~And Mythos Burns~

Rakarth: *Interesting experience it was for Lorian to be with the pair, one of which was following through a very delicate scheme and the other was wary of him, not even telling him her name as of yet but such didn't matter. Upon reaching a long river in which illuminated the huge cavern that they were in, the man stopped gazing upon the mansion that was up ahead as he'd state softly* "I'm going to assume that's where Esylana is being held." *The man glanced above him at the pitch black ceiling that was oddly lit up by gems, the reflection from the lit up river making them look like stars which he'd be oddly mesmerised by for a few moments before he'd give a firm look to Rheksas.* "I'd like you to keep that blade sheathed for the time being, don't engage unless required..As much as you'd like to slaughter those inside, we require to obtain Esylana in a quick manner and whilst you've got a variety of effective means..We haven't but don't worry, if they fail to comply with our desire then I give you full permission to eradicate the filth." *The man looked over at Hildria* "Same goes for you." *Is all he said to her before offering Rheksas a low whisper* "Esylana is required remember that..If Hildria get's in the way I won't hesitate in eliminating her.." *Like that he'd speak up once again.* "Hildria you're capable of flight..Rheksas, place your right foot onto the water and let's begin." *Lorian began a quick stride, utiling his power in water to make the footing underneath him as solid as iron, same went for Rheksas should he follow as they'd begin a hastey approach to the large mansion before them. They'd reach the enterance aswell before Lorian placed a firm knock onto the door with his left hand, taking no breaks or leaving room for doubt to creep in*

Rheksas: Rheksas could do little but chuckle darkly at his situation, especially when Lorian began laying out their plan. He had no qualms against the idea of turning on Hildria should things go awry, having no particular feelings towards the woman one way or another. But to keep his sword in its sheath? Oh, the Lord of Valanice may as well ask him hold his breath this whole time. Rheksas obliged him nonetheless, keeping his hands where they could be seen as he stepped out onto the hardened water, his boots clanking softly. It made for a pleasant, rhythmic echo in these cavernous depths. Then suddenly, the Sword of Grudges began to stir. He could all but feel its power brooding in its scabbard, but without looking to the blade itself, he could not know what grudge was being alerted. Only way now was to see things through for himself.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildira was trapped in her own mind as she scolded herself for leaving the poor woman alone. She had traveled behind the two men silently as they came to enormous cavern. The lake lit up like fire as it twinkled in front of them. She kept silent as she heard the unknown man speak. She could only nod as her four black wings appeared with little effort. She soon pushed off the ledge they were standing on as her wings flapped, throwing up dust. She soon was flying over the lake, her golden eyes glancing over the manor they were about to enter. She had beaten them to the other side as she landed with a pat and clink of her chains. She stretched her wings out and then they returned to their normal sitting state. She decided to keep them out for the moment as she waited for the other two.-

MrMurasaki: the Door creaked open infront of them, the faint chattering of gnarled teeth echoed through the shadows of the Mansion. Vyle watched as the travelers entered the main chamber of the Mansion, his long crooked claws dug into the rafters above the marble floors. in a large waft his large gaping nostrils took in the smell of the new meat, his long gangly ears flicked listening to their every move and word intently. He scurried over the rafters above them, chattering jis jagged teeth and two frontal fangs in delight. He came to an immediate halt directly above them, he opened his claws and descended. In his plumit he coiled his body causing the shadows around him to coil with his form. Landing knelt down encloaked by his attire and the shadows seeming to disperse from him, he rested a moment the sound of cracking and snapping now echoed the mansion. As Vyle slowly stood his gangly posture would be come more tall and straight like when he was alive. The normally bared teeth of Vyle were tightly hiden under thin lips, when he talked they would still be prominent as with his fangs. He held his arm extended. "Welcome guesties, the Master is waiting... Please follow Vyle... would hate you to get lost..." his movements restricted, as if he were using all of his being to hold this fake form.

~~~

VampyrVixen: The blonde haired man stood beside the black and red silken sheets that were covered now in sweat and other unnamed liquids, sighing with satisfaction as he released his harsh grip upon her neck. It revealed a dark purple and blue ring around her neck, as well a coupled bruises that would show upon her exposed skin. Her dress from before? Saturated and shredded. She was lucky he didn't rip it off completely. His honeyed child like smile would return to his face as he loomed over the woman, peeling his bloodied taloned hand off of her thighs. Her right arm seemed twisted in the other direction, while her leg now dangled from the bed. He left her there in that degrading position to sob and tell herself it didn't happen. He would replace his armor, and boots that were laying nearby upon the carpet. His eyes like blue diamonds analyzing her from where he stood. "You weren't much of a challenge, but I enjoyed you nonetheless. I'll have maidens come to tend to your wounds. The faster you heal, the faster We may have more fun together. That would be ideal." He chuckled now, moving back across the room to her. "So weak you are, Sae'ala. So weak you are." But he soon heard the movements of multiple footsteps, realizing his lust got the best of him and he didn't even notice that her friends had come. His face twisted with frustration, he did not like to be interrupted. "Excuse me a moment, dear...." He would open one of the double doors with a creak, leading himself downstairs.

Esylana: She thought she'd known pain, through her life, when she'd encountered vampires before. None of them were particularly gentle, for the most part. She thought she'd understood a little better, what pain was, when she started taking the leyline sources into herself, and her body started to..."shut down", or..."overload"...from the amount of energy it was struggling to contain. And then, Esylana Geldamont came to learn that she knew nothing about pain, or really fear, until the last couple of hours. She pulled the sheets around her, as much as she could, but it sent her, as he had taunted, into silent sobs. She had never broken her arm before...much less had a broken leg. She didn't even register his words as he left her - she only wanted to die at that moment.

~~~

Rakarth: *Lorian made his way into the main chamber of the mansion with his gaze shifting up to the one that called himself Vyle, how..Boring..But the one he claimed was his master was the one Lorian desired in which he'd begin to take a noble and pridefuly stride into the place, keeping his wits about him. He glanced at Rheksas to see how he was holding up and restraining himself regarding being surrounded by monsters that every fibre of his being was screaming to eradicate and assuring the woman whose name he wasn't aware of..Deffinitely not aware of..Was keeping next to them as he'd walk with a rather leaderlike posture simply following Vyle as of the moment* "Heightened senses wouldn't have us at the advantage of whispering sadly..One can't help but wonder how does a deformed creature like yourself live on such little sustanance? Or are their others here that tend to your..Master.." *Lorian asked genuinly intruiged by the creature infront of him. Vampirism being one of the few things he was tempted to test and experiment on himself but other situations had occured*

Rheksas: It was when he looked at the creature, this Vyle, and knew what he was that Rheksas felt a base revulsion welling up from his belly. A gag was stifled into a scoff as the warrior offered his expertise. “He is a beast torn from death,” he said, unabashedly calling him out for what he was. That he was to stay his blade was insult enough, it seemed. “His master sups on the more choice morsels, such as they are, though it unlikely his face differs much from his servant’s. His true face should show as much.” Without being told, Rheksas reached into his armor and retrieved something, keeping it hidden within his gauntleted grasp as he followed Lorian warily into the manse.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria's wings had vanished by now as they started to follow this creature. She kept her guard up not only because of the being they were moving closer to, but even to this unknown man. Rheksas seemed to the follow him with no hesitation, but she didn't exactly understand Rheksas in the first place. Her eyes glanced around they moved throughout the mansion, the smell of death and blood quite potent at this point. Her mind kept wandering to Esylana, and even to whom they would be facing shortly.-

MrMurasaki: Vyles head tilted and his teeth chattered at Lorians words. "That is for Master to say, Vyle keeps secrets." The creature shrugged his form started slowly reverting back to its original crooked posture as the exhaustion was taking hold. "Sometimes, late in the night they even come from the sky." he sneered and cackled to himself chattering his jagged teeth before throwing his head down in disgust. "Silence." The dark booming demonic voice echoed from him. His deep blood red gaze fell back to them. It now focused on Rheksas and crawled over to him, it now hunched over reached its claws to him chattering. He stopped and cowered backwards letting out a shrill, deafening screech stumbling back and the hood falling to his shoulders exposing the pulsating black veins painting his pale dead skin. With a final shriek towards Rheksas the creature scurried before Hildaria, its large flaring nostrils wafted the air around her. It's maw chattered and the rotten blood that merged with spit sprayed from his mouth. "Tasty Birdsies. The feathers are tricky but the rest is tasty." His long black tongue extended from the teeth and tasted the air around her. His long gangly ear twitched as the door of his masters chambers creaked open. "Master comes Guesties... Master comes!" In his final exclamation he clapped excitedly and went to scurry to the feet of Mal'khar.

VampyrVixen: With a furrowed brow, His elvish steel boots clinked upon the marble steps that were only carpeted in some areas. He wanted who interrupted them to be strung by their neck, and have each limp slowing pulled from their sockets, or gently removing one's skin until all their muscle was completely exposed to outside breeze. He took a heavy sigh into his nostils. His long hair now flowing behind him. His Crystalline eyes would be fixed infront of him as he descend down. He soon would brings a handsome enticing smile to his lush lips. The architecture was elven in design gilded in gold and white, but all the accents such at the carpets and pillows upon the benchs were black and red. He held his strong jaw with confidence as he made way to them. He sees his faithful servant scuttling towards him as usual and thus he stops as the gangly elf paws at the feet of his looming masters. Mal'khar bends down, his large hand seeming to pet the creature before him. "Thank you Vyle... You did well again." He whispers down to the pale elf, before his sapphires locked upon the bloodbags infront of him. His alluring smile returned, Stretching across his somewhat feminine features. "Oh my, Hello there." He would say joyfully in his low rumble of a voice. "We don't seem to get many guest down here, not that I mind. I quite love to have visitors... But May I ask what brings you all?"

Rakarth: *Lorian had no idea what Rheksas was doing and whilst he was replying to him along with Vyle he'd have achieved the answers he had desired for the time being before noting the creatures sudden movements furthermore the attempt to command Lorian had struck a simple nerve as he'd give Rheksas a glance, one of contemplation but he'd save his words for the time being as it'd react oddly to the man to his right. Upon seeing it's true form the Castellan scoffed softly, allowing everyone to hear the complete sound of disgust leaving his voice and his scrunched up face as he looked completely disgused in the creature before him. It then scurried off to the would be master of the mansion. It didn't take long for the master of the household and the inhabitants of it to make his presence known in which Lorian took a rather prideful stride forward before heading halfway into the chamber, his sapphire hues keeping up the creatures own as his chestnut hair bounced softly but the smile that he had wasn't returned by Lorian only one filled to the brim with irritation* "You're well aware of why we've made our presence known and I doubt the compliance I seek will be granted by yourself either..But pleasantries should always be done." *The man undid the cloak that hindered the mercenary gear he carried he'd then pridefully speak* "You're addressing Lord Lorian Castellan, first of his name and the Lord of Valanice..One could also add in the most powerful mage in Rembrant." *After he'd state that his gaze shifted from him as if treating the man before him like a random servant at court, someone he could dismiss at will* "Rheksas..Take the woman, scour this place for Esylana and kill anyone who'd oppose you." *Attention shifted from the pair back to Mal'khar in which he'd then smugly offer him that smile, almost replicated to the one he was giving them.

Rheksas: Rheksas didn’t need to be told twice. A menacing rictus grin dominating his gaunt, scarred features, Rheksas unleashed the Sword of Grudges onto the world, letting it rest in one hand as he clutched the unknown object in the other. A length of script flashed blue upon his blade, and with a command of will alone, it swallowed the steel in a pale light. Every creature, the master of the manse included, could sense something dreadful from this black-clad human. He was at once extremely unappetizing; his blood stank with cursed venom, his soul charred over with abominable power. And to add to that the fact that his weapon hungered for vampiric blood only compounded the immediate danger he presented. “Come,” he beckoned Hildria with him, his smile never fading as he attempted to circumvent Mal’khar altogether and make his way into one of the adjoining hallways. “Don’t get yourself killed, Castellan,” he laughed over his shoulder, hoping he’d find heavy opposition on his way to Esylana.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria could only raise an eyebrow to the creature whom called themself Vyle. She soon lost interest as the Master of this place appeared. She let the other two do the talking as she glanced around for potiental rooms that Esylana would be in. As the unknown man reveiled who he really was she soon glared, of course he wasn't just some merceanary. She hesitated for a moment, but then followed Rheksas into the hall. Her chains clinked as she rushed, staying behind the man. She had a vague idea as to where Esylana might be.- "Second floor?"

