NationStates Jolt Archive

The mighty Cathedral of Saint Cuthbert towered above the Peninsula painted dark by the evening, an extravagant and ancient monument to the Lord. The Crusaders of the Ordo Templi Sancti - the militant branch of the Ordo Sancti Mundi, stood in neat rank and file outside, cross-emblazoned white tabards over elaborate ballistic- and stab-proof Kevlar armour decorated to resemble plate mail. Ornate and practical swords hung at their belts and they cradled assault rifles in their arms.

http://wso.williams.edu:8000/~dredmond/cathedrals/durham/sdur.jpg

Gargoyles leered down from on high at the uncaring backs of the soldiers, and Whispering Voices Shepherds flanked the massive doors that lead into the nave of the cathedral.

http://www.durham.gov.uk/durhamcc/usp.nsf/Lookup/Cathedral_and_Castle__images/$file/Cathedral_altar_FULL.jpg

This was the date of the Trial, where the Inquisitorial Court would pass judgement upon the creatures presented before it. The inside of the Cathedral was solemn, quiet, almost empty. The grand altar - dappled in many colours by the stained glass window behind - was blocked off by a thin red-silk rope twined around a golden chain.

The Prince Bishop sat on oaken pew surrounded by his personal guard, and the leader of the Ordo Sancti Mundi, Grand Master Solomon - old where the Prince Bishop was young - stood respectfully nearby. The doors to the Cathedral were always open during the day, but now night was drawing in ...

Two choristors, dressed in the white-and-red-trimmed robes of office, pushed on the oaken doors as the last of the light faded from the cathedral's doorway. They clanged shut.

The cathedral was ready for the trial.

"Bring forth the defendents," called out the Grand Master. Flanked by guards, peacebonded rosaries around their wrists - the breaking of which would be considered sacrilege - a man and a winged woman were brought in; a person in androgynous golden body armour following, his helmet off revealing a young but stern face, golden yellow hair and blue eyes that matched the dark sky outside.

"We, the Holy Court, are gathered here to pass judgement upon these two sinners," Solomon continued. "Standing here before you are one Malice, of Eris Kallisti, a vampire; and one Ravelyn Shentavo, a vampire."

The two were led up to the dock, a pulpit with a Holy Bible of great antiquity resting upon it.

"Let the Trial commence ... "



OOC:

Because I'm a fool and went to have lunch, I forgot to add this bit in (editing top post to include it).

The following are the "rules":

1) Absolutely no form of magic or psychic power works within the Cathedral itself. Same goes for sudden energy bursts (teleportation, giant space lasers, etc). The spirits that rule the land feed off such energy, and drain it away. However, natural, physical prowess does work (should it come to it). So, although (for example) Rave is denied her immense power - she's quite welcome to beat someone over the head with a heavy oaken pew (assuming that her strength comes from enhanced muscles rather than magic, etc).
2) Within the nation of Endless Regrets, only divine (Christian) effects work.
3) No-one has been invited or told about it. This is partically because during my discussion with Rave on the matter, she expressed a wish for this to be the case. This does not mean that people cannot try and join in - however they'll have to have good IC reasons for a) knowing where it is (no psychic communications, remember) and b) getting to said location.
4) In the event of military mobilisation - this will actually involve mobilisation, rather than troops teleporting into the middle of the market square. There are many threads about the security of Whispering Voices and its assorted fiefdoms, but basically:
i) closed country. A three-line Maginot equivalent is around the land border (shared with New Aeigeron and Austrin-Ontis). The land is almost all mountainous. The sea is closely monitored. There is one "open" (ish) trade city, Freeport, actually in Austrin-Ontis, and two guarded trade cities (no foreigners allowed out into the actual country) at Hush and Quiet. No, Whispering Voices doesn't have a tourism industry.
ii) Whispering Voices is almost entirely arctic. It's about as far north as Svalbard, and mountainous and barren. A map can be found here (http://www.darkeningskies.net/nationstates/devilsdesert.jpg).

So, to recap: you can get involved, but will have to go to the effort of finding out about it first. Bearing this in mind, and the fact the trial is going ahead quite fast (Rave's request), I apologise in advance to those who wanted to get involved but don't have time.

Update:
OK. There isn't a problem with people getting involved, however in case you missed the IC and OOC posts at the top of the thread, no-one is simply being allowed to walk in. Iuthia, who's nation is researching the kidnapping, will - when his research is over - post and let the relevant nations (Eris Kallisti, Rave Shentavo) know, at which point they can request people enter. However, I should state now and categorically that anyone who simply tries to enter the Cathedral without permission will be killed by the large number of soldiers outside.

Plus anyone who's entirely "supernatural" and "evil" will be unable to enter the Cathedral of their own volition, anyway. Demons and vampires just aren't going to survive long under the direct gaze of a deity who dislikes them.

This isn't intended as an insult against Crimmond - I sent a telegram to Haraki, but now I can see I'm going to have to make it public - but the "rules" need to apply to all.

You can get involved, just we need to set the background (since the words of a concerned person who politely asks for a video conference is going to have a very different effect on the jury from the words of an evil creature the Crusaders outside subdued).

OOC thread (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1861417#1861417)
This thread is for IC posts only. Wholly OOC posts in here or irrelevant IC ones mean you are punted from the thread.

Have I ever?" she asked. She listened and chose her words carefully. She would not lie. "Please specify your question....of a human? or of a vampire?" She smiled slightly, and the seraphim shifted in her seat. Her piercing red eyes bore into the Inquizitor.

"First in the dock shall be Ravelyn Shentavo, who claims to be Azrael - Seraphim and the Word of Death." Grand Master Solomon's voice was carefully blank, his face inscrutable as he ignored Ravelyn's interruption of the proceedings. "She shall be judged by the Prince Bishop and myself, and her sentence executed immediately. Her trial shall be lead by Lord Inquisitor Edwards."

He then sat down, his robes rustling as he did so. Edwards - the cold-eyed man - walked slowly up the nave, until he reached the steps that lead up to the pulpit that faced the accused. He bowed first towards the altar, at the far end of the nave, and then to the jury, before kissing the Holy Bible in front of him.

"I solemnly swear to tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God." His voice, outside the synthesiser of his helmet, was soft and melodious, and a little quiet - but not soft like silk or honey, but like the murmurings of a mountain stream cascading from on high: full of the promise of cold. The voice of a choir singer, it was, that laid down the charges upon the six-winged creature of the night.

"Ravelyn Shentavo, you have been brought to the Holy Court of the Ordo Sancti Mundi to receive a judgement for your crimes. You are accused of the drinking of blood, of the encouragement of the drinking of blood, and of perversion of the Divine message. To emphasise these points, I cite Proverbs 30, verse 14: "There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their great teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men," and Leviticus 17, verse 14: "Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh; for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof; whosoever eateth it shall be cut off."

"You claim to be an angel - a Seraphim, in fact, and therefore having been blessed by the Word of God himself. And yet you not only drink the blood of others, you create more like yourself who do so. You claim to follow the Holy Book, and yet your very existence spits upon the message of the Lord."

His voice grew louder, during the Biblical recitations. "So, Ravelyn Shentavo, the first question I put to you is this: have you during your life drunk of the blood of the flesh, other than during Holy Communion and the transubstantiated blood of Christ that is sacramental wine?"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

<Rave's above post goes here>

Have I ever?" she asked. She listened and chose her words carefully. She would not lie. "Please specify your question....of a human? or of a vampire?" She smiled slightly, and the seraphim shifted in her seat. Her piercing red eyes bore into the Inquizitor.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Edwards met her gaze without flinching, the certainty of Holy Truths behind his gaze. If he was made nervous by her presence, he hid it well.

"The blood of the flesh is limited to neither human nor vampire, Ravelyn Shentavo, since both have flesh. The fact that human flesh is warm and holy and vampire flesh cold and steeped in evil scarce makes a difference to the state of flesh itself. Let me make myself more clear: have you ever drunk the life's blood of any creature, natural or unnatural, or of man or woman or child?"

((OOC: sorry for coming in so late. I finaly got my phone turned back on.
technicaly from all this true faith around him, Malice would die in a matter of minutes... sooo... if people don't mind I'll fudge that rule a little so I can actualy play a bit :D ))

*Malice's eyes darted around. Normaly the elder was calm, cool, and collected, but this place made him want to cry out for mercy. The faith from these people was great, and he couldn't deny that, he also couldn't deny he partialy envied them for it.... The old vampire stayed silent, trying to call out with his mind to his childer. It seemed this place wouldn't allow that though. A slight frown creased his face, and he looked much older then he should right then. The faith of these people made him cringe, but he did his best not to show it. It hurt... it pounded on his brain as if it it were physical. After being in the cathedral for a while he could feel his nose starting to bleed, glancing down at his hands bound in a rosary he grimiced. Those hurt too... the feeling was like a curling iron being rested there, scolding his skin, but he inhaled deeply trying to keep the blood from trickling out of his nose. My kingdom for a damn tissue... He thought to himself, carefully listening to what Rave and the man were saying. Malice knew he couldn't stay in this place for too long, as he could feel it caving in on him spiritualy. Sooner or later he'd end up falling under it and he knew it. Either that or he would frenzy... and that would -not- help his "case" here...*

Rave paused for a moment, and shifted leaning back and sighing slightly. The blood stone was still with in her. She couldn't risk it being taken away. She looked back at him, her gaze pierced into him as if she was looking into his soul. And she was. "You're a good man," she said softly. "A little deceived...but a good man none the less." She cleared her throat...and many knew what would follow that...either she would break out into a blood rage and attempt an escape, or a really long speech was coming...She took a breath...a really long speech was coming.
"Vampire flesh...you say to be...cold and steeped in evil...then why have I never killed any creature, unatural or natural, man, woman, or child. I've never killed any one...less it be in self defence or defence of my students or my people." Her eyes bore deeper into him...and her piercing gaze he could not fight against much longer. "Evil? Never have I been accused of such a thing, until now. I've risked my life ten times over for mortals as yourself, and would do so again in a heart beat if it meant redemption of your souls. Never would He think to see the day when one of his own Seraphim would be labled as evil...and never one who fought beside Gabriel against Mephistop."
*Her eyes finally hit something and she blinked and smiled.* "CORRUPTION!" *she yelled, with complete sureness in her voice. "And a corruption of the highest degree!" *something had sparked in her memory, as she recalled a battle fought against Mephistop* "I have stood alone in the battle against Mephistop...and I as well as you all have reason to believe that the Inquizitors are lead by Mephistopheles himself!"

*Malice glanced at Rave and raised a brow slightly, fighting back the headache he had. He wasn't sure if that was smart of her to be spouting out, but he'd not say anything. Shifting his wieght on his feet he shook his head a bit. For the most part he had no idea how he'd get out of this one. Attempting to go into mist form had proven a failure, so he figured most of his powers wouldn't work here....*

The entire court in the Cathedral goes - if anything - quiet at Rave's words. The young Prince Bishop looks amused, the Grand Master Solomon next to him looks horrified. The soldiers twitch uneasily, as the possibility of being forced to wait outside for a fugitive to leave the sanctuary of the Cathedral for potentially days becomes more apparent.

The most apparent change is, of course, in her prosecutor - who seems to take the statement very personally, the knuckles of his bare hands going white where they grip the oak wood of the pulpit upon which he stands.

"You believe the Ordo Sancti Mundi to be led by ... Mephistopheles? The Faustian familiar of Lucifer? Never!" He takes a moment, and a deep breath, catches the eye of the Prince Bishop, who nods. The Lord Inquisitor makes a visible effort to calm himself. "Your statement will be addressed subsequent to the rest of the proceedings, before we conclude for judgement. Your obfuscations indicate that you have indeed drunk the blood of the flesh before." He turns then to Malice, who has been led up into a seperate pulpit.

"Malice of the nation of Eris Kallisti. You stand here in the sight of God accused of drinking blood. What have you to say in your defence?"

#Tag#

*Malice clears his throat for a moment and tries to keep the blood from trickling out of his nose again. He stood straight and tall, throwing a brief glance to Rave, then back to the Lord Inquisitor. If there was one thing he didn't want to do, it was lie to these people*

It is true... I used to drink the blood of humans, I have killed, and I have acted without thinking.... in the past. I payed for my crimes over two centuries ago with the death of the ones I loved. A group of villagers killed my wife, and my four nephews that were under her and I's protection. After that, I moved to Eris Kallisti, and repented my ways.

*his eyes arn't hard, or angry when he looks at the inquisitor... no, their sad. If anyone was paying attention they might noticed red-tinged tears threatening to fall from his eyes. The memory was obviously painfull, and haunted him to even this day. Malice clears his throat again, trying to keep his composure*

I now use cloned blood from the Kallistian blood banks, and when I cannot get to them I drink from animals. How can you judge me on my past? I have payed for my crimes in a way that no one should ever have to. My nephews were human..... they stayed with me and my wife because they had nowhere to go. They payed for my crimes as well... but it also made me realize what I was doing was wrong. I faced that a long time ago, I don't want to go through this all again.

*He couldn't take it anymore, bowing his head he fought the tears in his eyes and sighed heavely. The rosary around his wrists seemed like 50 pound weights*

<<tag>>

"OH but it IS TRUE!" she said, completely confident. "I have evidence of just that. Let me relay something to you....if you will. I think you will find there to be a reason in my resisting your so called arrest. A very good reason indeed...for Mephistopheles followers will not hold me to their will!"
The seraphim adjusted her wings, her crimson eyes sparkling. There was an evident beauty about her, not just of body, but of soul. She blinked several times.
"Let me tell you of my experiance with the ones they call Inquizitors..." she paused again and took a deep breath, to retell what had happened. "I was on a quest to subdue a rather rogue group of demons whom may have unleashed chaos amongst the world. In the time there, a being came to help me. A seraphim, all in gleaming gold came from the sky...Gabriel flew down. "Ravelyn," he said in greeting. No seraphim would address me as so, they would address me as Azrael....that is when I knew something was wrong. I brought my sword up to meet his. Gabriel," I said with a smile. "It is wonderful to see you again, but you no longer walk this earth..." I grew suspicious. "What brings you to this realm. The seraphim aren't extinct from the earth...Azrael remains." I circled him briefly not letting my sword drop. Something was amiss...
This he said to me in reply, "You are interfering with my Inquisitor's work. I granted them their power, need I remind you?" he said this rather harshly...Gabriel was never one to speak to me in such a mannor. He continued in his words. "I know not why they are after you, but our old friend Mephistopheles is up to his old tricks again."
Old friend...that was a key term. Gabriel fought beside me in banishing Lucifer...and knew I never befriended him. By this time I knew something was wrong. So I said to him: "It is not you whom granted them power," I said with suspicious feeling, pacing around "Gabriel" ...her old friend...if it really was him. "It is God that granted them power. They have been corrupted, as most humans are with power. We can grasp many aspects of God that they are baffeled by. I stood beside you in the fight against Mephistopheles and the three brought him down together, and I will do the same again. Tell me, why have you come?"
Here is where my suspicion came out in full. "You are too smart for me." he said to me, and "Gabriel's" body twisted and changed..into a face we'd banished millenia ago. "I failed before, but I will not fail my master this time!" Mephisto said, power welling into him. The inquizitors are led by Mephisto...but wait, there is more to support my beleif...
My anger was welling by this point, as some may know it would. I said to him, " You seem not to recall the last time we fought. It ended with you being sent into a fiery torment in hell by my hand. Go ahead, make you're move. Are you afraid? With the fear I saw in your eyes as you were cast down to the bottomless pits of hell to burn for all eternity. You should have stayed there...Mephisto."
He continued: "Come, my old friend. Is that any way to treat an old comrade?"
I was shocked, and raised my sword against him. "You lost my trust the day you defied God...you are not my friend, for a friend is not someone whom has such a vile heart, if any, as you. I will not follow you, I will send you back to where you belong." I raised my sword as it glowed in light, power to banish him again, but I could not do it alone...
He was circling me as well by this point. His words were fierce and cut you when you heard them. "So, we fight... but I have already won." he said to me. "You saw the Inquisitors, thinking they do God's work. But a moment to corrupt their powers. Gabriel spent centuries teaching them, and I undid it in a few months." Mephisto drew his own blade against mine. "And I've learned a few tricks myself"
This was the fight, Azrael against Mephisto, Seraphim against ex-seraphim, light against darkness. "Let's see if you have learned enough.." I said as I levitated meeting his level. My six wings were spread out, and my sword was ready to strike. "You will never win against God Mephisto!" And we fought. We fought until my body was badly beaten, but I still stood...and he fell. By my sword, I cast him back into hell, but temporarily. His chains are breaking...and he will be released."

She took a deep breath retelling the story again arose feelings within her. THAT was her destiny....Mephisto...would break free...and there are no seraphim left but she to put an end to him and cast him down into the eternal fires of hell. Her tone was soft and she was calm again as she spoke. "This is why I beleive that the Inquizitors have been corrupted...CORRUPTION!" She said again, but then softer; "corruption of this highest degree..."

:tag:

<TAGINATOR>

[holds tongue in check, and says nothing]

The Cathedral of Saint Cuthbert lies still for the beat of a heartbeat.

And another.

And a third.

It is not until the last of the light had died from the stained glass window, and eerie pale green light flooded the cathedral hall, that Edwards spoke. And when he did, his voice crashed and rumbled around the vaulted nave, the old chapels and graves of knights dead hundreds of years ago, the plaques and inscriptions and banners of good Christian nobles.

