Topic: Heart of Shadows

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-25 21:21 EST
Lurking in the shadows of the World, The dark wood came creeping, it crouched as a wolf in the night. From a world of Mists, Aetheria, was born. Ruled by Souless, hollow King. Known to his subjects as the ShadowKing, Khest, once minion and mighty servant to a powerful Lich. He cursed himself to greater evil and power. Cursed to rule over Dark Fae, Undead, Orcs, Goblins and Werebeasts. His Kingdom a great, dark forest and forlorn, murky swamps.

And now this dark land, this cursed realm, the once a part of the Misty Realms, was ripped away and brought here. Khest found a way to free himself and his land from the mists of Ravenloft. Though the price was great, he has to feed his realm the souls and blood of the living. And this world would give him his freedom. He has the power to move his land, hidden in the shadows. No one can enter his land without his will, or without being his loyal servants. He takes from those who are lost and will not be missed.

A new darkness lurked in the land, and Khest was a Wolf ready to feast on the living.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/shadow_raven143/Logos/darkfo.jpg

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-26 17:31 EST
*running through the shadows happily feeling at home in the darkness completing what is required of her missions, before returning to her loft home leaning on her windows watching the sunrise a smile on her face feeling the sunlight upon it*

*taking in a deep breath moves from the window to fix a watering can with plant food and water fetching small secetares to cut the dead flowers
walking back to the windows a glass of blood wine*

*nothing fancy, always plain, she was never one to think herself beautiful, talented or worth a second gaze the sun and her flowers knew her best as did her scrolls her twin also the only person who truly knew her*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-26 20:57 EST
Khest was wandering along through the dark and cold winter night. He had just finished with a hunt, capturing more living beings. His quota for the month, filled. Thirteen living souls, their blood and souls to feed to the soil of his Dark Forest Kingdom. All to keep from being dragged back to the Mist-filled Hell, known to him as Ravenloft.

He turned a corner in the twisting maze of streets, the sun, now setting to the west. Its light casting a blood-red color on the grey stones of the buildings. He spied a face looking out a window of some apartment. Most times he would not think a second thought of a face unknown. He paused, and looked up, and gazed upon the young woman's lovely, pale face. Her deep brown hair and dark brown eyes, made him stop and admire her.

Who was this lovely woman, and what was that about her? He sensed something about the young woman, something not quite human. Khest stayed there for a time, he would not hide. He hoped that she might spy him, gazing at her beautiful form. He lost himself in her eyes, her deep, black pools.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-27 03:49 EST
*looking down smiling at the strange man opening her windows leaning to water her blood red roses her multi coloured hair blowing into her face pushing it behind her ear smiles biting her lip as she picks a blossom tossing it to him before bowing her head to him before disappearing into her room taking a seat by a mirror brushing her hair*

*picking up a scroll moving back to the window taking a seat by the open windows reading the scroll a glass of bloodwine near at hand aswell as a dagger soft music playing in the background wondering who he was and why he was watching her wondering if he'd approach her*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-27 14:12 EST
Khest caught the rose in his hand, careful not to crush it. He took in its aroma, his eyes closing for a moment. He smiled at the lovely young woman, and decided to pursue this lovely creature and see what the next step would be from her.

He walked in the apartment building, following her scent, and the soft music she played. Walking upto the door of her loft, he gave a gentle wrapping on the metal door. Blood red rose in hand, bringing it to his nose now and then taking in the sweet smell of it. Khest awaited outside, wondering if the beauty he saw in the window would awnser her door.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-27 17:55 EST
*looking up from her scroll blinking biting her lip stands fixing her clothes as she walks towards her door upon opening it smiles*hello, Sir, would you care to come in?*stepping back to allow him in extending an arm to him*

*moving to her window seat pulling her knees to her chest watching him*Please join me?*watching him he intruiged her something drawing out her truest nature sipping the last of her wine tidying away her scrolls waiting for him to speak or her shyness to abait*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-27 18:13 EST
He gave the lovely young woman a polite nod and smile and entered her home. He took a seat by her, and simply could not take his eyes off of her. She was indeed very beautiful, and mysterious, there was something about her, which stirred his withered black heart.

"I am honored to join you miss, I could not continue on in my walk after gazing upon your lovely face. I had to meet you, I hope you do not find that strange."

He paused.. he was almost at a loss for words, her lovely dark eyes, and her sweet rose red lips, and angelic face. Her voice, hypnotic and soothing.

"I am Khest, madame, may I have the honor of your name?"

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-27 18:24 EST
*smiles before covering her lips*Oh, I do apologise sir, I didn't mean to interupt your walk *bowing her head to him*Forgive me

*smiles blushing*My name is Shalomar Black, Khest, a pleaseure to meet you, would you care for some wine?
*moving to pour two glasses of bloodwine carrying one to him*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-27 18:32 EST
"No need to appologize for anything Miss Black, or would you prefer Shalomar? And yes I would love to have some wine with you."

He simply gazed at her, her flush cheeks only added to her beauty. What though was it about her, he sensed her aura. Though it would be rude to say so, it was admittly her beauty that did draw him to her.

"You have a very nice home here, may I ask how long you have lived in this city?"

