NationStates Jolt Archive

Okay, so this is it. Everyone who was on the list is now in the official RP. If you weren't on the list in the sign-up thread then don't reply. The only thing that will result in is me being angry. I expect everyone to do a little intro, basically them arriving in Thrope. I'm hoping you'll all follow the story as it unfolds. So, let's begin.

Please use the sign-up for OOC only posts. I don't want this to get littered.

OOC: did my dude make it? just curious!

OOC: I forgot to mention, all the RPers characters count as the representitives mentioned in this intro.

IC: The docks of Lycan City's Harbour were filled with people. This was the first time that the Lycan Festival was open to foreigners. The whole city, perhaps even the whole country, were a buzz with excitment. In the middle of all this, stood Aimee Sharpe, the anchorwomen for TNN(Thrope National Network) News. She was now presenting her welcome report, which was playing on the public TV's all around the Harbour and the city.

"Hello everyone, this is Aimee Sharpe with TNN News. Lycan City is a flurry of activity as our people welcome the first foreigners to ever attend the Lycan Fesitval. We've just confirmed that it's not only foreign mortals, like our normal tourists, but many type of peoples we have only heard about. Elves, Vampires, and many others will be here tonight for the opening of the festival. Duchess Xaria O'Keith is to open the ceremony for the chosen representitives from their nations. That is if she shows up.

That's right, Her Grace is gone again. It seems she slipped out of Keiran Castle early this morning. This may seem like a shock to our visitors, but trust me when I say, This is normal. We only hope she'll grow up a bit more when she is crowned Queen at the end of this weekend. The Royal Guard are looking for her, so people of Lycan City be on guard. Welcome to our foreign visitors, we hope you enjoy the festival. And to the duchess, Please stop putting yourself in danger like this. This is Aimee Sharpe, signing off."

A tall man, dressed completely in black sitting on the roof a building. His cobalt blue eyes scanned the streets, he didn't see the one he was looking for. Stephen Malone shrugged and jumped off the roof. The vampire landed softly on the ground below him and headed to the outside of the crowd.

He didn't like the cameras, he wanted to stay out of the spotlight. Stephen adjusted his trenchcoat, feeling the two heavy Para P-14 automatics in the armpit holsters. Stephen stood in the shadows for a little bit before heading off into the city, he had a little time to explore before having to come back. He was still wondering over the person he contacted, if he would show up.

******************************************

Todd Harte walked through the streets, not really knowing where to go. Dressed in a pair of kakhi slacks and a dark blue collared shirt. He put on his dirty brown leather jacket, trying to keep the cold air out of him.

He remembered the strange call he had recived several hours ago from Stephen. He remembered stumbling into the vampire after the conference he had attened in Akaton.

Deciding to wait and see what would happen, Todd walked over to a small cafe and got himself a cup of coffee to warm himsefl up.

The young woman ran down the road. The black hoodie blocking her face from onlookers. She dared not to look back and see if they were still following her. She ran hard and fast, not really looking where she was going as her black boots pounded against the asphalt. That's why she ran into Stephen.
"Sorry mate.", She apologized to the man in a soft,sweet, but almost uncomprehendable Scottish accent. She looked at his face.
'Nice',She thought. 'Very nice. I'm going to have to get to know him better later.'
She lowered her head as the men who were chasing her ran by. Once they were gone, she looked around. The man she had run into was the only one who was paying attention to her so she ventured to lowerd the hood. The woman's face was shocking. It was not pallar but complete and utter fairness that made up her coloring with a light brush of rose on her cheeks and lips. It was obvious that she was in her mid-twenties, yet her face seemed as untouched as that of an infant. Her eyes were the color of jade, glowing brilliantly under her long, curled lashes. Her hair was auburn even in a braid it reached the small of her back. Her figure was unidentifiable under the baggy sweater and jeans. She smiled at the man, showcasing perfectly white teeth, with the customary fangs of any Lycan.

"Listen, I'm in a bit of a jam. Those arses that just ran by are chasin' me. For no good reason, mind you. So I was hoping that maybe you could like, protect me for a bit." She shrugged quickly. "If ya don't mind."

The woman didn't wait for a response, she simply raised her hood again then slipped behind the man and stood their staring at his back.

Stephen looked at the hooded person standing next to him. He stared at her face for several seconds, competely amazed by her looks. Stephen quickly sensed she was probably a lycan, he clearly remembered his run-in with lycans in Assington several years before; it didn't go over very well.

Stephen turned and saw the men returning back down the road, talking with each other. One looked up the street and spotted Stephen and he saw the woman behind him. The man walked forward while his buddies hung back. He walked past Stephen, not paying attention to him and grabbed the woman by the wrist.

Stephen's hand quickly wrapped around the man's wrist and he let go, doing his best to hold in a scream as the vampire increased the pressure on the man's wrist.

"You sir, are not a gentleman. You must be polite to a lady at all times."

Stephen let the man go, as he took a step back, Stephen kicked him hard in the chest, sending him back into his buddies and cracking a rib. They stared at Stephen for several seconds, obviously they hadn't expected him to do anything.

Stephen looked at the group, he adjusted his coat slightly so they could see the butts of his automatics.

"Gentlemen, I really don't want to hurt any of you. If you want to leave here alive, please go and leave this woman alone."

The small elven craft was lowering its sails as it neared the harbor, using the water's currents as its momentum. It appeared graceful in its movements, gently parting the waves that flowed before its bow. Elven sailors could be seen on the ship securing the sails. At the fore of the ship, a single figure stood, gazing forward intently. Around his right middle finger, a silver ring with a sapphire stone imbedded sat. Upon closer inspection, one would see a small tree that held plentiful branches, seemingly captured inside the stone. Surrounding it, was a circular design etched into the stone. It was the symbolization of his lineage, the Greenwood line, and dictated the bearer as part of the lineage, and rightfully of royal blood.

Sigrun turned and spoke to a servant that had approached. Moments later, the servant bowed and went below deck. She knocked upon a door to a private quarters, and a panel slid aside, revealing a feminine face peering through.

"Yes?"

"Elinal has told me to tell you we have arrived."

"Thank you. I will be out when the sun sets."

"Yes ma'am." the servant replied with a bow. She returned to Sigrun and gave him the response.

Just then, four sets of finely woven rope were cast to a dock, where dockworkers caught them and secured them tightly. Sigrun spoke a few words to the captain of the sailing vessel and stepped onto the dock. He adjusted the cloak that covered his shoulders and nodded to the dockworkers. They watched as he strode down the docks, wondering who he was.

Up ahead, Sigrun heard a familiar voice speaking to a small group of guards that stood opposite of him. He approached quietly and studied the woman behind Stephen. To the guards, he spoke at long last,

"I suggest you do what he says. He is not one for you to enrage. You have my word that the woman will be returned to wherever she belongs, whoever she is."

He nodded and gave a wink to both Stephen and the girl.

OOC: Tag.

It was a nice day, Eszti thought. The high priestess yawned, exposing her barbed fangs. It had been a pleastant, but long voyage to this land. Like most Callisdrunians, she enjoyed the sea. The thin black cloak she wore felt strange to her, though. She was not used to wearing clothes other than footwear and a belt for her axe, which she still wore. She could tell this was going to be an interesting experience. She'd never even seen a lycan before, let alone been to a festival of them.

Eszti made her way up the street away from the docks, the breeze just slightly tossing her raven colored hair about. The docks had been very crowded. She was very hungry... for ice cream. Her innate thirst was not troubling her yet, as she had tended to that before leaving Callisdrun. At home, she had no trouble finding a donor, however, in a foreign country, it was safer to bet on trouble.

There was a slight commotion in the street in front of her. As she walked up, Eszti could see that there had been a bit of a tussle.

Victor Crumble had been in the streets for some time now, not doing anything in particular, but just standing, and observing. He was good at that.
He watched the replayed messege on the televisions set up around the square, just as he had watched the origional take a few hours earlier.
"Very unproffesional" he thought "A ruler dissappearing moments before she is crowned? I knew these lycans were unpredictable, but this is just odd...."

What also seemed odd to him was the scene that had elapsed before him moments ago. A very suspicious... well he guessed it was a man, but he couldnt be sure with all the werewolves and elves running around.
He had scanned for streets for something, jumped down elegantly, and then was brought into a situation, that he probally didnt want to be in, by an astoundingly beautiful lycan. And then greeted, with a hint of past recognisence, by an elf just coming aboard of his elegent ship, that looked almost awkward amongst the local fishing boats and bootleg traders ships.

And with that thought, victor emerged from the shadows, and into the situation unfolding before him.

"Ah, Stephone Malone I am assuming? Dont look so surprised, i had intelligence gathered on all the visitors arriving to this very special event before hand, in order to be properlly prepared for the following events ofcourse. Oh, and do not flash those impressive weapons at me, Mr Malone."

He said with a flash of his pair of acid etched twin daggers, while being careful not to reveal his four, specially made, man stopper pistols, which had for this mission been equiped with certain features which has them stop more than just men....

"I am certain all the embassadors coming to this prestigious event have brought some sort of armament. So flashing a pair of guns around will not be to intelligent, especially in a crowded port like this, eh Stephone?" He said with a smug look on his face. "And as for this girl, madam, may i say that your face is one of stunning beauty, and in my country, you would be treated like a god. Perhaps if this Queen to be does not show up, surely you could take her place? For I am sure that with such a stunning appearence i am sure that you would hold many other talents as well, yes?"

"And ofcourse, there is the elf. My spies have not informed me of you're name as yet, but i am guessing that you hail from the fine country of Tarlachia? Good to see we all know each other, however, one thing i would like to know, iis does anyone know anything more about this missing Queen?" He said with a slight glance of suspicion towards the lycan girl.

"I wonder if any of them will have heard of me, and how much will be known?
Surely some rumours of my deeds would have reached a few of the arriving delegates. However, for now, it is the time to let the rumours of the past feed their inquisitive stomachs, and let them focus on the reputations of each other, while i focus on the real prize..." He thought to himself.

Sigrun turned to study the newcomer with a cool gaze. He glanced at his weapons displayed and raised his eyebrow. Daggers? He's got some other weapon or two he's not showing... he thought to himself. Finally, he spoke,

"You are quite the talkative one, Victor Crumble of Van Demans Land. Do take care that it does not land you in trouble in these foreign lands. And yes, like you, I have studied the files on those expected to arrive, or have already done so. As for Stephen; which is his name, not Stephone; he and I have a long history together. Keep your tongue trained, lest you insult him and myself in turn."

He turned to the female that had walked up, noting her attire to be different than the locals. He bowed respectfully to her, "Greetings. I am Sigrun Greenwood from Tarlachia."

Sigrun heard Victor's last comments on "focusing on the prize", and turned to him once more.

"Leave the girl be. She obviously was trying to get away from these guards for a reason." he gestured to the guards. He continued, "I only wonder what for though, yet I have a suspicion..."

He studied the guards once more...

OOC: sorry, but that last paragraph of my post was ment to be him thinking to himself, so... Just go about your business as if you never heard it.

IC: Victor Crumble laughed invisibly and silently to himself, "A rival already, well there you go..."

He looked at the elf, "my deepest apologies to you and your friend" changing his seemingly friendly gaze to the man, "also i cannot apologize enough for pronouncing your great and undoutbedly honourable name incorrectly, if there is anything i can do to lessen the offence consider it done. I feel that we should stick together in this time of festivities, lest the intrigues of politics tear us and the coronation apart."

Before he spoke again he made sure not to make eye contact with the elf,

"Guards I represent the nation of Van Demans Land, and have diplomatic immunity, and as of this moment, this girl is under the protection of me and my..." *laughs inwardly* " "guards". That is, if she so wishes?"


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

It was at this moment that one of Victors "guards" stepped of the boat, he was under orders to avoid contact with Victor at all times they were in the public eye, unless absolutely unavoidable, and to act as if they had never met each other. His name was Mena Gundge, and had heard about the infamous deeds of Mr crumble, as he liked to be called, as had all the citizens of Van Demans Land. His first mission at this point, was to scout the immediate area, and find any possible sources for information, but he first, he needed a drink, and that nice little cafe serving hot coffee to that man in the brown leather jacket looked like a quint little place...

She was, but a shadow in the depths of night.

Cloaked by darkness, and her own special abilities, easy it was to hide within the halls of society, behind the pillars of this world. Yes, she had a destiny, least she thought so, or believed so. And despite the very fact that the world would have wished her to slow down the pace of her ritual, she did not. Believing strongly, onward she pushed to the limits of her very being. People, or creatures like her changed societies and worlds, such as these. She had but one enemy, the Lycans. And they would meet their death and her own blood-stained hands.

Indeed, Dama had a mission much larger than herself. But she was not weary, nor afraid to tackle it with might.

He had watched the encounter from the shadows, his cloaking-field blending nicely with the flickering greyness of the moonlight, making him virtually invisible to the eye. He had immediately recognized the Tarl named Sigrun, the Elf being very familiar to him. He saw that his presence was not needed at this point, the girl being well protected by the growing assembly of visitors. He withdrew deeper into the darkness, turning towards the city and slowly making his way towards Kieran Castle where their host, Xaria O'Keith was to open the ceremonies for the Lycan festival.

As he walked through the winding streets, he decided to stop at a local café for a quick shot of caffeine. As he stepped towards the door, he noticed a familiar face inside, a face his AI identified as Todd Harte, the young Simatarian he had recently met at the Vampire Conference on Akaton. There was no love lost between the two, though the bigger man respected the youngster for his attitude and convictions, despite the fact he had become a feeder for a bloodsucker. He entered into the café, walking quietly up behind the smaller man.

“Either the coffee is really good here, or you’ve got a thing for fangs…nice to see you again, Mr. Harte.” Said Darius Steele, smiling down at the young man.

Stephen looked over at Sigrun and gave a slight smile, he didn't know the elf was going to show. He sent a brief message to his friend.

"You coming alone my friend?"

His eyes shifted to Victor, the man was arragont. Stephen chuckled slightly, at the mention of Victor's intellgence.

"We might have to have a little chat later, I doubt you have much on me."

Stephen didn't mention his hidden talents, or his two hidden weapons. He nodded slightly and muttered something as Victor apologied to him and Sigrun.

It was then Stephen turned his attention back to the guards, who were trying to reform and figure out what to do. He also sensed others had entered the street, yet were staying in the shadows.

******************************************

Todd sat in the cafe, reading a copy of Fangoria magizine when he heard a very familiar voice behind him. Todd looked up and stared at Steetle.

"The coffee here is very good Mr. Steele, much better than Starbucks. What would make you say I have a thing for fangs?"

Not waiting for an invitation, Steele sat down with the young man. He noted the magazine in his hands, one that he had seen before. Rafe, the young navigator who had recently died, used to read the same type of magazines...it struck him that Todd and Rafe were very similar, and would've probably been good friends. He swallowed a wave of sadness and replied to Todd's question.

"Well, first you were in Akaton at the Vampire Conference, and now yer here...I assume it's for the Lycan festival. Hence my little joke about the fangs...my very little joke it seems, judging from yer reaction. Oh, and call me Darius, please."

Steele pulled out one of his trademark cigars, lighting it smoothly. He waved to the waitress, indicating that she should bring two of whatever Todd was having. He looked back at the young man, holding his gaze.

"Listen...I know you and I have had our differences, but in the end, we are more similar than you think. We are both...linked to one of them, and view their kind with eyes that others do not comprehend. How is Sasha, by the way?"

He saw the surprised reaction in the boys face...Todd had not expected Steele to know about his relationship to the Tarlachian vampire.

Todd closed his magizine and leaned back in his chair. He didn't expect Steetle to know of him being a donor to Sasha. The Simatarian shrugged and sipped some of his coffee. He decided to play oblvious to what Steele was saying and act like he never had become a donor for the vampire.

"I wouldn't know how Sasha is doing...Darius...I haven't seen her since I left for home after the conference. I really don't understand what you mean by linked. I'm not linked to her besides the fact I know her. Very nice person."

It was amazing the colors a body threw out when it was lying, and Todd's aura was a cacaphony of colors right now, the scanning AI picking up the unmistakeable signs. Steele watched as the young mans heartbeat sped up, and his skin temperature dropped slightly. He was lying, and the big man decided to let him. The boy would speak, or not...Steele's goal was not the truth. He just wanted some company.

"Yes, absolutely lovely...for a vampire. So...what brings you to the festival? Are you here in an official capacity, or just looking to party with some werewolves?"

Todd started to chuckle.

"I am a bit of a party animal. But, I am here on semi-offical goverment business. I am still the only Simatarian to believe in vampires, werewolves, zombies, etc. Hence, I have been traveling a bit to collect more intformation about them and hopefully get some people back home to open thier eyes."

Todd sipped his coffee and looked at Steele.

"It feels so funny, the only person in my nation to come in contact with vampires and all. Well, no one believes me...but each person is entitled to thier own opinion. So, why are you here?"

OOC: VDL, you ought to put any thoughts of characters in italics tags. They are done like this: [ i ] TEXT GOES HERE... [ / i ] . Just delete the spaces between the brackets and the code inside.

Sigrun replied to Stephen in the same telepathic manner, For now, yes. Sasha is still on the ship.

Sigrun nodded briefly, accepting Victor's apology, "None taken."

______________________

On the Tarlachian ship

The door opened with a creaking groan and a lovely figure stepped out. She made her way to the deck and stepped onto the dock. She paused as she glanced about with a guarded look.

Todd started to chuckle.

"I am a bit of a party animal. But, I am here on semi-offical goverment business. I am still the only Simatarian to believe in vampires, werewolves, zombies, etc. Hence, I have been traveling a bit to collect more intformation about them and hopefully get some people back home to open thier eyes."

Todd sipped his coffee and looked at Steele.

"It feels so funny, the only person in my nation to come in contact with vampires and all. Well, no one believes me...but each person is entitled to thier own opinion. So, why are you here?"

"I guess you could say I'm here for business and pleasure. This is the first time that the Lycan Festival has been opened to outsiders, and I've heard it's very...well, let's just hope yer feelin' rested, 'cuz the howlers sure know how to party."

Steele paused as the waitress carried over his coffee. He stirred it idly, watching the steam float on the surface. He took a long draw on his cigar, and looked at Todd.

"It would seem that the documented proof you have in your possession would be enough to sway anyone's mind that Vampires do exist...maybe you should invite Sasha or Kain back to your home? I'm sure that would convince your people..." Steele tried to lighten the moment for the younger man, knowing that he must feel pretty isolated at this moment.

"Why don't we finish our coffees, then head towards the reception hall...we can talk on the way."

The night had fallen, and the Lycan city was not one to venture into lightly, especially alone. Steele would feel better accompanying the kid, watching his back in the strange city.

Todd looked over his coffee at Steele and smiled, the older man obvioulsy didn't understand the Golden Simatar.

"Bringing Sasha to the Golden Simatar to prove vampires exists is easier said then done. Everyone will believe it to be some elaborate hoax and Sasha is one of these crazy punks who believe they are really vampires. We don't have any vampires...well.....no, we have one."

Todd drained the rest of his coffee. He pulled out his wallet and put some money on the table.

"Drinks are on me."

He put on his jacket, grabbed his magizine, and stepped outside, he paused for a moment. Todd looked around and headed down the street.

In the alley near the coffee shop, a lone set of eyes watched as Todd and Steele made their way down the street. Within moments, she followed at a distance, before closing quickly and speaking up.

"Interesting to find you here, far from your home, Steele. Tell me, are you here to hunt the lycans or are you just too 'cozy' with Todd here?"

She called out to Todd, Here to learn more of the Underworld again? She laughed telepathically.

Todd stopped when he heard the familiar voice. He turned and bowed slightly to Sasha. Without noticing it, his hand went to the back of his neck as he scratched the mark Sasha had put on him at the vampire conference in Akaton.

"You hit it right on the nose. Hopefully all will go well and I can get the hard heads in the White House to start believeing in vampires and other kinds of creatures. Though, I will keep Stephen out of the equation."

He then switched to regular speech.

"Sasha, it is very good to see you again. Haven't changed a bit since I last saw you. How have you been?"

Sasha nodded in greeting, "I am fine, and I see you are as well."

She spoke telepathically once more, That conference was rather strange, I must admit, but I suppose it was worth it...

The young woman smiled. Stephen and Sigrun seemed pleasantly chivalrous. That Victor guy, did not. She watched as the Captain of the guard moaned over his cracked rib. She rolled her eyes. 'These guys are pathetic. They need better guards.' She was would have slinked back into the crowd earlier, but she wanted to get to know the two men who were protecting her. One of the guards slipped away from the larger group and went to grab her. Whether Sigrun and Stephen did not notice because they were distracted, or some other reason, neither was able to stop the guard before he knocked the girl to the ground. The Captain cursed at his supordinants idiocy as the girl fell to the ground.

"You idiot!",She screamed kicking the man off, making him fly many feet into the crowd. "How Dare YOU???"

The woman stood up and faced the Captain. She lowered her hood and brushed herself off. The citizens ,who had watching the events when they had become exciting, gasped when they saw her face. They then all kneeled. The guards stood at attention as she addressed them. When she spoke her accent had changed, it was no longer sweet, soft Scottish is had been, but was now I cold, Royal English. "First, Captain, you grabbed my wrist. You were pursuing me, so I accept that. But that was simply wrong."

"But..."

"I didn't say you could speak!", Growled the woman.

The Captain bowed his head and reserved himself to silence.

"Had any one else acted like that, it would have been considered an attempt on my life. But since I'm being "difficult" it's alright for your men to. I don't know if you gave the order, or not. I doubt that you're that stupid. But your intelligence, is beyond the point. You chase me like a common criminal, handle me as such, then that idiot guard dove on me. Had I been Mortal, I'm sure my arms and legs would be skinned. You say you do this to protect me, but it seems I'm in more danger with you following me. You've been the only threat to my safety today."

The captain opened his mouth to argue, when a royal limo pulled up in front of them. The door opened in the back, and a plump lady with a clipboard leaned out. She laughed at the sight in fron of her, then turned her eye to the young woman.
"There you are, you little scamp. Hurry and get in, you're late for your fittings."

The young woman responded in the same cold accent as before, but this time she was calm. "Did you send the guards out?"

The lady in the limo rolled her eyes. "No, Captain Issacs did that on his own."

"Oh!",Responded the young woman before turning to the Captain. "You and the guard who assaulted me are fired. Matthews is the new Captain."

The guard in question jumped in the air with a loud "Waa-hoo", which made the young woman laugh. She then smiled and got into the limo. Right before pulling away, she rolled down the window. She addressed the crowd in the same royal accent, only this time it was warm with a hint of her true Scottish mingling in.