MrMurasaki: Vyle scraped lovingly at the plate of his masters leg. "Master... He asked about the bags... Master he knows..." He said it in a whsiper his form now completely restored and the jagged teeth bared fully as he spoke. He turned and watched the others as they moved he snarled and hissed at them. "Master they go unattended through the Castle..." His gnarled hand pointed towards Rheksas and Hildaria. "What does MAster wish of Vyle?" The creature bounced excitedly his eyes never leaving them, the low gutteral, primal and screechlike crowl emited from the core of him. Bouncing, watching it was as if he were ready to hunt, ready for his leash to be released by his Master. "Master... They are going towards your chambers..." His last visual sight of them leaving him his tone began to get weary and saddening, a bit fearful and concerned before it snaped into his dark booming one. "Let me Feast!" He bellowed out followed by impatient and bloodthirsty chattering his bouncing getting faster, his long claws scraping into the Marble floor.

VampyrVixen: The man's oceanic gaze was unwavering, his sweet almost innocent smile would remain across his strong taunt cheeks. He chuckled warmly to Lorian as if they were old friends from many, many years ago. "We'll Lord Castellan, You may refer to me as Mal'khar. My title matters not, nor does yours down here, especially when I stand before you with no defense. Either way, You're sourly mistaken to be here. As it stands, your little friend is mine and will continue to be mine. I don't really like sharing what is mine. She was quite intriguing in fact. Having the Sae'lea here." He turns to Rheksas and Hildra. "How rude, not even staying to introduce yourselves? Where are your manners? Tsk..." His hand wavers in the air, attempting to summon a dark shadowy wall before the staircase. " You're not welcome here, not you nor you friends. Now leave or you...' Oops..." He soon pulled out his the long sword upon his back. WHen unsheathed, it had a sable energy flowing through his blade looking as bloodthirsty as the little pale elf. His smirk was alluring, and demanded attention just as his voice did. "My hand slipped.... Vyle, take care of those to. Get Lorleri if needed." He looked eyes with his target, a calm look in his eyes. "This one is mine."

Rakarth: "You should speak more softly to me Mal'khar..I'm the thing you monsters run from afterall." *Lorian's attention was upon the Vampire now as he'd unsheathe Mizu, the obsidian longsword shimmering in the candlelight as he ordered his lacky after the pair behind him and noted the shadowy field that he had placed on the stairway, giving away the location of Esylana.* "Mine? I'm honored..But i'm afraid this only has one inevitible outcome..The name Lorian Castellan being carved into your memory for the rest of what pitiful life you've got remaining..Now I do believe that's enough talking." *The man's right hand clenched up as his grip tightened, Lorian analysing his opponent from top to bottom, coming up with ways to beat him. The man began a soft dash toward Mal'khar now with the intent to close the distance between the pair before holding and bringing his left hand out in a rather aggressive manner, moisture quickly thickened in a matter of seconds as the air around Lorian became thicker, denser infact almost like a soft fog that followed him. Palm of his hand became soaked as a sudden burst of pressurized water stream came flying out of his left palm, aiming to slam into the Vampire Lord and send him into the wall behind him with enough force behind it to drag him off his feet and even break bones.*

Rheksas: Rheksas spun on Vyle, holding aloft the thing in his left hand. It was a gold medallion that fit perfectly into the grooves of his palm, imprinted with large, unsettling hieroglyphs. “I rebuke you and all your kind!” cackled the warrior, his incantation causing the medallion to disintegrate into a thousand fireflies that scattered about the room, bathing the area in a sheen of forceful energies. Anathema to undead, this talisman of faith, long minted from the bones of a dead cleric, conjured feelings of cowardice, fear, unease, disgust, and all sorts of things undead had long grown cold to. Lesser, mindless specimens burned on the spot, unable to endure the intensity of the glow. But for Vyle and Mal’khar the effects would be less pronounced, though unnerving all the same. If not turned outright they could yet be cowed, giving Lorian the edge he may need over the vampire lord. “Hildria,” he nodded to the valkyrie, indicating she should take advantage of the situation and strike Vyle. “Slay this one.”

MrMurasaki: Before his Master spoke Vyle would finish his obsessive rant with twitching his gaze towards Lorian, his neck cracking loudly and his long black tongue snaking from the center of the gaping jagged fanged mouth that wise open towards him, the toungue flapping excitedly. "Master if I may save some... He has much Blood in him... He is mosdt tasty but most trick..." Before he could finish he heard the permisiion of his master. His eyes shot to where he last sw the group and in a slash of his claws causing sparks to fly and a compression of his crooked back legs and then a powerful release shot him forward like a blood thirsty hound released. He didn't stay on the floor, no such things were where his prey stood. He scurried along the walls taking ever so much care to avoid the Masters collection. In his persuit he avoided the very dim torch light, bouncing between the hallways and weaving through the shadows. His nostrils flared following their scent, his ears always at the ready. he favoured the darkness not because he could see but because he could perform, the once right hand of the Shadow Alley Clan had been twisted by Blood of Mal'khar but the soul of him had always been Vyle. He weaved through the shadows, his chattering carrying through them. While he not yet was with the group, his chattering danced eerily amongst them. He stopped in his tracks at the change of scent, a crooked gnarled grin came to his pulled back pale flesh. He quietly crawled along the raftor hidden in darkness, he climbed up the raftors to the open ceiling of the chamber in which they stood. He was silent, he smelled the air but not violently. He listened intently to everything, he was a servent but he was not mindless. The Savagery met with brilliant observation and a keen elvish intellect. His stature seeming to be frail but just a shadow of his true Soul. He lunged down at Rheksas, the shadows coiling around him, before the explosion of light that caused him to screech in pain; this holy explosion causing a gust of wind, which removed the last torchlight. He twisted and melded into the shadows; His chattering commencing, followed now with a threatening guttering growl deepend with a dark presence.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria followed Rheksas as best as she could, them being stopped by a field of darkness that led up the second floor. As she turned back, she witnessed as Rheksas held a medallion and shouted some words. She noticed as the servant of the Master came from the roof and was stunned by the light. She pulled off her axe, missing Rheksas as she swung down in an attempt to slice the being in half or at least wound him. The swing had force behind it, when it touched the floor it cracked it making rubble and small pieces of marble. It was loud and echoed against the walls as her knuckles were white from gripping the mahogany handle.-

~~~

VampyrVixen: "Oh my..." Mal'khar would slide himself out of the way of the liquid heaved towards him. The armored man's body seemed to stretch and move to his form even though it would normally limit other beings. It melded oddly to him, moving with every motion. He soon was standing, almost strutting towards Lorian as if to mock him. "Good intentions, terrible aim there, sir." He would giggle with a lighthearted tone. He stood pristinely, like he was some sort of king that was about to give some sort of meaningful speech. "My My... Making a mess of my carpets? How rude of a guest, Not even cleaning it up? Hm...." His eyes danced upon a saturated spot in his red and black elvish styled carpet. He brings a hand to chin, stroking it in thought. "The Sae'ala made quite a mess not too long ago as well, but that was much more enjoyable in my case." He drew his eyes to Lorian's form, his voice rung with subtle lust that could only raise ears to what he actually meant. "Maybe I should teach you how to hit some time soon, like this." He would attempt to slice off his extended hand, a sadistic grin now showing upon his cheeks.

Rakarth: *Lorian's gaze kept upon Mal'khar as he'd shift his form around and spoke about Esylana, his mind went to his words and finally realised what he meant* "Yo-" *He'd be cut short by this blade slamming against his already extended left hand and with his eyes widened with shock as he mis-calculated this entire situation the blade buried deep within the hand but didn't cut it completely, combination of blood being hardened like iron and bone stopping it but still a shriek of raw pain escaped Lorian's lips as he'd growl in a more animalistic rage.* "Burn!" *Like that the moisture in the air began to thicken before an angered Lorian then brought Mizu back in what appeared to be a rather powerful attempt to impale the Vampire in his chest as he was close, aiming to drive it all the way through into his spinal cord but the truth was he was using the already magically imbued water from the stream to come back into three, sharp tendrils that flung out..Two aiming to hit the left side of the Vampire and dig into his physical form whilst the other attempted to pierce the arm with the blade, in sync with his own attack it was clear Lorian was being driven by emotion than actual logic right now. Determination and pain filling his eyes as he'd know that this went from a laid back duel to one where he was going to get serious, this opponent was one that he miscaluclated and the end goal became alot harder to achieve with the way he was acting..He required to incapcitate him and let the other two obtain Esylana..Conclusion: Eliminate this filth, make him suffer for what he's insuinating he did to Esylana and walk out of here..Alive.*

~~~

CrystalOnyx: -Pulling back, Hildria picked her axe up and moved away toward the black wall. She watched as Rheksas came in for another blow, the song of his sword ringing in her ears as her golden eyes seemed to melt with annoyance of this creature.-

MrMurasaki: As Vyle was made aware of and descended upon them he was met with the slashing axe of Hildaria, He maneuvered through the air landing on her axe avoiding the strike. His bloodthirsty eyes looked into hers as he sat on her now planted Axe. His tongue snaked to her and he let out a gutteral growl before his head darted towards Rheksas. He launched forward pushing her back a bit, he coiled through the shadows only to meet the blade of Rheksas, it sent him flying through the air shadows faded from him in his soar. He was caught by the slash of Hildaria, although the angle just slightly off for a true cleaving blow. the creature launched into the shadows, crashing in what would appear to be a cabinet. The loud piercing shriek bellowed into the depths of the mansion. "Curses you filthy vermin! Master treats you kindly and this is how you pay us? Curses that blade you have, it buuuurns it buuuurns." it seethed through its jagged teeth. in the shadows it drew from its side two hooked curved hand blades and sliced them together making sparks that showed his open gapping jagged maw, his tongue coiling in the air. "I cut you up real good, blood is blood and tonight you're mine." He leaned down the cut in his arm caused it to twitch uncontrolably but the pain was starting to become second nature to him. His deep dark voice bellowed. "Shadows Take You!" Vyle launched forward coiling, the cone of shadows dispersed around Hildaria who had Vyle on her shoulder and he sank his jagged mouth deep intho her shoulder, clenching down. He kicked off her chest and coiled through the shadows into Rheksas. He cross slashed his two blades into his chest upon the shadowstep collision.

~~~

VampyrVixen: Mal'khar focus was completely on Lorian. He could care less about the woman, nor the man... or even his dear servant. The truth still laid that he wouldn't care the little Vyle being sliced into small measly bits by the strangers. The servant that was so loyal to him was but only a simple pawn upon his chest board to move as he see fits and begs for praise like a dog that just learned a new trick. That's all he was, a pet. His handsome face stretched with sadistic desire upon hearing the man's screams. It was like music echos in his ears, writing a symphony in crimson filled with despair and agony. "You know, I'm much more accustomed to a woman's screams, but yours will do for now I suppose." His blue eyes filled with primal desire. But feeling the hot mist around him, he hissed showing his long thick fangs for all to see. For a moment, He gazed at him like a predator about to strike it's prey down. He grits his teeth at the man, moving to strike. His body is stopped by the tendrils tunneling into his side and on barreling into his chest. A splash of blood would be coughed upon Lorian's face, and dripping upon his silky platinum hair. Instead of the anger in his eyes moments prior, he backs away from him upon the carpet. His lips curl with intent. "Amazing form.. You caught me off guard competely. Well done.." He breathes a heavy sigh, prepping himself for another swing. "I'm quite lucky i'm not even alive." Instead another attack with his sword, he lifts his hand, a swirl of dark energy created in the form of an orb. It swirls like the souls of the damned were in his hand, and now Shooting toward Lorian with an attempt of attack.

Rakarth: "I must admit..It's been sometime since someone was capable of making me get serious..I applaud you if I could Mal'khar.." *He stated as the creature began his retreat and he'd get ready as the tendrils kept inside the before an orb of raw energy began to form, he could feel it's energy being conentrated and bent to the will of the vile creature infront of him before it was fired ferociously at Lorian, he'd go to dodge the attack as a soft* "That's new.." *Escaped his lips before it'd impact into his chest, bypassing the hardened blood and for a second he stood there..Nothing happened before a ripple of shadowy mist danced across his form and past him and a thooming shockwave that sent Lorian from his current position, off his feet and enough distance to still have him indented into the wall behind him.Leather boots landing on the floor as he'd fall onto his knees immediately, dizzy as crimson left his lips and fell onto the floor with a violent cough..He'd keep his head down for a moment longer before a voice whispered in his head* "Get up..You're the direct decendant of Drakon Castellan..You..Bow your head..To..No one..Get..Up!" *Lorian began to force his physical form up as the blood was still flowing normally, using it to keep his left hand on. He began to recite something for a second as he'd lift up Mizu* "I..Am soft like embers, only consuming what I must in order to survive..But when threatened..I'll unleash a raging inferno that'll consume all in my path..For that is what it is..To become..FIre!" *Rage in his eyes as the tendrils in him would extend rapidly in order to entrap him in his current position, aiming to dart out like thorns outside of him body and stick into the ground. Air around him began to heat up rapidly before condensing as this huge sphere of intense heat was formed but out of rage and destruction, Dark fire had been formed as he'd then thrust Mizu forward in order to send it directly at the Vampire but also at the stairway that he'd had blocked*

