NationStates Jolt Archive

This is the end, Beautiful friend
This is the end, My only friend, the end
Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end
I'll never look into your eyes...again
Can you picture what will be, So limitless and free
Desperately in need...of some...stranger's hand
In a...desperate land

We were heading for the Shentavo mansion, not really knowing what to expect. The last time I went there, I went with an army to protect their lands from the inquisition. But that was business, someone has to stop wars happening, someone has to stand up for the little man occasionally.

This time is different however, this time I don’t go to Rave on business, now it’s a personnel matter, something which doesn’t concern the people of Iuthia. Now she needs my help again, not to supply troops, not to open up diplomatic channels… but to support her in her time of need.

Few people know of this bond we share, we’ve only met each other on two different occasions, the last one at great cost to myself as well as the fabled Ravelynn Shentavo, but this bond is strong, I can feel it pulling at me, drawing me closer to her like a moth to a lantern. She would be the end of me.

But what could I do? She would stand by me, I’m sure of it… but why me? Rave hangs out with the most powerful beings that I had ever seen my life, how could a simple human leader, who barely knows her, help in this time of great need…

Of course, I only know that Rave needs me through the second hand information that Genesis has handed me… though I trust her enough to know that she is serious… what ever it is, it’s going to be big.

So I’m flying in for moral support, dropping everything at once for period of indefinite leave. General Ursand will now take the position of “Acting Lord General” like he did during the Shentavo crisis many years ago. God… I was so young back then and a lot more naïve. That time I brought an entire team of people to analysis her and protect me from possible attack. Now I go to her with little more then a Hippogriff Support Craft and Decker, my most trusted Black Viper… but I suppose I know she will not harm me and as long as I am there no harm will come to me.

I suppose I always knew life as a national leader was going to be complicated; the intricate and delicate situation I am now in will probably finish what relationship I had left with Kiara… she still believes I have changed a lot since that Vampire Conference I held… maybe she is right, but this isn’t the time to worry about that, I’ve got a friend in need.

I slowly got up and moved towards the cockpit where Decker was flying the craft with his steady hand.

“How far away are we now?” I asked, but already I could see that looming mansion of hers, memories flooding back in streams of pictures moving to fast to record in my memory. The overwhelming sense of being back in that dream came to me, instilling some odd feelings of remorse. But it was irrelevant so I blocked it out and focused on the task ahead…

“Should we ask for permission to land, Sir?” Decker looked at me expectantly, he had seen those eyes too many times in his life, asking for confirmation and looking for the right answer which only I could have. But I didn’t always have an answer… you just had to sound like you did and everyone would be happy that nothing could go wrong.

“No, not this time… she knows I’m coming and probably knows I’m close. We’ll just land on the helicopter pad like we did last time; someone will come up and collect us… I’m sure of it.”

OOC Post: Well, for those who didn’t guess it, this is another part of the endless Rave Shentavo threads… this is something Rave seems to have set up in the “New Beginning” thread so I’m starting things of early to get things running.

As for time period, well, this is before “The End?” and after the “Vampire Conference” conclusion, once Rave has somehow escaped the persecution of the Inquisitors. For the time being this is between me and Rave but if your character is a Shentavo or has some good reason to be at her residence then feel free to jump in, but I’m sure you can see that this is a personal thing for James deGritz.

Ah… that’s something I may want to add as well. A lot of you followers of Rave don’t seem to pay attention to the Iuthian mix to all of this, not that I blame you, this will be the fourth thread I’ve directly RPed with Rave Shentavo so it’s not like I’m a big influence or anything.

Basically the above post is my first, first person post, where James deGritz describes his recent feelings on the whole situation… when I can be bothered I may make parts of it links so that people may learn what I am talking about… after all, it’s not as well documented as your threads.

Yes, the song lyrics are from the band “The Doors” and yes it was the song used in “Apocalypse Now” called “The End”. I feel that the lyrics fit perfectly and it’s the third time I’ve incorporated a song into my posts… the first time I used Iron Maidens “666 number of the beast” to try and break into Rave’s song thread… how ever I didn’t manage to get noticed and I wasn’t in the mood to bug people about it. The second time was “Sing for Absolution” by Muse, which again (for the third time) fitted beautifully.

Now on to the thread… I do rant on but when I’m in the mood to type loads, I will.

