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Post by Adras Doomstorm on Oct 16, 2009 17:40:30 GMT -5
A rather silly contest, this arena thing... The idea of entering a ring, equipped in whatever armor one wanted... Well, no. The last part was a lie. One was supposed to wear the gear you chose, whether it be a heavy or light suit that was made for someone most likely not your size. And dead. The sun had set, the moon not yet rising. The arena would only be open a few more hours before closing for the night, allowing the wounded and weary well deserved rest. But this would be the time Adras would come and play. Where else could he go out and slay being and not be thrown in jail? A silly game, yes. But then again, bunnies were rather silly, too. With that comparison in mind, the long time Arena fighter walked out into position, already working his slim, pale body out of the raiments given to him, and donning his usual attire of black that he always hides before entering the field of battle. It would be a shame to fight without feeling proper, eh?
The announcer went on, saying that the two were blah blah blah... Adras had stopped paying attention when he saw his opponent through both sets of gates. A tall orc, broad one at that! He held a large war hammer in his mighty fists, strong fists made for pummeling, perfected with years of training at their art. "Now... BEGIN!" The announcer roared, the gates moving down, the orc's mouth spreading out into a smile. A smile of chipped fangs and bloody intentions. Before the metal had even fallen out of the way completely, the beast jumped over the gate, beginning his charge at Adras. The vampire simply tilted his head, the small, grim smile appearing on his pale lips. The sudden realization hit the crazed vampire, just as his gate fully lowered and the orc was half way across the field.
...he was quite thirsty.
Shrugging off the irrelevant founding, he stepped forward, just as the orc raised his weapon and lunged the rest of the distance to end the battle with one powerful, fell blow. And this orc loved splattering elf head especially. Normally, Adras would have agreed, but he liked his head unsmashed. Thinking this over a few times in the final seconds he had, he confirmed and re-confirmed he liked his head as is. And so, the vampire moved to the side, the war hammer just missing him by a few inches. Enraged, the orc let one of his hands let go of his prized silver beating-stick, and swung a large green fist to his Adras in the face. But everyone knows an elf, a vampire at that, was much quicker than any orc! Silly beastie... With the same grim smile, the vampire spun away, his cloth flowing gracefully behind him, the crowd cheering at the almost beautiful spectacle of the dodge.
Time to play!
Moving swiftly, the elf kept his momentum and ran for one of the four pillars, the middle farthest, the reasoning far beyond that of the sane (or semi-sane) readers, but still the target. The orc, even angrier at the cheers for the majestic movements of the elf, who had yet to even draw his weapon, received. The coward! Running from him! He'd smash the pillar than break his face in! Charging after the elf, he caught up, which oddly didn't strike anyone as odd. Why should it have? Adras let him. Reaching the pillar, the vampire ran up it, just as the orc, whose name was Gruge gro-Brogok, for thse that care, swung his heavy weapon, hitting the stone, making it tremble, but doing nothing other than that. Adras had jumped away from the pillar at the time of the hit, twisting in the air, causing the crowd to gasp.
For a better reading experience, it's best to imagine the next scene in slow motion.
Turning, the long bandanna spinning lazily behind his pale head and whiter hair, Adras still was smiling his pathetically grim smile. The time for running was over. The time for ending it had come. The crowd watched, eyes wide from the marvoulous acrobatic feat that had happened in front of their very eyes, Gruge looked up, his own amazement at the man jumping and moving with such ease, as if the laws of physics made and exception for this being, this man who was now drawing his weapon from it's sheath, easily dwarfing the war hammer. The spin was for than just to flourish about the circled battlefield, it was to gain more momentum., Grasping the blade with both hands, he continued his spin while righting himself, slashing with all the force his arms could muster.
Please now resume imagination in a normal time frame.
The crowd gasped in horror more than anything, as the blade had swung around, sticking half it's length out of the orc, and also cutting through half of the beast of a man. The pathetic steel would need to be built much tougher to stop this master swordsman, let alone a master swordsman with over a century of training and the power of the Dark Gift aiding him. Twisting the blade, a sickening squelch heard within the tin coffin, and the blade was sliced out back the way it came, leaving the stunned and mortally wounded orc to fall forward, bouncing off the pillar and to land motionless on the ground.