Sipping his wine, and not being able to be just lost in her dark eyes.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-27 18:44 EST
*smiles passing him his wine sipping her own*please, call me Shal, my sister and brother-in-law do

*looking into her wine*I was created here in Rhy'din a year ago, I moved into the loft, a few months ago

*sipping her wine siletly before chewing her lip*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-27 18:53 EST
He nodded when she spoke of her creation, that is what he felt, she was a Golem of sorts. Though he did not think less of her for this. He reached out with his hand and gently lifted her chin up.

"Tis nothing to be ashamed of Shal." He smiled and leaned forward to caress her soft face and kissed her cheek.

He drew his chair closer to her and sipped his wine, enjoying her company and admiring her beauty.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-27 19:07 EST
*being Ashamed as she seemed looks at him*for myself and my twin it is something to be ashamed of, but, I will try


*sipping her wine watching him from under her lashes*and what of you, Khest?

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-27 19:14 EST
She was quite shy as well, he did like that, he looked at her, caressing her soft hand in his strong hand.

"I am from another world, my Land I brought here from a terrible place with a great deal of powerful magic. I was just out and about taking in my surroundings when I happneded upon you, my dear Shal."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 08:48 EST
*looking at him*now my dear Khest you have peacked my interest more than these scroll, I was reading

*smiles watching thier hands trusting him, feeling safe looking in his eyes smiling blushing looking down again*what is the name of your land?

*blinks*oh, where are my manners*a hand on her cheek blinking*would you care for some food, Khest?

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 13:52 EST
He looked back at her and smiled, and spoke gently..

"My land is called Aetheria, it is a vast Forest realm, with swamps, hidden glens and secret paths. It is a place of shadows and twilight, wild beasts and noble elves. Though there is darkness in it, there is also beauty to be found.

He stopped a moment, and thought, how truely beautiful she was, what a light she would be in his dark realm. Holding her hand, he kissed her.

"And yes food would be nice, thankyou very much, Shal.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 14:32 EST
*blinks returning his kiss blushing*sounds like a perfect place to me, I prefer Shadows at times, I need to for my work

*smiles*what would you care for? I have roe deer, or something else?

*moving to her small kitchen looking through the chiller*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 14:38 EST
He smiled at her, taking in her sweet aroma and beauty. He watched her lithe and lovely form all the way to her open kitchen. He walked over with her, and leaned against a wall.

"Roe deer would be lovely, Shal. Though if you would just leave it raw for me, please?"

He pondered for a moment..

"It is a perfect sounding place, I would love to show you my realm, if you would like, sometime?"

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 14:58 EST
*smiles plating up two raw slabs of roe deer passing him a plate before biting into her meat licking the blood from her lips*please enjoy


*smiles*I should like that

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 15:11 EST
He was pleased to see she also liked her meat raw, taking bites from the raw deer meat, he smiled, licking the blood of his lips.

"This is a very good slab of deer meat."

He smiled back at her, he could not help but kiss her lips, the taste of blood on them still.

"When we go there, would you like to go for a hunt, there are many a deer, elk and boar in my Kingdom. And I would very much enjoy hunting with you, my dear."

He waved his hand and summoned two goblets filled with bloodwine, one for Shal and one for him.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 15:26 EST
*smiles*its fresh, I only went hunting today

*smiles nodding*I should like that very much

*watching him conjure the wine blinks taking a sip*mmmm, delicious, it has been a while since I had such a tasty bloodwine, the wine I have is terrible

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 15:41 EST
"A warrior and a hunter, I am very impressed my dear." He smiled at her, caressing her face and kissed her lips.

"Do not worry about the wine, my dear, it is the company that matters and I do so enjoy this, sitting here with you, and this simple, yet nice meal with you."

He sat that with her, his mind only on her, and being here with her. Nothing else mattered.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 15:51 EST
*blushes returning his kiss*I have had to be, it has only ever been me and my twin

*smiles*it is nice to have some company

*picking at her meat watching him under her eye lashes he intriuged her, and casues a stir within her heart*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 16:30 EST
He too had a stirring in his dead, black heart, something he had not felt for a long time. He looked at her, her shy face, he thought it sweet. She did seem so innocent, that was in some part why he was so drawn to her.

"I am sorry to hear that you and your sister have been through such difficulties in your short lives."

He took a sip of his wine and eat some of the raw meat. Many things in his mind, one thought being, and it was strong, he wanted Shal. He wanted to be with her, to have her as his queen. She was perfect in all respects.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 16:35 EST
*smiles*we have survived, made place for ourselves, she is now married with a son, and another on the way, her husband is a nice man, they live on a ship, I have been on it and I have yet to feel ill on it

*eating at her meat and sipping at her wine biting her lip thoughtfully* and what of you? don't you have a mate awaiting your return?

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 16:58 EST
"Good fortune for your sister to have a loving man, and children."

He sighed, looking away for a moment, then back to her eyes, a hint of sadness in them.

"I have no wife, no queen to love, to rule my kingdom with. I did a very long time ago have a love, but she died. Murdered she was by Men who said they served a Deity of Goodness and light, yet they hated her for being a Vampire. So.. -He paused- They staked her in the heart and casted her into the sunlight. While I was chained with mithril chains and magic. I could not save her from her horrible and painful death."

He continued, though it pained him to remember it, so clearly..