"Corrupted? How dare you stand here in the sight of the Lord most Holy and say such things? Can you not feel His power? Has your arrogance and pride brought you so far from the Divine that here in the heart of God you feel His presence to be tainted by ... by ... a familiar, popularised in a story? Fie on you! Shameless daughter of the night! I call you corrupter, and liar! Hold your tongue, vermin, your lies have no place here." He takes a deep breath, and steadies himself. It is with a great effort that he turns to Malice.

"The crime, Malice of Eris Kallisti, is drinking blood: to which you have admitted. The fact that your life of evil has reaped the rewards which it so richly deserved is irrelevant, and the knowledge that innocents died for your evil damns you yet further. Next I ask you: have you made more of your abominable ilk?"

a hesitant tag......please don't yell at me.....for an ooc post

"Corrupted." she said. "They were from Roania, no different from Inquizitors of your nation. Inquizitors are inquizitors...and they will be forever." she was not phased in the least by his yelling. "The presence of God is everywhere, and you are nieve to think that it can only be found in one place. I admit I have pride...and it is a double edged sword. I admit that I have sin, as you all do as well. In the word though, Let he without sin cast the first stone. Fie on you sirrah!" she countered. "You SIRRAH! Would know best as well that a seraphim, not even an angel could lie in the house of God! Lies have no place here...that I agree with...but TRUTH does! AND I SPEAK THE TRUTH!"

*Malice, suppizingly, visibly flinched at the loud words by Edwards towards Rave. He was getting weaker by the minute, and standing was starting to be an issue now. Once Rave had finnished her retort, Malice sighed. Most of her story had gone in one ear and out the other. All he could do was hope that Eris would send his Childer or -someone- to help defend him in his time of need. On second thought, bringing Pavis here wouldn't be a good idea, for she would end up in the same situation he was in. He was a national offical, he shouldn't have to deal with this sort of thing. Knowing it would damn him further he admitted to creating another. There was still no use in lieing*

I have. She came to me though, and asked for the change. She was dying, and had been a friend to my people for a long time... *he sighed again* I granted her request.

*He glances around then looked back to Edwards. Maybe he should just ask... and be damn poliet about it*

I request that some one from my nation be brought here to speak with me. I would ask of your grace, that a woman by the name of Malea Soulseer be brought here. If you have done any research on me you will find she is not my biggest fans, but I trust her to be fair. Either her... or someone of your choosing from our officals.

*At least Malea could stay calm and collected. It was hard to anger the Garou supprizingly. He couldn't stop the trickle of blood now as it fell from his nose slowly. For the moment he made no attempt to wipe it away*

((Edit: name fix and typos))

*tag* (apologies)

"Roania? You dare link the sanctity of the Ordo Sancti Mundi with Roania? We had to invade their nation simply to get them to excise the cancer of vampirism from their populace! Were you a true seraphim, you would know that only God himself holds office here. I have sinned, "seraphim", but at least I repented of them and change my ways accordingly."

Another deep breath. His eyes glow with the fervor of a preacher, now, blue and infinite. It is Malice who is fixed first with those eyes. "Your confession has been noted, Malice of Eris Kallisti. Officer of the Court, escort the vampire to the Defendant's Row, and there permit him rest. Contact will be established with Malea Soulseer, as requested."

He turns then back to Ravelyn. "So - do you deny siring childer, or do you admit it?"

"Ahhh...but that is my reason for resisting your so called "arrest".* she was perfectly calm. It was strange, for this was such a life deciding moment for her. "Am I a sire to a childr?" She thought for a moment. Qui she was not a sire to, he was her son genetically, not just through blood. Genesis was not her direct kin. She had been taken by Daja. Seni was sired by Genesis. Mar was sired by Genesis. Kenja was sired by Qui, and Seth was sired by Daja. All of them were considered her kin because she trained them, and they were of her blood line...but she sired none of them. Kain...was excommunicated from the Shentavos...he was no longer considered one of them...Daniella was sired by him, and she did not touch her. "No. I am not a sire to anyone....I am a sire in the sense that they are of my bloodline, and look to me for guidance...but currently, I am no one's sire."

*Malice is obviously thankfull to get out of there, but he makes note of what the man had said to Rave.... had he himself not just said the same thing? He'd repented for his crimes... why was he now being punnished for it. A grumble came from his throat in aggitation. Oh well, he'd just have to make note of that to Malea when they brought her. Though knowing the Garou, she would be able to argue his case well. She may not like him much, but that was mostly because their two kinds were normaly mortal enemies. Malea was a fair woman though. She wouldn't allow this injustice to go on, she was a Philidox it was her job, and if it came down to it she would contact the Empress herself. Empress Eris would not put up with this situation for long. The Goddess of Chaos was not known for being subtle or allowing her officals to be threatened in such a way. Before leaving he made a point to stay poilet though.*

Thank you your grace...

*And with that he finaly wiped away the blood that trickled from his nose. Hopefully they'd remove the damn rosary too...*

<Transmission to Eris Kallisti>

A vampire currently placed on trial by the Ordo Sancti Mundi has requested representation from one Malea Soulseer of your nation. The offer to attend the trial is made freely. There is no guarantee of safety during the trial. The nation of Eris Kallisti, known to harbour many subhumans, should be aware that being an unnatural abomination is a capital crime within Endless Regrets.

http://www.angelfire.com/creep/fyad/colourcrest.jpg

<Transmission ends>

Malice was led to the Defendant's Row, a bare stone pew at the back of the Cathedral. It didn't prevent him hearing what was said: the cathedral had impressive acoustics, under those hallowed eaves worn smooth by time. However, the two stoney-faced guards that accompanied him there made no move to take the rosary off. The end of the pain did not seem in sight: however, compared to the verbal onslaught Rave was undergoing, Malice could be said to be getting off lightly.

Lord Inquisitor Edwards turned the whole of his focus on Rave, then, his responsibilities for the quieter, better-behaved abomination temporarily suspended.

"The first question, Ravelyn Shentavo, was: "have you drunk of the blood of the flesh?" Your refusal to answer indicates guilt: in fact, you encourage other vampires to drink blood, by feeding them your own. The second question, Ravelyn Shentavo, was: "have you made more of your abominable ilk?". To this you have answered: "no". Unlike the fads for breeding children and then abandoning them in some godless realms, being a parent - of a real child or some blood-slavering aberration - is not a state that can be switched on, or off, at will. I do not care if you are currently a sire. Have you ever sired one of your disgusting kind?"

*Malice sat quietly, wiping at his bloody nose from time to time. At least while he was sitting it was slightly less painfull, and he didn't have the fear that he might fall over at any moment. Being as quiet and respectful as possible, he looked to one of the stone-face gaurds.*

excuse me. Could I bother either of you for a tissue?

*His beast rattled its bars inside his head, but he was using every ounce of dicipline he'd ever been taught to keep it in check. This was his life on the line, and he couldn't afford to screw it up*

<tranmission from Eris Kallisti>

We are outraged that you would hold one of out people against their will! And an offical of our nation at that! Empress Eris, the Goddess of Chaos, shall be informed of this injustice.

We find it odd that Mr. Tarashibo would ask for Ms. Soulseer's assistance on this matter, but she will be sent. His request will not be denied. We assure you she is a natural creature of this world, though not entirely human, she was born the way she is, as are all her kin. She is a sworn protector of human kind, and friend to most who know her. We trust you will treat her with the same respect she will give you.

Eris Kallisti is a peacefull nation, but if any harm is brought to either of our officals, you must answer for it. We will play by your rules, but we expect our people to come home safely. Ms. Soulseer will arrive with an aide, for she is blind, and two gaurds for her and her aide's safety. If you wish they can wait outside the building untill things are sorted out.
http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/eris_kallisti.jpg
</end transmission>

*Malea, her aide, and the two gaurds are sent by the normal mean of trasportation on Eris Kallisti, they do everything by submarine. The submarines will arrive -((whenever you think they should I guess. LOL I have no idea how far you are from EK))-. Only one will surface, the two others will stay underwater, protecting the middle one. For the most part they seem to have skeleton crews. On board one of the other subs is General Pavis Noir. She's the head of the Kallistian millitary, but she's mostly here because Malice is her sire. The subs are sending out coded messages, seemingly to eachother*

Ravelyn looked toward the Inquizitor. She was never treated like this before. He had no idea the type of person she was. He had no idea what she had done for his race. She shouldn't be here. And she knew that. Kidnapping someone from a peaceful confrence, was not going over well in her book.

She paused for several seconds.

"I have not," she said. And it was true. By definition of a sire, she was not Kain's rightful sire. Daja was Kain's rightful sire. And Qui...was her son...everything was true. "I admit, yes...I have drunk blood of others...but immortal the like..." She admitted to the question she hadn't answered before, and repeated her answer for the second. Her glare became harder, and more focused.

One of MY kind? *she thought to herself* there are none others like me. There are no hybrids with the roots such as I. Certainly not disgusting, at least in my opinion. *she cuckled slightly to herself, lifting her eyes up to the inquizitor*

"Why don't you just do it?" she said, turning her attitude in favor of what she had read. In favor of what they had in store as her confession. And she accepted that. Nothing could keep her from her destiny. "That's why you brought me here right? You knew I was a seraphim, so I wouldn't break the rosaries...you also knew of my vampiric side so you can get away with the kidnapping and perseccution of myself all on the claim that you hate vampires, and think their evil vile creatures." Her angelic side clearly overpowered her vampiric side by far...and was much Chaotic-Good aligned. "So you want me to feel the wrath of God? Then cast down his light upon me! Engulf me in it! Let me feel his ever lasting presence! Let me stand before you not against the will of God...but embracing it! I've seen what it can do...and if I AM such a vile creature...one who kills whenever I please, corrupted, lead by lucifer...then let it kill me and send my soul to a firey torment in hell!"

She knew she indeed was not lead by lucifer, nor corruped, nor kill whenever she felt like it...so she found the confidence she needed in her words to continue.

"But if I am not..." she waited with a long pause. "Let his wrath strike me! Let me fully embrace it. Let him punish me for all of my sin accumulated over millenias of existance! Yet, He let live..." *her proposal would be obsene to her allies. Invoke the wrath of God's sentence? She had sinned, as well as everyone in the room had. But they had not the courage to face it, give or take a few. If her work for Him had gone unnoticed, and their bond somehow severed, then let her die. She still sirved Him, and would for eternity...He knew everything that was going through her head right now....she remembered what he had said to her...remembered the love between them. She was comforted by this fact, and stood strong, awaiting the pain taken on with courage and Love for them all. For all of them...even the Inquizitors.

[

Edwards stares back impassively at Ravelyn Shentavo, his gone as fast as snow on a spring morning. "You will speak when you are spoken to, and you will answer the questions which are put to you. To do aught else speaks of arrogance and disrespect for this most Holy of courts. The court will reconvene in one day from now."


<Transmission to Eris Kallisti>

Your "person" Malice will be judged and sentence carried out as seen fit. Be thankful that madwomen with delusions of grandeur claiming to be "goddesses" are not worthy of our time. In addition, you should know that your submarines are warned to not approach Devil's Desert regional waters. Should Malea Soulseer wish to enter Whispering Voices, transport will be provided from regional water boundaries. Any unauthorised entry into regional waters will be treated as an act of war, and dealt with accordingly.


<Transmission to Tor Yvresse>

Fellow allies in CENNA, we have recently received news which has disturbed us greatly. During the process of an Inquisitorial court, evidence has come to light which suggests corruption at the heart of the Roanian inquisition. Having already been forced to invade Roania once simply to motivate its Inquisitors to do their job and cleanse the country of all vampires, this latest development is most vexing.

Despite Roania's current status as a Tor Yvressian protectorate, please be aware that we will spare no effort in ensuring that her church is cleansed of any evil.

http://www.angelfire.com/creep/fyad/colourcrest.jpg

Holding off again? What the hell are they waiting for? she thought to herself.

You seem to get yourself into a lot of trouble...

*Rave was slightly startled, but said nothing aloud.* Have you been following since the confrence?

Yes...I really don't care to swim either...took me a very long while...but called in for assistance. I don't know how long it will be...

Don't come.

What? * a male's voice asked perplexed* Are you mad?

I'm fine...

You could be executed...

And then the world would be engulfed in hell for there would be no one able to fight Mephisto...the time is drawing near, and I can't afford to jeapordize that many lives...If I am executed, you must take my place...and face my supposed destiney...

You're talking mad! he said in return to her... I'll be there...

God damn it! Don't come! While I have a natural celestial advantage on resisting torture...you don't. You never chose to embrace your angelic side...and it has lay dormant for so long, I beleive you've begun to lose a hold on it entirely. If you came...you would be killed...and you could provide no testimony...you were not created an angel...nor are now. You are a half breed...

Silence. Nothing. No one arrived to her aide, and none provided her support. In the end, she was alone, and was willing to drag no one into this to save her. Her truth would save herself.

<Transmission to Eris Kallisti>

Your "person" Malice will be judged and sentence carried out as seen fit. Be thankful that madwomen with delusions of grandeur claiming to be "goddesses" are not worthy of our time. In addition, you should know that your submarines are warned to not approach Devil's Desert regional waters. Should Malea Soulseer wish to enter Whispering Voices, transport will be provided from regional water boundaries. Any unauthorised entry into regional waters will be treated as an act of war, and dealt with accordingly.
<transmission to Whispering Voices>

Watch how you speak of our Empress and Goddess. She is a fair woman, but none to keen on taking slander. Her temper is well known, and its dangerous to anger her.

We are sending Ms. Soulseer to speak with you on the matter of Mr. Tarashibo. We expect them to return home safely, and are giving you a chance to prove to us how fair you are. If not... well, we'll deffinately deal with that when the time comes.

I'm sure you don't want war, and deffinately not over the existance of one man. You are a highly spiritual people, as are we, there must be something that can be done to keep the peace here without loss of life.
http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/eris_kallisti.jpg
<end transmission>

*The submarines are waiting on the boundaries of your waters, only one is surfaced.*

<Transmission to Eris Kallisti>

There is no place in Heaven for the aberrations that are vampires. And as in Heaven, so shall it be on Earth ...




You seem to get yourself into a lot of trouble...


OOC:

Sadly, as specified ... telepathy does not work within Whispering Voices domains ... for a very good reason.

IC:

Abruptly, the voice goes dead, with a scream, as ... something ... senses the warmth, the energy ... and consumes it. All that is left for Rave's mind to feel is the barren emptiness and a sense of repleteness: something has just fed very well indeed on whatever mind just reached out to touch her.

IC:

Rave was shocked as the thoughts immediately fled from her mind. It was as if something had fed on her. She did not like being toyed with...at all. She leaned back and waited...she was getting highly annoyed at this point. She was unwilling to break the rosaries, and they knew that. The sons of bitches KNEW that! They noted her respect and followship of God to bind her, but accused her of being evil to perseccute her. This was getting to be too much for her to handle.

The Prince Bishop stood, bowed deeply to the altar, and strode off surrounded by his bodyguard, into the darkened depths of the cathedral. Soon, Master Sanctus Solomon - with a similar bow - nodded to Edwards, and was swallowed away from the light in the same direction.

"Malice Tarashibo, Ravelyn Shentavo, you will be lead from this place under guard and given ... rest ... for the night." Now the audience was gone, Edwards' voice was scarce loud enough to hear. "Come tomorrow dusk, we will reconvene ... possibly with your witnesses."


Helicopters, Sea Kings marked with the sunset crest of the Whispering Voices High Council, rendezvoused with the Erisian submarines. A winch was lowered, with room on the chair apparatus for only one person.


Somewhere, a Voice finished feeding on the mind of an unlucky telepath, and vacated the corpse heading back for its homeland.

Fox's lifeless body was dragged away. Ravelyn felt a sharp pain in her heart as she senced the life being extinguished. NO! she thought to herself. Fox...the little one. So young... so nieve.. the best in the business. She recalled the time when she retrieved the diamonds from the corperation at the hotel, nearly scared her half to death but the young one had done it. She did have a price on her head as well...but luckily, the people here did not know whom the young one was. She was but a neonate....but Qui's fledgling... *then something clicked in her mind...why Fox had come after her...Qui had sent her... he wasn't a fool enough to go himself so he sent the young one. In that moment, she wondered if her son was taking on more after Daja than herself...
Rave's ears picked up Edward's voice...the one she had faught so hard against...but had it not been for other factors involved, he knew very well he would have been dead. She glared at him, then donned a softened smile.

Edwards, seemingly secure in his mind that the victory had been his by right, blithely met Rave's glare and smile with a cold equanimity. Her warders led her, too, into the darkness of the eerie cathedral recesses, there to be guarded until morning.

* * *

The redness oozed under the white door as the sound of the shower running from within the Bed & Breakfast's bathroom pattered loudly against the tiled wall. The carpet outside was a soft green, and the young child with the curly blond hair sat under the bed covers, blue eyes wide as he stared around the unfamiliar surroundings.

Draped across the back of a worn chair, his sister's clothes were streaked with filth, the white cotton of the neckline smeared in snot and sanguine streaks from where Malcolm had punched her. It was a stormy night outside, the old farmhouse in which they were staying creaking under the onslaught of the wind. The harshness of the Endless Regrets winter was nothing compared to that of the bleak land it served, but tonight birds would freeze in their nests, and little burrowing animals quake in their warrens as the gale swept through the lands above.

There was a television in the corner: it didn't work, though. Well, it had a few channels. No satellite, though, no MTV or Nickelodeon, none of the comforts of home.

But no elder brother there, no nasty hands hitting him, or grasping Hanna, breaking her nose ... ripping her clothes ... no. Here was better ...

There was a groaning sound, outside the door, slow and painful. The little boy drew the covers over his head, and shivered.

