When the World Comes Crashing Down

At first Laura raised her eyebrow. Was she told that if she would think about her mansion that the door would open somewhere nearby? Could this room search her thoughts and read her mind? Such an information was unusual and not really comfortable. Laura looked around suspiciously as if to find some eyes watching her. But she found none, and later she would laugh at herself for having such a thoughts but at the moment she wished to be gone more then ever. As well as Red, Laura heard the noises on the other side but didn't know where they came from but Red set her mind right when he informed where they would show up. The marketplace was good. At night it was mostly abandoned but funnily enough, Laura went there only during the day so she was quite curious how it was going to look like at that part of the day.

When the portal opened Laura came closer to it, carefully looking out. Once again she was oblivious to nothing. Anything that would look suspicious was considered as dangerous and only after another few seconds of observation it would either be killed or left untouched. As for the marketplace, it was quiet, terribly quiet in comparison how alive it was during the day. There were several shadows which Laura didn't like only because they were shadows and you couldn't say what was hiding in them. Apart from that, Laura couldn't see or smell anything that would set an alarm within her head. Surprisingly, she couldn't even smell the hunters which unsettled her a little bit as she was half expecting that they would be out here, searching for their prey. After all, she looked at Red nodding her head that according to her senses the outside was clear. She waited for him to either confirm her thoughts or to close the portal and let them move somewhere else.


Zack didn't have to wait any longer. After few minutes, that Zack spent by marching back and forth in the dining hall, the spies arrived. When Zack looked into their faces he didn't like what he saw, though he didn't have to spur them to talk. Thanks god, Zack trained his spies well because with such an information they were bringing, untrained spies would shout over one another and that would make Zack annoyed. But his spies were organized, every one of them give him a bit of information. An information that was more than useful. It was crucial. He dismayed them with a wave of his hand and the group disappeared, being unneeded for the rest of the night. Placing his goblet on the table, Zack summed up what he was just told. Now what was going on, was something he half expected. The king would be foolish if he would wait a little bit longer. The king was also somehow predictable and thanks to that, Zack was already one step ahead. He already placed several troops in the city in position and they waited for his sign to counter-attack and kill every human but those who would succumb to bring in the mansion. They would serve as a food.

With a quick nod of his head, Zack left the dining hall his steps resounding within the corridors. He wasn't stamping but he was always walking in vigorous way as if he was full of energy that just waited to burst out. This was the only sign of live and power within Zack for the rest was hidden under the surface. His inner self tempted him to run to Xavier and tell him the news, though his habit was his second nature and that was always what ruled. Zack had his ways of doing things and he was not willing to change these ways until it was really necessary. Arriving at Xavier's door, he knocked on it twice and waited to be called in. Zack never rushed in without being invited for he knew how his leader hated it. Once you woul do such a stupid thing, you were doomed no matter whether you were a vampire or a human. Actually, no humans were allowed to walk on their own in the mansion. All of them were locked down."

Xavier," Zack said as he entered the room and inclined his head in a small, decent bow. "The spies returned just now and what they found out is something we were waiting for. The king officialy stepped into the war. After the massacre in the city of Belatona, it was the last drop he could take and tonight he gave orders to prepare for the battle. My spies also got some numbers of how many troops the king has and how many he would use in his first campaign. But as I said in our last meeting, I already placed our troops around the city so if there would be any sign of King's army, they will be ready to destroy the army without a mercy." Zack was formal and his voice was firm but not as authoritative as Xavier. Zack wouldn't even try to be more authoritative then his leader for he didn't knew if the two of them would get into fight, who would win. After the introduction, Zack added some numbers of the troops that were supposed to be sent out by the King. It wasn't a small number actually but it also didn't include the whole of king's army.

"Should I inform our troops to get ready for the fight? Do you think that LoD will act somehow?" Zack asked and no matter how curious he was about Xavier's opinion on LoD's actions, he didn't show it in any way. His face remained calm as did his eyes and his posture.
 
Red stopped his chanting and looked out towards the market area. After a minute he looked at Laura and nodded slightly then said, "Let's go before someone sees us and wonders why we are coming out of a blank wall." He walked outside and looked around then started walked towards the northern side of the market place. After getting to a safer area in which they could talk he asked Laura, "So where is this mansion of yours and how long will it take to get there?" He did wonder what Laura's house might look like, she didn't seem like the type to like frills and other things that some women think as homey feeling. Looking at her now even if she had her hood up he wondered if she was ever like those women who can only think about men and what the feeling of being held would be like. After a minute of trying to picture her like that though he finally gave up, she just did not seem like the type to wait around on a man and he really didn't see anything wrong with that.

Damien definitely did not miss the women at court with their obsession with men and marriage. He could never see Laura as one of those women who would sell their soul if they had to to stay young and beautiful and not to mention get a rich husband. He had come to learn over time that when vampires married they were considered a bonded pair and to break that bond was the worst thing you could do in vampire society besides killing an extremely old vampire. Red finally looked away from Laura for the moment and looked around the area they were in. It wasn't a bad part of the market place actually and not far from the area they were at was the local pub called The Staggering Horse, why every pub had a very strange name he would never understand. He did think it was ironic how they had ended up near the place he had been going to when he had met Laura for the first time. 'Life could be really cruelly ironic sometimes.' Damien though to himself as he dusted off his right shoulder where some cobwebs had clung.

It was almost funny to realize how scared he used to be about spiders and now they seemed inconsequential to what was going on. Damien shrugged it off though since it wasn't like he could do much to get his old life back and crying about it wouldn't help. In some ways he didn't miss his old life, and then in some ways he did and what he missed most was his older brother who had always stood up for him. Him and his brother had always gotten along, some people had thought that it was strange since all siblings fight at some point in their lives but not them. Shaking the memories away from his thoughts Damien looked back at Laura and waited for directions to the mansion or at least for her to take the lead.

Xavier raised one eyebrow slightly at Zack, then waited for him to finish his report. As always Zack was right on cue and also as always he had an excellent delivery, no beating around the bush like some. Once Zack was done with his report and asked for further orders Xavier turned away and walked back towards where the window was at only sparing a slight glance in the direction of the bed which was perfectly made. He stopped at the mirror and stared out for a minute before saying, "That is good new Zack, I am glad that your spies finally returned. As for informing the troops you can tell them to get ready only once the sun starts rising, I do not want them getting antsy so close to when the war is about to break out." For a moment he did not answer him on the question about the LoD but instead waited for a minute to admire the scenery. It was a very beautiful night and the scenery was a delight to see but that was not what Xavier was really looking at.

In fact Xavier was thinking back to when he first started this campaign and how easy it seemed to hide it from the humans. Finally all that work was now coming out in the open and tomorrow night they would be at war with the humans. They would crush them before they even knew what hit them, that was the only thing that put his mind at ease currently. The abyss that was his thoughts swirled even darker and almost threatened to crush his ability to breath, but his breath never wavered even a second to let others know that there was something wrong. After standing at the window for several more minutes Xavier finally turned around and looked at Zack in the eye almost seeming to size him up. "The LoD will have no choice but to act eventually but for now make sure they get absolutely no wind of what is going on or what is about to happen. The time will come when we will have to deal with them but for now they are nothing more than an annoyance." He said, walking towards Zack once more.

When he was no more than an arms length in front of him he stopped and looked at him. To others he would seem to be just waiting for Zack to say something else or if not that at least waiting for him to leave, but Xavier knew that Zack would know that what he was really doing was asking in a way if he would ignore his orders and attack the LoD or if he would go along with it for now. He had done this many times before now and each at different things, and every time the man had passed with flying colors. Xavier did not know himself why he was testing Zack again but he could not help it, something told him to and from the day he had woken up he had always listened to that something. The memories of that morning were already far away and so was the person he had spent it with, he was already forgetting what the person had looked like or even what their blood had tasted like, he never asked anyone their names since there was no point, they wouldn't be staying any longer than the one night so why burden ones mind with names that do not matter. One hand was holding the wrist of the other behind his back in a very old military pose, one that went back centuries and also one he did not know where he got. Xavier waited for Zack's answer, but if he did not answer soon then he would most likely be dismissing his second to leave the castle and personally go and tell the troops what they needed to know.
 
Laura nodded. From now, it was her part to get them safely to the mansion. Her home was a little bit further from the common buildings then it could have been. The whole property had a metal fence around and there was a long driveway until you reached the mansion itself. But once they would be behind the fence, nothing bad could happen to them because her vampires would take care of anyone who would try to enter the property without a permission. Trying to get oriented where they actually were, Laura looked around. It didn't take her long to remember the way back home from here. It wasn't the shortest past though but still they could get to the mansion fairly quickly.

"We might trot. The mansion is ten mintes away from here when you're in a carriage. Iit might take us twenty mintes by walking so we could shorten it to fifteen by trotting," she said to Red and began to do as she said, looking around carefully for suspicious movements. Laura was sniffing the air regularly to make sure that there was no trace of the scent from earlier. If there suddenly would be, she would stop caring about who might see them and she would began to ran as quickly as possible. Some would consider it that she would be scared, in fact she would be, but what she wanted more than facing the hunters was to be safe with her precious guest. Actually, she didn't have to call Red a guest anymore because as she hoped and planned he would become a member of LoD. A member that would unite her organization...how poetic. For some reason she tried to imagine how he was going to react when he would get to know that actually she was the leader of the organization. What would his expression be? Deep in the shadows of her hood, Laura smiled her eyes glittering with curiousity.

Laura turned around the corner and once again from some other part of the city, she could hear people leaving a tavern, singing and drunk. They were way too far to encounter them. By the time the humans would enter the street the two of them were in, Laura and Red would be most likely near the gates of her mansion. The air was clear most of the time even though it was still chilly as it was before they escaped to that strange room. Laura turned another corner and the surroundings became more and more familiar. Yes, earlier that night she entered the city using this way. The gate wasn't far then. Feeling of victory began to fill her chest, but it got frozen as her nose caught a smell that she wished was long gone. The hunters. The smell came from behind them and the tinkling feeling in her back returned as if she was struck by a strom. The gate appeared in front of them. It was a majestic metal peace of curles and spikes. In the middle of it was a head of some long forgotten demon.

"Red," she said as she was trotting, her breath completely still. "You see that gate. It's the entrance to the mansion. Once we pass it and be inside, we'll be safe," she said and the smell grew stronger. "Now run as fast as you can." She said and the second she finished her sentence, Laura sprinted forward but still staying by Red's side to make sure that he was safe. Never before did she wish for the distance to decrease as much as now, but as adrenalin and somehow fear began to crawl inside her, the gate seemed to back away from them but in fact it was getting closer and what Laura saw was just a play of lights. What was happening in that moment, was something that Laura would lately regard to as a run for life.


Zack accepted his orders. After all, it was once again something he expected and would have done nonetheless. After that, it was time for Xavier to answer his question about LoD and for the sake of the whole race, Xavier took his time to answer it. No, Zack wouldn't get nervous of what come and he somehow guessed what his leader's answer would be but no matter what, Zack patiently waited to hear Xavier's decision. At some point Xavier came close to him and the look that Zack was given was the one of challenge and authority. He was told to let LoD go. But how could he? Right now, they didn't know anything so if they would strike at them, they might as well crush them before they get ready. Couldn't Xavier see it? The two of them looked into one another's eyes and it was the battle of will. Zack endured this glare for several time and he knew that his leader was testing him. So the question was, could Zack afford to disobey Xavier and lose his position and then go and fight Danava's on his own? Or should he obey and just wait when he was told to attack his true enemy?