"People of Lycan City, You can stand up now" They did so. "I'm sorry for causing so much trouble. But I'm sure Captain Matthews will be able to handle me without making it a national emergency." The people laugh, not to please her but because many of them were amused. She then turned to Stephen and Sigrun. "Mr. Malone, Mr. Greenwood. I look forward to seeing you again."

With that she rolled up the window and the car drove off. The Lycan citizens returned to what they were donig, as though nothing had happened. Just then, Aimee Sharpe came on the Public Screens.

"This just in. The Duchess has been found and is safe. There was a scuffle that we'll bring you up to speed on once we have more information. I was just informed that none of our international guests know what Her Grace looks like so here's a picture."

A full screen picture was shown of a young lycan woman riding a horse in jeans and a baggy sweater. She had a face like a china doll with long auburn pulled into a braid that reached to the small of her back and glowing jade eye. The picture faded out and Aimee returned.

"Some of you will be meeting her tonight. Who knows? Some of you may have already."

Sigrun bowed respectfully as he watched the surrounding crowd drop to their knees, heads turned downward. He straightened once more and replied to the young girl in the limousine.

"It shall be my pleasure to meet with you."

He bowed once more, and then turned to Stephen, "I don't know about you but my invite letter said that the opening ceremony will not be until a few hours from now." He glanced up to the position of the moon in the sky, confirming his time approximation.

He strode past Stephen, drawing his hood over his head once more, a simple cloak that was grey mottled and yet seemed to have been crafted by the gods. He scanned his eyes and looked for open market. Soon, he was inside one, browsing the items for sale. They ranged from medicine to clothing, to weapons.

He picked up a sword that hung on a wall in the back of the mart. He checked about his person to ensure no one was close, before giving the sword a test swing. It was a bit heavy, but its balance was good. It sported a snarling wolf as the hilt, the blade protruding from the wolf's mouth. The eyes were inlaid with crimson rubies. He replaced the sword and continued to browse...

In the alley near the coffee shop, a lone set of eyes watched as Todd and Steele made their way down the street. Within moments, she followed at a distance, before closing quickly and speaking up.

"Interesting to find you here, far from your home, Steele. Tell me, are you here to hunt the lycans or are you just too 'cozy' with Todd here?"

She called out to Todd, Here to learn more of the Underworld again? She laughed telepathically.

He hadn't felt her arrival until nearly the final moment, his exo-unit powering up automatically upon sensing her. Her approach had been virtually undetectable to him, her unique energy signature unrecognized by his AI allowing her to catch him unawares...but never again. Sasha had lost the element of surprise. Steele listened to her words, more interested in the psychic energies he was noticing. The vampire was obviously linked to the young Simatarian, which confirmed his earlier conclusion: Todd had been turned into an enabler, becoming a blood-doll to Sasha. He decided that it wasn't his problem, either.

"None of the above, darlin'...I'm just here for the party. What about you? Do you often skulk in the shadows?"

His voice was filled with humor, but his eyes told a different story.

OOC: How can I get back in this?

IC: Eszti had started to introduce herself, but Sigrun had been distracted by the... commotion... to say the least. So instead of following him, she had sat down on a bench, which turned out to be a good seat to witness the events that had just transpired. Without realizing that she had stood up, she found herself on her feet. After the limo (a type of car she had never seen before) drove away, she remained standing, in contemplation.

OOC: Bring her into the shop to talk to Sigrun.

IC:
Sasha grinned slightly, "It's what we do. From the shadows the first vampires came, and from the shadows we shall remain. It is the way of the world."

She looked over at Todd for a moment, continuing, "I am here as an "official" bodyguard for Sigrun against any possible hostile lycans. However, few realize his skills in combat are amongst the best in Tarlachia."

Shaking herself out a bit, Eszti walked up the street. One of the shops was open, and she saw Sigrun inside, so she went in. The night struck her as quite warm, especially compared to what the weather was at home. I hate this stupid cloak she thought.

Once inside, she sat down by Sigrun. "Hello, I don't think I introduced myself properly before. I am Eszti Batory, high priestess of Ithtyr. What brings you to this festival?"

Sigrun turned, placing down the item he held in his hand as he did so. He took in the sight of the priestess. He bowed, "I am Sigrun Greenwood. I am the leader of Tarlachia.I am here in Thrope for diplomatic purposes, and to get a better understanding of her Grace's national demographics and economy. I believe that experiencing it first hand will help best in learning this."

He looked at her, allowing a moment of silence to be exchanged, "What about yourself?"

"Quite frankly, because I've never seen a lycan before. It sounded like an interesting cultural opportunity. Many countries do not accept such things as vampires and werewolves. Callisdrun and this land appear to be similar in that they do tolerate oddities. I wanted to observe if our interactions with humans were similar." Eszti had a strong accent, but it did not make her hard to understand.

"Do they sell ice cream here?" she said randomly. "I seem to have a sudden craving for the stuff."

Stephen stood silent, the only other woman he had seen display so much power and influence was Skadi. He smiled and bowed polietly to her as she climbed into the limo.

"I can't wait till our next meeting ma'am."

Stephen watched the limo drive off and nodded to Sigrun. "I'll see you then Sigrun, I got some business to attend to."

The young vampire watched the elf disappear into the streets and turned his attention to Victor. Stephen cobalt blue eyes scanned the other man, it was obvious the vampire didn't like him. He leaned against a light pole before speaking.

"You say you know a lot about me...come on, tell me what you know. What was my unit...break it down for me. Corps, regiment, company, platoon, squad. What was my rank, serial number, position in my unit? Was I ever married, if I was what was her name and if I had a kid what was her name? When was I divorced? When did I become a vampire, how did I become a vampire? What did the bite do to me? Do I work for the Simatarian goverment?"

Stephen stared at the man, his face displaying no emotion.

"Come, come..you know these things. Tell me."

********************************************

Todd smiled at Sasha. He noticed he had been scratching the mark she had put on him and quickly moved his hand down. It was good to see her again.

"The conference was..interesting to say the least. You nearly gave me a heart attack when you told me Stephen was a vampire."

Todd knew Steele had probably figured out by now he was Sasha's donor. There was no more need for him to play stupid.

"Sigrun needs a bodyguard? Well, I hope that you preform your job well. And if there are any huge suprises tonight....I might ask you to revive me from a possible heart attack."

"Have you spoke with Sean?", Questioned Xaria as she lounged on her bed in nothing but stockings and robe. She had returned to her normal accent and was popping chocolates.

"Yes, we have spoken with Prime Minister Campbell.",Replied Julie, her chubby and sweet assistant. "And no he won't tell us what your change will be."

It was a tradition among Thrope's Royal family that when a member of the Royal Bloodline became the King or Queen, they had to deal with a physical change. These things were ususally piercings or tatoos, but no one but the Prime Minister and the Lycan Priest knew what it would be. It had alway amused Xaria, especially since she knew she'd never have to deal with that kind of event. Unfortunatly, due to the assassination of her family, she was the only member of the royal bloodline left. A single tear ran down her face and she quickly wiped it away.

"Poor dear, you still miss them?",Quetioned Julie as she sat on the bed.

"You know for a Mortie you have amazing instincts.",Laughed Xaria.

"Speaking of my amazing sense, despite being human, that man you were with had blue eyes. And he's a vampire,from what you've told me."

Xaria responded with nothing more then an angry pout.

"You have a problem resisting blue eyes."

"I'm not getting involved with this man."

"You know nothing of vampires."

"I know everything about Lycans though. Plus, I'm not getting involved with this man, I only just met him."

Jule walked away muttering something about werewolves not being psychic and heat being hard to fight. Xaria glared, she was not in heat. She was about to respond to Julie when the woman who'd been designing her gown for that evening bustled in.

"Gracious, Your Grace." The woman's assisstants giggled. "You must get ready, it is already four and the opening ceremonies are at six."

After the final fitting for the gown, the make-up artist and hair stylist came in. Xaria ran her fingers throught her long hair. She had just untied it and spent most of the afternoon brushing it. Now they were going to make her pile it on her head. "I suppose you're going to put my hair up in some insane doo." She muttered this as she sat in the chair of her vanity. She was too busy imaging the ways they might do her hair that she didn't notice the face that the stylist pulled.

"Oh of course not dahling. The future queen should be able to wear her hair loose. Now time to get you ready."

Xaria thought nothing of this, even though all the former Queens alway were forced to pull back their hair if it was long. The duchess sighed and sat back as she was dragged through the steps to get ready for the ceremony.

OOC: Okay, now it is about 5 something. Have your character's make their way to the castle for the opening ceremony.

Sigrun looked up as a clock in the shop chimed softly. He sighed and then spoke,

"We better get going. The ceremony begins in an hour."

Without waiting, he turned and walked out, stopping only to get directions to the Castle through the rather confusing streets.

Soon, he had arrived, his cloak still pulled over his head. He was stopped by some of the guards at the entrance. He paused, then lowered the hood.

Just then, a voice called to him, "Sigrun."

He turned to see Sasha approaching, accompanied by Todd and Steele. Sigrun smiled warmly to them. Turning back to the guards as they neared, he spoke,

"I am Sigrun Greenwood, ruler of Tarlachia. These three behind me are also VIPs. I suggest you let us through, lest you lose your jobs like a few of your comrades earlier..."

OOC: Thrope, can you make the time later on into the night. Keep in mind that vampires cannot be out in the sunlight for obvious reasons. Perhaps 8pm?

Eszti followed behind Sigrun, watching everything closely. The castle looked a bit less menacing than the ones she was most familiar with. This made her smile.

She knew she was supposed to be above such matters, but the fact that Sigrun had come, even as the leader of a nation, was impressive. She couldn't imagine her own King Haakon or Prime Minister Eriksen, constantly busy in their offices, coming to this. These days it seemed that the King and Prime minister rarely got out of Callisdrun. Eszti whispered to Sigrun "Who are they?" while looking in his companions' direction.

"Who are they?" Sigrun heard Eszti ask and whispered in response.

"The woman is Sasha, council leader of the Underworld Cities in Tarlachia. Next to her is Todd, from Golden Simatar. The last is Steele, though I'm afraid I will have to ask where he hails from again, as I've seemed to not recall hearing it before."

"Underworld cities? I'm afraid I've never been to Tarlachia, and I don't know what these are. Please explain?" Eszti was intrigued. Many of the older large buildings in Callisdrun extended deep underground, but it was entirely possible that Sigrun meant something completely different.

Sigrun gave a small smile. "Underworld Cities. Unique only to Tarlachia. Imagine an entire city, built completely underground. They exist in what used to be extremely large underground military bases, but have long since been decomissioned and released to the public. As a result, they were chosen to become cities built under the surface of the earth, to be the homes of the moonwalkers...vampires. Perhaps, I shall arrange some event in the near future to give individuals such as yourself and Steele a tour of everything that makes up Tarlachia, well...Tarlachia."

Sigrun noticed that Eszti had finally made the connection between Sasha and the Underworld Cities. She began to speak but Sigrun was quicker to confirm.

"Yes. She is a vampire, one of the oldest in Tarlachia. An Elder. And for your information, Todd is a donor for her, so I recommend you keep your tongue under guard around him, as she tends to be a bit...protective..."

OOC: woo this certainely isnt going my way, i wonder if i could still put my body guard into the story what with him having been idle at that cafe for so long.

[QUOTE=The Golden Simatar]
"You say you know a lot about me...come on, tell me what you know. What was my unit...break it down for me. Corps, regiment, company, platoon, squad. What was my rank, serial number, position in my unit? Was I ever married, if I was what was her name and if I had a kid what was her name? When was I divorced? When did I become a vampire, how did I become a vampire? What did the bite do to me? Do I work for the Simatarian goverment?"[QUOTE]

Victor certainly hadn't expected this, [i] Perhaps these people are more civilised than the usual barbariens i am used to dealing with [i]
Victor decided to stop using the usual tactics that usually work his usual targets.

"You caught me Mr Malone, I do not now as much as all that, my reports are limited to anything my government can find, and with our current financial situation, is not much at all. Also, i feel we have gotten off on the wrong foot, let me officially introduce myself, Victor Crumble, embassador from the great nation of Van Demans Land, and am officially here to strengthen diplomatic relations with the Lycan people, however i am sure that we can aid each other in international relations between our two countrys. May i ask, have you ever had any experiance with these lycans before? I would be interested in not insulting the ruling nobility anymore than i already have by offending that royal girl, and perhaps you could help me with that elf?"
Said Victor.

She looked over at Todd for a moment, continuing, "I am here as an "official" bodyguard for Sigrun against any possible hostile lycans. However, few realize his skills in combat are amongst the best in Tarlachia."

"Speak of the devil..." thought Steele as they turned the corner to see Sigrun himself, arguing with a palace guard. It was an argument that the hapless servant was destined to lose. Smiling in recognition, the big man stepped forward, thrusting out his hand and bowing slightly.

"Well met, Sigrun...it seems our paths are destined to cross yet again. Perhaps we should continue our discussions on organizing an official state visit to your world...as you know, I still have much to learn about your society."

Steele then noticed his companion, the smaller woman named Eszti. He bowed to her as well, and took her hand to his mouth for a feathery kiss. The slight contact allowed him to perform a quick surface scan of the woman, and take a sample of her DNA for later testing. This was not a concious thing for Steele, as the nanites in his blood reacted automatically to the new contact.

"Darius Steele, President of Gawdly, at your service. And you are...?"

Stephen scowled at Victor. He hated this type of person, full of hot gas and no guts. He leaned closer to the man's face, his voice low and meanacing.

"You better watch your tounge tonight, or you will end up as part of the main course."

Stephen turned and jumped onto a building, he paused and turned back to Victor.

"That elf you were talking about. He is Sigrun Greenwood, the leader of Tarlachia and a close friend of mine."

With that, Stephen turned and headed across the rooftops towards the castle. He saw a small group in front of the gate and dropped down back into the street. Stephen reached inside his pocket and felt the invitation, it was a mystery to him how it reached him; but he had experianced many strange things in his long life and this was just one of those things.

Stephen turned and headed for the group.

This time, there were no surprises for Steele. From the moment that Sasha had appeared behind him, the big security man had brought his passive scan to maximum, allowing him to increase his coverage by 80%. The exact instant the new contact had entered his zone, Steele knew that another vampire had entered the mix. Long range, cold light video captured the form, and a quick analysis was measured against his current database. The big man was surprised by the match that appeared before him, and incredibly intrigued. He had wanted to meet this man for some time, as his history as a warrior preceeded him. Steele opened up his mind, directing a thought at the approaching bloodsucker.

"Mr. Malone...it's a true pleasure to meet you. This should turn out to be an interesting event, don't you think?"

As Stephen walked forward, he heard Steele's voice in his head. Stephen nodded to him.

"It should be an interesting event..considering the last time I met a lycan I put a bullet in it's head."

Stephen smiled to Sigrun as he spotted Todd next to Sasha.

"Hello there Mr. Harte, still chasing creatures that the goverment doesn't believe in I see."

"Yes, maybe what I am doing might be benifical to the Golden Simatar." Todd said, he still could not get over the fact the man in front of him was the only Simatarian vampire.

"Well, if only you were around when I first ran into vampires...it could of helped me out a bit."

Stephen's gaze turned to Sasha, he smiled poilitly to her and bowed slightly.

"I do not believe we have had the pleasure of meeting ma'am. I am Stephen."

OOC:In case you didn't know Keiran is a gaelic/celtic name that means small and dark. Which describes the castle, it's black and small. Oh and it's Friday in the RP. I forgot to mention that. Sorry that this is so long.

IC:
The huge door to the castle swung open to find Julie standing there to great the guest.

"Hello!",She greeted with a huge smile as she ushered them in. "I'm Julie Cabot and I'll be your guide to the castle. Before we begin, I'll give you a brief run down of the festival. Now, I'm sure you all heard that Duchess Xaria, your hostess here at Keiran Castle, will be crowned queen at the end of the weekend from the reports on the Public Screens. In truth, this is a week long festival and it is at the end of the next Saturday, not this Sunday. Tonight however, she will be receiving the Royal Pendant and The Change. Each time an individual of the Royal Bloodline is about to be crowned, the must have a physical change done. Ususally a piercing or a tatoo, but no one knows until the ceremony.

Tonight, after Her Grace has recieved the change, we will have the Opening Feast. You each will be recieving a special meal to suit your...uniqueness. After the Feast feel free to walk around the grounds. Tommorow's fetivities will be announced in the morning. Now I'll show you around the castle."

Julie quickly showed all the deligates, who were there, around the castle. She pointed out how everyone's room had been redone to fit with anything the person staying there might need. She showed them the kitchen's, the cellars, showed them the grounds, and all around before she brought them to the Grand Hall.

"Please be seated at the table while we await for Her Grace. The Lycan Priest and our Prime Minister are waiting for her."

On a stage at the front of the room stood two men. One was in a suit, while the other was wearing classic armour, a cape, and a sheathed sword. It was obvious who they were. It was long moments before the duchess made her way into the room.

She entered down a spiraled stair case. Her gown was a purple fairy gown with many skirts with a black corset over the torso.(OOC:fairy dress (http://www.frillylily.freeserve.co.uk/net%20flower%20fairy.JPG) Her's has better colors though) The skirts were all blue, purple, and black. Her shoes were black satin slippers with laces that criss-crossed up her calves. With her long hair she appeared almost ephereal as she almost floated down the stairs. When she reached the stage she kneeled and lowered her head. The Lycan Priest looked down upon her before speaking.

"Are you prepared to accept the responsibility of your blood line?"

"I am."

The Priest signaled the Prime Minister to hand him the necklace. He then turned his gaze back to the kneeling Duchess.

"This Chain and Pendant, made of Silver and the Bloodstone. They represent the honor and pain that are connected to being a Lycan and a Royal. Are you prepared to carry it's weight?"

"I am"

The Priest nodded and placed the it around her neck. She closed her eyes against the pain, but reacted in no other way.

"Every Royal must experience a change before they ascend to the throne. Each change is unknown the future ruler. This represents unknown challenges. Are you prepared for this?"

"I am."

Xaria visibly stiffened as the Prime Minister picked up her hair. She cringed as the Priest unsheathed his sword. She bit her lip and drove her freshly extented claws into her thighs so hard they bled, when they chopped off her hair so that it reached only her nape in the back and her jaw in the front. She'd never cut her hair, and now it was all gone. She stood up on shaky legs, a low growl playing at her throat. She forced herself not to lash out. She forced every part of her to calm, morphed her hands back into those of a human(without claws), and stopped growling. She smiled a Mona Lisa smile and addressed her guests.

"Let the Lycan Festival begin! Enjoy your meal!"

She then sat down at the head of the table between Stephen and Sigrun. Julie's hand covered her mouth, she couldn't believe they'd done that for The Change. She cleared her throat.

"The Feast shall be served shortly. Please try and get to know each other."

*snip*

"I see," she said with a nod, at the same time taking in the information about the underworld cities. "Some of us in my homeland can be a bit protective of our donors as well, so I can certainly respect that."

Steele then noticed his companion, the smaller woman named Eszti. He bowed to her as well, and took her hand to his mouth for a feathery kiss. The slight contact allowed him to perform a quick surface scan of the woman, and take a sample of her DNA for later testing. This was not a concious thing for Steele, as the nanites in his blood reacted automatically to the new contact.

"Darius Steele, President of Gawdly, at your service. And you are...?"

"Eszti Batory. High priestess of Ithtyr, from Callisdrun." Though she was not used to being bowed to, as the custom was not practiced in Callisdrun, she accepted the fact that it was in most other places. "Pleased to meet you," she said with a grin.

Sasha sensed the arrival of the Simitarian vampire long before she saw him. Turning, she watched as he approached from the shadows of the night. He greeted her respectfully, and in return, she did as well. Soon, they were all ushered inside, given the grand tour and seated in the Great Hall.

Sigrun sat at Sasha's left, closer to the ceremony. He watched the pomp and flair that accompanied the ceremony, and related parts of it to his own not too long ago. As the Dutchess arrived, Sigrun couldn't help but whisper to Sasha,

"I'm surprised at her choice of attire...I would have thought it would have been something more elegant, more fitting of royalty."

Sasha nodded in agreement.

As they lifted the girl's hair and sliced it off, he raised an eyebrow. Sasha could be heard slightly hissing. Sigrun turned his head toward her, mouthing silently, "You women...always loving your hair..."

She glared at him, silencing him. Yet, he turned back and watched as the girl turned to the Hall and announced that the Feast would begin.

His eyes were instantly drawn to the crimson spots on Xaria's thighs. Knowing lycans as he did, he knew she no longer bled, but the stains couldn't disappear.

Sigrun sighed...it was obvious that it was a great sacrifice for the young girl to relinquish her prized silky mane of hair. For a brief moment, he wondered what they would do with the hair. Probably give it to some cancer kid... Sasha's voice broke through his thoughts. Sigrun agreed mentally.

Eszti observed the ceremony in fascination, her black eyes bulging wide as the duchess drove her claws into her own thighs. That necklace must be horribly painful. Eszti had hoped that the poor woman would only have to get a piercing (she herself had more than a dozen), but it appeared that this would not do.

Her hand had unconciously moved to her own hair when she had watched the duchess' hair be cropped.

He had followed the rest of the party in after the introductions at the door, walking side by side with the lovely Ithtyrian Priestess named Eszti. Observing her with a sidelong glance, Steele smiled slightly, happy to have the beautiful woman so close. Arriving at the long banquet table, he held her chair for her as the ceremony began. He joined her in the adjacent seat, then watched in rapt facination as the event unfolded. Everything was being recorded in detail to be viewed leisurely at a later date, but the video would not be able to capture the mood and atmosphere of the moment. He watched as the young Lycan became a Queen, and a new age in Thrope began to unfold.

As the ceremony ended, and Julie anounced the start of the feast, Steele took the wine goblet in front of him and stood, his massive frame turning to face Xaria. He raised his glass, and nodded in her direction. His deep voice had a hint of humor to it, and a tone that demanded attention when he spoke.

"To Queen Xaria of Thorpe...may your rule be filled with wisdom, peace and prosperity for you, your family, and all those that have the honor of being a citizen of this great world. Salut!"

Steele took a long sip of wine, then returned his gaze to the young Queen. Even with short hair, she was still a wildly attractive woman...for a werewolf.

Stephen sat quietly as he watched the cermenony. In his mind he thought Xaria was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. As the priest cut her hair, he couldn't help but think it was a very strange way to start ruling a nation. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught another vampire holding her own hair as Xaria's was chopped off.

Before he could ask who she was, Xaria had sat down between him and Sigrun and the young vampire smiled and bowed his head to her. As Steele rose his glass in a toast for her Stephen bowed his head again.

"Cheers madam."

He didn't make any move touch a glass of wine. Not only because he could know only drink blood, but because he had sworn to himself over a thousand years before never to drink again; since then not a single drop of liquor has passed his lips.