Rave brought her eyes slowely up to meet anothers. She stood in front of a man with dark brown hair. A white streak lay amongst the dark threads. His crimson eyes mimicked hers. In her eyes you saw everything and nothing at the same time. You saw the age, expeiance and knowledge behind her, and it was reflected in his. Her black glossy hair fell to her waist. Her pale skin shown in the dim light that fell upon them. She breathed in a breath of air, and looked upon her son. He stood facing her without a trace of fear in his eye. He knew he would lose. He always knew he would lose against her.
"Are you ready," she asked calmly. Strips of leather were tied around her knuckles. She stretched her hands up over her head stretched her wings. Qui looked to her in respect and paced slightly.
"I am," he said after a while. "as I'll ever be." With that she started. Her punches were fast and quick. Qui began as well, blocking and taking his own shots. They fought back and forth for a long while. A never ending battle. Each hit was blocked by both. Rave quickly noticed his mistake and capitalized on it, kicking him in the stomach and pushing him back to the ground. He fell on his back, but flipped back up. He was as good as she had been. She was better than she had been. Her moves were quick and solid. It was as if she knew the moves before he made them. "Faster. You're faster than this Qui."
Qui smiled slightly, and obeyed her command. They continued. Qui, however, was met by Raveyln's fist, hitting him straight in the face. Blood poured down from his lower lip and he looked at her. "Faster." she said. He once more obliged her, but was knocked back effortlessly.
"Faster," she said. She was unmoved, untouched. She beckoned him on. It had been like this for months. Always training. Always fighting against the second strongest in the nation.
"I can't go any faster!" he yelled at her. "You know I can't!" He turned from her. "I can't do this any longer! You've been training for months. Not one time have I hit you! Not one time have I been able to go faster. God damnit Rave isn't it enough for you to know I have mastered your powers! I have mastered your strengths. But you...you have pushed beyond comprehension! Where not even I can acheive such a level! Damn it to hell!"
Rave was slightly startled and placed her hand on his shoulder. "I know...I know. And I do like that white streak in your hair. Brings out character."
Qui slightly laughed, and shook his head. "Female vampires...never cease to amaze me. Damn devil of an angel."
"You must accept it in the end Qui, or it shall be the end of me, and all of us," she said calmly.
"I Don't want to accept it! I'm not a God damn angel like yourself. I can't do the things you do!"
"Yes," she said softly. "You can. I've seen you do it. You've been endowed with my power...and mine have strengthened. You may not want to admit it, but you are half angel. I was still a full blooded angel when you were born."
"NO!" he yelled. "I am not an angel...and never will be. And if angelic blood is your gift to me, then I will not accept it!"
"You have to Qui...that's why you have control of your celestial power. You must embrace that side of you. For so long you have been considered a full blooded vampire to everyone. The fact is...you're not. They may not know that now....but when you take my place..."
"IF I take your place. Never say that Ravelyn...you'll survive."
"Will I?" She asked, raising an eyebrow. "It's your prophecy, you know how it ends..."
"It's not like that...certain events have to occur for a prophecy to go the way it was meant to...and everything is in order...though I have not seen the actual ending...just blurs of what can happen."
"Clean yourself up."
"Why?" he asked, licking the stray blood from his lips.
"Because we have a visitor..." she said stretching again, then sitting down in a chair. Qui immediately went up to the roof. It's James...not any one to attack, kill or maim. And you may want to keep that change of you on low for now...

Decker began the standard landing procedure on the helipad, making sure not to damage anything in the process. He wasn’t really trained as a pilot; it was more of a pet interest. But James had insisted that this wasn’t a military matter, that guards would send out the wrong message this time. He wanted Rave to know that he trusted her.

With this sentiment, James opened the side hatch of the Hippogriff, allowing full view of the entrance to the Shentavo Mansion. So many mansions, so little time, James thought. He was a little surprised by the lack of greeting party… but then again, he could never remember details with Rave, only a vague depiction of the things they talked about. He steadied his mind once again… he may trust her but privacy is privacy after all, otherwise he might as well walk in naked.

“Come on Decker, let this thing recharge while we go have a chat with Rave, I’m sure you’ll find her… interesting. But don’t be alarmed at her appearance, ok? ”

“Don’t worry Sir, after initiating that Clanger into the Black Viper ranks I’m ready for anything… I mean, we had to use flutes to communicate to them ourselves.”

“Ah yes… I had a hard time keeping myself from laughing at that, I swear it looked like you managed to insult him at one point… oh, and call me James on this trip, I’m not here on official business. ”

“Yes S-… sure thing James.” Decker smiled a little… they didn’t usually talk on a first name basis when out in another nation, so he couldn’t help feeling like their bond had strengthened over the past few days.

The two finally finished closing up the Hippogriff and headed towards the door on the helipad they had landed on. It wasn’t locked so James led the way into the Shentavo mansion for a second time in his life.

Qui meet him the instant he stepped through the door. The cut on his lip could be seen, but the rest had healed over, or was covered. He looked at James. "James," he said warmly. "Good to see you again. Someone has to put an end to her madness or it will be the end of me." he said with a laugh.
As they walked down various corridors, leading them to the council room. "She's been training for months down. Everyday I have the chance to get the hell beat out of me. Heaven, isn't it?" he said jokingly. The white streak in his hair was a definite change, and more significant than anyone knew.

The memory flooded back as he walked down the corridors following Qui’s every turn, something seemed a little different about him from before… James couldn’t remember the white streak in his hair from last time so he put it down to that.