A tense silence fell over the Arena.
"...It is decided!" Shouted the announcer, the crowd following by standing on their feet, hooping, hollering and all around cheering the mysterious man on. With each performance he grew faster, stronger, and much more of the crowd pleaser. Turning, he quietly left the stage, entering the dark tunnels that lead to the blood works. Once out of sight of the crowd, he licked the blade with his thirsty tongue, quenching his thirst with the blood of his fallen opponent. The Shadow Blade, as the crowd so lovingly started calling him, had won another flawless match, felling his enemy without a scratch to show for it. And to think... Some thought this challenging? Opening the door, he descended down into the stinky midst of his fellow fighters, ready to socialize and be paid for his excellent show.
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Post by Immortal Swine on Oct 16, 2009 20:04:31 GMT -5
"Really," Raven said, "this is pathetic.", was the last words she spoke against the match and its combatants. When it started, she was silent, when it finished, she was a bit surprised, but not fully. The Orc's moves were too slow. Too predictable. He would have to do better.
Raven stood there, silent, the fight had been won, as expected. The victor, who she presumed was going to win. Did win, beautifully. His grace and malignant beauty as almost flawless. It had been a long time since she saw someone fight the way that mysterious fellow did. The only person she knew could fight like that was herself and her brother. Raven just sat there, amongst the screaming fanatics and blood lusting crowd. Slowly, she gestured towards Draken, who was also silent. "My my," she said, chuckling. "The man has some power afterall."
Draken nodded, getting up from his seat and making his way out of the spectator seats. Raven followed him "Where are you going?" she asked.
Draken turned to her. "I would like an audience with this 'mysterious' character" he said to her.
Raven agreed, following him closely behind. The crowd undoubtedly entertained. Both of them reached the bloodworks. Their favorite place in the Imperial city. Why? Because the name is well deserved. Blood flowed through the openings from above and seeped into the bloodworks. The smell was strong, and so..intoxicatingly delicious. It forced her to lick her lips a bit. Draken opened the door to the bloodworks and walced in, his step firm, his manner confident. The only people he was fond of in the Imperial City was Jakben, Earl of Imbel. He always rather enjoyed his evenings. Now, this character was interesting as well. Draken looked around, hoping to catch him on time.
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Post by BlackRose on Oct 17, 2009 15:16:15 GMT -5
Alessandra wondered threw the city after the sun had set, she was board. she had returned to the imperial city to her home. a rather nice manor in the temple district a long time ago when she got it from her 'father' on his death her long black hair was unbound and fell in waves down her back. she wore her amulet, obviously for a vain per purpose at the moment for why would she need to wear it during the night when its purpose was for daylight hours. she always walked the city at night when she was home. her eyes were dragged to the arena. the people were all rather excited about something or another. she herd the bosmer who dealt with the winnings get excited about something. she walked up to him, curious as most people were leaving the arena the last show must have been something.
"excuse me? " she said approaching the light haired bosmer.
"yes my'lady, though i do have to apologize the fights are over for the evening the last match was interesting. no more bets are taking place. " he said as he was handing out winnings to the ones who well won.
"well yes that's what i was wondering, what happened?" she asked ans was surprised by a young bosmeri child almost adult getting excited and chatting it all to her. she couldn't help put be slightly annoyed and fond of the child all at once.
"thank you, i think i may want to see this fighter myself." she said patting the child's head and walking down into the blood works, finding herself not the only one looking for him. and also raising a eyebrow at the Orc practicing on a dummy now that was something you didn't see everyday a half breed.
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Post by Adras Doomstorm on Oct 17, 2009 22:00:13 GMT -5
The darker bloodworks was thinning, the population in their dwindling to the arena masters and the large gray orc. Adras had already spoken with the orc, and learned that he was of a royal bloodline or something. And if Adras went to the fort of his father's last known presence he'd teach the 'amateur', as he was called by this Gray Prince, some moves that only a veteran would know. But he knew the truth. Smell the decay on this being. He was a vampire, without a doubt. And he would go to the fort, find his father still there, as vampire lurking the depths, and bring proof that this man was indeed a vampire. A half breed, no less! Yes, he would do that, as he promised the orc... Sheogorath had already whispered the commands in his ears, as he knew he would. So the famous Gray Prince would soon learn the horrible truth, and perhaps dive down into a state of insanity that his Mad God could exploit! How lovely!