"Later it was when a servant found me chained to the roof of the highest tower of my and my Caterina's castle. He released me and i crawled to her ashes, and the burnt stake. I wept and howled and cursed those who took her from me. I gained my former lord's permission to hunt them down, these Holy Men that killed her. It took many years, but I made them pay for what they did."

Khest finished, drained from speaking of Caterina's death so long ago.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 17:11 EST
*lowers her head her eyes closed*forgive me for asking, I didn't mean to stir up bad memories for you, I should never have asked

*looking at him*please, forgive me?*a fang tugging at her lip her head lowered*

Good, Im glad*the conviction in her voice scaring her*no one deserves to be judge for who and what they are*biting her lip hard drawing blood her fist clenched hard*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 17:32 EST
He leaned forward and held her hand and kissed her lips.

"You need not ask to be forgiven my dear Shal, it is alright. I would always anwser anything you ask of me. It is alright, I promise, ok?'

His words gentle with her, something not felt for many years, tenderness for someone. He smiled at Shal, and caressed her hand in his, softly holding her hand. He noted her conviction, she was strong underneath, he admired that. He found himself adoring her.

Khest finished his meal and wine, and waited for Shal to finish her. Now and then gazing at her lovely face and eyes and form.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 17:41 EST
*closes her eyes kissing him*

*smiling gently*alright, I shall remember

*smiling at him while all the while thinking if only he knew why she felt so strongly and what caused her to*

*finishing her meat and sipping at her wine smiling at him*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 18:00 EST
He noted she was thinking of something, but would ask her later about it.

"Now my dear are you ready to see my Forest home?"

He took her hand, looking at her lovely face, smiling. Khest would show her unmatched beauty, in the dark places of his land. However as he looked at her, she was infact lovelier then any vision or flower in his dark realm. It meant so much to him, that she would want to see his home. Who knew, prehaps this was a fated meeting..

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 18:10 EST
*nods*yes please

*biting her lip looking at him excitment flushing her cheeks* I cant wait

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 18:27 EST
He gently pulled her to him, holding her close. "Now my dear Shal, hold on to me close. Its quite the ride.."

Khest closed his eyes and a swirl of mists and shadow engulfed the pair and just as suddenly the mists were gone, faded into the ground. And all arround Shal was a deep, primordial forest, seemingly endless. Oaks, pines, Ash, Maples, all manner of trees were in this wood.

There was a dim, diffuse blue-grey lighted haze to the forest, a cooling breeze and thick underbrush as well. There was the sound of water nearby, as they stood in a small clearing, that had a small, rough and nearly undetectable path running through it. The place was alive with the hooting of owls, the singing of crickets, and the distant howling of wolves. The land was as if it was a Forest in perpetual Night. A cool summer night, and the trees were far larger and older then in a normal forest.

"Welcome to Aetheria my dear Shal." He said as he held her soft hand.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 18:38 EST
*clinging to him her eyes closed opening one looking around her eyes wide*amazing

*smiles looking around chuckling at the noises*it's like an orchestra is welcoming us, its amazing, you home is beautiful Khest

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 18:42 EST
He smiled, he was truely happy she loved his home. It was the first time he was ever able to show its dark beauty. Though she was far lovlier, he gave her a kiss and held her close to him.

"Yes my dear, they sing of your beauty and do indeed welcome you to the Forest. I am happy you love my home so, it means much to me. Though I must say, I am already gazing at a vision, far more beautiful then all my home."

He said this while looking into her eyes, caressing her face.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 19:00 EST
*blushing*thank you for saying so, but your home is amazingly beautiful, the most amazing place I have ever been to

*looking up at him bting her lip*you are amazing, so is your home

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 19:17 EST
He took her hand and they walked along the path, moving threw the woods, ghostly figures in the depths of the forest. A noise heard her and there, though no harm would come to her. Shal was safe in the presence of Khest, who ruled this grim, yet beautiful land. They slowly went along the path, and then came to the edge of a vast, and gloomy swamp of Magnolias and Willows, muddy banks and a sluggish river.

"Here now is the Swamps of Despair, which surround the Dark Lake, and in the center of the lake is DarkSpire Castle which is perched upon Forlorn Isle."

Indeed it was a gloomy swamp, a perminent haze of grey mists, strange noises and foul smells filled the quiet air. Khest lead Shal to a large wooden river barge and helped her in, he got in and then pushed with the rowing pole launching the barge. He lit the single lantren, with its eerie yellow flame. They travelled slowly through this foul swamp. Yet even in this dark swamp, there was some beauty. Here and there were white lilies growing from the muck and waterlogged trees.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 19:36 EST
*looks around her smiling her lips parting slightly her eyes dancing*such an amazing place, even with such names, know where to look and you can find beauty in any place

*smiling at him sniffing a lilly*a marsh lilly so rare and beautiful

You are a lucky man Khest, to live here

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-02-28 19:49 EST
Never did he really notice the beauty amongst the dark and gloom of his realm. Prehaps Shal did something to bring a new vision to his eyes. As they passed by a large waterlogged willow with a small patch of lilies, he plucked one and placed it in her hair. And in doing so, gently caressed her soft face.

Poling through some unknown course, yet he knew by heart all the waterways of the swamp. Khest and his lovely passenger in time cleared the swamps and rowed into the edge of the mighty DarkLake. Lake was an understatement though. It was more like a small sea, and as if by some unknown magic, the barge changed into a boat. A long boat, narrow, with a single triangular sail. The boat being made of black wood, adorned with a Dragon's head prow.

