Topic: Guess I'm not in Kansas anymore...

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2007-12-11 14:28 EST
How in the HELL did I get here? Here?s a better one? where is here? Gabryael thought to himself as he perched himself on one of the tallest buildings in this strange underground cavern. Nope, definitely not Kansas or Albuquerque? wait? Nah, I couldn?t be in the Matrix could I? I know I was no where near the Bermuda Triangle? Is this Atlantis?

Let see? his eyes narrowed, as he tried to recall the circumstances of his arrival. I was flying, cleared for landing, sunrise was an hour away. There was this mist? thick as fog, couldn?t see beyond the propeller of the plane, felt and heard the squelch of the tires hit the pavement, then the pavement turned into soft ground. When the mist cleared, I find myself in this immense underground cavern.

He tilted his head as a bell told of the time as the denizens of this strange world came to life. Strange, dark skinned, silver haired, humanoid figures milled about their daily lives speaking in a strange tongue he didn?t understand. Wait...are those pointed ears? Yes? yes they are. Holy crap! I?m in Middle Earth!

His stomach hurt, it was feeding time as his canines extended. Shifting to mist he floated down to the city streets to find a suitable meal, and wondered if drow elves tasted like chicken.

Shi Nayne

Date: 2007-12-26 18:50 EST
Shalee was in her office going through her day just like any other, sick and tired of all the crappen ass compliants she decided to take her chances in the city. No matter if you are a ruler of a city in the Underdarke or not, the Underdarke is the Underdarke, take it or leave it. Which is no doubt why her mother had left it, which is so odd that her father a human would take it. Granted he was a vampire and the darkness suited him to a T...But still, to each his own. Shalee's dorw heritage shone thru with her desire to help run Babylon. Sometimes just the thrill of being here was enough to make her feel...alive.

"Let's see if I can find anything of interest in the market place," she thought to herself. Her elite guards melted in with the shadows, trained warriors of the night...they were her perfect protectors...One never turned their back here, not even on a friend...if you have any friends in this acursed place.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2007-12-27 16:17 EST
Gabryael took a male drow quickly and by surprise, his fear evident, by the scent of him, yanking the unsuspecting into the nearby alley. Turning him around, he caught the drow's gaze holding him in thrall. He bit deeply into his prey's neck and felt the hot liquid, pour down his gullet.

Hmmm... kinda bland, with a hint of smoke, like smoked ham or sausage. Needs salt in his diet, he thought breifly to himself as he only took what he needed before closing the pricks with his tongue and planted a suggestion into the drow, that he forget the last few moments and sent him on his way, swaying a little as he came out of the darkened alleyway, a few pints low.

"I guess they will have to do if this is what I'm left with to feed upon." He mumbled under his breath as he stepped out into the alley way directly in the path of the most beatiful creature he had ever laid eyes upon. "Excuse me please." He said softly as he literally walked into her and making contact.

Shi Nayne

Date: 2007-12-31 21:38 EST
As she passed by a building and was literally run into by an enchanting man who actually said excuse me? Well that is something new for Babylon. In Mana yes, but not in Babylon.

"Ah yes...you are excused," she said with wry amusement. Her amber eyes danced as she looked at him. She flicked a hand signal to her guard to stay, he didn't like it but melted back into the shadows.

"You are new here," she stated as a fact, not a question. "How might I address thee?" This was a question, that she honestly wished to know the answer too. Something or should she say someone new in Babylon that was a typical creature of the Underdarke. Very interesting indeed.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-01 11:24 EST
Yes Babylon was an amusing city, full of suprises from all areas. Interesting this one. Yes very interesting. Today was a good day to venture forth into the city.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-01 16:52 EST
He looked a little puzzled by her words. Address thee? "If you are referring to my name, I am Gabryael Dark, from... not around here." His emerald eyes took in the lovely woman who seemed different from the others he had observed from this strange place.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-01 17:01 EST
Shalee let out a little laugh, "Ah, I see that Gabryael. You most definately are not from around here." Her eyes sparkling with inner amusement once again. "So what has brought you to Babylon? Trade? Or merely passing thru?"

It amused her greatly that he had no idea who she was. At least he was looking at *her* and not a title, but then again he could be thinking of her as lunch? He had that air about him, the same one her father carried. The air of undead, but that didn't bother her in the least...considering her own father now a vampire. But, she could be wrong since he is obviously not from around here.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-01 18:13 EST
Trade? No.. not trade. Passing through? If only he knew where *through* was. "I don't rightly know, there was this strange mist, and then... I wasn't were I should be. If I may be so bold, who's aquaintance do I have the honor of... addressing?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-01 19:18 EST
"Strange mist? Hmmmm, sounds like a portal of some sort," she brought her finger up to her chin tapping softly while considering this. Perhaps this Gabryael had stumbled upon something by pure accident, or he'd conjured it himself. One must always be careful, especially here.