"I'll do as you say, Xavier," Zack said evenly at last and once again inclining his head slightly. Though he felt uneasy about his decision to stay by Xavier's side, Zack knew that by disobeying he would lose all he worked for so hard. He had to undercome these tests in the past several times, but never before did he wish to just declline, leave and take care of Danavas himself. But it wouldn't be clever, that much Zack was sure of. All these thoughts of luck not being on his side and that he basically didn't have any other choice, ran through his mind in less than a second. They were not even complex thoughts just feelings that flashed through his mind and left thin trails behind.

"Are there any other orders you'd like me to pass on?" Zack asked at last looking at Xavier again. There was no more challange in his eyes, just pure calmness and stability.
 
Red grinned slightly as he ran faster for the gate, there was just something about all this that was kind of exciting in a way, he could barely see his life as being boring anymore. It didn't help the fact that this all started to happen whenever he met Laura, in a way it was kind of amusing how fate liked to play its hand in matters. "You know, since I met you I have been on the run more times than in my entire life!" He yelled over the sound of the hunters and their own feet hitting the ground. He didn't blame her at all but it was true that the only other time that he had been on the run was when the vampires came out, other than that he had never had to really actually run away from somebody or somebody's. In a way it was like when she came into his life, his life decided to finally wake up.

He looked ahead of him again to see the gates to the mansion, creepy yet at the same time very beautiful and dangerous. Damien smiled to himself at the fact that they would be safe once they were on the other side of the fence, in some ways he didn't think safe was in their vocabulary. Glancing quickly back over his shoulder to make sure what his ears were saying was true he flinched slightly when he saw one of the hunters. They looked almost like mindless puppets whose only purpose was to kill or at least maim very badly, not a very pretty sight to see. Looking ahead of him again he could swear that he almost felt their breath on the back of his neck but he shook it off as the panic that was finally setting in......not that the amusement was wearing off. He couldn't actually believe he was amused at the situation they were in but he was, it was just kind of funny how much trouble they had gotten into in really just a short amount of time.

Seeing the gates closing in Damien put on another burst of speed glancing to make sure that Laura was still there. After bolting through the opening he heaved a sigh of relief, now he only hoped what Laura said was true about the fact that they were safe once they were on the other side. Red looked over at Laura and said, "Since I met you my life has been quite upbeat so far, it's kind of fun in a way. Don't worry though I'm not going insane from fear, I think my mind's just trying to compensate for being torn away from its daily routine." He smiled slightly at her wondering if they should keep running or not, he would be very glad if it was the keep running part since he still wasn't so sure about this safe on the other side of the gate thing.

Xavier allowed his mouth to curl into a slight smile, though one would not call it a warm smile, and said, "Patience Zack, we will deal with the LoD soon. First though we must deal with the humans, the LoD are still not that big of a threat and we can still get more soldiers from within their organization before we take them out. All in good time my friend." He started to walk past him than paused for a moment when he was standing next to him and said, "Wise idea, my friend, not to go through with that challenge." He continued on his way out of the room, his only summons for Zack to follow him was a slight incline of his head. He would not tell Zack what else he wanted him to do until they were well away from the people of the mansion. He had a very special mission in mind for one of his group and he didn't need the troops learning of it.

Xavier didn't even bother to glance at the people passing by or at the decoration in the hallway, they were just useless things that some had decided to put up. He didn't bother to wear the swords that he usually always kept with him, there was no need to at the time and he was not exactly vulnerable without them. After walking for a bit he came to a very heavy door that was set in the wall next to a picture of a city of humans burning, it was one of the few he bothered to spend any time looking at. At the moment he did not have time to give it really even a glance and instead took out a key that on a chain that had been around his neck, this was the key to his personal study where he really spent most of his time and where he had only let one other person into. Sticking the key into the lock, he opened the door then glanced just briefly over his shoulder. Xavier slid the chain that held the key back around his neck than hid it in the shirt he was wearing, walking forward into the room he motioned for Zack to shut the door behind him.

The room was the only place that Xavier had taken great pains to decorate, the walls had a very archaic marble look to them and the windows were hidden behind warm gold silk drapes. If anyone had walked into the room they most likely would not believe that the man Xavier actually decorated this room himself. A desk of oak sat at the far side of the room, while sitting behind it was very comfortable looking chair with that same gold silk look for the cushions. Bookshelves lined the walls with books squeezing into every place that they could possibly be in while still being able to sit on the shelf. The only other really noticeable thing in the room was the round table sitting in the center of the room with a giant map of the Alerian Kingdom on it, though on the right hand side of the map there was a shadowy place that if one looked to long could make chill go down ones spine. This table is where Xavier stood, looking over the kingdom with almost a genuine smile on his face, 'The Kingdom of Aleria was indeed a beautiful one.' Xavier though to himself. "Come closer Zack and tell me what you think of the new map I have acquired." He said, standing up straight and looking at his second.
 
The gate was slowly closing. Laura knew that it wouldn't fully close until the two of them were inside but still it was a frustrating feeling. She sprinted up at the same time as Red and the two of them flew inside and pass the gate so quickly that she heard the vampires, that were closing the gate, sighed in astonishment. Laura felt safe and she slowed down to turn around. She didn't look behind throughout the run because she was way to scared to stumble over something and fall down. Such a mistake would certainly cost her life. Only then, she saw the hunters. It was her first time she saw them so close and it didn't give her any courage. They were frightening and she wouldn't want to fight with them no matter how much she believed in her powers.



When Red spoke, she just looked at him, smiling slightly what he actually couldn't really see due to her hood. "Protect the gate," she shouted back an order and the vampires replied affirmatively as one. Laura had this feeling that the hunters might not try to get inside but you never knew. So she better had vampires guarding the gate for 100% than just 90%. All the way to the mansion, Laura didn't sprint as before but she still ran fast. Somehow, her inner self made her to, as she wanted to be as far from the hunters as possible. Never before, Laura felt so afraid but even that feeling mostly subsided by the time she saw the mansion. The tall pillars in the front never felt so warm and welcoming. Gradually, Laura slowed down and at the time, she was walking past the pillar, she was walking normally again, though her steps were somehow resolute.

"Welcome to the mansion of the League of the Damned, Red," Laura said, took off her hood and gave him a tiny smile before they enetered the hall. It was mostly empty, safe for few vampires and her second-in-command. Once he saw her, he began to march towards her, at first quickly with an uneasy expression but when he noticed Red his eyes widened and a huge smile conjured on his face. "You did it," he breathed out an gave Laura a respectful nod. "Yes, I did. Don't tell me that you doubted me even for a second," she replied and gave Marco a challenging yet playful look. Her second-in-command just laugh and shook his head. "I would never doubt our great leader, now would I?" On that Laura had nothing to reply so she just nodded. Turning her attention back to Red, there were sparkles in her eyes. Adrenalin was stil circulating in her blood and she felt a little bit hyperactive though now she couldn't run around like a child. The moment she entered the mansion, Laura became the leader once again so she had to resume to her previous attitude.

"Red, this is Marco, my second-in-command. He shall take care of you. Rest for now as this night was one big adventure. If you're still hungry, it will be taken care of just let Marco know." When Laura introduced Marco, he inclined his head and bowed half way, showing his respect to the prince. Throughout her little speech, Laura even changed the sound of her voice. Now, it was more formal, more suitable for her role.


Zack was calm while he listened to Xavier praising him for not carrying on with the battle of will. He also heard a secret threat in Xavier's words or maybe he just imagined it there but Zack wouldn't be surprised if it was real. After all, it would resemble Xavier somehow. When his leader was about to leave the room and gave Zack a sign to follow him, Zack did so. He didn't walk on the same level as Xavier but half step behind. He didn't remember where he got that from but Zack felt that it was associated with the position in the organization, like Xavier was the top one so he walked first and then the rest lined up behind him according to their position. Nevertheless, Zack would always be the one right behind Xavier.

They passed several servants who stepped out of the way, looking to the other side of the corridor if possible. They all felt uneasy and probably scared. Zack just gave them contemptuous look before he shifted his gaze in front of him again. He noticed that the two of them were walking towards Xavier's private study room. As the leader took out the key the question showed up in his mind again. Why did Xavier locked that room every time he wasn't in? There was nothing special to hide in there, nothing of what Zack knew. Though he wanted to ask Xavier several times, there was never really good timing to do so. Everytime, Zack was also surprised that Xavier decorated the room the way he did, like it was something special. Zack didn't feel doubtful about his leader's reason, but it was just something that added to Xavier's mysteriousness.

"This new map looks more detailed. Something way better to work with," Zack said when he came closer to the table as he was asked to. His eyes shifted to that shadowy place in the corner and he felt like something cold wrapped itself around him. No, it wasn't fear he felt, but curiousity mixed with hesitation. What was that place? He couldn't look at it anymore for it also felt threatening and devilish. He slowly moved his eyes at the city they were in and thought what was on Xavier's mind. He probably wanted to make up another strategy to attack the kingdom. Another massacre to be done in different city just to upset the king so that he might make a mistake in his angry state.
 
Red looked around at his surroundings than looked back at Laura and said, "Ah.....so that's the secret that you were hiding. Not a bad secret if I do say so myself." He looked at the second-in-command, Marco, and raised one eyebrow slightly even if the man couldn't see it. After contemplating the man for a minute he finally said, "So your Laura's second, not to bad." He pushed his hood back after he said this and looked around the room a couple more times before he asked, "So I am an asset in this LoD organization?" If he was truthful to himself he wouldn't be able to see it, but as it is he wasn't always very truthful to himself so he contented himself with being alright with this. He looked back at Laura and thought to himself that maybe this wasn't the best idea he had ever had, this woman was not just a member of this organization she was the leader. Not that being the leader of the organization was a bad thing, it was just that it was a bit unnerving.

Damien took the quiet moment in time to really look this woman over and to try a ferret out a bit more of her secrets. She was beautiful, a pureblood, and leader of an organization that was saving vampire daily from pain and suffering. She was like a hero to the vampire race yet she seemed so small and fragile at the same time, though he would never say that to her face since she did kick his but not to long ago, or at least not long enough to completely forget. Red just couldn't put his finger on why this woman would want to lead an entire organization that went back years and years. That she was leader for the power he pushed out of his mind, at least to him she did not seem the power hungry type and if it was to be able to order people around she could most likely do that any way without being in control. Men would most likely follow her instead of their orders if not for her personality, which was kind of endearing in a way, than for her looks.

Damien pushed the thoughts out of his head, this was not the time to be day dreaming about why she was the leader. She was the leader and that was the end of it, now he needed to figure out why he was needed here when he really didn't have much to provide them except for exceptional language skills. Looking back at Marco he asked, "So how long has she been leader and how long have you been her second?" He didn't know if he expected an answer or not but he could at least give it a try. He pushed thoughts about why her tone had changed so much since they had entered the mansion and instead focused on his two questions instead, figuring out Laura would for now have to take a backseat the other problems that were starting to crop up in his head. Damien crossed his arms and awaited either and answer or a rebuke, if it was the first than he was well on his way to being at least ok with these people. If it was the second than there were going to be some problems and he was not going to be sure where he stood anymore in this organization.

Xavier looked up at his second and smiled a very emotionless smile and said, "That it is my friend, but that is not what I called you in here to see." He moved his hand almost lovingly over the map, and when he got to the section that had that darkness he stopped. His hand just barely hovered over the section and he even almost seemed uneasy but almost as soon as it had come, it was gone, and his hand had moved on to hover near the main city. After giving the map another quick look he said, "I shall be leaving the mansion soon and I need someone to take things over here while I am gone." He looked up at Zack and gave him one those very few and far in between smiles that actually reached his eyes slightly.