~~~

Rheksas: If Rheksas either couldn’t guard himself in time or simply chose not to, the world may never know. But Vyle’s blades struck true, slicing harmlessly off the curve of his breastplate, leaving twin gashes all the same but doing no real damage to Rheksas himself. Rheksas howled with laughter, the force of the vampire’s blows displaced by the shape of his tempered steel. “You’ll have to try harder than that!” came his maddening cackle as he swooped in on the undead thrall, whirling his sword into another slashing arc. This time it traveled right to left, moving into a horizontal stroke punctuated by righting his form so as to not fall into his own momentum. Where he struck was of no consequence: the upper body was preferable and in fact aimed for, but any place would do. Leather armor was poor defense against the Sword of Grudges, emboldened as it was with its hatred for the undead. Whatever he knew of the stairway, and whether it was open to him, was still up in the air. His bloodlust commanded him to see Vyle defeated.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria only winced as she felt the irritating pierce of the disgusting creatures' jagged teeth sink into her shoulder. It was enough to draw blood as it ran down her bare arm. A light of some sort was coming down the hall fast, almost too fast react.- "Get down!" -She shouted to Rheksas before she moved out of the way to the normal wall of the building. The ball of fire crashed into the wall of darkness, the sound ringing in their ears as it bursted into embers. The wall was weakened a bit, maybe even a small crack could be seen.-

MrMurasaki: Vyle had chattered in delight as his strikes hit, while not damaging the lust still burned in his eyes. He jumped off Rheksas chest and twirled through the air, landing and glaring at him. He dodged and evaded the swings but the form was perfect, the swordsplay top notch. He evaded although inch by inch the blade cut into his armour and into his flesh stinging. Gutteral shrieks cried out as his flesh smoldered, he coiled backwards the shaddows surrounding him as he once again faded into the darkness of the room. a hiss filled the air followed by his chattering, his blades sheathed and his teeth and claws bared as well as his ambitions. He felt it, the blood that now slightly trickled the cheek of Rheksas from the slightest shrapnel that chisled off the blade of Vyle, the caked on black coagulated blood holding the piece to his cheek. Vyles nostrils flared and his tongue coiled. With a loud bellowing cry he coiled forward the immense anger in Rheksas brought on even more now with his newfound cut caused him to steady his form, the creature coiled forth and in a mighty cutting slice he sent Vyle soaring through the air towards the stiars. The explosion of the fire engulfing him as he passed, his body easily passed through the barrier and his body slammed into the stiars then recoiled upwards. The gutteral shriek of Vyle was met with the scratch marks of his scurry to guard Esy from her saviours.

~~~

VampyrVixen: "Ah yes..." He chuckles to the hand that has it's skin partly dangling of his wrist. His eyes trail up, to meet Lorians with a respectful look. Not only did he have the courage to face him especially one on one, he was determined to slice the vampire lord done. Does he even know who Mal'khar is? The son of Lord Death and The Demon Nerexie, the union that would create the first vampire. The father of them all, and yet no fear was stricken upon his face. Only primal rage and emotions would be surging through the man. "Your emotions control you... What was this creature to you?" Reminded of how Verik was towards him for how he treated the young drow. How she and him were wed, thinking he was gone completely. How wrong they were... Though losing someone who somewhat understood his motives, that's what he missed. Being understood somehow. He pursed his lips thinking about the past so much so he didn't even know he had actually hit the man. His mind was clouded as he became frustrated with himself. His eyes less angered, and more softened with disappointment. Must it really be this way? He came back in the worse way, feeling his body be ensnared by the thorn, entrapping him in the tensrils grasp. He filled his frigid skin stretch and break, the tearing sound of his fleshy fabric being ripped was grueling to hear. He grit his teeth as he resists a cough, though it quite was inevitable. He was stuck. He glanced at the Lord with no seeming emotions, he soon raised his hand a sprial of dark air in his grasp filter and slithering around his fingers as he speak. "Go back to your home Lorian, take your comrades too. Don't stop until you're through and through." The aura circling his hand glows, as he attempts to cast this geas and perusasde or rather force him to leave.

Rakarth: *He felt something wash over, a sensation for him to leave but it was only for a split second..The pain that was dancing up his body combined with the sheer amount of will Lorian had allowed him to shrug it off this time but no small part was to be on Mal'khars behalf, he wasn't arrogant enough to believe he was powerful enough to shrug it off and gave a big part of it to the absolute sheer pain he must be going through with the thorns in his body. Lorian spoke in a raspy and exhausted tone now* "N..N..Nobody..C..Commands me.." *The blade was lifted up as he'd then bring it back in a ferocious manner as the Dark fire behind Mal'khar that had exploded began to expand at a rapid wake, coming toward him like a devastating wave of fire, hellbent on consuming him..Alongside the fact embers began to spark up fires around the room and outside of course. He'd note however that Esylana was still his objective and was going to sacrifice this in order to obtain her, charging the blade up in order for the flame to consume heavily the roof above them before shooting streams of water from underneath Rheksas and Hildria's feet, to be shot right at the currently weakened area..Not really knowing where Esylana was but it'd get them to the second floor, the wave of flame would then come crashing down to flood the entirely room beneath them..*

Rheksas: Rheksas barely had the time to follow up on whatever became of Vyle before he was ducking out of the way of fire and being shunted up onto the second floor by way of water geysers. The ceiling hadn’t completely given way where he hit, so his poor backside had to make rubble of it himself. It was all quite sudden, leaving a bewildered Rheksas to stumble about in the hallway, coughing upon dust. “Blech,” he complained to no one, hunched over with his back doing more hurting from the impact than from anything these vampires had yet done to him. He meandered drunkenly down the corridor, his armor scraping against the wall as he, very eventually, righted himself only to throw his weight into the only door he found. “Esylana!” he crooned, the Sword of Grudges glowing only faintly now. Boy, he wished he had an axe right about now.

CrystalOnyx: -Everything was happening so fast, she lost sight of the being Vyle and was soon shot up by water. The roof wasn't completely out of the way so when she hit it, she barrled her unhurt shoulder into his. The roof broke away as they both landed on the second floor. It took her moment as she stood, placing her axe onto her back as she watch Rheksas stumble down the corridor. She followed as the dust settled and soon they were at hopefully where Esylana was. The door was opened quickly and Hildria pushed passed Rheksas to get into the room, eager to see her friend.-

MrMurasaki: After ricocheting off the Wall and rolling down the stairs Vyle hobbled to his feet, the cuts of that sacred blade still burned deep. His pace hindered he was a broken mess, his chest gashed open and oozing black tar like blood the lower jaw hung down. Still attatched but dangling from his bones being shattered. Anger burned deep inside, partly because of failure but bloodlust. "Damn cursed villainous hexsies!" He bellowed out one arm hung broken dangling at his side the other clenched his stomach. He let out a low gutteral cough, spewing out more tar like blood. He collapsed into the gorund... His gaping nostrils wafted and his eyes shot open. The small pool of blood left by the slicing of Lorians hand pooled before him. The cracked smirk of Vyle was plastered on his caved face. His long black tongue snaked to it and coiled aorund the pool, he licked every last drop. His bones began to slowly crack in place although he was still very broken. "Next time... You will not win..." With the bit of strength the Blood gave him he coiled backwards into the shadows of the Mansion, despite what his Master previously said he was going to go drain the blood bag he had brought him earlier.

~~~

Esylana: Esylana had briefly passed out - she must have, because she didn't remember time passing between Mal'khar leaving and the sudden sound of her name being called, followed by Rheksas and Hildria bursting into the room she was in. She raised her head slightly, but immediately regretted doing so as the room spun around her, and the bruise on her neck reminded her that her windpipe had been crushed only, what, minutes ago? She didn't move, she could feel the searing throbbing pain in her arm, and leg, and she finally gasped out, "I'm...here...please, help..."

Rheksas: After barreling into the room, Rheksas gathered his wits in time to see Hildria stride past him. And it was then he laid eyes on Esylana, realizing what he must do. “Hildria, we must away… with Lorian,” he said, straightening himself. From what he saw of their mutual friend, she was hurt, and in a bad way. He’d been injured too many times himself and done more injuring than he could account for not to have developed some skill in diagnosing these things. “We have to regroup,” he continued, his face sober and unsmiling. “Within the empire, if we must. I know you must be thinking to take her and fly but look.” Rheksas motioned to Esylana, “she is hardly in any condition to travel. You cannot expect to treat her on the road or to keep her well enough to continue her pilgrimage. This has all been… too much. The volcano and now this? She will die long before we finish at this rate, and that I won’t allow. This Castellan fellow… he has a plan. But if that plan is not to my liking, we will take advantage of his courtesy and flee at the first chance. Esylana has suffered enough, however; bring her with us and let her rest for a time.”

CrystalOnyx: -Hildira was frozen in her steps as she laid her eyes upon her friend. Rage welled up within her as she gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. Tears even threatened to fall from her eyes, but she soon blinked them away. She listened to Rheksas' words as a sigh escaped her lips.- "Fine, we take her to the Empire. ." -She soon moved over to Esylana's side looking over the bruised and broken woman. She didn't want to touch her as she could see the badly bent arm and the clearly broken leg. The man was a monster, he even defiled her poor body. All she could do was laid a soft hand on the woman's cheek as she tried her best to blink more tear away.- "We need to set her bones and bind them." -Remembering the talks they had, they meant so little at the time but now they would come in handy.-

Esylana: "No...not the Empire," she whispered in protest, though she really knew that whatever happened with her now was completely beyond her control - she was too tired, too ill, and too broken. She needed rest and medical attention. Something she suspected that Elleinad would not allow her if she saw her like this. Even now, she could hear the gloating voice in her mind - she'd never seen Elleinad in a mortal body, but she knew her taunts and mannerisms all too well. "Please..."

Rheksas: “The empire is unravelling,” Rheksas answered, even knowing Esylana was likely delirious with pain or illness, or both given her luck. “I want us to be on the winning side. Many leylines are already active, and there’s no going back from that. Bind her limbs as it pleases you, Hildria. But we must make haste.”