"Elvansahlee Naisin is my name," she extended her hand in a human style greeting she'd seen her father use countless times.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-01 19:39 EST
Gabryael shook her hand firmly yet gently, not wanting to crush her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Naisin. Um, would you be so kind as to tell me where *here* is?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-02 12:32 EST
Her head tilted to the side just so while a soft smile graced her lips, "You are within the City of Babylon in the Underdarke. We are directly below the Lands of Mana within the confines of Rhydin. I'm not sure if this information helps you at all, but that is where you are. Now might I ask where you originally hail from?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-02 13:05 EST
Babylon in the Underdarke? Lands of Mana? Rhydin? "Nope. Not really. As to where I hail from... the city of Phoenix, in the State of Arizona, within the lands of the United States of America, on the North American continent, within the confined of the planet Earth, the Sol System, of the Milky Way Galaxy. If that is any help." He gave her a small but warm smile.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-02 16:18 EST
"Hmmm, yes it does. My father was from the New Orleans area of Louisana. My mother stumbled upon your plane of existance and that is how she met my father. They made quite the team from what I'm to understand." Shalee's eyes were bright with merriment, since he probably didn't expect her to know where he came from. "My Uncle Mike was from there as well. Not sure what part of the America, he had something my mother called a Honda. I think it is a car. I prefer a horse or magic myself."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-02 16:47 EST
He quirked an eyebrow. Magic? Why did that not surprise him? "Well, you can tell your father that the Big Easy is now mostly underwater after Hurricane Katrina decimated it. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. As far as a Honda goes, it might have been a motor cycle, which actually is faster than a car and a horse." His emerald eyes seemed to twinkle and dance.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-05 20:27 EST
"Hurricane?" She tilted her head just a bit while trying to *compute* what a hurricane exactly is. "I take it, that is a bad storm? Big Easy? I don't understand the name." She quirked up an eyebrow while trying to comprehend these things. Her father spoke of different things from back in the day, but he never really spoke about weather. "No it was a car. My mother mentioned the doors and something like...a cord?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-05 23:01 EST
"Yes, a big bad storm. flooded New Orleans, otherwise known as the "Big Easy. Your father would know about that. And yes an Accord is a car." He replied stoically remembering that he may never see his home again. Wow! What a sobering thought.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-08 14:11 EST
"We don't have storms in the Underdarke, eternal night here. When I go up above, that is when I take the time to breathe in the sunshine and feel the breeze caress my skin." She smiled shyly then, having remembered just how nice that could feel.

"Since I'm out and about in the city, would you care for a guided tour?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-08 18:58 EST
"That would be lovely... thank you." He said smiling back. She had a lovely smile one that could melt a mans cold heart.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-10 16:24 EST
The pair walked side by side, not to many people paid them any attention at all. The underdarke was the underdarke, plus Babylon was a big trading center for all races except the illithid. Those were not permitted within the city at all. The brain *suckers* were always waging war with Babylon, they had been quiet of late but that didn't mean another attack wasn't on the horizon.

"As you can see, just about anything you desire is here. We do not allow slave trade here, it is not permitted within these walls. We know it happens but not here," she said matter o' factly. "We also have pretty good food and ale here as well. As long as you watch your back you can have a decent time here. There are those that are fool hardy and do not believe they can be harmed, those of course are no longer alive. That is their own fault."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-11 08:34 EST
Gabryael listened intently to this beautiful woman. "That is usually the case when people act stupid." He wondered about currency, where he was going to live and what he was supposed to do down here. "Guess the first thing I have to do is earn a wage seeing as I don't know if I'll be heading home anytime soon."

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-16 15:49 EST
She tilted her head just a bit as she gazed at him, her violet eyes shining with interest as she took this stranger in. "Well there is all manner of work available here. It all depends on what you are good at." This brought a little smile that she quickly cleared as they neared a tavern. The smell of stew and ale filled the air, "Care for something to drink?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-16 16:28 EST
His emerald eyes danced. "I am proficient in a good deal of many things. A jack of all trades so to speak." He said as they reached a tavern. "I'm not very thirsty at the moment, however, if you wish to partake of tasty beverages, I would be most delighted to accompany you m'lady." He said in a slightly british accent as he smiled softly.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-17 19:12 EST
"Yes an ice cold ale would go down rather nicely right now. I'm not like most women you meet, I prefer ale to wine. Come let us have a good time and hope we won't be bothered."

As she entered the tavern owner's eyes bulged slightly as the princess walked into his establishment. "Come in come in. Make yourselves comfortable. What shall I get for you mi'lady?"

"Ice cold ale would do nicely."

"Right away and you sir?" The tavern owner turned to her companion with a smile.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-17 20:33 EST
The tavern was amazingly cozy as they were seated. The lady had ordered ale. Interesting choice for such a refined woman. When the inkeeper ask what he would have, he simply shook his head and held up his hand. "Nothing for thank you." He answered politely. "So Ms. Naisin. What is it that you do for a living?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-18 18:59 EST
When the ale was brought to Shalee, she smiled happily as she took a long drink from the mug. "Now this is a fine brew. One of the best in all of Babylon." The bartender gave you a salute from behind the bar and a couple folks banged their tankards on the table in agreement.

