking it all in. It was wonderful. Glorious. It reminded her of her home in the past in so many ways it was sort of maddening. Faces of those she had crushed and hearts she had broken flashed through her mind. Normally she did not have flashbacks. Or normally she did not indulge in her past. But for some reason this city seemed to have the most strange effect on her.

His voice shattered and broke the trip down memory lane as she slowly and reluctantly turned to listen to his words. Smiling a soft girlish smile at him, ?Do not worry good sir. I will not utter one single word of this wonderful treasure to them. No need for you to worry at all.?

She said letting out a girlish giggle. It seemed that the ice around her heart was beginning to thaw just a little bit. Just a little. She already felt a fondness for this place. A place where if she was a mortal she could live out the rest of her days peacefully and willingly. But she was not mortal and there was never any peace in her world. Such was life to be cruel and sadistic to her.

She stopped beside him for a brief moment as the door before them flew open. A slight bounce in her step to show her obvious excitement for this wonderful place. Finally they were getting to the place she was most longing to see. She gave him that lovely smile that was a mere echo of the girl she used to be as she walked with him. Noting how the walls were devoid of all decoration. This made her frown for the briefest moment before she looked down and let out a cry. A pleasant surprise if any.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 15:25 EST

?Too true my dear Madeline, but without trouble, the world is a boring place, don?t you agree?? Raithmoore asked as he cast a glance toward her. ?I believe it is the desire to stir up trouble that keeps ones such as you or me, going. The want to cause chaos, to see trouble and watch how it is dealt with. Trouble, is the life?s blood of the world.?

He fell silent for a time after he had spoken, letting his words sink in, and deciding to let her think and process them however she pleased. He led her through the infinitely dark and long tunnel, which gradually went into a downward slope, moving deeper and deeper below the citadel and Tombs. ?We are nearing the Dark Gates,? he said after a time, deciding to break the silence. ?It?s past them, that you?ll see the Necropolis,? he finished with a small nod as two large structures came into view.

They seemed to be giant guard towers, with spiked tops and flying buttresses connecting the two. Guards clad in dark and ridged plate-mail walked along the towers, staring down at the road beneath them, making sure non who were not welcome, were permitted into the Necropolis. Behind the towers, was a set of gates, two great doors that reached from the floor to the very high ceiling, emblazoned with a skull that seemed to be flying through the air, over a city of undead, with a trail of green flames. A symbol of necromancy, the symbol of the Necropolis, City of the Dead.

In front of the giant doors, was a giant portcullis, its spiked bars driven deep into the ground, barring entry from outsiders. As Raithmoore approached, the guardsmen quickly went to work, turning the cranks that lifted the portcullis and opened the gates. By the time Madeline and Anatar would reach them, the gates would be open.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-22 15:48 EST

She smiled then, ?True, very true. A world without trouble and chaos would prove to be very boring indeed. For what is a world without a little destruction and disorder, hm? Well, it would not be a very well functioning world at all. There is no peace without chaos. No love without hate. No good without evil??

She had let her voice trail off then. Having gone into one of her mad rants once more. Something she was quite known for. But somewhere in that cryptic rambling a clear message did come through. Though what that message was and how one interpreted it was entirely up to them. Many thought her rants were a product of her madness but in reality they were a product of her genius. But one cannot be a genius without being a little crazy.

Indeed she had let his words sink in and that bit of rambling was her response to it. How quickly she absorbed simple words and processed them and give the correct response was amazing to some. She had learned tricks of all sorts in her long life. Tricks using clever words, a look in the eyes, or a simple pursing of the lips. Each and every move, gesture, and word carefully calculated before executed.

Though her excitement was growing. The city growing more and more pleasing to her eyes. She ate in everything before her with her eyes. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the whole vibe of this heavenly place. It was almost too much. Almost too overwhelming. Yes, that was it. She was feeling overwhelmed. Another emotion she had not felt in such a long time. She almost trembled in excitement for what awaited them. She felt like a little girl getting a birthday surprise. It was very odd considering she had not felt such things in such a long time. What sort of strange spell was this man and this place casting on her? However she managed to regain her composure as she pondered on such puzzling matters.

As the gates before them opened that pleasant mask of dark cold calculated eyes and lips curled into the ever present maddening grin returned. She then glanced at him and offered him her arm. It was his city after all. True she was a guest but she felt it only right to be his escort. Or to be escorted. Either way was fine with her. Whether or not he took the invitation was completely up to him.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 16:02 EST

He chuckled at her rambling and waited for her to finish as they neared the Dark Gates. Once there, he countered the offer of her arm, by instead giving his own up before he set off. It was another tunnel, much shorter than the previous one, without any light at the end.

?The Necropolis is the main section of the city. It?s where your quarters will be, where the temple lies, and where I spend most of my time.? Raithmoore informed her as he led her down the large and wide tunnel. A moment later, they had reached the end of the tunnel, to see the sprawling city before them.

The Necropolis looked like a great series of palaces and mansions all strung together into one giant city. Tall monuments to dark gods and goddesses dotted the streets, dark edifices to unholy beings. ?Welcome to the Necropolis,? he said as they started down the main road of the underground city of the dead.