CrystalOnyx: -Hildira quickly bound her wounds and wrapped her up as gently as possible into a blanket. She soon picked up the woman like so many times before and headed out of the mansion whether Rheksas or the man Lorian followed.-

~~~

VampyrVixen: He didn't assume it worked or not, but he tried to concentrate all he could in his situation, gritted teeth and grinding them as he resist crying out in pain even as his body locked with the thorns. Mal'khar brows were furrowed with utter wrath now. Just a little more, but the sprials soon dissipated in his hand as if they were never there as all. He stared for a moment at his hand, seeing every particle of the elements that he obtained disappeared and wisping away from him. His expression soon looked numb, nothing. Emptiness. The power this warlock once had taken away from him again, not knowing when it would return or if it would return. Keeping Esylana there would ensure he always had a source and a bit of pay back for the factor her soul was the one that looked away both his father and mother. One day, he knows they will walk the world again, spreading the influece of undeath and chaos, but not now. Esylana is who he had to worry about right now. His magick source. Within in moments of his thoughts, He felt the thorns dfade, leaving his body bloodied and damaged with skin torn and stretched by the tendrils. He felt his steels boots and armor heat up quickly like it was to seer his skin. His armor was an oven that would slowly roast him "alive" if he is not too careful. He gritted his teeth, Glaring at Lorian. "I must cut this little skrimish short, I have other things to attend to..."He intended to search away from him for holes in the flames, attempting to get to the stairs. To get to his power sources. He knew his legs was be burned horrible, but Magick equals restoration magic. After the agonizing run through the fire, not allowing his locks to catch in the inferno. He finds himself upon the staring wincing in anguish as he pulls himself upon the stares to reach his prize.

Rakarth: "W..Wha..What?!" *Lorian shrieked in absolute rage as his mana acted accordingly, the flames being imbued with more mana and spreading like a virus acorss the ground floor..Nobody walked away from Lorian not when it was this close! He'd condense the moisture around his feet and bring himself up through the hole, being far faster than Mal'khar could get up the stairs and dragged himself to the doorway, hopefully beating him so as he'd run past it Lorian would then lift up his left hand, letting the blood string out like an intricate spiders web..Razor sharp from the iron in his blood to string up and cut into the soft flesh of Mal'khar and threaten to tear him into bloody chunks of flesh and meat if he'd continue his rush toward Esylana.*

VampyrVixen: "I have plans, sir, and you originally weren't part of them. Now, you're a factor. A factor that matches me. You've been fun to play with, and I did not wish for it to end anytime soon, but I told you already, I don't share what is mine, Understood?" Seeing Lorian as the base of the steps, his low voice would rumble through the smokey air. it was difficult to not show distress nor voice it. The anguish was written in his eyes, and it was clear to Lorian as well. But the hard crimson webs that were so close to cutting into his skin, he reached out with his claws snapping them as if they were weakened. "Why do you insist on ruining my plans? A man like you I'm sure has your own to fulfill.." Taking his blade in both his hands, he fully intended to use the blunt edge of this slab of iron to bat Lorian into the nearby wall.

Rakarth: "You've gotten in the way of my vision Mal'khar..Nobody will ever interfere with such without remembering my name for the rest of their lives." *He'd note the man getting ready to bat Lorian away but he'd swiftly duck underneath the attack, shouting down to Rheksas and Hildria* "Depart now!" *He'd then swing his left hand out to utilise another web of razor sharp web to grab and entangle Mal'khar but furthermore the middle of it had the Castellan sigil so if successful would imbed that and scar him for the rest of his time remembering what happened, before attempting to throw him furiously back down the hole that Lorian utilised to get up here into the fiery depths below..*

VampyrVixen: "And you're quite in the way of mine." He winces, barring his sharp fangs as he stares in the man's eyes. "One day, Undead will be walking amoung the world. So will Death Himself. I will ensure that future will on course, and I will not allow anyone to take that from me, Not even you Lorian." Mal'khar would hiss at him as the razor like webbing soon wrap around him. He wished to make a swipe his sword, but the exhasution set in, as did his injury and the sigil being burned into his pale skin. He soon felt himself tipping down the stairs. He reaches out to grasp upon the man before him, but the webbing prevented it. His blonde locks flew infront of him as he tumbled down the steps towards the fury of the inferno that burns like the nine hells themselves.

~Meeting Mal'khar~

Esylana: She was dragged, or spirited away, down the winding corridors in darkness, her heart pounding, her head starting to pound again, the Elemental symbols on her ankles and wrists burning. She was terrified, and she tried calling out for help multiple times, but couldn't get the sounds out past the hand clamped firmly around her mouth. She couldn't break free, the "woman" who had her was strong, and she had a feel around her that Esylana distinctly remembered feeling in her life before - this was a vampire. What kind, she did not know, but she knew she was being dragged farther away from "safety" and towards a more dark danger than even she would've liked. When they finally came to a place that was lit by the orange glow of the large lake, her eyes widened. It was huge. And far overhead, the stars glittered...wait, stars? No, that wasn't right...some sort of stone, or fungi was being reflective, or glowing in the ceiling above, and from way down below, it only looked like it was brushed with stars. A boat was at the shore, waiting for them, and she saw in the distance on the otherside of the lake, a black shadow of a city. She was...entranced. It was dark, and it was beautiful...and she was terrified.

VampyrVixen: "What did I say about fear my dear? I can smell it all over you and that's going to attract many, many fun people around here. So why not just relax a bit? Might be hard but not like you'll be leaving anytime soon, Not until you talk to him." She hiss into Esyana's ears as they move closer to the lake and boat. The woman was not gentle with her, basically throwing her into the boat. She loomed over the terrified being for a moment before getting in herself, someone had to row the boat of course. Bringing the paddle to meet the water with a swift motion was easy, effortless for her. She peered into Esyana, staring daggers at her. "You should be happy, if this wasn;t my job to check sulking folk, I would've around had my fangs clean inro your neck. I can smell your essence flowing from here... But his orders." She groaned, paddling ever so calmly to reach the shore, helping the woman out but not letting her run off on her own at all. A tight grip upon her wrist. As they ascending closer to the grand building in which they would meet 'him'.

Esylana: Esylana pulled at her wrist, the woman's grip did nothing to alleviate the burning that was already emblazoned into her flesh. "Who is 'he'? Please, I don't want to be here, I'm trying to get out - I didn't mean to trespass," she stammered, her flushed cheeks draining of all their color as they came closer to the heart of the city. She hadn't even known this was down here, if she had, she might have given herself up to the Empire, even briefly, just to avoid this. But then her thoughts turned to Elle on the throne, and she realized...this was almost the literal definition of "rock and a hard place". Tears sprang to her eyes as she suddenly wondered if she was destined to die here, a failure, and never completing her quest for the Master Crystal?

VampyrVixen: Looking upon the structure, the darkness shrouded it's true colors. The doors seemed to be made of wood, and two guardsmen standing outpost to it. The woman ignores her pleas, yanking her along. "Look what we have here now?" One of the guards leans in to get a wiff of Esyana's scent, before the woman swiped her taloned claws at him. "Leave her be and let me in to speak with him." She sneered at the guards before the large doubles open to them. Candle light blarring out into the darkness. A golden wooden floor with crimson red and brown carpeting. A long corridor, with extragavant elvish influenced architecture and sconces adorning the walls. All eyes then fell upon a large ebony throne sitting in the back. A figure sat upon it lazily until he saw them grow near, He would rise from his spot with interest glinting in his eyes. He soon meeting them at the base of his throne. The woman would throw Ana upon the ground, now looking upon the blonde haired man. "She was found sulking about in the tunnels, for whatever reason." She monotonously stated. The man with bright blue eyes and his long flowing hair now glared at her, moving now to help Esyana up. "THat is no way to treat a guest. Lorel. Be gone, I will deal with you later..." He rose his chin turning to the Esyana. "Are you alright, miss?" His eyes widen as he now gets a good look at this woman before him, a gentle smile now crossing his lips.

Esylana: She looked up, and where she'd lost the color in her cheeks from fear of the place before, now they were turning a shade that matched her haircolor, blushing deeply as she looked up into his eyes, and ...she shook herself suddenly, stammering. "I-I'm fine, sorry. I, uh. I didn't mean to trespass, your...lordship? I came to...well, I got lost," she lied suddenly, her thoughts whirling with the events and the leyline sources, and she thought, perhaps, it might be better if he didn't have her whole life story of the past few weeks. "If...uhm, if you don't want me here, if I could get directions back to the surface, I'll be on my way and you won't have to worry about me anymore." She was hoping he would direct her on her way. But if these were really vampires, like they seemed to be, she had a bad feeling that Lorel was right - she wasn't going to be going anywhere for awhile.

VampyrVixen: He gave her a small chuckle, her fear was eminent but he only wished to soothe that about her. "You see my dear... I take precautions to ensure that no one is simply coming down into our great city, invading it and such. I simply with to give my land here the protection it needs and deserves of me." Helping her to her feet and allowing his sapphire to gaze upon her, he felt the elemental energy flowing through her just by the touch of her hand. He soon analyzed her as he spoke, "You are welcome here miss, but I must ask, why would a lady such as yourself be sulking about a place like this? Sure... I know there is others... But I wish to know why you have come."

Esylana: She bit her lip, looking at him. She'd mentioned getting lost, but that clearly wasn't flying with him. So, perhaps it was time to lace the lie a little further - hopefully he wouldn't find out the truth? "...In truth, sir...my ship was on a course home, through the sea, when a dreadful storm hit. It tossed our ship upon the rocks beneath the waves, and...sank...I lost everyone and...and everything." She couldn't bring herself to tears, quite, but the distress she was feeling was genuine, even if it was for entirely different reasons. "I made it to the island, here, and sought shelter in the cave, and...well, I'm afraid my curiosity got the better of me...and I got lost, until your scout found me..." She bit her lower lip, glancing away briefly, hoping her eyes wouldn't give away her fabrication. She couldn't remember if vampires could read minds, but hopefully they couldn't.

VampyrVixen: "Ahhh yes.... that explain quite a lot in fact. The others came with you I suppose, and That all falls into place.... except the fact the elements are burned deeply into you.... coursing through your very veins and soon to become come one with them. To have your body intertwine with them in perfect harmony.... For magical purpose." His eyes stared through her as if she was complete transparent. "I don't understand dear, why try to lie and buff about what you are doing to an old warlock? I know of the power that coursing through Mythos. I also know of what you are doing. Attemping to become a Sae'ala... Quite a noble act indeed." He strokes his chin look down at the woman. His body clad in a elvish like plated steel armor. A weapon would not be adorned, but one would lay at side of his throne; a claymore. "You intend to restore what was lost to this world years ago?"

Esylana: Her lips were pursed, she glanced sideways briefly, before looking back at him with a sheepish grin. "Yes?" But even as her nervousness was plain and she was briefly trying to be adorable, she felt the power in her threatening to overwhelm her. The headache throbbed, the nausea hit, and for a brief moment, she felt the world spin and grow dizzy. The spells were getting longer, and harsher now, and she suddenly was going down on her knees with a sharp intake of breath, followed by a loud groan. She couldn't bare to keep her eyes open as she squeezed them shut, the tears now genuinely coming to the corners of her eyes.

VampyrVixen: "Your body is weakening, dear. The elements hold their grip on you quite well.." His slight feminine features twisted with some form of sadness that he relayed. Not only a lovely sacrifice for magic to come back to his hand... but a sick reminder of what happened to his father many, many years ago. He pursed his lips to this thought. He lays in the depths of this place to grow his army, and spread it's immortal influence, a vengance ploy in order to restart what his fathers wished for in a different light, with his own kin. He soon dropped to a knee, gently draping his arms around her and soon scooping her into his arms. "I don't think you should invest in the leyline down here, in this moment. I believe you should at least get some form of rest."

Esylana: If she had wanted to resist his grip on her, she didn't - she couldn't. As he scooped her up into his arms, she cringed into him, buried her pounding head into his armor-encased chest. It was a moment, a long set of moments, before the wave of agony slowly passed, and it left her feeling drained, for the first time since the attacks had started to be felt. She was limp in his arms, and a part of her was grateful for his strength. What a strange thought, though. She recognized it as strange - she'd never liked vampires, in all her life. They were cruel beings who were...unnecessary. Weren't they? But here she was, briefly relieved to have some form of respite in this one. "...I have to finish what I've started...there are those who would...have me stop..." she whispered, thinking of the Empire soldiers who had tried to take her down only hours ago.

VampyrVixen: Mal'khar in his almost beautiful glory held Esylana gracefully in his grasp. Even with his hard elvish steel form, his touch was gentle and tender as one would hold a small animal. Though in his case, he only thought of how easily it would be to break the small woman in his grasp, each bone breaking with a beautiful note that would ring like a new piece of music he wished to compose. Esylana's head was rested against his hard physique, barely being able to resist or move on her own. Her hand rested upon his breastplate and long blonde locks that were soft like the finest silk, difficult to believe it was a man's. His face though was masculine with a strong jaw, taunt cheeks, and a thick brows. His nose was thin but prominent, taking in the wiff of her succulent skin whether she noticed it or not. The sweet scent of her blood filling his nostrils. He could drain this woman dry right now, 6 seconds flat, but that would be too easy. He much rather have a bit of fun with the being that has forced him to continue his father's work even years after the sealing. His sapphires would analyze her weak and fragile body that was shaking in clear agony. A sweet and handsome smile would filled his cheeks. A strong hand rest upon her back as now cradles her as if she were a sleeping princess. Oh how fun this will be. "You should rest my dear, you're in no condition to be continuing you journey, not now at least. You are to stay here until proper rest is taken for you." He watches closely at her facial expressions, knowing full and well his gorgeous appearance is fooling her of his intentions.

Esylana: She moaned, the pain in her body throbbing through it, but slowly subsiding. Or perhaps she was only wishing it would subside. She felt his strong arms carrying her, and his reassuring words, and...they were soothing, weren't they? And she was tired, wasn't she? Really, she did need the rest - Rheksas had been so pushy to get in and get out. She hadn't told them, of course, how she was feeling, but she...hadn't felt that bad. Had she? It didn't matter now, she felt bad now, she wasn't really thinking she'd be able to run anyways, so why not just...relax. "You're...too kind, my Lord...what was your name? I'm sorry," she mumbled, some vague foggy thought entering her exhausted mind that she hadn't caught his name.

MrMurasaki: The large flat nostrils of the creature gapped as they wafted in the darkness, his eyes weren't terrible but lacked the ability to see well in the dark, his large nostrils with his long gangly ears would guide his way. His long tongue seemed to taste the air before wrapping across his gnarled exposed teeth and his two frontal fangs. the visage of an Elf remained but this pale abomination was a far cry from the Wood elf he once was. Smeeling the familiar scent of his Master would cause his jagged gnarled teeth to chatter excitedly. As he entered the chamber the sound of dragging was made more evident on the black stone floors. Behind him was a fresh body, young and beautiful. She was very much alive but seemed to be conditioned to this, ready to be the next meal her long blonde hair gripped in the claws of Vyle. Dripping on the floor was the blood of the severed head that was clenched in his other claw, occasionaly sinking his gaping maw into the neck draining it. It crawled over to its Master and his 'guest' kneeling beside him looking up with loving, primal, blood thirsty eyes. It smiled with its gnawed blooad caked mouth, chattering its teeth excitedly.