He answered politely. "So Ms. Naisin. What is it that you do for a living?"

Innocent enough question and it so amused her that he truly didn't know her. His words were proof of that by itself, but did he truly mean what he asked? Or was he sent here to try and take her away? Somehow she doubted that he was. "Oh, I tabble in magic...plus..." she leaned in closer to him in a consipirtal sort of way, "I run this place."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-18 21:48 EST
Confusion etched in his features when she leaned in conspiratorily and told him that she ran this place. "You run this place? Why do you need bodyguards to run a tavern?" He whispered back.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-20 08:47 EST
So he had noticed her bodyguards, interesting that! "Not *this* place in particular. But this place as a whole. The City of Babylon."

Her guards materialized from the shadows not liking her talking about this with a stranger. Letting him know that she was indeed protected should he decide to do anything stupid.

The tavern owner gulped a little bit from behind the bar, not wanting a fight in here. But hey this was Babylon, he looked to one of his barmaids motioning for her to get the mop and bucket ready.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-20 14:29 EST
Gabryael quirked an eyebrow as the Secret Service agents literally came out of the wood works. "Hmmm so you run Babylon. Apperaently your keepers are not happy with you talking to me." He wasn't intimidated by the neanderthal boys as he sat there and quirked his head slightly.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-24 12:22 EST
When her guards appeared to say that she was amused was an understatement. Nice, she thought to herself...just what I need, overly protective guards. Of course, then again at least they were doing their job.

"Don't worry about them. I think they want to make sure that you know I'm safe and secure, that's all." She rolled her eyes a little bit, then winked at him.

"Princess, we really should be going back to the castle," one of her guards said quietly in her ear.

"Yes yes...I know."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-25 12:00 EST
Princess? His eyes held slight surprised in them but in reality it shouldn't have surprised him that she was royality. "It was an honor to meet you... your highness." He said sincerely bowing his head, he would like to see her again, but doubted that her ... guards would allow that. Pity, she seemed like a nice person to get to know.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-27 09:41 EST
Word spread far from the walls of Babylon that the former leader's daughter who now ruled in her father's place was out in the city. Her mother was rumored to be back in the Land above but would be too far away to do anything to help her wayward daughter. Not this time! Too many restrictions, too many rules...that is NOT the way of the Underdarke. She would learn the hard way, this daughter of a human and a drow.

"Move out, create as much chaos and death as you desire. Keep the good ones so we can sell them and I'm feeling rather chilly, get me some nice material from the market place so I can have a coat made." Her voice was chilling in itself, but when one of the drider's speak everyone tends to listen. It's not often that a drider keeps her wits once the transformation of spider and drow combine, but this one kept hers and then some. More deadly than any drow or spider alone could be. Oh yes this one was deadly, especially when given the opportunity of attacking Babylon.

"Oh and bring her highness to me. I want the pleasure of gutting her myself."