But now was not the time. The night was young and he had much to do! Like feeding. Feeding was always fun... Perhaps he would break in, feed off of the being, then turn all he can upside down, making the inhabitant very confused when they awoke... Yes... Adras was near the door when the vampires walked in, so he was pinned between the wall and the door and out of sight. The heavy smell of blood would hide his own scent from the brother and sister of his kind, making him nearly invisible. Tilting his head, he started moving toward the two, but then the door opened again, Adras being shoved back against the wall as Alessandra walked in. This made Adras lose all interest in everything in the bloodworks. His mind was suddenly thinking of feeding once again. Shrugging, he opened the door, closing it loudly. Why? The vampire felt like it and it would confuse many people.
It would also notify the last three people who entered had missed the stranger, the Shadow Blade. Of course he wasn't running from them, just interest as his mind worked in a more complex, or much less stable, level than any of them. In fact, Adras was walking by putting a leg straight out and marching forward, hands tucked behind his back and underneath his cloak. Right now Adras Doomstorm was thinking about sinking his teeth into the succulent flesh of a patron in the Garden District, and cause great confusion...
But his mind would surely switch back to the three who wanted to meet him, even if he found a nice meal. And that fan was still chattering away to those who would listen how he would give his life for the Shadow Blade... How quaint... But if the three did want an audience they would need to realize the obvious that Adras had just left the building.
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Post by Immortal Swine on Oct 18, 2009 15:17:57 GMT -5
A dark elf walked close to Draken, no doubt, to welcome him or something along those lines. Draken did not even look at him, instead he shoved past him using his shoulders. Rude.
Raven ignored Draken and also walked past the Dark Elf, she began to search for the champion, however, he was not there. Or she simply did not sense him. No problem, she felt the need to reveal himself would come shortly. Her mind was concentrated on other matters. "I see no champion. He must of left".
A word escaped her lips in a cold whisper. "Abomination!".
Draken lifted his eyebrow, "Who?" he asked, looking around. The old lady in the corner, the red guard near the posted in the far corner of the Bloodwork, the yellow team champion who walked and made fun of the latest members and ofcourse, the one who must of been what Raven was refering to. Agronak-Gro-Malog, the half breed, half Orc, half vampire. "Ah" Draken said, now understanding. He glanced over at Raven, who stared angrily at the Orc. "That thing! is a monstrosity. A perversion of the natural state of Vampirism, even turned vampires were not as bad as this!.
Draken shook his head, warning Raven not to do anything stupid, yet she did. Her own way. She made her way towards the Gray Orc, slowly. The Dark Elf fighter came again, this time, speaking to Raven instead because she was well, less rude than Draken. "Excuse, me. How may I be of assistance? Do you want to be a combatant?, we may need some new fighters. Think yer up for it?" He asked, his face young, his smile faint.
Raven gave him a sly smile, baring her shortened fangs. Not fully revealing their full size, she stared at his round red eyes with her light red ones. "Are you the Blademaster of this establishment?" she asked, still smiling at him, showing a 'friendly' face.
The Dark Elf gladiator frowned a bit "No" he said.
Raven's smile turned into a harsh frown. "Then step away and shut up!" she said rudely. The Dark Elf said nothing at all, he turned around, obviously not wanting a confrontation with her. Both her scimitars still on each side, within reach. Draken saw someone, another Imperial, another creature of the night. He could tell, her blood was cold. She was pale..she was beautiful!. Draken tossed all concerns aside and proceeded towards her. Raven didn't pay attention to him, instead she decided to 'interview' the half breed abomination.
It has been months since he had seen another vampire in the Imperial city besides Raven and Jakben. He rarely came to the Arena, last time he been there was when he fought Baal and encoutered Modeus. That day was a mess, a complete scrambling of conflicts. Raven was chased by the guards, Draken almost revealed his vampirism and the Dark Brotherhood was persuing them. Draken smiled at the Imperial vampire.
"Hello there, my fine lady. How does the night find you?" Draken complimented Alessandra.