Their path took them to a fountain, dead center in the city, right in front of a large and dark temple. The waters of the fountain were faintly luminous, giving off the lightest of green glows. Five streams poured in from five different directions, in the shape of a star, linking up to the fountain. Atop the fountain, was a beast with four legs that ended in clawed feet, a long tail that wrapped around the edge of the fountain, horns that curved up and backward and great wings. Its eyes were also a luminous green hue, making the stone monster appear to be a living creature. Perhaps it was.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-22 16:16 EST

She only smiled as she took his arm. Her free hand going to tuck the few locks of hair that had managed to stray away tucking them behind her ear. She knew that most people would have felt underdressed if they had arrived and received the grand tour like she had. But Madeline was completely as ease no matter what she did or did not wear. She could carry the air of a grand duchess dressed in rags. Such confidence was intimidating at times to those she had come into contact with. When she had taken his arm it had forced closer physical contact. The fabric of her gown brushing against his clothing. Though she did not seem to mind. No she was perfectly at ease.

She turned her head glancing at him as he spoke. Giving him the sharp attention that one such as him commanded and deserved. As well as she could play the dominating role she was just as equal if not better in playing the submissive role as well. A perfect balance of yin and yang, ?My quarters?? She finally asked after a moment of silence, ?And when will we get to see that?? She asked quirking a brow and tilting her head to the side just a bit.

However she soon glanced away from him as she let out a small gasp. The sight of the fountain along with the streams was positively breathtaking. Upon passing the fountain she could not help herself as she knelt down slightly to touch the luminous water. It was cold yet soothing to the touch. Dimly she wondered where the baths were. After such a long journey a nice soak and being washed with strong capable hands did sound very pleasing to her.

She carefully eyed the beast. Smirking slightly as she sought to find with gentle probings from her mind whether or not life lurked beneath the green depths that stared back at her. It was mystical and haunting at the same time. Beautiful and dangerous. Much like herself. She saw a certain kinship in the statue. Even if it was only that.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 16:46 EST

He smirked at the idle brush; everything was just a game wasn?t it? Games, he was rather good at games. ?Whenever you?re ready to see them,? he replied as he walked her around the fountain, and past it. If she looked over her shoulder, she?d notice the twitch of the beast?s tail, and the subtle shifting of its wings before it fell perfectly still once more.

?As I said, you?re free to come and go as you please, so your quarters are ready and waiting for whenever you wish to go see them,? Raithmoore continued as he neared the dark temple, then turned left to walk around the side of it, and toward the buildings behind it.

The streets were cobblestone like a surface city, but were clean of dirt and grime, an inky black in hue, and seemed brand new. Odd for a city of the dead, that things would be so clean, but it was, the entire city was clean, the walls showed no passage of time, no worn away bricks, everything was as good as new. Such was the power of the Necropolis.

Just behind the temple, was a large and dark tower, easily half the size of the actual citadel they were beneath, with a birth green flame burning atop it, dimly lighting the surrounded streets with a soft green and flickering glow.

?That is my tower,? he said as he pointed it out. ?If you?re down here, or anywhere else, and are in need of something, I?m either in there, or in the archives.? Raithmoore finished while he nodded forward toward the rows upon rows of rich and dark homes, each resembling small citadels with Gothic style architecture. They were all different, but held a few similar qualities, such as different shaped windows, heights, arches, etc.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-22 17:50 EST

Oh yes it was just fun and games was it not? A game of chess. Playing around with fate and chance. Flirting with sin. Playing around with dark temptation. Games are that amused an old soul such as herself after long lonely years and a cold empty bed. Games were what made her world go around. Games of playing with hearts. Manipulating those easily swayed to her will. Playing with the minds of foolish men and women, ?Well I would like to see them soon. And also a hot bath would be desired as well. My muscles and bones ache for strong hands to soothe away the tensions of the world.?

She purred softly as she eyed him a dark impish gleam in those haunting dark pools of hers. Beautiful poetic words from such a dark beautiful poem such as herself. Indeed she had glanced over her shoulder and smirking darkly she nodded at the statue before turning her attention to what was ahead of her and striding forth once more. Her arm still in his lay quiet and cold.

She glanced down at the street and smiled when she could faintly see her reflection. Being a creature of the night she was slightly vain by nature. But not overly so. Whether or not it was there she seemed to trip on a stray pebble and fell against him. Her face flushing with embarrassment as her gaze dropped, ?I apologize deeply, my lord. It seems I am not as graceful as I once was.?

She muttered the flush fading from her cheeks as she looked at him. Appearing to be a nervous trembling innocent girl. One who would not be surprised if they heard the words, ?But I am a virgin.? Fall from her lips. She played off innocence so very well it was a pleasant illusion that had fooled many into her trap time and time again.

She eyed the tower carefully. Taking it all in and committing it to her memory. Such beauty it was. Something she had not seen in such many long years. She too took in all the homes and everything before her. Yes, she was going to enjoy herself immensely while she was here.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 20:07 EST

?Then I?ll take you there now,? he said with a small nod as he led her toward the large buildings that stood behind his tower. ?Yours isn?t too far away from my tower, so it?ll be quick and easy for you to find me should you need to,? Raithmoore continued while walking through the streets with lithe and graceful steps.

As she stumbled, his arm tensed up instantly, becoming solid and rigid as a stone, holding her stumbling form up with ease. Once she had steadied herself, his arm slackened, and he shook his head at her slightly. ?Worry not my dear Madeline,? he replied as he continued to lead her on through the streets, past large buildings and towers. He wasn?t sure if her stumbling had been on purpose or not, and he wouldn?t be surprised if it was. And if it was, what had she meant by it?

After a time, their steps led them to a large building with a very Gothic influence in architecture, a dark building that could pass off for a small citadel or cathedral. He led her up the steps of this building, and placed a hand on the large obsidian door, and then with a light push, it flew open revealing a large and expensive looking entrance hall with decorations that were both rich and macabre in nature.