Eszti took her own wine glass and clinked against those of the others, saying "cheers." After drinking her wine, she smiled again, exposing her barbed fangs. This was a more familiar custom to her, as Callisdrunians were quite fond of banquets and toasts. She was a bit underdressed for the occasion, but the only clothes she had were plain black cloaks like this one. Oh well she thought.

Her eyes darted about, observing all the other guests.

"She's not the Queen yet.",Mumbled The Lycan Priest as he sat down at the far end of the table. "Not until her official coronation." He then turned his gaze to Xaria. "Couldn't you have worn a more appropriate gown? Your a Duchess not a fairy princess"

"Couldn't you have let me keep my hair?",Spat back the young duchess in her normal accent.

"Would you rather we mark your body? Or holes into your doll like face?"

Xaria rolled her eyes. "Seems stupid to cut off my hair. I mean, Faolan you..."

"Respect your elders. Don't pout. And take care of your guests."

Xaria lowered her head. "My apologize, your Holyness." She then addressed her guests. "I know that ceremony must have seemed strange, but it's a greater improvement then the old way. I suppose."

The Priest looked up again. "You'd like to run yourself upon a silver saber?"

"No, I would not. Now stop this speak of tradition and bring on the feast."

Many servants came out then with bottles and plates filled with whatever the deligates would normally eat. A tray was placed in front of Xaria. The cover was removed to reveal a meat-lovers pizza, just as another rolled up a huge dessert tray filled with chocolates. One of the other servants poured her a glass of Bailey's.

"You are a strange child, Xaria.",Murmured Faolan, the Lycan Priest, as he ate his raw steak.

"I'm 28!"

"As I said, a child.
"
Xaria shrugged it off and turned to Stephen. "So you're a vampire. Born or turned?"

As she awaited his answer she took a bit of the gooey pizza.

Eszti, overhearing the priest and Xaria's conversation, muttered "I'd have preferred the tattoo," quietely before refilling her wine before digging into her plate of venison. She'd been surprised when they had asked her what she liked to eat, but she had told them. It was cooked somewhat less than at home, but it was quite good. "Mmmm"

Stephen looked at Xaria as he sipped his glass of blood. He let it sit in his mouth for several seconds, savoring the taste before swallowing. He scratched his chin before turning to Todd.

"You might want to listen up Mr. Harte, this might explain a question or two."

Todd looked up from his buffalo steak, baked potato, and ceasar salad. He stopped eating and calmly waited. Stephen turned his attention back to Xaria.

"I was turned...but not in the way most vampires are turned. The Golden Simatar has no vampires..well, execpt for this one... hence when I was in Tarlachia before the coup there, I of course didn't believe that there were vampires there. Of course my opinions changed..during the battle at the White House I was bitten by a vampire in the arm.

"She is quiet dead, I know because when I stole a jeep I ran her over many times. I was later captured by a vampire named Maximus and actually found he wasn't that bad of a guy and we became close friends. He fixed my wounds but the bite was slowly turning me into a vampire. He gave me something to stop it...though it succeded in keeping me human, it failed in the long run."

Stephen sipped his blood before continuing.

"Well...when I started to get into my late fifies I noticed something was very wrong, I still looked twenty-nine. I went to a doctor and after some blood tests.....it was found that the vampire bite had reacted with something in my blood. The potion Maximus gave me stopped the change but by then the vampire had enough hold over me to make me immortal, but it was too weak to do anything else.

"I stayed a human for a thousand years. About fifty years ago I began to exhibit mild vampire symtoms that grew stronger every year. The vampire inside had finally been able to gather enough strength to finish the change it had started. So, five years ago...I transformed into a vampire. Because I was in a way a half vampire, I have the strength of an elder."

Todd sat there, he swallowed a bit of meat before speaking.

"But, if a vampire bite would of made you a vampire in a few hours without that potion....how come no one in the Golden Simatar you have fed on have turned?"

Stephen turned and looked at the human. The vampire smiled slightly.

"That...is my little seceret."

He turned back to Xaria.

"I do hope that answers your question ma'am."

Every conversation around the table was being recorded and analyzed by Steele's AI, the more pertinent information being brought to his attention. At the word "vampire", the big security man focussed his reception on Stephen Malone. The story that was revealed helped to fill some holes in the Simatarian's personal file, and explained a lot. Still, Steele was intrigued by the bloodsuckers cryptic final words...had he found a method of feeding that didn't turn the victim into a vampire? Questions for a later time.

He turned to the Ithtyrian Priestess, and smiled widely. He overheard her tattoo comment, and chuckled along with her. As his plate was revealed, his tastebuds went wild, the very rare filet mignon sitting placidly between wild mushrooms and tubers. He cut into his meat, the blood running freely down his knife.

"Amazing...simply amazing. I've eaten in some of the best resto's the universe has to offer, and this is the first time anyone has gotten my steak right."

He bit into it, the meat veritably melting in his mouth. He chewed briefly, swallowed, and washed it down with a gulp of wine. He considered Eszti briefly, curiousity overcoming his hunger. He had never met a Callisdrunian before, and wanted to learn more about her and her people. Part of this was his professional side, the years of intelligence gathering coming to the forefront. Mostly, he was curious the way a man gets curious when he is attracted to a woman. Steele realized he was quite attracted to the Priestess.

"Eszti...may I call you Eszti? I am not sure of your peoples customs...is there an honorific or title I should use when addressing you, or can I just call you "beautiful" ?"

Steele regretted his small attempt at humor the moment it left his mouth. Cuteness and wit works in a bar, but he feared he may have inadvertantly insulted Eszti. He hoped not...the night was young, and so was she.

"To be quite honest, I was only trying to make small tallk.",Replied Xaria with a non-chalant shrug. "1000? Wow, I'm impressed. Lan over then is 7000. He's the oldest Lycan ever."

Xaria jabbed her thumb in the direction of the Lycan Priest. His hair was snow white and cut short,his eyes were yellow, he seeemed no older then Xaria did, but there was something in his eyes. There was a light in them that suggested wisdom beyond. Xaria shrugged and turned back to Stephen.

"There would be older ones, but they were killed long before their first millenia. I won't bore you with the details of Lycan History, though." Xaria gave a small wink and sipped her drink. "I heard the Eszti, say she wouldn't mind getting a tatoo. To be honest, I wouldn't have minded it either. But we dont choose the change, and Faolan could have suggested I have the history of the Bloodstone written along my cheek. That would not be good." Xaria absently touched the pendant and cringed at the pain that shot up her arm.

"I actually have a tatoo. It's on my back." Xaria turned her back to Stephen and pointed to the line of symbolic writings going from one shoulder to another, and stopping just short of the hem of the back of her dress. She turned back to Stephen. "It's written Lycan. It states, "It is the flesh that makes us crazy. Urges are easy to resist, were it not for the flesh. The flesh creates the ache. The need to feed, the need to mate. They are all because of the flesh. Hunger does not exist. Heat does not exist. It is the flesh that makes us crazy. It is the flesh that makes us feral. Everything is the flesh""

A smile played on Xaria's lips as she spoke, keeping perfect eye contact with Stephen. When she finshed, she smiled at him. "The founder of Thrope, my great, great, great grandfather, said that in his first speech to the people of this nation. When we were only an escapist nation for the Lycan slaves from other nations. He was stating that it we did become aggresive for food or physical pleasure due to hunger or need, but because it's the flesh that affects our minds. It's kind of like when an old lady can't help ,but pinch a baby's cheeks because they are so pink and tender. It's not the creature or the need, it is the flesh."

"Of course, like mortals, there are some werewolves who are just plain violent. But it's mostly only the turned, not the born who are like that. Being turned into a werewolf is a scary process. Unlike those who are born who can just change as we please since birth, a turned werewolf must experience the first change slowly. To them it is so painful that many go insane. I mean, it no longer hurts any of us. Only the first change is painful, and we don't recall it. We do however experience the strage feeling of our bones shifting and reforming." Xaria shuddered. "Those who are bitten usually are driven insane by the slow, painful, shifts and changes." Xaria shook her head again. "I've witnessed that personally."

Xaria attempted to tuck her hair behind her ears but the left side kept falling in her eyes á la Jessica Rabbit(OOC: [URL=http://shopping.animazing.com/gallery/willardson_04/art/canvases/thumbnails/505-1302%20Jessica%20Rabbit%2048x48tn.jpg[/URL]). She laughed softly. "Listen to me going on. I was just going to say I've never met a vampire before, and I just kept babbling on. Have you ever met a Lycanthrope before today?"

Xaria pushed the her hair behind her left ear and leaned on her right palm, only to have her hair fall like Jessica Rabbits again.

Sigrun let out an audible laugh as Xaria's question to Stephen was spoken.

He took a bite of the meat that sat before him and swallowed it. "I'd say he's met more than his share of lycans..."

He turned his head to Stephen, "Remember the third Assingtonian War, Stephen? Remember the lycans that had been manipulated by the Hyraphore, but turned against them? What a battle!"

Sigrun caught himself and apologized, "My apologies, ma'am. I tend to glorify battle sometimes, as it is almost all that I know of in my life."

Stephen sat quietly through Xaria's explination. He smiled slightly as she tried to apologize for rabbling.

"No..it is okay. Very interesting stuff, I do not know a lot about your kind. I would like to learn more."

Before he could say anything, he heard Sigrun's outburst. He didn't turn to the elf as he sent a brief telepathic message, his voice was very sarcastic.

"You do glorify battles a bit Sigrun."

He smiled at Xaria and took another sip of blood.

"Yes, as my friend Sigrun has stated the last time I met a lycan was in the third Assingotn war. And as he said the Hyraphore attempted to use lycans as thier fighters, unforutanlty for them...we were able to convince them to help us instead. May I ask if you have ever met a vampire before today?"

Todd sat quietly during Xaria's and Stephen's conversation. He turned to Sigrun

"What is the Hyraphore?"

Sigrun chuckled once more, "A Lycan, Mr. Malone? Only one? I seem to recall hundreds..."

Todd intoned with his question about the Hyraphore. Sigrun looked at him, and almost pitied him for the oblivious nature.

"The Hyraphore. Once it was a proud and strong coven of vampires that hailed from Valient. However...corruption and greed has taken it down, and now it only exists but a shadow of its past."

"Eszti...may I call you Eszti? I am not sure of your peoples customs...is there an honorific or title I should use when addressing you, or can I just call you "beautiful" ?"

Steele regretted his small attempt at humor the moment it left his mouth. Cuteness and wit works in a bar, but he feared he may have inadvertantly insulted Eszti. He hoped not...the night was young, and so was she.

Eszti smiled. She could easily tell Steele was attracted to her. "Thank you for the complement. I am called many things, 'Priestess,' 'Priestess Eszti,' 'Ithtyr's servant,' etcetera, but you can call me Eszti." She took another sip of wine. While she had been talking to Steele, she had also been listening to Xaria speaking. So far, lycans seemed to be quite interesting creatures.

Well, it was 50-50 at this point, Steele unsure if he'd scored any points, or if he'd been penalized for his comment to the Priestess. He took comfort in the fact that it was only a game, and they were still in the first period. He raised his glass, and drained it. A servant quickly refilled it, something the big man appreciated...good service always was.

Though the food was good, and the company not too boorish, Steele was disappointed with the festivities so far. The legends of the festival were numerous, and Lycans themselves were supposed to be the original "party animal" as Todd had so succinctly put it. Bah.

He pushed his chair back from the table, and withdrew a small cigar from a battered silver case. Steele pressed his thumb against the tip until a small puff of smoke escaped. He took a long draw, enjoying the bitter bite of the cheroot. He was proud of his thumb trick, an idea he stole from an old...friend of his.

Xaria giggled, lightly. "I really must have been blabbering on if you didn't notice when I said that I've never met a vampire. I'm sorry for that. I've lived a sheltered life. All I know is Lycan affairs, and what goes on here in Thrope. To be honest, if I didn't sneak out so much. I'd probably never see many Morties either. Other then at the castle, and in Parliment of course."

Xaria looked around the room. "Where the hell did the P.M go?!"

Faolan looked up from his meal and replied cooly. "He left to open the public ceremony, he'll probably stay there."

Xaria sighed. "Well, there goes my sacramental lamb."

"What were you going to do to him?"

"Oh just take him down a notch with personal questions."

"Well, if that's how you feel about it. Everyone please ask the Duchess anything you wish about herself. No question is too invasive. Right, Your Grace?"

"Of course I don't mind. There is nothing anyone can ask to embarrass me."

Xaria leaned back in her chair and smiled darkly. "Who's first?"

She then sneered. "Butt out Mr.Steele! There is no smoking in the castle. God the smell!" Xaria face contorted in pain and disgust. "It's horrible."

She sighed and placed a smile on her lips. "Who's got the first question? Aboue me. Not werewolves or Thrope's national policies."

Eszti laughed at Xaria's chastisement of Steele. She liked him, but she couldn't help finding his woeful mistake of smoking a cigar in a court of Lycans, who no doubt had an incredible sense of smell, extremely humorous. "I believe the English expression is 'oops,' is it not?" she whispered to him.

Stephen leaned back in his chair. He thought over Xaria's question, his eyes in a far off gaze. He looked at her and smiled.

"What do you do during your free time ma'am? Do you have do any hobbies or sports?"

Sigrun sat back and let out a sly grin.

"Forget that, Xaria. Answer me this..."

He raised his voice just another notch higher, "What's your most embarrassing thing you've ever done? And you must answer truthfully, for if you try otherwise, I will be able to tell...the heart and eyes tell much of one's words..."

Smiling graciously, Steele looked around for somewhere to butt out his cigar. Finding nothing obvious, he ground the cheroot out in the palm of his hand, wincing slightly. The puckered burn mark healed rapidly as he turned back to the soon-to-be Queen.

"My apologies to you and your house, Duchess."

As Xaria turned to respond to the questions, Steele leaned down and whispered back to Eszti.

"Oops is right...listen, I want to look around a bit, get a feel for this place. Feel free to join me if you'd like..."

Steele stood, and slowly walked to the main entrance, hoping no one would question his departure. No matter what questions were asked in this room, the big man knew the real answers were out there.He paused at the door, looking back to see if the Priestess would be joining him. He stepped outside the room, out of sight, and relit his cigar.

"Excuse me a moment, before I answer your questions."

Xaria got up and walked out of the room, signalling for a guard to follow. She found Steele in the foyer smoking his cigar. She snapped her fingers and the guard took the cigar and put it out on the back of his glove.

"I thought I told you not to smoke in my house, Mr.Steele. It is a terrible health hazzard for myself and my court. Since you can't seem to follow a simple request, Johnathon here will be your new best friend. He'll go everywhere with you, except maybe the crapper depending on how good you've been. Right John?"

The guard nodded.

"Also, you have offended me, by leaving the table unannounced in the middle of the feast. Which again warrants constant supervision. Farewell for now."

With that Xaria turned heel and returned to the Main Hall and the feast. She sat down and smiled.

"I'm trully sorry about that. As for your questions. Stephen, I normally just run around Lycan City, visiting shops, watching plays and films, looking at the seasons, go to clubs. Other then that I horseback ride, do kendo, fence, do archery, read, etc. Normal things. As for my most embarrasing moment, Sigrun. When i was 16 I fell off my horse into a huge pile of manure. I was to meet my Uncle, the king, that day but there was not enough time for me to change. I knew he would accept that. Unfortunatly, when I arrived at the Castle, Parliment was in session. Also, my menstration started while I was standing there.

That's just off the top of my head, I'm sure I have had much worse happen."

Xaria laughed and took another sip of her drink. "Any other questions?"

Steele kept his smile to himself as the she-bitch barked out her orders to the hapless guard. He didn't feel bad applying the title to her...after all, she was a Lycan, a race with canine characteristics. The big man would have felt comfortable calling her a bitch even if she hadn't acted like such a...well, you know. Gazing at his new best friend, he smiled his most winning smile and bowed slightly to him.

"Well, John-o, old buddy, looks like its just you n' me. So."

They regarded each other momentarily, the guard standing stiffly at attention, Steele looking down on the top of his head. A good soldier, the big man thought to himself.

"OK, boyo...since yer my escort, p'raps you'd be so kind to show me where I can find an authentic Lycan bar, where I can meet some authentic Thropians and partake of some local food, drink and music? This place is a little too...stiff for my tastes, and sorely lacking in female companionship."

John did the best not to burst out laughing. He had a feeling that this man was talking about Xaria, and not the Castle. Xaria was never as formal as she had to be at these events. Unfotunatly, she had to sacrafice her personality to properly hold her posistion. A night out would be nice though.

"Alright, Daniel here will wait with you while I get changed."

Johnathon ran to his quarters quickly and changed in to jeans, hiking boots, a wife-better, and an old flannel shirt. After putting some gel in his hair, he returned. He relieved Daniel, and led Steele outside.

"Okay, I'll take you to the pub on Main Street. But if you get bit, I have orders to shoot you. We try to insure the virus doesn't spread."

The two men walked down the long drive, past the gate, and down into the capital. They walked along Main Street until they reached a Pub with loud music playing inside. Johnathon opened the door and ushered Steele in. There were hundreds of Lycans and a few mortals hanging around the bar. He told Steele to sit at the bar, as he signaled over the bartender. A buxom little redhead walked over. She flashed her fangs at Johnathon and gave him a predatory once over.

"Lookin' good Johnny Boy. Is Ria avoiding the tabloids?"

"Nah, she's playing hostess."

"And you're stuck babysitting the rowdy one, eh m'lave?"

"Something like that." John turned to Steele. "Mr. Steele, this is my girlfriend and owner of this great establisment, Myra. She's got a temper so don't cross her." He turned back to Myra. "He wanted an official Lycan bar."

"No more official then here, unofficially. If you need a drink, just howl.", She frowned and whispered in Lycan to John. "I'm guessing we're off for tonight."

"Nah, I'll bring him back to the Castle later, or hand him off when the other boys come in. We just have to wait."

"Poor Ria having to deal with these likes."

"Yeah, I swear if he doesn't smarten up he'll be on the plate."

Myra laughed then returned to English. "Nice to meet you, Mr.Steele. Bye pet"

Myra gave John a quick kiss on the cheek then went on to deal with other patrons. John sighed, this is going to be a long night.

"So what do you want to do now?"

"Okay, I'll take you to the pub on Main Street. But if you get bit, I have orders to shoot you. We try to insure the virus doesn't spread."

Steele glanced at the guard with a somewhat uninterested look. Not much worried the bounty-hunter anymore. Standing a few inches under seven feet tall, the thickly built military man was an intimidating sight. He'd spent over 25 years hunting some of the most dangerous criminals and madmen known. Over the years, he'd mostly fought rogue vampires, creatures that would prey on the weak or turn whole cities into blood-farms...he figured he could handle a night out in a bar. Steele smiled at John.

"Make sure the safety is off, son."


"The two men walked down the long drive, past the gate, and down into the capital. They walked along Main Street until they reached a Pub with loud music playing inside. Johnathon opened the door and ushered Steele in. There were hundreds of Lycans and a few mortals hanging around the bar. He told Steele to sit at the bar, as he signaled over the bartender. A buxom little redhead walked over. She flashed her fangs at Johnathon and gave him a predatory once over.

"Lookin' good Johnny Boy. Is Ria avoiding the tabloids?"

"Nah, she's playing hostess."

"And you're stuck babysitting the rowdy one, eh m'lave?"

"Something like that." John turned to Steele. "Mr. Steele, this is my girlfriend and owner of this great establisment, Myra. She's got a temper so don't cross her."

He fell in love the moment he walked in…the smell of food and ale assailed him, and an up-tempo beat blared from the back. The place was packed with Lycans and others, and the mood in the air was infectious. Steele felt right at home, and eagerly followed John to the long main bar. He had a happy moment as the little redheaded Lycan came towards him, a lusty grin on her face. He wasn’t too disappointed when she turned out to be friends with his escort. He bowed towards her at John’s statement.

“I am at your service, m’lady.”

She left shortly afterwards, off to serve another thirsty customer. Steele turned, leaning his up against the bar, and scanned the crowd.

"What I'd like to do is have a drink or six, and take it from there. Maybe a bite to eat. Ask me again after that, son."

He reached into his vest, taking out a battered silver case. Opening it revealed a row of small, thin cigars. Looking at John, he arched an eyebrow questioningly.

"Are there any special rules - y'know, customs, laws and the like - I should know about?"

"You can't smoke. EVER!",Warned John. "Damn, you're lucky Ria just screamed at you. Most people hear would be you a warning shot in the gut. If it smells kind of bad to mortals, then it's a total attack on the senses to us. So please forget about the cigars until you leave the island. As for your drink."

John whistled and a tall(about 6 feet even), curvy blond walked over.
"John!",She smiled scanning the pub, then frowned. "Where is our lil queen to be?"

"Hosting the banquet. Flay you know that."

"Oh, Right.", Replied Flay. She then caught sight of Steele. "Is he one of the deligates?"

John nodded. "He got bored with the whole thing."

"Oh, me dear. You ain't gonna last.",Laughed Flay as she slid some drinks in front of the two men. "Xaria hates people cutting out on her. She's bored enough playing the gracious hostess, she doesn't need the insult of people walking away. Next time, try to grin and bare it."

Flay offered a little wink, the walked away to the other side of the bar to take some orders.

Eszti thought of an odd question for Xaria. "I have a two part question. After changing to canine form, when you change back into human form, are you naked? If the answer is yes, do you change back in privacy? My apologies if this is crossing the line."

"You can't smoke. EVER!",Warned John. "Damn, you're lucky Ria just screamed at you. Most people hear would be you a warning shot in the gut. If it smells kind of bad to mortals, then it's a total attack on the senses to us. So please forget about the cigars until you leave the island. As for your drink."

Reluctantly, Steele closed the case and returned it to his inside pocket. He decided that when he returned home, he'd have his scientists develop a smokeless cigar for circumstances like these. It would probably taste like troll droppings, he thought to himself ruefully.

John whistled and a tall(about 6 feet even), curvy blond walked over.
"John!",She smiled scanning the pub, then frowned. "Where is our lil queen to be?"

"Hosting the banquet. Flay you know that."

"Oh, Right.", Replied Flay. She then caught sight of Steele. "Is he one of the deligates?"

John nodded. "He got bored with the whole thing."

"Oh, me dear. You ain't gonna last.",Laughed Flay as she slid some drinks in front of the two men. "Xaria hates people cutting out on her. She's bored enough playing the gracious hostess, she doesn't need the insult of people walking away. Next time, try to grin and bare it."

Flay offered a little wink, the walked away to the other side of the bar to take some orders.

"Thanks for the advice, darlin'..." Steele replied, admiring the sway of her hips as she walked away. His eyes recorded every inch of her, and he was satisfied with what he saw. This night might not turn out so bad, after all. He turned to his young guard.