VampyrVixen: Mal'khar gently looked at the young woman laying maybe not comfortably in his arms, but she wasn't trying to get away so that's what counted; Even if she was soon to be trying to no avail to get away from his clutches. He gave out a chuckle that would make any woman's heart skip. His low enticing voice rumbles through the woman's eardrums. "My dear. There is no reason to be sorry or to apologize. You're in good hands here and you will be taken care of as a guest, for you are quite a saviour to this land. Restoring the flow of magick to the land is no easy task... I was once a great warlock myself, and I was distraught when it stopped it's elegant flow. For now I am but a humble ruler trying to aid my people." Even while not completely lying, his deceit ran through thick upon his sly tongue. "My name you ask? My dear lady, my name is not important, especially in this state that you are in. I will-" Soon, he realizing he is not alone with the poor woman. The ugly monstrosity that was his most loyal servant would kneel before his steel booted feet. He turn enough away so that his appearance is blocked from the poor girl's view. He's trying to woo her, not frighten her. Not yet at least. "Vyle... I am in the middle of something as we have a guest that will be staying with us. A special one at that. Is there a reason you are interrupting our time?." His tone was clear and clam, yet demanding and dominant.

Esylana: She listened to his words - or rather, the tone in his voice. It really was a soothing thing. Deep, and smooth, like liquid gold. In spite of her physical ailments, she couldn't help but feel a shiver down her spine. But she soon frowned - what was she forgetting? The waft of fresh blood met her nose, and her senses were suddenly woken as her eyes opened - they had been closing as she was feeling sleepy. Now she was awake. "I-...put me down, I'll walk," she suddenly said, remembering this was a vampire lord who was holding her - foolish girl, letting her guard down like that.

MrMurasaki: the creature scratched his long claws up and down the leg of his master, the head which he dropped rolled onto the foot of Esylana. His teetch chattering awaiting his usual pet and praise for a deed done well. His nasely, grotesque voice would do no justice in hiding his form. "Master... Fresh Blood..." with a cracking neck he twisted his head to Esy and crawled over his claws scratching against the stone. He climbed up her form clawing at her his teetch chattering as his maw would get close to her body. "Fresh... With a hint of..." His nostrils heaved greatly smelling her, the gust from this would gently blow her clothing. His tongue reached out to her beofr he stopped himself and then returned to his masters side leaving Esylana with a parting curgled snarl and a chatter. "Fresh, young... delicious I had but a taste master, just a taste... see?" He harshly gripped the blood bags wrist pulling it up to Malk'kars vission the body lifting partly in the air before he just let her go with a hard thud. "I see MAster has a feast... If you require it of Vyle I could give Master a Show... To remind him of what Vyle was in life." A malicious grin dawned the jagged exposed teeth, still desperately clawing at his Master for any praise.

VampyrVixen: "My guest is not to be fed from nor touched, understood?" As if ignoring her pleas to be put down he simply continue to speak to his trusted servant. But he knew now by the tone of her voice and the look in her eyes that his charisma was not going to be enough this time around. His eyes glared down at his servant with a sense to kill him, to rip out throat through his pastey neck and end his miserable existence right then and there. But no... he was respectable man and he had morals as fucked up as they may be. No, if she wasn't here and he didn't need him anymore, He would do it without hesitation. But scolding him infront her would only make things worse. So he relaxed his tense shoulders. She already knew. She already isn't buying it. He must take another route whether she likes it or not. He then smiles to the loyal service that Vyle has done for him. "You have down well Vyle, always have. You always find the must delicious ones to become like cattle for us. I can almost taste her from here. Very well. Take her to the dungeons, I can assure you I'll make sure she is prime and ready to become meals for time to come. Do not feed from her until then. Either way I have things I must attend to, such as our lovely guess that will be staying the night with us. That will be quite some fun, indeed." He soon gives Ana a child-like smile that completely constrasts his harsh grostesque words that filter through her ears.

Esylana: Now she's awake. -Very- awake, and she starts to try and thrash against him - migraine symptoms be damned. "Put me down, please, I d-...If you don't put me down, you'll regret it. I have friends here, remember?" She arches her back, trying to slip out of his arms, but even if she were to manage it, where was she to go? How had she let her guard down so fast, so easily? She hated vampires, she always had - well, not all vampires. She'd only known a few in life whom she'd become friends with. But the one that was holding her now was -definitely- not one. She caught another glimpse at Vyle, and cringed from him. Again. She'd been cringing ever since he'd walked...or crawled, or skittered, whatever term might be used to define his movements...into the room. She felt panic rising in her, but quickly had to tamp it down. "You used to be a warlock, maybe we can come to an agreement," she says suddenly, her mind desperately grasping at straws.

MrMurasaki: Vyle listend intently nodding in excitement at her fear bouncing in place his long black tongue hanging from the side of his jagged maw. He tilted his head as he listened to his Master and nodded excitedly flapping his tongue. "Yes Master, your will be done..." he lowered his hood exposing his dead pale skin, decorated with buldging black veins. He rubbed his bald head along the leg of his Master. "If you wish... If she has friends I can smell them out.. Bring them to Master..." his gortesque voice changed to a deep, horrid demon of a voice. "Or I can feed." with a gurgle his voice returned to normal. "But I shall prepare her for the feast... She is untainted..." He snorted bouncing in place excitedly.

VampyrVixen: "No no... That will not be neccesary, unless you wish to aid those that have already been sent. They will all soon become cattle, we needed a refreshing improvement from what we have had lately. I'm sure they'll be quite fresh and ready right away right after capture. Pick from any of them that you wish, feed to your hearts desire my dear Vyle." His smile was sweet but one can now see his sick twisted mind hidden under it all as there was no need to hold it in anymore. "Go now, Vyle, and make sure those damned meat sacks know whom is on top down here, so shall it be..." He then turns back from the which he was directed swiftly moving toward a grand marble like staircase. His grip would only grow tight upon her small form, the more it pained her the more her smile grew as he glance upon her anguish. "I told you my dear, you are in no condition. You will be staying here and you will be treated well, my word is law." His stare to her was that of a alpha wolf resinstating his dominance upon his pack. He grins happily towards as they soon arrive up the winding stairs and down the red carpeted corridors to a room of double doors. Upon entering, many fine silken furniture or red, black, and silver could be seen. Gorgeous was it, the red looking like the very color that flows through all living beings. One could mistake it for being soaked or dipped in the life water itself. Letting the woman down after the doors are closed, He once again towers over her in the dim fungus light that shines into the room. "I don't think it would be wise for you to leave alone in the city you're in, you do not know who is waiting around the corner wishing to drain you dry."

Esylana: His words scare her - what if her friends cannot fight the monsters living here in the depths of Mythos? She winces, clenching her teeth as he tightens his grip upon her body, arching her back again as she tries to break free. But he might break her skin if she keeps going, the way his nails dig in, and she finally falls silent again, helplessly waiting until he finally sets her down in the lavish new room. She bolts away from him, backing up as she holds up her hands. "Please, I don't want to- to be a burden. I insist, just let me leave, I'm in good enough condition to walk," she stutters, even as her knees actually threaten to buckle under her. She goes to speak more, but is suddenly silenced as she doubles over, dry-heaving as her body struggles with the ever-increased power its trying to contain. And some part of her distantly wonders - if she even gets out, can she really finish this horrible path she's started down?

MrMurasaki: Vyle sneered through his jagged mouth, the coagulated blood in his mouth oozing through his teeth with the spit that sprayed from his Maw. He bounced in hearing of the arrivals. "guests! guests! How delicious" He clapped and then knew his presence was no longer needed. He leaned in to the blood bag, the rotten blood mixed Saliva dripping on her face as he lowered to her ear and whispered. She sat right up, then got to her feet and in a trance like state walked towards the stone stairs to the dungeon. He lifted his hood tucking in his long ears. he looked up through his hood at Esy teeth chattering. "Sleep tight... avoid the bite...." his final words would ring with a different tone, more of his former elvish tone. "Silence!" his deep demon voice would bellow. Snarling he crawled towards the blood bag, the path was shadowed so he saw fit to Shadowstep through the darkness, the shadows seemed to coil around him as he launched forward landing beside the woman. As they descended he would leap through the shadows, clapping and danging as he reappeared each time chanting "feast please, Feast please going to find the guesties." his being would fade into the dark of the castle as his master and his guest ascended the stiars to his chambers.

VampyrVixen: "No burden at all my dear. My home is quite filled and lavish, holding every desire for every sort of person. There's many, many dangerous creatures out there, and quite a few beings that would not keep themselves from ripping through your soft flesh." He approaches the young woman, a firm smirk upon his gaunt face as his sapphire eyes search into her very depths of his being. He seems to be removing his armor the closer he gets to her. Gauntlets, shoulders, and breastplate until he was down to a elegant cotton blouse and fine looking dress pants. Hard to say he was just wearing moments ago, and make people believe you in the same breath. "I'm not sure you wish to die just yet?" He soon has her up against a nearby wall, looming over her. "You may be what you are and doing what you must, but I can tell you fear this quite a bit." He leans down, his face inches from hers so she may take in his handsome but almost beautiful features. He was flawless for sure in his porcelain skin. He soon brushed closer to her, his lips close to her ear. "You asked for my name, did you not?"

Esylana: She pressed into the wall, as hard as she could. "Y-y-you can ke-keep your clothes on, mister..." She had regained her senses just in time to notice he had removed his armor, and he was now approaching her. But the wall at her back made for an impossible retreat any further in that direction, and as his lips leaned to her ear - she couldn't help but notice there was no breath to tickle it. She shivered, none the less, in response, her hands coming up to try and push him away, pressing hard against him as she turned her head away from him. "I ...I'm sure your name is lovely, really, but I can't stay. Gracious host that you're being - I REALLY must be going." Her eyes started to scan the room - it was time to find a weapon. Candlelabra, perhaps, or maybe a poker from the fireplace, or perhaps a bottle or glass to smash against his head. She was determined not to be dinner tonight. She paused, wondering if her knee in his crotch would be effective.

VampyrVixen: He soon pressed himself upon her body, keeping her still without too much pain upon her form, but he couldn't resist digging his taloned nails into her waist. It was always much more entertaining when they try to squirm away, it is more of a challenge. "No no dear, I think you should know." He soon brushed his lips on to jer soft neck. "So tender is your skin, shaking you are. I know I frighten you. But if you stop moving against me, it'll mean less pain for you. I don't have to break any bones or cause any bruising. I think that would be ideal for you wouldn't it?." His eyes ran down the rest of her neck, just smelling the sweet scent of her blood and letting him savour the flavour that it will be. "Your blood is coursing not only with the power of the Elements, but a delicious scent I cannot ignore. In any case: My name is Mal'khar. Nice to meet you." His low tone echos in her ear before two large fangs pierce into her skin, his grip only increasing. He peels her off the walls and holds her up in his arms.

Esylana: She did squirm, the feeling of his nails digging into the flesh at her waist, through her dress, was surprisingly more painful than she would've expected. The way he was moving against her, the way he seemed to drink her in before ever biting into her was almost a palpable feeling as she wanted to cringe away from his gaze. She was afraid. She wanted to insist she wasn't, but lying to him, and to herself, wasn't going to be what saved her from this monster. But even as she labelled him monster in her mind, he whispered his name. Her eyes widened - Mal'khar...it couldn't be..."Zenra," she whispered, her breath catching in her throat as his fangs sank into her flesh, her blood rising quickly to his lips - it was sweet...it was...strangely spiced. It was empowered. She was infused with power that was killing her slowly, but now it was flowing into him, and he would feel it. He would feel a strange sense of his former magic returning, as if he were once again a warlock. How long it would last was certainly debatable, but feeding from her would certainly give him far more than a little boost he might be normally used to when feeding on someone else.

VampyrVixen: Feeling the strange surge through him, he soon stopped. The energy... This power... He hasn't felt this in so many years. Over 200 years, it passes so quick even as he struggled to maintain a well formed power and control over his people, his army. So interesting that Rembrant’s Sacrifice laid in his grasp even though she crippled in distress, not of her own doing. Either way, She would come regret such a weakness being exploited to this predator. He soon pulled away from her neck, a stream of red flowing from his lips and upon his chin as he savoured her delectable taste that circled his tongue. He held onto her body one handed, still raised off the ground as her feet dangled freely. He brought his other hand to her chin. "Zenra.... Hm... I haven't seen her in quite some time. I didn't know my past lover... or rather my own personal slave was that known. Oh my... I miss her screams the most. She was always so silent when we... made love, until I decided to have some fun. She always loved to play and tried to get away. So, I crushed every little bone in her back, she was quite vocal after that. I couldn't get over the sound of the crunch of her bones, I'm sure she hasn't forgot it either. Maybe I'll pay the little drow a visit? I need to make sure the raven's child is... taken care of." He would let out a chuckle that would seem gentle and tender to some, but the grueling and grotesque nature of his words only made one wish to hide. He soon walked over to the bed with silken soft sheets that seemed to wrap around her as she was set down. "But before I see my little grey one again, I wouldn't mind tasting more of you first."

Esylana: "Yeah, well, I'm not...edible." She lashed out with her feet, trying to kick him away as she tried to back up. She pressed her hand to her neck where he had bitten her, trying to keep from losing any more blood there as she tangled with the sheets, trying to undo them, keep him at bay, and look around for -anything- at all she could use as a weapon. If she could just get away, even for a second, she could run, she could...hide. She could...she could what? She was in the heart of a city of bloodsuckers on the edge of a lake that held only its own light. And if she made it out of the city, there was still the labyrinth. She logically knew...she was not getting out on her own. But that wouldn't stop her from trying.

VampyrVixen: "Oh my dear... How naive you are... Such a limited taste palette as well... Maybe we can change that in time? Might take days, months.... years... I'm sure you'll change your mind after that." As if her struggle and kicks had all but no effect upon him except making that disgustingly pleasant smile curl across those high cheek bones of his. He leaned down staring deeply into her orbs with his own oceanic ones. His large hands roughly gripping upon her wrists pulling them and locking her in place. "Anything is edible if one wishes for it to me, that or getting passed the gamey tang it leaves...." His eyes now dance openingly across her covered body, knowing damn well they'll be ripped from her physique soon enough. He soon pressed her massive form upon her body, locking her in place with his sheer strength. He removed his hands now. One moving to grasp her cheek tenderly, the other flowed down the curve of her waist and upon her thigh still draped with her dress. He gripped it, pulling it up and holding it in his strong arms. "You're quite ravishing.... Your eyes that put a good man to stone, your plump soft cheeks... I will savour you, my dear. Just as I savoured your dear friend for years."