?This will be were you stay while you?re in the citadel,? Raithmoore said as he motioned about with his free hand, indicating the entire house in general was to be her ?room? rather than just a small room in some random building.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-22 22:36 EST

She smiled shyly and nodded, ?Thank you very much Lord Raithmoore. Though I am a bit curious to know why my quarters are so close to yours? Is it simply because you did not want me to walk a great distance to find you? Or is there some sort of other ulterior motives working behind that handsome face of yours??

She asked as she tilted her head to the side and regarded him curiously. Her gaze intent and searching. Giving him the attention that only the closest and most intimate lover would give. A sparkle in those hauntingly beautiful dark depths of hers. Her lips parting slightly as that pink velvety tongue snaked out to quickly wet her lips. The bottom lip pouting and trembling slightly. Such sweet temptation was offered before him. If he wondered if that stumble had been an accident or not then this would confirm such puzzling questions. As to why? Well?That still remained to be seen. She was still being very well guarded despite how comfortable she seemed here. Holding her cards close to her chest as they say.

It was when they approached her quarters that she reluctantly looked away from him. Her face breaking out into a look that appeared to be genuine joy as she let out a small approving noise, ?I love it.? She breathed her body trembling like a leaf with the excitement she felt. Slowly she pulled herself away from him as she stepped forward to look at the house. She then twirled around suddenly to face him, ?Now my lord I know full well that one such as yourself would be only too generous to let me stay and not want anything in return.?

It was then that she paused to step up to him. Her gaze going dark and feral as she caressed his face with an icy cold hand like she would with an intimate lover. Her gaze was intent on his face. Giving him a startlingly amount of attention. She brought her face close to his. Her eyes flicking to his lips before going back to his eyes once more. Her lips hovering above his own. A mere breath and they would meet, ?So I ask you, my lord, what is it that you will have of me? What is it that you want? What is it that you desire? What do you long for??

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-22 22:58 EST

?My motives are my own to know, I expect with time, you?ll come to figure them out without my giving them away to you.? He replied smoothly with a smirk. ?You needn?t worry, I?ve no ill intentions or plans of harming you my dear Madeline, for you are one of the few that I believe worthy of the power that is to come.?

Then he watched her as she walked through the entry chamber of the house, and smirked at her words. Once she faced him, his head tilted slightly, while he listened intently to those words, and thought of a way to answer them. ?We all want something in return for our acts, there is no such thing as true kindness. Whether that something is rewards of a material nature, the warmth of another?s flesh, or the simple appreciation, the fact remains. Nothing is ever, truly, free?

Then as she moved nearer his head came out of that tilt. ?What will I have of you? Whatever it is I?ll have, know that I will have it when I?m ready. The question is: what will you be willing to give?? Brow arched with his question, that was truly the thing he wanted to know.

What would she be willing to give? Anything at all? He could take very easily, so if it came down to it, he would take what he wanted and rid himself of her, but he truly doubted that outcome would come to pass. He believed she would be of more use than the others, and willingly as well.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-23 15:24 EST

?Hm?Yes.? She purred as she gently caressed his face once more, ?I suppose it will be more fun to figure out what thoughts are lurking in that dark mind of yours. But it is strange when you tell me you have no intentions of dealing me harm I strangely find myself believing you. I know I should not. I know I should not easily trust you. Yet I cannot help myself. Because we all know what will happen if you do have ill intentions towards me. And I would expect the same from you, darling.?

Upon hearing his words she took a small step back her icy cold touch lingering on his face as she slowly let her hand drop, ?What would I be willing to give?? She asked to herself as she turned to face the house. Her brows furrowing in thought. She let the question repeat itself over and over again in her mind. She then nodded. Coming to a decision she turned to face him once more, ?Anything. Up to a certain point of course. There are even things I will say no to. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it, will we not??

It was then she eyed the home, ?Now if you will be so kind to give me a final tour of my quarters and either you or someone show me to the bathes it would be greatly appreciated.? She said with a smile. It was the first thing that ever sounded like a request that had fallen from her lips. Yet she managed to say it with only the upmost polite and sweet tone.

True she would help him in any way that she could so he may achieve his goals. Simply because she saw a lot of herself in him. And it would be a very interesting thing to see how his future would turn out. Especially if she had a helping hand in it.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-23 18:44 EST

He bowed low to her and nodded as he rose up. ?I would be happy to show you around.? He said as stepped past her, the doors swinging shut behind him. ?The baths aren?t that far from here, as for the home itself, its layout is simple, easy to get used to.? Raithmoore turned to her, and then gestured with his free hand toward the large staircase before them.

?The rooms and baths are up the stairs,? he gestured toward a side door. ?That, leads to several rooms that serve as studies, or living rooms, dens, if you will.? He then gestured toward another door, on the opposite side of the en?That leads to a kitchen, and wine cellar.?

?Now, I believe you said something about baths?? He smirked and gestured back toward the stairs once more, before starting toward them. ?Right this way.? Raithmoore said as his foot met the first step, and he slowly began his ascent.

He smirked inwardly at her answer of what she would be willing to give, how he could twist those words to fit anything and everything he wanted. It was simply perfect, she would prove very useful to his cause, in more ways than one most likely.

?I?m afraid though,? he commented over his shoulder to her, ?that we are somewhat lacking in bath aides, at the moment, so if strong hands are what you wish, then you may have to wait until I can arrange for some servants to be prepared for you,? he finished while he turned forward once more.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-23 20:10 EST

She smiled to him. Glad that he would be more than happy to show her around. She felt instantly at ease and comfortable. Such a lovely place to call home for a while. Yes, it was very lovely. Or at least to her it was. It was odd how she could find the most repulsive things beautiful. Yet she found beauty in every single thing she laid her eyes on. She adored things of beauty as well of things of power. Such things attracted her immensely.