Instead of pole, Khest rowed the small boat, some 20 feet in length, with a great long oar. Sailing with a wind, headed through the waters and mist. Through the mist, there were the glows of light, many of them. They were headed to the Forlorn Isles, and the DarkSpire, Khest's Fortress castle.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-02-28 21:11 EST
*smiles blushing placing a kiss on his hand before moving on watching the misty lake as she steps into the boat that move smoothly over the lake tilting her head slightly at the sight of the lights looks at him puzzled*Khest, what are those lights?

*looking at the sky then around smiling her eyes glowing a soft red giving credence to her vampiric gene her slight fangs noticable in her awe of the land*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-01 14:36 EST
He only smiled and caressed her face, kissing her.

"Those my dear are the lights of DarkLorn, the capital of Aetheria, and where my home DarkSpire Castle lies."

They sailed along through the mists, which then broke as did the cloudy sky above and in the light of the Half Moon, there before them was DarkLorn and looming above the city, mighty DarkSpire. Three islands all rocky and barren rose above the waters of the DarkSea. The Docks of the city were a vast network of catwalks, raised platforms, wenches and pulleys, ramps and latters.

As for the city, which covered nearly every inch of the three islands, was a packed together mass of grey-black buildings with smokey chimeys, cobblestone streets, a maze of alleyways. The lights were indeed oil lamps and torches, as well as large signal fires that burned on the tops of the five great towers of Darkspire.

Darkspire, was not some simple castle, no, it was infact some great black fortress with five massive square towers. The Central tower must have stood at least 500 feet high, and the other four, which were all connected to each other by vast walls, stood each at 300 feet. All manner of dragon and gargoyle statues adorned the fortress. Guards could been seen as tiny figures walking the many catwalks and the walls of DarkSpire. It was truely a great and at the same time terrifying sight to behold.

The boat pulled up to one of the lower docks and a dockworker tied up the boat. Khest helped Shal out and gave her a kiss.

"What do you think my dear?" He asked of her.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-01 15:05 EST
*smiling amazed binks as she kisses him* please, tell me more of this place?

*looking around somehow, deep in her heart this is where she belonged, the shadows always seemed to welcome her as she looked around her eyes glowing a soft red taking in the buildings and the lake*

*spotting the Fortress her eyes widened her lips parting in amazment*I have only seen such fortresses in my nightmares, never like this

*returning his kiss smiling at him her eyes wide moving forward slightly*its amazing, almost like I should have been here and not Rhy'din for some reason, its as though, I have memories of here
*chuckles blushing*seems a little silly though, this is my first visit

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-01 15:21 EST
He took her hand, and they walked up a series of steps to the upper part of the city docks, as they passed along the streets, people saw their King and bowed to him, and giving warm smiles to Shal. Khest leaned in to whisper to Shal.

"They seem to like you my dear. As for the city, it is old, some 400 years old, and mainly populated by ShadowElves, some Dwarves and Humans. Roughly 8,000 people live here, not including the numbers of Undead that lair in the sewers below, as well as troublesome packs of WereRats, Locathah or Fishmen, and sewer dwelling Goblins. Not a problem really, the ShadowElves and those undead loyal to me, keep the creatures of the Sewers in check."

They continued on, along the cobblestone streets, there was an old world feel about the city, shops and taverns on the street level, homes above. The people dressed in dark colors, simple cotton or woolen clothing. Children playing here and there, people on horseback or in carriage, quite bustling this city was. A great gonging was heard as the City Clock struck 12 times, Midnight.

"And as for feeling you have been before, well you never know my dear, maybe in a pastlife prehaps. There is a way to find out, maybe. So do not feel silly, I am happy to hear that you find my Kingdom to be like home to you."

He kissed her and they went on, headed to DarkSpire Castle.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-01 15:43 EST
*walking at his side blinks stunned smiles*and you appeared to leave you that you were a king? Khest

*listening to what he was telling her amazment and awe written over her face and in her eyes spotting the children playing smiling wildly looking at him*

It is possible, my father harvested my vampiric dna from a female Vampire he found dead, its possible she was from here

*returning his kiss*this place is amazing

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-01 16:34 EST
"Yes my dear, I am King of this land. You caught me." He gave a slight chuckle to her, smiling as they approached the great gates of DarkSpire, which stood at least 60 feet high and some 40 wide, made of heavy wood and iron, flanked to the left and right of the were statues of Shadow Dragons, two of them, made of a black stone. Each statue as high as the gates and facing outwards. It appeared as if they were watching Khest and Shal.

"And as for this DNA from a vampire from here, it would only be possible if your creator was from Ravenloft and somehow came to this world."

He pondered for a moment.. "Tell me more of your so called father?"

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-01 16:42 EST
*at that question she bent her head*my creator, was a scientist, he told Shaya and I to call him father, when he slept he spoke of a woman who he said we were made of, he had her killed, she was a pureblood Vampire

*swallowing*he kept me Vampire and Shaya part panther, our base DNA came from his beloved he never told us her name, or where she was from, only, when I was home, I'd know it, as Im almost completly made of her DNA

*chuckles*oddly enough, this place feels like home, and being with you makes me happy somehow, all I remember was him saying, look for the loft of ravens, and you shall find your home

*shrugs*wierd huh? good thing he was going insane

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-01 17:02 EST
He stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at Shal, she had the same hair and eyes, then it came to him, the Loft of Ravens, the way this city and this castle and land seemed so familiar to her.