“Good to see you again too, it’s been some time.” James replied, still staring a little at the boy’s hair. “So I take it she is still training then? Personally I wouldn’t worry about it… we all need to keep in shape, I’m sure the same applies to immortals as well.”

“She's been training for months down. Everyday I have the chance to get the hell beat out of me. Heaven, isn't it?” Qui said jokingly, taking another turn around a well-lit corner.

“I sure it isn’t that bad and training helps focus the mind, it’ll do you the world of good. But doesn’t she train this much normally? I would of thought someone with her skill would have to keep training to stay so sharp… oh, wait, how absent minded of me… Qui, this is Decker, my close friend and pilot. Decker, this is Qui, one of Rave’s…err… coven?” James was lost… he never really understood the relationships very well… so he made a leap and hoped they wouldn’t be offended.

Meanwhile James kept his mind well focused on keeping information where it should be, in this head behind the numerous surfaces thoughts placed to confuse telepaths. Currently military parade music could be heard [if your reading James] and faint images of soldiers marching in formation could be seen.

"Son," Qui corrected with a wry smile. "She's never trained this much before...never needed to. It's becoming obsessive though...beleive me, she doesn't need to stay in shape, her figure rarely ever changes. She just is. However..." He said opening a door toward the council chambers. "She has reached limits beyond my comprehension." He left him at the door. "She's right in there, and I take it she doesn't want me there either...and I must admit neither do I." He said. His words didn't quite make sense to James, but they were right in his mind.
As James peered through the door, he caught sight of an angel in a soft velvet chair at the head of a long table. Black satin graced her skin. Her ever drawing glare matched James with her crimson eyes. Her black glossy hair was tied back for once in a clip. She seemed younger, more alive, and at the same time, older, and more experianced. She greeted James and Decker with a smile.
"James," she said with a soft melodic voice. "It is good to see you again away from Inquizitor's grasps." she laughed slightly. No hard feelings were left from that confrence. The inquizitors would get their wish soon.

“Nice to see you’re in a good mood too, but Rave, you know why I’m here. Your friends are worried about you, they say you’ve been training for a month or so now… what’s the matter?” James wanted to say more, but he needed to address this now otherwise the entire conversation would end up skipping around the point like a uncomfortable taboo… upon asking this James was tense, after all, what was she training for… and did she really want to say…

Rave shifted, slightly uncomfortable at the question. She motioned to a chair and it slid back slightly, offering James a seat. Her eyes never had looked up to the chair. She looked at the table, in a daze for several seconds. "I'm not sure what's coming James. Qui, has always had his prophecies...and all of them have come true. An evil is coming....an unfathomable evil...and I will have to face it...alone." she turned her eyes toward him. "In the end, no one will stand by my side against it...the sight of it has made trained soliders collapse to the ground. And it's coming. It's coming for me. Sort of an old aquaintance... Have you heard of Mephistopheles?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

“No, I don’t read too much into the occult, there is no obvious system to it.” Said James looking directly at her, her black obsidian hair served as a perfect contrast to her delicate ivory skin. “Is there any way I can help you besides offering moral support?”

James had never seen Rave so down trodden before, she was usually up beat and defiant no matter the odds, but this time she gave the impression that all was lost before the battle had even begun. James tried his best to look stern and strong, not out of some misplaced bravado, but in a attempt to switch roles, to be strong for Rave.

She sighed, and leaned back in her chair. The rough edges dug into her skin, and she pushed back hard, as if trying to aliviate her mental suffering by offering physical pain in substitution. "I'm not sure," she said with a laugh, as if trying to pick herself up. "You could come to my wedding." she said with a slight laugh and a wry smile. She looked at James, and he saw a familiar flicker in her eye, but it was dim, and failing.

Qui listened from outside the door. He leaned against the wall. A surge of pain tore through his side, and he fell to his knees. Within seconds it was gone, and he staggered back up, full of trepidation of what was happening to him. He flicked his wrist, forming a small white orb...of celestial light. He threw it to the ground, and a small white fire ignited, and extinguished itself as quickly as it had come. Another white streak lay within his hair. He didn't consider this coming the end, but for him, it would be the beginning.

"I'm not sure," she said with a laugh, as if trying to pick herself up. "You could come to my wedding." she said with a slight laugh and a wry smile. She looked at James, and he saw a familiar flicker in her eye, but it was dim, and failing.

James continued to stare for a moment like he hadn't heard any thing... then looked away for a second to think. Turning back to her, he replied.

"Err... sorry... no one seems to tell me these things... maybe you should start from there and we can work up to what is wrong now, becuase I don't think I can help if I don't understand." James now looked down and then continued his eye to eye contact with Rave... he was a simple man really and he liked things to stay simple... maybe that was how he could help, by adding a different spin onto the situation.