"Y'know, I bet your Duchess is a little jealous right now, what with her having to play the hostess, and you n' me having a great night out on the town." He paused, reaching for his customary cigar and realizing that for tonight, he was smoke-free.

"So, Jono m'friend...your friend Flay is absolutely charming. Two questions come to mind: is she single, and...is she single?" Though he had no Lycan blood within him, Steele was nonetheless quite the wolf.

Xaria smiled at Eszti.

"Ususally, I am naked. I could change right now, while still clothed, without ripping anything. But it feel unnatural, so i usually stip down before changing. I change into and out of my true form in privacy. Any other questions?"

"I do.",Replied Faolan. "Why haven't you asked your guests to play Jeux de Guerre!"

"JEUX DE GUERRE!",Screamed Xaria jumping up. "Julie get the paint and tails! Yay!"

She ran around ordering the servants. After a moment she stopped and smiled sheepishly.

"You people have no clue what I'm talking about do you? I must seem totally insane. Who would like to know what Jeux de Guerre is so that we can play?"

Faolan laughed then whispered in dog pitch. "Pups are energetic. Especially in heat."

Xaria simply glared at him, then continued to bounce with excitement. "This too formal. Let the festival be fun! So who wants to know what jeux de guerre is?"

-------------------------------------------------------------
John smiled at Steele as he took a sip of his drink. "Yeah, she's single. I have to say that the Duchess if bored. Something tells me she'll find a way to spice the party."

John smiled at Steele as he took a sip of his drink. "Yeah, she's single. I have to say that the Duchess if bored. Something tells me she'll find a way to spice the party."

Steele returned his gaze towards Flay's retreating derriere, admiring the muscular, round haunches of the female Lycan. He drained his drink in two swallows, unsure of what exactly the brew was but thoroughly enjoying the thick, full taste. He smacked his lips appreciatively, and reached for his second mug.

"Hmmm...methinks I may have left too soon then...oh well, I'm sure you'll be able to entertain me equally well, son."

He drank again. his eyes wandering across the room. Some of the Lycans he observed were watching him as well, some with thinly-veiled anger in their eyes. Steele assumed that not all humans were loved by this bunch. Flexing his massive arms at the thought, he turned back to John.

"Lemme ask you something: do you like humans? I mean...how does the average Lycan view us...are we potential allies or friends, or are we just meat? The reason I ask is...some of your "brothers" here seem to be giving me the dirty eye, and I'm curious as to your people's history regarding human/Lycan relations."

This was Steele's way of trying to determine whether he needed to be watching his back, and also to find out if he should actively pursue the exotic Flay, or simply look for some less lupine company.

"Some are still pissed about being slaves back in the day. But mostly were cool about it.",Replied John. "There are tons of Morties who live here, anyway. Why do you ask?"

John then looked in the direction that Steele had looked a few moments ago. He began to chuckle.

"Forget I asked. Those guys in the corner are Flay's fanclub. They don't like anyone who wants Flay."

"Some are still pissed about being slaves back in the day. But mostly were cool about it.",Replied John. "There are tons of Morties who live here, anyway. Why do you ask?"

John then looked in the direction that Steele had looked a few moments ago. He began to chuckle.

"Forget I asked. Those guys in the corner are Flay's fanclub. They don't like anyone who wants Flay."

"Noted, and thanks." said Steele, taking a healthy draw from his mug. Setting it down on the stained and scarred bartop, he reached into a side pocket and pulled out a slim gold bar the size of a business card, laying it down in front of John.

"Here. I didn't have time to exchange any cash, so take that...it should cover our expenses for tonight. If we need more, let me know."

He gave the young guard a once-over, and settled back into his chair.

"So...what's yer story, John? What drove a smart boy like you to join the military? I suspect being part of the Royal Guard has its perks, but still..."

Steele paused, wondering if he might be pushing the kid too hard, too fast. Well, it always paid to keep the other guy off balance, especially if he was your captor. Just then, Flay drifted into the corner of his eye, and he turned to take her in, once again. She was tall and lean, and muscled like an athlete. The big man appreciated a beautiful woman, no matter what species she might be...and Flay was most definitely a beautiful woman.

Capturing her in his memory, he turned back to John, awaiting his reply.

Jeux de Guerre...French is not my language... Sigrun thought to himself, before looking over at the energetic Xaria and raised an eyebrow.

"Do I want to know what that is?" he asked with a smile...

Stephen smiled at the young lycan. She definatly had a lot of spirit in her. He shrugged at Jeux de Guerre.

"Don't know French..I know German, Simatarian, and Ancient Simatarian."


Todd finished his meal. He washed it down with some wine and leaned back in his chair. He looked at Xaria.

"My complements to the chef ma'am."

He then looked over at Sasha.

"So Sasha, what have you been up to these last few years?"

"Please explain. I do not know French. English was hard enough to learn." Eszti said, leaning back in her chair. "You sure seem excited about it though. I don't know whether that means it must be fun, or if I should be worried.

Eszti had actually never had this much wine before. Because Callisdrun was so cold, grapes did not grow easily, making wine a very expensive and rare commodity. Vodka was the main alcoholic beverage at home.

John laughed. "I didn't choose to join. My father was in the Guard so I bound to do it, by blood. Ria's pretty sweet though, a lot better then her bitch of a her cousin." John cleared his throat and shifted uneasily. "May she rest in peace." He then took a swig of his drink.

Flay walked over and smiled. "Can I get you anything?"
----------------------------------------------------------
"Jeux de Guerre", Explained Xaria happily. "Means War Game. We are split into two teams. Each team is marked by face paint. Each player has a fabric tail that goes where a tail goes.And must be visible and grabbable at all times. Both teams start at their bases. Someone counts down then we all run to the center of the field. If a member of the other team tags you then you prepare for a scuffle. Both players place their right hands on the oppisite players shoulder. They count to three then attempt to take the other person's tail. If both tails are taken, you restart. If someone falls to the ground you restart. You must scuffle in a tight circle, if you move to far away from your advisary then you must restart.

Once a winner is established, they capture the loser. You use the person's tail as a handcuff and drag them to your base which is now the jail. Once they are jailed, you give them back their tail. Then either guard the jail, free your people, or go for another fight. To free a person from your team, you must tag them without being captured. Which ever team captures the whole other team first, wins."

Xaria smiled grandly. "I love it! If you all want to play it will be half the servants, Stephen, Sigrun, Eszti, and I on one team. And Sasha, Todd, Lan and the other servants on the other team. Who wants to play?"

"Sounds fun, though I bet I'll get bruises that people will wonder about back at the temple," Eszti said, laughing. Callisdrun's games were very warlike as well, their national sport being somewhat like team jousting, in which people frequently were badly injured. This appeared somewhat less dangerous, actually.

Stephen sat there, very amused by the sound of the game. He smiled.

"Sounds like a lot of fun. Last war game I did was in the army were we were using M16 assault rifles, Merkava 4 main battle tanks, and the whole Simatarian Air Force ."

Todd shrugged, it all sounded good to him. Though the closet thing to a war game he had come to was playing paintball a few times when he was teenager and playing several battle boardgames. Todd looked up.

"I'm game."

Sigrun steepled his fingers with a solemn look on his face. He leaned back, tilting his head slightly as he looked over at Xaria, who was looking at him expectantly.

"War..." he sighed slightly, "I wonder if you know what a true war is... to battle for not only one's survival, but also for those one is responsible for. It is a battle of the soul in a fierce engagement of honor, courage...and skill..."

His mind flashed back to the most taxing battle he had ever partaken in. Kazar...I wonder where you are old friend... he thought to himself as he remembered his enemy-turned friend. The only one who had sworn to kill him, and in the end, neither could best the other. It was a terrific battle, one that threatened to destroy their very souls. And yet, both had found a way to beat the very formula that guaranteed someone's death.

Sigrun smiled and blinked, looking back at Xaria. He slapped his hands on the table and stood up. He smiled and declared, "Let's go to war, ladies and gentlemen!"

Sasha likewise stood and nodded to Xaria. She didn't quite understand the childish fascination with war-games, but nevertheless, it was fake. No one would die. For that, at least, she was pleased. An odd thing to see from a vampiress indeed.

She looked over to Todd who sat a few seats down, "Let's kick some mortal ass!"

Sigrun coughed. She looked back at him and grinned, allowing her fangs to slip from their sheaths and bare. "I mean...let's kick their asses..."

Sigrun pointed a finger at her playfully, "I'll be looking for you..."

Sasha laughed, "Bring it on, old boy!"

John laughed. "I didn't choose to join. My father was in the Guard so I bound to do it, by blood. Ria's pretty sweet though, a lot better then her bitch of a her cousin." John cleared his throat and shifted uneasily. "May she rest in peace." He then took a swig of his drink.

Steele joined him in the toast, wondering if he should press the young soldier for more details. The was a slight flush in Johns cheeks, the alcohol slowly working its magic. Though Steele was curious about Xaria's cousin and what became of her, he decided that the story could wait for now. Plus, he now had something of much greater interest to him to focus on.

Flay walked over and smiled. "Can I get you anything?"

Steele smiled in greeting to her, and gestured to their almost empty mugs.

"A couple more of those for me 'n the boy, and the answer to the eternal question..."

The big man paused, his smile growing wider, his eyes taking her in. She returned his look, puzzled but amused.

"...whats a pretty wolf like you doing in a place like this?"

He ended with a wink, indicating that he was simply jesting with her, and not to take him seriously. If she looked hard enough though, there was no way she could miss the honest attraction and interest in his eyes.

"In all seriousness...I was thinkin' that once you finish yer shift, Johnny-boy can grab his girlfriend, and the four of us could go paint the town red...on me, of course. I would be honored to have such a stunningly beautiful woman as yourself as a tour-guide..."

"Don't let Myra here you talking like that. She loves this pub, and doesn't take well to insults.",Warned Flay as she poured them a fresh pint.

"As for showin' you 'round. I'm afraid I can't do that. I'm here all night."

John was about to repond when his cellphone rang. He answered it and listened intently to Daniel on the other end. He hung up the phone looking disappointed. Flay gave him an inquisitive look.
"What's wrong mate?"

"That was Daniel. They're playing Jeux de Guerre. Xaria doesn't want the game interrupted, so I have to keep Mr.Steele here out until they call to say who won."

Flay sighed and shook her head. "You two would be having alot of fun if you would have stayed at the castle."
____________________________________
"I assure you it's just a title. The game is just to play fight. Young Lycans as with normal wolves, usually play fight for entertainment. It helps them learn fighting skills, it's rather instinctual.", Replied Faolan to Sigrun's comment about war.

Xaria smiled as Julie arrived with two bottles of paint, one blue and one green, and a bag full of 5" fabric tails. She called in all the guards and servants. She announced the plan and everyone cheered. She told Daniel to call Johnathon and tell him to make sure the game isn't interupted. She then hand everyone there tails, while she and Faolan marked their team members.

"All set then?",Inquired Xaria. "Then out to the courtyard!"

Xaria led the group out into the coutyard. She pointed to two gazebos each on oppisite ends of the field. She instructed her team, the blue team, to go to the one near the fountain and the green team to go the other one. Julie was not playing, she was going to be the official referree. She couldn't down the time.

"5....4...3....2...1....JEUX DE GUERRE!"

Everyone then ran to the middle of the field for the first battles.

"Oh well, I'll have to find my fun elsewhere then..." Steele replied. Draining his glass, he stood up.

"The men's room beckons me, lad. Point me in the general direction so I can go and bleed the weasel, so to speak."

Steele patted him on the shoulder.

"You should get us a few more brews...and why don't you order some food, as well? I'll leave the menu selection up to you.

The big security man started moving towards the back of the pub, where he assumed the bathroom would be.

John got up and began walking with Steele to the bathroom.
"Sorry, but I'm under orders. I'm your best friend, even in the crapper."

Steele simply smiled, understanding in his eyes.

"Well then...shall we?" With a theatrical bow, he swept his large arm through the air, politely offering John the option of leading the way. The look in his eye told Steele that the young guard preferred to walk behind him. Shrugging, the big security man started walking towards the bathroom, smiling at the female Lycans scattered throughout the room as he passed them.

"This is starting to suck frell-eggs", thought Steele to himself, "I need to dump my shadow, and fast. I came here for a good time, and I'm stuck being babysat by some boring, snot-nosed rookie." More than anything, Steele wanted a cigar, and was tempted to fire one up, despite how his hosts may react.

"Maybe that would add some 'ooomph' to my night...or maybe I should just snap Jono's neck, and go explorin' on my own." He looked at the young Lycan speculatively, his eyes lingering on his throat. He smiled ruefully.

"Nah, probably be lousy for the whole diplomatic relations thing." he realized, watching his daydream crumble. He decided to have another drink, and if things didn't pick up after that, he'd try something a little more drastic...like simply leaving.

Eszti rushed at her opponent. Though the cloak was made to offer much mobility, she was not used to running with it on, and so, tripped and fell like a klutz. When she sat up, with a somewhat embarrassed look on her face, her opponant was almost upon her.

Todd and Stephen arched eyebrows in unison and looked at each other at Sasha's mortal comment. Both exchanged a few words in Simatarian and laughed before getting up to head out into the courtyard.


Stephen took off his trenchcoat, his Wolf Knife, and pistol holster and placed them near his team's gazebo. He put on a tail and a bit of face paint and looked across the field as the other team did the same. Stephen saw Todd look up at him and the vampire smiled, his fangs visable in the starlight.

As the command was given, Todd rushed across the field towards Stephen. As the pair neared, Stephen moved out to tag him, and at the last second, Todd skidded out of his way and moved under the hand. He had avoided Stephen by milimeters

Stephen stopped and looked at the human. He has some skills, I was too easy on him.

Todd's skid had placed him in front of Xaria. He reached out and tagged her. The lycan and human put their hands on each others shoulders and moved close.

Todd looked at Xaria as they began to scuffle.

"Should have you know, I was the king at flag football. No one could escape me...and I'm not about to lose that track record."

Sigrun grinned as he watched Todd scuffle with Xaria. He charged in that direction, but then veered off moments later only to plow right into Sasha. The impact threw both of them to the ground. Sigrun was the first to get to his feet. He looked down at Sasha and grinned, "Tag..."

Sigrun squared off against Sasha, a mocking smile across his face.

Their hands gripped the other's shoulders and instantly the two began to exert as much strength as they could, within reason, as they wrestled. Sasha snatched for the "tail" but his hand was slapped away by Sigrun's own.

"I ain't going down that easy girl..." he stated and both assumed the wrestling position once more. Several more times, both attempted for the other's tail, but to no avail.

Once more, they both moved at the same time.

Sasha's voice cried out, "HA! Gotcha!" She held Sigrun's tail up.

Sigrun grinned, "You too." He held up Sasha's tail. Sasha looked at him, "You freakin' gotta be kidding me..."

Sigrun grinned and exchanged the tails once more. "Hey Sasha...what do you say we take this up a notch?"

Sasha looked incredulously at him, "Oh no you--"

The oomph replaced Sasha's last words as Sigrun quickly stepped in, rotated and flipped Sasha over with a head and arm maneuver. Sasha's body lifted off the ground, pivoted across Sigrun's backside and slammed into the ground, only to recieve Sigrun's weight into the chest. Sigrun then held up the hand that had been used for the maneuver and displayed the tail once more.

He grinned, "First prisoner of war...an honorable title!"Sasha growled at him slightly, but also held a smile across her face. "You're so going to get it back Sigrun..."

"Not until I take out another enemy..." Sigrun replied while helping Sasha to his feet and binding the tail around his wrists and leading him to the "jail".

Sigrun turned and searched for his next opponent. Through the several matches going on in front of him, he spied one lone figure warily strolling the edges.

He whistled attentively to them...

John blew out a breath. As he waited for Steele to finish.
"Since you and I are stuck out all night. Why Don't I do something nice and convince Flay to show you around so that I can get some time in with my girl?"

John love Xaria like a sister. She was fun to hang out with, but sometimes her orders really sucked.
-------------------------------------------------
Xaria listened as Todd spoke. It was a bad idea to talk after the scuffle had began. Xaria quickly grabbed for his tail and got it.

"Don't talk during a scuffle. You leave yourself open." She smiled happily as she dragged him off to jail. As she was walking away she heard a whistle.

"I didn't do anything!",She screamed at Julie, who was right next to her.

"I know you didn't, but Sigrun knocked Sasha to the ground. Then he took it as a win."

Xaria groaned. She hated when her team lost due to a technacality. She pulled Todd's tail extra hard as she watched Julie re-explain that rule to Sigrun. When she put him in the prison, she noticed a bruise.

"Sorry about that, Todd. Didn't mean to hurt."

Xaria then went and took out 5 servants from the green team.

Todd winced slightly as Xaria tightened the cloth around his wrists. He sat down in the gazebo and shook his head.

"Na...its okay."

He smiled as Stephen brought in another member of his team. The vampire looked at him and smiled.

"If you can't win a simple game...you can never win against a vampire."

"No vampires in the Golden....well, except for you." Todd said.

Stephen flashed his fangs before heading back out onto the field. He saw Eszti stumble and quickly moved over and hauled her up from the ground.

"Careful there, you might want to take that cloak off...it'll make life easier."

With that Stephen turned and quickly began to scuffle and secure tails from the other team.

Sigrun immediately approached the referee and began to present his defense.

"You've got it all wrong. Technically, the rules said that before engaging in a match, one must 'tag' a member of the other team. Am I correct?"

The referee thought for a moment, then replied, "Yes..."

Sigrun continued, "If you noticed, both Sasha and I got up and still held our own tails. You say that was the point in which I had fouled. How so, when I had not even touched her tail until we correctly began the match?"

Sigrun crossed his arms, a daring, righteous look in his eyes supported with a sly grin.

Julie apologized to Sigrun. "It appeared as though you were claiming victory." She then walked over to Todd. "It doesn't matter if someone from your team is hurt, you can't leave the prison."

Stephen flashed his fangs before heading back out onto the field. He saw Eszti stumble and quickly moved over and hauled her up from the ground.

"Careful there, you might want to take that cloak off...it'll make life easier."

With that Stephen turned and quickly began to scuffle and secure tails from the other team.

Eszti thanked Stephen for helping her up. She dusted herself off before saying "I'd like to take it off, but that might be considered 'indecent exposure' in this country." Smiling, she rejoined the game.

John blew out a breath. As he waited for Steele to finish.
"Since you and I are stuck out all night. Why Don't I do something nice and convince Flay to show you around so that I can get some time in with my girl?"

John love Xaria like a sister. She was fun to hang out with, but sometimes her orders really sucked.


Steele smiled to himself, happy he would'nt have to do anything drastic, like make the young Palace Guard disappear permanently. As they washed their hands in the cracked wash-basin, the big security man looked over at his captor.

"Jono, Flay looked like she'd be more interested roasting me on a spit than dating my Mortie ass, but if you can convince her...well, I'd be in yer debt, fer sure."

He dried off on his slacks, preferring to avoid the grungy grey towel that hung on the wall for exactly that purpose.

"Boy...I need to remind you that Xaria gave you specific orders to stick to me like glue. Now, while I don't mind lying and saying I escaped you using trickery, if we get caught of course...I don't wanna see you get in trouble. Are you sure you want to do this?"

He was sure the man-child would go through with it...he'd seen the way he stared at the beautiful Lycan earlier.

Ahhh...puppy-love.

John ran over to Flay and Myra who were in deep discussion.

"Could you to do me a favor?"

"Favor?",Questioned Flay looking over at Steele who was walking over. "What kind?"

"I need you to take Steele on the town."

"Aren't you baby-sitting Johnny-boy?",Teased Flay, only to get glared at by her boss.

"Hun, I'm sure that Flay wouldn't mind doing that. But she has point, you have your orders."

"Call.Xaria.For.Me.", Spelt out John.

Myra reached for her phone. But Flay stopped her. "If this Steele guy can convince me to take him out I will. Otherwise I won't. But you two can't warn him."

With a shrug Myra and John went back to acting normally.

Todd sat in the prison, his eyes closed his whistled softly to himself. He opened his eyes after a while and looked over at Sasha who was sitting across from him. He got up and sat next to her.

"Sasha, I know this may sound silly...if not completely stupid. But, can vampires turn into bats, wolves, or anything else like that?"

Sasha shook her head negatively, "Not that I'm aware of. However, that's not to say that an ancient cannot perform that act. It is a rather difficult one I would imagine, for it requires us to completely morph our bodies."

She turned to watch as Sigrun engaged in a match with one of the opposing team's servants, easily defeating him.

"Bastard." she muttered as she watched him. The guy was just too damn good in hand to hand combat, and it translated well in this game.

Todd shrugged, it was worth a shot asking her. He watched as Sigrun continued to dispatch other memebers of the opposing team. He also caught Stephen, who was also doing fairly well. He looked at Sasha as she cursed.

"Don't blame him if he is better in combat than you...."

Todd stopped in mid-sentence as he looked into Sasha's eyes, they seemed to change a shade as she stared at him before going back to thier original dark brown.

"Uhh..nevermind."

Todd watched silently as Stephen continued to dispatch other enemy team members and started to think.

"Sasha...I have a theory on how Stephen became a vampire...you wanna hear it?"

Sasha turned an attentive ear to Todd, "Sure...let's hear it."

The temporary rage from Todd's earlier combat about her skill was gone now, her demeanor back to normal.

Todd looked at Sasha before licking his lips.

"Well, after I ran into him when I got back from the conference in Akaton...I did a little research. Couldn't go too deep...strangly, much of the stuff about him is under lock at key at the National Archives. I was able to find out a few things. He was a soldier in our military as you know. Most of his missions were top-secert.

"One mission wasn't and made the press. An operation called Cherry Blossom, his last mission. Details are few but...he was apparently captured and brutally tortured. Some of the stuff I read said that his upper body is still covered in those scars. Now, a medical report said that in his blo...."

Todd stopped mid sentence as his face went blank.

Stephen walked into the prison and put another one of his prisoners down with the others. His calm cobalt blue eyes had hardened and gone cold as he stared at the human. He turned and left the prison and went back to the game.

Todd's face went back to normal as he shook his head and looked at Sasha.

"I'm sorry, forgot what I was talking about. What was I saying?"

Sasha had felt the pisonic surge of energy flowing past her and slamming into Todd's mind. Naturally, he looked at her afterwards with a dumb look on his face, a slight drool dripping out of the side of his mouth.

She looked over to Stephen's departing form and narrowed her eyes.

"Nevermind." she muttered to Todd, still watching Stephen.

Eszti took a different tactic than before, when a human member of the opposing team came at her, she merely stood there. At the last second, she tripped him and came down on top of him, grabbing his 'tail' without too much trouble.