She looked at all of the doors and entrances he gestured too. Peering inside to confirm that those rooms were indeed where they lead. She then slowly followed him up the stairs. Not a word was said as she simply admired the work that went into constructing the steps and the banister. She lovingly ran her hand over the work. It seemed he had an eye for art as well. Something she greatly appreciated.

Yes indeed she would prove to be very useful. In more than one way. In almost any which way he desired. But a lady knew when to say no. And hopefully when that time came he would respect her right to say no. She had only shown him the upmost respect and she expected the same in return.

She heard his words and pouted out her lip cutely, ?A shame that is. But I can be patient. Unless of course you desire to join me?? She did not give him any time to answer the question for she moved past him and into the room. Letting her hair down she stepped out of the slippers and shrugged out of the robe.

Making sure the water was hot she poured the bath herself. Something she was more than capable of doing. A few graceful motions and she was free of that silk night gown. She stepped into the bath and slowly lowered herself down into the hot water. Closing her eyes as she leaned back against the edge. A soft sound of pleasure escaping her lips. Yes, this was bliss.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-23 21:08 EST

He moved to the side, but not before partaking in another seemingly idle brush as she passed him on her way to the bath. As she shrugged out of the robe, it was caught in the air by an unseen force, and drifted to hang off a hook on the wall, her slippers even moved to rest right in front of the tub, so she could slip into them the moment she stepped out if she so chose.

?Join you? While the offer is tempting in many ways my dear Madeline, I?d rather not impose,? he replied with a smirk as he watched her undress. As with before, the clothing was swept up by an unseen force that went to hang it all up so it wouldn?t wrinkle or get dirty. While she walked toward the bath, his viridian eyes roamed her naked body with impunity, modesty, had little say in Raithmoore?s actions or observations.

As she lowered herself into the tub, and emitted that small noise of pleasure, he smirked all the wider, watching her openly as he stood in the doorway. Fingers that seemed to be made of ebony silk lifted and brushed the stark white hair from his eyes in an idle gesture, while he waited for a moment, allowing her to fully relax, before speaking up once again.

?I trust now, that you?re comfortable at the moment, and are no longer in need of my services?? Raithmoore asked with a tilt of his head, a gesture that was accompanied by the arch of a slender snowy white brow.

?If so, I?ll leave you to your bath so that you may relax in peace,? he added as an afterthought as his hand lowered to rest loosely at his side, brushing his cloak back somewhat, so it didn?t shield the armored form beneath it.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-23 21:30 EST

Honestly she cared not what happened to her clothing. She had wardrobes full of clothes. Clothes meant nothing to her. If she could she would simply walk the world nude. She was that comfortable in her own skin and with her own body. She felt more than saw his gaze upon her body. She could not help but smile. How long had it been since she had someone look at her like that? Far too long in her opinion.

She chuckled at his words, ?Trust me, love?You would not be imposing.? She purred as she opened her eyes. Her gaze meeting his as she smiled at him, ?You are more than welcome to come see me at any time. My door is always open.? She bowed her head then in a graceful solemn manner. After so long of being careful this was the most rash and bold she had acted in so many years. It was odd this effect he had on her but she did not question it. Yet however she had managed to simply not throw herself at him. No, simple games of seduction were always so much more fun.

She giggled that innocent girlish giggle of hers, ?While I would simply desire your services?No I am no longer in need. I am sure you have many things to do than to entertain an old soul such as myself. However if you could send up a snack as well as someone who might survive my attention it would be appreciated greatly. Though I am quite sure no one would be able to withstand my attentions as much as you, darling.? She purred giving him a compliment. For that is what it was. He was strong. Both physically and mentally. And she could not help but wonder devious thoughts as her gaze roamed over his body. Curious yes. Was the effect he had on her.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-03-24 22:31 EST

He nodded to her. ?I?ll send some servants up shortly then,? and then Raithmoore turned, and exited the room. ?Enjoy your stay my dear Madeline, and again, welcome to the Catacombs.? Then Raithmoore was gone, just vanished outside the door without a trace. Not long afterword, several servants came up to visit Madeline, bringing with them, exactly what was requested.

Raithmoore appeared at the top of the dark tower in the Necropolis, right behind the temple. In that spire, he went over a few things, and made notes of what he had learned of Madeline in his short time with her. Things would prove to be interesting?he wondered idly, how she would react to Ishtar. That would be an amusing encounter, to say the least.

?Ah?yes, speaking of Ishtar?? Raithmoore again vanished on the spot, appearing instead, in the citadel above ground, on the twentieth floor. The hallway he appeared in, was one of pitch-black, not a light could penetrate that unending darkness. The Hall of Darkness, it was called, for its link to the Plane of Shadow, the Shadow Weave, and the goddess Sharr. He smirked upon finding Ishtar there, she did seem to frequent this place often, and it was there, they discussed his next plans.

Not more than an hour later, Raithmoore vanished once again, appearing in the topmost chamber of Citadel Raithmoore, locked away for several hours, without a word to anyone. Victor prowled the halls at night, invisible, silent, making sure nothing was where it shouldn?t be, while his master did his dark work, plotted his plans, and planned his plots.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-24 23:14 EST

?Thank you darling I will.? She said just before he disappeared. She was alone in her thoughts. A dangerous thing that was. However a few moments later the servants had arrived. She gave herself over to them. Trusting he would only send the best to rub the tensions out of her body. Only the best snack that he could provide. However she wondered about the last part of her request. She eyed the one he sent to entertain herself with. Pity. She could already tell the poor creature would not survive her attentions. She sighed but let it go. One could not have everything they desired. That was for sure.