Thinking about it again however... James began to feel a little down, he was just a human after all, no powers, average strength and in this early forties... how could he understand the powerful forces at work? How could his input be truely worth anything. What James needed was a way to re-assure her and he could think how...

Rave leaned back in her chair with a slight smile at the thought of whom she spoke of. "I have been engaged for quite some time to a man named Michael Vaughn...from Underaloz...we've gone through hell together, literally. See, we went to a place that his sister had a vision upon. And upon entering and solving many obstacles...we came to a room. A room I remember all to well. His...ex-wife was there...alive, supposed to be dead...resurrected is a better term. She killed him....I couldn't stop it...it was too much for me to handle. I did the only thing I could....I killed myself. I sacrificed my life to save his. Our souls met. He apparently didn't see things the same way. He sent me back into HIS body... His soul was sent to a type of hell demention on the enclave. I travelled to Underaloz, then through a unfathomable hell...but to make a very long story short...his soul was restored to his body, and he restored mine. Anyway...we are to be married, and I wish you to be there.." she said with the full flicker in her eyes. She needed something to reach or stive for. She needed a purpose to be animated.

"You know I can't say no. Of course I will be honoured to come, but surely with this good news I would of thought you'd be a little more... well, happy." James looked down again for a moment and then looked back up with a smile of joy. Almost like a weight had been lifted from his chest, making things a little easier then before.

"Now, back to what we're meant to be talking about. Who is this Mephistopheles bloke? and how has he got you so... agitated?"

"Beleive me, I am very happy," she says with a familiar smile. She was happy at the sound of his very name and was entirely devoted to him. She regained s slight smile as she spoke of Mephistop. "Well you see, Mephisto and I go a long way back. You would better know him as the prince of darkness, lucifer, or satan. He was, in fact, a seraphim. He was cast down by Gabriel's and my blade. Gabriel however, no longer walks this earth in the same manor I do. We thought we had him there for good...never able to set foot upon the land. In fact, we were very wrong. His chains have been wearing down over millenia...and he has broken free. He hasn't fogotten what his fellow seraphims did to him...and I'm the only one left to walk this earth...and he's coming for me. And once I'm gone...think of it as a hell on earth if he isn't stopped."

"Ah I see... so there is another person out there like you then" Quickly relising what he had said, perhaping overcompensating when correcting himself, "Not that he's anything like you of course..."

"I also get the impression that placing 300'000 troops in this nation isn't going to do much to help either..." James sighed for a moment and then looked by up, concerned but not worried. "I have complete confidence in you and your friends... you sound like you've been through a lot... a lot more then I think I could ever handle... a lot of this is more then I should be able to handle, but I think I'm getting used to it."

James sat for a moment thinking the situation over in his mind like it were a war game, looking at every part of information he recieved and then queried it. "Can you call in any favors from up above? if not then I hope you have alot of information on him, his weaknesses and his strengths... you will need to know your enemy. But then... I suppose you would already have thought of that... no... I have complete trust in you, prophecy or not I know you can beat this, if not with your strength of body then with your strength of mind and heart." James felt like saying more... but decided to leave it at that, he had said enough about the negative for one day.

"I can to some degree...but most of my celestial "favors" were used in sacrificing myself for Vaughn..." she said with a sigh. "You're confidence in me gives me hope. I'm glad that you have come here. I must inform you, I know no strengths nor weaknesses...I haven't seen him for a long time, as you can imagine."

Qui continued to listen in on the conversation. As he looked in the mirror, he tossled his hair. What was happening to him? No...no he was a full blood...he couldn't be a hybrid like his mother...Impossible. Completely impossible.

"What am I going to do James? I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders...and people still think I have the energy to hold the universe"

"I suggest you get as much help from your friends as you can... not me, I would fall in a instant against this... thing of which you speek. You will need Genesis, Qui and all the others, the ones with real power. We can't be alone all the time Rave, sometimes we need help and for once you may need help." James sat and thought about it for a moment... there wasn't much he could say as he was ignorant of everyones strengths and he was sure he had only ever seen a fraction of her power.

Through out this, Decker had remained silent... like James there was nothing he could say to really help the supernatural Rave, he could only stand there and watch his best friend try and comfort her the best he could with the limited knowledge he had.

"How much use will the others be? I take it they are almost as powerful... or at least Qui is... would they be much use again this man? Asked James, mind locked in thought, trying to think in a way he never had before.

"Mephisto's true power has never been revealed to me, but once. And then, it was distributed among two Seraphim, which knocked me out for a good ten hours. That was half his power. Qui....Qui is....I'm not quite sure. He is the strongest out of all of them, and surpasses them by far, but I'm not sure if he will have the strength do do this. I can't risk losing my only son...if I should die...there has to be someone to take over this nation, the school, lead my family...and with Daja dead...he is the next in line." She paused for a long while, and walked slowely toward James. She wrapped her arms around him tightly. A tear fell from her eye as she hugged him unexpectadly. "Thank you, James." her voice became soft, almost childlike. "Thanky you."

