NationStates Jolt Archive

It had been decades since the last Count Dracula passed away. Whether it be by the hand of a nemesis or the anger of uprising peasants they always came and went eventually. Sons of Dracula who descended from Atilla the Hun; there never was a speed bump encountered in the progression of their line. But the latest heir, Count Dracula VIII, ruler of the oppressed nation of Dracule was interested in escaping the norms set by his ancestors.

Amongst his fellow noblemen he transferred his curse and hunger for blood to several. With their unwavering loyalty as servants to his will he was able to split the land into Fiefs. Each nobleman was granted the title of "Count" and given a plot of land which he ruled over and benefited from. Dracula VIII granted himself the title of "Grand Count" to cement his position in words over his underlings.

Renaming the changed nation to "Neo-Dracule" he also changed his name to Alucard. Now Neo-Dracule is a land possessed by fear and ruled with an iron fist by its vampiric lords. The populace remains human and regularly offer sacrifices to their respective lords from amongst their ranks to appease his thirst and survive.

Visitors rarely stay and those who are forced to travel through the land rarely make it to their destinations without aid from bodyguards or the friendly populace. However the ever vigilant undead soldiers of Alucard and his fiefs are always seeking stragglers with which to sink their blades into to satisfy their demented lust for killing.

....

Alucard (http://bishounen.info/alucard/alucard3.jpg) walked the eerie halls of his castle alone that night. His cloak not far behind him as it followed him as he dragged it along. His skull tipped cane (http://www.brokenbeauties.com/images-new/products/skull.jpg) was the only sound as it tapped lightly each time it met the ground as he placed a silent footstep forward.

Without warning he almost seemingly glided to the right as he made a quick and sharp turn into another corridor. It was dimmer than the one it branched from and as Alucard passed the torches their light seemed to shy away from him. When he reached the end of the hall there stood a single door in the stone wall. A small, iron ring with a lion’s fierce face on it in the middle was the door knob. And as if he met a well he stopped directly before the door and everything went silent before he reached for the door and swung it open.
The chamber within was massive yet hardly furnished. Resting on a small plateau in the middle of the room was a large stone coffin. On the right side was a large series of windows that gazed out to the dark and treacherous valleys below. On the left, farther up, was a brief balcony. Surrounding the walls were iron sarcophaguses with inscriptions on the torso and solemn faces carved into the metal where the head of the occupant would be located. There were a good nine of them.

Alucard seemingly floated towards the coffin in the middle and the candles that lined the walls shook with freight as if threatened by a breeze. He stopped at the coffin and effortlessly slid the heavy stone top off of it. Within the coffin was a bed cushioned by stuffed velvet and even a blanket. He leaned his cane up against the side of the coffin and levitated inside. He lay down and brought his arms across his torso in the shape of an X and his eyes slowly shut. The lid to the coffin, as if alive, gently slid back in place over the top and the room fell silent.

…

Nelaio Protvaski sighed and stopped briefly to wipe the sweat from his brow. Resting his weight against his rake he took the moment to observe the land. In the distance many cottages and other farms much like his sat along the woods line to the forest. He was a simple farmer and a servant on the land of Count Travaski’s land. Luckily, Grand Count Alucard granted most of the vassals a minor will of their own to diversify the operation of the various fiefs which allowed Count Travaski the ability to rule with more justice than the other Counts. Nelaio was glad this much was spared on him.

So caught up in his thoughts, he almost failed to notice the screaming coming from a nearby cottage. Assuming something wrong, he grabbed his rake and ran towards the source of the screaming. When he arrived he was greeted by a crowd of other farmers who had also rushed to the aid of the female who was the source of the screaming. They watched as a young maiden, around 22 in age, was dragged out of her family’s cottage by a squad of mindless undead who served Count Travaski. The father, a portly man, stood before the rotting corpses and demanded an explanation. “See here! What are you doing with my poor daughter!” he cried in outrage. One of the undead, who wore a rusted helmet that signified the Marshalls of old, limped up towards the man and opened his maw. As if it were a voice box, a dry and wheezing voice answered him. “The Count wishes to honor your daughter by inviting her into his court. You will step aside or we will take action.” It answered emotionlessly. The father stood up to his full height and answered, “Release my daughter immediately! The Count can find other virgins within the village!”

The maw of the undead soldier closed and it stood there silently for a few moments. It stared at the impatient father and then without warning jabbed a rusty dagger into his gut. He gasped and fell to the ground clutching the gushing wound; then other villagers rushed to the aid of their fellow peasant and helplessly watched as the poor maiden was dragged, kicking and screaming, to the dark castle in the distance. Nelaio knew, much like everyone else, people invited into the Count’s court generally did not return; or at least mortal anyway.

As Nelaio looked to the dark and foreboding castle in the distance he wondered just how lucky he was.

OOC: Bump

OOC: Bump

OOC: Tag. This looks to be very interesting. I am on one of my puppet accounts, but I too have a Fantasy nation. What do you want to have happen here?

OOC: I was thinking word spreads of the oppression in my nation, the fact it is ruled by vampires, or the absence of religion besides the worship of Lucifer being allowed causes nations to perhaps form a band of vampire hunters to track down and end the counts' lives or even invade Neo-Dracule.

The tech age is medieval and there is, of course, magic.

OOC: Of course. Have any kind of messengers? I have AIM (calaelen90) and MSN (calaelen90@hotmail.com).

I have a Roman Empire-esque nation but with medieval tech (trebuchets, longbows, etc), along with better horsemen and a good amount of magic. They wouldn't attack just from hearing oppression, since my nation is very materialistic and all that, and busy with a little war. So they'd have to be attacked or something.

But I am fine for whatever you want; be it small bands of mages hunting you, working out some kind of trade deal and relations or war. ^^

OCC:I hope you don't mind an independent assassin. perhaps she can meet with other adventurers along the way.

IC:Integral Aspri watched the young virgin being pulled away by the undead soldiers uncaringly. The girl was not her problem, and staging a rescue attempt would be dangerous and pointless. The father was beyond saving as well, unless the village had a skilled healer, which Integral seriously doubted. She walked calmly around the mass of villagers trying to help the dying man, distracting quite a few with her unusual garb and many weapons. She wore a hooded cloak that swept down well beyond her height, and an expressionless mask shaped like a fox face, effectively hiding her visage. A light leather jerkin served as her only piece of armor, adorned by a small dangling cross hanging from her neck. A cruel military pick hung at her right, and an elegant silver saber at her left; a pair of unseen stilettos hid in her tight-laced thigh-high boots. A mysterious silk sack hung over her shoulder, hiding an even more powerful weapon.