Xavier was not a man to waste time or resources on things he could do himself, and besides what he wanted to do was in a way personal. "If you are to stay here than take over but if not find someone who will not screw things up while we are gone." He said, a slight hiss in his voice at the last part. The one thing he did not need was someone screwing his vision up because they did not know what was going on. He trusted Zack to find someone good enough or if he were to stay, to at least control himself enough that he would do well as acting leader in his stead. What he was going to do required a slightly more personal touch and he wanted no one to forget that even though he stayed in the shadows away from the main battle that he was a force to be reckoned with. That and he needed to get out of this mansion, he was starting to go stir crazy with just his thoughts to keep him company. Not that he wanted company, but a bit of fresh air never hurt as well as a good jab to the humans so they would never forget their place as long as they live.

He turned slightly to where he was facing the wall opposite of the door and said, "Did you know that if you take a humans mate away from them they will retaliate in a most ferocious way?" It almost amused him how weak and easy the humans were, you could just brake an arm and they would go down like it was their neck you had broken. Weak things needed to be either killed or made as fodder for the stronger ones, and when the time came he would even weed out the vampire race of its weaklings. They were a superior breed and no one should ever forget that, not even the breed itself. Feeding off of humans without killing them, even making sure that they won't die afterwards was a ridiculous tradition and it needed to be wiped off the face of the planet. Turning back to his second he waited patiently for his answer, while also trying to push that dark abyss even further back in his mind.
 
It's not the only secret I have, Red, Laura thought but didn't reply to his comment anyhow. With his next question a smile returned to Laura's face. It was somewhat formal yet friendly just the same. She considered her answer for a few seconds. Not that she wouldn't know what to say, she was just thinking how much she should tell him. Red was definitely involved in her plans but some of them were far in the future. The most recent one was for her vampires to unite even more than they were now. She had to tie them together and make sure that there was no chance of betrayl. If she remembered right, Laura already told Red that his would lift up the mood in LoD, but obviously he either forgot or wanted to hear it again. Laura didn't mind repeating it once more but if she would have to do it every time, it might get slightly annoying.

"With you in the mansion, LoD will get hope. Hope of finally being able to reach what we were longing for throughout the centuries," she replied and the smile on her face changed momentarily before it disappeared. It could have changed into mysterious one as well as hinting one, but it was hard to tell which one of those it really was. "But I have to admit that it is not the only thing you are going to do here. Firstly, you could do what you asked me for. There is group of vampires studying the old language. Join them and summarize what they know and if it could help us or not." Did she just do it? Did she just gave Red first order? Apparently, yes. It just came out so easily and so naturally though Laura never sounded bosy or arrogant. However, the sooner Red would get involved in the going of LoD the better. Also, she began to be curious about that language itself because it seemed that due to it they might be able to use magic. It would be such an advantage against their enemies. Something, they would not expect at all.

"I have been second-in-command since LoD was established. Laura has been leader for the last seven decades," Marco replied when he was asked. Laura obviously didn't mind that Red didn't ask her directly, she just looked from one to another. What she liked about Marco was that he kept his sentences simple and straight to the point. It came in handy when he was dealing with less intelligent members of the organization. Yes, Laura accepted even those whose worth wasn't obvious at first but somehow she always found what they could do. "That much is true," she added and looked at Damien again, feeling that she would have to leave soon but for some reason didn't want to. The man in front of her was a mystery and Laura had a weakness for mysteries. Also after such a adventurous night she felt like there was more to say. But as long as Red would stay in her organization, she might get to talk to him again and solve his riddles. She might as well not but that was something she didn't even dare to think about.

"Now if you excuse me, I have responsibilities I have to attend to. I will leave the two of you together," Laura said and was about to leave when she suddenly turned around and looked at Marco a little bit troubled. "Is anyone out tonight Marco?" Her second thought for a little while and then nodded saying that there was a group of gatherers searching for humans. Laura just nodded being a little bit worried about them as there were hunters outside. Who knows what they would do. The hunters could kill them straight away which would be the best solution no matter how cruel it sounded and felt in Laura's min. Or they could imprison them, torture them and get some information about LoD which wouldn't be good at all. Most of all, Laura hoped that the gatherers would return back unharmed. With these thoughts, she left Marco and Red standing in the hall.


Zack listened to his leader. Did he plan to leave somewhere? Personal business? Personal?! For some reason, Zack couldn't imagine what this personal thing could be about. Xavier never let anyone that close to himself, not even Zack himself with whom he spent quite a lot of time. Maybe there was something from Xavier's past that was now nibbling on his brain and he wanted to end it. But did he have to travel out of the mansion? Moreover, Xavier offered him to lead DV no matter how dangerous that could be. Yes, dangerous because Zack got that feeling that maybe when Xavier would be away, he would lead an attack at LoD, not caring what his leader said. He knew that the consenquences would be rather painful and might cause him death but once you taste the power and know what you can do with it... There was then only one way how to avoid that.

"I will go with you Xavier to make sure that whatever is on the way doesn't even scratch you." It was also Zack's duty to protect Xavier and even though his words were poetic, his voice was even. There was no passion in it, no desire, just pure stillness. He looked at his leader and tried to guess once again, what that business of his was. What could it be and why did Xavier want to do it just now when the war was just about to take up. He could try asking but would he get an answer? Would it upset Xavier if Zack would ask about his real intentions? There was no better way than trying even if it would mean to risk a slap.

"Excuse my curiousity, Xavier, but once I will go with you, I would like to know what this business is going to be about." It was the most neutral way to say it. Or the most neutral way Zack could think of. It didn't show that much curiousness, yet it didn't sound unconcerned either.

(OOC: I will make a character sheet for Marco)
 
Red smiled slightly watching Laura's retreating form. He finally sighed when he was sure she was far enough out of the room to not hear him. He was glad he had something else to do in the LoD than just giving people hope, he had been a figurehead before and it was not the greatest job in the world. He stood up straighter than looked at Marco, the old man kind of made him feel at ease yet set him on edge at the same time. There was something in the old man's face that said he was very wise and that nothing Damien threw at him would probably surprise him more than his own life did. Smiling to himself at that thought he finally asked Marco, "So I'm guessing your very fond of Laura?" He already had it in mind that this old man must really be fond of Laura to be able to follow her, that or the old man just didn't like power.

Damien thought it would odd though if he didn't like power, he hadn't met a person yet who wasn't at least a little tempted by it. Thinking about Laura though he couldn't exactly say he hadn't met anyone who wasn't really tempted with power, she could probably run this place however she wanted to if she really wanted to. Maybe there was a chance that people, even vampires, could change. He tugged his cloak off for the moment since it was getting a little bit warm with it on, then draped it over his own arm. He briefly winced at a sharp pang that went through his head then brushed it off as something to do with being hungry. When he looked at Marco again his smile was a bit more strained and he asked, "Before you take me to the library, is there anywhere to get a quick bite to eat?" He didn't mean to sound so very human when he said it, but he had been one before and it was almost natural to say human things about food.

He knew better than to think of humans as food all the time, with that direction of thought there was a likely chance that he might lose control with feeding. No matter what he did stick to some things from his human life and one of those is what his mother had told him, always respect your elders and your fellow man. As far as he was concerned humans were also his fellow man. Laura was still an enigma that he needed to figure out, and he swore to himself he would, but for now he probably needed to focus on making sure he didn't attack anyone in hunger daze. He was already missing Laura being here, with what had happened tonight he would bet that he would probably be missing her for a while. She was fun to talk to and also a very stimulating conversationalist, the bonus was that she was pretty to. With her personality though she wouldn't have to be pretty to make him like her, she was witty and from what he could see so far kind to her people. He made sure his face betrayed none of his thoughts, though he was sure this man could probably read him if he wanted to, and waited for his answers.

Xavier raised one eyebrow slightly and said, "Patience Zack, you will find out soon enough." He knew that his second would most likely not be happy with that answer, but he needed his second with him and if he told him what they were going to do than he probably wouldn't come along. He also needed the man along with him of his own free will, the ritual would require it. Standing up straight he looked Zack in the eyes with a very close approximate of a genuine smile and said, "Don't forget to leave someone in command, and do not worry my friend everything will be fine. We will be going a distance so when you pack, pack for a long trip. We will be back in time to attack the LoD so consider this a chore before you get your treat." He turned than walked over to his desk and opened the top drawer, having to use the key to unlock it. He took out a bottle with what looked like black fog in it, than put it down on the desk and started looking for something else.

After searching for a bit he finally sighed and said, "We will have to make a slight detour in our trip but do not worry, we will still be back in time." He closed the drawer than picked up the bottle of black fog. It was in a wine bottle and if a human were to look at it, it would look like an empty bottle. Walking back over toward where his second was at he contemplated staying at the castle after all but after a second pushed that thought away, he needed to do this or else he might not be here for them to win the war. The smell of something extremely sickeningly sweet drifted from the bottle of black fog, with that there was also a smell of rotting things that only ones imagination could really believe. Xavier reached past Zack and grabbed a bag that was nearby than stood up straight again and slipped the bottle into the bag. He held the bag out to Zack and said, "Do not break the bottle unless you wish to die a very painful death, and also keep it away from the dirty dregs of this world. It is not something to be put into a humans or even a vampire hands."
 
Laura has disappeared behind the corner and Marco was left alone with the prince. He was quiet for a while not because he wouldn't know what to say. Marco always wanted to talk to someone from the royal family and Red was the one he had always looked for. Out of everyone in the palace, Damien proved to have wisdom and courage. Yes, it was strange to think about such a young man in that way but on the other hand Marco had years and years in his pocket when he was just watching this boy - watching him growing up and developing. When asked about his fondness of Laura, a smile crossed Marco's face. "Fond..." he said at first as if pondering on the real meaning of the word. "I would say that I have been supporting this family for longer than you can think. Yes, I am fond of anyone who belongs to Danava." His words were calm, his voice filled with experiences gained. As Damien asked about the food, Marco smiled again at the expression that was used. Part of this boy was still human and that was good. As long as it would stay that way; as long as Damien would cherish and keep those tributes not giving in entirely to the vampire need for blood; he would be able to return to the throne and rule the country with pride. Marco would be there to see it.

"If you just follow me," he said and walked in the same direction where Laura disappeared. There were vampires in the corridors, all of them greeting Marco and Red with smile and respectful nod of head. Obviously, everyone was happy to have the prince around. The mood was uplifted. From time to time, when they passed by a woman, she would clutch her hands on her chest, her smile wider than anyone's, her eyes filled with hope. How quickly did the news get around the mansion? Apparently, quickly enough for everyone to be in this state of mind. "We are all happy to have you here. It was one of our ultimate goals to bring you to a safe place," Marco pointed out, shall the prince be confused. They turned a corner again. There was another set of doors on each side so it looked similar to the rest of the mansion but the scent was different. The whole place was filled with human odor. Marco went to the first door and stopped in front of it.

"We treat our humans with respect and care but they still might look scared. I am sorry for that. Shall it be a problem for you, I can get you a bottle of blood," Marco warned the guest and entered the room. It was a medium sized one, equipped like that of an aristocrat. There were tall windows, furniture carved from wood and decorated with comfortable looking cushions. On the left side was a queen sized bed with canopy. The color of the decorations and walls was light, refreshing and calming blue. On the opposite side of the room was a woman sitting down by her dressing table looking into the mirror; through the mirror looking at her quests. Her expression was uncertain, maybe there was a hint of fear but she concealed it well. Marco closed the door behind them and started talking to the woman. His voice changed into fatherly tone. The one that calms down and reassures of safety. It was obvious that his words had effect on the woman because her facial expression softened. Marco walked over to her and placed one of his hands on her shoulder. She looked up at him then turned to one side to be able to look at Red.