Raven approached the Grey Prince, training on the dummy. "Beast" she called out. "Those are rather impressive moves, I hear you are a great fighter, very skilled, very powerful. Must of been inherited from your mother, or perhaps father." she growled.
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Post by BlackRose on Oct 18, 2009 16:00:38 GMT -5
Alessandra looked about the room watching the events unfold around her. That Nord though rather made her angry teasing and belittling others just because they weren't as good as her. she particularly felt bad for the Dunmer as the two other vampires were ah... rude might be the right term but ah well not everyone was a kind as she was... she almost scoffed at that most of the time her kindness was a farce, a mask to hide true intentions. except when it came to Falcan... she felt herself smile softly at that.
she took in what the two other vampires they had the same feel about them as her 'father'. they looked like they must be siblings, they looked enough to be siblings but each was there own. the woman was rather pretty except the look on her face, but hey to each there own. and the young man who approached her he was handsome, charming looking really. but ah she knew better...
her mind was a whirling with thought that she almost didn't hear the young man in front of her say anything. "the night finds me rather well, and does the night favor you?" she said as she walked down the stairs her red velvet dress brushing the blood stained floor. it not bothering her in the slightest. "you wouldn't happen to be the champion i was told about upstairs and outside would you?" she didn't think he was but hey one doesn't always have to wear that silly armor she has her people talk about all the time.
the d**n blood works smelt like well blood... lots of it, it made her hungry... she eat something later. that damned Alessia Ottius was pissing her off with all her holier than though talk. maybe she'd feed off her or something...
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Post by Immortal Swine on Oct 19, 2009 7:35:42 GMT -5
Draken nodded "The night hasn't made any promises, yet. He said, looking down on her velvet dress that touched the ground. She didn't seemed to be bothered by it. Draken was didnt care either, Raven did, always did. She got touchy if a speck of dust was on her clothes, if she was on the battlefield, that was a different story.
Draken smirked, showing a bit of his fangs. "While I do have skill with the blade and combat, I am not the champion that just had won the match. You seem to be interested as the same level as I am. May I inquire as to why? You have a meeting with him?" Draken asked, it seemed all to coinsidential, three vampires looking for another vampire champion. As if Cyrodiil did not have any skilled Undead warriors. It does, but they are hard to find out. And why would Draken want to meet another vampire champion with some skill..his reasons are shadowed. Draken was a bit drunk, getting drunk..bloodrunk. All that smell was dangerous enough to throw him into a frenzy.
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Post by BlackRose on Oct 19, 2009 11:31:10 GMT -5
Alessandra raised an eyebrow at the man. not the champion she thought not but their is never any harm in asking. she thought it strange as well that three vampires were looking for one who 'gave' them the slip.
"ah it is a interesting thing isn't it? i very rarely pass the arena when i walk threw the city. and there was a lot of excitement on the last match so my interest in meeting another was quipped" she tilted her head. " i have yet to see you in the imperial city but i must always be away when you are here?" she said curious. " my home has been empty for a while i have returned from business up north if you and your sister? need a place to stay i have accommodations for others..." obviously making known she had a place for others and asking if her assumption on them being siblings are correct.
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Post by Immortal Swine on Oct 19, 2009 13:41:55 GMT -5
"Mm" Draken mumbled. "Interesting. Accomidations..eh? Perhaps, me & my sister can find a safe haven for now. We live near Skingrad, but it has been overun with hunters, me & my sister left and remained hidden here in the Imperial city until they find their prey." he chuckled.
The gray prince seemed angry, Draken could tellm from the corner of his eye that Raven did indeed pester him, not to the full extent that would result in combat. "LIES!" shouted the Gray Prince. Raven caressed her hair, making her way over to Draken and his new 'friend'. Raven eyed Alessandra with a intense glare, then, seconds later, she spoke. "You are here for the champion? correct?" Raven said. "Do not bothering answering it, I rarely see any other of our.." she whispered "Kind, around the bloodworks, then as soon as a Hemophilic character wins a match, we all try to seek an audience with him. He is not here, yet he is not left the city. Too much food to feed one, and he has just finished a battle. It would be rather anserine of him to leave without feeding."
Draken blinked three times and then changed the subject. "If at all, would you like to join us for dinner? After that, you may go about your buisness" Draken offered, saving the conversation of staying at Alessandra's house for later.