Integral glanced at the large castle, then at Nelaio.

"Whose castle is that, farmer? It's imperative that I find the Grand Count. We have...unfinished business."

Nelaio blinked as the strange woman questioned him. His eyes were immediately drawn to the cross on her necklace and grasped it within his hand, hiding it in his palm. In a hushed voice he answered, "I don't know who you are, or where you come from, but it is not safe to display such symbols in public. Come, we'll go to my farm house. I'll answer your questions there..."

He began to walk away from the crowd of villagers who were now dragging the man inside a nearby cabin. When Nelaio and the woman reached his farm house and he opened the door he was greeted by a strong hug from his young son who appeared to be around nine. "Papa! We were worried about you! Momma went to tell you dinner was ready and when she didn't find you she feared the worst!"

Nelaio smiled gently and patted his son reassuringly on his head. "It's alright Alexander, I'm fine. Is your mother in the kitchen?" Alexander smiled and nodded his head. Nelaio walked passed him, his guest in tow who seemed to draw a curious stare from the boy.

When Nelaio reached the kitchen he knocked against the wood of the door frame and his wife looked up from the loaf of bread she was cutting. "Nelaio! Thank goodness your safe I was worried si--", she said as she cut herself as her attentions were drawn to the dark and mysterious woman behind him. Nelaio caught her stare and answered it, "She is an outsider. She has questions I need to answer. Ones not safe to be mentioned openly in public air."

His wife nodded understandingly and she sat down. Nelaio followed suit and when they all sat at the table with a meager candle burning before them in the middle, Nelaio turned to his guest. "These are dangers lands, stranger. The Grand Count's eyes and ears are everywhere. His enforces are the mindless zombies he calls soldiers. However not everything that spies on us walks on two feet. The ravens, wolves, and bats listen to our words from all shadows. If you wish to stay undercover I suggest hiding that...symbol...away. The Count's hold no love towards Christianity and are quick to execute its practitioners whether they be outsiders or their own subjects."

Nelaio nervously watched the window. The sun was passing behind the distant valleys and nightfall was soon to come. He continued, "The castle you saw was that of Count Travaski. He is, from what I here, more mortal and of merciful will than any of the Counts. However, he is not without his faults. He is a sucker for a pretty face and, as you witnessed, takes the fairest maidens of the village as temporary lovers before he ends their misery. He calls it repayment for letting us farm his land."

Nelaio watched as the last beams of sunlight passed beyond the valley and the land went silent. He turned to their guest and said, "It is nightfall and spies of the Grand Count will be out in the masses. It is best you stay with us for the night and leave at dawn to avoid detection." He turned to his wife and said, "Gladis. Fix our guest a temporary bed."

His wife nodded and hurried off to fetch some pillows and blankets.

OOC: My e-mail is defearonbloodrunner@hotmail.com and if you wish to talk, i'll give you my AIM as I don't fell safe releasing it openly. From there we can either use MSN or AIM (MSN preferably) and plan something out.

The undead Legions of the Realm continued to advance deeper into the forest. The massive hosts of zombies and skeletons could be seen as wave after wave of ghouls and wights continued to advance side by side with unholy Death Knights riding upon corpse rotten horses leading platoons of human levies armed with swords and shields.

This was the sight of the Legions of Deatharon expanding their ever growing territory. The Lichen Emperor Antonio Von Antheron VIII had long decreed a war against the rival nations that had for years surrounded his realm. The word of the Deatharoni advance would be sent across the four winds as entire villages and towns were obliterated.


In each attack, surrivors would be spared to give the word that the Deatharoni were comming for conquest and dominion. one such man was Ivan Tromvoisky, Ivan was a simple farmer that had lost his family to the Deatharoni invasion of his homeland.


Ivan had been allowed to keep his life in exchange for his services to spread the word of the might of the Deatharoni Empire. He was tired and exhausted from his journey but continued to move to keep away from the ever apporaching forces of the Undead. Ivan eventually reached a land he was not familiar with and thus he decided to warn the people of the impending doom that was about to fall upon them..

Ivan wondered into the nearest village and proclaimed, "Good People, of this village! I bring ill news to you and your kin. The undead hosts of the Deatharoni Empire are comming with intent of conquest! They hunger for the flesh of the living, and their masters are vile creatures of undeath! We must flee or face death, and enslavement!!!"


Ivan continued his crys to the crowds of people in the village square...

Alucard sat in the ancient throne room. A round window was at the top of the circular room and the white rays of moonlight shined brightly down at the the center of the room upon the crest of the Dracula family which was painted into the floor's stone. The red velvet carpet that led to the throne from the door was tattered and worn and the cushions of the gray stone throne were flattened after continuous decades of use. Around the room was a balcony for each Count of the land. Their respective banner hanging from their balcony. They were all gathered there for the sole reason. Oner of Count Vastrakin's outlying villages was razed to the ground by an unknown enemy who had long since moved on.

The discussion of war was the subject yet all the Counts, including Alucard, seemed rather uninterested with the topic. "So what are you suggesting, Count Vastrakin? We face an unknown foe who's power we do not know. Do we simply face them or wait and learn?", said Count Yurtriaszi. "And lose more vital peasants to their raids? They're asking questions and the more they hear from survivors the more curious they'll get. We need to meet this enemy here and now and stop this before it spreads."

As Count Vastrakin was about to retort, he was silenced by Alucard's hand suddenly raising from his throne in a stop gesture. He looked up from the ground and spoke softly, hardly above a whisper to those without the enhanced hearing of the vampires, "I will send an emissary to whoever leads them. I will invite him to my castle. And if negotiations will not be met...well...'step into my parlor, said the spider to the fly'."

The counts chuckled in amusement at his mention of the old saying and Alucard grinned with them. "This session is adjourned. Return home and I will summon you again when needed."

The counts bowed their heads and seemingly floated back into the shadows of their balconies.

...

As the undead army of Deatharoni marched in their columns a sudden mist plagued the ground and the air before them. It was so thick you could nearly cut it. A wolf's howl sounded in the distant hills and the fog was lifted and left a young man in 18th century gentleman's clothes standing before column. Leaning on his cane his crimson lips curved into a smirk on his much paler face and he said to the army before him, "I bring word from the Grand Count Alucard of Neo-Dracule. I wish to speak with your leader."

Frowning, Integral slipped her cross under her jerkin and quickly followed Nelaio to his modest farm house; watching appreciatively as the man's wife made her a bed, she quietly turned towards Nelaio as he told her of the troubles of the land.