...And time passed...

~Getting In Is Easy - Getting Out, Not So Much~

Esylana: Her hand shook as Esylana picked up the tiny broken piece of the fountain source. She hesitated before she pushed it into place, thinking over the trip to get here: It had been a long journey, longer, perhaps, than any of them would've liked, but they'd finally made it on a hired ship to the island of Mythos - a place that was not well-known by the locals, other than for its rampant stories of ghosts, and demons. Ships who got close to the shore were known to get shredded on the sharp rocks just beneath the roiling waves - and ships that managed to make it to land were also never heard from again - or rather, their crews weren't. It was a fairly barren island, the trees black and scraggly as they reached for the sky overhead, and there was no grass, or any sign of green life on it. It was a very dark and desolate place - and that darkness only grew as they found the mouth of the cave that would lead inwards. Down into the darkness, down into the labyrinth, it was far worse than the twisting halls of the Chardesh palace back by Mt. Hecate. But Esylana had known the way there, whether through her connection with the leylines now, or through the whispered bell that occasionally would echo alongside the dripping of water from stalagtites. The tunnels were thin, almost clausterphobically so in places - and in other places, the tunnels would widen out into caverns. Some of them quite beautiful: one such filled to the brim with the green of unmined emeralds. But that wasn't why she was here, and Rheksas had made his point quite clear when they made landfall. Get in, get it done, and get out. After all, what if the island started to sink? Gods forbid...it's what made her hesitate now. But she couldn't sit there forever, fearing "what if's"...surely they'd be fine. The volcano had been the only problem so far. She pushed the missing piece into place with a 'snap' and the world shook around them, but only briefly. It stablized soon, the sound of the empty caves around them just as empty as before. No rushing water, no chasms opening beneath their feet. She would've sighed with relief. If she hadn't been kneeling in agony as the sign of Dark Water emblazoned itself upon her left wrist and left her reeling with illness.

Rakarth: *Travel was long and tense as Alainhandra would be talked with by Lorian who presented nothing but faith in her and the plan ahead, she knew what he required to use if Rheksas became an issue and informed her that they'd be posing as her paid protection or else the others wouldn't be up for negotiation. He'd also inform her that they'll want to know how she found them so he'd tell her it was best if she stated that she mirrored Esylana's steps. Upon arriving at the place, even Lorian himself wasn't dressed in his usual attire but had a face mask and hood to conceal his chestnut hair, Mizu was sheathed as he'd explain to those around him.* "Nobody engages without my permission. Alaihandra will have her say with the group and until then we're nothing but mercenaries, I want those at the back to load the crossbows we've brought..Dip them in the buckets. You." *He'd point to one of them* "Will carry the two buckets, place them down when I say so. The rest will have their longswords out, formation will be as follows: Two at the front, two crossbowmen behind. Myself and Alaihandra will be in the middle, bucket shall be behind us and the rest will mirror the front. Your whistles are if someone is to get lost..Stick close and don't break off formation regardless of what comes forth, we're here to finish the scheming of Rheksas.." *He'd open up the map that he found and glanced at Alaihandra before offering her a statement filled with genuine tone.* "Our deal will uphold..I promise you." *He'd then state in a firm, commanding tone to those with him.* "We'll take the routes with the most meetups, maximising our chances of contact. I want silence in this place unless told otherwise, hand signals will be our way of communication as these walls should echo anything inside." *The men inclined their heads before placing on their own hoods and lower facemasks. Before entering the place shook gently as Lorian let out a grunt of clear irritation, under his breath he'd simply say* "Problematic.." *Like that they went.*

Rheksas: The Sword of Grudges was meant to be wielded in two hands, what with the length of its hilt, but was not so long that it could not be comfortably wielded in one. That was Rheksas’ thinking once he discovered what kind of place the next leyline would be in. Seeing it was a maze of sorts with narrow enough passages that a prolonged fight could become problematic, he made a point of purchasing the best shield he could while he was still in town. Now equipped with the sturdiest kite shield available, Rheksas led the way by Esylana’s direction, carefully threading through the tunnels beneath Mythos. Once they reached their destination, he took his place behind the group to stand watch in case they were ambushed. Hearing the snap and feeling the earth shake beneath his feet, he called out over his shoulder “Well and good, then? Let’s be on our way before we attract unwanted attention.” Keeping to his original plan of getting in, doing the deed, and getting out, Rheksas was eager to see the light of day.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria followed their lead, though she had to do some manuvering. She would duck and pull her way through, her axe becoming stuff most of the time. She would mutter a few words to herself, but kep up as best as she could. Once they were in the main chamber she waited for Esylana to replace the broken piece. As the earth shook she wobbled a bit, but thankfully it stopped soon after. As Esylana was doubled over in pain, Hildira rushed to her side and placed a hand on her back.- "We must go." -She offered to help the woman up, standing tall with her hand out.-

Esylana: She had her eyes shut, the words of Rheksas and Hildria both bringing her back through the fog of pain. She reached with a shakey hand for a pouch at her side, taking a strange purple leaf from it and chewing on it. Instant relief flowed through her, and she sighed wearily, rising. "Let's go." She affirmed, moving with them now back the way they'd come. She didn't have her almost "six sense" to lead them out, but hopefully Rheksas or Hildria would remember the way. --- Alaihandra was as serious as ever, and as stern. She walked beside Lorian, before pausing and looking at him. "I think it might be wise if I approach them alone. If they see I'm with a group, they'll grow ever more suspicious..."

Rakarth: *The group proceeded into the place as his sapphire orbs dropped onto the woman before he'd reply softly* "Such would be best..I'll accompany you, the rest will stay back until the situation becomes clear to the group." *Swift reply showed that he wasn't going to take anything else in the matter as he'd raise his left hand, informing the group that he'd be taking a lead with Alaihandra as they'd simply nod and begin to come back behind him.*

Rheksas: Stepping warily forward with his sword atop his shield, Rheksas pointed into the expansive darkness ahead by the tip of his blade, forming a wall with his own body in front of the two women. “I remember the way,” he said, thankful that the whole bloody island wasn’t sinking or something dramatic like that. Once he was told what a volcano was and what its eruption meant, he was a little upset at the whole ordeal in Devlin. “Go steady and listen keenly with your ears,” he advised them. “This has been too easy so far; the whole world should have heard of our exploits at the last leyline by now. I hope for but don’t expect an easy escape.” Despite his words, he was smiling.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildira followed behind them quietly, having Esylana in the middle. She would need time anyway to squeeze between the rocks. The small chains that connected to her shackles clanked as they hit the stone, her barefeet making a soft 'pat' noise under her. The man was right nothing went this easily, there must be something hiding around a corner. Though she kept her hopes up nothing would happen that doubt stayed at the back of her mind.-

Esylana: Alaihandra paused briefly, seeing a shadow moving in the distance down the tunnel they'd found themselves in - as fate would have it, they'd picked the right one to run into Esylana and her entourage. But then she falls quiet, her eyes catching sight of the all-too-familiar Rheksas. "Oh...not him..." she whispers darkly, her age-wrinkled hands clenching into balls at her waist. --- Esylana was watching where she was walking, but also trying to see where they were going. Now that the leaf was helping her cope with her nausea and headaches, her curiosity was getting the better of her, and she wanted to see more of this dank place before the left it - that room with the emeralds? She could only imagine what it might have looked like if light had filled the room, and they'd been cleaned and cut...if she were an artistic sort- but no. Best to focus on the task at hand...she tried to see around Rheksas a moment, even as she reached back for Hildria's hand.

Rakarth: "Rheksas." *The man repeated softly, his left hand coming behind his back as a signal was given to his men to hide behind the corners and keep there for the moment, placing down the buckets as they'd keep as silent as the grave. Lorian whispered into Alaihandra's ear softly* "You need to approach first, then we'll be able to have Esylana notice you and we can begin. My faith in you is unshaken Alaihandra..I'll protect you against Rheksas should the need occur." *Voice sounded reassuring and thoughtful as he took a single step behind Alaihandra awaiting for her to make the first move now, his plan should set in motion and a domino effect was going to hopefully occur.*

Rheksas: “The hell are you doing here?” he said once he spotted Alaihandra, lowering his shield for a moment. But just a moment, for his instincts kicked in and back up it went, blade pointing squarely at the woman. His black armor clashed with his usual, sickly pallor, rendering him only partially visible in the dim light of the cavernous maze. “HOW did you get here?” he asked before any answer should be forthcoming. How did this fool woman know they were here? How did she even have the means to follow them? The hair on the back of his neck stood on end, the feeling of an ambush pending. There was no way something wasn’t afoot; a plainclothes medicine woman wouldn’t have just crossed the sea and wandered down here by accident.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria stopped as she watched Rheksas stop, holding onto Esylana's hand in the darkness. She could barely see another woman in front of Rheksas as she only stood a bit taller than him. As the vibration of their movements stop, Hildria could see the light movement of others down the way. Though they were trying to be silent, humans had to move around some. Though she didn't say anything she kept her golden eyes in front of them as she prepared for the worst.-

Esylana: Alaihandra stepped forward, but not too much - the man was pointing a sword at her, after all. She raised her voice, letting it carry down the tunnel. "Is Esylana with you? Is she safe?" As her voice carried, Esylana's eyes widened, and suddenly she was letting go of Hildria's hand, and trying to peek around Rheksas even more. "Alaihandra? Alaihandra, is that you? It's Alaihandra - Rheksas, let me by, I know her, she's okay." As Alaihandra hears Esylana's words of reassurance, she starts to slowly approach. "It's okay, I was worried about you when you rushed off, so...I came to help," she explained, her hands coming up to show they were empty.

Rakarth: *Lorian had kept himself quiet as Alaihandra decided to approach the group with her hands empty in which he'd keep a close step behind her to assure she was safe but also in his direct reach, her loyalty was the only thing he couldn't rely on..She could say anything in order to protect those she cares about, the gaze that kept ahead of him however was upon Rheksas for the time being. Left hand behind his back as he was giving hand gestures to those watching in the darkness but nothing would be done against them so far..It was falling into place as of the moment.*

Rheksas: Rheksas couldn’t help but laugh – pretty much the opposite of what was generally appropriate in his situation. “Can you two just back up already?” he chuckled, stepping right into Esylana’s path. “Rheksas leered over his shield just enough for Alaihandra to see his smiling face. “You didn’t answer my question at all,” he chided. “Forget about Esylana. As far as you’re concerned, she doesn’t exist as long as I’m standing here. So I will ask one more time: why are you here? How are you here? Answer swiftly before I become upset.”

CrystalOnyx: -Hildira hung back as Esylana rushed to get by Rheksas, but she blinked in the darkness. Was there another person there? Hildira soon took a step as she crossed her arms over her chest.- "Whose that there with you? I dare not say you came all alone." -She was speaking of the man who was standing a bit farther back, though she could see him clearly she could feel a slight presence. Of course the old woman wasn't alone, it seemed she had a whole group behind them.-

Esylana: Alaihandra stops in her approach, her face looking...well, it's the expression one has when they're internally torn on what to do. As she pauses, Esylana can be heard getting upset. "Really, Rheksas, she's my mentor, the closest thing I have to living family. Please, she wouldn't do anything to hurt or betray me...really, I think you're being too paranoid," she chided, but even as she said the words, her eyes caught the shadow of someone behind Alaihandra. And as she did, everything suddenly flared into excruciating pain, leaving her breathless as she staggered back. It was almost as if the leylines and their power were warning her, but of what she didn't know. She didn't care either, she was trying to reach for another one of the purple leaves - there weren't many, but she'd gotten them to help with whatever was happening to her with each fixed source. Meanwhile, Alaihandra seemed to have made a decision. "I came because I do not want to see Esylana die...I came because that's the end of her quest, and I love her too much to see her suffer such a fate...but...sometimes, an old woman can be wrong." She suddenly flings her arm downwards, turns, and throws the vial she holds - it's a small and a fragile thing, and it arcs through the air...towards Lorian and his group. "Take her and run," she cries out, looking back at Rheksas...finally understanding that if Rheksas is with Esylana, and not dragging her back to the Empire, then something about his loyalties must have shifted. Or so the older woman desperately hopes.

Rakarth: *Upon turning around something was clear to Alaihandra, to Rheksas to them all..The masked figure didn't have a look of shock but one of complete calmness, he didn't raise his blade or go for it for as she went to throw the vial..She'd find it's contents already leaking from the fragile encasement, utilising his power in water magic to enhance it's contents size and shatter it's hold allowing it to break free in her hand. To add to this issue it's misty form would begin to disperse at a rapid rate toward the group as it was forced toward them in a ferocious and almost sentient like manner, aiming to engulf them all in this smokey like mist. To make matters worse hurried footsteps stamped against the floor as people from behind the figure began to make their way hurriedly toward the group and Alaihandra..Lorian had yet to speak or do anything but just stand their and watch the dominos drop. Alaihandra..The perfect walking bomb, if she kept her loyalty then this could have gone quietly but the true reason for her holding such a key important part of the plan was because she was never in control of it..*

Rheksas: “Hildria, take her,” said Rheksas, hoping the Valkyrie would heed his command and flee with the fool woman. She had a pilgrimage to complete, and he planned to see that through with her. In the meantime, he took full advantage of the labyrinth’s narrow passages, stepping into range of Lorian’s men to meet with the very first unlucky soul in line. He could barely lift a weapon before Rheksas slammed the lip of his shield squarely into his face. Even if he wore a helmet, it didn’t stop the blow from cracking his skull and sending him toppling into his comrade, where he would fall unconscious before bleeding out into his brain. Utilizing the distraction, Rheksas turned on his heel and bounded in the other direction, hoping to lose them amidst the confusion. “Go! Go!” he shouted, herding the pair into a branching passageway.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria took no time to grab the woman by the arm and pull, dragging the woman with her no matter if she wanted to stay or not. They run through the passways, spending no time. She would push through the thin passage and meet a a section that either went right or left. She chose to go left as she continued to pull Esylana. She would've picked her up by now, but with it being so tight she didn't risk to injure either of them.-

Esylana: Alaihandra didn't look very surprised as the vial seemed to explode in her hands...or perhaps she was. It was a moment of her brushing her hands off and coughing as she inhaled the mist, stepping out of the way of Rheksas' attack as he made to go for one of the men with Lorian. She felt herself start to tense up, the paralysis taking hold, even as she turned to stare the way Esylana and Hildria had run. She was frozen in place, now, and would be unable to say or do anymore, save her silent thoughts and prayers for the safety of her beloved protege. Esylana, meanwhile, was running with Hildria, nearly biting off her tongue as she tried to chew and swallow the leaf that would, again, bring her relief. In her ingestion, she wasn't breathing, but soon would be, as they ducked down the passage. "A-...Alaihandra...no, Rheksas, we have to help them, we-...we..." She looked back, and realized something awful...going back now might be problematic. If they were running, they might be lost...