OOC: Yeah, it's not a very good post, but I don't want to fall behind, as then it's hard to get back in.

Todd watched as Sasha's gaze followed Stephen. He looked at her.

"Something wrong?"

He didn't get a response, so he poked her in the ribs.

"Sasha, what is it? If it something that has to do with me....I would like to know."

**************************

Stephen watched Eszti trip and pounce the oppposing human.

"Interesting tatic, don't let the ref see you."

Sasha turned and looked at Todd with a warning look in her eyes. "I said, nevermind."

Telepathically, she said otherwise, "I'll talk to you later about this..."

Myra reached for her phone. But Flay stopped her. "If this Steele guy can convince me to take him out I will. Otherwise I won't. But you two can't warn him."

With a shrug Myra and John went back to acting normally.

The big man finished his drink as John huddled with Myra and Flay, chatting animatedly. After a few glances were tossed in his direction, Steele decided to join them. As he strolled over, he considered how best to impress the young Lycan woman. From what he understood of their society, a sort of "pack" mentality existed, tempered with human reasoning and reality. So, theoretically, Lycan females should be attracted to an Alpha male, the leader of the pack.

Steele was an Alpha with a capital "A".

He stopped when he reached them, his eyes locked on Flay, his smile growing feral. Without a word, he turned to the small group of males that had been watching her, and Steele, with unfriendly eyes. The massive security man looked down at them with disdain in his eyes. He mentally dialed up his power to 30%, just enough for the energy to begin to crackle around him, causing the Lycans hair to stand on end. He flexed his huge arms, the biceps straining at the tight material of his uniform. His voice was a veritable growl as he spoke to the males.

"I plan to show Flay the universe, and give her the world. Any objections?"

Todd nodded and leaned back in his seat. He tried to remember what he was talking about, it was something that had to do with Stephen. His whole mind had gone blank when the vampire had entered the prison. He turned to Sasha.

"Sasha, what mental powers do vampires have? Is it possible for one to wipe a bit of memory from a human?"

Before Sasha could ask, she heard Stephen's voice in her head.

"Sasha, don't answer the question. I will admit, I erased part of his memory...same way I have been doing with my half-drained victims. If you do tell him, don't give him any indication that I was the one. If you want a full explination..or partial..I'll tell you later, in private."

Sasha listened to Stephen's words without giving away indication of doing so. She looked into Todd's eyes watching carefully.

"The powers of a vampire can vary from species to species." was all she said in reply to Todd's question. She turned away and stared off into the distance, ignoring Todd and the game.

Flay listened closely to the conversation that Steele was having with the group in the corner. The other two seemed to be listening too, because they both cringed at the situation. Flay rolled her eyes, at the corny line. The look on Myra's face said she was going to kill anyone who made trouble in her bar. So Flay spoke overly loud,

"You know, Myra. I have never been impressed with the whole tough-guy thing."

The other two tried not to laugh at Flay suddlty, hoping Steele would get it.
-------------------------------------------
Xaria caught a few more green members and brought each to the jail. She watched intrestedly as Todd seemed to forget everything he'd been telling Sasha, the moment that Stephen showed up.

"Me thinks that Stephen may be to blame."

Xaria was about to run back on to the field when she hear at branch crack. She turned back quickly enough to see Daniel reaching to tag out some of the green team members. Xaria dove into the bushes and knocked him over.

"You knocked me over!",He yelled.

"You ruined my dress!",She retorted. They got in position and started to scuffle. They hit at each other for almost ten minutes before Xaria grabbed Daniel's tail. She put him in jail just as another guard freed half the captives.

The battles raged on with people getting put away and freed until only 8 people were left, and perparing for the last battles.
Xaria vs. Faolan
Stephen vs. Todd
Sigrun vs. Sasha
And
Eszti vs. Daniel

(OOC: I would like to finish this fight sorry.)

Todd smiled as he was finally let go. He moved back out on the field and froze in his tracks as he saw Stephen smiling at him. Todd's palms started to sweat and he wiped them against his pants, knowing the vampire could easily beat him. I might be crazy, but not crazy enough to face a vampire. Todd knew there was only one way to avoid a struggle with the vamp, run.

Stephen anticipated Todd's move and darted after him, his vampiric speed bringing him right on top of the mortal. Before he could tag him, Todd blundered right into Sigrun. Stephen stopped in his tracks and Todd smiled at the vampire before turning to the elf.

"Tag Sigrun."

*********************************************

Stephen growled, the human had escaped him for a second time. He backed off as Todd went into a hopeless battle with the elf. Stephen spotted Sasha and smiled.

He moved quickly to her and took hold of her shoulder. The older vampire held tightly to Stehpen's as they tried to muscle their way to the other's tail.

Stephen bared his fangs slightly as the struggle continued.

Sigrun turned to Todd with a sneer on his face. Todd instantly backed up in surprise, seeing a rather evil-looking elf standing where the "good" elf had been.

Sigrun eyed Todd and smiled, "You're on."

The two locked together and began wrestling. Sigrun kept his pressure low key, allowing Todd to exert what he thought were good moves. Often, he opened himself up so vulnerably that a cricket could've taken him out. Yet, Sigrun did not, and feigned having a good challenge.

Back and forth the two battled. Sigrun was impressed at Todd's stamina and determination. They were good characteristics in any combatant. Finally, he had enough, and swept Todd's feet out from under him, grabbing his tail as Todd flipped in the air. Todd slammed into the ground on his backside, looking up and panting. He was exausted, and even Sigrun had broken a sweat.

"Good job, but you've got a ways to go." Sigrun commented, lifting Todd up by his shirt and binding his hands behind his back and taking him to jail.

"Go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect 200 elfstones..." Sigrun muttered with a grin.

***********************

Sasha's muscles flexed in the dim light of the field, her vampiric telltale signs also showing as she battled Stephen. She was momentarily surprised by his profound strength.

"You're quite strong for a fledgling." she commented in between snatches for each other's tail. "Yet, I wonder," she continued, "If you know what makes a vampire truly deadly on the field of combat?"

She suddenly moved with an unnatural speed and launched Stephen vertically into the air with a powerful throw. He flew helplessly upward and soon came back down. Naturally, he made the best of the situation as he could and managed to pivot around to hopefully plant his heels into her face. She wasn't that stupid and leapt up, just as he was within ten feet from the ground. Sasha delivered a powerful kick to Stephen's stomach, causing him to bend forward instinctively. At that moment, she also took hold of his hair and tossed him to the ground as they hit the ground. She landed her buttocks on his backside and snatched the tail. She flipped over, lying on top of Stephen and talking into his ear.

"Ingenuity of battle tactics is where one excels. Always change your tactics, never follow a set rule for a set action..."

She hoisted him up, tied his hands, and tossed him toward the jail. He slid across the ground and bowled into Todd. Sigrun watched Stephen's sliding crash with an amused look on his face.

"She's a tough one Stephen...be glad she's your friend..." he chuckled before turning away to watch the remainder of the fights that were going on.

Eszti watched the man across from her. Neither had made a move yet. "Daniel, it is, right? Sorry, I'm often not very good with names." She grinned mischeviously. Unlike some vampires, her fangs were not retractable in the slightest.

Daniel hadn't done anything yet. Eszti knew he would try to catch her off guard. Of course, she would likely lose even if he didn't, but in any case, she stayed intently focused on him, bouncing slightly from foot to foot.

Flay listened closely to the conversation that Steele was having with the group in the corner. The other two seemed to be listening too, because they both cringed at the situation. Flay rolled her eyes, at the corny line. The look on Myra's face said she was going to kill anyone who made trouble in her bar. So Flay spoke overly loud,

"You know, Myra. I have never been impressed with the whole tough-guy thing."

The other two tried not to laugh at Flay suddlty, hoping Steele would get it.


As he stared down at the group of male Lycans, Steele overheard the giggled comments coming from behind him. Sighing, he realized that he had made yet another mistake, not his first since arriving on this planet. Oh well, live and learn...and adapt.

When no response came from the group he faced, Steele turned his back on them and looked at the Lycans who were now smirking at him. He smiled back, accepting the burn, and allowing them their humor. He sat heavily at the bar, started reaching for a cigar, thought better of it and cracked his knuckles instead.

"OK, so we've learned that I'm an uncouth, macho chauvanist who doesn't know the first thing about Thropians. Now for part two of the lesson: I don't like to party alone."

He pulled three gold bars from his vest this time, sliding them across to Myra.

"Drinks for everyone in the house, all night long. If you need more cash, just ask."

He then got up, and walked to an empty table, still within view of the young man who was tasked to watch over Steele. The big bounty-hunter had suffered enough embarresment tonight, and for now, was pleased with a little solitude. He would have to get use to being alone, as he assumed he had blown any chance he had with the beautiful Lycan named Flay.

For the hundredth time that night, he desperately wished for a cigar.

Todd grumbled as he walked back to jail. The blasted elf could of taken him down within seconds. Well, stood a better chance with him than Stephen. Todd looked up as another member of his team yelled at him.

"Look out!"

Todd stood there for a few seconds before begining his turn. He felt something heavy crash into his legs, sending them and him into the air. He crashed back down to earth, landing on his back. Todd groaned as he slowly got up and found Stephen next to him, the vampire appeared slightly dazed.

Stephen looked at the human. "What?"

"Nothing." Todd stood and moved over under a tree and sat down. He looked at the vampire as Stephen stood. Stephen's shirt was slightly out of place and Todd saw massive amounts of scars on Stephen's lower back.

Stephen looked at Todd, noticed what the human was staring at and quickly readjusted his shirt with his tied hands. He walked over to Sigrun and smiled at what the elf said.

"Yeah, very strong...very tough. Though, Skadi makes her look like a girl scout in some ways. Still...have to admit, Sasha has some very good moves."

Flay laughed. "You poor man. You must feel so misplaced. I'll tell you what. If you can get a bullseye, I'll show you around town."
-----------------------
Daniel Lunged at Eszti trying to catch her off-guard.
-----------------------
"Looks as though the ones from Tarlachia are doing well?",Laughed Faolan as he and Xaria dance around, attempting to grab the others tail.

"Yes, I should have had them both on my team!",Replied Xaria as she lunged at Faolan and missed.

"Why may I ask?",Questioned Lan as he tried to reach behind her.

"Because despite how fun this is, I'm getting tired." She dove at him only to be pushed away.

"Yes, this is going longer then usual. Normally, it lasts twenty minutes but tonight it's been two hours."

"Yes, but one sides got to win!" Exclaimed Xaria as she made a quick and successful grab for Lan's tail.

"You do realize that this, doesn't mean you're team will win.",Murmured Lan silkily as Xaria took him to the jail.

"It does if I free all my team while Daniel and Sasha are distracted."

With that, Xaria sprinted to the green jail. She would free her whole team so that it would be impossible for her team to lose. Unless Daniel or Sasha was not as busy as she thought.

Somewhat relieved that Daniel had done just what she had predicted he would, Eszti gingerly stepped barely out of his way as he lunged towards her. Somehow still moving with a little of the grace befitting a priestess, she twirled around, grabbed Daniel from behind and came down on top of him, holding his 'tail.'

"Oof" she exclaimed as they landed, hard on the ground. Still clutching Daniel's 'tail,' she sat up, and gave it a good yank. Eszti then gave him a little pat on the behind and said "Bit of a rough landing there." Noticing that her cloak had started to come undone, she hastily fixed it.

Sasha instantly heard the pounding of footsteps toward the green jail and whipped her head about to focus on the sound. She saw Xaria coming close and intent on freeing her team.

So you want to play hardball... she thought to herself with a grin. With reflexes hardly seen by any, she was suddenly in front of Xaria, and braced as a wall for the lycan girl to collide into.

"Don't bother." she suggested, as she felt Xaria collide and bounce back slightly in surprise. Sasha lowered herself slightly and offered a hand in polite manner, to help the girl back to her feet.

Flay laughed. "You poor man. You must feel so misplaced. I'll tell you what. If you can get a bullseye, I'll show you around town."


When Flay laughed, Steele's mood brightened considerably. She was beautiful, but became absolutely stunning when she flashed her teeth, and displayed the sense of humor that now caused him to stand and walk over to her. He wasn't sure what she meant by "get a bullseye", but he was very confident that he could.

Not only was Steele an experienced and very talented marksman in his own right, his internal AI and enhanced reflexes made his aim unerring, be it with a gun, a blade or his fist. He smiled at the lovely Lycan, and bowed to her gracefully despite his massive, muscular bulk.

"That sounds like a challenge I will be very pleased to accomplish. Tell me more, m'Lady Flay..."

Julie ran over to Eszti and Daniel.
"I'm sorry priestess, but you can't claim a win if you knock your opponent down." She then turned to Daniel. "Are you alright?"

"Well, I miss the view from earlier.",He replied as something predatory flashed in his golden eyes. "But I never mind when a beautiful woman jumps my bones. Shall we go again?"
-------------------------------------------
"Well, I guess I should have assesed the situation better.",Smiled Xaria sweetly as she took Sasha's hand. "I guess this means you and I shall be battling?"

As Xaria said this, she prayed that Sigrun would take the initiative to free their team members. The blue team had a 3:2 advantage on the field at the moment. Now that Sasha and Daniel were both busy, it would be the perfect time for the extra blue member, in this case Sigrun, to make an effort to free their team. 'Please, let him do this. Please!'

Xaria lightly tagged Sasha to ensure they would scuffle, and continued to hope Sigrun would see the advantage he had.

"Well why not? Besides, I didn't knock him down, he was falling down already, I was just making sure he couldn't get away." Eszti made a mock innocent face while trying not to giggle. It wasn't as if she could have hurt him anyway, he was a lot bigger than she was.

Sasha smiled and nodded, "Seems so..."

The two locked into their positions...

**********

Sigrun watched as the two women faced off. Interesting...lycan versus vampire once again. It's the Third War of Assington all over again... he thought to himself, before catching movement out of the side of his eye. He turned to the green team's jail.

No one's guarding... he thought to himself with a smile forming on his face. He moved toward the jail casually, keeping well clear of both battles. He smiled as his teammates became excited, realizing what was about to happen. One by one, he freed them, and the team returned to the field, with Sigrun at the head.

Sigrun crossed his arms as he watched the two battles continue.

Xaria circled slowly. She was looking for the best way to attack Sasha, she had to time it right or she would lose. 'Does is really matter?' questione the voice in her head. If she lost she'd still have her full team on the field, thanks to Sigrun. There was no way that her team could lose now. Unfortunately, Julie saw that as well. The plump mortal blew her wistle.

"The blue team wins. There is no possible way that the green team can regain their strength."

"So can't you just let them finish kicking are arses?",Demanded Daniel.

"Listen, it's late and you and Sasha seem to be rather hard to defeat. You'd probably just be playing until the two of your tired out, and I doubt that would be for a long time. Besides, tomorrow is the twilight fair at it's already past midnight."

The look on Xaria's face brightened a bit, but for only a moment before she frowned.

"Why should that concern me?",She bit out angerily.

"Because you'll be taking guests to it."

Xaria smiled brightly, then frowned again. This time it was in confusion. "Um...the twilight fair isn't until dusk. Why do we have to stop playing now?"

"Listen, girl. I am tired and you are going to stop playing.",Yelled Julie turning heel.

Xaria watched her and began laughing, then turned to everyone else.

"Well, we have no ref. That means the game is over. Please feel free to roam the grounds or go to sleep. Tommorow evening we will all be going to the twilight fair, but you are free to do as you wish during the day. I would ask that every have their meals at the castle though. Oh, and do not leave the grounds until after breakfast. Thank you!"

Xaria smiled then walked toward the pool house, instead of the castle. She went inside for a few moments then exited in a jade green bikini that showed off her body and matched her eyes. She would sleep later, for now she needed to swim.

(OOC: Do as you please with your character. During the tour Julie covered there are new bathing suits for every size in the pool house, case you wish to swim. Do whatever you want without leaving the grounds.)

Flay giggled a bit. "Just get a bullseye on the dart board."

John turned to Flay. "Listen, Myra and I are leaving. I gave Daniel your number in case they need Steele back or something."

Flay nodded and smiled. "Don't get pregnant, boss!"

Myra flipped her the bird as she and John went upstairs to her apartment. Flay turned back to Steele. She quickly explained the rules of darts in case Steele didn't know. Then winked.

"You get a bullseye and I'll show you anything you want."

OOC: I'll post tomorrow, as soon as I can. I ran out of time for tonight

"Hmmmm...alright, I'll take that bet."

Steele smiled at Flay, and reached for the darts on the bartop. As he walked towards the throwing line, he looked at the darts in his hand, recording and analyzing the weight and balance, compensating for the differences of each. He thought about how he should play this, and came up with many options. In the end, it came down to Ego now, versus Ego later. He stepped to the line, turned, and waved to Flay.

Turning back to the board, he raised his arm and threw the first dart. With a resounding "thwack", the projectile imbedded itself firmly into the bathroom door.

"Whoops." Steele shrugged, and threw his second dart.

The missile slid along the floor, stopping suddenly as it found the far end of the bar, sticking solidly into the leg of a barstool. Steele turned, seeing the increasingly amused faces of the other patrons, stopping his gaze on Flay. He smiled sheepishly.

"Wish me luck..." He turned, preparing himself to throw. Concentrating, he slowly drew his massive arm back, holding the pose, then released his throw. His arm moved with such speed and velocity that no one was able to ever figure out just how the dart had ended up in the ceiling.

Steele had failed. Horribly. He could hear the snickers and snide comments of the Lycans as he walked back to the bar, trying to keep his head high. He reached for his mug and drained it, then spoke to Flay.

"Well, I guess you could say that I suck at darts. I was getting warmed up though...howzabout you give me a second chance and we do a double-or-nothing? If I fail, not only do you not have to date me but I'll also give you..." Steele reached into his vest, pulling out a half dozen gold wafers. "...all of this. So, what do you think?"

Eszti followed Xaria to the pool. "I see that you enjoy swimming," she said to her. "I do, as well. It's thought of as odd not to back home." She walked into the poolhouse as Xaria was emerging. Noting that this appeared to be a country where bathing suits were used, she slipped out of her cloak and donned a simple black bikini. It plainly showed that her body was criss crossed with dozens of intricate tattoos, when she stepped out of the poolhouse. All were either pictures or some runic writing, and contrasted nicely with her ghostly skin.

Without her cloak, it also became apparent that she had a rather unusual gait, though it was hard to pinpoint exactly what was strange about it.

Sigrun excused himself, "I am getting tired. I will be retiring to my room..."

He bowed respectfully to Xaria and made his way to his bedroom.

Sasha on the other hand grinned and disappeared for a few minutes. Several minutes after that, she emerged from her room, also clad in a two-piece that was as crimson as rich blood. It contrasted greatly with the pale skin of her shapely fully-grown female figure. Yet, she was also slightly muscular, a result of her vampirism. She made her way to the pool house and found the hot tub, sliding into the water and relaxing. Even for a vampire, a day's travel and work could be exhausting and a hot tub was seen as a blessing. She leaned her head back and sighed contentedly, letting the water loosen her muscles. He wet hair; having been dunked under the hot water for a few moments; flowed gracefully down and around her shoulders, stopping just as they reached the middle of her chest.

Stephen headed back to his room, put on a dark blue swimsuit provided for him, grabbed a towel and headed back down to the pool house. He could use a quick swim before bed. When he reached the pool house, he already saw Xaria and Sasha inside. He shrugged and walked in.

The vampire smiled and bowed politly to the two women before going to one end of the pool. Stephen took off his shirt and quickly jumped into the water, hoping the women saw as little of his scared body as possible.

Stephen relaxed for several seconds before starting laps.


Todd arrived several minutes after Stephen. Todd placed his towel on a chair and took off his shirt. He thought about swimming laps or relaxing in the hot tub. His body was sore and he simply climbed into the hot tub across from Sasha.

He looked across water and smiled.

"You look wonderful in that suit."

Sasha lifted her head, unconsciously enhancing her natural beauty as she looked critically at Todd. She smiled, "Why thank you Mr. Harte. So nice of you to take a fancy to a dead body..."

She grinned, allowing her fangs to slip slightly. She laughed at Todd's face, which showed an indignant expression, formed to supplement an obvious defensive reply.

Flay smiled sweetly at Steele. "Try as many times as you wish, until you get the bullseye. I don't care." She watched him closely ,but returned to work.

----------------------------------------
Xaria smiled at Sasha's comment. "It's like necrophilia, but not." She then began to blush furiously. "Um...sorry. I don't think I have a mental filter, or whatever. I just say what I think and deal with the consequence. I hope I haven't offended you." The more Xaria apologized the more embarrased she seemed to become "I'm going to just swim silently now."

Xaria swam around the pool just below the surface, she wasn't really paying attention so she ran straight into Stephen. She broke the surface blushing more.
"Well, this swim has become a comedy of errors. Sorry I ran into you." Xaria turned and swam away. She continued doing laps, but this time watched where she was going. The blush on her cheeks did not die down.

Eszti stood between the pool and the hot tub. "Oh dear, decisions, decisions."
After a minute of trying to decide between the two, she did a belly flop into the pool. "Ouch, she remarked after coming to the surface. "The water's so nice and warm," Eszti commented while swimming laps slowly on her back.

Todd sat there, his mouth moved slightly as he tried to say something to what Sasha said when Xaria appeared. At the word 'necrophilia', Todd went under the hot water for two full mintues before popping back up. He looked at Sasha.

"Ah well...people do call vampires the undead...so...um...well."

Todd paused for several seconds before speaking. "Sasha, how come vampires can only drink human blood? Can you drink animal blood?"

**************************************

Stephen smiled at Xaria.

"No, it was all my fault."

Stephen smiled and swam underneath the lycan before popping up beside her. He smiled at the blush in her cheeks.

"What are you embarassed about?"

Xaria jumped backwards when Stephen appeared in front of her. She smacked her head off the side of the pool.

"Ow" she mumbled. She then looked at Stephen and felt more embarrased. "I made an inapproriate comment in response to something Sasha said. It was rude, and I think I might have a offended her. You'd probably be offended if you heard it too."

Upon realizing she could have offended Stephen also, Xaria blush grew more radiant and she averted her gaze.

After swimming a few laps, Eszti got out of the pool and went over to the hot tub. "Mind if I join you two?" she asked Todd and Sasha. She did not shiver, for the water did not make her cold.

Sasha smiled politely at Xaria, "Don't worry about it here. We are hiding nothing from each other, as far as I'm concerned."

She turned to Todd.

"Blood is blood, Todd. We can take all sorts, from human to demon, to angelic." Sasha replied.

She looked up as Eszti asked to join.

"Sure." she replied and slid aside a bit to make room.

Eszti slid in carefully, cringing slingtly at first because of the heat. After a moment, thoush she settled in comfortably. "Well, I suppose we are vastly different varieties then, Sasha. For some reason, blood of anything other than a homo sapien has little effect for me. Sorry for butting in, but it's an interesting subject."