Yes she finally admitted it to herself that she desired him up to a certain degree. Which was a curious manner all in itself. Considering she had not felt such casual?No such longing for someone in such a long time. While she let those strong hands soothe her she could not help but close her eyes and imagine it was his hands on her. She let out another sigh. Brows furrowing as she pondered on this. She had never thought such things about anyone. Not since?She gave a small shake of her head. No, she would not dwell on that part of her past.

After she was bathed and dried she had dressed in a simple black baby doll dress very flattering to the bust. The black silk slippers put on once more. She moved to sit at the vanity in her room and let the servants brush her hair so it lay smooth and silky down her back. She then waved them away all save for the snack and the entertainment. She tied the entertainment to her bed. Snatching the snack she quickly drained dry and without hesitation. The body no more than a husk she called the servants to dispose of it.

Suffice to say she was more than glad to see the terror on the poor girl?s face. She was a pretty thing. Silky honey brown hair. Pretty brown eyes. Tanned skin. Pretty in that common sort of a way. She knew the girl would not survive. That pale icy cold hand of hers caressing the girl?s face. Laughing madly when the girl cried out in fear. Oh but she had only begun?

It was hours later she lay on the bed. Stroking the girl?s hair. The warmth having left her body only a few moments ago. Those brown eyes staring into eternity. Having taken many lives over the long lingering years she had experienced the soul leaving the body many times. However each time it fascinated her. She kissed those cold dead lips before moving off of the bed and getting dressed. She walked out of the room and smiled seeing that she had frightened some of the servants. She merely ordered them to get rid of the corpse.

It was then her feet began to carry her. Out of the house and towards the city. It had been a long time since she had been to a party. Or a festival for that matter. She was long over due. She would dance, feast, seduce, and manipulate to her heart?s content. Yes, she was going to enjoy herself quite immensely while she was here. Though her mind did keep going back to him from time to time. However she managed to distract herself long enough with the current entertainment and soon he was out of her thoughts. However the fact that he did creep into her mind did confuse her greatly.

Ishtar · Date: 2009-03-25 16:10 EST

After leaving the Shadow Weave behind, Ishtar made for the Antechamber and headed for the Catacombs. Fragile feet took her into the Necropolis where the festival was being headed. A chain wrapped around her waist, embedded with runes and various talismans and bearing engravings of a dark language. The gold chain of encrypted jewels tapped against her leg softly. The metal braid toyed with as she reached for it. While she was not wearing her typical wardrobe choice for rituals and summons, she adorned pieces of it combined with satin breeches that seemed to absorb pieces of the hallway of perpetual twilight. It would certainly remind someone of it if they had stepped into the hall.

Gauntlets were worn on her hands, clawed at the end with crude and sharp curves as hands still ran along the braided chain. Tresses of shock white hair hung freely around her shoulders. The upper torso was covered by a piece of the same twilight fabric of her breeches. A simple scrap merely wrapped around her bosom to cover her chest, fastened with a gold clip bearing an onyx gem and engraved with words along the metal of that same dead language. Feet were bare, she required no shoes right now.

Footsteps were soft though Madeline would sense her arrival as she moved inside. Her greeting would not wait for a glimpse of the other, she knew that a recent arrival was there. Her gaze having not rested on the woman might have lead Madeline to believe her blind perhaps. Fortunately, she wasn't though. "Anatar has new guests?"

Her head canted, swiveling immediately over the entertainers and such as she examined the room. If Madeline were trying to rid herself of thoughts regarding the Raith, then Ishtar had probably resurrected them without full intent. "Which one might you be?" Curiosity distorted her features from the placid expression the visage bore.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-25 17:11 EST

Yes indeed she had become very distracted. Her body moving in a graceful dangerous dance to the music that beat around her. She was currently in one of the many dancing circles. Dancing with whoever would dance with her. How long had it been since she felt so free? It was glorious and wonderful. Slippered feet had her twirl and move in perfect harmony with the beat. Giving herself over to the music. No thought was required as she simply moved like the music was one with her.

She had sensed the woman approaching but had not broke away from the circle until she heard the woman speak with her. She pushed a few wild strands of hair from her face as she looked the woman up and down. Those dark hues glinting in the luminous green light. A girlish smile full of innocence came over that pretty face of hers. She crossed her arms, to cradle that ample bust that the dressed empathized, as her lips parted to speak, "Madeline." She said simply before bowing her head in greeting, "And who might you be, my dear?" She asked raising a dark brow towards the girl.

No he had not crept into her thoughts at the moment. And perhaps he would not for the rest of the night. There were too many distractions around. Too many indeed. Just like the citadel above them this place was a wonder all in itself. Something she could leisurely explore at her own pace. Something she had fully intended to do. Plus not to mention there was the archives where she could lose herself in dusty old tomes for hours upon hours. Yes, this place provided far too many distractions. Yet would all the distractions in the world be enough? That she was something she idly wondered as she looked the girl over once more. There was no lewdness in her stare. Just mere curiousity. Yes, she was a curious one. But then again...Who wasn't?

Ishtar · Date: 2009-03-25 17:47 EST

If Madeline chose to regard her stare as curious then she was free to it, but there was actually something else as well. Something hidden and lurking underneath without so much as a brush to the surface of her expressions. "I'm sure my lovely Anatar has mentioned you to me." There was nothing conceited nor arrogant in her tone, a simple statement simply thrown out there to test a reaction maybe.

"You may call me Ishtar," she answered with ease. Obviously she was not there for entertainment purposes or to serve the other. If she were to be working at that moment then she would have never approached the other, especially so calmly. She would have been inclined towards fear though a slight grin leapt to the Nether Lich's features as she acknowledged the expression on one of the entertainer's faces. One of mock horror. She pushed the malicious demeanor back as she once more assessed the vampire.