And then there was a clattering sound from the bathroom, plastic hitting ceramic tiles. A gust of wind shook the doors, and a sudden cold permeated even the warm blankets.

He stayed under those covers, drowsing fitfully, until the winds died down and a bleak and careless sun finally ambled over the horizon. It was then he tried the door of the bathroom, wondering at the sodden morass of the carpet outside, stained an off-colour brown.

It swung open, and he saw Hanna slumped in the shower cubicle, staring back at him with the eyes that had once held the warmth of familial love, the eyes of the person who had taken him away from his brother's drunken excesses, the broken glass of the beer bottles that she'd found in his shoes and bedclothes.

Blood had trickled from her neck, smeared and clotted, dried in a streak that drew a ruby slash between her breasts and down her stomach and on.

* * *

Alone in the cathedral, the inquisitor sat hidden in the pulpit, his head between his knees, sobbing as the faces of stoney angels smiled benignly upon him with expressions empty of love.

A tear fell from Rave's eye, and rolled down her cheek. It stopped as it turned to ice. A hollowness had arisen in her demeneur. She brushed the tear from her icy skin. It fell to the ground and shattered in the silence. And such a small sound broke the silence. Her crimson eyes were bloodshot from tears, and her heart was bleeding in sufferance. She did not cry for herself. She did not shed her tears for the fear of losing her life. She would think to end her life then and there if such weight did not rest on her shoulders, and such love did not lie in her heart. It was love that had kept her alive, that had saved her through everything. Everyday she was growing weaker, and stronger at the same time. She did not need to feed. If they kept her locked up for a millenia, she would remain the same...never changing...but she doubted that would happen. With as many resources as they had, if worse came to worse...there was many chains that could be pulled, and she could be torn out of this nation.
What do I do? she thought to herself, as if sending a message to someone. A small flame flickered within her eye. If recalling to life were to come into fashion... She continued to herself. She smiled slightly. They do not know what they do. They do not know the harm that they will bring to themselves and the world if I am kept here long enough. She smiled, at the reassuring words of another though no sound could be heard. It was a silent prayer heard only by one. Spoken with words so soft, they would caress the heart of a child, without causing him to stir. Only the soft lull of the night, waiting for the approach of day. Seal of my fate, path of my destiny, and strength of my heart. I will not fail you, as I promised you so long ago as I stood before you, as Azrael, my destiny is clear. An eternity I have spent in your word, and an eternity more will I. I fill my heart with love to give to them all. Forgive Edwards...truly do...I saw his soul, he thinks what he has done is right. And forgive them...they will not find me awake in the morning.
*With that, she passed out, collapsing to the ground on her back*

((OOC: sorry about my delay, been tied up for the past few days))

*A young girl, Malea, and two rather large men appear out of the top of the surfaced submarine. Malea's assistant looks up at the chair and frowns, her eyes flicker to Malea, and the young girl shakes her head*

I thought the agreement was for me, you and the gaurds to come with... I don't trust this Seer-of-Souls.

*The assistant nearly has to yell over the sound of the helicopter. Malea doesn't frown, but she doesn't smile either. Shifting her wieght she reaches out and takes ahold of the chair with one hand, her other hand holds a large staff with feathers, a small mirror, and a medicine bag hanging off of it. This takes her a bit to find it, and the sound from the helicopter seems to be bothering her*

I do not need the Fianna to come with us. You can sit on my lap Harmony, your small enough.

*The two men look at eachother, then to Malea and her native american assistant. The bigger one speaks.*

Den Mother, we cannot allow this. Your safty was put in our hands

*Malea shakes her head and smirks*

Two-fists, I watched over you when you were a pup. You should know I am old, but not helpless. The grace of Gaia is with Harmony and I. She will not abandon us.

*Two-Fists growls*

you would be willing to risk all this, by yourself, for a leech though!

*Malea smiles softly and nods*

I am not by myself, where I walk, so does God and Gaia. I have been a watcher, and defender of human kind all my life. Their God knows this, and smiles on me for it.

*She climbs onto the chair with the young girl's help, then the girl sits down on the older woman's lap*

I'll be with her Two-Fists. Don't worry.

*Two-Fists looks pained and the other man grumbles. Biting his lip for a moment Two-Fist's leans forward and touches Harmony's face*

Be carefull... and return to me.....

*He then kisses her on the lips, pulling away quickly, leaving the young girl looking quite shocked. Unable to speak, she simply nods. Malea chuckles softly before speaking again*

I will see if they will still let you two come with, don't worry if you cannot though. We will be fine.

*The quieter man puts a hand on Two-Fist's shoulder and nods. They back off and will wait to find out what exactly is going on*

OOC
... Tag.

Wonders about sending a representative of his chruch.
Thinks he probably wouldn't be welcome.
Thinks he wouldn't know about this in time anyway.

Considers...

*late tag*

And the snow fell ...

<bump for Iuthia and co to get on with things>

<bump for Iuthia and co to get on with things>

OOC: Sorry... got lost among the way waiting for allies who were meant to varify things but seem to have kept quite after saying they would help... but I think it's time to make a leep or two...

Edit x2 Crimmond: Thank god someone did... like I've said before, I'm kicking allies untill they get their finger out, but I think I may have to start making leaps of faith...

To: Whsipering Voices
From: Skye, Crimmond

We are under the impression through our political contacts that you are holding people for trial as vampires. The Empire requests to send an observer to these trials, if this is true.

OOC: I ICly found out about the trial. Besides, this thread needs new life blown into it.

<Transmission to Tor Yvresse>

Fellow allies in CENNA, we have recently received news which has disturbed us greatly. During the process of an Inquisitorial court, evidence has come to light which suggests corruption at the heart of the Roanian inquisition. Having already been forced to invade Roania once simply to motivate its Inquisitors to do their job and cleanse the country of all vampires, this latest development is most vexing.

Despite Roania's current status as a Tor Yvressian protectorate, please be aware that we will spare no effort in ensuring that her church is cleansed of any evil.



We would request that any and all such evidence be transmitted To the Farseer Council directly, that a copy of the evidence be made so that we might judge it. Also we would request that should this evidence come from a report by an agent that we be allowed to interview said Source at the the earliest oppertunity and that said interview take place where our Council is able to utilise it's powers to determine the truth behind the statement.

Lastly any action taken unilaterally by Whispering Voices will be viewed with GREAT displeasure, the peoples of Roania if it should emerge are guilty of a Coruption beyond Vampirism, then we will Judge the matter, not you. You might be invited to render aid in the form of your expertise, if it viewed as needed.

((OOC: *Wonders what's going on with this thread* if this has fallen to a halt... I'd really like my minister back... :? WV I'd catch you over AIM, but I'm avoiding someone, so I can't log on))

((OOC: *Wonders what's going on with this thread* if this has fallen to a halt... I'd really like my minister back... :? WV I'd catch you over AIM, but I'm avoiding someone, so I can't log on))

Sorry EK... I've been a little lost resently... i'll see what I can do tonight.

The warders, wary of tricks, grabbed Ravelyn as she fell, catching her just beforehand with iron grips. She was taken down dark corridors, that had never seen the light of the sun, deep into the dank depths of the dungeons that had been built below the Cathedral of St Cuthbert over a thousand years previously. They passed crypts, and the tomb of the Saint Cuthbert himself, the aura of peace and tranquility lost upon the unconscious abomination.

The cell she was taken to was stone-walled, but hummed with energy. For all its traditional, medieval facade, Endless Regrets was no Dark Ages nation when it came to advanced military technology.

* * *

The winch was pulled up, dragging Malea and the little Harmony into the dark skies that tore malevolently across the sky. The waves of the sea were getting steadily more violent, hitting the submarines where they had slapped them lightly before, sending a drumming vibration throughout. The glow of the Sea King, its lit doorway a beacon of light in the angry heavens, welcomed Malea with more warmth than the soldiers inside.

"Our instructions were one and one only, Malea Soulseer," said the lead pilot as he looked at Harmony. "I assure you, you will be quiet safe within Endless Regrets from any threats that two men could have protected you from." His red eyes glowered as he looked at the medicine bag hanging from her staff. "Be warned, attempting the practice of unholy religions within our boundaries is a crime that bears a death sentence. Or worse."

* * *

<Transmission to Crimmond>

You may submit witnesses to the trial, as instructed by Diocesal Bull #LAW30593, but be warned: they will be held responsible for keeping to the laws of the land whilst attending said trial.

* * *

OOC:
Sorry Iuthia et al but I think we waited long enough. Trial's going ahead, only Crimmond on board at the moment.

In her mind she searched for something. A man named Dante. Little would he know, he was soon to become her brother. She had no recollection of anything happening. Her head hurt immensly. She remained unconscious...lost in her thoughts, but guided by an ever present light. Her body moved slighty, but she could not awaken. She was trapped within her mind. And her mind was a dangerous place. She was not bluffing to pass out...indeed from the fight, much of her blood had been drained...she needed to feed....but not off a mortal or immortal. It was the bloodstone inside of her that kept her alive and breaking in and out of consciousness...but slowely, she began to slip...she needed to hear his voice, she needed to see his eyes. She needed him to reassure her that everything was to be alright. She need him to take her in his arms nd protect her as if she were just a child.
This place sent shivers through her spine, but even something that the statues couldn't sense lay within her. Her angelic wings were parted slightly behind her. Blood beaded up on her forehead...a rare condition that many experiance under high stress. Christ had had the same condition, and she was passing through trial...Condemned for her pale skin and her fangs...They did not take notice of whom she was, or what she was...merely what she looked like. Did they not know she was capable of love? A love that they could never grasp. It was beginning to become clear to the guards that something was going horribly wrong...but what?

Although the vampire's condition was being monitored, the warders merely stayed in observational capacities - once in her secure cell, they intended to only bring her out come the next stage of her trial, the next evening. A long time to go ... and yet one of the two men watched through the bars, fascinated at the mock stigmata she displayed, watching the red beads mar her alabaster skin in imitation of the Saviour's crown of thorns.

The cat is out of the bag! Time to talk WV (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2088588#2088588)

The winch was pulled up, dragging Malea and the little Harmony into the dark skies that tore malevolently across the sky. The waves of the sea were getting steadily more violent, hitting the submarines where they had slapped them lightly before, sending a drumming vibration throughout. The glow of the Sea King, its lit doorway a beacon of light in the angry heavens, welcomed Malea with more warmth than the soldiers inside.

"Our instructions were one and one only, Malea Soulseer," said the lead pilot as he looked at Harmony. "I assure you, you will be quiet safe within Endless Regrets from any threats that two men could have protected you from." His red eyes glowered as he looked at the medicine bag hanging from her staff. "Be warned, attempting the practice of unholy religions within our boundaries is a crime that bears a death sentence. Or worse."*Malea simply smiled, quieting Harmony as the young girl slipped off her lap, and helped the older woman to her feet. Her hand went up and she shook her head "looking" somewhere in the one who spoke's direction.*

I'm simply an old blind woman *funny she calls herself old when she's only about in her mid 40's* Harmony Masse is my assistant, and is my eyes for when I need to see. Surely you cannont deny me such a helper

*Harmony furrowed her brow, looking horribly nervious. Working for her Kin always had its risks, but this was the deepest she'd ever been. She stood to Malea's side silently and shifted her wieght on her feet. Speaking in a strange native language she whispered to Malea after a moment. The older woman nodded slowly then readdressed the gaurds... or what she assumed were gaurds*

Gentleman, my practices are mearly for me, its against my beliefs to harm anyone except to defend myself. I've been through worse than death in my day *she smiled pleasently, the experssion was soothing* don't worry, its not my intent to cause any trouble in your glorious nation

*Harmony did her best not to snort. The young girl was in no way a fan of the vampires, and honestly wished them to be extinguished as the people of Endless Regrets did.... but she didn't like Malea being in danger, or the way these people went about things, though it was not her place to speak of such things. Maleas patted Harmony's shoulder gently before speaking to the gaurds again*

Please send word to my people that it will just be Harmony and myself at this meeting, and I am alright with this.... perhaps you fine gentleman could escort me and my assistant to a place we could sit now?

*Malea wasn't a fool, she wasn't about to take all this laying down, but she was an expert at dealing with hostile people. As a Child of Gaia, she was known for being a peace keeper, and for resolving conflicts like this constantly... though it was usualy between the vampires and the Garou, or when the Garou fought against eachother. Right now, she was playing up the angle that she was compleatly defenceless, but she was far from that. The wolf still raged in her blood, and she controled it better then most. Malea was not a lier though, she needed Harmony's eyes.*

((OOC: I'll let you decide if her powers are "divine" because it could be argued that their not... but her gifts are given to her by Gaia, who is the mother goddess. Also I'll not accept that she can't shift forms if it comes to that *hopes it won't* because that's as natural as her breathing. I think that's all I can think of off hand))


-----*****-----

*Malice sat in his cell in silence. The most that was heard from him was when he moved a little to get more comfortable. he hadn't been in a place like this since the inquisition of his homeland before he moved to Eris Kallisti for freedom. Supprizingly he was thinking things through, contimplating the rosaries around his hands, and frowning at the marks they left.*

~Eris help me...~

*He prayed silently. This was not the way he'd wanted things to end.... a part of him debated putting himself into torpor right now, just so he couldn't feel the pain in his skull anymore from the faith that surrounded him. Wiping the blood from his nose he bowed his head. This slow death was getting to him, and his beast rattled its bars in his head... he was starting to get hungery now. This was a bad thing*

The soldier nodded, and the helicopter headed towards Endless Regrets, bearing its cargo of two - the soldiers keeping cold and wary eyes upon the two passengers. At one point, a thin red laser beam traversed the cabin, running lightly over the faces of the two women - bisecting them, or so it appeared: measuring and recording their facial structures.


OOC:
I'd say "no" to Gaia worship being divine power, since that's essentially a Wiccan concept which reveres two sources of power (Mother and Father or however you choose to name them) so is duotheistic not monotheistic.

And by bisect I don't mean literally - the laser beam doesn't harm them.

*Malea was compleatly unaware of the lazer, but Harmony, of course, noticed. At first she tried to move away from it, but once she realized it wasn't hurting her she relaxed a little. Malea hummed to herself quietly, occasionaly patting Harmony's hand, reassuring the girl. The scan wouldn't find a thing odd with their bone structor. Actualy the only thing odd were Malea's eyes, but it was a medical condition.*

OOC:
I'd say "no" to Gaia worship being divine power, since that's essentially a Wiccan concept which reveres two sources of power (Mother and Father or however you choose to name them) so is duotheistic not monotheistic.OOC: nope nope. Gaia (in WoD) is not a duelist thing. Gaia is basicaly "god" to them. And acts much like the christian/catholic god, but is refered to as female. in (WoD) there is very little proof of "god" but enough faith in anything resonates power. There is a "father" (the Wyrm) but he's more like Satan then anything. The evil in the world that the werewolves fight against.
my biggest point... its not the wiccan concept of "Gaia". *shudders about wiccans* ick... nothing against them personaly... I've just known too many twinks in my life to take them too seriously. but that's neither here nor there))

ooc:

WV, hi. I'd like to bring a character of mine into this. He needs to talk with Rave about another character of mine he's looking for. I think he'll come with the help of Iuthia later on if it's ok with Iuthia. I don't know yet how he'll react to Rave's trial, it'll surely depend on how things turn out. He's working for a source I'd prefer not to name for the time being and, as a consequence, has no intrinsec powers. The source gives him power when needed tho I'm sure you'll surprise me if it tries. Anyway, my character and the source are in no way evil.

Just let me know if this is ok by your standard.

The helicopter eventually fought its way over the shore, and across the bleak pineforested land to reach the city of Durham, dominated by the Cathedral of Saint Cuthbert. There, under heavy guard, it set down in an armed and armoured enclave. Malea and Harmony were met by men in medieval uniforms belied by the guns they carried, with full helms and the cross of Saint Cuthbert on their blue tabards, a blazon of gold with a red heart.

"Come with us," one said in a gruff voice. "We are your escort here." The night sky was lit up beautifully, dominated by the gothic cathedral, as they entered a convoy of armoured Land Rovers and headed to an old hotel, the Royal County, set by a river running placid through the city.


OOC:
Underaloz, if Iuthia chooses to allow you onto his craft, you're welcome to attempt to enter that way. Bear in mind his expedition may fail, depending on what it does, however.

Eris, from what I know of WoD the Werewolf: the Apocalypse concept of Gaia is not even slightly related to Catholicism, so I would have to say 'no'.

To: Whispering Voices
From: Rvd. Jeremy Vaughn, CCU, WP Corp.
Subject: Rave Shentavo

To whoever this may concern,

It has came to the attention of the CCU (Christian Church of Underaloz) that Whispering Voices may held Ms. Rave Shentavo captive. I respectfully request Whispering Voices' government to grant me the authorisation to come and interview Ms.Shentavo. I have vital information about her involvement into actions relative to our church and I'd be glad to talk with the persons responsible for her apprehension.

I am currently on diplomatic duties in the Commonwealth and, may you accept my visit, I should be escorted by a limited number of their representatives (OOC: Larkinia, Celeborne). I apologize in advance if this message is ill-formed. I am not used to this kind of communication but I urge you to consider my request.

"The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on Him sincerely." --Psalm 145:18

Respectfully,

-- Rvd. Jeremy Vaughn

* don't mind this post, I think I witnessed one of the weirdest bug in the forums ever O_o *

<Transmission>
<To: Reverend Jeremy Vaughn, Underaloz>
<From: Cardinal Matthias Schmidt, Diocesal Administration>

After discussion with the Board of Corrective Enforcement, you are hereby being informed that passage under temporary arrest, for three, can be granted for the period of one week within the boundaries of Whispering Voices. During this time neither you nor your colleagues would be permitted contact with any outside agency. A face to face meeting with the abomination is out of the question: a video-link conference is a possibility.