Todd smiled at Eszti and moved so she could slide in. He looked at his wrist and saw the blue veins carrying his blood through his body. He looked up at Sasha.

"Angelic....as in....angels?"

He turned to Eszti.

"The more the merrier."


****************************************

Stephen smiled to Xaria, his fangs shining slightly in the light.

"I take no offense, same with Sasha. I accept that I am clinically dead but still very much alive. It is always good to express your mind."

He moved slightly so he could see her eyes.

"I heard what ya said...I really don't care if you call me a walking cadaver because that is what I am to humans. I really love my vampiric life, though it does have its downsides. So...what is it like being a lycan?"

Eszti noted the comment about angels. The closest thing to angels in her religion were valkyries. Black eyes flicked quickly from Todd to Sasha, and back again.

Sasha leaned her head back and draped her arms to the sides of the hot tub. She replied to Todd's question, "Yes. I know it sounds contradictory, but blood is blood. It would sting slightly, but the benefits of drinking such blood far outweigh the penalties..."

Todd sunk in the tub by a few inches. His eyes were wide for several seconds before they got back to normal.

"Angels..exist."

He sat there for several minutes before looking at Sasha.

"While we are on the subject of blood...are you hungry?"

Sasha straightened in the tub and cast an amused look at Todd.

"Well...not really, but at the same time, the draconic blood is beginning to wear off..."

She turned to Eszti and asked, "Would you like to see a first-hand account of a vampiress taking blood from her blood donor?"

She grinned mishievously, her fangs clear in the moonlight streaming through an open window.

"Well, it would not be a new sight to me, but I'm curious to see if it's done differently by others." She smiled. Eszti herself had several donors. They were all now very close friends, which brought a thought to her. "Do donors bond very closely to the one they are feeding in Tarlachia?" she asked. Eszti had always been a curious sort.

Sasha turned to Todd, "Well? Do you feel closer to me than when we first met?"

She moved closer to Todd and tilted his head slightly, "I certainly do..." She kissed his neck tenderly, feeling the pounding heartbeat. Her tongue slid against Todd's skin.

Her laugh was only stopped by her fangs slipping into the young man's pulsing artery. She clenched her fingers into his arms, holding them somewhat tightly as she somewhat violently drew the blood from Todd's body. Finally, she stopped after a pint was drawn. She released him and bit her lip, and rubbed it over his wound, healing it instantly. It looked too perfectly healed, for those that were observant enough.

She smiled at Todd, licking the blood clean off her mouth and planted a kiss upon his lips, "Thanks."

She returned to her seat, grinning at Eszti all the while. "We mark our donors to ward off would be feeders...Todd, turn around."

She lifted his hair and showed the tattoo that seemed to be done with cauterized blood. It was an eye, with a fang for the iris. She released Todd, returning to her former position once more.

"What about you?" she asked Eszti.

Flay smiled sweetly at Steele. "Try as many times as you wish, until you get the bullseye. I don't care." She watched him closely ,but returned to work.

"Well...it might help if I had a...taste of the prize that awaits me...it could inspire me to greater heights. So...howzabout a little kiss for luck?"

Steele smiled, knowing he was more likely to get slapped by the lovely Lycan than receive even the slightest peck, but he had to try. He was having fun now.

"Really Flay...I'm sure it would help...and as you saw, I need all the help I can get."

He leaned over the bar, humor crackling in his eyes, and presented his cheek ceremoniously to the bartender. He braced himself for the sting of her hand, or for the warmth of her lips.

Flay kissed the her pointer finger and pressed it to Steeles forehead.

"There you go!"
------------------------------------------
Xaria smiled at Stephen.

"How kind you are. Let's go join the others in the hottub, and I'll answer any questions you all have."

Xaria then swam to the edge and climbed out of the pool. She walked over to the hot tub and slid in. "How's everyone?"

Flay kissed the her pointer finger and pressed it to Steeles forehead.

"There you go!"


OOC: Women are evil, need I show more evidence? ;)

IC:

Sasha replied to Xaria, "Just fine, especially now after Todd's been so kind to...share his 'matter'..."

Flay kissed the her pointer finger and pressed it to Steeles forehead.

"There you go!"

It wasn't what he had been hoping for, but the big man decided not to press his luck any further. He smiled at Flay, and awarded her a little wink. Without turning to face the board, he lifted his arm and fired the first dart.

A perfect bullseye.

His smile grew wider, and he released his second throw. He noticed that Flay had a mild look of surprise on her face, slowly turning to shock.

The second dart imbedded itself in the tail of the first dart.

He drained his mug of ale, and as the last drop passed his lips, he threw the last dart.

The third dart followed the second, and all three now extended in a perfect line from the bullseye.

Steele's smile covered his face as he spoke quietly to the Lycan.

"Bullseye...time for me to collect my prize!"

Xaria smiled. "I wish my food could stay alive after I ate it. That is however quite impossible."

Xaria leaned back a bit feeling the jets hit the pressure points in her back. IT was absolute heaven.
------------------------------------
Flay smiled.

"I said, I'd show you around town. Don't get cocky."

She then pulled on her coat and signaled for one of the other girls to take over. When they got outside she smiled again at Steele.

"What would you like to see first?"

She returned to her seat, grinning at Eszti all the while. "We mark our donors to ward off would be feeders...Todd, turn around."

She lifted his hair and showed the tattoo that seemed to be done with cauterized blood. It was an eye, with a fang for the iris. She released Todd, returning to her former position once more.

"What about you?" she asked Eszti.

"I wish we could heal our donors like that," Eszti said, intrigued by Sasha's ability to completely close Todd's wound. "As it is, we do not feed from the neck because it would require a trip to the emergency room for our donors each time. The usual spot I bite is on the shoulder." She studied Todd's tattoo with curiosity. "I've never heard of this kind of thing before. Very interesting."

"Each species has their own advantages and disadvantages. What are yours?" she asked Eszti.

She too enjoyed the pulsating jets pounding against her backside, kneading out the knots.

Eszti leaned back and put her arms up on the edge. "Well, many vampires cannot go out into sunlight. I can, though preferably with sunblock and shades. I've heard that some species are bothered silver and even garlic, both of which have no effect on me, aside from garlic's obvious effect on whatever food I'm eating." She then sighed and said, "I'll eventually die though."

Sasha looked at Eszti interestedly as she digested the information. Tolerance to sunlight? No effect from silver or garlic?

"I find it interesting you worry little of the sunlight. My kind are extremely vulnerable to it. Silver was a curse placed upon the Assingtonian strand, of which the Tarlachian vampires originate from."

Stephen watched Xaria enter the hot tub. He was slightly nervous about his upper body, only below his waist, wrists, and above his neck remained unscared. He had grown used to them, but he didn't know what others would think. Stephen simply pushed away from the side and started to backstroke.


Todd relaxed after Sasha bit him. He smiled. "When people bled each other hoping to cure themselves, you would have made a killing."

Todd listened to the conversation between the vampires before turning to Xaria.

"Is Stephen gonna join the conversation?"

Xaria didn't answer. She was upset that Stephen had seemingly rejected her invatation, that mixed with the moon and the fact that she hadn't had alot of meat that day made her a little antsy. Should someone had looked her eyes they would have seen the irises had turned from jade green to blood red. She gently pushed herself out of the hot tub.

"If you'll all excuse me, I need to go for a little stroll."

The young duchess walked off into the woods. A moment later, the birds flew away quickly and the small mammals began to run away. Twenty minutes passed before she exited the forest again. Her breathing was a little jagged and her claws were out, but the most evident thing about her was that she was splattered with deer blood. She walked silently by the others and into the pool house. A few minutes later she returned to the hot tub in a new black and blue bikini, fully washed. She slipped into the hot tub silently. The burped.

"Sorry about that, some times I just need to hunt.",She said this in a small voice. She then turned in the direction of the pool and called out, "Stephen, if you do not join us, I will take it as a personal offence."

Sasha looked at Eszti interestedly as she digested the information. Tolerance to sunlight? No effect from silver or garlic?

"I find it interesting you worry little of the sunlight. My kind are extremely vulnerable to it. Silver was a curse placed upon the Assingtonian strand, of which the Tarlachian vampires originate from."

"As far as I know, we're completely unrelated to the Assingtonian breed. I mean, we're not completely invulnerable to light, we sunburn quickly and have to squint if we don't wear sunglasses." Eszti chuckled. "It's not too much of a problem in Callisdrun though, as it is almost never lighter than what in English is called 'twighlight' there."

"It's ok," Eszti said to Xaria. "Have to get one's protein."

Flay smiled.

"I said, I'd show you around town. Don't get cocky."

She then pulled on her coat and signaled for one of the other girls to take over. When they got outside she smiled again at Steele.

"What would you like to see first?"

I'd like to see you smile like you meant it... thought Steele to himself, watching as the Lycan dutifully put on her coat and walk through the door, not waiting for him. He finished his mug, smiling at the girl who was replacing Flay. He placed a gold wafer on the bar for the surprised bartender, and followed his "date" out the door.

Flay was very obviously uninterested in the big man, and Steele had no issues with rejection: you win some, you lose some, and when in doubt...you buy some. He returned her smile and spoke gently.

"Listen...I sorta yanked yer chain back there, and I'm sorry. You'd lost the bet the moment you made it...so...what say we just call things even. You don't owe me anything, ok?"

Steele reflexively reached for the cigar case he always carried, and popped it open, reaching for a hand-rolled cheroot. He paused halfway, then looked apologetically at Flay.

"Ummm...I really hate to ask, but seeing as I'm downwind, would it be alright if I had a smoke outside...over there, away from the door...I'll be quick, then back inside for another beer or two...and maybe a game of darts...?"

He kept walking as he spoke, down the stairs and into the mouth of an alley. He was downwind from her, but within speaking distance. Putting his thumb to the tip of his cigar, Steele quickly lit it, drawing deeply to catch the spark. He savored the taste of the bitter smoke, and watched with relief as the smoke whipped away from him, down the alley and into the night.

"Uh, you don't have to hang with me...I'll be in after this smoke..."

Stephen swam back to the edge of the pool. He took a deep breath and pulled himself out of the water.

Todd looked up and was able to keep his mouth shut, but the shock was in his eyes. Stephen muscular upper body was completely covered in scars. Long gash marks and slightly blistered skin that never fully healed covered much of his body. Todd noticed three parrelel lines of dots that were connected with long lines, it dawned on Todd that Stephen had been tied down with barbed wire hard enough to break skin.

Stephen looked at Todd and gave a slight nod. He knew the other Simatarian knew how he got the marks on his body. Todd gave a slight nod in return that he would keep quiet.

Stephen climbed into the hot tub next to Sasha and smiled to Xaria.

"I do not mean to offend ma'am. It has been a while since I've been swimming and wanted to compelete my laps."

Flay smiled a sincere and apolgetic smile.
"I'm sorry that I'm being a little less then friendly. I'm just tired and I have a feeling Daniel is going to show up in a second to tell you to get your butt back to the castle."

As if on que Daniel showed up. He explained that he was the last guard awake and he would like to get to sleep, but he couldn't until Steele returned to the castle. So basically Steele had to return to the castle that second.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Xaria did her best not to comment on Stephen's scars. She knew this, and not his pitiful excuse about doing more laps was the reason he hadn't joined the others right away. She smiled sweetly at Stephen once he had slipped into the hottub.

"What were you asking me earlier again?"

Flay smiled a sincere and apolgetic smile.
"I'm sorry that I'm being a little less then friendly. I'm just tired and I have a feeling Daniel is going to show up in a second to tell you to get your butt back to the castle."

As if on que Daniel showed up. He explained that he was the last guard awake and he would like to get to sleep, but he couldn't until Steele returned to the castle. So basically Steele had to return to the castle that second.


When Daniel appeared, Steele looked at him, frustration in his eyes. He had been hoping to win Flay over by being a nice, sweet guy, but his Lycan guard needed his beauty rest and was insisting on returning to the castle. Steele knew he could simply take a step or two, and disappear down the alleyway, free to explore this mysterious world on his own, but that would only bring down a world of hurt on Daniel. The big bounty-hunter would never knowingly get a fellow soldier in trouble with a superior, so taking a last, long draw of his cigar, he crushed it out under his foot, and approached the two Lycans. Taking Flay's hand in his, he kissed it lightly and looked up into her eyes.

"Thanks for taking care of me...you have been a gracious hostess."

He straightened and turned to his tired-looking guard.

"Alrighty then...back to the castle it is. Lead on, McDuff."

Stephen smiled back at Xaria.

"What is it like being a lycan? Running around in a different form...what is it like?"

Todd looked at Sasha, his neck did not hurt as much as he thought it would have. He relaxed as jets of hot water massaged his back.

"Sasha, what did you do before you became a vampire?"

Sasha opened an eye back at Todd, "My life before this...was short. I was a secretary to President Marshall of Tarlachia. That was before the vampire coup of Tarlachia. Since then, I've lived, dead to the world, alive by night."

She cracked her neck, relieving the kinks.

"I don't think I could ever properly explain it. It just seems natural to me. Daniel however is a turned. He knows what the difference between being mortal and a Lycan is really like. One of the few sane turned lycan's I know" Explained Xaria. "I guess the easiest way to explain how it feels is swimming. Being in human form is like swimming in a pool with a bathing suit. It feels nice but it's not really natural and you feel confined. Being human and naked, is like swimming in the ocean or lake in a bathing suit.It feels more natural, but you're still confined. Being a clothed Lycan is like skinny dipping in a pool, you still don't feel exactly natural but you don't feel confined anymore. Being true form, a naked Lycan feels like skinny dipping in the ocean. You are natural and unconfined."

Xaria shrugged. "That's the way I feel about two different forms at least."

Eszti grinned at Xaria's analogy. She could definitely identify with a bathing suit feeling unnatural.
At the same time, she was also intrigued by Sasha's tale of becoming a vampire. She had no idea what that could be like. After all, she was born a moroii. Born a Batory, at that. Going back to Xaria she said "very good analogy."

OOC: Continue the RP

Todd listened to what Sasha said, he didn't expect much and he didn't get that much. He thought he could at least learn about her current life.

"So, since your turning into a vampire...what have you done? Can vampires hold jobs in Tarlachia?"


Stephen nodded and thought over what Xaria said, he agreed with Eszti.

"Very good comparison. Though, I wouldn't know what it is like skinny dipping, I always wore a swimsuit."

Stephen thought for a little bit before popping his next question to Xaria.

"I've noticed something, you have only asked me one question tonight and I have asked you many. Is there anything you would like to ask me?"

Stephen nodded and thought over what Xaria said, he agreed with Eszti.

"Very good comparison. Though, I wouldn't know what it is like skinny dipping, I always wore a swimsuit."



Eszti nodded, and then said "You should try it sometime. After a lifetime of it, a swimsuit feels unnatural."

She said no more, however, as she was interested in what Xaria might ask Stephen.

<<OOC: I'm going to assume Steele was escorted back to the party, and that Daniel has retired for the night.>>

The big man watched from the shadows as the other party-goers enjoyed themselves in the pool. He enjoyed the lithe figures of the lovely females, and cast an interested eye upon Malone's scarred torso. He decided it was time to make his move. Quickly stripping off his clothes, Steele suddenly burst from the shadows, nearly 300 lbs of muscled, naked man streaking towards the group. He let out the appropriate battle-cry as he leapt towards them.

"Cannonball!!!!"

With a resounding SPLASH, Steele landed in the pool.

Xaria opened her mouth to ask Stephen her question when Steele ran up and did a cannonball.

"I'm blind!",Screamed Xaria before making feinting a dramatic faint into Stephen.

She then sat up and began to laugh uncontrollably. She got out of the hottub, ran into the pool house, then returned with a pair of swim trunks in Steele's size and tossed them into the pool near him.

"I'm glad you decided to join us Mr. Steele, but I never want to see that much of you again." She paused for a moment. "EVER!"

The young lycan then returned to the hot tub and turned to Stephen.
"What I wished to ask you before that strange event, was were your eyes always such a brilliant blue?" She fought a blush and tucked some hair behind her ear. "What I mean is, with us Lycans, sometime the turned ones have their hair or eyes change colors. Does that happen to vampires? If so did it happen to you?"

Stephen took with great shock as he saw Steele jumping into the pool. The vampire caught and held the lycan gently as she 'fainted' into his arms. He smiled down at her and stared laughing as she yelled at Steele. He got control of himself and listened to her question.

"I have not yet met a vampire where thier eye color changes with turning. I have seen some vampire's eyes change to a blood red color when anger fills them, others not. I have always had these eyes since I was a baby. They had a massive upside in high school, all the girls wanted to go out with me. On the downside, my Sargent-Major in the paras asked me to wear a pair of dark contacts on night missions; unless I wanted to give our position to the enemy."

Todd then spoke up, his question had been burning inside of him since he learned Stephen was alive. "What did you do in the years when you were bitten to where you turned?"

Stephen looked over at the human. "Traveled mostly. Got an apartment in Clarence and stayed there between my travels. Visited some friends in Tarlachia every so often."

Stephen looked around at the others. "I will entertain questions about myself if anyone has any."

Eszti appeared casual, putting her inked arms up on the side of the hot tub, as if listening as one listens to small talk, but she was actually paying careful attention to every word, as almost all of it was new to her. She'd never heard of anyone changing eye color upon turning vampire (something that rarely happened in Callisdrun), either. However, she did know that members of the Novikas family generally had eyes that changed from icy blue to black when the hunger took them, and without thinking, she said as much.

In an attempt to smooth over the awkwardness, she asked Stephen a question. "What is it like, to turn into a vampire? The cocept is not very tangible for me, having always been one."

Stephen looked at Eszti and shrugged.

"You might want to ask Sasha about that, I wouldn't really know because it took me so long to turn. For the last fifty years before I turned, I started to experiance mild vampiric symtoms. Nothing I would notice off the bat, cooked my meat slightly more rare, sunburned a bit more easily. Wasn't until it became more pronouced that I stopped going outside and slowly stopped eating regular food. One night on a beach where I met Sigrun and Skadi...Skadi is one of the original Assington vampires, she is very tough and very mean. Right...I talked with them for a bit, then collapsed into the sand, woke up an hour later a vampire."

Todd looked at Sasha.

"What was it like for you to turn right off the bat?"

Steele floated near the deep end, mostly submerged, the swimming trunks slowly sinking to the bottom of the pool. He had no shame of his body, and no real urge to don the garishly-colored bathing suit. He simply watched the discussion in the hot tub, occassionally stroking a few times to edge closer. He dialed his receptors up a notch, and listened contentedly as Malone held court, answering questions from his growing legion of fans.

Steele eyed Eszti critically, admiring the smooth lines of her young body. At least, she seemed young though with a vampire, looks could be deceiving. The water was warm and welcomming, and he simply bobbed as the gentle undulations of the pool lulled him into relaxation. Too relaxed, he thought to himself.

"Hey Todd..." Steele called to the Simatarian, "how's that whole "bloodsucker buffet" thing working out for you? Yer starting to look a little pallid, if you ask me...you need to get out into the sun, son."

The big man was yanking the others chain, trying to get a rise. He liked the kid, his strong opinions aside. He also knew that if he continued to be a blood-doll to Sasha, he risked losing himself, and his soul, to the vampiress. If that happened, then there was a good chance that one day, Steele would have to put the boy down.

Sasha eyed Steele with a critical eye and addressed him first, "Mr. Steele, If you are concerned that Todd will become one like me, then you are mistaken. No such activity can happen unless I draw more blood, and then ask him if he wants to survive. If so, he will drink from me, and take in my blood. That is how one is turned, there is no other way. However, Malone here is a rare exception. I doubt the same thing could happen to Todd."

Her eyes remained locked with Steele's for a moment before turning away and facing Todd, "As I said, that is how vampirism is established. For me, it took about three full days to fully adjust. Vampirism happens in three major steps. Death, "Rebirth", and Acceptance. Death is obvious, it's the step I described to Steele. Rebirth was also described. Acceptance is when one learns to accept the changes in their body, and takes their first true feeding, from another source than the sire."

She leaned back, casting yet another critical eye at Steele, "And I suggest you put your trunks on, lest you be cast out of the country by our honored hostess..."

Stephen felt a surge of anger from the other Simatarian, his eyes met Todd and the young man calmed down at Steele's comment. Todd let himself slide deeper into the hot water, until only his head remained above the water. He looked at Sasha as she talked to Steele. He sent a message to her.

"I really don't mind being a donor, as long as you don't drink to much."

Todd looked up at Stephen. "Sasha is a Tarlachian vampire and she bit me a few minutes ago. You were bitten by a Tarlachian vampire, both of us are Simatarians. How come I am not turning like you were doing till you were given that potion that stopped the change?"

Stephen leaned back and looked at the human. "Because something in my blood reacted to the bite, jumpstarting the change into a vampire. If that substance had not been there, the bite would of just hurt a lot and done little else."

Todd was about to ask the obvious question, but Stephen's cold glare stopped him. He took off his glasses and put them on the side of the hot tub and completely submerged himself.

Stephen watched as a bubble or two surfaced from Todd, he was curious how long the human could last. He looked over at Eszti.

"I'm not that familiar with 'moroii vampire'. Could you explain?"

"The term means 'living vampire.' We are somewhere in between humans and most vampires. You can't be turned into a full Moroii, you must be born one. We live longer than humans, but alas, not forever." She made a mock dramatic gesture with her hand. "Though, obviously, we must have blood to survive, and act a bit... crazy, if we go too long without it, we can just as easily starve for lack of normal food. My personal favorite is rare venison." She smiled. "Our eyes and skin are sensitive to sunlight, but not so much that good sunblock and a pair of shades won't solve the problem."

Eszti paused before continuing again. "Most of the vampires in Callisdrun come from several large families, or 'clans' of moroii. Each one has odd little traits unique to that group." She grinned widely enough to expose her barbed fangs. "These," she said, pointing to the curious, but vicious looking teeth, "are my family's little quirk."

She sighed. "I'm afraid I've probably left out a lot of things, because I take them for granted. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, nothing you could ask is too personal."

Xaria examined Eszti's fangs closely.

"Hey, cool. You have serated fangs.", The young Lycan laughed. "That's amusing."

She then leaned back and smiled.
"Since you vamps are talking about turning people, I'll tell you what happens when we do. Now we in Thrope are all pure lycans. Pure from birth lycans. Almost every other clan of werewolves in the world started with a turned so there blood isn't as strong. Pure lycan DNA is infected with the purest of the lycanthropy virus. That means that if our fluids get in your blood you'd change. Or if a vamp bit us they'd get seriously ill. Daniel got changed when he and I were 16. He asked me too, but said to make it none painful. So I make a cut in his shoulder and spit in it. He soon after became a lycan. It seems strange, but it's true." Her smile turned to an annoyed expression. "Oh, and it's not an STD. Unless a woman gets pregnent and the baby infects here. You can't become a lycan through sex. The mortals ask that alot."