"I am not advising that you have someone else carry this fate instead of you, but that you at least allow them to assist you... there is often strength in numbers and your cohorts are strong. Though I must admit, keeping Qui from helping you isn't going to be easy... he seems like the strong willed type." James sat in contemplation for a moment, then looked towards Rave with a renewed smile.

"Perhaps it would be better that we talked about this later... after all, I've only just got here and I think I've got enough information to mull over for a few days... lets concentrate on the good side of life. Where and when is this marrage to take place?" At this point James looked that bit brighter, partly becuase it was nice to move away from troubles and partly because he knew it would help.

By this time Decker had taken to examining the room in greater detail as it was much more luxurious then the deGritz mansion, which was built for practicality and not luxury. Decker also made a point of not touching anything, it seemed delicate and he didn't want to offend.

"He is quite strong willed. It is getting harder and harder for him to listen to me. Much like I was with my sire, though things will not turn out the same was as it did."
Rave smiled at him and sat back. Her old aura had returned to her. It seemed that she needed to focus on a brighter subject. "We actually haven't set a date, but before Qui's prophecy can have a chance to become true." She laughed lightly.
Qui continued to listen outside the council room. The door had been closed, and he leaned against it. Suddenly, he fell to the ground from the shooting pain in his back, writhing on the floor. He did not call out...he never wanted his mother to be right...and he wouldn't accept her healing touch. The pain had been becoming worse with every approaching day. He did not know why, nor knew how to control it. A hand grasped his tightly and helped him up to a sitting position. Genesis leaned by his side and placed her hand on his back. Qui tried to refuse her help, but she didn't listen to his comands. She looked at him, her ice blue eyes meeting his crimson.
"What's going on Qui?" she asked. Before he could make an excuse, he continued. "You may think that none of us have witnessed what's going on...but we have. Mar is worried insanely about you, as well as I." She ran her fingers through his glossy hair, and passed her fingertips over the two white streaks. "I've seen you control the light Qui...that's not a characteristic of a vampire...its an angelic trait Qui. Explain this to me..." she said standing up, as he fell back again, seemingly still in pain as it was fading away. "How is it that you are changing, and we remain the same with the approaching times. Explain to me why your hair is turning white...and don't say because it's of old age! You may be an anceint, but your appearance never changes...except for now... Explain to me why is it that you have been going through such pain!" she was slightly angry right now, from her frustration.
Qui stood up and towered over her by six inches. He stood still for several seconds. "I can't explain Gene...I can't. I'm not sure what's going on...I...Rave...says that I'm like her. A hybrid."
"Impossible," she said softly and paced around him. "What are you hiding from us Qui."
Qui did not answer, but continued on with his previous thoughts. "She says she was still an angel when her and Daja..."
Genesis cut him off short and slapped him straight across the face. He turned his head slightly from the force. "I've been with you through so many years....so many years have we stood by you. I don't know what your hiding...but if you don't tell me, I have my own methods of finding out!" she walked away, and Qui watched her, not moving to follow her at all. He looked toward the ground.
Rave smiled brightly. "Whatever the future may hold in store for us, we'll face it with open minds and strong hearts." She leaned back in her chair and looked at James. "Care for anything to drink?" She asked him in her melodic voice. "Your quarters have also been prepared...I hope you will find them adequate. The west wing." And by that, she meant the entire west wing of the house. She smiled softely.

“I think I will have a shot of whisky for the time being, it’s been a long couple of days with all the traveling I’ve been doing and those Hippogriffs aren’t designed for comfort…”

“I’ll have a beer if you’ve got one thanks, any ol’ beer will do, I’m not fussy. ” Decker asked. They both awaited their drinks and thanked the person who gave it to them before James continued.

“Yes, what ever the future may hold for us” James repeated [A picture of a woman, not Rave, followed by many faces]. “I’m sure we do fine, anyways lets just concentrate on your wedding… got any specific ideas of how you want it to go? I think ‘peaceful’ is a given.”

"Non-demonic would be nice for a change...no hell mouths opening...just silence. Complete serenity. I really want it to go smoothly...but if any one interrupts...I'm sure that both Vaughn and I would be more than likely to stifle them." She laughed slightly. Indeed that would be nice... She brushed back her glossy black hair from her shoulders. The light passed through the crimson irises of her eyes and lightened their color at the point of contact. The scarlet curtains were drawn and a soft light shone in. The mansion over looked the sea, and a soft ocean breeze drifted through the window. THe sound of the waves could be heard...and for once, the mansion seemed eerily quiet.

“This Vaughn, you say he is from Underaloz… that will make things a little interesting. We had an ‘incident’ with them a while back over they accidentally teleported someone into a major population centre. If I remember correctly we gave that woman quite a fright with the interrogation process… don’t worry, that sounds worse the it is, we favour intimidation over less humane methods.” James smiled for a moment in recollection… “I think we ended up working together on a MT scrambling system that would, well, scramble teleporting matter. Luckily for your people, magic works on a different level of science.”