"Are you the Prince that everyone is talking about?" She asked in a shaky voice which was filled with disbelief yet hope. She stood up and Marco's hand slipped. He looked at Red and slightly nodded at him indicating that this woman shouldn't fear him and that he should be alright to feed. "I've heard so much about you. What you've been through," the woman said and carried on walking towards Damien. Her hair was light brown, falling down to her shoulders, framing her round face. A thin line of lips was partly open to take in shallow breaths. Her face was also decorated with small nose and warm brown eyes that slowly began to fill with content. Her skin was a little bit tanned but not much, probably she preferred to stay inside the mansion rather than going outside. Her body was slender, missing all those womanly curves yet she didn't look famished. "I will be more than glad to serve you, prince," she finished, stood in front of him and made a little bow. She meant what she said, that much was obvious.

"I will be outside. Take your time, prince," Marco said as he was passing by the two of them and the next second he was closing the door to give Damien some privacy during feeding.


Zack looked at his leader and nodded. Of course, he wouldn't forget to leave someone responsible and reliable in charge. Zack might have wanted a lot of things but ruining the DV wasn't one of them. He nodded at Xavier reassuring him that he would do as he was told, already making a list of possible vampires. It wasn't a long one. Zack didn't believe everyone, so the list consisted of only two names - his best friend and someone whose life was saved by Zack. When Xavier took out the bottle, Zack had to squint his eyes to make sure that what he was seeing was real. Was that really black fog in the bottle? What was it? How did it get there? How did Xavier get it? If he wasn't so well trained, Zack's eyebrows would probably shot up and he would look questioningly at Xavier. However, his expression remained the same, only his eyebrows furrowed a little bit. As Xavier drew closer to Zack once again, Zack's nostrils were hit with an odor which was repulsive beyond belief. Zack resisted the urge to wrinkle his nose and turn away. He had to withstand the smell which wasn't easy. Obviously, Xavier didn't have any troubles with it.

However, as the bottle slipped into the bag, the smell itself eased and for Zack it was like being able to breathe again. He took the bag from his leader and held it by his side once more wondering what it was in the bottle. Moreover, the warning that he received from Xavier switched on an alarm in his head. Zack knew that the bottle was important because Xavier kept it lock away and haven't told Zack about it for long but he was surprised that it was that important that it would cost him life. Not letting Xavier know about his confusion and surprise he nodded. "I will make sure it as safe as a newborn child. If you now excuse me, I will go and get everything ready for the travel," Zack excused himself and left. Once out of the door and in his own room, Zack extended his arm with the bag and looked at it like it was a dead rat or something that he was forced to hold but would prefer if he could drop it. His expression revealing repulsiveness he felt for the thing.

"Well, if he says we need, we probably need it. I just have to make sure that I wrap it in more fabric to block out the smell," Zack said to himself and began packing things for the mysterious journey that lied ahead of them.
 
Red blinked slightly at first in amazement when he first heard how old Marco really was but after thinking about it he pushed the surprise away since from his looks and attitude it shouldn't be surprising that this man probably knew more then he was letting on. He smiled then nodded whenever Marco asked him to follow and as he walked after him and saw the people in the hallways he knew that his expression was showing one of confusion. All these people seemed to know who he was and they all looked so happy and truth be told it was starting to worry him. When he heard from Marco about how these people had been waiting for him he briefly wondered if these people really wanted to put all their trust in someone they had never even met before. It wasn't that he was an incompetent Prince but he wasn't sure if he would be able to live up to these people expectations. He smiled slightly as he walked, never quite giving away his thoughts but never looking to grim so that these people would at least think he was at ease. As soon as Marco stopped at a door and told him that he could get bottled blood if he really wanted it he winced, not because he wasn't used to drinking from people...far from it in fact, but mostly because what he said about the humans still being somewhat frightened. He had to admit to himself that he had been frightened at first when he found out what he was so he really couldn't blame these people for being somewhat uneasy.

As soon as Marco opened up the door and he saw the woman he did not understand how this woman needed to be afraid. From her looks she most likely had several admirers and probably not all of them were human ones. She was probably very well protected by these admirers as well, and at this thought he really did let a more truthful smile show. As the woman spoke and walked closer he could feel the hunger rising but he kept a tight control on it and waited until Marco was out of the room before he spoke. He smiled warmly at the woman trying to put her even more at ease before saying, "I think I have been truly honored to be presented to such a sweet and beautiful woman. I can not think of what I might have done to receive such a generous gift m'lady." He knew that he was throwing on the charm only partly due to wanting to put her at ease but truth be told he was putting himself at ease as well. Getting himself back into a semblance of normality was always the best option when one has just run from vampire hunters straight into the hands of other vampires. His mind briefly flashed back to Laura as he wondered where she was at, at this particular moment and he had to stop himself from wondering to much. She was a puzzle and a challenge not to mention beautiful and when one combines those together you get a very sexy woman....vampire or not.

He shook his head slightly and carefully set his expression into one that was calm then said, "I will make sure to be as gentle as I can so that you do not feel any discomfort." He gently pushed the woman's hair to where it left he neck bare to him then leaned down slightly like he was about to bite, then stopped. For a second he could have sworn that he heard a very familiar voice but after pushing it away he finally sunk his teeth into the woman's neck being very careful about it so that the lady wouldn't feel much pain. It took him a few minute to finally pull away, and even after that he knew that he could drink from another human easily. He licked the bite closed and kept an arm around the lady so that she didn't fall since he knew she was probably feeling a bit dizzy at the moment. He carefully picked the lady up and walked over to the bed then gently laid her down on it, brushing her hair back from her face. He smiled down at her then said, "Thank you so very much for what you have done for me. I think that you have through more then I have but I thank you again for being so generous as to do this. I hope I may live up to your expectations."

Damien stood up straight and thought to himself about all the people that were in this house. All of them thought he could do something and he wasn't even sure if he had the right to have their praise or for them to admire him but he did know one thing....he was going to do all he could to deserve it. After a minute of watching the woman to make sure that she was okay he walked towards the door making sure that his expression didn't give anything away. In secret he could be Damien, the prince whose family hated what he was and whose friends were either dead or hated him. In public or even around other people he had to be Red, the vampire who did almost everything that was illegal, stole women's hearts, and just in general did not dwell on the past. It was amusing how much people did not really know about him but truth be told that was his own fault. He opened the door and said, "She's resting now I think, I have to thank her again later whenever she is not so dizzy." He glanced down one of the hallways then looked back at Marco and said, "Shall we adjourn to the library now? I could probably drink a bit more but for now I am good." He walked out of the room and closed the door quietly behind him so that it didn't wake the sleeping woman inside. He looked at Marco again then said, "I am curious about these books that have to old language written in them. Not much is left from that time so long ago I hear."


Xavier watched as his second-in-command retreated from the room to go and make the preparations for their trip. The smiled that touched his lips had no humor or sense of humanity in it as he thought about what Zack had just said about caring for it like a newborn child. He turned away from the door and walked over to his desk, just briefly laying his hand on top of the desk as he thought to himself. A newborn child is only cared for by those who want it and if they do not want it then it is not cared for and he was very sure that Zack did not want to take care of the bottle. The only thing he was sure that was keeping his second from destroying the bottle was because he always listened to his leader and that it would kill him first. He let his eyes wander around the room and he thought about the trip ahead and how very important all this was to the cause. He needed more allies then he already had since the LoD did have more soldiers at their disposal and beside that who didn't like to have more people in their ranks to make the other side nervous.

This need for more soldiers though didn't stem entirely from lack of man power, though that was one reason. His only other reasoning though was lost even to him, and because of this it did not put him in the most pleasant of moods. He let out a low growl as he felt the dark swirling abyss in his mind close in even further as he tried to figure out why this was so important to him. He finally let the matter drop and the darkness receded back into the furthest reaches of his mind. He made a slight amused sound when he thought about how much he didn't even know about his own campaign against the humans, though the one thing he did know was that he hated every last one of them. Xavier finally stood up and walked towards his office door thinking all the while of the things he still needed to get before he arrived at his destination. The only thing that was going to hard to get was a pure and innocent soul since as far as he knew there was not a single innocent soul left alive. The innocents had all died out years ago though his mind with how it was would not let him remember when it was. He opened his office door then walked out making sure to close and lock the door before he set off down the hall.

He ignored the people in the hallway and instead focused on what lay ahead. A sound off in the distance made him slow to a stop then look towards a doorway and briefly consider going inside and taking a quick drink before him and his second headed out. He quickly dismissed the thought since he knew all that was around in the mansion at the moment were just a few tired and useless humans that wouldn't even make a snack. He continued on down the hallway and didn't stop until he entered the main room of the mansion which was where the main door to the place was located. He would only wait two hours before he would decide to leave Zack behind and he knew that the man would be done with whatever he needed to do and be down where he was even before then so he waited.
 
Her eyes were filled with pleased feelings when Damien started to talk to her in such a manner. She truly felt as a countess. Smiling at Damien, she made a tiny step closer. She was drawn to him not just because of the duty that she burdened with but also because this man, in her room, was like a magnet. He was like no other vampire she had met before. He was charismatic, hypnotic. She would kill for him if he would ask her to, no matter the fact, that she might die in the process. "It is my duty to serve such as you," she said and her smile widened a bit, revealing more of her straight white teeth. When Damien cleared away all her hair, she instinctively tilted her head to the other side so that it would be easier for him to feed on her. This intimate closeness made her tremble inside. She has always enjoyed it but once again Damien had something that just made her melt. As he sank his teeth into her flesh, she let out a breath of release and relaxation. If she felt pain, she wasn't aware of it for she was mesmerized by the moment. When Damien was finished with feeding on her, she was already half in the Dreamland and was able to sense Damien presence only partially.

As the prince walked out of the room, Marco was standing in a respectful distance from it as to show that whatever has happened in the room wasn't monitored by him or anyone else who passed by. "I believe she would appreciate it. As it seems, you won't have any problem with treating our people with respect," he said and without any other word started to walk. Yes, he heard where Damien wanted to go next and he signaled to the prince to follow him. The library wasn't far from there but it was well secured nonetheless. The reason for such a level of protectiveness was exactly for what Damien has said - the ancient language. Marco used to know it himself in the past, but he didn't use it hence forgot it. It was one of the things that he was ashamed of but didn't let anyone know. What use would it be anyway? Many times Laura thought that he liked to supervise the research because he was the oldest vampire she has ever known but the real reason for him was that he tried to remember the language. Unfortunately, he didn't make any progress as many of the vampires that were investigating the issue, did know nothing about the language itself. Though Damien's arrival should change the fact. It was another merit for him to be here, in Marco's eyes. Maybe with his help, Marco might revive the lost knowledge. However, he didn't get his hopes too high. Even though, Marco's memory was more than brilliant, some things might be better forgotten.

"So I understand that you know of the old language. Do you speak it yourself?" Marco asked with a polite level of interest in his voice. They turned a corner and suddenly sounds of rattle reached them. There were vampires running through one of the crossing corridors. It wasn't a chaotic, unorganized move. Vampires, probably soldiers, were grouped in two lines. There couldn't have been more than ten of them. As the last one in the formation, there was a tall, majestic vampire with the air of firmness around him. "Captian Vermont?" Marco called out and the addressed vampire stopped and saluted. "General Whitworth. The group of gatherers has returned. We have orders from lady Danava to take care of them and see what news they bring," Vermont reported, standing straight and tall. That man mounted over everyone. He might as well be the tallest guy in the whole mansion. It might be an advantage while indoors, but in a war he might get his head shot off pretty easily. However, in response to the message Marco nodded his head and that as well mean that Vermont was dismissed. He disappeared behind the corner to catch up with his troop.