"I appreciate your hospitality, Nelaio. I'm certain me staying here puts you and your family in great danger." She suddenly threw her cloak off and removed her mask, placing both on the bed. Integral's hair was flaming red, reaching far down her back, and her eyes a bright green. She was an immensely beautiful woman, with more than just slight curves in her slender figure. Integral unbelted her two large weapons as well as her back sack; stretching her arms, she groaned at the slight pain all the weapons were putting on her back and legs.

"My name is Integral Aspri, and I'm looking for Grand Count Alucard." She smiled as Nelaio stared at her. "I come from a line of vampire-hunters stretching back three generations. I've traveled from very far away, and will not sway from my ultimate goal...The destruction of the Vampire Alucard!" Her eyes hardened even as she spoke the name. "You could say it's a classic story of revenge, friend Nelaio. My sister...my twin sister...was a huntress of great status and fame. Alucard slew her a few years ago. My oath holds that I avenge her death at all costs."

Integral looked again at the large castle in the distance. "Of course, there can be detours along the way...if this count...Travaski, you said, was eliminated, what are the chances he would be replaced by someone worse? What actions would the Grand Duke take?"

The human levies were the first to halt as the undead columns started to go from a normal march to a crawling speed.
The death knights promptly took charge and one of them proclaimed in a cold death like voice, "The General must be notified, The enemy has sent a messenger..."
The necromancers in the middle of the formation promptly recieved the information from their undead minions and General Kalthazar was promptly summoned from his position in the rear of the Legion.


General Kalthazar (http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/Xharnia/CaptainKalthazar.jpg) was an ancient Death Knight. He was considered a Blackguard of the highest degree of wickedness and evil. He was cold and utterly ruthless. His only loyality was to the Lichen Emperor and the Death Goddess. The General smiled and promptly moved to the front of the Legion with his legendary sword Life's Bane...

He looked upon the pale messenger and said in a dark monotone like voice, "I represent the will of the Lichen Emperor! Who dares challenge the will of one that shall last for all time?!!"

The emissary smiled. "My master does not challenge your own, General. He sent me to see if you and your senior officers would be honored guests at his home and meet with him personally to discuss some sort of treaty."

The emissary smiled. "My master does not challenge your own, General. He sent me to see if you and your senior officers would be honored guests at his home and meet with him personally to discuss some sort of treaty."


The General smiled and replied in his montone like voice, "The Lichen Emperor many years ago made a decree that all realms bordering his own would be incorporated into his Empire by force of arms. We his loyal legions have followed this order until all other realms were under Deatharoni rule or were purged of the living... We have for decades merely marched further into the expanding frontiers crushing all that resisted our advance. We have never however, had a messenger request a treaty. You have peaked my intrest..."


The General halted in mid-sentence and began to communicate with his vile master. Lichen Emperor Antonio Von Antheron VIII the reigning Lich Lord of the Deatharoni Empire. The message was not in words but by telepathic communication. The connection was a dark one formed by fell magics of necromancy and other more sinsiter dark arts.

General Kalthazar finally added, "His most Eternal Majesty, The Grand Lichen Emperor Antonio Von Antheron VIII has agreed to allow me and my senior officers a chance to hammer out a treaty between our two realms. It seems he wishes to use my forces to push further north towards the land of the Elf lords...

The Imperial Capital of Kartha was an impressive place, to the eye of the weak-minded and the newcomers to the capital of all of the Kallis Empire. However, those who were regular visitors, or had sharp eyes, could see that the capital had gone for beyond what it needed for the center of a bureaucracy and center of power, and had gone into opulence. At first, it seemed to work. With the high, thick walls and sturdy gates of iron inlaid with the magical substance Thorim, which made it highly resistant to magic. The walls were covered in the stuff as well, to ensure that no insane mage could come along and knock down their walls. It had proper lanes and a good system of soldier placement to defend the city. However, it was the buildings that showed its opulence and greed. The palaces of nobles towered high and were inlaid with gold and silver, to show off their status and to put them above the "rabble", to show they were superior for those men and women who had little self-esteem and enough power to go crazy with it. Of course, they could do nothing but try to copy the magnificence of the Palace of the Dragon, which housed the Emperor and his divinely blessed royal line in the former home of Aestor, the Dragon God of the Kallisians, their main patron deity. It has a sort of rugged beauty to it, not to mention the sheer face of its cliffs and the many, guarded levels of the palace ensured it was the center of the defense of Kartha if all other defenses were breached.

Inside the palace were the Chosen, the Acolytes of Aestor who served as the personal royal guard of the Emperor and his family. Along with the 1st Legion, the very first to be created at the hand of Aestor himself, the Emperor is nigh untouchable. Between the acolytes and the capable 1st Legion, no assassin, warrior, or mage has ever entered the palace and made it back out alive. On the Dragon Throne of Kallis, Emperor Arctaen the Mighty sat on his throne, his eyes tired after a full day of dealing with the rat-like nobles and the current state of affairs concerning the Imperium of Gaat. The Gaatians were a proud people, perhaps too proud. They had marched on their lines and established a line of forts, stating that the defense treaty forged by their ancestors was voided by Kallisian arrogance and lies, whom had bled them for their coin and trade. They would take back their ancestral land, the stolen land behind the forts, and ensure the Kallisian legions would be defeated.

With the forts nothing much than burning wrecks and a full fifth of the Legions scouring the Imperium of their armies and wrecking their cities, the Emperor was sure he had gotten the point across. Mess with the Empire and you will bleed not coin, but blood and tears. He heard the doors open and he straightened himself with a sight, straightening the crown on his head and soothing out the dark blue robe with red stripes and gold lace. The arrival was a messenger, bearing the crest of his family, one of the royal messengers in the outposts of the Empire. Odd, they only came if they were being invaded and the like, such as when the Gaatians had decided to try and pick a fight with them. The man was mud-stained, travel-worn, and looked exhausted. The Emperor gave him a gentle smile; it was a rare sight to see such hard-working, honest men in the Empire these days. It was men like these he cherished more than all the gold in the world. The messenger went on one knee, his face looking at the floor, as he spoke.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I bring grave news from outside our borders. News that can possibly offer dire consequences for us all." Arctaen's eyes widened as his fatigue was stripped away. The messenger continued. "Beyond our north-eastern border, there is a small nation. Our scouts have reported it appears to be a nation of strange, unnatural creatures who feast on the blood of humans and keep a large population of them in thrall. They take victims, usually virgins, away to their castles and are never seen again. However, that is not the threat I am speaking of. We have been getting reports of a large army, filled with the ranks of creatures too horrific to imagine nor describe, along with hosts of rotting dead people and even walking skeletons. It appears to be moving through the tiny nation, seeking to conquer." The messenger fell silent and the Emperor closed his eyes. Undead? He thought them to be stories, from the upheaval during the time that had given birth to the very gods they now worshipped. And these bloodsuckers, these unnatural beasts were on his north-eastern border. This was dire news, indeed. He had to act.