"My dear do you have a journal or picture of this man you called father? Some momento of his, if I may see it?"

Khest asked of her, with gentle voice, he needed to confirm his suspicions.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-01 17:12 EST
*stops looking at him nodding*yes, I do, I always have it with me

*reaching into her pouch pulling out a black book guilded with a to headed dragon on the front and back covers offering it to him*this is it, though there is his files back in the lab in rhy'din, why?

*shaking her head placing a hand to her temple an image of Khest and a woman kissing them Khest being chained as she was held back screaming for him blinks looking at him looking away whispering to herself*wierd

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-01 17:23 EST
As soon as he was handed the journal he knew then, he knew that crest, the family crest of Lucien Von Hydericht, a madman who dealt in Alchemy for Khest's former lord, Azalin Rex. It was then he saw what she saw, for in his realm he had the power and the curse to remember the pain of his former life. He turned to Shal and spoke in a whisper.

"I know the truth of your origins Shal, you were made from the lifeblood of my Beloved Katerina, somehow taken before her death, the death you just saw in your mind. The vision I just remembered in my mind."

He looked at her, a tear in his eye, was his nightmare of losing his beloved over for him?

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-01 17:47 EST
*blinks staggering back*this...........*looking around her panicing running a hand through her hair*this is.................this is the loft of ravens?

*looking at him her eyes wide, before she looked down her eyes moving as if scanning her memories*he..........he killed her for not loving him, he killed her for loving you

*her eyes rolling before closing as she falls to the ground in a faint*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-01 18:14 EST
He nodded to Shal, before she fainted and spoke to her with a most serious tone. "Yes my dear, this land was born of RavenLoft, you have at last found your home and me, the one you loved. And I have found the one I loved, for so long."

Khest sighed, a tear of happiness in his eye, as he picked her up and carried her to his bedchamber. He laid her on the bed when he brought her in, and he sat by her side. Not leaving her, his long lost love, reborn, and lovely as ever.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-01 18:59 EST
*as she lay there unconcious images and memories flashing through her mind her body tensing before her eyes fly open swallowing hard sitting up on the bed suddenly aware of where she was looked around frowning hugging her knees* woah, intense

*looking at Khest*I remember, everything

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-01 19:22 EST
And he looked to her and kissed her, sitting next to her on the bed, a glass of Bloodwine, in hand for her.

"Yes indeed my beloved, but now you know the truth of who you are, and why you feel so at home here. You are home, my love."

He caressed her face, and offered her the wine. "Here my darling I thought you might need something after your ordeal. As I saw what you saw, in your mind."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-02 04:19 EST
*returning his kiss breathing hard hugging her knees* such fear, I have never felt that kind of, engulfing fear

*smiles at him*I guess *blinking*but Shaya, she and I are made from the same DNA, both from Katerina

*taking the wine sipping it closing her eyes focusing only on the wine before opening her eyes again looking at him then her wine*Im sorry for what my creator did to you both
*running a finger around the rim of the glass* he had no right, to do that *shaking her head*no right at all

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-02 12:53 EST
He caressed her face and kissed her, holding Shal close to him, in his strong arms, where she would always be safe, and loved.

"There is no need to appologize my darling Shal, you were not responsible for his actions in making you. Alright my love? All that matters is that you are here, and you have nothing to fear."

He spoke tenderly in her ear, caressing her face.

"I love you Shal, always and forever, no matter what."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-02 13:03 EST
*swallowing resting her head on his chest her eyes closed*alright

*hearing his words sitting up*but, Khest, Im not Katerina, you don;t know me

*relaxing against him again*I know I have nothing to fear

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-02 13:42 EST
He smiled and held her, caressing her face and neck.

"I know you are not Katerina, but I do want to know you Shal. And I am in love with you, it is your face I see, no one elses. "

He held her close, she would always be safe in his arms.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-02 15:21 EST
*her eyes closed leaning against him*

*looking at him*you look at me and see Katerinas face, seeing as we have the same face*chuckles*

*sighs as she rests against him her eyes closed tight*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-02 15:33 EST
"Yes it is true my darling you have much the same face as she did, but there is more, the lines one your face, and the things you have seen in your life are different. Your voice is different from her's, even much of your mannerisms are different. You are her, yet you are yourself dear Shal. I love you for you."

He held her close, and kissed her. "Now my darling would you like to see more of the castle?"

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-02 16:16 EST
*looking at him nodding*Please, Id like that, new places and stories seem to make me feel happier and more alive

*chuckles*kinda like a kid on christmas day opening a new present, or opening a new book

*blushing chuckles*sorry, Im just excited, this is just such an amazing place

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-02 16:58 EST
He smiled and helped Shal up by the hand, and walked with her down a series of hallways and staircases. Along the way, Shal would see many fine paintings, tapestries, statuary and other fine decorations.

"It is quite alright my darling, I understand, all of this is new to you. I will be happy to show it all to you. And what is this Christmas you speak of? It sounds vaguely like the YuleTide."