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Post by Adras Doomstorm on Oct 19, 2009 15:20:45 GMT -5
Before Alessandra could respond, the bloodworks door flew open once more, banging loudly as Adras led a boy, the same fan from earlier. His eyes were wide, looking around what he saw as his champions home. Adras had a look of lust and hunger in his eyes as he led the boy on, down the ramp and...
He froze, the boy still wandering, breaking his grip. Adras eyed the other three vampires, tilting his head one way, the bandanna swaying gently to the side as it did so. So his interest was re-perked. It was rare to see a vampire travel so freely, let alone three in one area, now four. Then again, they seemed to feed more often. Adras enjoyed the hue of his pale skin, the obvious mark of his lack of food for many moons. But tonight he had planned to show the boy around, work his natural charms, and then feast on the young blood... but now he had a new agenda.
A smile crept upon his lips as he approached behind Alessandra, no sound giving him away until he spoke. "Why, hello, brothers and sisters!" He said ever loudly, taking no heed if he drew attention to the group. "Swift kills and full tankards of the sweetest drink, I hope?" Adras went on, his monotone voice sounding odd with his cheery smile. The addled vampire moved to stand between Draken and Alessandra, looking between them, before his eyes moved onto Raven. "I don't recall... well, any of you. Ever. At all. Why?" He asked, the question remaining simple, if not aloof. No threat hung in the air, even as his eyes slid to the enraged half-orc.
"Seems someone has started him off onto the Path of Madness... d**n. I wanted to..."
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Post by Immortal Swine on Oct 19, 2009 17:57:14 GMT -5
The door bust open, the champion along with the weird looking child, this fellow was very good with the theatricality, something Draken and Raven enjoyed in any Vampire. Theatricality, accompanied by the beautiful art of malice and combat, swift moves of the blade, the power of magicka. "Why, hello, brothers and sisters!" He said ever loudly, taking no heed if he drew attention to the group. Raven looked around, few onlookers began to stare but then immedietly turn away as Draken raised the corner of his lip, in angry motion.
"Swift kills and full tankards of the sweetest drink, I hope?" He said, his voice rather monotonous.
Raven took a ladie's bow, while Draken bent body to his waist. "Not tonight. Not yet" Draken said.
"I am Draken Decimus Vladmir" he said, his voice sharp and strong.
"I am Raven Meridius Vladmir" Raven said.
The champion vampire moved between Draken and Alessandra. Then glanced over at Agronak. He said a few words about his intentions regarding the Orc's apparent slip into "madness". Raven scoffed. "Perhaps if you sctions were as quick as your blade, you would have" she sneered, jokingly.
Draken answered his previous question. "We occasionally come to the Imperial city once every two months. That is why you do not see us." Draken gestured to him and his sister, only them. Showing that he had no relations to Alessandra.
"It seems your dinner was interrupted. I was just inviting Alessandra here to a banquet. Perhaps you would like to join? exchange pleasentries. Before another match" Draken snickered.
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Post by BlackRose on Oct 19, 2009 19:58:10 GMT -5
Alessandra turned to the door watching as the other made a rather interesting entrance. she raised an eyebrow and made a lady's bow. at his introduction of himself.
" i am Alessandra, just Alessandra before you ask." she said as she listened to the others. exchange pleasantries she was not often a talkative one though she had her moments. particularly with the heir.. she wondered if the dragon born tasted different than others... yeah she was hungry she might as well take up Draken on his offer, and join them for dinner.
though she smiled at the young bosmeri child. "why hello again little one" she said leaning down and speaking with the bosmer.
"oh its the Missy from outside did you come to see the champion?" the light haired child spoke with enthusiasm.
i did i herd of his fight on my walk and i became curious." she liked children and this bosmeri was still a child. she then thought "run along home little elfling. let us adults have our time." she said the little one nodded and ran and went home.
"i do apologize if i sent your 'dinner companion' home though i am sure one can find a better meal than a child..." she said with a exaggerated wave of her hand.
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Post by Immortal Swine on Oct 19, 2009 20:23:40 GMT -5
Draken growled slightly as the peculiar looking elf kid ran out of the arena. "Children are fresh, new, delicious. However, I must take you up on your offer for a more delicious and larger meal. He exlaimed angrily "Little pest!" Raven sneered as the child ran off. She gave Alessandra the look. Surprised at her at her act of kindess towards the weaker one. "Children. As young as their blood is, we are not the Telboth" Raven assured them.