He stood up, glancing at the messenger. "You may rise." The messenger stumbled to his feet. "First, you are to find Legion Commander Larius, and tell him to send a messenger to the 41st, 23rd, and 11th Legions, and tell them to mobilize and head for the abandoned forts on our north-eastern border. I also want tighter and more patrols on that section of Kallisian land; I do not want any chances taken. Keeping sending out scouts, if we should get ANY indication that they are heading our way, you are to notify me at once. We need to be prepared in case they come our way. Do you understand?" The messenger nodded. "Then go."

The messenger turned and stumbled out, leaving a grim Emperor on his throne. He turned to face one of the Chosen."Acolyte". The guard turned towards him and pressed a hand to its chestplate. "Bring mage High Mage Sarius." The Acolyte nodded and the Emperor turned to gaze up at the painting of Aestor, in all his glory. Standing up, he nodded to his guards and they formed up around him. He began to head out of the throne room.

He needed to speak with the Dragon God.

The Emissary smiled as bright a smile as capable as news this "Lichen Emperor" agreed to a treaty. He twirled his cane and pointed to the Northeast. "Follow this road until you reach a fork. Take the right and continue until you reach Castle Dracula. You'll know it when you see it. My master looks forward to meeting with you."

He bowed respectfully and began walking away. The familiar fog soon rising again and when fading revealing he was gone.

...

Alucard sat alone in the dining hall. Out of all the rooms, it was the brightest and most alive. The other end of the room opposite the door had a wall completely made of dark paned windows. The surrounding walls were covered in portraits of the old Count Dracula's and some of their brides. Candles seemed to be the dominating ornament.

The table in the middle was ridiculously long. Able to alteast seat 100 solid guests. 100 seats never filled beyond capacity. The table was a solid and dark wood and the chairs' cushions were of gold flecked crimson cotton stuffed cloth. They table's middle was lined with candles and at the very end, at the head of the table, was Alucard who sat quietly with his left hand's fingers tapping in succession from pinky to thumb slowly as if trying to pass the time.

Hopefully his honored guests would be here soon...

The Emissary smiled as bright a smile as capable as news this "Lichen Emperor" agreed to a treaty. He twirled his cane and pointed to the Northeast. "Follow this road until you reach a fork. Take the right and continue until you reach Castle Dracula. You'll know it when you see it. My master looks forward to meeting with you."

He bowed respectfully and began walking away. The familiar fog soon rising again and when fading revealing he was gone.

...

Alucard sat alone in the dining hall. Out of all the rooms, it was the brightest and most alive. The other end of the room opposite the door had a wall completely made of dark paned windows. The surrounding walls were covered in portraits of the old Count Dracula's and some of their brides. Candles seemed to be the dominating ornament.

The table in the middle was ridiculously long. Able to alteast seat 100 solid guests. 100 seats never filled beyond capacity. The table was a solid and dark wood and the chairs' cushions were of gold flecked crimson cotton stuffed cloth. They table's middle was lined with candles and at the very end, at the head of the table, was Alucard who sat quietly with his left hand's fingers tapping in succession from pinky to thumb slowly as if trying to pass the time.

Hopefully his honored guests would be here soon...

General Kalthazar smiled a dark sinister smile that was hidden by his helm. The unholy champion of death looked around and marched down the path towards Castle Dracula. He was followed by a group of ten of his most trusted Death Knight Captains and by Lady Alysria (http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c309/Xharnia/LadyAlsyria.jpg). The Vampire Elven Witch that used her dark powers to help control the vast energies needed to bind and animate the numerous undead corpses that made the core of the Legion.


The Vampire Witch watched her superior and his cohorts head down the road. She merely smiled and turned into a mist like form and floated towards the castle. She did not intend to be stuck walking to this destination. The undead leaders all moved towards the castle leaving the bulk of thier forces on stand by near the outskirts of the fiefdom to prevent the undead troops from hunting local travelers on the roads....


It only took the assorted officers and the General about an hour to get to the gates of the infamous stronghold. They waited patiently to get inside except for Lady Alysria whom merely entered the via her mist like form....

Castle Dracula (http://features.cgsociety.org/stories/2005_03/castle_dracula/castleDracula1500.jpg) looked as sinister as its name. The architecture was crude and unusual at best.

The massive wooden doors creaked open and gave way to the grand hall. The candles were an eerie and queer green flame which emitted a strange green light. Dozens of corridors broke off from the grand hall. One could easily lose his way for years within the castle's labyrinth.

As the General and officers entered the doors, with minds of their own, slammed shut and as if awaken by them a weary old man in a dusty and wrinkled butler's uniform seemingly appeared before them when their gazes were averted to the closed door. He did not speak. He only gestured forward and began to lead them down the hall. He spoke not a word and his footsteps seemed to carry no sound. His stature never faltered and his movement was restricted to his stiff legs.

Finally after some walking they reached the large doors to the dinning hall and as the butler stepped up to them they seemingly opened again on their own and revealed the much more cheery and alive dinning hall.

Alucard, who sat at the end of the table, smiled and from the far end of room with no faltering voice said, "Come! My esteemed guests. Lets us speak of negotiations. Please, have a seat."

As he finished speaking the butler disappeared and the doors slammed shut once more behind them.

Frowning, Integral slipped her cross under her jerkin and quickly followed Nelaio to his modest farm house; watching appreciatively as the man's wife made her a bed, she quietly turned towards Nelaio as he told her of the troubles of the land.

"I appreciate your hospitality, Nelaio. I'm certain me staying here puts you and your family in great danger." She suddenly threw her cloak off and removed her mask, placing both on the bed. Integral's hair was flaming red, reaching far down her back, and her eyes a bright green. She was an immensely beautiful woman, with more than just slight curves in her slender figure. Integral unbelted her two large weapons as well as her back sack; stretching her arms, she groaned at the slight pain all the weapons were putting on her back and legs.