Khest held her hand as they approached their first stop, the massive Main Library, filled with row upon row of bookshelves, two finely carved fireplaces of bronze and grey-black marble.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-02 17:47 EST
*her eyes wide as she looked at each tapestry imagining the story behind each following him*such amazing works of art

*gasping seeing the fireplace moving forward running her fingers gently over the fireplace chuckling*I had an image of pulling a lever and this turning, leading to a dark cave

*chuckles*sorry, I have very wild and vivid imagination

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-02 17:58 EST
He looked in amazment as she said that, about the fireplace, he took her hand in his and pulled down one of the carved Dragon heads in the left corner of the Mantlepiece.

"You are not that far off my dear." As the lever went down, the Fireplace did indeed turn to open up a hidden staircase made of carved stone. Khest took a lantern and lit it, and took her hand.

"There is something I should show you, Shal, a bit of closure is what you need, I think."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-02 18:13 EST
*looking at him her lips parting as the fireplace moved*I was kidding

*following him up the stairs*closure? closure on what? *looking around them amazed somthing vaugly familiar about these steps biting her lip*

Where are we going Khest?

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-02 18:26 EST
"You will see my dear, though be prepared."

He took her hand and they walked down the long spiraling staircase, deep into the bowels of the castle, it grew colder as they went down. Finally they came to a vault like room and headed down a hallway to a set of stone doubledoors. Carved into the center of the doors was a large rose motiff. Taking out a silver medallion with the same motiff on it and pressed it on the doors, which then opened.

The doors swung in, and Khest with Shal at his side entered a large, well decorated and nicely kept tomb. It was pillared and had high support arches. In the center of the tomb was a large stone sarcophogus of white alabaster and grey-black marble. It was adorned with the stone figure of a woman in a long dress on the lid, and rose patterns along the sides.

He did not say a word, he would let Shal look for herself.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-03 17:42 EST
*following him looking around blinking at the door then following in behind him blinks walking forward touching the statue*this is, this is where Katerina is buried

*turning looking at him*isn't it?

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-03 17:59 EST
He nodded and placed his hand on her shoulder, and gave her a kiss on the cheeks.

"It is her tomb, iwithin this sarcophogus are the few ashes of Katerina, and her necklace that she wore the day she died. I thought maybe you should see this to have some closure."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-03 18:43 EST
*nods looking at the statue her fingers delecatly running over the statue tears running down her cheeks whispering*Im sorry, Katerina, for what my creator did to you

*closing her eyes bowing her head feeling a sort of release from her past smiles knowing Shaya would feel the same relief as her*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-03 18:55 EST
Khest just stood there and placed his hand on Shal's shoulder and with his other hand wiped away her tears. He stood there silent with his love, Shal.

He drew Shal close, his arm wrapped arround Shal's back. "I am sure she already has, and I am sure she does not blame you for the actions of that madman."

He would wait until Shal was ready to go from this place.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-04 18:04 EST
*sobbing a little hugging him her eyes closed opening them to look at the statue*

*sighs nodding*can we please, leave now

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-04 18:20 EST
He took Shal's hand and they left the dismal tomb, leaving behind the past as it was. Khest escorted Shal to the Indoor Atrium/garden of the castle, which had a view of the Dark Sea to the North. It was a fairly large, circular room with a glass and iron-framed roof, and had large garden windows to look out of.

The floor of the room was a grey-green marble, with a large bronze fountain in the center, adorned with four Elven maiden statues, each holding a water jug, from which water poured into the basin of the Fountain. There were stone plant beds, with dirt in them, and flowers. Mainly Blood Red Roses, Ivy plants, White Lilies and Moon Flowers.
There were also a number of iron and wooden benches along the glass walls of the room.

Even though it was a grey, cloudy day outside, there was at least some beauty to behold in this room.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-05 04:29 EST
*walking in front of him her jaw dropping blinking*its........its.......wow!

*siffing the flowers*such amazing fragrances, and amazing gardens, I honstly think I have seen this place before, in a dream

*walking through the gardens forgetting she's in her bare feet and long flowing dress smeeling the flowers here eye lashes fluttering and a smile on her lips* This is truly an amazing place

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-05 05:06 EST
He walked up behind her, and wrapped his arms arround her waist, and kissed her soft neck. Holding her close..

"Indeed you would have seen this in a dream, this in your former life was on of your favorite places to watch the moorlands of Darkon, when the Moon was out and the sky clear. Many times we ended up making love here. That was of course in the past. But at least your pleasent memories are intact, as wonderful dreams. Shal.

He turned her arround and kissed her lips and looked into her eyes.

"It is time we make our own new memories my beloved."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-05 05:57 EST
*blinks before returning his kiss gasping*so, everything, I dreamed was real?

*blinking looking at him nodding*

*blushing*yes, I think we should*chuckles gently*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-05 13:43 EST
He took her in his arms, kissing her deeply. "Yes it would seem my love all that you dream, of familiar things, they are memories."

Khest took her hand and they left back upstairs to their Bedchamber. Tonight they would begin in making new, and deeply passionate memories. He would show Shal, the love she had been missing.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-05 14:02 EST
*returning his kiss*Im glad I loved this dream it was so beautiful

*followed him looking around picking a moonflower sniffing it gently*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-05 14:48 EST
The next day, Khest awoke with his new Love at his side. A new day with her, and a new life. He kissed her deeply and got dressed, and went to see to making a breakfest feast for Shal.