Hands moved to smooth the creases of the breeches as she glanced over the Necropolis, her gaze sweeping the surroundings before she shifted her attention back to the woman once more. "Are you enjoying the festivities?"

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-26 00:31 EST

?Well I am sure he has.? She said in response. A smirk coming over that pretty visage of hers. Her expression going from curious to now mildly interested. That was the reaction she had given the woman. She was more than adapt to passing tests. Tests, games, slight of hand. Such things amused her. They amused her greatly. Amusing indeed. However many things amused her. So many things. She had let her thoughts run away again. Dangerous that was.

?Ishtar?? She repeated with a smile. Her tone having a slight purr as she rolled the name in her mouth like tasting something exotic. She always had a knack to making such ordinary words seem erotic and dangerous. That much could be told about her. How she enjoyed such things. That smile faded into her mad grin. Slipping on that mask once more of cold eyes and a sweetly insane smile.

She turned to eye the activities going on before them. Letting herself get lost in the noise, smells, and sensations for a long lingering moment. Her thoughts and imagination was running away with her once more. Odd how it was happening more and more often. Odd indeed. Very odd. So odd that even to her it was odd. Strange. How strange that all of this was happening to her now. Yes, very strange.

She then turned her gaze to Ishtar once more. That mask slipping. Showing an echo of the girl she used to be long long ago, ?Yes I am.? She mused as she continued to study the Drow woman before her.

Ishtar · Date: 2009-03-26 01:24 EST

Though Ishtar bore with her no ordinary name, she was able to grasp the concept that the woman allowed the name to vibrate either because of a superiority complex or another reason. She seemed convinced of the first though the thoughts were concealed by a facade, easily disguised as her thoughts transitioned.

"It pleases me to acknowledge that why other women either recoil from Anatar or give themselves over to foolish desires, none of them are even able to reach the close bond I share with him." A knowing smirk brushed her lips, she seemed neither offended nor bothered by the obvious change in the other's behavior. It absolutely captivated her to watch this all play out. She wasn't attacking the woman, not yet anyways. Simply stating what she knew.

"How long do you think you'll be with us?" A brow quirked, genuine curiosity gripping her features. She wasn't in a hurry to get rid of Madeline. No, it was always fun to manipulate and drive Anatar's fresh meat crazy with macabre humor or envy. The reactions were always priceless and she was never phased by the guests, never threatened either.

In her eyes, none of them stood a chance. She could only make assumptions of Madeline's desires for her Anatar based on the difference between aura and the behaviors she observed before her. The woman truly fascinated her immediately, more so than the ones before. There was something about the vampire that caught her in an instant.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-26 02:12 EST

?Is that so?? She mused grinning madly once more, ?Well I for the life of me have never recoiled nor have ever given in to foolish desires.? That grin widened then, ?If this is your cunning way of telling me to back off then I shall humbly.? She said bowing before the woman yet keeping her eyes on the woman. Her gaze never faltering nor wavering.

She then pondered the next question. How long would she be here? Hm?A very interesting question indeed. She thought. Pondered. Contemplated. Brows furrowed in thought. Eyes clouding over with the question. Lips pursed slightly. She let the silence stretch between them before answering, ?However long I am allowed to stay. I am not one to impose.?

She said simply as she came up out of that bow to stare at the woman once more. Since her time walking on this realm she had never been denied anything. However?There was always a first. And she and denial were old friends. Old friends indeed. If the woman sought to spark up anger, jealousy, or any of those other rash emotions that most women would have; she would sorely be mistaken.

Pity. Such a pity. A pity indeed that the woman played these types of games with her. She grew tired of games. Of careful moves. However her own survival was founded on cold calculated moves. It would be too much a risk to let all of that go. Caution was her middle name. Caution was something she must exercise now. Yes, she had once more became cold, guarded, and ever so cautious. Ever the cautious and cold one.

Ishtar · Date: 2009-03-26 15:13 EST

"That's very lovely, I'm sure we'll be great friends." A tight smile formed on her features, not out of anger towards this woman. Irritation, jealousy, these were not her prominent emotions. In fact, her visage often told a completely different story of just how she was feeling and it would take years of companionship or severe internal balances to be bent out of proportions to get an idea of what was really going on.

Her motives, while some of them were clear often hinted at something even deeper. She was also sure that with how old the vampire seemed to be that she was unlike Raithmoore's other guests. She would not be so easy to manipulate, to break the girl's spirit. She wasn't interested in rising to that challenge as she was sure Madeline would pursue trying to break her down as well in the process. A war was the last thing she needed, particularly when it was a waste of time to get involved in something that would span over such a long time.

A laugh emitted from those lips, a devious yet amused one. "I don't need you to back off, I'm not so territorial that it would even cross my mind to ask you to step away." A faint roll of the shoulders, "Besides... I don't know what it is you're after here. When I figure that out then I will engage in more deceptive and elaborate plans to dissuade you of that. For now, I look forward to your presence." Another malevolent grin ignited her features.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-26 19:29 EST

She smirked wickedly at the woman. Friends? She was not serious was she? Madeline did not have friends. She had lovers. Snacks. And those she tortured. But friends? Never was such a proposterous thing concieved in that pretty head of hers. So that wicked smirk turned into something of complete and utter amusement. This woman was very amusing to her, "Yes, I am sure we will." Was all she had said.