"My name is Integral Aspri, and I'm looking for Grand Count Alucard." She smiled as Nelaio stared at her. "I come from a line of vampire-hunters stretching back three generations. I've traveled from very far away, and will not sway from my ultimate goal...The destruction of the Vampire Alucard!" Her eyes hardened even as she spoke the name. "You could say it's a classic story of revenge, friend Nelaio. My sister...my twin sister...was a huntress of great status and fame. Alucard slew her a few years ago. My oath holds that I avenge her death at all costs."

Integral looked again at the large castle in the distance. "Of course, there can be detours along the way...if this count...Travaski, you said, was eliminated, what are the chances he would be replaced by someone worse? What actions would the Grand Duke take?"

Nelaio watched silently as he observed the beauty of the self-proclaimed "vampire hunter". While he was certainly happy with Gladis, Integral was more than his wife could ever be. Perhaps a fantasy for later times however.

"My wife and I are fully aware of the consequences of our actions. But we are quiet and keep to ourselves, thus reducing suspicion. However your goal is one that has been undertaken by many with the past Draculas for ages. They always find a way back into life, but perhaps with this new face of the nation things will change."

Nelaio followed her eyes out the window. "Count Travaski is probably Alucard's least favored. He is young, and Alucard left him a scar that never healed when he attempted to steal a potential bride from Alucard. However in the end she was infertile and legend says Alucard stores her body in a coffin and her soul in one of his rings. If he 'disappeared' as you said it would be sometime before he is replaced as Alucard's trust in his fellow nobles is rather slim."

The two were silent for a moment before Nelaio spoke again. "I am sorry for your sister's fate. She is not the only innocent life claimed to satiate his bloodlust. If you are as good as you say you are...I will help you to kill Alucard. But if Travaski is to die first, however, we will start there."

“I didn’t realize the Counts were in such disarray. Perhaps this will play out to our advantage…” Integral thought hard as she looked out the window at the castle. “The Dracula line is, as you say, long and well-preserved. There are many individuals and even nations devoted to wiping out vampires and monsters, however…I wouldn’t be surprised if I met a hunter I knew around these parts. Many more than I will come to kill these fiends, I assure you. Someday the line of Dracul will be exterminated, even if it takes a thousand years to do it.”

Waving aside Nelaio’s pity for her sister, she turned sharply as the farmer offered his aid. “Nelaio, bless you, but I can’t have you coming along with me. You’re a farmer, not a soldier or an assassin…do you have any skill with a sword, or a bow, or any weapon for that matter? You’re welcome to point me in the right direction, but…” Integral shook her head violently. “Your family needs you here, Nelaio. I couldn’t bear the thought of the pain your wife and son would go through if you died aiding a complete stranger.”

Integral circled Nelaio quietly, apparently deep in thought. “Still, you might be useful…after I kill Travaski, this entire area will be free of vampiric tyranny. If you truly want to help, organize your fellow peasants together and arm them…pitchforks, scythes, axes, whatever you can find, use. Your people will need a leader if they want to break free of their masters, and I don’t know the area at all. I can kill Travaski and open the gates to the castle, but I would need help to secure it. Do you think you are up to that?”

Nelaio listened as Integral described a future without the Dracula line. He shook his head and frowned. "There will always be another Dracula...we can kill dozens of them but they are spawns of the Devil himself. Their contract with the Devil is ever enact."

As Integral denied him to aid her on her quest he reluctantly agreed with her points. While he had minimal skill with a hunting bow and a minor idea of swordsmanship he would do nothing but end up dead if he ventured with her. "You're right, Lady Aspri. I would only get in the way. Besides my wife is in no position to support our household alone. Atleast not until my son has become a man capable of responsibilities.."

Nelaio looked up from the ground and followed Integral with his eyes as she circled him as if inspecting him. As she told him of helping her through creating a rebellion, he quietly considered it. "Very well. I will lead my fellow peasants against what's left of Travaski's forces. However, you must leave immediately. Alucard will feel the passing of Travaski the moment it happens and the Counts will be quick to mobilize against us. Once you are gone, we will try to fend for ourselves. If luck and God is on our side, then we will be able to hold them off until Alucard is dead and his death carries that of his minions' as well."

A couple of walled-in peasants will be no match for Alucard's forces...they need someone strong to lead them, and I'm not sure if Nelaio up to the challenge... Keeping her thoughts to herself, Integral nodded at her new friend agreed to her request.

"Good! Now then...what do you know about Travaski's castle? Is there any way in besides the gate? What sort of creatures should I expect to find? And as for Travaski...I'm sure I can find him once I'm inside. Vampires tend to choose the most gaudy living space they can find." Integral stared out into the darkening night, shivering slightly. "Must I really do this now? I would think a day-time assault might be more effective."

"Well, as I said before, Travaski is a sucker for a good looker. If you pose as a curious peasant girl perhaps he'll persuade his guards to let you in. From there, as you said, it's just a matter of finding the most gaudy room in the house."

Nelaio followed her eyes out the window and at the darkening night. "Agreed. The very reason I brought you here. Were you out there I doubt you'd last long. Besides, for this plan you don't need the cover of darkness to hide your movement."

OOC: Bumped

OOC: Bumpage

Integral nodded. “Yes, a good night’s sleep shall prepare us better for tomorrow’s events anyways.” She sighed happily as she stretched out on her new bed. It had been so long since she had slept anything resembling a bed that she almost forgot what one felt like. “Thank you for your hospitality, Nelaio. It’s greatly appreciated.” With that she closed her eyes and quickly fell into a deep slumber…


The next morning…A short time after dawn…


Integral nodded knowingly to Nelaio as she exited his field house; they both knew what they had to do. Pausing only a moment to ruffle Alexander’s head playfully, she quickly sped off in the direction of the castle, picking up a large, tied-up bundle of sticks. She figured this made her look more ‘peasant-like,’ and also provided a convenient hiding place for her larger weapons. Walking calmly up the road to the large castle, she slipped her mask into her cloak pocket and under her jerkin a bit, exposing even more of her already ample cleavage. Figuring this would be enough to entice any vampire, she halted suddenly, only a few dozen paces away from the castle gates. Crossing her fingers with hope, she approached a trio of grisly-looking undead guards outside the gates, putting her best “Young Peasant Virgin” voice on.

“Um…Excuse me…sirs? I…My father sent me…from the village! He sent me some gold…to pay the Count for the late taxes. I don’t know why he insisted little old me to come, but who am I to resist my father? He told me to deliver the money personally to the Count...as well as to do whatever my lord pleases.” Integral even pouted a little for extra effect. I can’t believe I’m doing these, and I can’t believe it’s actually working, she thought, rolling her eyes as the undead stared blankly at her.