He would show her the gardens today, he did hope she would like them.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-05 16:08 EST
*stirring in a strange bed looking around feeling for her daggers normal position looking aroud before flopping back in the bed looking at the cieling remembering turning wrapping up in the quilt*

*pulling on her dress and fixing her hair looking out the windows at the view and the horizon a smile on her lips*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-05 16:50 EST
The aroma of food wafted up through the floorboards of Khest's bedchambers, the smell of fine venison and pheasent. Fresh baked bread as well, and the scent of oranges. A fine breakfest was being made in the Kitchens.

Khest was overseeing preperations to restore the BallRoom/Music Room, which had not seen use in many years. The Castle was abuzz with activity as masons, carpenters and craftsmen, an army of workers showed up. With tools in hand the laborers, mainly Humans and Dwarves started the work. Hammers and chisels, pounding and chipping away, saws cutting planks of wood.

After some time, the Kitchen servants had set out a fine breakfest, very fit for a King. Pure silverware and fine white porcelin plates, and glasses of the finest cut crystal, adorned the large table of the DiningHall.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-05 17:00 EST
*sniffs leaving the room following the aroma blinking at all the activity smiling and nodding to all the workers smiling finding Khests scent following it*

*covering her ears sneezing at the dust running a litle careful of splinters on her bare feet looking in each room*

*biting her lip nervously finding the dining hall smiles at the arrangement moving silently towards the table*wow

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-05 17:15 EST
Khest sensed his beloved Shal and entered the dining room, closing the maindoors to keep out the noise and dust of the remodeling.

"I am sorry for that my love, I had the local labor guilds come to the Castle this morning. It is time to use the Music Room/Ballroom once more. To fill this place with the sounds of the Ball and laughter once again. To enjoy wonderous Masqurades and Holiday celebrations."

He pulled out a chair for her at the south end of the table, and he sat at the head of the table, next to her. The servants brought out Silver Platters and trays, filled with Roasted Pheasent, Pig and Vension meat. Baked fresh bread, cheeses, silver pitchers filled with Honey Mead and Elven Wine. Oranges and apples and peaches, it was a great amount of food. More then enough to feed six people.

"Enjoy my dear, I hope you have a good appetite." He smiled, he would wait until she started.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-05 18:16 EST
*smiles*its alright, I figured something as happening, something tells me this place was like magic made solid when it was a masquerade or a haoliday celebration

*taking her seat then blinks at the plates of food before sitting back againt the chair backing chuckling*My king, are you trying to fatten me?


*taking some pig meat tasting it*mmm, delicious

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-05 18:51 EST
He smiled to her, and caressed her hand. "Yes it was, such good times were once in these halls. Too long this Castle was in silence, but no more now."

He gave her a kiss before he started into a nice side of roasted pheasent breastmeat, and swallowed down some fine Elven Mead.

"Well my darling you must be famished, and it would not be right if I did not give such a fine meal, my love." Though he did give a wink to her.

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-05 19:13 EST
*smiles*I think I had a dream of one once, there was a black and white ball, and someone fell into the drinks

*smiles pouring a glass of honey mead tasting it smiles eating at her meat*


*bowing her head blushing*Oh, I see*chuckles*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-05 20:37 EST
He laughed at her comment about the ball and the drinks incident. Nodding he remminist on it.

"Yes one Lord Gregor Sandrin, a man known for flirting with the ladies and drinking large amounts of alcohol at parties. He drank too much wine at the Annual NightTide Festival Ball. One of the Noblewomen, a married woman was advanced upon by Gregor, who was rather drunk. She slapped him and he fell into the punchbowl."

Shaking his head, sighing.." Gregor was never invited to another Ball afer that incident. Poor old fool he was, disgraced for his actions. He died a lonely man found in his empty mansion. They said he went mad before he died. Too much drink and reclusiveness."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-06 03:45 EST
*covering her mouth*oh the poor man

*biting her lip confused that all her dreams were memories begins to pick at her food and play with the glass of wine*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-06 13:42 EST
He patted her shoulder and caressed her face, smiling. "You are too kind my love, You have more then likely forgotten that Lord Gregor made several unwanted advances on your former self. Infact I remember one time you as your old self, slapped him once at the YuleTide Party. He made some rather rude comments about your former self's Elven Hertiage."

Khest gave a slight laugh about that. And ate his food, and drank some wine. Seeing Shal was deep in thought, he gazed upon her face.

"What is wrong my Love?"

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-06 15:10 EST
*blinks remembering*he called me an elven tease, who wished all mens advances

*looking at him*that all her memories have been my dreams for these many years, its scary to think I have lived and loved before now

*picking at her food and sipping her drink running a finger around the rim of the glass her eyes saddening*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-06 17:33 EST
"It is alright my love, you now can live and have new memories to build, and your dreams to be your own."

He caressed her face and kissed her lips.

"And as for that fool Gregor, he was just that a fool. He was lucky I did not kill him for insulting you. Then again there were other Nobles that wanted too. Yet the King commanded that Gregor live. And if you remember his dark Majesty, Azalin Rex, you'll know why no one dared cross him."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-07 08:57 EST
*returning his kiss her eyes fluttering open looking at him smiling*no, he was lucky Katerina never turned him, poor man, he insulted an elven vampire.