To: Cardinal Matthias Schmidt, Diocesal Administration, Whispering Voices
From: Rvd. Jeremy Vaughn, CCU, WP Corp.
Subject: Re: Rave Shentavo

Dear Cardinal,

It's with great pleasure that I accept your invitation. The security measures will not be a problem for me. However, I will have to ask the Commonwealth people about this issue. I hope to have their answers shortly.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." --John 14:27

Respectfully,

-- Rvd. Jeremy Vaughn

Vaughn (well Vaughn's father) stood up and turned at Jeff and Niven.

"I just sent an answer," he said waving at the console behind him. "This is not looking good... at all."

He seemed to hesitate.

"Given the situation, I would understand if you decided not to go."

Jeff nodded and looked up at the senior Vaughn, "What do you mean it's not looking good? If they'll let us talk to Rave, we can find out where Michael is. And it's a little too late to try to convince me to change my mind now," he added with a grin.

"If they only let us talk to her remotely, they will surely be listening," Vaughn answered with a sarcastic smile. "Given how I introduced myself, I'm not sure we will be able to talk about my son. This would sound strange to them."

He looked back at the console as if it held the truth he was looking for.

"They only let three of us in. With a prisoner status. No escort. And if they managed to catch someone as powerful as Ms. Rave is rumored to be, that means we'll have to be very careful."

He nodded negatively.

"No, no. The only solution is to get her out using their rules."

He looked back at Jeff.

"So my son is in love with her? This is really unexpected. He had decided not to be bond anymore a long time ago."

OOC:
Eris, from what I know of WoD the Werewolf: the Apocalypse concept of Gaia is not even slightly related to Catholicism, so I would have to say 'no'.((OOC: ah, you said "divine powers" sothat's what I was trying to prove. WoD werewolves have divine powers. I compleatly agree its nothing like Catholicism *nods sagely* but I considered it divine in general. nevermind then, its kewl, just got confused. On another note. so sorry for not responding quicker. Life got in the way of me for about 3 days, but I'm back now))

Harmony took Malea's arm, and helped the older woman avoid anything she might trip over as they walked with the gaurds. Harmony was well trained on how to deal with Malea, and quietly told her about her surroundings in Spanish. Malea simply nodded, never responding much to the girl's words, except for the occasional nod and smile. Harmony was obviously uneasy about this whole sistuation, but Malea seemed to be taking it with a grain of salt for the most part. The silver tip to her staff clinkedon the ground with each step she took, as she mentaly kept track of steps and direction. Her nostrals flaired every once in a while, smelling the air. What they were dealing with wasnot Wyrm, so that made things oddly confusing for her. Hopefully it would help things though.*

"Hmmmm," Jeff thought. "Prisoner status? I have a bad feeling about that, it feels like some kind of set up."

Jeff took a drink of his coke and continued, "Yes it would sound strange to ask her about Michael, but there has to be a way to find out where he is. And we're going to try and get her out? With their rules? Do we even know what those rules are?"

Jeff pondered the next question carefully, "He appeared to be in love when they were at our wedding, you could see it in the way the acted, and looked at each other."

"It just surprises me. I take your word on it," Vaughn answered with a strange expression. "She is the only link I found. The only thing that I have to connect to him."

He waved his arms, clueless.

"You know, my son is very difficult to find. It's one of its intrinsec skill I guess. If he uses his art to travel, then following his sent is impossible."

He pondered Jeff, watching him carefully as if he was about to reveal one of the most important secrets ever.

"My... employer... gave me some free time. Not his style, believe me. This is not the kind of... person... to do things erratically."

His eyes seemed to be looking farther than the room.

"I don't know... I've been out of this world for too long I guess. I tried to keep an eye on Zac... Michael, but I had things to do. Anyway, Whispering Voices seems to be in the hand of catholic fanatics. I doubt they fancy vampires. But I know a lot about this religion... oh yes, I know a lot about it."

He suddely looked tired, he eyes went down onto Jeff's can.

"I have to ask. What the Hell is this thing you're drinking?"

"I think I understand," Jeff nods. "So if he travels down that Dark Path, then you can't follow him?

"Your 'boss' huh? Fair enough. How much free time do you have to find him? And what will he do when you find Michael?"

Catholic fanatics, huh? Well it could be worse I guess.

"How fanatical are they? I don't know much about the religion, but there should be a way to kep them from killing her."

Jeff took another drink of his coke.

"What this? It's a Coke... that's right you've probably never had one," he said as he picked up another one, opened it and handed it to Vaughn, "Try it, it's basically water, sugar, caffeine and carbonation."

"Well, I could when I was... different. But I changed, my boss, like you said, has changed me. For the better I guess. I don't know what will happen to me when I find my son. I'm so puzzled he let me out anyway."

He took the can.

"Your description is everything but tempting. I'll give it a go though."

He took a careful sip and grinned.

"Yes... I guess I'm a bit too old for this kind of things," he said, putting the can aside on the desk. "I have no clue how fanatical they could be. However, if they are truly catholics, there should be means to prevent the worst."

He laughed a little.

"But what's not the worst for this kind of people may prove not to be that good."

It seemed like souvenirs were emerging into his mind. Bad memories.

A man steps off of a small craft in the harbour of Whispering Voices. He is dressed a faily severe black cassock of homespun material, with a priest's collar around his neck. His chin is shaven, though not smooth... and his hair is a distinguished grey.

Adressing customs he speaks with a kindly voice.
"My name is Deacon James Mashall, I am here from the Council of the First Amalgamated Church of the Tester, as residing in Tarrican. We have heard reports that you a trying one who claims to be an angel. Thus I am here to witness."

A man steps off of a small craft in the harbour of Whispering Voices. He is dressed a faily severe black cassock of homespun material, with a priest's collar around his neck. His chin is shaven, though not smooth... and his hair is a distinguished grey.

OOC: Damn, if only it was this easy for me to get in his nation, afterall, you got into a nation with more security then Bush could hope for without even going through any visable communications with WV... all I need to do now is poss as some religious sect and smuggle a GPS device and some kind of Comms device and I'll have everything I need for my plans...

Deacon James is given a due diplomatic escort, under guard, from the Endless Regrets border. The guards are polite, and courteous, and almost thoroughly unlike the hospitality service offered to the other nations present so far.


OOC:
It's one of the advantages of being in my region, Iuthia. My country doesn't hate you by default :p

Still waiting for a penetration attempt, I think Rave is getting impatient.

1. It's one of the advantages of being in my region, Iuthia. My country doesn't hate you by default :p
2. Still waiting for a penetration attempt, I think Rave is getting impatient.

1. So If I moved to your region, you couldn't hate me by default? :D

2. *eye twitches* No...no...*rocks back and forth* I'm fine.

OOC
That is the second time that I've had a man turn up at customs at WV without an invite... the last time didn't go down so well.

The fact remains that I am a local nation to him (the UN delegate for his region) and I am not trying to get away with anything. This is a single clergyman of authority. No secret plans, no spy gadgets and no ninja teams. So he can get there... but I'm buggered if he can do much more than talk when he gets there.

(heh... between you and me, my government knows nothing about him going there right now. This could be interesting).

Sorry about the time this has taken, I've been in a rather poor mood concerning all my large RP's in Nationstates... I've got a really good Idea that I just can't be bothered getting completed becuase I've got to add transition to the plot (so not to just leap from one point to the next and confuse everyone).

In this case, I've had trouble trying to keep everything realistic while at the same time trying hard to get it right. Currently, as WV suggested, I am trying to gain entry to WV illegally... however, my prefered route of entry is bloked and I'm trying to work out how I'm going to get them in without using excessive force. To move things along however, I'm going to forgo some of the normal vetting proceedure and make it rather simplistic. So here is the agenda... I gave up doing this through telegram so I'm going to see what silly ideas I can try.


Still OOC: A substantial naval force will be crusing at a extreem distance from Whispering Voices, it is moving in a simple line that is moving almost horizontal to WV's territorial waters. However, it is a long distance from their territorial waters * though it could provoke a reaction we are hoping the group (mostly support ships) will prove to be a target too dangerous to hit, concidering the current climate of the situation.

This group will be the platform for any stikes and so on. I could attempt to detail the fleet if you like, but most of it doesn't matter, it will work out at something like three fairly upto date looking carriers (one equiped differently then the rest) with an escort of destroyers and cruisers and frigates... you get the idea, I don't know enough about naval warfare to detail it too much, I just know enough to know that I will need some form of platform to launch aircraft and so on from.

Not included in this force are any ships designed to carry tanks and men, it's purely naval and air units. This way if the group spotted you will know it's not capable of a land invasion of any sort... thats the thing I need to avoid at all costs becuase if either of us attempted an invasion we would end up weaker for it (becuase invasion is damn near imposible when we are this closely matched in size and tech).

You know what I intend WV, seeing as most options are out of the question for your nation (being as very suspicously and paraniod lot) I'm going to have to try something simple. But this is something I'm still looking into... probably air based and invoving one use airplanes and alot of hiding.

Meh... I have to make some communications to make sure people know I'm not going to invade... though maybe if we pooled our thoughts I could speed this up. Basically put, I don't want to end up claiming I found out something using some dodgy rumour I made up with OOC knowledge... but finding stuff out IC is so... awkward.



* Assuming the normal 10 odd miles that it usually is... I've seen people claim 100 miles, but that is just stupid.

PS - I know I'm taking too long... but you both have other RP's right? Not that this excuses my time wasting, but my imagination has been crap as of late. I need inspiration or something.

The wonderful and peaceful nation of Vegana together with The Reich gives the devout nation of Endless Regrets its complete support in their actions against the abominations against God. We are confident that Endless Regrets will give these monsters a fair trial and then liberate their souls to the one true God and let their ashes be spread and buried in holy ground.

OOC Don't sweat it, Iuthia, we can help with the plans (OOC, of course).

For myself I'd say that you wouldn't get in legitimately, so you're going to have to break it... create a distraction (preferably including heavy jamming), then drop a team in and make a break for it while the rest are pretending to be driven off.

It would be borderline suicide on the part of the squad... but a few brave men could stand a chance of pulling it off. :)

OOC:
Don't like to put a purely OOC comment in, but this seems necessary: Iuthia, sadly now we'll have to wait on the DAMOCLES vote hehe.

Regional waters (I would reference the British Imperialism thread, but it appears to have disappeared) are closely guarded. /sigh

Force is not the way: not overt force.

(OOC: In the form of a cleverly disguised tag (please forgive it):

WV: Voting is basically over anyway, just need someone to declare majority :wink:

Just to reinforce what WV said, an attack on WV would not only be very difficult, it would be downright next to impossible with an online DAMOCLES system, plus the backup of the Devils Desert behind him. Info on the DAMOCLES can be found by searching the posts of some Devils Desert people.

[Basically another way to promote the system as well ;p ]

"Well, I could when I was... different. But I changed, my boss, like you said, has changed me. For the better I guess. I don't know what will happen to me when I find my son. I'm so puzzled he let me out anyway."

He took the can.

"Your description is everything but tempting. I'll give it a go though."

He took a careful sip and grinned.

"Yes... I guess I'm a bit too old for this kind of things," he said, putting the can aside on the desk. "I have no clue how fanatical they could be. However, if they are truly catholics, there should be means to prevent the worst."

He laughed a little.

"But what's not the worst for this kind of people may prove not to be that good."

It seemed like souvenirs were emerging into his mind. Bad memories.

Jeff sipped the coke again. "Well, let's hope that they are willing to listen to reason. We're not going there to do any harm. We just want to know where Michael is."

"What do you mean 'he let you out'? Where were you? And just as importantly, what or who are you and Michael?"

OOC: I've moved this to the OOC thread now, sorry for OOC crap in IC thread.

Jeff sipped the coke again. "Well, let's hope that they are willing to listen to reason. We're not going there to do any harm. We just want to know where Michael is."

"What do you mean 'he let you out'? Where were you? And just as importantly, what or who are you and Michael?"
Vaughn looked uncomfortable.

"I was... elsewhere," he said. "It's pretty difficult to explain. I'm not sure how to express it. As to whom my son and I are... he didn't tell you?"

He looked through the window, gathering his thoughts, trying to find proper words to explain all of it.

"I was a renegade. I had stolen... how to say it? Powers. Soon after I got sired, but I killed the vampire who did that to me. My wife..." his voice had nearly broken on the word. "... and I had been running for a long time. We had many ennemies. Her family, first," he had a sarcastic smile. "No need to tell you elven mystics quite dislike vampires. The church also, and at that time the inquisition was much more powerful and mainstream then it is now. Several orders were on our trail: the lizard order because I was a vampire and the Knights because I had stolen their art, the Narcht... you know, these things you saw Michael doing."

He looked at the ground, grabbed his can of coke and took a sip in it.

"Of course, we got caught. My wife managed to save the children. But she and I couldn't escape. After that, all I know is that the Huge Maïster, the Knight's head, managed to catch my son. Thank god, this man was of such morality that he took my son under his wing. He was like... a real father to him."

He looked right into Jeff's eyes.

"You know, my son never really loved me. In fact, he hated me for all the things he had inherited from me."

TV Producer Rick Fox walked into the confrence room. He was the producer of the popular series Legal Order, Legal Order: Software Victim's Unit and Legal Order: Criminal Idiocy.
"Allright. We need to get a cameraman into that trial." he announced.
"Yes sir Mr. Fox." replied an aide.
"Make it happen." said Fox, his large eyebrows wiggling up and down.

This is a trial in the house of the Lord. It is a judgement of right and wrong, not something for the mindless majority to drool over on television.

James looks mildly uncomfortable in the tranportation he is provided with, he is clearly unused to such a means of travel.

"I thank you for your understanding in this matter. I respect the judgement and authority of the Ordo Santo Mundi, but there are somethings one must see with ones own eyes... if you see what I mean. A being claiming to be an Angel is no small matter to any faith of the Lord."

<Transmission to Iuthian fleet>

"This is the office of Lord Commander Aurelius of Whispering Voices, Chairman of the DAMOCLES Project. Your fleet has one hour to remove itself in its entirety from regional waters prior to being destroyed."

OOC:
That's a unilateral action by Whispering Voices, it's still being discussed in the DAMOCLES thread.

IC:
Inside ...
Malice is disturbed in his cell by the winking red eye of the camera mounted just outside it. A voice echoes out, odd in the stillness of the dungeon.

"You have your visitor, as requested. You are to move to the far end of the cell from the door, and stay there. Videoconferencing equipment will be set up." Two guards march smartly down the corridor, and behind them a technician sets up a Media Centre with a WiFi link - no cables go to or from it, nothing that could be used as a weapon, all well out of Malice's reach.

And, distant in the dungeon complex, a young nurse - nervous, but covered by an assortment of guards - is let into Ravelyn's cage, to check her.
Just think of the danger money, she tells herself as the door is shut behind her. It's a church wedding and reception for us ... She looks down at the beautiful abomination, comatose on the floor, and makes a concerted effort to stop her hands shaking.

But the angel did not awake. She was out cold, and had been unconscious for many hours. Her pale skin was cold to the touch. Her long hair formed soft waves upon the floor.Yet she was still alive, though not directly. There was only one thing keeping her alive, and if she would say what it was, it would most likely be taken from her, so she said not a word. The exhaustion and mix of emotions had overpowered her, sending her into a deep sleep.

The nurse pursed her lips, concerned at the lack of response, placed down her toolkit on the cold stone floor. The cam-footage had revealed the odd gem pressed into her chest during the fight with the noble Inquisitor, but that was theorised to be keeping the vampire alive, not comatose. She pressed two fingers gently against the creature's neck, before mentally telling herself off.

Vampire. Of course no pulse.

From her bag, she withdrew a syringe and a stoppered bottle. The first thing was to ensure the heart was still beating: such as this still had a heart physically, if not emotionally. She looked over the shirt, which was worse for wear, and tight. The buttons wouldn't undo, scabbed up with battle debris as it was, and the binding of the scripture around the thing's wrists made it a formidable chore. She took a small pair of surgical scissors from the surgical box, quickly cut through the shirt, and then jammed the syringe through the stopper into the bottle, and filled it with the adrenaline compound within. A small alcohol swab to clean the area just below the chestbone, and it was ready. Taking a reassuring look back at the guards outside the cell, the nurse punched the syringe towards where Rave's heart would be expected to be.

Rave felt the seringe go inside of her chest, and immediately woke up, though no signs of coming out of consciousness were shown. A smile crossed her face as a breath escaped her lips. "I would very much appreciate it if you take that syringe out of me, it pains me to see you do this...literally." Her eyes remained closed as she felt the drug travel throughout her body. She let out a sigh. Her eyes flickered open slightly, as she looked down at her shirt. Charming... she thought to herself. She looked at the nurse with a half smile, her wings were in an unatural position on the floor, and she shifted them to become more comfortable. She looked at the nurse, but did absolutely nothing, knowing that she didn't have the keys to get out of her, she was not interested.

The nurse jumped back a bit, shocked by the sudden return to life. Or unlife. May have hit that stone ... She nodded, and dragged the syringe back out.

"How are you feeling? Physically?" She covered her fear by groping around in the box for a small light, and shone it at Rave's eyes, trying to gauge what she could learn from them.

"Physically, I'm just dandy," she replied sarcastically, though hard to tell. She watched as the nurse held a small light in her hand. Alright, she thought to herself with an unotable smile. let's have some fun... As the nurse looked into her crimson eyes, and the light shown brightly into them, the crimson faded completely into pools of amber. She chuckled slightly. "I really doubt my eyes will tell you if I'm alright or not, they can be fickle sometimes..." But there was something in her eyes, however. Her age shown...there was something behind them. There was a childish fear, there was a strong woman, there was vast knowledge, and there was something else...though it was implacable.

