T
The Fox and The Spider
Guest
Original poster
Deep within the belly of stone; lives a race ancient yet reclusive by nature. Untouched by the concerns of the outside world. They live out their days in silence; their history and culture unknown toward those which walk the surface. Some consider them vampires; while others a form of lycan. Human's whose skin is as pale as winters first snow. Covered in white ash whose beauty rivaled that of the elves. The local orc's refer to them as "Ashlandian vampires." Their art depicts them as half man half bat. Capable of taking down the strongest and most heavily armored orc chief.
Some consider them to be abominations. A woeful blight upon the realm. While others recognize them as an actual species; just trying to survive in these harsh lands. A small town at the base of the mountains consider them to be protectors. Devouring trolls and giants which normally would over run their homes. Rarely have they ever devoured a human being less a wandering hunter get's it in his head to take one of their kins head as a trophy.
Often they could be found in town engaging in trade with the locals. This is one of the only times passing travelers would see them. Even now a small group of ashlandian vampires could be found entering the town. Being led by a Matron...Matron Kityana of the Silvermoon house...
A frigid wind gripped the land; as winter proved to be as hostile as ever. Making life difficult for all those which called these mountains their home. The once paved road was buried under a thin blanket of snow. The sound of snow crunching beneath their stride would serve as a reminder that winter had finally arrived. And it would be many months before this blight would be purged by the aroma of spring and it's spices. Clothed in fur Kityana would peer at the small yet somewhat bustling town. Admiring their will to endure and thrive even in such a rough climate.
She was accompanied by four of her kin as well as two wagons. Filled with the precious ores which served as their primary natural resource. This ore was used to make fine weapons and armor for both the locals as well as the empire which often made trips to pick up shipments. The sound of the wagons wheels turning against the resistance of the snow pierced the normal clamor. Declaring their presence to the guards long before words could be exchanged. And though they were welcomed into their town. Seldom did they ever exchanged in idle bantering.
With a simple nod the guards would permit them to pass through the mouth of their primitive gate. Kityana's face obscured by the fur hood which shielding her from the snow being carried by the gust of wind. At this point the caravan would come to a halt as the local mayor met Kityana; offering her his hand. Without hesitation she would take him up on the offer; dismounting from her steed as her boots left their mark on the snow. "It is good to see you again Madam silvermoon." The mayor spoke with honeyed yet genuine words.
"It has been many moons since we've last seen each other. As usual everything is in order on our end. Naturally I can see you don't have your supplies together yet. Which is fine...we can wait." Kityana replied; offering him a half smile. "Yes; this winter though young has proven rough. In a couple of hours we'll have everything in order." The mayor replied with some hesitation. "I understand...I fear the worst has yet to come. If you do not mind we will leave the cart with you. In return would it be alright if we sought warmth and shelter within your local tavern?" This observation she knew to be true; as did the Mayor.Winter always got worse before it got better.
"That would be fine. Plus it would be nice to exchange more then a handful of words with your kind for once." The man stated with a chuckle. His word's though not unfounded; still left a bad taste in her mouth. "Thank you." A bow followed as the group traversed through the snow. Turning the knob before passing through the threshold. Immediately they could feel the warmth of the fire. Congregating as one, they would nest at a nearby empty booth. Removing their fur hoods exposing their ash littered and pale faces. The once lively bar was engulfed in silence. The crackling of the wood would be the only sound to disturb the air.
This was the first time in a long time since they actually entered anyone's home or establishment. However after a moment passed the locals would return to their idle conversations. Meanwhile Kityana would offer her kin a reassuring nod.