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Post by Adras Doomstorm on Oct 19, 2009 20:27:17 GMT -5
Adras was silent as the others spoke, his eyes watching the child as he left. A deep frown swept over his face. Did she not understand? ...Oh, yes, the sanity bit... Adras flashed a smile that would make a dremora shiver with fear at the insane thoughts that could be processing through his pale head. "My dear Alessandra," He began, his voice managing a cooing tone as it remained a single tone, "I relish the taste of the young blood. I find it sweeter. Far more than the fat Nords one may find in this city." The volume remained the same, drawing more eyes, but this time Adras would cut them off. "I do apologize, my pretties, did my voice confuse you? If I speak louder, the listening ability is supposed to diminish. Lest you want to meet with a man of more brilliant ideas than any of your pathetic minds could fathom?" Of course he was referring loosely to Sheogorath, but not everyone was as familiar with the daedra prince as he.
The smile replaced on his lips, his focus returned to the group, namely Raven, at first. "Acting quickly is not always the way to bring those about to the proper plane of existence." His smile shifted for a moment as his eyes focused deeply, deeply into Raven's crimson orbs. "But, that discussion can be held until later. Now!" He clapped his hands, looking between the other three of his kind, "Where shall we have this feast? I do believe tha -- I am Adras Doomstorm -- t the Elven Gardens have some rather average beings. Why would we attack them? Exactly." His eyes danced with an eternal understanding of all things illogical, shifting between the two women and the man. "But, I am but a guest for this party! By all means, lead the way, Draky~!" A rather strange sound, Draken's nickname, as the monotone was sang with a sing-song tune, without changing pitches. A terrible feat to try and accomplish and not recommended.
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Post by Immortal Swine on Oct 19, 2009 21:30:10 GMT -5
Of course, Raven knew Adras was surely mad. Babbling on words she could barely understand. Raven did, however, understand that it was influence of Sheogorath, the Deadric prince of Madness. She had been to the Shivering Isles once, she never returned, madness was not her thing. Deadra were her enemies, except Hercine and Molag Baal, the creator of vampires.
"Acting quickly is not always the way to bring those about to the proper plane of existence." He said. Raven wondered what he meant by that, curious. Indeed, speed was never the real reason to win, neither was strenght. A flashback returned to her, when she was nineteen years of age, joining the Elite squad of Vampiric warriors. Under her father's order, she was but a royal soldier, working her way up the ranks. Until, one day she disobeyed a direct order from her father. Instead of being placed in the pit of the dungeons, she was placed under the watchful eye of Veraz, the speaker for the Patriarch, Raven's father.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Raven made her way carefully down the steep staircase. She couldn't say how much deeper she went; it was difficult to maintain any perspective in the narrow confines of the stairwell. After several minutes she reached the bottom, only to find a long hallway stretching out before her. At the end of the hallway she encountered a single room.
The room was dark and filled with shadow. Only a few torches sputtered on the stone wall, their dying flames barely able to pierce the gloom.
Raven paused at the threshold, letting her eyes adjust. She could just make out a dim figure inside. It beckoned to her.
"Come forward."
She felt a chill, though the room was far from cold. The air itself was electric, filled with a power she could actually feel. She was surprised that she didn't feel afraid. She recognized what she felt as the chill of anticipation. As Raven moved deeper into the room the features of the shrouded figure became clear, revealing himself to be a Dunmer. Even under the loose-fitting robe he wore, Raven could see he was thick and heavyset. He stood nearly two meters tall, easily the largest Dunmer Raven had ever met. His eyes glowed red beneath his brow, mirroring the flickering torches. He smiled, revealing the sharp, pointed teeth common to his species.
"I am Lord Veraz of the Vladmir coven," he said. "I am to be your inquisitor," Lord Veraz explained, his voice showing no emotion. "I alone will determine your fate. Rest assured my judgment will be final."
Raven nodded again.
"I understand you have fought many battles against the rival clans. Your fellow siblings and allies speak highly of you. The Coven have need of vampires like you if we are to win this war." He paused. "You were a model warrior ... until you disobeyed a direct order."