"It is getting better and better, isn't it?" Marco said and looked at Damien with a slight smile on his lips. "Anyway, back to the previous topic. Yes, there are few books about the old language and also some that are written in the old language yet those are rather fragile. Our researchers are trying to decode and understand both of the types," he explained and with another turn they appeared in front of dipterous door which looked casual from the first sight but being studied for longer and properly there were few carvings obvious. It was easier for vampire eyes to see them than it was for human eyes. Nonetheless, there wasn't enough time for Damien to study it because as soon as they got closer to it the soldiers who were standing guard on each side saluted and let them in. Behind the door, there was another kind of rustle. It was that of paper and whispers. Marco and Damien appeared in the library which was an enormous square room with bookcases stacked around the walls reaching up to the ceiling, all filled up. In each corner there was a table covered with books and papers. By each table there was a vampire standing or sitting, trying to read something or writing down notes. In the very middle of this breathtaking place, there was a big table with a map on it.

"We use this room for our war meetings as well, but do not worry. War might be imminent but it is not here yet and with quick, structured action, it might not even happen. But first let me introduce you to a vampire in charge of this research. He would give your more information about the important subject than I would," Marco explained and walked over to the table on the right where a man was standing. Well, he could as well be confused for a child due to his height of ten-year-old and appearance of the same. Though when he spoke, his voice was low and presented responsibility and matureness. Something you wouldn't be able to heart, should the man be of the age that he looked like. It didn't fit his visage but it kind of gave away his experience and age which in human world would be around forty. "I am pleased to meet you, Red. We have been expecting you and in order to that, I have had the pleasure to summarize what we have done so far so it would be easier for you to get along with our research and help us where we need. Oh and by the way, my name is Desmond Talbot," he said while passing a sheet of paper to Red and offering him his little hand to shake which would have a surprisingly strong grip. Sure, this chap didn't need anyone to introduce him as he proved and Marco didn't mind, obviously. He just stepped away and let the two of them work together.


Zack didn't need two hours. He didn't even need an hour. As he was in his room, he immediately called for his best friend and told him what was happening, leaving out as many details as possible and giving his friend only the most important instructions as how to run the place and how not to screw up. After dismissing the new man in charge, Zack quickly packed a cloak for the day, pair of gloves, his daggers and sword and also some ointment in case Xavier or he would get burnt by the sun. They would definitely heal even without the ointment but Zack took it just in case. You can never be too careful. Leaving his chambers behind, he ordered the servants to prepare two horses and supplies of blood for at least a week separately for both of them. He urged them to work as fast as they can, or he would strap them to his horse and use them as his blood supply. That sure made those people work faster. With his pack in one hand and his other hand just finishing strapin the sword to his back, he entered the main hall and saw Xavier already waiting.

"Horses should be ready in a minute, my lord," Zack said using the more formal addressing. He always did that when there was possibility of someone hearing them. He didn't think it good for people to get the impression that Xavier would be friendly with his second-in-command. It might get their hopes high and they would lose all the respect they had and none of the vampires needed a rebellion now. As Zack said, few minutes later one of the servants came to them, head bowed, saying that horses were ready along with the supplies. Zack dismissed him quickly and headed for the front door. "I have order to get us each supplies for one week. Is that enough or shall I quickly order for more?" Zack asked and strapped his pack to the saddle of his horse but before he got on, he waited for Xavier's answer. If he was told to order more, he would walk back into the mansion and do as he was told; should it be the other option, Zack would simple mount his horse and follow Xavier....as he did many times before.
 
Damien thought about the reply he should make to Marco about if he spoke the language, he was already starting to trust the man but he didn't know how much yet so he decided to stay silent on the matter for now. His mouth twitched slightly into a slight smile whenever he heard Marco speaking to the Captain and he was very sure that if anything else Marco was definitely a respected man around the LoD. He thought about his situation in all this for a moment then winced when he though of how badly he could probably get in trouble if Marco took offense at anything. He was very sure the man wouldn't take offense at the drop of a hat but he quietly thought to himself that he may want to be even more careful about what he said around the mansion and most likely the city to. When he got a brief glimpse of the doors to the library he wondered to himself exactly how old those things might be since they looked like old relics from a time long forgotten.

Once the doors were open he got a brief impression of the immense size of the room and how busy everyone looked, it suddenly reminded him of his old home and a brief saddened smile graced his face. He quickly pushed the thoughts of his old home away and followed Marco over to a table where there was apparently a young child working on translating something. It shocked him as soon as he heard the child speak because the authority in the voice did not match his looks and for a brief instant he got the feeling of someone much older then what it's body was. He nodded whenever Desmond introduced himself then said, "It is a pleasure to me you also. Since I do not have to tell you what my name is why don't we just get down to the business of translating then." He looked around the table at all the paper and the books then smiled to himself since truthfully this was one of his greatest joys. Books were always good friends since they never betrayed you or even asked anything of you, their sole purpose is to give people the pleasure of reading.

He ran a hand over a very old looking book then froze and looked more closely at the book before saying, "This is strange, this book is written in the old language but it is saying something that can not possibly be true." He couldn't understand everything the book was saying but what he could made his blood run cold. He shook his head slightly then muttered, "If it is true the translating process needs to be picked up to an even faster rate then what I see going on here." He looked at the child, scratch that thought, Desmond and hesitated before saying, "Have you translated this book yet?" He didn't know if he should tell anyone about what the book said if it hadn't been translated. The book seemed more like a book from the seer's then book from vampires which was why it was so confusing as to why it was written in the old vampire language. The seer's, which were all wiped out a long time ago, had always hated the vampires and everything they stood for so why in the world would one write in a language from a race the despised.

He shook his head again and briefly wondered what Laura was doing at this point in time, he needed something to get his mind off of this already. He finally sighed to himself then pushed everything else aside to calm his mind, there was no point in getting worked up right then....not at least until he was sure about what the book said. He kept one hand on the book almost in a protective manner though he didn't know why he should need to protect a book like it was a child. It was amusing that he had already thought that once he went Laura nothing would ever be the same and now that he was at her mansion that thought was slowly being solidified into reality. He had known since he was old enough to learn anything that his life would never be his own, a future king's life is never his own. He knew that one day he would marry someone he didn't know and have to rule people who sometimes would hate him even as much as they loved him, and he also knew that his military would try to rule him and get him to follow them in what they wanted. He still knew that truth even now and the only two difference's this time were that he was a vampire and that no one except for these people even knew he was alive.



(I'm going to skip them ahead a bit but the day their camping out will most likely be coming up soon in Damien's and Laura's so they won't be leaving their campsite until the other one's are caught up to their time line.)

Xavier watched as Zack got everything together and briefly thought about his choice in letting Zack become his second, it had been a good decision. He was always very professional and he always got everything done and extra even before the time when he would tell him to get it done. He pushed the thoughts away when he heard that the horses were ready then walked out to where they were waiting. He didn't bother to glance at Zack as he mounted the horse then said, "No, we have wasted enough time here and we need to be going." The horse immediately started walking at Xavier's command the broke out into a trot as Xavier set his eyes away from the city and it's hunters. The stop that he needed to make wasn't anywhere near the capital, it was in a place that he was sure Zack would never have thought they were going, it was the city of Nion. He had not been to that city for almost thirty years and back then they had only just started becoming a major city and now it was a very popular city especially with what was going on in the capital.

He didn't want to go into the city, but as he still needed one more thing before he could do what he needed to, he had no choice. They rode hard for most of the night but the moment he started to see faint pink light staining the sky he slowed his horse to where he was finally stopped. The horse was breathing slightly hard though not really that badly, Xavier made sure to take care of his mounts. He looked at the sky for a minute then looked over his shoulder at Zack and said, "There is a place to stay not far from here but you may want to be careful about not getting separated from me since this forest does not take kindly to strangers." He didn't need his second dying in a forest like this so he hoped that the man would take his comment to heart. His horse slowly started walking again and once they had entered the forest the dark was absolute. Xavier kept going seeming to know his way though one could barely see anything, and what made it worse was the groaning sounds coming from the forest....and they didn't sound happy.

Xavier muttered under his breath very quietly and the shadows that seemed to be getting even darker lightened slightly though not much. Xavier shook his head slightly and said very quietly, "Do not make any sudden moves especially in the direction of your weapon. The tree's are tolerant for now but I would not test their patience if I were you." After what seemed like several hours but in truth was only about half an hour there was a slight brake in the trees and one could see a small hut not far away. Xavier stopped his horse then dismounted and said, "From here we walk, do not worry about the horses, the tree's will take care of them and make sure they are fed." He started walking in the direction of the hut knowing that Zack would get the supplies and whatever else they needed and catch up with him in time. Once he was standing in front of the door he placed a hand on the front door and spoke very quietly in an almost musical and liquid language that sounded like it must be very old. The door opened and inside there was already a fire burning and the hut looked clean and fresh like someone had just cleaned.
 
Desmond like Red's straightforwardness and made it known by his content smile. He stood by prince's side and looked over the table as well. It was a bit messy with so many papers and books but Desmond would be able to find anything in a matter of second. Behind them, Marco just stood aside and watched them. He could have left but didn't feel it necessary. Who knows what might happen here once Damien was involved in the research? Everything would speed up and they might make a huge discovery. His thoughts were soon confirmed when Red suddenly found something. Desmond hunched over to look at the book that Damien was protecting and through Damien's fingers he tried to see the symbols and make sense of it. The rest of the vampires around the table stopped in what they were doing as well and looked at Red questioningly. In the back, Marco made few steps forward not as if to be able to hear something, since his hearing was razor sharp, but it was more of an unconscious movement. He felt the thrill of discovery running down his spine.

"Well, I was working on this book before you came in but couldn't work out much. What did you find in there?" Desmond asked and looked Damien square in the eye almost requesting for the truth. "Whatever it is, we need to know so that we can report it to lady Danava," Desmond added just in case should Damien want to keep anything a secret, considering what stance he was holding towards the book, such protectiveness couldn't mean an unimportant message. However, there wasn't a threat in Desmond's voice nor in anyone's action but it would definitely not be good if a newcomer, no matter who he was, would try to hide something away from LoD which would mean the difference between winning and losing the war. Desmond patiently waited for Damien's answer while the rest of the vampires tried to peer in the book. Maybe they thought, they might translate what Damien did and so deliver the message sooner and earn the respect of the rest but the truth was that none of them were good enough to even make sense of the first line. Moreover, the book was upside down for them.


Knowing that Xavier didn't need any more supplies made Zack kind of pleased as they were having a lot anyway. Mounting up his own horse, he soon caught up with Xavier and riding by his side he let the leader to show him the way. They soon left the Capital and were headed in their direction though Zack was still wondering where was it they were going. However, he didn't bother to ask. He tried it once and failed, he didn't want to test his luck again. Most of the night, they spent on the horses which were well trained for long distance runs and their stamina was incredible. Nonetheless, it was hard for these animals to be running non-stop so once they halted, both horses were breathing slightly heavily. Though, shall they urge them to run again, they would run without resistance. Zack also noticed the promise of the daybreak just above the horizon and slightly frowned. They would have to hide soon in order to not to get exposed to the sun for too long. There was a forest nearby but Zack didn't like it. Under usual circumstances he wouldn't mind going into the forest but these woods...they looked dangerous even though Zack couldn't identify why. There were just trees, weren't they? Unfortunately, Xavier led the way straight into there and Zack couldn't do much but keep close to his leader.

The darkness was blinding even for vampire's eyes which made Zack think again that this wasn't a normal forest but more like a cursed one. Something unnatural was lurking on the verge of his vision. He suspiciously looked around every time any strange sound broke out near him. No, he wasn't jumpy but aware of the danger though Xavier seemed almost confident that nothing could hurt them in there as long as you followed his example. Was he in these woods before? What would he do here? More and more questions appeared in Zack's mind and it only made him think how little he knew his leader; how much was hidden away from Zack. It was such a huge amount of mysteriousness all at once that Zack ceased to like it and admire it. He wished that Xavier would be more open from time to time.