A war would be useless against her. Time was on her side. She could span it out for centuries. A careful war that consisted of manipulation. Slyness. A dagger in the dark. A stab in the back. Careful movies. Cold and calculated moves. Slight of hand. A trick to the eyes. Illusion. Magic. Smoke and mirrors. However she provided to be a much better ally than enemy. In the past she had proved to be a most powerful ally. Lending her hand to mortals for their empires to rise. Only to watch them fall by her hand. An eternal game of conquest and defeat.

She grinned maddeningly at Ishtar's words, "Hm...Is that why? As to what I am after? Well nothing at all. I am merely here to lend my help wherever it is needed. And when my help is needed no longer I will leave as quietly as I had arrived." She fell silent. Her words singing with truth. She once more glanced to the festival going on. Smiling softly as she watched the bodies dance in the faintly luminous green light.

Ishtar · Date: 2009-03-26 23:01 EST

Ishtar may have neglected to allow the sarcasm to seep into the words, suggesting the pair friends and insinuating that such a relationship might strike between the two. She wasn't serious on the matter after all. Of course she wasn't. The Nether Lich had better things to do then create a relationship with someone who might not prolong their stay for an extended period of time. Sure, the woman fascinated her. But friends? Ishtar had no room in her life for more companions then she required.

"Really, and what are you assisting with if I may inquire on the matter?" A slender brow of stark white folded with the question, curiosity flaring to life. There were a number of matters Anatar may have proposed to Madeline and now she wanted to know which part he may have brought up. The Raith's matters were her business as well, she knew everything as she remained his main confidant.

Her gaze drifted over the Necropolis yet again, acknowledging as the entertainers and servants recoiled away. They had time to get used to the Drow, but still they shrunk at her approach and Madeline's presence didn't help matters either. Truth be told, Ishtar preferred to have the servants feel this way about her. Broken spirit. Less Defiant. Obedient. These were traits she adored about the hopeless beings.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-03-27 00:13 EST

Indeed she had neglected the sarcasm. She knew she was not serious at all. Neither was she. What would she accomplish by such things? Why indeed? Why indeed at all? Though the thought did amuse her greatly. It did not hurt to be polite though. She had no need nor any use for friends. Useless relationships. Just like love. Useless indeed. Very useless. Uselessness has no use. Useless was such a useless word was it not?

?In whatever needs assisting.? She replied smoothly as she smiled morbidly at Ishtar. Vague. Cryptic. Bizarre. Words that might be used to describe her. But what were words to her? What were they to her indeed? Though certain words spoken in certain languages and in certain tones did have power. Sometimes names had power as well.

She had watched the events going on around them rather idly. With the detachment of the goddess she was once worshipped as. Jack-O-Lantern grin coming over her face. She could not help but leer. And give a few glares to the frightened ones. Fear added spice to the blood. Something she had learned long ago. Something she had used for her own pleasure.

Ishtar · Date: 2009-03-30 15:25 EST

Ishtar watched with her own mild amusement, keeping her gaze locked onto the woman with some kind of fascinated fixation. Her head canted to the side and she moved forward, dragging one of the female servants in against her as she moved her hips in some type of hypnotic dance. Gold braided chains kissed her side with each sinuous step. It was after the fear had managed to die out of the servant's eyes that the crude claw of her gauntlet moved to the female's neck. A light graze, not even so much as a cut.

It was until the small altar in the center of the Necropolis was reached that the curved claw dug deep into flesh. Puncturing skin, tearing tendons and severing them. The violent action was taken slowly as the shock set into those optics and the death fled from her body. The corpse fell limp in Ishtar's arms and the servant was lowered, a small goblet grabbed from the altar before the female was lowered against it. The goblet was placed next to the female's wound and Ishtar pulled the claw of the gauntlet away to allow the crimson liquid to seep from the body and into the gauntlet.

The celebration had only just begun and Ishtar stepped away from the body. Not a glance to Madeline nor a word spoken as she cradled the goblet and waited for the ceremony to officially start. Perhaps the Raith might even present himself at the sacrifice. Things such as this were common though the ceremonies weren't always exactly the same. Different methods were offered in different situations and events. But such was the Necropolis used for.

Raithmoore · Date: 2009-04-02 19:51 EST

The rippling of the air was, by now, a familiar sensation to the citizens of Raithmoore's city. Thus, when said rippling started, the already ravenously excited and enthralled citizens went almost into a stupor, their lord was coming.

He first appeared as a small orb of an inky black substance, its surface rippling like water, with tendrils of ebon energy coursing out and flicking through the air in a maddened, frenzy-like, state. The tendrils waved around in a rotating motion, expanding outward, forming what was without a doubt, a large black cloak.

The orb warped and shifted, the cloak settling over it to make it seem like a great, billowy wraith. Its form continued to grow more and more humanoid in shape, arms extended from the blackness, legs followed, a head sprouted, all still inky black in hue.

Then features became more visible over the span of a few short seconds, a mane of stark white hair cascaded down the figures back as a pair of viridian eyes opened, alight with a luminous green glow. A thin line that marked the figure's mouth split open into a pair of lips that twisted into a wickedly devious smirk while the center of the figure's face tilted outward, forming the smooth and perfectly sized and shaped nose. Ears stemmed out, curving into visible points, marking the figure as an elf of some sort while features gradually became more and more defined.

It wasn't long until that figure was revealed to be Anatar Raithmoore, the Lich King of L' Che'el d'lil Elghinyrr*. The cloak of blackness that had accompanied him winked out of existence, replaced by robes that were deep violet in hue, trimmed in royal gold. His shoulders covered in matching spaulders, ridged with spikes for an overall imposing look, making his frail frame seem all the more large and dominating. His arms sheathed in gauntlets that were also matching the robes, ridged with spikes jutting from the outer part of his forearms, curving along with the appendage to point up toward his elbows. Legs sheathed in greaves that led to equally ridged and imposing armored boots, with his long and wicked sword strapped to his left hip.