The nurse blinked, staring into Ravelyn's eyes, breathing a little deeply as the vampiric pheromone built up in the cell began to work on her. She turned back to the guards. "Privacy, please. I need to give the creature a full medical." One of them opened his mouth to protest, but looked up at the camera, shrugged. They walked down the corridor, out of sight.

"Are ... are you alright? Is there anything I can do to help?" She continued staring into the hypnotic eyes, relaxing in the woman's presence.

Somewhere, far above in a control room, the one person in the Cathedral dungeon complex who had been briefed on Project Van Helsing was performing security checks elsewhere. The curse of some projects is that they're just too secret ...

"Yes," she said, not realizing what was happening to the woman. "Yes, I'm fine." Ravelyn's eyes stayed in an amber state. She had the ability to charm, however it was not her intent to due so... Still, she wondered why she had the change of heart, she saw through her, seeing the change occur within her. "Yes, actually there are somethings you could do for me."
A soft smile crossed the angel's face. She had always been clever, now it may be time to use her charm to her advantage. "I need you to do two things for me. Let's just focus on the first for now. I need you to take these bindings from me, I really do not like being constrained, and I cannot break them." Her eyes never left the nurse, and the amber gazed with a flicker of hope.

The nurse flicked her eyes up at the camera. "A wound on your spine?" She nodded, her eyes lingering, blue staring into amber before she moved around the captive angel. Shaking hands reached out, and gently - careful not to tear - unwound the scriptures binding Ravelyn's hands together. The action was hidden from the camera by the nurse's body, as she pretended to inspect the base of the captive woman's back.

"It's not deep, but you should sit down now," she said in a low tremulous voice, turning Ravelyn around so her wrists were hidden from the camera, and sitting her down.

"Anything else?"

"Very good job," she continued. She was slightly nervous thath a guard would come by, but kept extremely calm. In a melodic but hushed voice, she continued. "The next thing I need you to do is to take the blood you possess in that small box you brought in with you, and inject it into my arm...the full amount. Can you do this?" She made her directions as clear as possible, as if she was instructing a person through a dark maze. She realized the camera in the room, and did not move from the position the nurse had placed her in.
This nurse may prove more help to harm for me...I have to trust her... It was the only chance that she saw to really catch the inquizitors off guard. No one would be harmed, but they would be lead to wonder...

The nurse nodded, and stared hopelessly into Ravelyn's eyes. She put her fingers out, touched the angel's forehead, and then crouched down once again by the box. She drew out another syringe, and a blood bag. It was the work of a moment to draw the sanguine fluid into the the syringe, and then inject it into Ravelyn's arm. She had started to move a little more urgently now, as the chemicals present in the air hijacked her immune system, the stem cells in her brain. Sweat beaded on her brow, and by the time she put the syringe down, her hands were starting to shake again: this time, not out of fear.

It was then realized that her charm ability was working to it's full effect. She pursed her lips, and bit down on her bottom lip as she felt the live giving liquid flow through her body, such not of the bloodstone, but of the real thing. She closed her eyes momentarily, and it rush through her veins. Her eyes opened, reawakened with life, her eyes now a scarlet. The hunger was waved, and she was ready...to get out of here. She looked at the nurse. "Do you know a way for me to get out of here safely...out of this nation alive?" her tone was more serious, yet caried a soothing melody. She watched the nurse's hands shake. She enacted upon her ability. "Calm my dear...calm."

The nurse calmed down, and looked thoughtful for a moment, her eyes drifting up and to the left as she thought.

She looked back at Ravelyn, her blue eyes wide and truthful, her body looking tense and on-edge.

"No."

"Right then," Ravelyn replied, her mind working quickly at the situation at hand. Her hands worked quickly, repairing what of her shirt she could. The bottom was torn, so she tied it to fit her better. "Then, you may leave me, but remember with you that I have not harmed you...I need you to return with another shirt, preferably black, and fitting if you could find one." she sighed softly, then added. "And with anything that could be used to cut a chain or undo a lock that you can get away with."

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Automata Omicron Blu - Angelus Mainframe - Whispering Voices/Endless Regrets
:
{We have heard of a strange time/space distortion currently happening deep}
{within Endless Regrets. Though We are ultimately curious as to what this}
{distortion is, We do not feel it necessary to enquire further. However, We}
{would be most pleased to assist in keeping your borders clear of hostile}
{nations.}
{Long has there been silence between our two nations, and now We believe}
{that the time of our silence is over.}
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

---
http://www.silentrequiem.net/littleblu.jpg (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus)
Automata Omicron Blu
Speaker of the Archai Collective

http://www.silentrequiem.net/triumvirate/images/trium_insig.gif (http://www.silentrequiem.net/triumvirate/)
Membership: Triumvirate of Yut, Ur Trade Pact, Deus Ex Humana Consortium

Inside ...
Malice is disturbed in his cell by the winking red eye of the camera mounted just outside it. A voice echoes out, odd in the stillness of the dungeon.

"You have your visitor, as requested. You are to move to the far end of the cell from the door, and stay there. Videoconferencing equipment will be set up." Two guards march smartly down the corridor, and behind them a technician sets up a Media Centre with a WiFi link - no cables go to or from it, nothing that could be used as a weapon, all well out of Malice's reach.*Malice's head rose groggly. The strength was leaving the ancient vampire, but he managed a nod. Very slowly he moved along the floor, almost at a crawl, and sat against that far wall away from the door. Malea was here... Malea would help him.... He never thought he'd be putting his life in the hands of the old Garou, but hoped she would look past their quarls they had had before. I must not look weak in her eyes... Carefully he managed to stand, swaying slightly as he did so, and leaning aginats the wall for support.*

Videoconferencing? *he asked weakly* She will not be allowed to come to me?

*His head swam with dizzyness and he raised his bound hands to his head, to try and clear it. Unfortunately in his daze, he forgot about the roasaries, and they stung his forhead. Wincing he let out a soft hiss of pain, and lowered his hands again.*

Transmission: Devils Desert Aerospace Defence Command to Whispering Voices National Damocles System Operation Centre
Encryption Level: Alpha-One

CC: All National Damocles System Operation Centres

FLASH TRAFFIC COMMENCES....

***Fleet detected at position 7728-543-2263

*Report from Panopticon Satellites 276, 34, and 113 confirms sighting
*Estimated Force Strength of Fleet at Scale Seven
*'Errant Wanderer' Jameson class space platform has operational control over sensor assets for this operational situation

***Spirit and Ghost class EW/IW satellites tasked to SIGINT

*Fleet is not under EMCON, interception and decryption of signals underway
*Tracking of aerial and submarine assets has begun

***LERTON alteration: DDRDS is now at DEFCON-3

*Increase in force readiness above normal readiness

....FLASH TRAFFIC ENDS

OPERATIONAL TRAFFIC COMMENCES....

WV National Control, we're seeing what you're seeing. What information do you have with regard to this fleet?

....OPERATIONAL TRAFFIC ENDS


ooc

Original Thread for Damocles Regional Defence System
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75620&highlight=

Location of Damocles Regional Defence System Document
http://www.geocities.com/kickxia/

OOC: I would like to use this oppertunity to point out that Iuthia's fleet is slowly moving away from Whispering Voices and there is no visable additional action in the fleet, they are simply cruising away from Whispering Voices.

As for being in regional waters, that was not the intention, we are legally within international waters. Now I'm going to read into whispering voices threads so I know how much of a challenge I have to take on.

Finally, this fleet was intended to be something required... after all, you try doing something short range from the other side of the world...

A few diplomatic cruelties, subtle insults, and outright snubs later, Malea is led into a military-looking complex decorated with crucifixes, and sat in a bare-bones room with a media centre link: Malice is displayed on the screen, looking very much the worse for wear. His wrists are bound, although it is hard to see what by, and he has quite clearly been starved.

<Transmission>
<Automata Omicron Blu>
<From: Diocesal Administration>

Your consideration is received in the spirit with which it is intended, however we assure you that Whispering Voices and her allies are capable of meeting any and all threats with the destruction they deserve.

Thank you for your offer. The adherence of the Angelans to a false faith would, however, make our acceptance of said generosity somewhat awkward.

Kindest regards,

Cardinal Mattias Schmidt.



OOC:
Iuthia, it's ok, not ragging on your ideas just ... you're in a bad position to be honest. Check telegrams.

(ooc: wv, care to take my character in?... surely with the two others, even if we haven't heard from them for a while now)

OOC: Check telegrams.

Thanks, but I'll need you to resend, I don't have any new telegrams.

A few diplomatic cruelties, subtle insults, and outright snubs later, Malea is led into a military-looking complex decorated with crucifixes, and sat in a bare-bones room with a media centre link: Malice is displayed on the screen, looking very much the worse for wear. His wrists are bound, although it is hard to see what by, and he has quite clearly been starved.((OOC: I'm assuming they allowed Harmony to go with her into the room? I mean, what's the point of a video conferance for a blind woman? hehe))

*Malea seemed to take things with a grain of salt, shrugging them off, or laughing softly to herself as if they were joking. Harmony, on the other hand, had to be hushed by her superior on quite a few occasions. Once in the room, Malea sat down, and Harmony stood, behind her, still speaking in the native language, discribing their surroundings to the blind woman quietly. Once in the room, Malea's nostrals fliared, and she made a slight face*

So much technology... yet its all fruitless for one such as myself.

*She spoke quietly. Harmony shrugged slightly, thinking this was all rather stupid. They were but a human, and a blind old Garou. What could they possibly do to break Malice out of this prison? That was not their job here, they came to try and free him the diplomatic way. Harmony now spoke to Malea in english, and discribed Malice's state grimly. She didn't like leeches, but she hated to see -anything- suffer*

Seer, he does not look well, his face is burned slightly, and he is bound and barely able to stand. *at those words, Malice tried to stand up a little prouder, but failed miserably* I doubt they have even tried to feed him anything. He appears injured

*Malea nodded slowly, letting out a long sigh. Malice then spoke up*

I'm glad to see that you have decided to answer my request for you to come here, Malea. I hope they are not treating you badly.

*Malea shook her head, slipping into Malice's native language of Itallian.*

Stop being so formal. I've been treated far worse by my own people, old one. *She managed a thin smile* Malice, we may not exactly be friends, but this treatment is unacceptable. Its a crime to treat even prisoners in such a way. How on earth did you allow yourself to become captured anyway?

*Malice slouched slightly, and lowered his head, also now speaking in Itallian as well*

I had a way of escaping, and had actualy left, and was ready to cut my losses and go home... but then I realized that these people were hurting the humans in order to try and capture the vampires. I had to do something. In protecting one of the humans, and making sure he would live, I was hurt badly, and then captured....

*His voice faltered as he spoke. His pride had been hurt, admitting such a careless defeat. Malea looked like she might cry any moment, but held it back. Her voice reached to him, nearly cracking, and spoke in english again without realizing it*

oh Malice, your humanity is catching up to you. In all the years I've known you, you've struggled, and when you finaly give in and do the absolute right thing, your rewarded with this.... I'm so sorry...

*Harmony squeezed Malea's shoulder, sensing her mentor's pain. Malea reached up and patted the young girl's hand. Malice sighed, and shrugged a little*

I know your a fair woman, Seer-of-Souls *he made a point to use her Garou name, showing his respect for the old Garou* and I felt of all the people in Eris Kallisti, you could possibly get through to these people. They will not listen to me, and honestly, I don't blame them. I used to be much like them. I wouldn't have listened to me either. *he hesitated* but... I... don't want to die...

*Malea offered a supportive smile, wishing she could give the ancient more comfort*

That is a great compliment Malice. I can only do my best. Eris now knows what has happened by now, I'm sure of it, and her wrath will not be pleasent if I don't convice them to let you go in my care. I will do my best for the sake of our people working more harmoniously together in the future, and because I respect you. I always have. I will do everything I can to help you.

*Malice nodded slowly, sliding down the wall in his cell, unable to stand any longer.*

Thank you

*Harmony wispered his actions to Malea and she furrowed her brow. Turning her head towards the direction that they had come into the room, Malea raised her voice to catch the attention of one of the people who had brought them into the room*

Excuse me? Mr. Tarashibo will die before he goes to trial if left in this state. My assistant has with her some of the sustinance that he requires. Its cloned, so no humans were harmed in getting it. Is that acceptible?

*Harmony shifted her weight nerviously, waiting for the answer*

OOC

To Iuthia
------------

Aware of your presence in international, not territorial waters, hence no queries have been dispatched, or aggressive moves made. However, DD security policy dictates a careful watch and increased security should fleets take up station within attack range (i.e. flight range). Respect for setting up fleet base for operations: many people would just 'port their troops nearby in some fashion rather than think about logistics. DD however is v. militaristic and defence oriented, so watch is automatic.

OOC

DD however is v. militaristic and defence oriented, so watch is automatic.

OOC: Don't I know it... I knew it before I stated it too, but with the options I could see before me I felt (WV being on of the RPers who actually look into logistics) I should at least have something near by. This I'm afraid is an obligation I must fulfil as I've chickened out of enough stuff as it is.

Ahem... anyways... I also knew I didn't have a chance of using a "near by island or ally" as a place to do something from... Whispering voices is only next to two of nation and they can't cross his border and have no real wish to (not anymore at least from what I've read). Basically the latter excuse is really devoid of effort as no nation has a perfect island or ally next to it to luanch attacks from.... thats just silly.

<Transmission>
<CiCDDF/Los Bananos El Fuego>
<From: Ministry of Defence, Whispering Voices>

The fleet is from the nation Iuthia <details sent>. They are making aggressive bluffs in order to exert diplomatic pressure upon our Diocesal Administration for its forcible extraction and trial of two 'vampires'.

Weapon use primarily magnetic.

Thank you for your assistance and watchfulness.

============================

The soldier looks askance at Malea. "Drinking of blood is a capital offence within this nation, ma'am, be it an essential for life or not. It is not acceptable. He will live to face trial once more, there are only another ... " he pauses to flick his eyes at a clock on the wall "three hours until we reconvene."

============================

OOC:
Underaloz ... if you're getting in with Iuthia I don't think you're in yet.

OOC:
Underaloz ... if you're getting in with Iuthia I don't think you're in yet.
(ooc: I'm not. Remember I contacted you directly... maybe you could set up a transport for my character?)

The soldier looks askance at Malea. "Drinking of blood is a capital offence within this nation, ma'am, be it an essential for life or not. It is not acceptable. He will live to face trial once more, there are only another ... " he pauses to flick his eyes at a clock on the wall "three hours until we reconvene."*Malea positively scowled, for once showing some true disgust with these people. She stood up slowly, using her staff for support*

Now listen here... trials can last not only hours, but days, weeks, months, and sometimes years! This is unacceptable, and cruel. I've gone out of my way to show you people nothing but the utmost respect and kindness. Even prisoners deserve a meal, and proper conditions.

*She huffed. Harmony put her hand on the old woman's shoulder, trying to calm her, but Malea brushed her off.*

This is no way to treat anyone. Even if they may be guilty. Who will this hurt? No one. Its already proven that this man is a blood drinker, not that he chooses to be this way. I simply ask that he be fed so that he is fit to stand trial. In a matter of hours he will pass out from lack of nourishment. I have only brought enough to sustain him for a day or two. If you refuse him this, then you people are no better then he is.

*She tapped the silver tip of her staff on the hard floor to impress the point. Malice shook his head as he sat on the floor of his cell*

They'll not listen to you Malea... no matter how right you are...

*He mumbled under his breath, barely audible. He could feel his eyelids drooping, and did his best to shake off the sleep in his brain*

"Madame," the soldier replies, scowling back. "The laws of God do not change for parasites. Request denied."

He crosses himself as he looks at the screen.

"In the event of body function failure, he will be administered with noradrenaline and similar stimulants, that will keep him alive and coherent long enough to stand trial. And that will be all on this subject."


OOC:
Underaloz, remind me who your character is and how he requested entry again?

OOC:
Underaloz, remind me who your character is and how he requested entry again?

<Transmission>
<To: Reverend Jeremy Vaughn, Underaloz>
<From: Cardinal Matthias Schmidt, Diocesal Administration>

After discussion with the Board of Corrective Enforcement, you are hereby being informed that passage under temporary arrest, for three, can be granted for the period of one week within the boundaries of Whispering Voices. During this time neither you nor your colleagues would be permitted contact with any outside agency. A face to face meeting with the abomination is out of the question: a video-link conference is a possibility.
From: Reverend Jeremy Vaughn, Underaloz
To: Cardinal Matthias Schmidt, Diocesal Administration

Dear Cardinal,

It's with great pleasure that I announce my companions and I are willing to comply with your conditions.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. --Matthew 5:8

-- Rvd. Jeremy Vaughn
-- Underaloz

"Madame," the soldier replies, scowling back. "The laws of God do not change for parasites. Request denied."

He crosses himself as he looks at the screen.

"In the event of body function failure, he will be administered with noradrenaline and similar stimulants, that will keep him alive and coherent long enough to stand trial. And that will be all on this subject." *Malea suddenly becomes rather curious. Her expression changes and she tilts her head slightly in a rather canine fashion*

Noradrenaline? I have never heard of this. May I speak with your doctors about it then? I simply would like to know exactly what you'll be giving to Mr. Tarashibo. I think I deserve all the details at least.

*Harmony keeps looking to the gaurd, and then to Malice on the screen, and back again. She doesn't seem to quite understand too much.*

((OOC: is it only in the church itself that Malea's gifts won't work?))