As they reached the open space in the forces, both of them dismounted their horses and Zack had to get all the supplies. He arrived at the door when Xavier just finished the chanting. It made Zack frown again because he couldn't recognize the language that his leader used. If this series of secrets would carry on, he would certainly soon get a headache, though he would keep it to himself as long as possible. Walking inside the hut, Zack had to admire how it looked. He would expect dirt and dust from a hut hidden in the forest. "Is someone living in here that takes care of this place?" Zack asked and placed their supplies by the door then taking of his cape. The fireplace was lit up and warmth spread from it. It was cozy inside and it made Zack feel comfortable. Once again, he thought about all the questions he had and made a decision that after all, he might try his luck and ask Xavier whatever was bothering him, but not now...when the time was right.
 
(Sorry about not being able to reply. My internet connection kept going out so I wasn't even able to get online, I am so happy that my internet is back. :D)

Damien hesitated for a moment while he looked at Desmond and wondered if maybe he shouldn't have said anything, after a minute though he sighed and shook his head. "It has nothing to do with helping vampires or winning whatever this all is." He said, looking down at the book and running a finger along one of the lines of text. He finally looked back at Desmond and said, "It is partly just talking about history as far as I can tell, but the other part is talking about the future." He hesitated again on this part since this is why he had wished he hadn't said anything. People sometimes didn't like to know their future and in this case he was pretty sure the seer who had written this and saw this was a very good one and very high ranking amongst her kind. He closed his eyes for a minute trying to figure out exactly how to say what he was about to announce. He shrugged then decided maybe just saying it bluntly would help the best instead of beating around the bush.

He looked Desmond straight in the face and said, "I don't know everything that it's saying since I am not exactly an expert on this language and a bit of it is sometimes guess work." He looked back down at the book then back at Desmond and said, "What it's saying is that we are not the only group of vampires that are trying to do something though the difference is that we are helping and it seems like their not." He turned and walked a little distance away from Marco and Desmond seeming to think to himself for a minute before he said, "It also says that there is something worse out there besides human hunters and evil vampires. Before you ask what it is I want remind you that I don't know that much of the language so I can tell you that I have no idea what it is." He turned to look back at the two vampires near the desk and said, "I do know that the name of whatever it is, is not in that book though. A part of the book looks torn like someone or something decided that we didn't need to know that much."

He shook his head slightly before saying, "And that is about all I know really. If you want any more information I would be happy to help you translate as much of the book as I can." He thought for a moment, his arms crossed while he looked down at the ground before looking back up at Marco and Desmond with a curious expression. "Do you two know anything about the seer's?" He wondered if Marco knew about them since he seemed so much older then anyone he had ever seen. The race had been gone for a very long time and not much of their work was left in the world, even their cities were long gone though no one knew why they had disappeared so fast. It was almost amusing to think that all this time that his father had been worried about his obsession books had finally paid off, it would be almost laughable to see his father's face now. Then again his father would most likely have had a heart attack by this time since he would have been surrounded by vampires. He pushed the thoughts from his mind since all they did was make him depressed and nothing else, there was no use in being obsessed with the past.


Xavier looked around the room for a minute before looking back at Zack and saying, "A seer used to live here, though she is long dead now. This is where I live sometimes." He looked over at the fire and muttered, "Her abilities still linger here from what it seems." He walked over to a nearby door and said, "The bedroom is behind this door and the only other door is for the study area, it would be wise not to try and go into that room." He opened the door to the bedroom then walked inside and called quietly to Zack behind him, "You may bring the supplies in here, while this is as safe a place as any it would be best not to linger in the main living area to long." He looked around the now lit bedroom and had a brief flash of his last time here. He had been injured at the time and he had not been able to get to the city in time before the sun had started to come up. He had remembered just in time that there was a cabin near the road so he had made straight for this place.

Once here though he had wished to be as far from this place as he could be even though there was a sense of comfort about the place. There was also something sinister about the cabin and he knew that he knew the reason why this place felt comforting and sinister but like everything else about his past it was hidden from him. He sighed and shook his head, he did not know why he should try so hard to remember since all it did was make his head hurt and make the darkness come out from it's hiding place in his mind. He sat down on the floor then took the piece of leather that had been holding his hair up out before leaning back against the wall with a slightly tired sigh. One would think that he didn't have emotions but that was far from the truth, the problem was that he didn't know how to deal with them and besides that they were confusing so he just pushed them away most of the time. He had closed his eyes and started to just listen to the sounds of the woods and the cabin.

He felt himself starting to drift towards the edges of sleep then jerked himself awake when he thought he heard the sounds of screaming. He looked around the room quickly before he sighed and settled down again, at least when on the edges of sleep his memory was good because he knew those screams hadn't been real...at least not anymore. He looked towards where Zack was at and was about to say something before deciding against it and instead looked towards the only window in the room. Without realizing he was doing it he had already started humming a song under his breath though if someone were to ask he wouldn't be able to tell them the name of the song. It had a comforting tune and made one think of fields of flowers and trees that grew to enormous heights, it also made one think of lazy afternoons where a person could just lay out under the stars and not have to worry about anything. As the song grew to a close Xavier almost looked like he was happy though if one were to look back quickly the expression was gone as soon as it had come.
 
Desmond and Marco looked at Damien. Desmond had curious expression on his face whereas Marco was slightly frowning. No one could say whether it was a good sign or not, though it wasn't a frightening frown either. Nonetheless, they were both patient, giving Red time to gather his thoughts and form them into understandable sentence. When he told them that the book says something about past and future, Desmond's eyebrows rose a little bit in kind of surprise as he was trying to understand the message, whereas Marco's eyes narrowed. Those two expressions might as well be considered as focusing ones, if you leave out the unpredictability of Marco's frown. The rest of the vampires around the table where looking from the second in command to the head of the research and back to prince. It was like they were following the path of a tennis ball. Others, not many, who still didn't give up, tried to see what was written in the book to translate it.

"Other groups of vampires? Who are not trying to help?" Marco asked his voice flat. "Yes, there is another group like that. We are actually on the verge of starting a war with them," Marco confirmed and his face cleared a bit. So far, Red didn't tell them any news but Marco, nor Desmond doubted his ability to help and his ability to decipher some of the language. Desmond made few steps closer when Red mentioned that part of the book has been torn away. "That's impossible," he breathed out and run his finger on the bit where before there used to be a page. "It is impossible because this book has been here for centuries and no one else but Danava family had access to it," Desmond added still unable to believe. Then he looked at Damien and slightly nodded his head giving him a permission to translate the book. On the other hand, Marco didn't show much interest in the lost page. He gave the book a glance but he was more preoccupied with Damien's last questions. Seers... The word rang a bell and it didn't take Marco long to remember them.

"Yes, I do remember them," he said and Desmond raised his eyebrow. Apparently, this young looking researcher didn't think that Marco was that old. "They were almost like special species but at the same time they couldn't be consider a separate race because a seer could have been born into an ordinary family as well. What set them apart from humans were their bald heads and on the bare skin of their sculp stretched towards their forehead was a tattoo. It looked like a set of triangles and in every vertex and in the central triangle there were eyes. Seers also lived longer than ordinary humans but they were not immortals," Marco provided his companions with the information and his eyes lost the hazed gaze. He remembered seers well. Out of all races that were living on the earth, seers gave him always the creeps. It was almost like they could see deep inside his soul and that made Marco feel vulnerable. However, they were all gone by now and even though it was a great loss, Marco felt somehow relieved.


Seer? Zack vaguely knew who Xavier was talking about. He has heard the word and somewhere, at the back of his mind, he knew that those people were like fortune-tellers. But could they use magic? Because if nothing else, this place looked like being kept alive by magic...or a ghost of that woman was still here which was even more ridiculous than the magic part. Shaking his head, Zack took the supplies from where he left them before and took them to the bedroom. Xavier seemed to be lost in his own thoughts and for a brief second Zack almost thought that he saw some glimpses of his emotions to seep through the poker face of his leader. However, it was just a second but Zack would bet his shoes that it was real. Setting down the pack with blood, he took out two bottles - one for himself and one for Xavier. Turning around, he was about to offer it to his companion but he was looking out of the window, humming some melody. Having his back to Xavier most of the time, he didn't notice that his leader wanted to tell him something but then decided to do otherwise. As for the melody, it was unknown to Zack but it sure had a good effect on Xavier as he seemed to ease with every note.

"Some food Xavier," Zack said once the melody was finished and he handed the bottle to Xavier. "Where was the melody from?" he tried to make a conversation.
 
Damien sighed slightly when he heard Desmond say that it wasn't possible for a page to have been torn out of the book since it had always been under the care of the Danava family. He looked quickly at Marco when he heard the man talk about the seers and say that he remembered them and knew them from a time long ago when things were a lot different. He blinked in surprise then quickly readjusted his way of thinking about the man, he was a whole lot older then he had first thought and just that made him want to stay on the man's good side. There was no telling how strong Marco really was and he wasn't one that wanted to find out first hand because he had pissed the man off. He finally nodded at Marco and said, "The good thing is that there is another person here who knows about them which will make this somewhat easier of a task." He looked back to Desmond then shook his head and said, "I really do not know how it could have happened but there is a page missing in that book, there's no other explanation for why it suddenly cuts off talking about some evil thing." He was already wishing he was wrong but he knew that he wasn't. This was a book that was obviously written by a very strong and powerful seer and while the race was sometimes wrongs the really powerful ones were never wrong.

He walked back over to where the book was at and quickly scanned the writing again before stopping quickly and looking and Marco with a slightly confused expression. "If you remember the seers then you would have to know the language of the old vampires and know their abilities and their powers. How is it that you can't read their language and you don't speak it?" He asked, now being really confused by the events. If Marco had been born towards the end of the seers time then he wouldn't probably remember anything about the old language since it died out almost immediately after, though he had no idea why. How he talked though made him think that he had been fully grown at the time of seers downfall and if that was so he would have to know the old language. He shook his head slightly and wondered if maybe when the old language died out people didn't just stop speaking it and teaching it but they forgot it also. It was something to think about at least and he wasn't one to push a theory away just because he thought it sounded a little weird. He rubbed his forehead slightly, already feeling like he had just agreed to do something that was sure to take a lot longer then they needed it to.

Without thinking about it he muttered in the old language under his breath and waved his hand slightly in the direction of the candles. The room was quickly dimmed though the candles were till burning, the flame was smaller though and put out less light. To Damien, as soon as he had started to learn the old language and speak it sometimes, it soon became almost as unconscious as breathing would be to a human. Half the time he did these things he never really put a lot of thought into how it had happened or that maybe it wouldn't happen, he just did it. After several years of study he had come across a passage that had very vaguely said that the old language wasn't always just a different dialect the one spoke but it was sometimes a completely different way of life. He already knew that one had to have a certain mindset to understand and speak the language and it was clear to him that both Marco and Desmond had that, especially since Marco had grown up with it probably. He shook his head slightly and glanced towards the doors to the house and wondered what Laura was doing right then before he looked back at Marco.