The pair of undead guards simply stared dumbly at her. As moments passed they stood motionlessly. Suddenly the doors creaked open to reveal the pleasant hallway within. Directly to her left was a stairway leading upstairs. To her right, there were two rooms along that wall and at the end of the hallway was what smelled like the kitchen.

The house was dead silent but Integral couldn't shake the feeling someone...or something...was watching her. As she stepped into the castle the doors slammed shut behind her and as the echoes of the loud slam faded into the recesses of the castle dead silence greeted her.

Meanwhile...

Nelaio was at Boris Patracski's house. Boris's father attempted to murder Count Travaski back when Boris was a young boy. He was captured and Boris's household is plagued by nightmares nightly as punishment for the sins of his father. Eager for revenge and the most popular man in the village Nelaio turned to him first for help.

So eager to help Nelaio in this rebellion Boris promised to even call upon a band of foreign hunters who he knew were camped not far from the village.

Creepy, Thought Integral as she took a left and headed up the stairwell, looking for her quarry. Thinking it best not to reveal herself yet, she shifted her bundle on her back and started peeking through doors and keyholes, finding only empty rooms. You would think he’d post at least a few guards inside. Shivering at the cold silence that surrounded her, she tried hard to shake of the feeling that something was following her. Reaching the top of the stairs, she turned into what seemed to be a ballroom; quickly traveling through it while admiring the architecture and the large crystal chandelier on the ceiling, Integral suddenly found herself in what could only be the Grand Hall of the place. Pillars decorated every side of the room and status of women were emerging from the walls.


“He…hello?” Whispered Integral loudly, still playing her character. “I come looking for the Count…Is anyone here?”

A sudden breeze rushed over Integral's shoulders and when she turned around the ballroom was alive with dancers and music. All around her couples dressed in fine suits and dresses danced to the soft music of the band on the stage.

Someone tapped her shoulder and she found a young man with combed back blond hair, pale skin, and dressed in an upper-class gentleman's clothes (something akin to this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Tizian_063.jpg)) along with a cape offered his hand to her as if to ask for a dance. He did not speak, only smiled, and a dreadful scar stretched from his upper right forehead, across his right eye, over the bridge of his nose and down to the bottom of his neck and marred what would be considered a beautiful and flawless face.

Taken somewhat by surprise at the sudden movement around her, she jumped as she felt a finger on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw a man who could only be the Count himself. Steeling her nerves and steadying her hand as much as she could, Integral knew she had to wait for the opportune moment to deliver a killing blow. A long-drawn contest with a vampire would almost certainly mean death. As she turned to look at the Count, she could only hope Nelaio would have his men ready to take the castle after she was finished here.

Taking the Count’s hand, she gave an awkward curtsy and put down her bundle. Looks like I’ll have to come back for these later, she thought. She still had her daggers and mysterious sack under her cloak, so at least she wasn’t completely defenseless. Traversing the ballroom floor with her partner, she gave the best smile she could muster.

“It’s such a pleasure to meet you…sir Count. My father has told me so much about you and your kindness.”

The Count smiled which seemed rather eerie and said "Really now? I don't believe I've seen your father before. Or you for that matter. How one so lovely as yourself escaped my sights is unbelievable..."

He drew her tighter against his form and his cold hands which clasped her own held them somewhat tighter. His head was also dangerously close to her own.

So close that his chilly breath cascaded across the side of her neck and send shivers down her spin. He whispered softly in her ear "Where have you been all my life..." as his hand on her hip slid down and around and cupped her rear end.

OOC: Can an MT nation meet a FT nation?

OOC: The farthest tech level i'm allowing is around American Civil War - Post-World War I tech. Anything higher i'm afraid wont fit in the RP =/

OOC: I'm 2008 tech, sorry.

Vampire scum…enjoy this while you can, you undead slime. Integral tensed as the vampire started feeling her body; gritting her teeth, she leered away from the Count’s pointed teeth. She had vowed long ago that she would rather die than be turned. Closing in a bit, she started whispering into the Vampires ear. “I’m afraid…good Count. I’m afraid that I’m only going to be a part of your life…for a very…short…time.”

Integral jabbed the Count in the stomach as hard as she could, then in a flash withdrew one of her daggers and slammed it into his chest as hard as she could. Backflipping away from the grasp of the count, she smiled as she undid her bundle to reveal her weapons. Quickly attaching both to her belt, she drew her sword and pick, swinging both expertly, circling her quarry.

“That stiletto is forged of pure silver, blessed by Cardinals of the Vatican. I suspect you should be feeling the effects as we speak, Count.” She mentally prepared herself for whatever the vampire would throw at her. “I’m sorry, but you have to die. It’s nothing personal.”

Count Trvaski's brain did not react fast enough to digest her words and as he realized what she meant it was too late he cried in agony as the silver dagger lodged itself into his stomach. The scene around them rippled away like dropping a rock in a reflection in water.

His cries of pain and agony were shrill and tormenting as he ripped the dagger away with trembling hands and roared in anguish as his maw opened abnormally wide to reveal his signature sharp canines.

"You wench! You whore! You accursed woman! I shall torment you with nightmares so terrible you will beg me to end your life!"

He spread his cape and jumped backwards at a superhuman length. The room again transformed before her eyes but this time the ceiling was a star-lit night sky and everything around her was a forest.

From the trees his voice echoed. "Congratulations mortal...you are the first vampire hunter to wound me in over 200 years. Give yourself a pat on the back...for you shall not escape this place to tell others of your minor victory..."

Meanwhile outside...

Nelaio crushed the skeleton's head in its own helmet as he slammed his sledgehammer into it. It fell lifelessly and he took the moment of victory to look around. All around him the peasants had rallied against the skeleton warriors and backed them up against the castle. Some of his good friends had perished, some were wounded, but that only strengthened their resolve.

The now recovering father of the young maiden was ruthlessly dueling with the skeleton who had stabbed him as his ax met its shield in rapid succession so often the creature could not counter and only futilely back away in hopes of escaping.

Nelaio looked over his shoulder and yelled, "Bring up the battering ram!" at which point around nine peasants wheeled up a sharped tree trunk tied on to the frame of a wagon towards the door to the castle.

Boris was at the front, encouraging them to push harder and move the ram faster. As he and the ram passed Nelaio he smiled and the two shared a nod before they proceeded towards the door and to aid their comrades.