"Yes, that's a good thing," she smiled brightly toward him. "He's amazing...."
"Tried to kill her," Qui said to himself behind the closed door. His hair now had several more white streaks in it, and his eyes had faded to a lighter crimson.
"He's a hybrid, like myself. The energy between us was so great that his heart began to beat, after we..." she laughed slightly with an infamous smile. A flicker could be seen in her eyes. James knew the rest of that sentence, and she brought her hand to her face. She smiled and looked back to him. "Yea..." she said after a short break of topic. "Anyway...he's great..."

James smiled for a moment, but he wasn’t the kind of person to ask into that kind of thing much, after all he’s in his forties not his teens.

“So, what exactly is Vaughn a hybrid of? Not that it’s any of my business, I just like to keep up with the amount of celestial creatures I deal with so I can brag about it to my children one day.” James smiled and then thought again of Kiara, maybe if he gave her the impression that he was giving her some control of the nation she would get off his back about how different he is… maybe she’ll even like the new him.

“Decker, there is no real reason for you to sit around here and listen to us, feel free to go search the mansion like I know you want to…”

Decker, half asleep, replied quickly. “Yes si-… sure James.” Decker got up an moved towards the door.

She smiled at Decker, then turned back to James. "Actually...I'd like to know myself. He is half vampire, but not full. The people of his nation know not of this...and I beleive half human...I've never really asked him about his other half..." she trailed off, and then began to contemplate possiblities. "But just the same, I know he isn't an angel." She laughed slighlty.
Qui leaned against the door, he was so lost in his thoughts, he did not sense decker approaching. He pushed back his hair from his face. And slowely, he was beginning to think Rave was right.

“I suppose you’ll find out sooner or later… he’s not really avoided the subject has he or have you never really thought to ask him?” James’s tone wasn’t investigative or anything, more a little concerned, he knew what it was liked to be surprised for the worst… and occasionally for the better.

Meanwhile, Decker reached the large oak (?) door pulled it open with good old military technique, pulling the door towards him quickly so he can see out into the corridor and continue to have cover… it wasn’t purposeful, it’s just years of training that he’ll never really shake off.

"I haven't asked," she said with a smile.
Qui not noticing that the door had opened, fell back toward the ground. With lightning fast reflexes, he turned and landed in a push up position with one hand on the ground, the other maintaining his balance. He pushed himself up off of that one hand, and stood up and leaned in the doorway. He looked at Decker, and smiled.
Ravelyn caught his eye. His hair had turned increasingly white, yet his youthfulness remained the same. Several streaks lay withing his hair. The two did not take thier eyes off eachother.

“Nice to know the kids are keeping up with the latest trends” James remarked… he knew that Qui was probably older then he was, but something about his actions suggested to him that Qui was still teenage at heart.

Decker’s adrenaline was now pumping into his heart as he looked down at Qui, who had surprised him a little. However, Decker was trained to keep his composure even in the face of imminent doom so he hardly flinched at all, he wouldn’t have even flinched a little had he not been human. Deciding to get out of a tough situation made worst by James’s rather unfortunate choice of words, Decker left the room to go and look for something to eat and to see if he could navigate the large mansion.

Rave laughed and gave him a wink. Indeed Qui was still teenage at heart...at least a part of him was. But then again, when you stay 25 forever... Rave looked at Qui. "Since when did bleaching your hair come into fashion for you Qui?"

"I didn't bleach it!" he remarked, defensively. "It just happens every time..."
"I see," she cut him off. Apparently there were somethings that needed to be discussed between family members. "Prepare James' chambers will you?"
"Already did," he paused for a moment. "You know where to find me."
"I do," she said as he closed the door and looked back to James. "Well, that was quite interesting. Anyway, about such...who have you got your eye on James?"

"To be honest, I don't understand the question... but if it's what I think it is I would say Kiara. I think it's time to start thinking about looking for a heir... though I don't think a child would be suitable, afterall they would be too spoiled. I was thinking of talking to people in my nation and looking quietly... *ahem* that was assuming you were asking about who I'm interested in recently..." James blushed slightly, even national leaders have emotions and while James may be able to stare death in the face (still scared but won't allow it to overcome him), he isn't really good with other emotions...

Rave chuckled slightly in teasing him. "I beleive that was my question," she said as she caught the flushness of his cheeks. Night was beginning to fall. A full moon was arising, and the calm ocean breeze swept in through the window. She got up from her seat, pushing it in slightly. She smiled to James. "Your quarters have been prepared, and you are free to stay as long as you wish...we will discuss matters more in the morning, however I am fightfully tired now, and I do apologize for that."