Secret IC, see note at bottom of post:

Among the fleet of carriers and other various naval vessals was a small submarine designed to fitted out to carry a small number of men to Whispering Voices, it had been supported by one of the many support craft among the fleet, one of which is designed to resupply submarines in general.

In the submarine is a small unit of three infiltrators. Sargeant Jenkins is one of the many female unit leaders in Iuthia, often proving that women are just as gooder soldiers as men. She is a compasionate mother with alot of pride for her country, voltuneering for this almost suicidal mission to her seems heroic and would set an example for many a young cadet.

Under her is Private Stevens, communications specialist with enough combat training to get by as a Commando in Iuthia's ranks. He is currently single and is abitious, taking this mission to improve his odds to get into the Black Vipers.

Finally comes Private Wallis. Stuart Wallis has aced all infiltration training and has earned the nickname "Shadow". However, his reasons for volunteering is somewhat coloured... recently loosing the love of his life to a nasty virus, Stuart feels he must delve into his work... the man also seems to care very little for his safety anymore and as such has been concidered a liability to the mission, however his skills seem invaluable and his mood seems better... the time period being so short it was decided he would have to fit the mould.


The submarine housed only 5 people, becoming small enough to evade detection (they hoped) required alot of additions to be removed, like weapons, it is also the reason the team is small... however that would also reduce the chances of the team being spotted once within the target nation. The power is provided by a very effiecient battery due to the fact that nuclear isn't an option and combustion is stupid in a sub. Meanwhile the submarine is meant to be very quite and so on...[OOC: I'll further specify the sub once I get some experts to look at the idea]

Also on board is the teams equipment, rations are the heaviest as they would require more then a couple days of food to search for their target. After that came assentials like Nightvision, ropes and climbing equipment, snowgear (for Whispering Voices was a cold mountianous place) as well as conventional weapons that could take alot of beating... finally they had a mobile satalite comunication array [need to check if this is ok, afterall, if I can't access a satalite then this is pointless] for communication to the motherland.

They said their goodbyes and prepared for the trip... before they knew it, they were on their way to Whispering Voices.




Note: I would prefer that people talk to whispering voices before reacting to this action or you may set us back more then I already have done so myself. Also I apologise for the amount of time this is taking... I've had trouble getting motivated and I take full responcabilty for lagging this thread. If I need to edit this, please say.

From: Council of Priests, Thulackack
To:Iuthian High Command
-------------------------------------------------------

Your presence off the coast of the region is unacceptable in the extreme. Regardless of the fact that you have not crossed the geographical boundary, Thulackack feels that her sovreignty is threatened by the large and potentially hostile fleet. Therefore we offer a simple message. Leave and never return or be destroyed. In no way should Thulack's Might be doubted on this point. We are more than capable of reducing the fleet to salvage. I cannot be any clearer. Let us hope that we never have to have contact with you again or it shall be less polite.

Athculachk
Secretary to the High Priest

"Certainly, ma'am." He subvocalises, his adam's apple bobbing slightly, and not three minutes later a similarly-dressed guard walks in holding a dossier of information. He places it on the table, gives a friendly smile to Harmony, a curious glance at Malea, and leaves as quietly as he entered.

Front Page of the Noradrenaline Dossier (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noradrenaline)

"As you can see, Ma'am, with sufficient doses Malice will be kept active quite easily."

. . .

<Transmission>
<To: Reverend Jeremy Vaughn>
<From: Cardinal Matthias Schmidt>

Transport has been arranged from the city of Freeport for you and your colleagues. The trial has been delayed somewhat, and you have 36 hours within which to make your way to the city of Durhum.

. . .

Overhead, the grimmest storm to beset Whispering Voices - or any part of the region - raged over the northern tip of the Devil's Desert, nestled close to Svalbard. Ravaging winds drove even the largest ships into port, and those too far to make it hove to and battened down the hatches (or the modern equivalent thereof). Satellite communications were somewhat disrupted, requiring significant decoding due to weather-induced static. The surface of the sea began to ice over around the coastline, thinly but widely.

Winter had truly begun.

. . .

OOC:
Apologies to people waiting once more.

Vaughn was looking through gigantic windows. The wind seemed to have diminished slightly.

Let us hope it is for good this time.

He had been standing there for too long. Not moving a single finger. Dressed into his pastoral black outfit. Contemplating the changes in the sky. He looked at his watch. It had been 5 hours.

He didn't know if Jeff would make it. 36 hours. That was a hell of a tight schedule. But Vaughn couldn't wait any longer. He couldn't help to wonder if seeing Rave would lead him to his son. He didn't even know if he would be given enough time.

"Time will tell," he muttered to himself.

And here he was, waiting for the weather to calm down. Waiting for a helicopter to take him to the unkown.

(ooc: wv: up to you for this helicopter thingy. Vaugh is close from the final destination)

*Harmony smiles weakly in responce, and nods, Malea nods in the person's general direction. Once the papers are set down, Malea makes a slight face, but Harmony picks them up, and reads them for her. The young girl seems to have a few problems with some of the more technical words, but manages to get through it alright. After she's done, Malea looks a bit concerned*

Has this been tested on Kindred before? Not all vampires are the same you realize... this is meant to be used on people who's hearts beat, and lungs breath... Mr. Tarashibo does niether of these things... I wouldn't want him to be in anymore danger then he already is.

*She runs her fingers over the print on the paper a little, and sighs*

I'm no expert on the anatomy of vampires, but if something inside them is -forced- to be used that has not been used in decades... it my cause a problem....

There is a grim smile.

"Believe me, ma'am, we have conducted extensive tests on all varieties of undead. In many ways ... conclusive tests."

...................................................................................

The storm over Whispering Voices was too intense for a helicopter: Vaughn was flown by helicopter from Freeport to a mountain border guardpost, and from there taken onto one of the maglev trains that went through the Maginot-style deep underground defences of Whispering Voices. Not an hour passed until he entered the nation of Endless Regrets, near the eastern border of the Dominion.

"Please, Reverend, if you will step this way ... " murmured the guard respectfully, gesturing to a blackened limousine flanked by two armoured cars.

...................................................................................

OOC:
Now waiting for Rave to post.

Iuthia, your submarine is cleared to land on shore.

ooc:You never answered my post:

"Right then," Ravelyn replied, her mind working quickly at the situation at hand. Her hands worked quickly, repairing what of her shirt she could. The bottom was torn, so she tied it to fit her better. "Then, you may leave me, but remember with you that I have not harmed you...I need you to return with another shirt, preferably black, and fitting if you could find one." she sighed softly, then added. "And with anything that could be used to cut a chain or undo a lock that you can get away with."

Vaughn smiled at the guard.

"Thank you, my son."

He sat into the limousine, observing its interior as if he was not used to such a luxurious car.

"I wasn't expecting such an escort," he said with a calm tone.

~*Double Post*~

There is a grim smile.

"Believe me, ma'am, we have conducted extensive tests on all varieties of undead. In many ways ... conclusive tests."*Malea raises a brow curiously, yet there's scrutiny behind it. Harmony blinks not understanding. Quietly the old woman thinks to herself... then sighs with a shrug*

Fine... lets just hope, for your sake and my own, that nothing happens to him because of this.

*Her nostrals flair slightly, taking careful note of the scent of the room again. Harmony looks at Malea, slightly confused, but stays silent. For the most part, the girl never speaks unless she's speaking directly to Malea herself.*

((Sorry for the delay, my phone had gotten disconnected))

OOC: *Smacks head on table, realises he may of sent troops to the wrong place...*

Ok... I've been doing some reading, and damn some of that information is gold dust, but ignoring how much I like it, it took maybe a couple more glances then I thought to notice that this is taking place not in Whispering Voices home land, but in the Ordo Sancti Mundi's fiefdom of Endless Regrets.

Question is, do I have the IC Intel to have understood that most of your religous nuts come from this place, inquisition and all?

I don't know, I'm hoping that satalitte pictures can be taken from an angle (seeing as DAMOCELES can't cover all of space...) and that I had a window to do so. That way I can make Intel based decisions to stop me from wandering in the wrong location waiting for some patrols to capture my men...

At first I was thinking to go to Silence... which would be suicide in itself, but it was a idea at the time, now I've re-read the start of the thread I've realised that I missed the part (OOC) that they were in Endless Regrets.

This all said, my main delay here is research and thinking out of the box... other stuff is easier to reply to because it doesn't need the forthought I need in this RP to be credable, which is a big thing for a starting out role-player who wants to be like the greats some time. Anyways, I apologise again for delays in this post and further posts, Christmas is around the corner and I have alot of time off work so I'll try harder in the future to get my act together... now to read more about Durham, I think I've been there once...

IC:

Meanwhile, in the cold depths of the ocean a small submarine drifts closer to the preset insertion point, Intel had provided sketchy details about the area they were going but so far all they could see is a lonely coastline slowly degrading into snow and then more snow with trees.

The Inteligence on the whole was pretty poor... information on Whispering Voices was scarce to say the least, mostly hear-say and un-reliable records from traders, whom had claimed to have seen inside the nation... but they rarely were the same and the general message was that no outsiders could reach anywhere other then one of the two ports accessable to them. Satalitte details themselves were almost as bad... limitations had made the Inteligence worse off and maps were incompletely... suspect building were pointed out, but many building fit the profile and scale wasn't easy to compare from the 2D angle the pictures provided. It was decided that the team should head towards the most likely through a series of rough concealed terrain, if possible... the storm approaching wasn't going to make conditions idea.

The orders themselves were roughly defined to the three person team, something they were not used to as they were trained with clear precise objectives and generally good Intel. Unfortunatly the situation didn't give much up for information. They were to find the missing guests of Iuthia and then to communicate their position using equipment designed to both withstand the climate and provide stealthy, reliable communication with Iuthian Command Personel... the conditions however said otherwise. They would also have to evaluate the security and make decisions on how best to act on this information, if they fealt they could free the guests then they were given permission to do so.


The conditions in the water were deteriorating as well as the weather became agitated, waves were growing and the sub was having more trouble then they were comfortable with, though the ride was uncomfortable it was sufficient to get them to the coast without being spotted. The submarine surfaced in as shallow water it could afford, submarines didn't like being beached so from there on the team would have to use an inflatable raft to make it to the shoreline, it was a challenge in itself to keep the small craft from capsizing. Thankfully equipment was stored in waterproof bags and the weapons were designed to withstand all weathering, if they were Gauss Rifles they would have been useless already but these were conventional weapons built to last like the AK-47, though they their own make from Free Iuthia.


The tide pulled the team in, crashing the inflatable on the beach with its force. The team had made it in one peice, cold as they were, their journey begun here in the hostile lands of Whispering Voices.


[OOC: Again, if anything here is incorrect or can be improved for the sake of the thread, please either TG me or include OOC critique in your next post... sorry for the OOC, but I've held stuff up long enough.]

Underaloz

"Well, Reverend, these are dangerous times," the guard replied. "I hope your quarters will be to your satisfaction."

Eris

"Anyway, ma'am, I would suggest you retire until the trial recommences. You seem tired."

Rave

The nurse nods obediently, smiles tentatively, and gathers her effects before calling to the guards. They return, and unlock the cell door - Rave is covered by one man as the other deals with the lock. The nurse makes to step out of the cell.



OOC:
The subsumed parts of Whispering Voices are in a nebulous area not on any map that connects to WV (i.e. you're next door to W.V. if you're in them, but you can choose to avoid W.V. if you wish). This is because I didn't want to litter my regional map with puppets.

Rave looks up at him with pretend indifference. Her arms are still behind her back as if they were still tied, and she didn't move from that position. But on the inside, she was laughing. She didn't not approach the guard or anything, nor stand. She pretended she was weak...but after the injection...she was strong. She was renewed, and she was ready.

Underaloz

"Well, Reverend, these are dangerous times," the guard replied. "I hope your quarters will be to your satisfaction."
"Don't worry about me, my son. I am used to travel a lot and God has always granted me with shelters throughout my journeys. I'm sure it will be perfect."

The nurse stepped out of the cell, and the door slid smoothly shut behind her. She walked away, one of the guards following her steps, before they moved away to take up positions once more.

The nurse does not return.

...

OOC:
Going to move to trial part 2 unless anyone else wants to do anything.

quadrupal post?!

quadrupal post?!

quadrupal post?!

*Malea nods a little in agreement*

fine...

*Harmony and her wait to be led somewhere*

((gah... what a crappy post from me LOL oh well. yeah, I'm ready to have things go to the next phase. hollidays are catching up withme. sorry for my delays))

And overhead, the storm goaded itself into a fury that shook the heavens and the earth with its ardour ...

OOC:
Just got back from Christmas with parents ... posting tomorrow evening GMT (30th)

The last tendrils of rose-pink cloud, a brief letup from the storm, dragged their reluctant ways across the surface of the sky as the sun set. The pale green light haloed the Cathedral of Saint Cuthbert, illumined it with a malevolent purity. And as the great doors slammed shut, the candle-lit nave rang to the sound of marching boots.

Down in the cell complex, Ravelyn Shentavo's cell door was opened, and four guards - three covering her, one gesturing - motioned for her to leave and be led back up to the nave.

In her room, Malea and Harmony were escorted through old passages with crumbling mortar, underground into the solemn cathedral. A man joined them on the way, although no introductions were forthcoming due to the strictly enforced rule of silence.

Finally, the Tarricanese man was led into the cathedral through a normal and relatively comfortable way.

@@@ @@@

OOC:
The Iuthian people are still on the beach as far as I can tell.
The man who's joined with Malea and Harmony is Reverend Vaughn.

Rave's eye twitched slightly. How badly she wished to escape this place, and knew it to be slightly hopeful, given the fact that she was had her full energy restored to her. She, however, stifiled her rage, and was led out peacefully. Her eyes flickered softly. I can't wait to kidnap an inquizitor, bring him to my nation, and put him through a trail...for resisting arrest. If I don't get out of here soon, war is enevitable. My trigger happy son is not as pacient as I am... She thought to herself, and continued on.

The nave was silent as Ravelyn Shentavo and Malice were lead up it, six guards on each of them: alert and watchful. Wardens had been assigned to the witnesses, ostensibly for their own protection in proximity to such evils as Rave and the creature from the lands of Eris Kallisti.

Gargoyles leered from the arches overhead, and the glint of gold from the bosses in the distant roof shone as they reflected the candle lights. Standing, armoured but helmetless in the pulpit for the prosecution, the haunted eyes of the young Inquisitor who had captured the two glared at them. His face was pale, his eyes smudged with shadow: sleep was a lost gift to him.

Shadows occasionally passed by the dim green light that shone through the clear parts of the stained glass windows, flitting like lost angels or moths beating at the windows outside. The Grand Master, and the Prince Bishop sat high above the proceedings in a Minstrel's Gallery, surrounded by armoured crusaders.

And Malice was brought forwards, ahead of Ravelyn, swaying slightly as he was half-lead, half-pushed up the steps of the smaller pulpit.

"I now pronounce a resuming of the trial of Lord Malice," the cracked voice of the Lord Inquisitor hissed out. "As ye stand before the Lord, so shall ye find mercy."

There was silence, again. The sharp ears of Ravelyn caught the sounds of the Inquisitor's breathing, ragged, stressed. His heart pumping, his emotions clouded.

"You stand here before the Eyes of Truth to receive Judgement, but one has requested to speak in your favour." The pits of his eyesockets turned towards Malea. "This abomination stands accused of the crimes of being a vampire, of the drinking of blood, of being blighted in the eyes of the Word. What say you in his defence?"

Endless Regrets... the nations named seemed to fit for the situation, the weather was more welcoming on land then it had been on the sea, harsh winds blew on the face masks of the Iuthian team, it wasn't safe for them to have any part of their bodies exposed to the cold conditions as Frost Bite could kill them at this temperature.

All their guns had been prepared with LAW (Lubricating oil Arctic, Weapons) so that they could operate in the arctic environment of Endless Regrets, without their weapons would cease to function as soon as they engaged a hostile target, the metals would be more brital then they already are and would break on shock impacts.

The rest of their equipment was prepared to be carried either on their persons (or in backpacks designed for this operation) or on a sled the team had brought with them. It's a light sled designed to transport the bulk of their supplies, it came with both night and arctic camoflague and was carrying the additional replacement parts that they would likely need for their weapons... the weather of Endless Regrets would not be forgiving and these supplies were needed more then normal as weapons will break, food will be used up and heavier tents would be needed for shelter... all of which had to be hidable should they encouter patrols...

New tactics were also considered, with the extra cold conditions are shot from a weapon would produce a cloud of ice fog*, which hangs over the weapon and the path of the shot fired. They would have to move so their location would not be given away and their visbality will be unhindered (as the ice fog would make it hard to see). A slower rate of fire is also advised to reduce this, but only when the situation permits it. A variety of weapons were being carrier on the sled along with protected communications equipement.


All these preparations were meaningless without the actual mission of course... Sargeant Jenkins knew this and she quickly got the team moving.

"Wallis, we got everything?" She shouted threw her mask, a short range radio was an option at this point, but was turned off to maintain radio silence until they were sure of their security. Private Wallis turned to her, his visage was hard to make out in the white overall of the infiltration team, the mask covered most identifable parts of his face but he was doing his job so there was no reason for Jenkins to think he was Private Stevens.

"Yes Sir, everything is loaded up and checked off, we are ready." He replied, muffled though his protection gear, hugging his face keeping him as warm as humanly possible in the hard conditions of Endless Regrets.