"The order was a mistake," Raven said. Her throat had grown so dry and tight that she had trouble getting the words out.
"Why did you refuse to attack the outpost during the day? Are you a coward?" Veraz barked at Raven.
"A coward wouldn't have completed the mission," Raven replied sharply, stung by the accusation.
Veraz tilted his head to the side and waited.
"Attacking in the daylight was a tactical mistake," Raven continued, trying to press her point. "Father should have sent that information back to command by letter, but he was too scared. Father was the coward, not me. He would rather risk death at the hands of the Monthalion than face humiliation. I prefer not to throw my undeath life away needlessly."
"I can see that from your experience," Veraz said. "Hammerfell, Valenwood, Black Marsh ... if these reports are accurate, you have performed incredible feats during your time with the Knight warriors. Feats some would claim to be impossible."
Raven bristled at the implication. "The reports are accurate," she replied.
"I have no doubt that they are." Veraz either hadn't noticed or didn't care about the tone of Raven's reply. "Do you know why I brought you here?"
Raven then began to realize that this wasn't really a punishment her father had commanded after all. He used everything, the order to attack, all a lie to see Raven's true mantle. It was some kind of test, though for what she still wasn't sure. "I feel I've been chosen for something." Raven said.
"The way of the Elite Death Nights is not for the weak," the big Dumner warned. "Those who falter will be ... left behind." There was something ominous in his tone.
"I won't be left behind," Raven replied, unfazed.
"That remains to be seen, What do you know of our training?" Veraz noted and asked.
" I know there are many other places like this one."
"No," Veraz corrected. "Not like this one. It is true we have other training areas spread across our ever-growing unique family places where individuals with promise are taught to control and use their power. But each place is unique, and where individual students are sent depends on how much potential we see in them.
"Those with a noticeable but limited ability are sent to Skyrim to become Warriors or Marauders. There they are taught to channel their emotions into mindless rage and battle fury. The power of vampirism changes them into ravaging beasts of death and destruction to be unleashed against our enemies. Like the Yekef clan"
"Brute strength alone is not enough to bring down our enemies." Raven barked sharply.
"True," Varez agreed. From the tone of his voice Raven knew she had said what he wanted to hear.
"Those with greater ability are sent to places that have allied with our cause to destroy the rival clans: Blackmarsh harbors a place for gifted students, namely, the Argonian's, similar to the Dark Brothehrood's shadowscales. These students become creatures of shadow, learning to use vampirism for secrecy, deception, and manipulation. Those who survive the training became unstoppable assassins, capable of drawing on Porphiric Hemophilia to kill their targets without ever moving a muscle." He said proudly.
"Yet even they are no match for Werewolves," Raven added, thinking she understood the direction the lesson was taking.
"Precisely," Veraz agreed. "The training on Cyrodii border are most similar to the one here. There vampires and noble pureborns such as yourself, study under Vampiric Elders. Those who succeed in their training become the adepts who swell the ranks of our family. They are the counterparts to the Monthalion and Yekef, who stand in the way of our ultimate conquest.
"But even as the Monthalions must answer to the Elders, so must the adepts answer to the Ancients. And those with the potential and bloodline to become Elders-and only those with such potential-are trained here on Cyrodiil." Raven pressed. ~~~~~~~~~
Raven remembered that day like it was recently unleashed upon her. Secrecy was always the best tools, but it wan't always a method of victory. Back to the present on her mind, Raven caught Adras speaking to Draken.The sudden comment of "Draky" made her smile, one of the nicknames she used when they were kids. "Hot headed Leech, Draky, dumb dumb. All these names were so memorable. Draken sneered at Raven, noticing her uncontrollable smile.
"Ah yes, I do remember the old names." He paused, changing the subject. "There is a camp, outside of the Imperial prison, a bandit camp. We can feed as we want without drawing attention to ourselves. The guards or peasents will prbably think they were attacked by bears or..wolves" he chuckled.
"Are you ready?" He asked, his eye burning through Raven and the others. Raven picked her twin scimitars and waved them "Lets go" she whispered.
Draken nodded and shot a look at Adrias and Alessandra. Awaiting their reply.
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