Throwing his arms out wide as a way of greeting the populace, Anatar Raithmoore struck an imposing figure at that moment, with the thousands upon thousands of undead all crying their praise of their undead and unholy lord, to which he smirked with the utmost satisfaction. Raithmoore was there, the ritual could now really begin.

---

L' Che'el d'lil Elghinyrr: Drow for "The City of the Dead"

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-04-02 20:17 EST

Dark gaze watched with apathy as she took the servant girl's life right before her eyes. Head tilting and a curious look as she watched Ishtar's actions. Pity. Such a shame to waste blood by letting it fall into a goblet that some would consider holy. A roll of her eyes and a snort at the thought. However she watched Ishtar walk away without a word.

It was then that the rippling and the cries from the denizens caught her attention. She was slightly alarmed by the rippling however she knew she was not in any immediate danger. Then a curious look coming over her beautiful face as she watched the undead rush past her. Smiling faintly she let her slippered feet carry her to see what the commotion was about.

She had stopped just behind the crowd. Needing to go no further as her keen eyes could drink in everything in perfect detail before her. That smile grew as she caught sight of the rather dramatic and flashy entrance going on before her. She had glanced away to eye the crowd and saw the same fear, worship, and adoration that she had seen in so many faces so many ages ago.

Her dark hues locked onto his own as pale digits pressed against her bright ruby lips to blow him a kiss. Smiling insanely as she then turned on her heel and tilting her head to listen to the voices that haunted her she walked away. She was sure the ceremony was going to be spectacular. They all were. However she had seen so many before that it unfortunately was not anything new to her. So she would take this vaulable time to explore her surroundings. Something she seemed to be doing a lot more often these days.

Ishtar · Date: 2009-04-16 15:22 EST

The grin was slow and devious, twitching at the corners with some hidden amusement before it fell from her visage. She swept her right arm in front of her at the arrival of Anatar, her left limb folded at the small of her back in a bow for the other. She had known the ritual would lure him there more quickly than if she had simply waited for it to start.

She regained composure, shifting to the full height as she moved forward to make another polite gesture. A kiss to the knuckles of his hand as she grasped it lightly and then let it go. "So good to see you," she said just a touch of sincerity kissing at her tones.

The woman then moved out of the way, allowing the Raith to make his way forward and initiate the ceremony properly. Her gaze rested on the lich as she peered at him and waited. It was always somewhat different, these ceremonies. Some were long and elaborate while others were simple and short.

Vampiric Tragedy · Date: 2009-04-27 16:06 EST

Exploration. Curiousity. Curiousity killed the cat. But the cat has nine lives. And this cat was just very very very hard to dispose of. Slippered feet and dark orbs had carried her this way and that. Seeing what there was to see. Taking in what there was to take in. Soon she had seen what there was to see. And had taken in what there was to take in. Satisfied. Like a cat content on a bowl of warm milk. Yes. She was content. At least for now.

Silent as death she had made her way back to her chambers. She could feel, smell, and sense it. Magic. Mumbled ritual words. Praying to some dark diety. A grin as nostalgia filled her. She remembered when people shed their blood in her name. Used her name as a curse. Used her name for salvation. Damned her name. Cried out her name. That name that was lost to the sands of time. That had fallen off of the lips of men and women. The young and the old.

She had came back out of her chambers. A slight change in attire. Pale dainty bare feet leading her to the source of the ritual. A simple black robe with a silver chord around the waist. Flashes of pale flesh could be seen as it was apparent she wore nothing underneath. Stars began to dance in those light sucking eyes of hers. Spiralling faster and faster in a dizzying motion.

Easily pushing her way past the people with looks of adoration and worship upon their faces. She had stopped not that far away from Ishtar and Raith yet however not too close to intrude. The hood was drawn up to hide her face yet those eyes and lips were always visible. Peering up at them she tilted her head to the side as she listened to music only she could hear, "Is there any way I can be of any assistance?"

Soft voice heavy and thick with the power on the edge of her tongue. So long it had been since she had completely relaxed and let her power flow. But the temptation was there. But her and temptation were old friends and lovers and she knew how to keep such things in check. However she would help where she was needed. If she was needed. Or wanted.

Ishtar · Date: 2009-05-02 12:26 EST

Ishtar was captivated, her attention having been enveloped by the presence of Anatar. She had thought Madeline had left, hadn't expected the quick return of the vampiress. Raven orbs fastened upon the source of the voice, quickly settling on her. Her expression seemed indifferent suddenly and her voice reflected the same carelessness. "That depends on whether Anatar thinks he requires another person though he might."

There was a flicker of admiration across her visage as she turned though she left her guard up, "One always wonders what goes on inside his mind. Who knows if he has a fresh idea for the ceremony." She then turned to the woman once more, the stolid expression returned as her features became void of any emotion or feeling. There was a lift of shoulders and a soft slow drop as she shrugged.

Her gaze transfixed on Raithmoore, her attention captivated by him once more. "What do you think, Dear Anatar?" She began to toy with the gold braided chain, clawed gauntlet clinking against it as she did so. "Should we accept Madeline's offer?" There was a twitch of the brows as they threatened to rise with her question and then fell back to their respectful places. She was curious as to what his response would be. She wondered if he might reject her or submit her entrance into assisting with the ceremony. Either way, she was more eager to wonder what his motives behind the choice would be. There was always and ulterior motive, but they always differed as well. Perhaps he had no motives for Madeline.

Topic: Sweet Sin and Dark Magick -Closed-

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