Xavier looked away from the window when he heard Zack then looked at the bottle that was being offered to him. He grabbed the bottle though his movements looked very carefully thought out and slower then usual, as if he really didn't want to take the drink but that he had to. He hated blood from a bottle, the taste was the worst thing he could think of at the time, warm fresh blood from a human body was always preferable. He tilted his head back and finished off the entire drink before setting the bottle down next to himself and looking at Zack, though he had never really looked away. He watched the man for a minute, thinking over if he really wanted to tell the man anything or if he would just look away and let his second be frustrated over the fact that he was again not telling him anything. His mouth twitched upwards slightly in what one might think of as amusement though the expression on his face never changed from the blank mask that was always kept there. After what might seem like hours he finally said, "From a time long ago when seers roamed the lands and the old language was spoken everywhere among vampires." His expression turned thoughtful before he sighed and said, "Though if you are asking where it is from exactly you shall sadly have to live with not having an answer to that since I myself do not know."

He looked back towards the window then muttered, "It does come from a very long time ago, so long ago that nobody remembers it anymore, not even as a folk song." He turned to look back at Zack then closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall before saying, "Ask your questions now my second, because if you do not you will never get the answers that you want so badly." Xavier scanned the surrounding area to make sure that there was nothing else around them that should not be then slowly let his guard drop though he could put it back up in a matter of seconds if he wanted to. The tension seemed to literally drain from his body, and while he still sat as still as if he was made of stone, he seemed more and more as if he was an actual living thing instead of some evil demon that had come to kill every last thing in it's path. This relaxed look he knew no one else had ever seen since he never was relaxed, the only time he was like this was when he was in this cabin and he knew that nothing and no one could see in or get in. One could say this was his haven but he preferred to think of it as just a resting place that one goes to and then leaves as soon as one is able.
 
Desmond listened to Damien explaining further his thoughts about the book and its prophecy, if you could call it prophecy and not a curse. The book definitely held secrets that were worth knowing and were crucial to find out. Desmond always knew that. It was just hard to make everyone believe in the same thing. However, now as the prince has said the same, Desmond was glad that every vampire heard it and he also hoped that they would feel foolish for not believing him. Most of the times it was hard for Desmond to win vampire's trust because he still looked like a child. Not many cared about the years that he has lived for so far. There were times when hated being what he was, simply because he was never going to fully grow up as a man and he experienced few times when he wished for being a man so badly that it made him almost cry. But now, his chest was held high and he felt full-filled. Again, he was the one who was right. The part about the missing page brought Desmond back to his actual task and he snapped out of his victory mood quicker than usual. He frowned, his mind racing for other possible explanations. "Maybe the seer just stopped writing because what he was about to foretell might have been so bad that he didn't want anyone to know," such a theory was more likely to be produce by a child but still, it was a theory worth taking into an account. It was like with thinking. When you got to the very bad and dark side of yourself, sometimes you had to stop abruptly in thinking otherwise you would either go mad or cry yourself to death from the things that you had found out about yourself.

However, as Damien asked Marco how was it that he didn't speak the language, every eye was on the second-in-command. No matter how uncomfortable Marco felt about it, he didn't let anyone know. Maintaining the expression of deep thoughts and considerations, Marco gave Damien a heavy look of the long time he was walking the face of Earth. The truth was that Marco didn't know why he forgot most of the language. Was it because of the lack of interest or because he knew the danger of the language? "I did speak the language once. Though, as the last seer died, the knowledge disappeared," Marco replied and looked away. Feeling ashamed of himself deep inside for not trying harder to preserve the language, Marco wished that Damien has never asked him the question. Then suddenly the whole room went from bright to dim. There were series of OH's and AH's from the vampires who were not expecting it which was basically everyone. Even Desmond's mouth was a bit agape. Though for Marco, he felt the cold chill running through his body, knowing that magic was used. Magic was as reliable as a fire, in the second-of-command opinion. Turning his gaze back at Damien, Marco stepped a bit closer to him. "I suggest you use magic as less as possible," he whispered so that only the prince would hear. There was no threat and it mostly sounded like an advice with the undertone of an order. Afterwards, Marco announced that he was going to deliver the message about the new information to lady Danava and with that he left the room, leaving everyone in their silent surprise about the first occurrence of magic in their presence.

"So what else is there written if you leave out that the page is missing?" Desmond asked curiously and stepped closer to the book as well. "I have tried to understand this language since I was little, all those years ago when I was human, but it is still mystery to me. How is it that you know it so well? How do you do magic with it?" Desmond waved his hand around indicating the dimmed room. There was thirst for knowledge in his eyes. He was eager to learn and preserve whatever information was given to him.

About a half an hour after Marco has left, the door has opened again and Laura came in. Being dressed in silk, light green robe, she looked completely different from the vampire that has challenged Damien in the town. She looked more like a leader and lady. The vampires fell silent to take in her presence and everything else that she presented before they slowly turned their gazes back to their work. It was audible that all of them were suddenly working more quietly as if not to disturb Laura in whatever she was about to do. Walking confidently towards Desmond and Red, Laura had her eyes set on the prince. There was nothing in her expression that would hint what was going in her mind. "I've heard that you found out something...rather unsettling," she said, her voice calm yet full. Marco was standing behind her almost looking like her personal guard. "Have you revealed anything else?" She asked and made a few steps towards the book. She was now standing between Damien and Desmond who had to move out of her way, but was still able to look in the book. Even Laura turned her gaze towards the pages but for her it was just a mess of symbols she could never hope to understand.


Zack was pleased that his leader has decided to share something with him though the answer confused him. Was Xavier that old? Or was the melody given to him by other vampire who lived in the times of seers? Maybe it was given to him by Xavier's maker? Nonetheless, he didn't let anything to appear in his expression but a content look. There was some change about Xavier that Zack didn't quite understand. It was like his leader was somehow changing. It wasn't an obvious act but subtle moves in his facial muscles and muscles in general. It was as if Xavier was finally calming down, relaxing. It was so new to Zack who has always seen Xavier tensed, focused, that he found himself watching Xavier intently as if he was some new species. Though, once he became conscious about the way he was watching his leader, how ridiculous and uncomfortable it must have been for Xavier, Zack returned to his poker face. However, he was still amazed. The final shock came when he was offered to ask any question he wanted. What happened next in his mind was like a dam being pulled down and river of questions poured into his mind where each of them demanded to be spoken a loud. Taking a big sip from his bottle of blood, Zack tried to calm down.

"My lord," he began, still kind of unable to believe that his prayers might have been heard. "There is so much I would like to ask you." He admitted and went over to the bed and sat down, looking in front of him as if there was supposed to be a key of how to organize his questions. After no longer than few seconds, Zack picked up few questions that were troubling him the most. "Where are we going? What awaits us there? And what is the thing in the bottle?" He asked slowly. Above all, Zack didn't want to hurry his questions which would only make him look like a child who is too eager to know things. Well, he was eager but he didn't want to sound like a child. Taking another sip of blood, Zack would give Xavier eternity to answer the questions now that he was sure to get an answer.
 
Damien blinked in surprise whenever he heard Marco tell him to use the magic as little as possible, he hadn't even been aware he had used it at all. He nodded slightly and sighed thinking to himself how much his self-control on that ability had slipped then silently told himself to meditate later that night. Meditating always soothed his mind and made it easier to control this new ability that had been showing itself more and more. He turned to look at Desmond whenever he heard him ask what else he could read from the book, but he didn't know how to explain how he could do anything that he did. To him, using magic and reading the old language, seemed like it was as natural as a human breathing though it had taken almost three long and trying years to decipher the first few words of the old language. After having learned one sentence from the language it had been easy to figure out the rest, and the magic just seemed to have come along for the ride. He shook his head at Desmond then said, "I do not know how to answer those questions since I do not really know myself how I all of a sudden started being able to read this language. It is sometimes difficult to read the language but that is mostly when I have other things on my mind and I'm not really concentrating." Damien looked back at the book then got to work on trying to figure out the rest of the book.

Damien couldn't have said how long he had been working for when he heard the door to the library open and footsteps. He looked up then over towards the door, freezing as he did so when he saw Laura dressed in a way that only high born women were allowed. He blinked a few times as his brain decided to pick up and start working again then shook his head and smiled slightly as she walked over to where himself and Desmond were working. He listened as she asked her questions and his smile to on an even more amused curve as she looked over the book that he and Desmond had been in the process of translating. He let her look at the book for a little while before saying, "I'm not sure what Marco has already told you but the short version of the unsettling part is that it says there are vampires that want humans for cattle but they are not the worst thing out there. There is supposed to be something even worse that has not yet revealed itself to anyone, though sadly that is all I can tell you of that matter since there seems to be a page torn out of the book." He hoped she would not ask how that could be possible since he would not be able to give her an answer since he didn't know himself.

He put a hand on the book then looked at the words on the page before saying, "As for if we have revealed anything else....well it seems that this book is saying there will be war in the next few years and it will most definitely be a bloody one." He remembered when he had first read that passage and the chills he had gotten from it. He couldn't be sure that it was true but he was certain that it could be true, and that was what unsettled him the most. He looked back at Laura and could almost feel himself calming down slowly and he had to admit that she most definitely looked like the leader and lady that she was. He almost couldn't believe that she was an extremely able fighter as he looked at her, but he made sure to keep that image of the other side of her firmly in his mind since he knew he shouldn't be naive enough to think of her any differently. He shook his head slightly then sighed and said, "I don't know how much more I can translate tonight." He had to admit that, while sitting in this library and translating all night did sound like his kind of night, he was getting a bit restless just sitting in the extremely quiet room.

He thought maybe it had something to do with the fact that he had been on one of the most wildest nights of his life and now the high of it all had not quite left him. He could already feel his body's energy off the charts and his mind was working like there was no tomorrow making reading very easy but also very tedious. He wondered if maybe he could get Laura and Marco to allow him into a room where he could run off some of the energy and also where he could think up tactics to help his mind. Everything was really starting to seem almost dream like and it didn't help that Laura was there and he knew that how she looked would be exactly how she might look in a dream he might have. He shook his head slightly then said, "Forgive me for not staying here longer since I really am amazed at how many books you have of the old language." He smiled slightly at Laura though the smile this time seemed to be like his old ones where there was only a careful blankness to it. He quickly scanned the room as was his habit every so often, it was really hard to break those kinds of habits since they had always saved his life.


Xavier listened as Zack walked over to the bed and as he asked his questions. He knew that some of these things he might not be able to answer since he didn't even know some of the things that were going on himself. Memories were very fickle things and his were even more so then usual, to not even remember how old he was, was very unnerving sometimes though he would never say he was unnerved. After a few minutes of contemplating the questions that his second had asked he finally moved his head slightly then opened his eyes and looked slowly over to where Zack was sitting on the bed before saying, "To answer your first question, we are going to the city of Nion. There is something there that I need to pick up and there is also someone there that I need to talk to, whether that person will be joining us in our trip or not is entirely up to that person." He shifted his position against the wall and it was the first time he had shifted since he had sat down a while before. He leaned his head back against the wall again, though his eyes were still open this time, while his hair was pooled on the floor around him.

He thought again for a few seconds on how to answer Zack's second question since what awaited them there were many things. He finally decided on what he could tell his second then said, "As for what awaits us there I have already told you partly though there could always be other things there that might be awaiting us without us knowing." He knew that his second might get irritated by that answer since in a way it really wasn't an answer, but it was the best one he could give at this time. He looked back at his second then said, "I would rather not have to tell you what is inside that bottle and I know that as soon as I tell you, you will wish you had not asked me. I will, however, tell you anyways since you have asked, and I do not go back on my word." He smiled slightly, though the smile had no warmth to it and it also showed a slightly point of one fang, then looked over towards where the bag holding the bottle was at. He could almost hear the slight screaming sound coming from it thought it was to muffled to really make it out which he had to admit he was thankful for. After a few seconds of contemplating the bag he stood up and walked closer to where Zack was at before he stood almost in front of him. "The bottle holds what is left of a seer that turned against his kind and dabbled in things that were best left alone. To say that he is dead would be a lie but to say that he is alive would also be a lie since he is living a kind of half-life." He said, watching Zack closely to see his reaction to what he was telling him.