Silent nod went to the self proclaimed Queen of the Driders...Allethia.

~~~~~~

Just as Shalee was standing up at her table to follow her guards out of the inn, the alarm went out through the city. People and creatures could be heard screaming from the docks as well as the marketplace. "What is going on?" Shalee demanded as she went for the front door, but her elite guards were quicker than their charge, "No your highness...you should not be seen. You will be made an easy target."

"If you think I'm an easy target after all the years of knowing me then you are sorely mistaken."

"Your highness, I am sworn to protect you. Please do not make my job any harder than it already is."

She nodded to her captain and moved away from the door, grumbling the entire time but moved away nonetheless.

What seemed like an eternity ended with news from one of her guards who had slipped out and went into the city to figure out what was happening.

"Your highness, it is a raid...People are being taken as well as merchandise from the marketplace. It's a slave raid."

It's all Elvanshalee could do to contain her rage when he said slave raid. Her amber eyes were flaring red upon these words, "Get the guards and have this stopped immediately. Gather the mages and clerics a like. We will repell this raid. To be so bold as to attack Babylon..." She was now at a loss for words her anger was so great.

"Yes your highness."

Shortly thereafter the alarms were going off to rally the troops, there were of course troops already in the streets doing what they could to repell the attack, but now....everything would be systematic.

"I need to get back to the castle." Her words were barely out of her mouth when the front of the tavern was blown in by what appeared to be a small smoke bomb. Vision was blurred even for the drow who have amazing night vision, rough hands were placed upon the Princess. She shouted out a quick spell knocking one of her attackers against the bar and the other thru the front window. But it was not enough were those two were, three more took their place. "By all that's holy!" She screamed knocking two more away from her but the third holding fast. Her guards were being kept busy at the door fighting with swords against more attackers. Her captain made it to her side, "Come my princess..." His words were drowned out then garbled as the tip of a sword extruded from his chest, blood spraying Shalee in the face...Her eyes wide, her friend, her guard...gone. That one moment of shock is what the remaining attacker needed as he began to drag her toward the door.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-27 18:48 EST
Chaos and confusion hit Gabrayel as the alarms sounded and the guards moved to usher out the princess only to be met by the raiders. One of the attackers had the misfortune of attacking Gabryael. Big mistake as he dissolved to mist when the attacker took a swing at him with his sword only to have his neck broken when the vampire reformed behind him.

She was being dragged toward the door. Moving with preternatural speed he intercepted her attacker. The look on of utter surprise that was etched on her face was utterly priceless as a hand appeared holding his heart as Gabryael pulled it though his chest to show it to him before pulling it back out from behind through his spine. "I was having a conversation with the young lady, and you were being incredibly rude." He whispered into the soon to be dead man's ear as he dropped to his knees. He looked at the other attackers with his incisors lenghtened. "Anybody else wanna negotiate?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-27 21:38 EST
So her suspicisons were true about him, he was indeed a vampire. "No negotiating needed Gab, let's get out of here." She leaped across the bar knowing he'd follow her into the back room. The bar owner and his employees were using the room to hide. "Come on, it's some technology my father brought with him." She pulled out a device and pressed a button, they were both teleported to a safe room within the castle.

Once she got her equilibrium back she looked at Gabryael with a slight smile, "Thanks for saving me back there. I just wish I could have saved my guards." Shalee moved to a mirror that was mounted on the wall, with a quiet word it came to life showing her the city and all the fighting that was happening. Through this mirror she commanded her troops...fighters...clerics and mages alike. It wasn't long before the attack was repelled from Babylon proper, sending them scurrying back into the underdarke like rats.

She flopped down on a chair looking completely exhausted from the days trials.

"Now to figure out who started this whole thing." She looked at her guest, "I hope I didn't bore you."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-28 18:02 EST
Boring? Nothing about his life in the past few hours has been boring. He landed his plane expecting to be in one place only to find himself in another. Sort of like passing through the mists of Ravenloft, only difference being was that he was underground in a inconceivable cavern. "No your highness, my life has been anything but boring in the past few hours since I landed my plane this morning. Who were those attackers?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-29 09:57 EST
Shalee gave Gab a sly look, "Well if I knew exactly who they were I would be more than happy to share. I have my ideas but ideas do not bear ripe fruit now do they? I need to send some scouts out to figure this all out. No worries, we'll find out who this is. Now, what to do with you? Are you interested in staying on here or trying to figure out how to get home? There is a possibility I could help you with that once this emergency has subsided."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-29 10:40 EST
It wasn't like he had anything pressing back home at the moment. Not to mention that fact that this woman intrigued him. "I don't have anything pressing back home, so.... I can stick around here for a while. Is there something I can do to help?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-29 11:00 EST
"Well as you can tell there typically is never a dull moment in Babylon." The thought of him wanting to stay here made her happy deep down, she wasn't sure why but it did. Perhaps because he wasn't around here and had none of those inclinations about her or her family. Not that there wasn't anything bad but some felt her family had too much power. Of course those were typically the slave traders which they would have none of above or below.

"So...now don't take this wrong but...you are a vampire, care to share with the group as to why you've not tried to kill me yet?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-29 11:23 EST