If I had a piece of silver for every time I’ve been called a wench…Integral rolled her eyes as the vampire spit into a tirade, changing the surroundings with his devilish magics. Sheathing her dagger, she walked around the forest unafraid, ready for anything that would come at her. Glancing at the trees, she wondered where exactly the scum was hiding.

“Just like you vampires to hide behind lies and treachery. What are you, so afraid of a mere mortal women, that you can’t even show yourself? And you call yourself a vampire…heh. Don’t lump me in with the others you’ve fought, Count. I’m not like those insects…I have all the skills you have…no, I have more!” Magic crackled in her eyes as she began muttering a spell under her breath, ready for the next act of this little play.

From the shadows of the trees to the Count's eyes her walking form was a walking x-ray with her beating heart visible to his eyes. He licked his lips as he followed her in the shadows of the forest.

"You speaks as though you know us so well, my dear. As if you have observed us when we feast from our prey's necks and when we lay in our coffins. You're knowledge does not extend that far. And you're powers can not comprehend my own!"

He suddenly lept from the shadows of the trees in his bat form (http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/CB6802/screenshot_108.jpg) and screeched loudly as he opened his maw to capture some part of her in his powerful jaws.


Meanwhile...

"Heave!", shouted Boris. The ram pushers responded "Ho!" as they brought the ram forward into the door and it shuddered.

They repeated this and had been for sometime. Apparently the door was quite strong.

Finally, getting aggravated, Boris ordered the ram back down the road and then, with the help of others, helped push the ram at fast speeds back towards the gate.

Finally, it gave way as the ram forced the doors apart and the peasants poured into the castle armed with wooden stakes, crucifixes, scythes, shovels, hammers, and all manner of weapons.

They split up and Nelaio's group made their way up the stairs...

“You’d be surprised, Vampire. I know more about your kind than most mortals would ever hope to comprehend. My heritage taught me that. Now, show yourse…Holy Shit!” Integral dove out of the way of the huge bat-thing with all of her strength, moving unnaturally quickly, still barely avoiding it’s gaping maw; only her magic had saved her there. She had never seen anything like that before. Swinging furiously at it with her weapons as it dove by, she tried with all of her might to try and land a decent blow on the creature, to no effect. Perhaps I underestimated my opponent…Integral glanced at the exit as she heard the shouts of what could only be the villagers. It seemed as though Nelaio had been successful with his attack on the castle.

“Lets settle this quickly, Vampire.” Sheathing her sword and pick, she reached for her back and slipped her sack open, revealing a trio of steel rods connected together with chains; each end was sharpened into a deadly stake. Integral swung her three-section-staff expertly, waiting for the vampire’s next attack. This time…I won’t miss.

"Settle this quickly? My pleasure!", he said as he flew towards the ceiling and then dove quickly down at Integral. His hands were outstretched and his claws poised to tear her apart.

Nelaio and his group could hear the voices from the other side of the doors and he and his band grabbed a nearby pedestal on which a miniature statue stood and stepped back before bringing the pedestal forward with them and slamming it against the door.

It cracked but did not budge. They did so again and yielded another satisfying crack. As they brought the pedestal back one last time Nelaio prayed Integral was alright...

“Solari Calamus!” A bright beam of light shone from Integral’s eyes; the same light suddenly surrounded her, forming a protective shield around her as she hurtled into the air with all her might. The light traveled down her weapon as she attempted to avoid the Count’s attack; his large claws swept across her chest, sending an incredible wave of pain across her body. At the same time Integral swung her staff over her shoulder; with breathtaking accuracy, the steel stake pierced the Vampire’s chest, spraying light in every direction as it penetrated his body. Damn…that cost me too much energy…Staggering slightly as she hit the ground, Integral turned to see the damage she had caused, hoping Nelaio would arrive soon…she was feeling quite woozy…

The illusion broke as the Count was pierced by the silver stake and hit the ground the same time as Integral did. He shrieked and cried horrible ear splitting screams as the damage was done and his skin began to melt from his form like wax.

It was not long before he drew his last breath and was left as nothing but a bare skeleton.

Just at that moment the villagers burst into the room as the door collapsed and and spread out to check the room. Nelaio saw Integral and rushed to her side. He saw the wound and said, "Don't worry Integral we'll get you patched up." He yelled and signaled to his friends who helped lift her up and carry her out of the castle.

Meanwhile some of the villagers began to poke at the remains of the Count. One even stole the head. The remains were eventually burned.

Later that night...

While Gladis and the local village medicine woman worked to fix Integral the castle of Count Travaski burned fiercely in the distance from the home and the sound of celebration and singing could be heard from the village square where the villagers were celebrating their freedom.

“Uh….eh…wha?” Integral blinked as she came out of her dazed state to see Gladis over her, tending her large chest wound carefully. Giving her a smile, she looked out the window to see the castle aflame and villagers dancing in circles. Idiots…they destroyed their only good fortification. Can’t blame them, though…I can’t believe I pulled that one off. She groaned with pain as she gave a feeble attempt to move.

“Gladis, could you get your husband for me? I would very much like to speak with him…about the future of this place.”

Gladis nodded and smiled. "Of course. Come on Matiklia.", she said as she and the medicine woman dropped what they were doing and left the room.

Moments later Nelaio came in and closed the door behind him. He pulled up a stool and sat down at Integral's bedside and smiled.

"Well glad you came to. You had quite a close call back there. So, what's on your mind?"

“First of all, good job with the rest of the garrison. I know your men sacrificed a lot out there, and I greatly appreciate it. Still…” Integral looked out the window at the burning castle. “You didn’t really have to burn the castle. It was the best defense in the whole town. And now that we’re exposed, Alucard will surely send men here, and I assume they won’t be very happy.” Wiggling upright, she smiled at Nelaio.

“I know this might be hard to stomach, but when Alucard’s men come, you, your family, and everyone else are going to get slaughtered. Trvaski’s garrison was small, nothing compared to the troops of the Grand Count. If you want to survive, you all need to head for the woods…go to other villages and gather men. With this victory we have the power to instigate a full uprising, and maybe even free the entire nation!” She stared hard into Nelaio’s eyes, trying to read his emotions. “I can ride a horse right now if I have to, and in a few days I’ll be able to walk well enough. If we want to succeed, we’ll have to transform the peasants into a real fighting force; your men might have heart and courage, but they lack the skills and tactics to go up against Alucard’s armies. I want to you get as much armor and weapons off the undead as you can and gather the town…we should march as soon as we can get ready.”