"Then lets move out, Stevens... how long do you estimate until we reach our first waypoint?" Jenkins now looked to another white snowman that was Private Stevens, he didn't look as comfortable as the others, but he wasn't complaining.

"Maybe about 2 hours at march, maybe more maybe less, the pictures weren't very good quality." He sounded a little rough, the conditions didn't agree with him, Iuthia is in a warm region of the world and Stevens hadn't had as much Arctic training as the others...

"Then lets move, we need to check out at as many places as we can, the faster we find this holding facility the better... the sooner we hit that forrest the better cover we can have for our movements."

The team started to shuffle in the direction of their first waypoint, leading to a near by forrest for additional cover and protection from the elements, they hope to them use it for as long as possible moving towards the first objective, a suspect outpost* they hoped to get information from, intel was limited and most other objectives were possible churches and cathedrals that may be used as a courthouse... but with little information they would all be guesses.

They would take it in turn to pull the sled, the wieght was barable as they hadn't planned on over loading it for the mission, it was just being used for additional supplies, the soldier pulling it would have their backpack on it too for a easier pull.





* As the round leaves the weapon, the hot propellant gases cause the water vapor in the air to condense. These droplets of condensed water vapor then freeze, creating ice particles which produce a cloud of ice fog. This fog will hang over the weapon and follow the path of the projectile, obstructing the gunner’s vision along his line of fire, as well as revealing his location to the enemy. When faced with this problem, fire at a slower rate and/or relocate to an alternate firing position.

** OOC: This is a guess, I don't know were I an or where I am going, no information is available for maps or possible locations so any help would be useful, otherwise I may try and aquire information... on another note it is a bitch to find military tactics on the web so I'm guessing some of this, if I'm doing anything wrong, tell me so I may edit my post.

((gah.. another repetitive post. sorry guys. btw: I also just got my old job back, so you'll have to bare with me while I get used to working third shift again))

*Malice's mouth feel like it had been stuffed with cotten, and his head was pounding in a way he didn't think was possible. His eyes moved to Malea... he didn't like being called "Lord Malice"... that brought back memories he cared not to relive.*

*Malea, with Harmony at her side, stood up and cleared her throat. Harmony looked absolutely petrified, while the older woman next to her was a picture of calm, and compassion.*

Malice Tarashibo is a good man... what he has done in the past, and already paid for, he should not have to pay for again. Yes, its true, he is a vampire, but he does not harm human beings. Its against the way of his people to do so. A blight in the eyes of the world? No... he is misunderstood.

*She paused for a moment, her hand moving to her stomach. The white of her sightless eyes fell almost directly on the inquisitor... as if she could see him. Taking in the scent around her, a small smile caught her lips*

I hate to be so cliche... but there is a saying I have heard those of your religion say quite often.... "let ye how have not sinned, cast the first stone." Yes, Malice has sinned. Yes, Malice used to be a cold hearted killer in the past. But only his God can judge him when it is -time- for him to sleep his last. God himself punnished Cain... the maker of Malice's race. *She points in Malice's general direction* Malice is a Catholic. He has to be. The mark of God's wrath is on him, but it was in His divine plan that the vampires be here. Its for a reason. God... has a plan.

*She held up a hand, knowing people would most likely want to speak. But she wasn't done yet. Malice blinked, his jaw nearly falling open at Malea's words, but he kept composed.*

The way he is, is a curse by God's hand, and its also a disease. A sickness. It can be treated. In Eris Kallisti we are working on new treatments and techniques to reverse the effects of vamperisim. Some vampires do not wish to be changed... In Eris Kallisti we do not push things on anyone. We will only change those who come to us to change. I belive... in my heart... that Malice will be one of those to come to us when we have the cure.

*She holds onto her staff with both hands, and Harmony glances around worriedly. Malice shifted his wieght nerviously on his feet. They were working on a cure? He hadn't known of the project... more then likely it was Barbra #5 working with the Garou. Why had it been kept from him though?*

The weather of Endless Regrets was harsh, wintery and dominated by the storm that enveloped all Whispering Voices lands. But it was a little easier than northern Whispering Voices itself, and the snow drifts were at least passable. Rolling hills and white bareboned forests beckoned, providing cover in the unlikely event that any aerial reconnaissance vehicle braved the weather.

Jenkins' team marched, and made surprisingly good time. The worst thing that happened on the first stretch was a frozen-over stream, concealed by snow, gave under the weight of sled and puller.

@@@

The inquisitor met her blank, blind stare with his own, not flincing or blinking. "Your argument would be a valid one, Malea Soulseer, were it not for the fact that the Lord gave us all free will. We are the instruments that perform his works, the sword that metes his justice. To all is given the will to make choices in their life - it is when those choices are found wanting that punishment must be administered. Choices such as remaining a vampire, when martyrdom is an escape. And, even were it the Lord's plan for Malice to be a vampire and there to be no free will, why, Malea, then it surely is his plan for Malice to be captured and tried also with however that results?"

He paused, and waited. The silence was cruel. "Reliance upon a Divine Plan to subsume responsibility for one's actions is not a valid defence. We may be the Children of God, all of us, but it is given to us to make the choices that reflect the beatitude of Our Father."

OOC:

Excellent post, Iuthia. Endless Regrets is a slightly colder version of Northern England rather than Greenland-style Whispering Voices, but it's still very harsh weather there at the moment and those people will be glad of their environment gear anyway.

Also by Eris :) hopefully Malice's part will be over soon.

*Malea frowned slightly, her brow furrowing a little, but then she relaxed and shook her head. Most of the inquisitors words went right over Harmony's head. The girl knew little of Catholisim, she had been raised to worship and protect the earth and sky... not bow down to the Catholic God. Malea knew a lot about many religions, Catholisism frustrated her the most. It made no sense to be afraid of ones creator... to act properly out of fear.*

Forgive me sir... I don't mean to sound offensive, but what you say just doesn't fit. True, it -is- part of God's plan to be here.. discussing this at this time. But I must ask you this. Could this be a test for -you- by your god? To see how merciful you can be? How just? *Her head tilted and she gave him a look of pitty* I would never spend a day in your shoes sir. You are a braver then I... God tests everyone constantly, and He isn't always clear on what He wants. How can you be sure that putting a man to death is the right choice? From what I understand, God doesn't belive anyone has the right to take -anyone's- life. That is for Him alone. You may be a symbol of His hand, but you are not Him. *She holds up a hand* Please, I mean no disrespect. Imprison Malice if you wish to punish him... flog him if you like... but killing him just is something I don't belive God will look to kindly on when you pass on. If you kill him, you are no better then he.

((OOC: *snickers* you know I can't go down without a fight))

<tag> srry to interesting

The inquisitor turned his eyes on the child. "Indeed, the Lord doth test all his flock: however, he doth provide guidance. Leviticus 24: "And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death." I believe you refer in fact to a passage from Matthew 5, "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old, `Thou shalt not kill,'" however little one, you forget the rest of Matthew's message: "'Whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.'" I follow with Romans 13, 4-6: "for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." And finally Revelations 13, 10: 'He that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.'"

"The Lord God is merciful, but he is also just."

*Malice groaned softly, feeling his knees buckle, and he landed on the floor with a solid "thud". Malea frowned and rushed over to him, following the sound. Harmony stayed where she was and spoke up now as her mentor attempted to try and tend to the fallen kindred. Her voice was small and meak, but there was deffinate feeling behind her words. She couldn't be any older then seventeen. Her body shook with nerviousness, and she wrung her hands.*

Sir, I know its not my place to speak, but please hear me. This is more then if Mr. Tarashibo lives or dies. He is ancient, and has spent long enough on this world in my own humble opinion.... what worries me is the reprocussions of his death. I do not wish to see my country go to war, and I don't belive that the deaths of many over the death of one is fair to anyone.

*She bit her lip, glancing from Malea and back to the inquisitor. Her voice got slightly more strained, pleading*

We are a peaceful people, but our Empress will not just stand back and let the death of one of her citizens go unnoticed... especialy not when he's also one of her trusted advisors. Your an intelligent man, sir, and I do not wish to seem like I'm insulting your intelligence.... I don't like vampires any more then you do. They've killed my people, raided our Caerns and infected my kin.... I hate them. *Her brow furrowed* but if killing one, meant the death of so many... I couldn't live with the blood on my own hands. *She took a step forward, tears in her eyes* There must be another way, sir. Please.....

*Malea shook her head, as she tried to get Malice to stand, but he was out like a light. She heard Harmony's words, and tears came to her own eyes. For one so young, she was very empathetic and smart. To bad she never shifted, she would have been a great addition to the Children of Gaia... or perhaps she would have gone to her father's tribe of the Uktena. Malea motioned for one of the doctors to come help revive Malice. She really didn't have much of a choice right now.*

The inquisitor spoke softly, but without doubt in his voice. "It cannot be that way. Justice, goodness, nor truth can be decided by expediency, child: that is no justice at all. If your Empress is foolish enough to start a war that she cannot win over the trial of such an abomination, only her soul will need forgiveness." He looked at the Harmony. "But death is not something that should be seen by one so young: wardens, lead the child to her quarters."

The grey-dressed men moved towards Harmony to escort her out.

*Harmony backed away from the man, afraid of him as he stepped closer. Malea stood up, and motioned Harmony to her side again. The young girl hurried over, and stood slightly behind the older woman*

Harmony has seen more death then most good soldiers. Its a sad fact, but she is here as my eyes, and I need her.

*Malea's expression was sad*

The girl is right though. Why would you risk so much over one vampire. Why not hunt them down in your own land? None of our people, and I doubt any of our vampires have -ever- been on your land. They have never harmed you, or your people. Why take up a fight against creatures that have done nothing to you? I know your just trying to do the right thing, but so are we. If you kill Malice, or the other vampire you have here, there will deffinately be a war.

*Malea sighs*

If Empress Eris does not act against you for his death, then she will be seen as weak by the other nations, and all this will happen all over again. Eventualy leading to the fall of our great country. So much death... and it can all be stopped if you just think of another way.

*Harmony glanced down after Malea was done talking, and looked at Malice on the floor. When he was asleep like that he looked so peaceful... She wondered if vampires dreamed.*

Deacon Mashall watches the proceeding... confident and peacefull in his seat as he watches the proceedings with interest, but betraying no opinion.

This was a place to watch, not to act. As man would judge, so will God...

"Justice is not a matter of politics, Malea. It is a matter of what is right." With those words, the Lord Inquisitor descended from the pulpit. The boots of his odd, androgynous clip-clipped against the aged oak of the stand. Two grey-clad wardens manhandled Malice to his feet, holding him with arms looped under the vampire's armpits, following Edwards to the base of the steps that led to the altar dais, but stopping there. The Inquisitor moved up onto the lowest step of the altar, and knelt, and prayed. His whispered Latin was loud in the silence, although not clear enough to make out, and as clouds parted outside a shaft of moonlight shone in through the stained glass window, illumining him in an aura of fractured colours.

He stood, bowed to the East, and descended the steps. The vampire was slumping in the arms of its captors, and the man knelt again to murmur into Malice's ear.

"Pro deus, hominis, vita," he said. "May God have mercy upon your soul."

The wardens that had gone to remove Harmony instead put moved between her and the sight, as the Inquisitor reached out to touch the vampire on the forehead.

"For God," he said.

For Hanna, he thought.

And as his confessing touch brushed Malice's forehead, every evil and sin the vampire had ever committed was visited upon it, upon him, in the form of a divine fire ...

*Malea's eyes twitched as the Inquisitor spoke. How stupid humans could be... though most of her own people were not much better sadly. She spoke up after he spoke to her. It was useless really, but she couldn't -not- say anything.*

What is right can be handled in more then one way...

*Malea and Harmony both dropped to their knees, almost in unison as the Inquisitor touched Malice. The two chanted something softly. Malea pulled the monocle around her neck and placed in over one of her unseening eyes. She spoke in some native american language, almost at a whisper.*

"Gaia, please help him pass quickly. He's already paid for his crimes. I've done my best to do what is right, but I failed. I'm sorry, I'm not worthy... do not blame these men for their deeds. They do not know any better."

*Harmony looked over to Malea and frowned. She couldn't understand why this was happening like this. Malice's body got a bluish tint to it as holy flames wrapped around him. It wasn't a huge firey blaze, but just barely enough to make his skin shrivel and smolder. He didn't move. Right now he was beyond feeling, having forced himself into torpor. Malea watch with tears in her eyes, she'd have to be the one to tell Pavis, who was Malice's only childer. The younger Brujah wouldn't be happy. It didn't take long before the fire extinguished itself. Pulling herself to her feet, Malea closed her eyes. Slowly Malice's body was turning to ash. If he hadn't been exposed to the true faith of the building and the people around him for so long... he may have surrived this.*

*Anger started to well up in Malea, a pure type of anger that her kind called their "Rage". Her form started to shift slightly, but it wasn't incredibly obvious. Her teeth elongated in her mouth, and her hair became wilder looking and more untamed. At closer inspection they migh notice that her fingernails (and toenails sticking out of her sandals) were now at points. She did her best not to growl as she spoke, and her eyes opened again. Harmony was looking extreamly nervious now as she also got to her feet*

Malea: "May we gather his remains so they might be brought back to his family?"

*She struggled to keep herself in check, and her tone even. Her fingers curled, and uncurled around her staff. The older woman was looking more fit and toned as the seconds ticked by. Harmony will now attempt to move away from the guards, pushing if she has to so she can reach Malea. Malea hoped that the Inquisitor was horribly dissapointed that Malice hadn't gone up in a giant firey ball, kicking and screaming the entire time. It seemed like he had smoldered more then anything. Mentaly she sneered at them all. Foolish humans.... Malice had been no more of a sinner then any average man these days.*

((OOC note: for the WoD knowledgeable(sp?) people: Malea has the "fair galabro" merit. She looks a bit different now, but still passes for looking very much human. :D ))

On the contrary, the Inquisitor displayed nothing save quiet relief at a job well done. He nodded to a warden, and the ashes were reverently dusted into a plain urn that was screwed into place, and taken over to Malea.

Edwards bowed to the altar, murmured a prayer, and walked backwards to his pulpit.

"And now, the Magisterum resumes the trial of Ravelyn Shentavo ... "

On the contrary, the Inquisitor displayed nothing save quiet relief at a job well done. He nodded to a warden, and the ashes were reverently dusted into a plain urn that was screwed into place, and taken over to Malea.

Edwards bowed to the altar, murmured a prayer, and walked backwards to his pulpit.

"And now, the Magisterum resumes the trial of Ravelyn Shentavo ... "

At these words, Vaughn bent a little forward for he hadn't had the chance to see Rave yet. Of course, he had studied photographs and every bit of information he had managed to gather but he was anxious to see the woman that had managed to caught his son's heart.

He hadn't been quite focussed on Malice's trial and his inevitable doom for he had already witnessed thousands of similar situations. Sometimes he even had been on the wrong side but that was a long time ago.

He had looked all around him at the magnificent decorations. He had managed not to show how funny he had founded that most scenes were about wars. Holy wars. Only fanatics could think of battles as a proof of faith. Vaughn had a totally different experience for he had participated in many blood bath, on one side or another, and never had it made him any closer to his creator. Surely, the most ironic part was his own image on one of the stain glasses, holding a blade as thousands of creatures from Beyond were rushing at him and his men.

To think God would judge people on a human morality basis was so obviously stupid Vaughn already knew where most of the judges would go after they die. Keeping his calm was quite difficult. He was so over-confident and pride was undoubtedly a sin he wouldn't be able to get rid of. He had tried so hard though. Only some years before had he understood his son was the exemple to follow. Now his son was nowhere to be found and the only link Vaughn had was Rave Shentavo. No matter who he was working for, the man had understood that this battle was his own and that he wasn't to expect any intervention.

He took a deep breath. The whole place was filled with so much energy. How come He gave those people that much power? But, as he managed to draw away his own interests, he envisionned the battle at hand here and accepted the fact that, sometimes, mad men were needed as long as they were walking the right path. Definitly not a human morality issue.

*Malea took the urn with a growl. She was obviously upset now. Harmony ran to her. Stepping between the older woman, and the warden. It most likely wasn't a smart gesture, but it would make Malea think twice before literaly ripping someone's head off. She knew Malea would never -intentionaly- hurt her. Harmony's eyes flickered over the warden and she spoke quietly. It was now her turn to take charge of the situation.*

Excuse me. We'd like to leave right away. Our submarine should still be where we left it. May we get a plane or a boat to get back there and go home now?

*Malea tilted her head to the side, cracking her neck. The Rage in her boiled, she knew she had to get out of here before she did something stupid... that and she would need to calm herself before she spoke with Empress Eris. This would have to be handled extreamly carefuly or there would be a full out war.... now that Malice was no more, there would also be an internal war with the rest of the vampires. That would have to be smoothed over too, and she knew she couldn't rely on Pavis to help her.*

Vaughn was observing Malea with great care. He felt old and tired. How many times had he seen events slowly driving people into violence, seeking for revenge? Too many for sure. He felt like some crosses had the dangerous habit to carry as much blood as a vampire's stomach. Maybe this was part of a plan, maybe all of this was written down on a book only the creator could see through. But Vaughn couldn't help himself but to doubt it.

He looked up at the arched ceiling, confusingly expecting two gigantic eyes to be looking at this masquerade. But there was nothing but stones up there. Nothing but a layer that separated them from the sky. At this very moment, all of this took a whole new meaning.

He looked back down with a dark grin. Even after all the tests, he could feel he was only inches away from the line... he was inches away from using much more violent means than he had planned to. But death was only a passage and he knew He had the last word. Relief somehow, but not enough for Vaughn.