"I was about to suggest that anyways... it really has been a long couple of trips and I'm still lagged from sitting in a uncomfortable craft. I'll see you tomorrow and then I'll think on how long to stay... who knows, maybe I'll make a small holiday out of it." James smiled at the prospect. Then yawned slowly, forming a large "O" with his mouth. "Goodnight Rave"

Ravelyn left the room with a slight smile as she walked down a long corrider. "Good night, James."
___

As James travelled through the mansion toward his chambers, he passed elaborate stone structures and magnificant paintings. The wooden floor donned a plush red carpet that led down the long hallway. James soon came to a door that said is name on it. It was strange how they always seemed to be prepared for their guests, as if they knew they were coming. The room was decorated lavishly. Three large windows gave sight out onto the shore and ocean. Rain beaded up against the windows. A storm was coming, but not one so violent as they had seen. It was soothing to hear the rain beat up against the glass. Cream colored curtains hung over the windows, and if needed, could be closed. A four poster bead with rich fabrics such as silk and satin lay at the center of the room and against a deep emerald wall. Hidden accents of green could be seen within the room. As you looked up toward the ceiling, a skylight could be seen, looking out to the stars and the full moon. The room was lit softly, and was warm in comparrison to the cold breeze that had crept into the council rooms.

OOC: I’ll leave it at that for now, James would of spent around half an hour looking of the window enjoying the view, but he was really tired and I think that it would be unlikely that he could do that, he’s had a last two long trips recently and he’s hardly about to do anything more then he has to. Plus I’m currently at a mental block on where to go next…

IC:

James dreams… they are simple dreams, nothing with any discernable portent, he just dreams. He dreams about a young man by his side, smiling out to Iuthia Prime Square were the biggest crowd James had ever seen in his life are cheering in joy… the young man shakes James hand with pride, James’s hand is frail and old though he seems to have aged with dignity. The crowd shout a name, the name of the young man… but he couldn’t describe the name, or even repeat it… it’s all just a dream and details rarely matter. James dreams…

Outside stands a seraphim in all of her glory. The water falls upon her pale skin, and slowely slips off her skin to the ground. Her black hair clung to her skin as it took in water. Across from her stood a man in a sleveless leather jacket. They stood ten paces apart. Silence. Nothing but the rain slapping down on the ocean, as if it would defeat the ocean that had given life to it in the first place. The two began again, sparring. But it was more than that, more violent. Qui had more of an aptitude for fighting than anyone else, and he was the only one who had the guts to stand up to both Rave, and formerly Daja.
They could be seen from James' window, though did not notice. Rave continued as it continued to rain and the sun was rising on the horizon.

James woke up from his silent slumber, his eyes were a little tired but otherwise it had been a welcome rest from all the traveling he had done. I think I'm going to stay here for at least a couple days, James thought. I need the holiday and I don't think Rave will mind....

James went to get up and made a "urgh" noise as he pulled himself up. He wasn't as young as he used to be and he wasn't getting any younger. I'm going to have to sort out that heir thing some time. He swung his legs to the left and put them down on the floor near his slippers, the floor was a little cold as it was made from wood with no rug in that area, but James didn't mind, it woke him up that bit quicker.

After going throught the morning routine of cleaning himself up, James got dressed in something a little simpler then his normal military garb. He put on some black trouser and a short sleeved green shirt... dressing up was something he would do on a formal occasion.

Finishing the routine, James headed for the kitchen... hoping he would be able to navigate the many halls of the Shentavo mansion.

As he rounded the corner, he bumped into Kenja. Her silvery hair was pulled back in a cliip and fell in soft waves to her waist. Her blue sparkling eyes shattered even the hardest ice of hearts. She fell slightly, but managed to stay up. The nineteen year old was upbeat and energetic. She laughed and smiled brightly. "I'm sorry...I..I don't usually watch where I'm going..I mean.. I I do watch where I'm going...it's just I wasn't...going...and yeah. Sorry." She lookedat him with her head tilted slightly, and until she realized she was rambling, she carried on. "Can I help you with anything? You seem lost."

James walked around another corner looking a little lost in a maze of corridors and rooms; he was really paying attention when Kenja bumped into him.

“Sorry” They said in unison, she had stumbled a little, though she didn’t fall down. Either way James offered his hand to help her up.

“I'm sorry...I, I don't usually watch where I'm going...I mean… I, I do watch where I'm going...it's just I wasn't...going...and yeah. Sorry.” She was rambling a little, which really seemed out of place to James… everyone else her seemed more assertive. “Can I help you with anything? You seem lost.” She said, straightening herself out.

“Yeah… could you show me which way it is to the kitchen? This place is bigger then I thought.” He replied. She looked pretty young… though James was beginning to suspect that she may still be older then he is considering where he is.