He shook his head and sighed slightly before saying, "The more he dabbled in these forbidden things the more his mind was twisted and turned until not even his own mate recognized him." He leaned his head to one side with a slight smile before saying, "Many people would think of this as a horror story but I prefer to think of this as history of why one should not dabble in things one does not understand." He shook his head again slightly before continuing with his story, "It was almost ten years he had been banished from humankind, vampire kind, and even his own kind. No one wanted him around and even his mate ran from him, though the mate soon died a very horrible death not long after and it is said they found his body mutilated beyond recognition. The seer deep down mourned for his mates death and the story says that he killed himself in an attempt to make things right. I, on the other hand, think that he dabbled to far and he soon destroyed himself when he tried to do something and it did not work." He looked towards the bottle again then said, "Sadly he was to evil to die completely and the high seer had to quickly seal the essence of him into a bottle so that he couldn't find a host who was even stronger then he had been." He looked back to Zack, his face blank, then said, "And now you know why you should be so careful with that bottle." He watched his second, genuinely curious to see how the man would react.
 
Laura listened to Damien explaining to her what else has been written in the book. She nodded her head from time to time, looking down at the pages. "Yes, there is a war coming," she said and few vampires shifted in their seats. All of the residents in the mansion knew about the danger of the upcoming battles. Laura didn't, and wouldn't, keep it away from them because it would simply not be fair. However, it was still strange to think that anything so violent could happen. The threat just wasn't too real to those vampires who were not directly involved in planning so it was rather real to Laura, considering what she had been through this night and what was still about to come. As Red mentioned that he might not be able to translate more tonight, Laura moved her gaze from the book and looked Damien square in the eyes. There was nothing left of the woman from earlier that night. There was firmness in her eyes as if she would demand him to translate more no matter in what state he was at the moment. That look lasted for no more than half a minute before she slightly nodded her head.

"You shall retire to your room then. I believe it has been very unusual night for you and you do deserve some rest," she said and looked at Desmond. "As for you, my dear helper, I believe that you and your group will be able to work a bit longer tonight. There is still much to do." At her words, Desmond bowed and agreed with her. At that very moment, everyone returned to their work and also the level of previous rustling rose as the vampires began to be more productive and active. The more they would find now, the sooner they would be able to go and relax. Laura stepped away from the book and once more her eyes met Damien's. "I believe that you were not shown into your personal chambers yet. Let me take you there," Laura said and a fragile resemblance of smile appeared on her face, yet it was somehow distant as if it wasn't really meant for the prince. After those words, she turned around and began walking away. Laura didn't relax even when they were out of the library and in the corridors where there was a little possibility that someone would see them.

"Marco," she addressed her second in command who was walking few steps behind them. "I think that the gatherers will be ready to answer some questions as for what has happened. Would you be that kind and take care of it for me, please?" Looking at the old vampire from the corner of her eye, she saw him nodding. On the next turning, Marco left them and Laura carried on walking with Damien by her side. "It was rather wild night. A group of gatherers returned and they were not in a good state. It was almost like someone has played with them and then threw them away. It most certainly wasn't work of hunters. They never let anyone escape," she spoke not really addressing Red. Laura wanted to fill the silence between them. No matter how much she wanted to relax and enjoy the conversation they had earlier in that strange room, she couldn't do so. She had to act as was expected of her...no deflections, no exceptions. "There is something you should know. Your room will be guarded. I know that you are able to defend yourself, you proved that much to me tonight, but I want to be sure that no harm comes to you." She wanted to add that Damien was too precious to lose, but who knew how that would sound if spoken aloud. Like that, resonating in her mind, it was just a harmless sentence and she should keep it that way.

At one point, they stopped in front of set of doors which looked just like any other. There were two vampire soldiers standing on either side. "This set of doors leads to your personal chambers. Please, do not think that you are a prisoner," Laura said, indicating the guards again. "As I said, I am mainly concerned with your safety. If you would need any help or you have any question, you can ask these two. Shall you have a question that you think only I can answer, my chambers are just around the corner at the very end," Laura informed Damien a bit more and once again a smile appeared on her face. Though this time, it looked more present. She bid Damien good night and then went towards her own chambers. Once there, Laura breathed out as if she was holding her breath for the last few weeks. Why was it so hard to act formal? There was nothing that should distract her as it was happening tonight. Laura blamed her unstable nature at the earlier events. Two maids that were present in her room most of the time had concerned looked on their faces. One offered some blood to strengthen Laura, but Laura refused and ordered them to help her undress and get ready for the night.


Nion? That certainly surprised Zack. Nion was far away and not many people or vampires went there. Those who did behaved strangely when they returned...if they ever returned. Moreover, Xavier said that they were going to meet someone who might be joining them. Did he have acquaintances in Nion? Since when? And how? The truth was that with Xavier's answers, more questions arose and Zack had to rub his forehead to ease the stress building up in his mind. He was frowning slightly but that was because of his racing thoughts. After answering his two questions, Zack's leader smiled in the way that even Zack himself felt a bit uncomfortable yet once again, he maintained his calm posture and expression. At the point when Xavier was standing in front of his second in command, Zack had to tilt his head back a bit to be able to keep the eye contact that the two of them formed. The more his leader spoke, the more Zack wished he hasn't asked. Some of his doubts showed in his face, but they might have been confused for doubts about the story that he was being told. Somewhere, in the middle of the story-telling, Zack looked towards the bag as well. Essence of the seer...sure, the image was rather fascinating but the facts that led to this were not as charming. His face was somehow wrinkled in disgust, disbelief and distrust.

"A host?" Zack said, a flash of surprise running through his voice and expression before Zack got everything under control again. "Is this mist supposed to possess someone?" He asked without even much thinking about it. Did Xavier plan to swallow to blackness and grow stronger? Why did they carry it anyway? Once again, more and more questions formed in his mind and Zack looked at the bag once more. It was understandable that bottle needed to be handled with care. "I am sorry, my lord, but why do we need it in this journey anyway?" Zack had to ask. Maybe it would be the last question that would clear his confused mind or at least part of it. Xavier proved to be one big mystery and full of secrets more than ever and Zack could only hope for revealing all of that one day. Though, this hope might as well equal to a childish dream that shall never come true.
 
Damien winced slightly as he walked out of the library knowing that he should be staying in there with the others while they worked into the day to figure out the rest of the books. As he walked next to Laura he almost sighed at how distant she was though he knew that he had been the same way in the years he had lived as Prince Damien. There was something about being in charge of people lives that made one hide their own feelings and desires and this, he had to admit, was one of the few things he did not miss about being a prince. He still hid who he was but at least he didn't have everyone's lives depending on his decision and for this he gave Laura a slight smile that he hoped conveyed the a slight respect and acknowledgment of what she had to go through. As soon as they were in front of his new bedroom and Laura had told him everything he needed to know, he knew that she was going to leave. He was glad that he was able to see her give a more genuine smile and knew that he would not be getting many of those in the days to come. Red shook his head then watched her as she walked away before sighing lightly and looking at one of the guards with a slight half smile before saying, "So you two are my new baby sitters?"

He knew that if he really wanted to he could turn around and go back to the library to study more without the aid of these two guards but he also knew that, that kind of action might be like a slap in the face to Laura and he did not want to get her angry with him just because he was already feeling restless. He nodded to one of the guards then said, "Well I will see you two in the morning then, have a good day." He walked opened the door to the room before slipping inside and closing the door quietly behind him. Damien turned to look around the room before smiling sadly and muttering to himself, "Home sweet home Red." He knew that he shouldn't feel like he was just ripped away from his life again but he couldn't help the feeling. As he wandered around the room running his hands over the objects, he wondered to himself how he had gone from shrugging beautiful objects and priceless artifacts aside as if they were nothing to looking at them in wonder like he may never see them again. He finally decided that maybe the reason he felt this way was because he had never been around such expensive stuff since he ran away from the palace and several years away from these expensive treasures makes ones mind think differently. He had to admit quietly to himself that he actually like being poor more then being rich, at least when he was poor people looked at him because they were genuinely curious about him and not because he had money.

He shook his head again the started to pull his clothes off slowly wincing slightly as he did so since he was still feeling sore from having been in a fight with Laura earlier that night. Once he had stripped down to his pants he stretched out on his back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling wondering to himself what was going on in the mansion. As he lay there his hearing tuned into different voices and sounds that were everywhere in the mansion and sometimes he could swear he heard swords clanging together as two people fought. He reached out almost subconsciously for his dagger that he had laid on the nightstand and took a deep breath then let it out when his hand found the hilt. He hoped that one day he would sleep without having to have a weapon under his pillow but he knew that wasn't every going to happen since he had changed so much from what he had been life in his former life. This thought brought his brother to the front of his mind and he winced when he remembered the look on his brothers face when he found out. Many people thought that his brother and him were identical twins since there wasn't even a hair's difference in their looks or barely even their personality's. He smiled when he remembered the when he was first being schooled without his brother in the room. It hadn't lasted long since his brother had snuck into the room, grabbed his hand, and dragged him out so that he could show him the new horse that they had just gotten.

Both him and his brother knew they had different personality's but they played it so that others did not. Many times his brother would get tired of the ceremonies that he had to go to so he would ask Damien to go, and without fail he had always said yes. There parents had never figured out they did this and he was very sure that his brother had never hated him for being a vampire since they had always sworn they would never judge the other based on what other people said. As he closed his eyes he saw again his brother staring at him as if he were some traitor or prisoner who had just told him that his brother was dead. Red opened his eyes, blinking slightly as he did so, then touched one finger to the corner of his eyes and pulled it away looking at the water on it as if it were some foreign object that he had never seen before. He rubbed his hand across his eyes so that there was no trace of tears before closing his eyes again and giving himself a command to leave the past in the past. There was no use dwelling on things that were never going to be again and there was also no use dwelling on things that no one could change. After a while he slowed his breathing down and slowly started to feel himself drifting into a light sleep.



Xavier actually kind of genuinely amused at the questions his second in command had just asked him and after a few seconds of pondering these questions he said, "The mist is not going to actually posses someone, that would not be in my best interest. The person we are going to meet can speak to the mist in a way, how I have never asked and truly I really do not care how. As for why we need this thing in the journey..." He paused for a moment while he looked towards the opposite wall. He knew exactly why they needed this mist but he wondered if maybe telling this to Zack might make the man a bit more wary of being in the company of their new companion. After a moment he looked back at his second and made his decision, "We need this thing because it is the only one who knows where to go. We need to find a city that has been lost for a very long time and one that only seer's and the high council of vampires knew about, which is why this is the only thing that knows how to get there." He knew deep down that he himself knew how to get there on his own but just like every thing else about his past, the darkness in his mind would not let him touch it.

Xavier stood with his hand behind his back and his head tilted slightly back so that he could look up at the ceiling easier. To think that something made by such flimsy hands could hold up against some of the worst things mother nature could throw at it. It was so amusing to think of humans actually trying to build stronger and stronger building that could withstand a storm the likes of which no one has survived and even more amusing was that they always failed at their job. He looked back down to where he was making eyes contact with Zack again before saying, "I will allow you one more question for now and after that there will be no more until I say so." He could feel a slightly ache behind his eyes and he knew that the sun was slowly starting to come up. Most vampires could stay awake during the day just like how a human stays awake during the night. In his case however, it was physically draining to be awake during the daytime and what was worse it that it started to make his head hurt. He reached one hand up and rubbed one side of his head slightly before walking around the bed and sitting down on the floor against the wall in the darkest part of the room he could find. He could feel the headache ease slightly though he knew it wouldn't actually go away until he was asleep.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back