Rave chuckled to herself with this. She wasn't drained as she had been for the first part of the trial, but had been renewed. A new fire sparked within her eyes. I won't give into this. All I see here is a mistrial of someone who has no reason to be here...Qui would have been indisputedly worthy of such a thing, but I would not. Well, let them have their fun...but I will not give them what I can not say and beleive it myself; a confession.
Her crimson eyes flickered amongst the people. One in particular caught her eye. She kept her expression how it was, but inside, she was torn apart. How much she wanted to speak to him...and ask him about Michael...however, she knew that doing this may put him in a danger or suspicion she didn't want upon him; so she did nothing.
She brushed a stray strand of her glossy black hair back from her face with a slender pale hand. A chain hung around her neck of a heart with a sword through it and two wings on either side. She had carried it for as long as she could remember, however it only held an emotional purpose.
She looked again upon the people, shifting her scarlet eyes up. They were so nieve. This was like a which hunt, like the crucible all over again. Somone acuses you of doing the devil's work and you're on trial, if you don't confess; death. She shifted her white wings behind her, and that is where the irony fit in. Could their finite minds even begin to comprehend her motives, maybe she wouldn't be here right now, and maybe they would be helping.
Mephisto must be laughing in hell for this.... she thought to herself, but his time would come. He lead the inquizitors...and he would be the one she would have to face eventually...and the time was drawing ever so nearer. She needed to get out of here...alive. But strangely, she was not worried; she was suprisingly calm as a wave of defiance swept over her.

Deacon James looks down upon the repentence of Malice... that sounds like a classical painting he thinks as he watches the inevitable end of the creature's, no, the man's long life. He went willingly, with dignity. An end worthy of such a painting, perhaps I will ask Zeke if he could portray the scene.

Now, as Rave is brought forward he turns his mind to why he is here. What she is he could not tell, for he had no more sight than any other man and no more experience of angels than any baring the most fortunate of me. Or of vampires than the unluckiest.

He looks again and sees her spine straighten almost infinitesimally. Whatever she is, beaten she is not. How can they not see the strength of spirit that still burns there?

(bump)

OOC: Bump= will replace this bump with RP of team reaching destination.

Lord Inquisitor Edwards stared out into the cathedral, the shadows of his childhood resting uneasily in the dark corners where the candlelight feared to roam. He saw Hanna there, her hollowed eyesockets staring at him. His brother, incestuous and dead by suicide and buried in a crossroads before his twenty-first birthday. He saw the soul of Malice, beneficiary of a confession, rising to sit in the Grace of his God. The golden plates of his gauntlet gripped the wood of the pulpit hard, and he blinked away the tears.

"Ravelyn Shentavo, you stand accused of the drinking of blood, of the encouragement of the drinking of blood, and of perversion of the Divine message. You have confessed to the drinking of blood. You have confessed to teaching others of your kind to survive, therefore passed on the knowledge of the drinking of blood. You have flailed out with wild accusations of diablerie and claimed to be the incarnation of a Seraphim, and have perverted the Divine Message. You are found guilty of these crimes, and will be put to the Confession: as the hand of God has judged you in the lands of men, so God himself will bless you with the punishment you so richly deserve." His voice quavered slightly, by the end.

Hanna, I will not forget. There will be more. There are always more. I shall not rest as long as a vampire walks this earth. His departed sister wavered in and out of his sight, unblinking, demanding. Needing.

He stepped out of the pulpit, and two wardens in grey brought Ravelyn forwards, knelt her at the foot of the altar where Malice had died not long beforehand. He leaned in close, his hushed breath barely moving the strands of her hair as he whispered to her. "Pro deus, hominis, vita. May God have mercy upon your soul."

He stood back, looked upon her face, and visions of his past crushed any feelings of repentance. He reached out to touch her on her forehead, so that every evil and sin ever committed in her long lifetime erupted into divine flame within her body.

Her wings opened in full behind her, the sight remarkable to behold as the soft feathers caressed the air in all their glory. She looked at the inquizitor before her. "You'll be tried...you'll be convicted...and you will be sentencedif you do not see the truth which I have laid before you. Maybe others have...i know not of what they have done. Maybe others will...I am no prophet. But you..." She looked deeply upon him, her crimson eyes. "...so misguided. Such good you could be doing with what has been given to you...but you use it it the wrong way. I am sorry for nothing I have done in this life. I would not take back anything. I am sorry for you. I'm sorry that you are so blind. finate cannot grasp infinate, Edwards. Open your eyes...and yaour heart. Maybe then...you'll have a new persective. I may be a vampire, but evil I am not. I am a hybrid. And there is blood within my veins which disagrees with your theory. In your theory, I should not be able to live with the cross between the two. Maybe...you should take, a new look at things. " She looked up toward him, her glossy hair falling on either side of her face. A sheer look of defiance swept across her face.

"And my name...is Azrael," she whispered to him as he stepped back.I know you are with me. I know you have never left me. And I know...your father now. She turned her gaze outward, and locked eyes with one solitary person for a split second, and looked back to Edwards. She knew...

A sharp cry escaped her lips as her hands grasped at the ground before her. It was a wave of pain unlike anyother, but she would testify that there was a greater one she had felt before; though not of physical sort. It felt like a knife stopped halfway through her skull as she clenched her teeth to bare it. Her wings tensed slightly as the pain soared through her like liquid fire.

Another cry was heard as her crimson blood was seen in drops, staining the ground sanguine on which it fell. As her face became more clear, the source of it was scene. On the right side of her face, her skin was slowely slicing open an inch and a half long, an inch under her eye, with no aparent source.

She fell to the ground as a solitary feather fell to the cold ground beneath her. Another fell, then another as she let out another scream. But no more were shed nor lost nor torn...

Then, silence. There was no motion, nor sound from Rave as she lay on the ground. There was non heartbeat, nor breath drawn into her. The wound on her cheek was not closing; which denoted the inability to heal. The air seemed colder, her skin even possibly paler than before.

Then...something happened. Something he did not deem possible by there laws. Her hand reached before her upon the ground, her nails grappling at the solid floor. She pushed herself up with much difficulty, the waves of pain still apparent.

It took her several moments to regain her composure enough to form words as soft groans escaped her lips. Her sight immediately shot to Edwards, her eyes hauntingly white, but her direction was clear. She attempted to stand, but could not. She was weak. It had drained her. She attempted to speak, but no words could form. As a tear fell from her eye, and mixed with the blood upon the ground.

Gathering her last ounce of strength she struggled to stand. Her body trembled from shock, and her mind attempted to recoil from the ever present pain now a persistant aching, which would not fade for quite some time. Her wings contracted behind her as she fought to stable herself. After a timeless while of struggle, her body steadied. The wound across her face did not heal over, and the pain was still aparent, but was a remnant of her sentence. Menaloi...cayd renowtha... she repeated to herself, in a silent reply to him which would not be heard by whom it was intended for.

There was silence as the Confession took its toll ... and more after she was revealed to be alive, unconsumed by the cleansing flame.

Spared by His divine plan, it cannot be ...
Hanna's face twisted in a scream, slashes of darkness rifling through the image. A pale, bloodied hand reached out to him, and disappeared as she fell away. Those gathered saw him reach out, clutching at nothing, and tears glittered in his eyes as he let out a roar of pain.

Deserted ... betrayed by them all ... The voice in his head was not his. It was like a spider web, a demented silky whisper from the past that tore into his soul. Betrayed even by Him, and by you ...

The Lord Inquisitor, his blond hair glistening in the candlelight like a halo, choked and drew a ceremonial dagger from his belt, and lunged clumsily towards Rave half-blinded by sorrow.

Rave immediately turned her attention toward Edward as her eyes reverted back to their normal crimson state. He stumbled toward her with a dagger in his hand. She immediately reached out to him, grasping the wrist which held the blade. It was aparent now that the side of her arm was red and burnt as she locked down upon the sides of the weak notches of the wrist. The piece of metal fell to the ground with a clatter that haunted the silence.

"It's alright..." she said, her voice soft and melodious. Her grip released as she moved the dagger out of reach with her foot. "Slow down child." Her voice was not condensending in the slightest bit. There was such pain within this being she was driven to feel sorry for him. "Calm down now..."

*Harmony watched, her eyes narrowing at Rave a little as she backed away, pulling Malea with his gently. Dear Gaia, this wasn't fair! Malea's form grew slightly taller as she sniffed the air, but she forced the change back, staying in Galabro for now. The older woman could hear something that most couldn't... the voice of the spirit that haunted the inquistor. So he was haunted was he? Desperately she wished she could speak to the spirit, but unfortunately her powers seemed to have no effect in this place. Maybe if she could speak with him outside this place... but all that would have to wait... then maybe she could help him and Malice's death would not be in vain. She wanted to help, but getting involved in this situation didn't seem like a good idea... at least not physicaly. Her voice bounced off the walls of the cathedral as she took in what she heard, and assested the situation.*

Rave... He is troubled by something more then most can see. Perhaps I can be of assitance?

*Harmony stood by Malea, clutching the urn that contained Malice's ashes. Tears were in the young woman's eyes.... but even she wasn't exactly sure why. Malea put a hand on her assistant's shoulder. She could sense an odd mix of emotions from everyone around her. Such hate, and sorrow, and foolish pride... among other things. Something had to be done before this all happened all over again... or worse.*

This is not the end that was meant thought James as the Inquisitor reached for his blade. It must be done

He looked calm as he rises from he seat, stepping forward past the gawping onlookers of the scene enacted on the floor, moving through the crowd without disturbing the fascination that that scene.

He steps up quietly to the pair in the centre, and gently places his hand upon the shoulder of the blond, tear-streaked man.
"The Lords will is done, brother... be at ease."

Ravelyn looked deeply at Edwards, her crimson eyes showing a tinge of emotion for the inquizitor. Her burns began to heal rather slowely, but the large slash on the side of her face remained. Strange...
She looked up to James whom had placed a hand upon his shoulder. She wasn't really sure if that would stop him. And if it didn't, she would have no choice...she would be able to retaliate.

*Malea sighed and shook her head. No.. it wasn't worth it. None of these people wanted her help, or wanted to hear what she had to say. Slowly she stepped back. There was no use in bothering with those who couldn't see past their own noses. As that thought sprung to her mind she almost chuckled. The blind woman can see further then all of them combined... Harmony, sensing her mentor's motions, moved with her, stepping away from the group. The two headed for the doors of the cathedral.*

Harmony: I take it you could hear his tormentor Seer-of-Souls?

*She asked quietly, using Malea's earned name as they walked. Malea nodded slowly then responded*

Malea: Yes... though I doubt I'd be of any use in this situation. I cannot speak to the spirit while inside this place. There is a great spirit blocking my gifts... not the first time I've encountered such a thing. Perhaps I will try outside... perhaps not. *She shrugged* I could help him, but I doubt any of these people here today would look too kindly on that. *she clicked her tounge* I can imagine they'd try and burn me at the steak or something equaly rediculas(sp?).

*Harmony frowned, letting out a soft sigh*

Harmony: Perhaps your right elder... its very sad. He seems like a good man at heart.

Malea: A good man with good intentions... he's just strayed off his path a little. It happens to the best of us, my dear. My heart is with him. Once we get home I'll pray to Gaia for guidance, but while we are here I will go ignored by the lot of them... Its useless...

*She sighed. The loudest sounds that came from the two women was the rhythmic click of Malea's silver tipped staff on the hard, stone floor.*

As James laid his hand upon the Inquisitor's shoulder, the man lashed out with a wild punch at the Tarricani's jaw, augmented as it was a mighty blow that could have felled a bison. It took but a breath for Edwards to twist his body - training ingrained deeper into his sinews, his flesh and blood, than his Lord was into his mind - and, spinning round he drew another knife from his belt, which lunged towards Ravelyn's throat.

The Iuthian team had now advanced a couple miles into the land, the harsh weather making such progress a daunting challenge of endurance... so far their trouble with the storm were less then was expected, as the intelligence proved to be wrong much to their beneift for once. It wasn't as cold as it could have been, meaning their equipment was much more likely to survive...

Had it not been for the ice lake, they had tried their best to increase the area bearing the wieght of the sliegh, but it had not been enough... the team lost some valuable provisions that had to be left on the sleigh. Now they has lost thier satalite commications along with some of the spare weapon parts and rations.

No matter. The forrest provided better cover from both patrols and the elements. Their first objective was only a days walk away now... they would have to make a few choices...



OOC: Yes... I know I've left this for too long, but I doubt anyone wants to hear me apologise again. However, I would like to note that I don't have much of a clue what I'm doing, advise from anyone would probably help and I hate writing something as simple as above because I feel I have to live up to WV's roleplay standard (which I hold very important because I like pretty much all the effort he puts into this threads)...

My plan is still to gather information from an outpost... probably a silly action but I'm in a nation I have little information on and I have to find people... so it's the first option I came up with... feel free to suggest a much better plan, I'm lost.

Ravelyn watched as the inquizitor unexpectadly hit the man with an uppercut to the jaw. The inquizitor lunged at her. It was then more of a reflex than an assault. Her fangs were exposed to him as a deep growl was emitted. Her wings contracted as she quickly sidestepped the blow. Grabbing his arm, and twisting it, she quickly delivered a vicious kick toward the face. She had enough of trying to defend herself when he would just end up attacking her again. She needed to end this, and end it now.

The Iuthian team struggled on, and on. The weather was harsh, but their goal - or at least where they thought their goal was - was finally close. It was a settled land, although sparse, and they were almost thankful for the cruel weather that allowed them to shelter in the open. Blizzards that threatened to tear them from the ground, and snowfalls that they could have built palaces from.

The Cathedral of St. Cuthbert raised itself, dark and glowering and green-tinged in the night sky ahead of them ...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The inquisitor cried out in pain as she grabbed his arm, taken aback by the unstoppable speed and strength that seemed to leave him little option for fighting. The kick caught his jaw, and without his helmt and with Rave's strength ... his neck snapped and he slumped.

She heard the bones of the inquisitors neck snap, and she released her grip on his arm, letting his body fall to the ground. Her wings closed, but her muscles remained tense. She looked upon the motionless body upon the floor. She made a small gesture, "God bless." She looked him once over. The man who had condemned her to such pain, yet she felt sorry for him at the same time.
She slowly turned from him, giving the others at his side a brief glance. She slowly walked away from the inquisitor, observing her arm which was just beginning to heal. I am ready to go home now... she thought to herself softly. Was it necessary to put me through all this? At the cost of his life? If he would have only listened to me...

Rising from his feet, the Prince Bishop spoke. "Salve spiritus, Domini." Ravelyn collapsed like a puppet with cut strings, and two of the grey-clad warders moved to catch her before she hit the ground, and two to escort the errant Tarricani away from the altar, and two more to reverently pick up the body of the fallen Inquisitor.

"It is done. She has been tried and spared by the mercy of the Father. Her part in His plan is not yet fulfilled.

The old Master Sanctus Solomon looked with tears in his eyes to the fallen body of his apprentice. "And even as we judge others, so we are put to the test. Ah, why fail, boy? Was your desire for vengeance so strong?" he whispered to the silence of the cathedral.

Nothing responded.

(TG)

*Harmony turned at the sound of the comotion from the front of the cathedral, Malea simply raised a brow, not turning back. She knew exactly what the sounds were. The older woman made a "tisk tisk" noise that echoed off the walls.*

Well... his life in exchange for the lives he's taken. I think things have evened out. Wouldn't you say so Harmony?

*Harmony turned back to Malea, wide eyed, and chewing on her lip. Malea smiled slightly, and shrugged*

I guess there was a divine plan afterall. I should really go speak with Eris on this.

*Malea stepped outside of the cathedral ((unless guards stop her or something)) and sucked in the outdoor air greatfully. Harmony followed hesitantly behind her.*

Now... how shall we travel home, girl? I'm sure I could make it to the submarine by Umbral passage, but that will doyou no good. It seems our hosts have forgotten this minor detail.

The detail had not been forgotten. Foreign dignitaries were escorted to a small military helipad nearby, and there expected to take flight for whence they had come.

Ravelyn Shentavo, meanwhile, was laid in state in a sleeping capsule and Iuthia contacted, offering her return at their convenience.

OOC I suspect that Deacon James will only regain consciousness in the plane on the way home. The furious inquisitor probably knocked him senseless. (and silly old me hasn't been paying attention to the forums recently. Oh well.)

Ravelyn Shentavo, meanwhile, was laid in state in a sleeping capsule and Iuthia contacted, offering her return at their convenience.

The awaiting Iuthian diplomatic corps quickly replies their wish for a Whispering Voices helicopter to transport the pod to a near by carrier or something of the sort, to allow your people to return her...

Meanwhile the team are are order to return to a preset extraction point a couple miles from their insertion point. This is probably done via some form of satalite comminucation using some sort of piggy back signal... the whole mission seems to be something of an embaressment they want to keep within Iuthia...

OOCish:

Pod is duly taken to carrier.
Iuthia, I am so sorry it happened like that. Was vaguely expecting team to post faster, and vaguely trying to finish thread at behest of Rave.

OOCish:

Pod is duly taken to carrier.
Iuthia, I am so sorry it happened like that. Was vaguely expecting team to post faster, and vaguely trying to finish thread at behest of Rave.

OOC: Trust me, it's better this way. I'm more anoyed at myself then anyone else.

Well done none the less, I think this thread will look good for the both of you.

OOC: I'll just assume everything went smoothly, and Malea and Harmony are headed back to Eris Kallisti to prevent any sort of war over this whole mess. heh. if anyone wants to continue any sort of follow up on this thread, I'll be making a new EK thread within the next few days. I'm trying to get reorganized so I can start RPing again in here more.