He liked this woman, and had no desire to see her harmed in anyway. He never felt this protective of someone and it puzzled him. He thoughtfully considered his answer before speaking.

"I am unique as I have my soul intact. I don't need to kill those I feed upon. That would draw unwanted attention to me. I only kill if I have to, and killing from those I feed from would be like killing the hand that feeds me. As to why I haven't killed you yet... is there some reason why I should kill you?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-29 11:58 EST
As he spoke the princess watched him intently, she could have cast a truth spell but for some reason really didn't feel inclined to do so. "Your soul in tact. Interesting." She continued to listen, nodding her head from time to time..."The only reason you would need to kill me is if you are a spy for the slave trade, the drow clan houses or anyone who hates the Lands of Mana which is the kingdom my mother rules above. Technically Babylon is her city as well, but left it to my father to run and when my father went plane hopping again, it was left to me to take care of. Of course my mother is just as bad about plane hopping, she is back in Rhydin but has not meandered her way back to Mana yet." She shrugged a little bit, "Not that my sister and I aren't used to that happening. Gives my mother the free time she needs."

Just then Shalee realized she'd been rambling and blushed slightly, "Sorry, didn't mean to go on and on..."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-29 12:27 EST
"First of all, I don't have any idea of who or what the slave trade is. Second, if I were a spy, why would I save your life back there in the tavern? Last, if you require convincing that I am who I say I am, and that everything I have said about myself is true, then come with me princess and I will show you my plane." He was slightly irritated, but he understood why she would be so cautious. Yet he didn't feel the need to defend himself after he risked his life to save hers.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-29 13:22 EST
Shalee nodded her head to his explanations and could tell he meant what he had said to her. "Oh I never said I doubted where you came from," here she grinned, "You are the one who asked if there was a reason you should kill me, so I gave you a few." She couldn't help but laugh a little at that explanation.

"Well, we need to get outta here. Can't get anything accomplished holed up in this room now can we?" She arched an eyebrow up at him, then winked..."Do you mind being teleported?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-29 13:37 EST
He gave her a sheepish grin. He did ask that, as she laughed a little. He did like her sense of humor, it was refreshing like a mid summer night at the beach. "I don't know, I've never been teleported before."

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-29 15:05 EST
"Well you were in a sense teleported but by a mechanical device earlier. Now you can say you've danced upon the wings of magic. Because you see, the only way in and out of here is through teleportation." She placed her hand upon his arm and smiled broadly at him, "Now all you have to do is trust me," she said while winking at him. In the next breath a single word of magic was spoken and the pair was standing in another part of the castle.

"Welcome to my study."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-29 15:47 EST
Woah! It reminded him of the Star Trek: Next Generation episode where Lt. Barclay was scared to death of using the transporter because he didn't want to have his molecules dissassembled and reassembled. Anyways, Barclay got on the pad and the camera paned from his point of view where he was standing within the beam and was in the transporter room one moment and then standing on the bridge of another ship or so. That what teleporting felt like to him as he swayed slightly while getting his bearings. "Nice study." He said once he got his voice back.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-29 20:25 EST
Shalee gave him a wry smile when he finally spoke to her. "Yes I pride myself on my study. Took me a while to get it just the way I wanted it. My dad had quite a few items in here that I moved to his bedroom. Never know, one day Kaldan Naisin may show up again."

The study's walls were rather dark in shade, upon looking closer it was of a maghony wood grain, with black wrought iron sconses hanging about for light. Shalee had her father's *electrical* items removed for more traditional lighting of the sconses and the stone fireplace that adorned the one wall. The fireplace of course had two purposes...light and heat.

"Please make yourself comfortable," she motioned gracefully to one of the overstuffed sofa's and chairs that adorned the room. "I tend to spend a lot of my time in here, so I like to make sure everything is comfortable. Would you care for something to drink?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-29 20:32 EST
Gabryael looked around the room and was quite impressed with the setting. He assumed that this Kaldan Naisin was her father, as he ran his hand along the one of the many bookshelves filled to the brim with what he assumed were magic tomes. He turned back to her when she spoke again of making himself comfortable, giving her a warm, yet small smile while going to the near by sofa. "Green tea.... please."

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-29 20:37 EST
Now it was her turn to look surprised, "Green tea? Really? Wow I am surprised, my father was forever drinking Bloodweiser at the Red Dragon Inn. I'd have thought another vampire would do the same." She went over to the door and whispered to someone just on the other side. It wasn't too long before a cup of hot green tea was delivered along with a bottle of deep red wine.

"Yes I do drink wine while I contemplate life. Goes down smoother."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-29 20:43 EST
"As long as it's liquid... I can drink it." The only real exception was fruit juices, especially those that contained pulp. "Red wine is good. I prefer it to white." He said accepting the cup and blowing on it. Burnt lips and tongue were never good no matter if you were human or vampire. "How long have you been down here?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-29 21:42 EST
"You mean running Babylon? Oh I'm not sure...few years or cycles depending on who you ask. I was born in Mana up above. I go back and forth all the time. Benefit of being a mage, I can teleport. I have a suite of rooms there as well. I'll have to take you there sometime. Can you walk in the sunlight? I only ask because my father can, even though he is a vampire. Apparantly with the elders he is merged with...he is powerful enough to walk among the clouds so to speak."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-29 21:56 EST