Sasha eyed Steele with a critical eye and addressed him first, "Mr. Steele, If you are concerned that Todd will become one like me, then you are mistaken. No such activity can happen unless I draw more blood, and then ask him if he wants to survive. If so, he will drink from me, and take in my blood. That is how one is turned, there is no other way. However, Malone here is a rare exception. I doubt the same thing could happen to Todd."

She leaned back, casting yet another critical eye at Steele, "And I suggest you put your trunks on, lest you be cast out of the country by our honored hostess..."

"OooOooh, advice from a vampire. I'd take a note, but I seem to be without a pen." Steele replied sarcastically, smiling at Sasha. He knew a lot of vampires, and had killed even more in his time. In the recent past, he had come to view them in a different light, and had revised his thoughts regarding them. Not all were vicious beasts...some were honorable and regal beings, respectful of those around them. Some were even...women to fall in love with. But not THIS one.

He had seen Sasha's type before...barely able to conceal their obvious disdain for humans who were simply considered as slaves or prey. He knew the Simatarian Todd had given himself to her, and that he was as good as dead. Or worse, turned. Steele knew that she was somehow linked to Sigrun as well, a vampire that he had come to respect. He hoped he'd be able to keep Sasha in line...and if not, well, that's why men like Steele existed. To keep the balance.

He slowly pulled himself out of the pool, stretching his long, muscular body. He turned his back to the group in the hot tub as he wrapped a towel around his mid-section. He fought with his evil thought of repeating his cannonball manouver, this time into the crowded tub, but decided against it. He looked around, spying a small table with some bottles of wine and finger-foods. He walked over, popping a few delicacies into his mouth, and poured himself a goblet of the crimson liquid. Idly wishing he had a cigar, Steele continued to listen into the conversation.

Sasha scowled as Steele left the hottub. She watched as he walked over to a table and began to take some of finger foods and wine.

You've got it, cowboy... she thought to herself darkly. She let her tongue slide over her lips slightly, tasting the blood from the inside of her lip.

She wouldn't react now, but later, when Xaria was not present. She wasn't as stupid as Steele to insult the hostess at her own international function.

She breathed in deeply. No...she would wait and bide her time...

Todd's head had slowly emerged during Xaria's explination about lycans. He smiled to himself, he had been right to some extent about a virus being the cause of lycans and vampires. He listened to Steele's comment to Sasha. Todd stood in the hot tub and turned to Xaria.

"Excuse me for a minute ma'am."

Todd climbed out of the water, grabbed his towel and dried himself off slightly and walked over to Steele. He leaned against the wall and stared at the man.

"Alright Steele, what is this whole deal with you acting like a jerk in front of the ladies? A gentleman...if you are one...should never speak to a lady like that, even if she is a vampire."

************************************************

Stephen's eyes followed Todd as he moved over to Steele, he would keep an eye on the fellow Simatarian in case there was trouble. He turned back to Xaria.

"Very interesting stuff about making a lycan, I have always wondered how it happened."

Stephen eyed Sasha. "Sasha, control your temper. I'm sure we can talk with Steele without the need of punching him."

Xaria began to growl deep in her throat. Not only had Steele blatantly disregarded her resquest, but he was insulting her guests. She could not stand rude people. She was getting frustrated. She opened her mouth slightly and screamed Daniel's name so high only lycans could here it. There were many cries of pain around heard from inside the castle. A moment later Daniel came running toward the hottub in his boxers. Xaria stared pointedly at Steele and then looked to Daniel. Daniel looked around and saw the trunks in the bottom of the pool.

"Um...Mr.Steele. You can't run around naked. It's an insult to her grace. Besides, Ezsti is always naked in her home county, from what I've heard, and she's been kind enough to stay covered up. If you do not put on something more then a towel, then I'll be...um...forced to take you to your room and put you underguard."

Todd's head had slowly emerged during Xaria's explination about lycans. He smiled to himself, he had been right to some extent about a virus being the cause of lycans and vampires. He listened to Steele's comment to Sasha. Todd stood in the hot tub and turned to Xaria.

"Excuse me for a minute ma'am."

Todd climbed out of the water, grabbed his towel and dried himself off slightly and walked over to Steele. He leaned against the wall and stared at the man.

"Alright Steele, what is this whole deal with you acting like a jerk in front of the ladies? A gentleman...if you are one...should never speak to a lady like that, even if she is a vampire."

The smirk that spread across his face was filled with pleased surprise. If the kid could stay alive, he could turn out to be an interesting man. I need to hire this boy, he thought to himself. Steele looked down at the smaller man, and leaned towards him.

"She ain't no lady, son..."

He was about to continue when the Lycan pierced the night with her cry. Moments later, the young guard Daniel approached the group quickly, obviously roused from a deep sleep.

"Um...Mr.Steele. You can't run around naked. It's an insult to her grace. Besides, Ezsti is always naked in her home county, from what I've heard, and she's been kind enough to stay covered up. If you do not put on something more then a towel, then I'll be...um...forced to take you to your room and put you underguard."

The big man looked down at himself, satisfied that he had concealed himself quite thoroughly from the somewhat prudish glares of the guests. He looked at Daniel, and waved him off.

"No need to get yer shorts in an uproar, Danny-boy...I guess I missed the rule that said wearing a towel after swimming was inappropriate. No worries, mate...you can get back to bed now."

Steele turned and went to where he had deposited his clothes. He grabbed them and walked past the hot-tub towards a row of small shrubs. Standing behind them, he quickly dressed in the shadows. As he buttoned his shirt, he decided to leave first thing in the morning. The so-called festival had been a bust, and there wasn't much to keep him here.

Walking back into the light, Steele walked towards Daniel. Stopping in front of him, he turned towards the others.

"My apologies, but I believe now would be a good time for me to retire for the evening. Thank-you for your hospitality."

His voice was measured and unemotional as he bowed, then quickly straightened and began moving towards the main entrance. He cocked an eyebrow at the Lycan guard as he passed him, and gave him a small smile.

"Coming?"

Sasha winced slightly as Xaria's howling call pierced the upper echleons of her hearing. She pitied the lycans who were farther from the girl, yet suffered more than she did. After watching Daniel arrive and lightly scold Steele, she turned to Xaria, speaking lowly, "No offense, but you need to put more spine into your boys. Even Todd here has more than Daniel is showing right now. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a bit of metal to straighten out..."

She watched as Steele departed, then rose out of the hottub, the water still running down her figure. She did not look back as she followed Steele out of sight. Daniel seemed to remain where he was, despite Steele's invitation. All the better... she thought as she nodded briefly to Daniel. In that very moment, Daniel saw a slight fire in her eyes, and she wondered if he understood what she meant by it. Ten minutes, that's all I ask... she seemed to say with her eyes.

As Steele walked away, grinning to himself and looking about at the stars, she approached like a silent fog behind him. Her hand touched Steele's shoulder and he turned. Sasha spoke, "You're one to test the waters, Steele. It's as if you're not afraid of anything... now I've got a little secret for you, I like daring men who taunt those in power..."

She smiled sweetly and placed a hand upon his chest, tracing randomly. "Oh yes...I love men like that..."

Xaria frowned at Sasha's comment. Daniel was normally rather assertive, but he was obviously too tired to be forceful. A few moments after Sasha and Steel had both leaved, Daniel yawned loudly. Xaria sighed.

"Listen, I'm tired too. Stephen and Todd, you two can stay out if you want, but I'm going to bed."

Xaria got up and walked to Daniel in her suit.
"Wanna walk me to my room?"

Daniel nodded and took her hand. They took the East Path inside, where Sasha and Steele had taken the West. After I few minutes Xaria spoke.

"I feel bad about Steele. I've been a complete bitch to him."

"You're always a bitch Ria, it's part of being a lycan"

Xaria didn't laugh. "Maybe you, John, and I can take him to the pub. He liked it there?"

Daniel chuckled. "I think he liked Flay more then the pub."

Xaria actually laughed this time. "Doesn't everyone?" They reached Xaria's room. "So we'll ask him in the morning. Just so I can make ammends."

"You're too nice Ria. You really are." Daniel then placed a light kiss on her forehead. "Good-night....your grace"

Daniel made an uncomfortable bow and slinked down the hall. Xaria entered her room and sighed. She and Daniel were dragged farther from each other by obligations. This missed just being best friends, instead of future queen and Royal Guard. Especially with the unrequited feelings between them. Xaria changed into her pajamas quickly, then went to sleep. She hoped the next day would be better.

Stephen bid Xaria goodnight and watched her leave with Daniel. He climbed out of the tub and dried himself off.

"I'm hitting the hay."

"Yeah, do you know what Sasha is up to?" Todd asked.

"Nope, but I think it is best not to interfer." Stephen said.

The pair headed back to thier rooms and Todd walked into his room, showered and climbed into bed. He thought it had been a pretty good day, though Steele was still being an ass. He fell asleep a few minutes later.

*************

After Stephen had taken a brief shower, he was still troubled by what Sasha was up to. He hoped she wasn't going to have Steele as dinner or try to beat the man into a musy pulp. He shrugged, she seemed smart enough not to do something like that. Stephen went to bed and was out before his head touched the pillow.

OOC: Sorry about the inactivity on my part, I've been really busy, I'll try to get back in this.

She watched as Steele departed, then rose out of the hottub, the water still running down her figure. She did not look back as she followed Steele out of sight.

As Steele walked away, grinning to himself and looking about at the stars, she approached like a silent fog behind him. Her hand touched Steele's shoulder and he turned. Sasha spoke, "You're one to test the waters, Steele. It's as if you're not afraid of anything... now I've got a little secret for you, I like daring men who taunt those in power..."

She smiled sweetly and placed a hand upon his chest, tracing randomly. "Oh yes...I love men like that..."

It was no surprise when she came for him, and he had known she was coming well before Sasha purred her first words. In fact, Steele had already repressed his auto-defense mode, confidant that the vampire would not be so foolhardy as to attempt an attack in front of witnesses, though part of him wished she would. Claiming he killed her in self-defense would be much easier if it was actually true, and seen by all. Now that he was almost out of sight of the other guests, the risk had gotten higher. Still, the big man was certain that Sasha’s dislike of him had been obvious to everyone. The fact that the vampire had disappeared shortly after Steele had bid the group goodnight would also work against her.

Her voice, when she spoke, was thick with syrupy sex, breathless and magnetic. Her touch was light, growing firmer as she traced a line on the bunched muscle of his chest. Steele stared down at her, smiling as the heat rose within him. He remembered the force of her fist when she had punched him across the room during the vampire conference, and smiled even wider.

The fire within him threatened to burn out of control, so he directed it to condense, and follow the vampire’s movements. Millions of nanites reacted to his command immediately, and a thin beam of heat suddenly arced from Steele’s chest, intersecting with Sasha’s finger. The beam was a hybrid mix of deadly energies, specifically geared towards vampires, as were all of Steele’s offensive and defensive “gifts”.

The big man knew that Sasha would feel something similar to a large shock, briefly painful but rapidly healed. It was more of a warning than an actual attack, causing her to pull her hand away. Steele brought his shields up to maximum, a crackling aura of power appearing around him. Both his primary and secondary weapons systems signalled full readiness, his combat AI feeding first-strike strategies to his exo unit. His massive form exuded danger, and black, violent death.

“Your mind tricks won’t fly with me, girl…my name ain’t Todd.”

Eszti climbed out of the tub after everyone else had already left. Oddly, she was not tired. She swam a few more laps in the pool before getting out and going to her room. She did not bother taking the bathing suit off, simply throwing her cloak over it.

Still not tired when she reached her room and changed out of everything, she decided to read in bed, though she kept getting distracted by the voices of a man and a woman outside, though she could not make out what they were saying.

After leaving Xaria, Daniel went down the the gym in the basement of the castle. He lightly practised his boxing for a few moments before getting frustrated and seriously attack the heavy back. In the end he'd completely destroyed all seven heavy bags. When he was done he heard a low whistle. He turned and saw John walking in.

"Damn Dan. Who were those?",Demanded the younger man as he walked in looking at the damage.

"No one I was just frustrated. How was Myra?", Inquired Dan if only to change the subject.

"Myra is a lady, and I am a gentlemen. I don't kiss and tell."

"Riiiiiiiiiiiiight. So Flay liked that Steele guy?"

John shrugged. "Guess she did. She and Myra wanted to have "girl talk" so I got kicked out of Myra's bed right after we finished."

"Aww poor muffin. Suck it up!"

John glared angrily at Daniel, before his eyes widened in realization. "You're pissed about Xaria aren't you?"

"No!", Replied Daniel defensively. John simply stared at him in disbelief. "It's a stupid law! It's not like I'm a commoner, her Uncle knighted me. I'm technically a lord. Any other nation I could marry the queen."

"Thrope isn't any other nation. Purity of blood is important. Besides, can't she change the law."

"No, Parliment and Lan can do that. And I some how doubt they'd be on my side."

"Why do you say that?"

Daniel shook his head. "Nevermind, I'm heading to bed. You should to the same." Daniel began to walk away, but then turned. "Actually, do me a favor. You, Xaria, and I are taking Steele to the pub. She wants to make ammends for being cruel to him."

John laughed. "She's too sweet that Xaria is."

"Just invite him, okay. It's an order."

Daniel left and John went to get Steele. The young guard went up to Steele's room to get him. He wanted to extend the invitation quickly, so that he too could go to bed. When he reached Steele's room he knocked on the door. There was no response. So he knocked louder. Still no answer. He continued to knock with rising volume, when he heard the door behind him open. He turned around to see Eszti standing in her doorway in the nude. John had heard that in her country she was always nude, so he understood she would sleep in the nude. It didn't faze him, Myra was the only woman who got any reaction from him. He walked over and bowed.

"Priestess Eszti, Have you seen Mr.Steele? Daniel asked me to speak with him about something."

"No, I'm sorry, I haven't seen him since he left the pool area." Suddenly realizing the state of her dress, or lack of, and when the man bowed, she blushed, well, as much as a vampire can blush that is. She had been told to wear clothes, but she hadn't remembered to throw her cloak on before opening the door to see what the noise was. There was nothing for it now.
"Has he been behaving badly again or something?" Eszti asked. It was probably about Steele's less than humble behavior, or Xaria's not so lenient reception of it.

"Actually, Xaria feels guilty about not being accepting of his actions so she wants Daniel, myself, she and Him to get a drink tommorow.",Explained John. "She has to please everyone. If Steele goes home angry the media will have a field day, plus she really is a sweet woman. Would you like to help me find him?"

"Sure. I haven't been able to get to sleep anyway. Just hold on a minute while I get my cloak." She smiled and left the door open while going to get her black garment.

Sasha felt the shock, but to Steele's demise, she did not pull her hand back, being grounded as she was. Her eyes flashed for a moment, before she spoke in a likewise manner, "Your toys won't fly with me either, Steele. Your little nanites haven't taken into account the special development of Tarlachian moonwalkers."

She smiled again, "But please, enough with that. Lower your defenses, I only wish to speak with you."

She gently pulled him toward one of the gardens that spread across the grounds. "Come...please."

Sasha felt the shock, but to Steele's demise, she did not pull her hand back, being grounded as she was. Her eyes flashed for a moment, before she spoke in a likewise manner, "Your toys won't fly with me either, Steele. Your little nanites haven't taken into account the special development of Tarlachian moonwalkers."

She smiled again, "But please, enough with that. Lower your defenses, I only wish to speak with you."

She gently pulled him toward one of the gardens that spread across the grounds. "Come...please."

Steele was surprised, then concerned, when Sasha seemed to be resistant to the defensive field he had around him. His system had configured the response to personally fit the DNA structure of the lovely vampire, based on her cell alignment and blood-type, information it had gathered and analyzed the first time she had touched Steele. Well, "touched" wasn't actually what happened, as she had punched the big man in the jaw at their last meeting. Still, she should have been repulsed by the shock, and unable to touch him. When she took his arm and began pulling him to the garden, Steele felt mild alarm. He allowed her to lead him toward the garden.

It struck him that virtually no one was aware of the modifications that had been performed on his combat-scarred body, and the fact that Sasha knew about the nanites in his bloodstream brought many questions to his mind. How did she know? What else did she know? The Gawdlian President had limited knowledge himself about how he had become a living avatar of vampire death...excitement flared in him suddenly as he realized that for the first time in many decades, he might have stumbled onto the answers to the mystery surrounding his transformation.

The road pointed to Tarlachia.

Sasha led Steele toward the gardens, then turned to him.

"What I said earlier, I meant every word. I do rather take a fancy to men who are unafraid to show their personality, even it it may be offending to some."

She looked into his eyes and smiled sweetly, "And I find that in you. My kind of guy."

John waited patiently for Eszti to get dressed. Once the priestess had put on her robe, the two of them walked down the hall and toward the grounds. As they were walking, Eszti and John discussed the nights events. John laughed as he was told about Steele cannonballing into the pool. John sniffed the air, when they got outside.

"Did Steele go off with Sasha?"

Eszti confirmed John's suspicion. He nodded back and began to follow the scents to the garden. When he got there he found Sasha flirting with Steele. John didn't want to intrude, but he didn't want Xaria and Daniel angry at him. He cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry if this is a bad time. But I need to talk to you Steele."

Eszti stood slightly behind Daniel. Her face was calm, betraying no hint of her surprise at seeing Sasha and Steele together. Then again, she was not too surprised. Tension was a turn on for some people, she thought.

OOC: Thrope and Callisdrun, can you just let us two finish out something here? We had discussed doing it, and your interruption wouldn't help at the moment. If you could have a little patience, that'd be great. We'll move the thread along shortly. Sorry for the holdup.

IC:

Sasha turned to John as he entered the garden. She was slightly annoyed, for she had wished privacy with Steele, even if only for a bit more time. She addressed John,

"Can it wait please? I was discussing something with Steele."

She watched as John looked at her, then continued, "We only need a bit more time, then I'll let you have him. Please?"

Eszti raised her eyebrows with a smile and walked away without comment. Obviously, she had intruded on a private moment, and didn't want to ruin more than she already had.

OOC: It's cool Tarl. But can someone TG me if you have a planned moment/discussion in the future. This applies to everyone. Just so I know how long to wait before a time jump.

IC:John shut his eyes tightly, trying to fight tiredness. "Fine", He yawned. "I'll go sit ten feet away, plug my ears, and hum. Just so I can be naer by without intruding. But if you'd please finish up your private matter quickly, I'd truly appreciate it. I'm rather tired and do not have the day off." John bowed quickly and walked away. Plopping down in the grass he began to hum loudly with his ears plugged. He knew it might seem immature, but he was too tired to think about that.

Amusing.

The big man could not help but smile as Sasha told John and Eszti to give them some space. The Callisdrunian simply nodded, and walked away. Steele followed her departure, his eyes watching the slow sway of her hips. He turned back to Sasha as John also backed off. The bounty hunter cocked an eyebrow in his direction.

"Gimme a minute, son, and I'll be all yours."

He looked at Sasha, who had resumed trying to seduce him, it seemed. He could feel the eldritch influence she was trying to exert, feel it deep within him, his natural lust and passion being magically enhanced by the vampire. He resisted easily, knowing full well that Sasha had some other purpose than to simply bed him. He looked at her, his eyes cold and hard.

"Cut the crap now, Sasha...what is it you really want?"

Sasha frowned as Steele scolded her, trying to find some hidden message behind her actions. However, she was too good for that. Instead, she slapped him across the face hard.

"All I wanted was to compliment you, and you don't even appreciate a lady's words. If I weren't a vampire, I'm sure you wouldn't have so many goddamn hesitations! So you know what? You can just march your ass back to your room and masturbate to some lycan chick's picture for all I care!"

She huffed and walked away quickly. She didn't glance back, simply to keep up with her plan of appearing insulted.

John watched as Sasha stormed off. He turned around and looked at Steele. "So you can talk now?"

As the sting of her blow faded, the mystery behind her actions increased. What the frell had just happened? Steele watched Sasha as she stalked off, his confusion becoming worrisome. Had he been wrong with his assumptions?
Putting thoughts of amorous bloodsuckers aside for a moment, he turned back to the very tired looking Lycan named John.

"OK son, I'm all ears: what's so important that you gotta lose beauty sleep talking to me?" Steele sighed, his eyes once again falling on Sasha as she slowly walked away.

Eszti came back up to stand beside John. She still did not say anything, only looked at Steele when the man was speaking, and then back to John, appearing only casually interested.

"Well, first my girlfriend kicked me out of bed because Flay wanted to talk about you. Turns out that she actually thinks your cute.",Explained John offhandedly. "Daniel sensed the same thing and told Xaria. So because she's such a sweetheart, and feels bad about being a bitch to, Xaria wants you, Daniel, herself, and I to get a drink at the pub tommorow morning. Plus it's Flay's day off so you might get some real....um...attention from her."

John offered a wink and chuckled. "But seriously, Ria's not that bad. She's just stressed from all that's going on with her life. Especially about the engagement being canceled..." John muttered an oath under his breath. "Forget I said anything about an engagement. Anyway, all she wants his for her guests to have a good time. Without smoking." John offered another wink. "She'll probably even put in a good word for you with Flay, not that you need it. Just come and have a drink with all of us tommorow, otherwise Ria will be hurt and Myra will yell at me. So you'll come?"

"Well, first my girlfriend kicked me out of bed because Flay wanted to talk about you. Turns out that she actually thinks your cute.",Explained John offhandedly. "Daniel sensed the same thing and told Xaria. So because she's such a sweetheart, and feels bad about being a bitch to, Xaria wants you, Daniel, herself, and I to get a drink at the pub tommorow morning. Plus it's Flay's day off so you might get some real....um...attention from her."

John offered a wink and chuckled. "But seriously, Ria's not that bad. She's just stressed from all that's going on with her life. Especially about the engagement being canceled..." John muttered an oath under his breath. "Forget I said anything about an engagement. Anyway, all she wants his for her guests to have a good time. Without smoking." John offered another wink. "She'll probably even put in a good word for you with Flay, not that you need it. Just come and have a drink with all of us tommorow, otherwise Ria will be hurt and Myra will yell at me. So you'll come?"

Darius smiled at the young Lycan, though his mind was still on Sasha. He hated unfinished business, and disliked mysteries even more. He forced himself to reply to John with an even voice.

"I thank-you for your kind words, and though I was planning on taking my leave with the morning sun, I would be honored to extend my stay to have an opportunity to share a drink with Her Majesty...and of course, Flay. Besides, I would not inflict an angry Myra on anyone, least of all you, son."