*shudders at one of her blackest nightmares as a child*the blood would have turned the waters red, and his fury rip the skies, I remember the Ryhm I told him once, about his anger*smiles*he said , you should have been proud to have a wife who held no fear in her heart of him

*chuckles*so thats what happened at the end of that memory*looking at him*the nightmare scared me, but now, Im not scared anymore

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-07 13:48 EST
"I am glad to hear that my love."

He kissed her and finished up his breakfest, and sat back, waiting for her to finish up.

"Now my beloved what would you like to do today? Prehaps see more of the city? Or more of the Castle today? My wish is your command my dear lady."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-07 17:57 EST
*sighs sitting back pulling her legs up onto the chair nursing the chalice chewing her lip*Id like to know more of this place? the palace?, you? everything, Im far to curious for my own good

*chuckles*thus all the books and scrolls in my home*sipping her wine watching him*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-07 18:32 EST
"There is nothing wrong my love with being curious, this is after all, at one time your true home and it shall be so again."

He took her hand and they left the DiningHall, to the Gardens, after going through a long series of staircases and passageways, including some hidden passages. They after about ten minutes of walking made their way to the Gardens. The vast landscape of Poplars, Pines, Maples and Oaks, with some Willows. It was more like a meadow, then Garden, though enclosed by a high wall. Rolling hills, ferns, beds of MoonFlowers and Roses. And all under an overcast sky of daylight, yet some sun was peaking through. Patches of Blue sky were here and there, and the song of birds were heard.

Khest took Shal to a patch of clovers under a large Willow tree, near a small creek, and held her hand.

"I shall tell you the origin of my being then my love. All the painful details, I never did get to share with you before. I shall do so now, are you ready for such, my beloved Shal?"

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-08 18:35 EST
*looking around her eyes glowing red in the shadows of the trees stops her hands in his looking up at him* please tell me?, I would like to know

*looking up at him*

TheShadowKing

Date: 2009-03-08 19:18 EST
Looking down at her lovely dark eyes, holding her close to him. He sighed and started his tale.

"I was born to a Half Vistani woman, enslaved to a cruel Human nobleman from the harsh realm of Falkovnia. She escaped his castle, while pregnent with me, nearly nine months. If my mother was found out, she and I both would have been killed. She made her way to the neighboring land of Darkon. Where she would be safer, as the King of that mightier land, had no issue with those not seen as Human."

He paused a moment..

"It was during a storm, when my mother went into labor, found by some healer women and taken to a small monastary. However she was being pursued by soldiers of Falkovnia. And as was told to me, a large force of Undead warriors rose from the very ground.. The soldiers from Falkovnia were torn apart to the last. While this was happening, I was born, my mother dying in childbirth. One of the Undead warriors, serving as a mouthpiece for Azalin Rex himself, commanded that the Healer women raise me. And so they did."

Looking to see if Shal had any reaction to his tale so far, he waited for a bit then moved on.

"I stayed with the healer women in their monastary, until I ran away at age 12, I was picked on by the other children in the nearby village. For I was born twisted, from the womb, a Caliban, possibly so cursed for I was born of a Human who was brutal to my Half Vistani Mother. I am not sure, but in all cases, I left, making my way to the great city of Il Aluk. And promptly fell in with a gang of thugs and thieves. Using my already considerable strength and looks as a sort of enforcer for the younger children. I learned the ways of the sewers, and how to survive n the harsh, cold world."

He paused again, sighing, a tear in his eye.

"I also was used to rough up people that did not pay collection money, and on several occasions kill people. All to make a point for those that did not repsect the Thieves' Guild I was in. The Nightblades, little did I know that the guild I was in, was under the control of the Kargat, the Secret Military Order of Darkon, Azalin's personal elite enforcers. And after five years of working in the Guild. I was captured and brought before the Royal Magistrate. A mock arrest and trial in order to convince me to join the Royal Army, or face Il Aluk's prisons. I opted for the Army, and joined as a soldier in the Infantry."

Khest summoned some wine for he and for Shal, sipping some. He then went on..

"For 15 years I served the Armies of Darkon, raising in the ranks, for my brutallity towards all enemies of Darkon and the King. As well as my cunning nature, and absolute loyalty. I was awarded the Golden Dragon Skull, twice, the highest Military Honor of the Realm. And in time given the Rank of General, and hailed as a hero. I was approached by the Kargat and given the rank of Commander."

He kissed Shal's face..

"It was when I was made a General and a Kargat Commander, that I might your former self, Katerina, you were a Commander too, and a Kargat Assassin. It was then, in time we, your former self and I fell in love.."

Aurora Paige Shadowstone

Date: 2009-03-10 05:30 EST
*closing her eyes imagining his past tears forming in her eyes as she listens looking up at him tears swimming in her eyes unsure her voice would not break during the conversation clearing her throat*they did well, Khest

*smiles touching his cheek tilting her head smiling gently*I see no Caliban, didn't in my past life, and I do not now, I see the man I loved and love

*sipping the wine noddong remembering*you and I used to spark off one another, I would walk into a tent and complain to the others of you, then they would laugh and tell me thats just what you were complaining about, I remember

*returning his kiss chuckles*I guess that makes sense of my choice of job now also *smiling at him*