He shook his head. "Sadly no. I am not old enough to go out in the daylight." He frowned, remembering that he loved the daytime, before he turned and missed it. But that was in the past, as he tried to bury it.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-30 10:33 EST
"Well then I guess it's a good thing you landed in the Underdarke with this plane of yours instead of elsewhere isn't it? Otherwise you'd be dust in the wind."

The green tea was brought to him and she poured herself a glass of wine, the aroma teasing her senses as she settled on a nearby couch.

"So what next?" Elvanshalee tilted her head just so while looking at him, "There is plenty of work to be had in Babylon, with you being a vampire that really isn't an issue. We have all kinds here, myself included. You don't see to many half human, half drow running around."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-30 11:31 EST
He considered her question. So what next indeed. He had no clue of what to do here in the city. "I don't rightly know your highness. Do you have any suggestions?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-30 13:40 EST
"Ok...firstly...we are not in court and down in Babylon people reallllly don't call me your highness. Makes me think my mother is walking in the room or something," she said while chuckling, "second, I'm not really sure what it is that you do? I mean you are a vampire with a soul, I've only encountered one other like yourself and that would be my father. His job while here was running Babylon and since that's my gig that job isn't open. Hmmmm..." she tapped her finger against her chin, "If you agree to under go a mind prob I could place you in with the castle guards. You've already proven yourself a protector back in the tavern. The choice is yours." She nodded her head at him and then patiently awaited his reply.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-30 13:51 EST
He worked as a Security Consultant for a major corporation back home. A mind probe she said. Hmmm. Did he really want to have her go rumaging around in his brain? We'll if it meant spending more time with the princess, why not? "Um... will it hurt?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-01-31 14:28 EST
Shalee gave him a wry smile, "The only way it will *hurt* is if you resist and it is no picnic for me either. You will be a little drained but that's about it. Nothing major really. Basically it's a probe everyone goes through who wants to work within the castle walls. I'm sure you understand."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-01-31 14:49 EST
He shrugged, "Well it's not like I have anything to hide... by all means, probe away. Let me know if you find anything interesting." He grinned.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-01 14:10 EST
She couldn't help but start to laugh at his comment, "Yes by all means I'll let you know if I do find anything interesting."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-01 14:49 EST
Smart, Beautiful, AND a sense of humor, he thought as he stood perfectly still, and waited for the probing to begin.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-02 14:19 EST
A few simple words were spoken and the princess fell on to the wings of magic as the spell coursed through her veins. Reading the mind of a vampire was typically not a nice thing. But she found him to be...interesting to say the least. His soul was in tact as he said, through his mind's eye she could see where he fed, licked the wound to where it was healed and on their merry way they went.

So interesting!

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-02 19:37 EST
Gabryael stood still and could feel the princess sifting through his mind, it felt like a feather, tickling the neurons within. He stayed silent and laid his mind out like an open book.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-05 12:08 EST
It didn't take too long actually, especially since he wasn't putting any barriers up for her to navaigate around.

"There now, that didn't hurt now did it?" She said with a bright smile, "You sure you want to be one of my guards? Could be dangerous?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-05 13:37 EST
He shrugged. "Well unless I completely lose my head, set ablaze or both, I'm not really worried about anything that might be dangerous. Besides... I work cheap, you can pay me by providing blood... and a place to sleep." He said solemly. If it meant he got to spend more time with the interesting princess type, he was all for it.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-06 13:38 EST
Shalee smiled brightly, "Deal! You are hired. I don't think the blood will really be a problem given the way you handle things. Plus a place to sleep is simple as well. We've a section in the castle for the guards to live. I'm sure you will find them more than adequate for your needs."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-06 14:18 EST
He looked down and shook his head. "Princess, if I am to be working with these blokes, it would be wrong of me to feed upon them. It's considered being rude." He said softly.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-13 10:53 EST
Shalee let out a little laugh, "I didn't mean to feed upon *them*, I meant the rooms would fit your needs. I assumed you would feed elsewhere." Here she gave a little shrug to her shoulders then smiled at him, "Let's go meet up with the captain of the guards. I'll have to appoint a new captain of my elite guards since mine was killed in the altercation today." She sighed a little bit, "He was a good friend as well as bodyguard, I shall miss him."

As they passed through the various hallways of the castle, she showed him different pictures from her father's travels as well as some of the Mana artifacts. "You see all kinds are tolerated here, something my father and mother both wanted, no one to feel left out. My mother is the same way up above in Mana, that is how we were raised."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-13 11:14 EST
"I am sorry for your loss." He replied softly and bowed.

There were many different sights to see in the passageway as they headed toward his new home withing the castle. "Diversity is a strength if there is tolerance for all. Otherwise it becomes a cancer eating through a society from the inside out."

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-13 16:53 EST
She nodded her head at his statement about her loss, statement is about the only thing she could think to call it. Part of her had an ache in the back of her head for him, but she had to move forward. He had died in service to her and had sworn to protect her and protect her he had.

"Yes, well we tend to thrive on diversity. We never do anything by halves which I'm sure you'll see after being here for a little while. Doing anything half way is just. Boring."