He slapped the young Lycan on the shoulder, and gave him a warm smile.

"Now, getchyer ass back to bed and I'll hook up with you in the morning."

Steele glanced over at the Priestess known as Eszti who had simply stood silent throughout the exchange. He bowed slightly to her, and cocked an eyebrow in her direction.

"Is there something you wanted to ask me, m'lady? Or are you simply waiting for this strapping young man to escort you to your room?" He added a small wink and a smile. He hoped she was truly waiting for John, and didn't want to start a long discussion with Steele.

Somewhere in the darkness, a mystery waited to be unravelled...a mystery named Sasha.

John laughed heartily. "Well, I'm glad you're going to stick around for a bit. You know the festival is pretty fun after the openings. There are carnival rides, drinking contests, public dances...You should stay the whole time. But you're right I should get to sleep. See you in the morning."

John offered a little salute to Steele, then turned to Eszti. "Thanks for coming down with me, I'll take you back to your room now"

John walked Eszti to her room and said good-night. He then went in search of Daniel, finding him in his room trying to sleep.

"Sorry, mate didn't mean to wake you. That Steele agreed to get a drink."

Daniel nodded and slammed the door in John's face. John frowned 'He needn't be so cranky.' He then shrugged and went off the bed. Not knowing how the next day would be.

OOC:Okay this night is done so we'll be skipping to morning.

On their way back, Eszti informed John that if it was possible, she'd like to join the little group having a drink at the pub with Xaria. She then said goodnight and went into her room, taking off the cloak before slipping between the sheets of her bed. Sleep came easier to her now.

OOC: I'll be gone for the next few days.

John walked down to the breakfast nook where everyone was to have breakfast. Xaria and Flay were laughing about some dumb pick-up line from the pub as they had breakfast. It was only seven, but Flay had come to visit and she and Xaria were dressed and eating. Flay was wearing a short denim skirt, a black tank top, a denim jacket, knee-high boots, and fish net stockings. Her long blond hair was in a high pony tail. Xaria, who always had to be unique, has chosen a more creative style. She wore black combat boots, unmatching knee-high socks(One was red with black stripes, the other was solid blue), a short pleated skirt with the nation's tarten on it, the blood stone, fang earings, a naval ring, and a black t-shirt with http://images.art.com/images/products/large/10136000/10136583.jpg on it.

John smiled at the laughing girls and began to eat.

"Where's everyone?",Demanded Flay.

"Asleep",Responded the other two.

"Lazy arses!" They all cried and began to laugh, waiting for the first people who could stand daylight.

OOC: Due to very surprising access to the internet, I'll be able to post every night (maybe)

IC: Eszti slept in until about 11:00, due both to jetlag and the fact that no Callisdrunians got up early, ever. When she finally came downstairs, (in a clean cloak) she complemented Xaria on her outfit. "I especially like the boots," she said.

When she sat down, she started eating the bacon she had loaded onto her plate. Quite slowly, though, as she was not a morning person, and didn't look it, either, with her hair all ruffled and her eyes appearing to still cling to sleep.

John and Daniel, who had arrived at about 9 after he had completed his workout, waved casually at the priestess then returned to their discussion about popping the question. John wanted Daniel's advice since he'd been engaged before. Flay had been playing in a bored fashion with marble on the table smiled eagerly.

"Congrats!",Cried Flay excitedly if not sarcastically. "You get the prize to be the first one up other then Xaria, John, Daniel, or me. We were supposed to leave an hour ago but our guest of honour has yet to arrive."

Xaria laughed a bit and smiled at Eszti. "Thanks for the compliment on my boots. We were actually about the send the boys up to wake you, but you're here. I'll just get them to wake Steele and we can all head off drinking."

John and Daniel wrapped up their conversation and both men headed up to wake Steele. They knocked a few times at his door and waited for a response. Meanwhile, in the breakfast nook, Flay was asking Eszti about her culture.

"Okay, now I'm probably grossly misinformed but is it true you're a ususally naked priestess who is a form of vampire who can go out in the daylight and has serated fangs?" Flay waited eagerly for a response.

Todd came down into the breakfast nook shortly after Eszti. He grabbed himself a plate full of pancakes, sausages, hasbrowns, and scrambled eggs. Todd grabbed a large mug of black coffee and sat at the table across from Xaria.

"Morning everyone."

Todd took off his glasses, rubbed his eyes, and took a gulp of coffee. He put his glasses back on and started his breakfast.

Meanwhile, in the breakfast nook, Flay was asking Eszti about her culture.

"Okay, now I'm probably grossly misinformed but is it true you're a ususally naked priestess who is a form of vampire who can go out in the daylight and has serated fangs?" Flay waited eagerly for a response.

Eszti grinned widely, showing off the long canines that had vicious looking barbs on the back. "As you can see, this part is true. Members of my family must be very careful to avoid hurting our donors too much with these." She drank some orange juice before talking again.

"I can go out without a care during the daylight, such as it is in Callisdrun. In places where there is true daylight, I have to wear good sunblock and good sunglasses to avoid severe discomfort."

Eszti paused again. "And yes, I normally am completely naked." She smiled while saying this. "It's an old custom for the high priestess of Ithtyr to wear nothing but her skin. I've actually grown so used to it that it now feels very awkward for me to wear clothing when the temperature is above freezing."

There was no answer to the incessant knocking on Steele's door. When they have waited long enough, and decide to go in the room, they will find it empty, no sign of Steele, no sign that he had even been in his quarters or slept there.

"I understand how you feel sort of. During the winter, I want nothing more then to be true form.",Explained Flay to Eszti. "Nothing feels nicer the warmth caused by our thick winter coats. Unfortunately, it freaks out the Morties."

Xaria glared at Flay. "Don't call the humans Morties. It's bad politics."

"Sorry your future highness.",mumbled Flay indignantly. Xaria laughed and shoved her friends playfully. Flay laughed as well. When the boys came down, she brightened a bit more.

"So when's Steele coming down? I'm looking forward to hanging out with him when I'm not in the middle of working."

John and Daniel shook their heads. "He's not in his room.",replied John.

"No sign he was there at all.",Added Daniel.

"Then we wait for him here.",Replied Xaria with a forced smile.

"Sharpe isn't going to find out if he left.",Assured Flay.

"That little...." Xaria blew out a calming breath. "Aimee Sharpe some how always finds out when I mess up. She's sneaky."

"So were waiting here?",Questioned John.

"Yes, we are.", Replied Xaria. She turned and offered a sincerely apologetic smile to Eszti. "Sorry about this. We'll go out as soon as Steele show's up."

"What's if he doesn't?",Whispered Daniel in Xaria's ear.

A dark frown passed over the young lycans face. 'That would be bad.'

"In the winter, I usually wear a heavy cloak outside. Even I would freeze with our weather in January." Eszti said. "But in the summer, it's simply not comfortable for me anymore. Even if I get soaking wet from the rain."

Looking around, she added "I don't think Mr. Steele is coming..."

Sigrun appeared, walking softly down the steps until he had entered the room where Xaria and the others were sitting, chatting amongst themselves and eating their breakfasts. He took his seat and watched as one of the servants placed a fresh, hot plate of food before him.

"Good morning." he greeted to each of them, as he took his silverware and took the first bite of the food. It was delicious, and fitting for one such as Xaria. He looked up to her and smiled, "Excellent food, Xaria."

Xaria smiled sweetly at the elf. "I'm glad you enjoy it Sigrun." She then addressed everyone at the table. "It seems Mr. Steele will not be joining us today.(ooc: I'm assuming, since he won't confirm it by TGing me back about it) So we'll have to enjoy the rest of the festival without him." Flay seemed a little sad, but not completely upset. "We were all planning on going to the bar, but since Steele isn't coming how about Flay, Daniel, and I give Eszti, Todd, and Sigrun a tour of Lycan Cities day life. We'd invite Stephen and Sasha, but they wouldn't be able to come anyway. John you can spend the day with Myra."

John thanked Xaria and made his way out of the castle. Xaria then smiled at her three guests at the table. "What do you all say?"

Sigrun smiled, "That would be a worthy thing to accept, my lady." He took another sip of his drink and finished his plate. Hardly a moment later, a servant came and took away his dish properly. He nodded in thanks to the servant.

"My pleasure, sir." replied the servant, before he disappeared. Sigrun watched him leave and laughed aloud. "Do you really think he enjoys his job?" he asked to no one in particular.

OOC:So Gawdly didn't quit, he's just busy. He'll show up later.

IC: "Royal Servants are crazy. They care more about Xaria then their own families. She's their everything. It's weird.",Replied Flay with a shrug. "Their families understand too."

Xaria gave a small nod. "It is a tad bit odd, but yeah they love what they do. It gives them an amazing sense of pride. People strive to work here, I mean some of these people could do much better things with their life. Yet they choose to work here." Xaria shook her head. "I'll never understand it."

She then got up, and someone helped her into her jacket. Daniel and Flay got up and stood next to her. "Are the three of you coming?"

Todd nodded, he drained the rest of his coffee and finished up his breakfast. He put on his old brown leather jacket and stood.

"I'm definatly coming, don't want to pass up something like this ma'am. Chance to see other cultures and nations has always excited me."

"Oh this sounds so lovely," Eszti said. She hadn't had much chance to travel since becoming High Priestess, and was glad for the opportunity to see foreign lands. "Where shall we go first?"

"We'll go to the Lupin Street market. It's a lot of fun.",Suggested Xaria and they all began to walk down to the city. They took a few left turns and were in the middle of a crowded street with tons of booths filled with a variety of different products.

"We'll split into groups of two. I'm go with Todd, Flay you can go with Eszti, and Xaria you'll take Sigrun.",Announced Daniel. "This is the best way to stay safe, everyone stay with your buddy."

Then the three groups split up.

Todd looked over at Daniel as the groups split, a look of shock on his face.

"Are you saying there is a possiblity of a mugging?"

Todd reached inside his jacket and felt the canister of mace, he felt safe with it; yet he still felt a bit uneasy.

Eszti smiled at Flay as they went on their way. What an odd name, but maybe it's perfectly normal here. She liked the sound of going to a market, downtowns had always excited her, because every city's unique character was evident in its downtown.

OOC: Sorry about the short posts, I just want to keep this near the top of everybody's subscription list.

Sigrun smiled and soon had joined Xaria. Regally, he held himself with an air of respect, as he held his arm out to her. She looked at him with a slight smile.

"My lady? Shall you strive to educate me in the ways of your people?" he asked with a gentle smile.

OOC: apologies for my delay in posting...it was a weekend of hell...I only wanted to go home to visit my family for my mom's birthday. Car trouble the entire weekend...blah!

[ooc: this is a bump]

"So, Flay. Tell me about life here. I'm afraid I'm quite ignorant of your culture." Eszti was trying to make conversation, but she did honestly want to know about this country. "Ignorant" did not not carry the same negative connotations in Callisdrunian. It meant lacking in knowledge. There was a word that did have a negative connotation, quite negative at that, and to translate it fully it meant someone "lacking in knowledge, and vehemently refusing to acquire such, and often proud of their ignorance." The closest word in English was "stupid."

Daniel shook his head at Todd. "There is a lot of pick-pockets, but none of those kids could mug you. And the mob avoids the royal family and their guests."

------------------------------
At the entrance of the street, Xaria took Sigrun's arm. "Of course I will educate you." Xaria glided with Sigrun among the crowds. She pointed out various stands with different goods on them. She had to stop the tour for a moment to chastise a young man selling silver jewelary and tell him that the police would be involved the next time. She then brought Sigrun to a small outdoor café.

"It's easier to educate you here. Just ask what you wish. I showed you almost all that Lupin Street has to offer."

A waitress came along with some strange smoking drink and placed it before Xaria. She then turned to Sigrun to take his order.

------------------------
Flay smiled sweetly at the Priestess. "Well, Thrope was the first all Lycan settlement. It would have been the first all Lycan nation, but there were native humans and humans who moved in with the Lycans. We live at relative peace with on another. But there are some Fringe groups we have trouble with. We are a constitutional monarchy. Normally that means that the monarch is a figure head with no power, but the King or Queen is always present in Parliment." Flay told Eszti all this as they walked along the street. "That's the basis of our nation. Then there are some cultural things, that I'll explain later." Flay eyed Eszti's robe wearily.

"You must be so uncomfortable in that. Come here I've got to get you to try a dress made from Haridor. You'll like it much better." Flay then pulled Eszti gently through the street to a boutique. After searching for a moment she hand Eszti a dress that looked like silk but litterally felt like thin air. "Try it on I'm sure you'll feel better in it."

OOC:Sorry all I've had a lot of stuff to do. All my activities are winding down which means alot of manditory extra stuff. I'll be on top of this from now on.

Sigrun ordered a local brew of tea and watched as the waitress strode away swiftly. He turned his attention to Xaria and spoke,

"Seeing as how you've taken control of Thrope, and I control Tarlachia, allow me to ask you: What are your plans for Thrope? Economically, militaristically and socially?"

He accepted the tea brought before him and sipped it. It was delicious.

"Thrope is a constitutional monarchy. That usually means the royals are just figure heads. Here I do participate and have final say, but our Prime Minister is really the one in charge. He wants a stronger military while I want universal health care. We are both in agreement, though, that the police need to be better trained and there need to be more programs for youth. The economy seems stable, but the taxes are insane. We can't find a way to lower them without making the country suffer in other ways."

Xaria sighed and took a sip of her drink. "I've spent my whole life preparing for a career I was never supposed to have. I never wanted to be Queen. Politicians at least can choose."

Xaria sighed again.

Sigrun mused quietly, "Yes...the taxes are indeed insane. We've been battling high tax rates for years, to seemingly no avail."

He thought about her words on her role thrust upon her. He replied to this, "There was once one who said: Some are born into greatness, some are destined for greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."

He allowed the words to sink in. "Obviously you were of the latter. I on the other hand, was destined to my fate. Either way, we are both in the same boat now. As it stands, I obviously have more experience in dealing with government figures and regulations. Therefore, I offer my hand in friendship to assist you in adjusting and learning to harness the reins as you should."

He took several more sips, waiting patiently for her response.

"I would never want to burden a new friend with my problems.",Began Xaria slowly. "But if you are offering I shall accept it. Besides, Thrope is lacking in allies as of yet. There were wars somewhere many years ago, I do not know where. But they involved werewolves, as a result Thrope's allies turned on us. We've had a bad run of international things ever since."

Xaria took a sip of her drink. "Have you ever heard of a war involving werewolves?"

Sigrun placed his cup down softly, taking a spoon and stirring the tea. He closed his eyes, watching as the memories appeared in quick succession before his sight. Finally, he opened his eyes and held her with his gaze. When he spoke, he spoke with a hint of sadness, perhaps even regret.

"Yes...it was many years ago. It was in the third war of Assington. In that war, I had brought my elven allies of Tarlachia to side with the local vampiric population against a wrongful invasion by a foreign vampiric coven known as the Hyraphore. The Hyraphore hailed from Valient, and were led by Alexander Kelsing. They managed to secure the aid of lycans, through a blood debt, to their misconceited purposes, providing a unified, and very deadly foe to face. However, in time, I managed to reveal the true enemy of the lycans to the lycans themselves. Alexander meant to enslave the lycans for further twisted schemes, even after they had "paid" their blood debt to him. The lycans turned against him, and with our aid and the aid of the Assingtonian covens, the Hyraphore was devastated and forced to retreat. It was a costly war, one that almost took the life of my love..."

Sigrun held his hand out, beckoning for Xaria to lean closer. As she did, he placed his hand upon her temple and closed his eyes. Within moments, the same memories he saw earlier of the war flashed before Xaria's mind, showing her the brutality of the war, the deaths of the lycans, vampires, and elves alike. Finally, it showed the lycans thanking Sigrun for assisting them. It was clear they had become allies now, despite the lycan forces actually consisting of a number of groups from around the world.

Sigrun released Xaria and opened his eyes. He exhaled slowly, finalizing his story. "As you can see, no one was spared of injury or the scars of battle."

He picked up his tea and drained the rest of the cup, sitting back in his seat. "I hope that will alleviate any concerns you have about my integrity."

Flay smiled sweetly at the Priestess. "Well, Thrope was the first all Lycan settlement. It would have been the first all Lycan nation, but there were native humans and humans who moved in with the Lycans. We live at relative peace with on another. But there are some Fringe groups we have trouble with. We are a constitutional monarchy. Normally that means that the monarch is a figure head with no power, but the King or Queen is always present in Parliment." Flay told Eszti all this as they walked along the street. "That's the basis of our nation. Then there are some cultural things, that I'll explain later." Flay eyed Eszti's robe wearily.

"You must be so uncomfortable in that. Come here I've got to get you to try a dress made from Haridor. You'll like it much better." Flay then pulled Eszti gently through the street to a boutique. After searching for a moment she hand Eszti a dress that looked like silk but litterally felt like thin air. "Try it on I'm sure you'll feel better in it."


Eszti paid close attention while Flay explained about Thrope. It all sounded surprisingly similar to Callisdrun's own government, if not to its history.

Quite surprised at Flay's sudden gift, Eszti said "I suppose it wouldn't do to change right here," with what was almost a giggle and went into a changing room. She emerged quickly with the dress on, the robe neatly folded. "This much better, thank you. My cloak is usually fairly comfortable in or near Callisdrun, but here it was much too hot." She straightened the dress a little, pleased that Flay had chosen a black one. "You said it was made from Haridor or something? What's that?"

Xaria's response came out numb. "Well now I'll have to fight the Prime Minister tooth and nail. I'm going to make sure that Thrope now takes a complete anti-war stand. From now on Thrope will not attack, allow itself to be attacked by, or participate in any nation's conflicts." Xaria nodded with a note of finality. Then suddenly smiled far to brightly for it to be real. "Well, I've just finished my drink. Why don't I show you some more shops!" Xaria then stood up.

-------------------------------
"Haridor is some sort of fairy fabric.",Replied Flay. "Or perhaps it's made by Driads or Nymphs." Flay shrugged. "There are many tiny magical creatures with the Great Forest. Lots of them trade goods with us, since they have no use for cash."

"The first time I tried on a Haridor, some one told me it was made of gossamer. I have to admit I freaked out a bit." Flay turned to the salesgirl and called, "Lily, this is Eszti. She's one of the Duchess' guests."

Lily waved off the young lycan and Flay began to walk out. "Hurry up Eszti, there's lot left to see. What do you want see next?"

Todd looked around the market as he and David walked through. He didn't see anyone who would fit the Goodfellas or Godfather look. He reached into his pants pocket, removed his wallet and placed it into his coat pocket where it would be safer.

Todd thought of getting something for his sister Samantha, he looked at a small jelwery booth for a minute before continuing on with David.

"My sister is rather fond of silver, but I don't think you sell much here. How long have you known Xaria David?"

Daniel gave Todd a confused look. "It's Daniel, Todd. Not David."

He smiled as realization dawned on Todd. "But yeah we don't have very much silver here. It causes a lot of problems. Xaria and I have been friends since we were nine. She bit me when on my fifteenth birth day, and on my seventeenth we...." Daniel cleared his throat. "We've known each other since we were nine. If you sister likes silver, maybe she'd like some white gold." Daniel passed Todd a lovely necklace.

"Haridor is some sort of fairy fabric.",Replied Flay. "Or perhaps it's made by Driads or Nymphs." Flay shrugged. "There are many tiny magical creatures with the Great Forest. Lots of them trade goods with us, since they have no use for cash."

"The first time I tried on a Haridor, some one told me it was made of gossamer. I have to admit I freaked out a bit." Flay turned to the salesgirl and called, "Lily, this is Eszti. She's one of the Duchess' guests."

Lily waved off the young lycan and Flay began to walk out. "Hurry up Eszti, there's lot left to see. What do you want see next?"

Eszti walked fast to keep up with Flay. "Oh, anything you feel like showing me, really." She paused for a moment and then asked "What's the religious or spiritual scene like here?"

She had listened in fascination to Flay's casual description of fairies and the like. Callisdrun had no fairies or anything of the sort. Just humans and moroii, and very large intelligent wolves.

Todd hit his head with his hand and cursed himself.

"Sorry Daniel. My mind drifted slightly to someone who works at my family's vineyard."

He listened to Daniel and didn't ask questions why he stopped in mid-sentence. He looked at the necklace Daniel handed him. Todd studied it for several minutes before fishing in his pocket, pulling out some cash and paying the vendor.

"God I hope this smooths things over with Sam...she is gonna kill me for the other thing I am bringing back...but that is for another time."

Todd thought for a few minutes. "Daniel, I confess I am a gigantic horror film fan. I'm kind of curious on how you feel about the movies portraying your kind as just blood thirsty animals."

Xaria's response came out numb. "Well now I'll have to fight the Prime Minister tooth and nail. I'm going to make sure that Thrope now takes a complete anti-war stand. From now on Thrope will not attack, allow itself to be attacked by, or participate in any nation's conflicts." Xaria nodded with a note of finality. Then suddenly smiled far to brightly for it to be real. "Well, I've just finished my drink. Why don't I show you some more shops!" Xaria then stood up.


Sigrun smiled and stood as well. He extracted a few pieces of the local currency and left it on the table. He took Xaria's arm once more and declared, "I would love to see what your people create for their markets! I must admit, I love studying the cultures of other civilizations."

OOC:Geez, even my "I need to postpone" message got postponed. Yeah the year is closing down and I have piles of papers and exams are soon. So I'll start this back up during summer vaca. Sorry guys.

Well, that's not too far away.

OOC: No worries. I was away myself for the last week, having been forced to move out of my dorm b/c it was the end of the semester. Nevertheless, I'm currently trying to set up a wireless connection right now off a friend's net system, so I'm still kinda not online as much as I'd like to be at times.

Nevertheless, take your time and good luck on the finals!

OOC: Okay so I'm FINALLY back. The end of the year was intense, then I lost my account here on the boards and I just got it back.

IC: Flay smiled at Eszti. "The scene is everything. We have a pretty deverse society. Of course, along with normal religions the whole lycan population is devoted to the Lycan Church. Which is just odd." The young werewolf laughed softly.
-----------------------------
"So long as people understand we aren't really like that, then we find it funny." Daniel explained this calmly. "Those who accuse us of being like our movie counterparts are not appreciated. Besides, movies always misinterpret individuals. Global Society is flawed."

----------------------------
Xaria smiled. "The markets are just on this street. We have modern malls and stores. But the street markets overflow during the festival, everyone is so festive." Xaria led Sigrun through the street showing him many things. They reached a booth with fairy items and Xaria noticed a purple haired woman in all black clothing. "Nyx, come here."

The woman walked over and gave Xaria a polite bow and then a hug. "Sigrun I would like to introduce you to Nyx LaCroix. She's the Fey representitive in Parliment."