Nelaio nodded in agreement. "I understand. The castle was our last defense but I unleashed the support for throwing off our schakles and everyone else is now in full spport of eliminating anything and everything that symbolised our past lives. They're convinced that destorying the castle was necessary." Nelaio shrugged as he attempted to explain their reasoning to the best of his extent.

As Integral discussed turning the villagers into a militia Nelaio stodd up from his seat. "Now hold on. I know I agreed to set my own village free but to attempt to turn them into an army? The villagers will not comply. They wont leave their homes to be razed by Alucard's pursuing forces. And what if we get to another village and the people are so beaten into submission that rebellion is impossible? And the dangers of the journey are many. We don't know much of the land beyond our own and if we are without water or a safe camp site Alucard's forces will hot on our trail."

He paced over to the window. "The plan was that we would blind Alucard's eye through Travaski. Now it is time for the next part of the plan. You must move on if Alucard is to not consider the involvement of outside forces. A band of villagers could easily subdue Travaski. But to subdue him then form an army? Alucard knows we know nothing of war. Any fool can conjure a rebellion."


Nelaio sighed and stared into Integral's eyes. "No...we will make our stand here. Where our home is. And you will heal and continue on your journey. We are willing to defend our homes to the last man to divert Alucard's attentions. If you are lucky, you will find friends in the next village you travel to. If not..I fear your next encounter with a Count may prove more fatal than this one..."

“Nelaio, if I fail to kill Alucard, all your people not just here but around the country will pay for what I am responsible for. Your people have no training; there will be no battle here. It’ll be a mass slaughter…Think of your wife and child, man!” Seeing the resolve in Nelaio’s eyes, she sighed, knowing she would not win this argument. “At least come with me to Alucard’s castle…I’m not well enough to get anywhere on my own, and I need a guide to get where I’m going. I’ll teach you what I know of swordplay and strategy on the way so that…when the time comes, you’ll at least stand a fighting chance. Would you be willing to do that?”

Integral knew she was asking a lot from her friend. She would never forgive herself if Nelaio was killed in combat, or any harm befell him on her accord.

Nelaio sat back down and looked at Integral. "There's a secret catacomb beneath the rubble of the castle. Perhaps if we move the villagers in there with some supplies and weapons and then cover the entrance Alucard's men will walk right over them without knowing."

Nelaio nodded to himself as he considered her offer to come along. "Alright. I'll come with you. When this is all over we'll come back here and we'll let the others out. But first, you need to rest and let your wounds heal. When your in shape to be able to fight, we'll leave. If you're not ready in a three more days we'll need to leave anyway and hope it heals on the road. Get some rest Integral."

Nelaio patted her on the shoulder and smiled kindly as he pulled the blankets up around her and walked out of the room.

...

Alucard felt a twinge in his head. Something akin to an itch as he headed back towards his room after the meeting with the foreign generals. When he entered the room he went immediately to the nine iron maidens along the wall and walked right up to one in particular. He gently caressed the face carved into it and pulled it open. Inside was a mummified body and he grinned as he grasped the face harshly. "Oh Travaski you fool. First you insult my honor and now you dishonor all vampires by dieing after only a few hundred years, Tsk, tsk, tsk. I always knew you were weak..."

...

The army of skeletons marched down the dirt road in neat columns for living dead. Towards the back were a few columns of knights atop long dead and rotted horses. And at the very end was a single horse drawn carriage which looked much nicer in comparison to the dead army around it. The curtains on the inside were pulled shut...

OOC: Just wanna remind people this RP is open to those who meet the tech age requirements/limit.

Fort Ragnar, Morrdh

Captain Stevens of the Morridane Deathwatch marched quickly towards the Commander's office where he had been requested to head. His grim attitude made other people keep their distance as Stevens walked briskly past. He eventually reached the Commander's office and knocked sharply on the door, a voice responsed. "Came in Capatin."

Stevens marched in and stood to attention and saluted, "Sir! Captain Stevens reporting as ordered sir!"

The General smiled and spoke, "At ease Captain, take a seat."

"Thank you sir."

"Drink?" The General idlely asks as he pours himself a shot of brandy.

"No thank you sir."

"I don't blame you Captain, though your wondering why you're here. I have a mission for you Captain, though one that the Deathwatch is most suited for."

"A mission sir? Theres Animates else where?"

"Sort of Captain, have you heard of a country called Neo-Dracule?"

"Can't say I have sir."

"Neither had I until a few days ago when we got word that it was undead infested, hwoever theres also something...else!"

"Something else sir?"

"Yes Vampires, a wholly new and different breed of Animates. Blood thirsty buggers with with their minds intact and also control over a great power that some may call Magick. There have been reports that Vampires may already be here in Morrdh."

"So whats the mission sir?"

"Simple, you and a squad of Penal Corps troops will be taken by blimp to Neo-Dracule where you will gather as much information as you can on these so-called Vampires. If possible capture one, but do not engage in combat unless you can't avoid it."

"Yes sir, I won't let you down sir!"

"Very good Captain, I wish you the best of luck."

It had been three days and the army was nearing Count Travaski's territory. When Nelaio was fixing his fields another peasant suddenly ran up to him and when he had reached him, through panted breathes, he said, "Nelaio! Nelaio! There's...there's an army! They're a few hours out from the village! A huge host numbering atleast a thousand strong!"

Nelaio dropped his rake and was quick to begin organizing everyone into the catacombs as planned. Weapons, armor, food, and water were all brought down to the musky and dimly lit depths. When it was time for Nelaio's family to go down there, he kissed her deeply one last time and embraced and then kissed his sons forehead. He gave them both goodbyes and when they were safely inside he began to shovel the rubble back over the entrance.

"Come, Integral. We have little time and we'll have to take the long way if we're to avoid Alucard's army."

He brought one horse to carry their supplies and the likes and the the other two were lightly packed and were they're riding horses. He grabbed his shovel, put it in his pack, mounted the horse's back, and signaled for them to leave as he kicked the back of horse's legs and forced it into motion.

The two horses sped away into the forest and the third follow obediently.

A few hours later...

The army's synced footsteps could be heard even underground as they stormed into the village and a few of them split off into groups and began to search the houses.

While they scoured the village the door to the carriage opened and out stepped Alucard. He unclipped his cloak and handed it to a skeletal attendant who stood by the door as he stepped out.

He looked around his surroundings and closed his eyes inhaling the air deeply. "The air is fresh with life...they've been here."

He wrinkled his nose and turned to the skeleton beside him. "Scour the surrounding forest. If you find anything you're to report to me immediately."

The skeleton nodded obediently and ran off.

OOC: Bump

OOC: Bumped

OOC: Bumped again =(