They rounded the corner and almost walked into a couple of guards who were bowing and apologizing for almost knocking the princess over.

"It is fine. Where is the captain?"

"She is in her office ma'am."

"Thank you, that is all." The two guards departed quickly for their posts not wanting to delay any further having almost run their boss over.

"Good day Captain Lila, I have a new member for your guard." Elvanshalee motioned with her hand for Gabryael to move forward. "Captain Lila, Gabryael....Gabryael, Captain Lila."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-13 18:08 EST
He stepped forward and bowed to the captain. "Captain. a pleasure to meet you."

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-14 14:39 EST
"Yes a pleasure. I'm sure." She quirked her eyes from the princess back to the newest recruit.

Shalee smiled and nodded to Lila, "She'll take good care of you Gabryael. Lila is one of the best. What you might think you know, she'll make sure you do know it."

Lila bowed her head to the princess accepting her compliment. "Thank you, your highness."

"I must get back to the castle and take care of some business. Gabryael I'm sure I'll be seeing you around."

Shalee took her leave of them and headed back for the castle, she had a certain vampire on her mind, making her smile.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-14 14:44 EST
He gave Shalee a warm smile as he admired her retreating backside as she walked out of view before returning his attention to the woman at hand. "Well Captain? Your orders?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-15 08:57 EST
Lila looked at her newest guard with a cynical smile, "Well I believe you and I need to have a conversation in my office. I'll want to know what your specialties are along with your weaknesses. That makes for the best knowledge on where to place you within our ranks. Please follow me."

She motioned with her hand and sat down behind the desk, hands folded while she watched him. The drow elf wondered about this man, she'd clawed her way to the top to the rank of captain over the guards. Being female in Babylon did not guarantee you anything, not like within the clan houses.

"When you are ready, please proceed."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-15 10:13 EST
He took a seat and sized up the captain. She was suspicious of him, he could tell from the scent that she was giving off. "I'm a vampire. I need blood to survive. Holy artifacts do not work on me. If you are looking for ways in which I can be killed, that is confidiential information and I am not at a liberty to discuss it." He started honestly. "I can hold my own in a fight, control the weather and change forms. If there is anything specific that you would like to know I will try to answer them to the best of my ability."

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-15 13:08 EST
Lila tapped her fingers on the desktop while she listened to the monolog about his abilities. Vampire. Interesting. Needs blood? No brainer there. Holy artifacts don't work? Interesting that. How to kill is confidential? If need be she could figure something out. Hold his own in a fight? Duh. Control weather? Cool ability. Change forms? Again cool ability.

"I think we will work rather well together. I appreciate your honesty. For your first assignment I would like to send you out with a small group of guards to see if you can figure out who was behind the attack on the city. I have my suspescions but with this being the Underdarke it could be a countless number of enemies. Figure out where they camped and see if you can track them. Any questions?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-15 14:26 EST
Being ex-military he had one. "What are the rules of engagment if need be?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-15 15:47 EST
"First, do not engage them if you can avoid it. If you are seen, leave no one alive. We do not want it getting back to their command base. Second, try to track them back to their place of origon. Third, if you have to take a prisoner to find out the information, bring the prisoner back here for questioning. Last...Don't get caught."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-15 20:26 EST
He nodded. "Acknowledged. Who am I to be working with?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-17 11:46 EST
"You will meet up with your team in the morning. Now I suggest you get yourself settled into your bunk. If you need any supplies you can't spend 20 gold at any of the stores within Babylon. Your name will be added to the list and they will acknowledge you and send the bill to us. This allotment is every 7 day. Good luck."

With that said it was clearly his dismissal as she went back to the paperwork on her desk.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-17 13:56 EST
"Thank you." He said bowing and turning he departed to get settled.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-19 10:21 EST
Word spread throughout the castle about the newcomer. If the stories were true he'd saved the Princess in the tavern from the attack on the city. Others said he'd sacrificed himself right then and there being turned into a vampire. Then there was the fact that he took out 6 attackers all by himself. News travels fast when someone enters the sanctum of the princess. Anything to do with the royals was news, especially if the queen actually decided to make a visit again, or if Kaldan came back. Yeah right!

Gabryael's room mate was out on patrol but had heard he was to have a roomie by the time he got back. Ryck was not all that happy, but at least he was human like himself and not a drow, not that he minded the drow of course. But rooming with one had it's own challenges.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-19 16:35 EST
Gabryael had gone back to his Cessna to retrieve his overnight bag and his katana. He returned the same he arrived by flying, first by bat then by human form. He walked the castle floors and cooridors getting himself acquainted with the layout. His mind awhirl with ideas to enhance the castles security, not that anyone was likely to listen him, since he was the low man on the totem pole.

He arrived back at his bunk to see his roommate. A human, or vampire he would know soon enough. "G'day mate... names Gabryael." He announced introducing himself and holding out his hand.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-20 10:39 EST
*Ok, moment of truth* Ryck thought to himself as he entered his room. Yep, there he stood in all his glory...green eyed human pretty boy. As long as he could fight and stay alive, that's all that mattered.

"Hello...My name's Ryck. I've heard quite a bit about you already. Let's see if you live up to all the hype." He said with a friendly smile on his face.