She smiled. "Um..." she said shaking her head to shake off her rambling. "Yes...I sometimes get lost as well. It's...It's this way." She said turning left. "I'm going there actually as well. Follow me." She slowely walked down the corrider toward a large room. It was in gothic style architecture. The numerous windows lit up the place and let an ocean breeze drift in. A large wooden table was in the center of the room. There was a counter, and various chefs working on preparing food. She went to the counter.
"Miss Kenja!" he exclaimed. "How nice to see you this morning. The usual?"
"Of course," She said, and beckoned James to order as well. A few were sitting down at the table. Genesis was there, but was intensively reading some sort of ancient text. Marie and Paladerina were eating, and occasionally discussing what was going on outside.

“I’ll have a couple fry eggs, bacon, sausages, maybe a bit of fried bread and some orange juice.” Asked James… it wasn’t healthy but he didn’t care, he’s abroad. He took a seat no where in particular, just one of the empty spaces which was a little out of the way so he didn’t disturb anyone. Not bad… a little clichéd but it fits… He thought.

The food was brought to him quickly. Kenja came back with a clear cup, filled to the brim with coffee with God knows how much extra caffine, complete with whipcream, caramel, chocolate, vanilla powder, chocolate powder, and a curly straw. She sat across from him with a smile, and the others found her particularly amusing. Seni looked at her from the edge of the table, but as she looked at him, he cast his eyes down. She looked back at James. "So," she said brightly. "What brings you here?"

"Well, I'm hear because Genesis was worried about Rave's constant training and preparation..." James replied, eating his breakfast; at least he wasn't eating with his mouth open or talking with food in his mouth. "To be honest, she seems perfectly normal... for a vampire, I suppose... maybe a little worried about something but she's got a wedding to look forward to, I think she just wants it to be perfect."

James smiled for a moment. "Eitherway, I'm going to be here for a while to get away from the stressful life of micromanaging a nation and dealing with sensitive issues that having 8 different races of people creates... I mean the Dark Elves are always complaining about the Light Elves and visa versa. At least they don't commit crime though... we eliminated that years ago." James did like the idea of being away from the nation for a while... and it made him a little happy, he knew he could trust Ursand, who looked after the nation during James's first visit of the Shentavo mansion. "How about you? Are you a Shentavo or something else? I have trouble keeping up..."

"It's alright. Yes I am," she said with another smile. "On actuallity, I hate to admit it, but I am not Ravelyn's fledgling. I'm Qui's." She paused momentarily. "The only one who could survive his classes, you know?" She sipped on the concoction of coffee and caffine, then continued. "Yes, she is getting a little out of hand. She always does. Most of them do..especially my mentor." She flinched slightly, then looked back to him. "We are all beginning to worry....for the wedding however...we are not worried in the slightest bit... No one will get in unless invited." She seemed extremely confident. She turned her head as a man walked in.
Qui wiped the blood from his lip, and sat down near Seni completely exhausted. Seni turned toward him, and they began an indepth conversation about which was more effective, a saber, or a guardian's blade. Kenja rolled her eyes at the two. Boys. she thought to herself.

In a low voice "Personally I would go with a Gauss Rifle" Twizzling the remaining piece of bacon around his fork. "So I take it you will be having alot of guards in place for the wedding... I would offer to help but I don't think my military have any respect in this nation."

He took a moment to look at Seni's drink... something had been niggling in his mind about it... "I thought vampires couldn't drink normal liquids... you know, that whole 'turn to ash' thing in the bible and all."*


*OOC: This techniqually isn't true, some vampires eat (even in WoD) and then later they throw up... the idea is that hunters can't distinguish you by noticing you don't eat... then again, literature doesn't argee on this one, some eat some don't.

"No...it's just a common misconception. The only way I'm turning to dust is by a sword or such through the heart, decapitation, burning or such." She said unusually upbeat. "No...not many guards...just a few of the best. And our military consists entirely of humans, with the exception of Seth of course. There must have been some respect." She added with a smile and finished her drink.

"No...it's just a common misconception. The only way I'm turning to dust is by a sword or such through the heart, decapitation, burning or such." She said unusually upbeat. "No...not many guards...just a few of the best. And our military consists entirely of humans, with the exception of Seth of course. There must have been some respect." She added with a smile and finished her drink.

"Heh... yeah, like the respect we got through out the whole 'Vampire Conference' thing... which made us out to be a load of incompitant fools who couldn't stop someone from beating up Rave. Comments like that are terrible for moral... it's lucky that things turned out the way they did in the end." James didn't look happy... it was a bad period for him and he could still feal the non-existant wound he got during that conference. [Again, his mind is completely closed off at this point... he inherently exspects vampires to try and read his mind].

"Anyways... I better just forget that whole thing, it would be better for everyone." James looked down for a moment, thought about something and then got up slowly. "I'm going for a walk, I need to think about a few things"

Kenja's smile faded. "Well," she said, trying to regain her upbeat nature. "If you need anything...feel..feel free to ask." She got up from the table and exited the door. As she walked out, Seni got up as well, following her. Qui laughed to himself slightly. Boy doesn't have a chance. He shook his head and continued to stare out the window.