~~~

Rakarth: "Futile..I'd like you to all understand that running will do nothing for the outcome of this encounter." *He stated as he took a step back allowing one of the men to stupidly run into Rheksas head on, what a moron..This was the Empresses finest? He'd take a mental note of this. Rheksas was unaware of the mistake he had made which was good, upon turning around Lorian raised his left hand and then dropped it rapidly hoping to also utilise the fact his back had turned for the already loaded crossbowmen to fire down the narrow passageway. Upon letting them loose it was at that moment that they flew pass him, he'd begin the chase the mist seemingly following the Valkyrie and Esylana with an almost snake like being to it, twisting and turning before shifting it's form to engulf the pair..Lorian had made it his absolute goal to obtain Esylana at any cost, Alaihandra, Rheksas..This other being..All but obstacles in the way. He'd no doubt catch up to Rheksas first but his gaze was upon those infront of him, well what he could see of them..Hoping to catch them in the mist aswell as unlike his men Lorian apparently had perfect vision in this. Rheksas was now the main issue, the only obstacle in the way but the mist should be taking effect in a moment..*

Rheksas: Futile? Something clicked in Rheksas, and after running only part of the way down towards a tunnel, he stopped and turned to face his pursuers. Only to get clipped by crossbow bolts that zipped by and stung his arms and planted harmlessly into his armor. He ignored the mist, such as it was, and charged into the group, beaning another man in the face by hurling his shield right into his mouth. Teeth went flying as he stepped in and sheared off his leg with a more typical two-handed stroke from the Sword of Grudges. Pushing him to the wayside, Rheksas howled with laughter as he tumbled into the rest, forcing them into a melee they could not likely escape with Lorian at their backs. They were skilled men to be sure, but Rheksas fought with such careful intensity that it was a frightening just to see him in action. Every move was swift but deliberate, and none could match him for more than two exchanges of the blade before he struck them a felling blow. He chanted as he fought “One, two…three!” he said, always ending the fight on three. And these were quick skirmishes, to boot: four men had fallen in less than half a minute, the clash of swords ringing through the tunnels. But something was beginning to happen to the black-clad warrior. His exposure to the mist made his skin tingle, his face go numb, and his features droop as his eyes glazed over, no longer seeing the empire’s men. Indeed, those silver eyes glared out into some distant past, the poisonous vapor broiling his mind and sending him into a stress-induced fit. “Filthy northmen” he began to grumble, even as more bolts clipped against his armor. “All talk and no ssssubstance,” he taunted, his speech beginning to slur.

Rakarth: *Lorian witnessed the savage encounter with his men and Rheksas, no man really putting up much of a fight at all but the man didn't seem in a hurry to catch up to them for the time being. Four men were dead in less than half a minute and it was at that moment Lorian himself stated to the men behind him* "Halt..Proceed to take the otherway. The girl and her accomplice has taken in the mist, assure a man also takes Alaihandra back to the unit." *The men would look at Rheksas then their Lord before nodding and doing as he asked. The Red Tide didn't waste anytime in utilising his silver tongue speaking in a interested tone* "Allegra stated that three people were capable of eliminating what she considered her best..I was inclinded to believe she was over exagerating but now I can see this isn't the case.." *Soft sigh escaped Lorians lips as his right hand came over to unsheathe the obsidian blade Mizu, it'd glimmer even in the darkness as the longsword rested firmly in his right hand.* There is a place for you Rheksas in the new order..Assist me as my enforcer and you'll find yourself butchering hordes without issue but I think the most important thing for you is that you'll even get to see the Empress..Kneel..Or you may fight me in which case the outcome will be one of us dead." *He wasn't egotistical enough to assume this would be easy but he knew he had the advantage of magic whilst his opponent was alot more superior in sword combat.// The other men were looking at the map trying to find a way around Rheksas and then back up to the turn off to attempt to obtain Esylana.*

Rheksas: Rheksas paused – something he rarely did when there were swords drawn – and moved from foot to foot, squinting warily at Lorian. It was almost as though he… recognized him somehow. His guard relaxed, lowering the Sword of Grudges to his side. But to the man’s words he gave little heed, even as he settled his attention fully on his mask. “Darga?” he called out, confused. Lorian’s men slipped by him in the meantime, the warrior’s troubled gaze settling languidly on their leader. “Darga,” he said again, more confident. “Darga’saleth, your mask looks different. And you spoke! To me! You’ve never uttered a word in my presence before. Your voice… it’s beautiful,” he almost sobbed, his words choked with emotion. But then he refocused his attention, looking more befuddled by Lorian’s presence than anything. That recognition seemed to fade, albeit slowly.

Rakarth: *Lorian didn't waste time in utilising this new found information* "Yes..It's me Darga'saleth..I know i've not been aware of your presence but..Listen to me now.." *He took a step closer* "People are trying to kill me..This..Is your final test, obtain them..Bring them to me.." *Lorian began a shifty and cautious few steps toward Rheksas and even attempted to get on the opposite side of him, exerting caution in his body language but confidence in his speech* "We'll do this..Together." *He'd raise the blade of Mizu and attempted to softly cut him, it was very minor as Mizu's miniscule and serrated edge allowed for him to obtain blood from those he cut alot easier before he'd state in a charimastic manner* "Come on Rheksas..Let's do this!" *He'd then turn around and aim to enthusiastically begin to run encouraging him to follow// Meanwhile Lorians men would sneak past Rheksas and follow the clear wet trail that was left when Lorian dropped the mist allowing them to be aware that left was where they went, in which they'd dart with utmost haste.*

Rheksas: Rheksas jerked away as Lorian circled around, placing a hefty distance between them. Mizu wouldn’t get its chance to taste his flesh, a very paranoid Rheksas eyeing the blade the very moment it was raised. “That’s not your sword, Darga. You would never discard your relic weapon. Never… no,” he shook his head, some measure of clarity returning to his eyes. “Darga is long dead. I know that. Who does that make you?” he asked, the smile slowly creeping back onto his face. It was then Lorain could see the gears turning, as everything he’d said to the black-clad warrior was returning, half-listened to but retained well enough that he seemed to remember them with sudden certainty. “New order?” he asked, wary but curious. “This mist is… making my head fuzzy.” He clenched and unclenched his hands, gripping his sword with carefully contained urgency. “What do you want from me, phantom? Am I dead?” It was apparent his confusion wasn’t completely gone, but something was coming back to him. “Don’t come near me like that. Dead or not, I’ll make you deader. Speak your intent and make it plain.” So now Rheksas appeared to think himself deceased, and that he was fighting off shades in the underworld? His sudden paranoia seemed to indicate as much, but there was no telling how quickly his impressions would shift again.

Rakarth: *Lorian had a light bulb occur..Esylana was no longer the target of this mission but the monster infront of him was clearly mentally unstable, phantom?..It was time to take on the role of such. Booming voice came from the mask* "Who I am is not your concern Rheksas..Only that you're in the midway of life and death, you don't deserve an afterlife you..Must -earn- it." *The man attempting to adopt a persona of this power deity, to the point flames suddenly burst into life behind him before dying down into soft embers.* "You've done nothing but kill without purpose but it is time for you to understand that you're not as strong as you claim to be..You will be found in the labrynth by a man called Lorian Castellan, he wishes to bring about a New order that will see the Empress kneeling before him and true order restored to this world, serve him and you'll pass on without issue..That is the cost for your.." *The man growled* "Afterlife..I shall not go into detail of the..Interesting things that'll occur if you don't..Rheksas..For a soul that doesn't pass on well.." *The man began to cackle softly before breaking down into an all out laughter that could be heard echoeing out throughout the halls* "Seek out the man who wields this blade Rheksas!" *It was as he shouted he'd place his left hand on the wall and a wall of thick water would begin to shift and lock the pair from one another as he took a moment to let it sink in. Esylana could be obtained easier if Rheksas was with him..Regardless if it worked or not he'd dart around a nearby corner, getting around it the barrier would drop and he'd just simply wait for a few moments.*

Rheksas: To his credit, Rheksas only halfway believed this phantom, even in his fugue state. Lorian nevertheless managed to capitalize on one of the warrior’s greatest, most deep-seated worries: the fate of his mortal soul. A cursed man, Rheksas was led to believe his affliction would be his ultimate undoing, and that his soul would be annihilated on death rather than pass onto any state of afterlife. In the years following his exile, he sought the answers from every religion he came across, beseeching each deity in turn. With no answer, he was resigned to this grim doom hanging over his head like a dark cloud, until Lorian, in his fit-induced disguise, managed to rip open a faint light of hope. It was all a desperate man like Rheksas needed, the barest glimmer of something that could save him. “Tell me where to find this Lorian, spirit,” he said, his smile fading into a hard crease across his scarred face. His resolve was evident; either Lorian would prove his savior or prove unworthy – he would die if found the latter, Rheksas decided. No one toyed with him like that.