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-20 11:45 EST
Hmmm. *Left me hanging*, he thought to himself as he dropped the unshook hand. "I have a rep do I? What is that people say about me?" He asked as he unsheathed his katana and took out a sharpening stone, he sat down, running it along the slightly curved blade.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-20 11:58 EST
"Oh you've not heard? By now I'm sure you are close to a god...but...Everyone knows you saved the princess, it's just how you did it that's in question." He looked at Gabryael with a grin, "Let's see...some are saying you sacrificed yourself for her and became a vampire right then and there...Then you took out 6 attackers by yourself, oh and I'm sure you drove the rest of the force out of the city. Next thing you know Kaldan Naisin will walk thru the door to thank you himself."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-20 13:03 EST
Gabryael laughed. Where did they come up with these fabrications? "Appearently, word of my exploits have been greatly exaggerated. It was two attackers, and I didn't turn because I sacrificed myself for the princess. I did what anyone of you would have done to save her life." He shrugged, he had learned from past experience that when allowing rumors to run rampant against the hype, karma has away of returning ten fold in ugly yet spetacular ways.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-20 13:13 EST
Ryck chuckled at his reaction, then cleared his throat a little bit..."So you are a vampire?"

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-20 14:19 EST
Making known what he was, wasn't something that he did often. People tend to think the worst when confronted by a souless, bloodsucking demon. Fortunately for him he wasn't souless, his had stayed intact. Telling by the tone of the question, and the nervousness coming off of Ryck, he smiled and decided to have a little fun as he opened his mouth wider and allowed his incisors to extend. "Do these look like movie props to you?" He said as his eyes glowed an eerie bright green.

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-20 14:50 EST
When Gabryael opened his mouth and showed his pointed teeth, the first thought was...*What's a movie?* and then the second one was...*Nice I'm sharing a room with a vampire.*

"What's a movie? They look real to me."

He cleared his throat a little bit and sighed, "I've seen vampires before, I've killed them and I've dealt with all kinds of demons. We are in the Underdarke. Drow are considered to be as cruel as demons. Not the ones here but the ones in the other cities. If you see one, kill it because there will be no mercy for you. Vampire or not. Torture and sacrifices are their specialty. My personal opinion is that one of the drow houses attacked us today or someone affliated with them. Their goal was to take the princess, torture and sacrifice her to the Spider Queen."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-20 15:17 EST
Gabryael shook his head, "They are real, and I am no ordinary vampire." He said softly as he continued to sharpen his blade. "Tell me about these drow houses and their spider queen..."

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-22 14:12 EST
The major cities down here have what's called drow houses and they are ruled by the matron mother. Who is a priestess of Lloth the spider queen, who is a very vile and cruel goddess. The houses are always at war with each other for one thing or another, but Queen Samleanus...that's the Princess Elvanshalee's mother stopped following the ways of the Drow Houses and went to the surface world. Or so that's how the story is told, but that's why Babylon is a favorite target of the drow houses. She went against the ways of their kind. See she was in line to become a matron mother and when she left...well it Clan House Everhate....literally hates her. No pun intended of course. But that's the basics of it. The princess of course would know better. They've actually attacked Mana up above before and stole High Princess Shi'Nayne when she was a baby, that's the oldest of the triplets you see...there has always been conflict with the Naisin-Fane clan." Ryck took a deep breath and smiled a little bit..."Well you did ask."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-22 14:18 EST
"Yes I did. I believe that knowledge is power. The more you know the more you can control." He paced the room quietly for a few moments and then stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowed at the floor. "Where can I find this Everhate Clan?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-22 15:48 EST
Ryck actually blinked when he asked where to find Clan Everhate and had to stop himself from letting his jaw drop. "You don't just go find a clan house man. There is absolute, total control happening there. They'd know you were there before you would. Pretty much in the Underdarke you play the game. The clan houses take each other out from time to time so they can gain favor with their goddess. If you went after Clan Everhate, you'd have to take out an entire city while you were at it. I'm sure you are good, but you aren't that good."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-22 16:12 EST
He considered it for a moment of two. But then something else Ryck mentioned clicked in his mind. "What can you tell me about the Naisin-Fane conflict?"

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-25 10:31 EST
"Wow you really aren't from around here are you?" Ryck raised his eyebrows a little bit. "There is no conflict between Naisin & Fane. Naisin is the last name for Kaldan, who is the biological father of the Princesses, Elvanshalee & Shi'Nayne...and Prince Sabrar. Fane is the last name of the Queen's husband...Arch. They all chose to go by both last names, hence....Naisin-Fane. I'm not quite sure if King Arch adopted the kids or not, but he really did raise them from what I'm to understand."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-25 12:52 EST
Well now that he was throughly confused. He sat down on the cot turned and laid down. His thoughts were a whirlwind of activity, so rest as nearly impossible. What had he gotten himself into?

Elvanshalee

Date: 2008-02-26 10:26 EST
Ryck chuckled at the confusion on Gabryael's face, "Don't worry it all gets better over time. Lots of information to deal with here in Babylon. But hey, it's worth it. The pay is good and there is certainly never a dull moment to say the least."

Gabryael Dark

Date: 2008-02-26 11:44 EST
He nodded at Ryck's words and let them sink in as he laid down and drifted off to rest. Hours later, found him flying in bat form to the designated area where he would meet his team. Arriving, he reformed on the ground and looked around at his surroundings.