Rakarth: "..Kneel with your blade and shut your eyes, it will take a minute for your mind to return to the world of the living but once you awake the man you seek will be ahead of you. Take the left and you'll see him with the blade that you see me utilising now..Do this Rheksas, help him complete the new world and your afterlife shall await you.." *He awaited for Rheksas to do this action in which if he did Lorian would begin a hastey retreat around the corner to the left, upon opening his eyes the water would be gone..Not a glimpse of it in sight and Lorian would be making a quick stride to return to his men.*

Rheksas: Rheksas didn’t so much kneel as he drunkenly fell to one knee, his eyes shut spastically tight, as if he were a child told he was about to receive a surprise. “Go from me, spirit,” he said, opening them just in time to miss Lorian sprinting off. His mind had cleared a little and that was good. Good enough, at least, for him to stagger onto the leftmost path in search of this Lorian fellow. With Rheksas’ clanking armor, it was easy to hear him coming well into the tunnels. And it was not like he tried to hide his presence anyway, his impulsive nature predisposing him to a very… loud gait that all but announced his arrival.

~~~

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria rushed away from the chasing mist, surely it had a range before it would stop. She pushed her way through the small openings, her bare arms becoming scraped. No blood fell from her as of yet though her mind was set on getting Esylana out of there. It seemed that the passage way would open up a bit which helped them move faster.-

Esylana: She stumbles, briefly, wincing as she bangs her foot on an errant rock, but she keeps moving. She has no choice, the valkyrie is strong and won't let her rest, and ...and Alaihandra, and Rheksas, she still wants to go back. She's confused, she has no idea what has happened, exactly, all she knows is Alaihandra and Rheksas are in danger. As they turn down another twisting passage, into a small cavern, she finally pulls free. "Wait, please...I can't." She pauses, resting her hands on her knees, catching her breath. She looks back, suddenly fearful. The dark is very dark here. What if the mist, the danger, really was still right on their heels. Tears in her eyes, she nods, moving with Hildria again, towards an opening on the other side of this small cavern, before coming to a three-way fork...which way?

CrystalOnyx: -They stopped within the cavern, she wasn't huffing just yet; but that mist gotten to her a bit. Her face felt numb, but she shook her head as fault against whatever it was. Once Esylana was ready they continued into another opening. A three-way passage came up and this time she headed right. Maybe they would loose them, though her mind did flicker back to Rheksas. There was nothing they could do now but run, she hoped there would be another exit or at least they would get far enough away to loose their chasers.-

Esylana: Esylana followed closely behind Hildria, there was nothing for it. The distant sound of rushing water soon reached the two women's ears, and suddenly their tight passage was opening broadly. The ceiling stretched upwards into darkness, an impressively dizzying height, while the floor fell away into a deep, deep chasm. Stretching out into the darkness, across the chasm, the path continued: as a dangerous catwalk. The rushing water sounds like a river, or waterfalls, somewhere nearby, the air is cold with a bite this far down. A downright miracle of nature. Esylana looks absolutely mesmerized by it, before looking over at Hildria. "Do...do we cross?"

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria admired the new cavern as the sound of rushing water filled her ears. She dared not to look up as the mist she had inhaled already made her head feel dizzy. The cold didn't bother her as she looked at Esylana through the darkness.- "We must, there's no turning back now." -She looked at the bridge of stone and took a breath before she started to walk across the platform. As she got to the middle she looked back to see if Esylana was following her.-

Esylana: Esylana took a deep breath, and stepped out onto the thin walkway. She desperately, -desperately- hoped she wouldn't have an attack halfway across. It could end, here and now, with her death. It wouldn't be pretty, and it wouldn't be quick, either, she was sure. She took step, after step, after step - but so far, so good. She nodded to Hildria to keep going, never once looking back. If anyone was on their heels, she'd not see them until they were all the way across.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria continued across the bridge until she was on the other side. She kept her gaze forward as to not look up or down. As she hit solid rock she soon turned and waited for Esylana to make her way across. Once they were both safe they would continue deeper into the labyrinth. Her eyes flicked behind the woman as she tried to see if anything was coming after them.-

Esylana: She also made it across, turning to look -...it was dark. There didn't seem to be anything. "I...I think we're okay..." she whispered, still unsure if she wanted to speak much louder. Behind them, the passage continued into another tunnel. But she wasn't eager to go down it. They were a long ways from where they had had trouble find them, now, and...they had to find their way out of Mythos somehow. Going deeper would only mean that it'd be harder to really leave, when it was time to. "Hildria, we can't keep running, we have to think of a plan..." she said, looking over at her valkyrie companion.

CrystalOnyx: -She stopped and looked at the woman.- "What do you propose to do then? Fighting in here would cause a cave in. ." -She let out a sigh as she rubbed her palm over her forehead. She soon looked down the passage way and then back to the mortal.- "You could hide and I could keep going. . Smashing the bridge is an option. ."

Esylana: She looked at the tight passageway. Where would she hide? There was no where to hide? "...What if ..." She'd almost suggested splitting up. But the thought of going into the dark alone, suddenly filled her with a quiet terror. Some unspoken fear she'd never really acknowledged before, but there it was, grabbing her heart and squeezing it tightly. She took a breath, steadying herself. If they could all get out, one way or another... "We can't smash the bridge, we don't know if there's another way out..." She looked ahead and saw another branch in the passageway. "...I'll go down the right passage, maybe you stay here and see if you could hold anyone off who comes this way? I won't go far...if we wait for more than...than..." How long? How long was long enough? "...An hour....we'll give it an hour?" She was at a loss of what to do - how had they been found so quickly by the Empire?

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria nodded to her, if they went any deeper they would only get more lost. She motioned for Esylana to go a head.- "Fine, I will stay. If anything happens you run and you don't look back." -She was very stern as she stared into the face of the human she had grown so fond of. At least the cavern was bigger and she could swing better in here. If it came down to it her wings would appear and she could hover. Though they were still a bit sore from hauling the three of them out of the volcano. She crossed her arms as the chains clinked and she motioned her head to the passage way.-

Esylana: Esylana's heart sank. So...this might be goodbye, then...but she couldn't afford to think like that. She gave a nod to Hildria, determination filling her face. "Stay safe...we'll meet again..." she promised, not knowing if that promise could be kept. She turned to look at the darkness. It was now, or possibly never. She slipped around the corner and paused, listening. Waiting. Maybe it would be okay. Maybe they'd get out, meet Rheksas somewhere, and...and...continue towards...the end. She shut her eyes, waiting.

CrystalOnyx: -Hildria watched as the woman disappeared back into the darkness. She soon walked over to a near by wall and leaned on it, her arms still crossed as it was just a waiting game. What had happened to Rheksas? He could be dead for all she knew, though she never liked men in the first place he seemed worthly enough. And that woman who Esylana knew, was she the one whom brought the Empire here? Who knew at this point. The sound of the water was calming though it didn't help her in sensing vibration of footsteps through the stone.-

~~~

Rakarth: *Lorian spoke in a rather commanding tone up the hallway to his men who had found the three forked trailway* "Why are you standing there?" *The voice could be heard by Rheksas but he finally had something of a weapon on his side against Esylana. The soldier replied softly* "Apologies my Lord..We lost them. We don't know where to go from here." *He'd note the three pathways and the five men he had left so knew exactly how to deal with this, Lorian decided to utilise the fact he had whistles with his men.* "Two of you go down the middle, two the left..One to the right with me and our friend which will arrive in a moment.." *The men looked at Lorian with some suspicion before he'd state* "Rheksas will be our ally from this moment forth..Don't mention the fact he slaughtered your friends." *He stated with a bland tone before taking down the mask and hood, awaiting for Rheksas to appear with an impaitent tap of his boot. Hearing water he'd know which one he'd be making his way too, the one which was screaming his element at him*

Rheksas: “Ahh, so my dreams are once again prophecy,” quipped a smiling Rheksas as he walked in on Lorian and his men. Many things clicked at once, recognition flashing briefly across his battle-worn features. Tired eyes scanned the tunnels, picking out the obvious leader of the group. “Show me your blade,” he said, raising his own Sword of Grudges a little. “Show it to be the blade of my dreams. Or of your doom. The choice is yours, sir,” he added. “I would follow this Lorian but he would need tell me his goal first.”

Rakarth: *The men went their locations as that one soldier that was left with Lorian gazed upon the monster of a man that was Rheksas but Lorian's orders were final. The stone cold expression of Lorian shifted into one of curiosity showing he'd had no idea what he was on about before unsheathing the beautiful obsidian longsword..Mizu. Serrated edges that surrounded the blade and ruby that was upon the pommel before Lorian replied in a soft tone* "To bring about the New world..One where every creature may make it to the highest ranking through accomplishment and deadication." *The man looked at Lorian with a narrowed gaze before Lorian ended it with* "You speak to Lorian Castellan, Lord of Valanice and the man who shall bring order regardless of the cost." *He was cautious still of Rheksas but kept his confidence showing* "This dream that you've had about my blade..You're not the first and if I prove unworthy then see it done that my head if removed from my shoulders but time is of the essence and i'm not inclined to wait around any longer." *Mizu was sheathed back as he'd begin a quick stride into the cavern ahead of him with the soldier infront, with or without Rheksas..*

Rheksas: Rheksas thought back to what brought him here to begin with: the pilgrimage. No, not just that. The pilgrimage was important, but more important was the whole reason he decided to go out into the world and make money, that being to crush this fool empire. He thought back to the tavern, and how he had to sign it in his name because… because she couldn’t. Because under Ellienad, she would always be a second-class citizen. No, worse than that. Lorian spoke of uniting the peoples of Rembrant, and while Rheksas was fine with there being a government, he was more than happy to lend an arm to something that might elevate her standing in this world. She deserved much more than he could ever give. “That’s a silly-looking sword,” he chuckled, knowing a serrated edge on a blade would be detrimental to its overall cutting power unless the thing was very magical. He assumed it was. “But I’ll follow you for now.” As if to emphasize his point, Rheksas trotted after Lorian Castellan. “Why are you looking for Esylana?”

Rakarth: "Esylana is key to this new world, Rheksas..Her awakening the leylines isn't something that should occur as of the moment." *The soldier, Rheksas and Lorian finally found themselves at the rather huge cavern..The soldier proceeded to note the other woman with them as he'd smirk* "Found you!" *Lorian kept calm as he glanced at Rheksas before unsheathing Mizu and starting outward into the large place* "Esylana.." *The blade was suddenly thrust into the soldier as he'd look down into his chest, trying to grip as Lorian ended his sentence.* "I wish to speak with her..Please do excuse the spies, they've been nothing but a nuisance but the Empress is a vigilant woman..Creature that I must be cautious of even to this very moment." *The man fell onto the ground, muttering something under his lips before Lorian then took a step forward staring at the woman.* "If you'd like to, then I give you permission to take my weapon from me, but please be aware that this isn't something that shall occur again. For Esylana is far more important than yourself, those who get in the way of the new world will be eradicated with ruthless effeciency..So..Where is Esylana? And let me speak with her." *He'd look at Rheksas for a moment to see his reaction about the matter, awaiting for the reply of the people around.

Rheksas: Rheksas didn’t seem to care that he’d just killed a spy, more concerned with the fact there were spies and he hadn’t truly considered that. But upon coming up to Hildria, he merely stood back and nodded, hoping to catch her attention. He mouthed “do it” from behind Lorian, wanting to see where Lord Castellan was going to take this. This was one of the many tests he had planned for this fellow – many tests through which failure often meant death.

But Esylana was not there...

~~~

VampyrVixen: Oh the tunnels, the crevices, and the passages that all her kin has come to know quite well. The auburn haired woman could not see that she wondered right into the grasp of something maybe worse than the Empire. Barely 10ft, a lovely raven haired scout lie in wait. Her eyes were a brilliant green tone, and her pale skin was that of the moon. She adorned a hide leather suit that would due well in the position she was in, sulking in the darkness of the tunnels. Her steps were light like she was stepping upon feathers. She soon descend down. If Esyana looked over, she could barely make out an outline of her. Her pasty hands reached out in the sable mist and covered the womans mouth to ensure a noise was not uttered, swiftly pulling her in herself. The only thing Esylana could tell about the figure is that she was a woman as her chest laid upon her back. The nightcrawler then forced the woman to venture deeper into the tunnels. "You know, you shouldn't be roaming around, smelling like fear. It could attract... unwanted company." The woman whisper into Esyana's ear as she forced the woman to walk further into the caverns.

Esylana: Not a sound, not a whisper, the very movements like silken fog as it twists its way around the earliest moments of a dawn that has not yet seen the morning sun. That was how it was, the vanishing of Esylana deeper into the labyrinth. Out of sight, though not out of mind. When any would go to see her, to speak to her, they'd find that she was no longer there. Somewhere in the depths lay an even larger cavern, larger than should probably exist, for it reached beyond the confines of the island and into the deep earth itself. A cavern that held more than stone, or earth. A cavern that held more than the lichen-lit glowing lake. A cavern that held in the farthest shadows across this lake, a city of thrall, and vampires, and nightcrawlers. The City of Silence.