Achronum

Testing well everything!

After the mages leave

Ryner watched the boys enter the car and drive off from a second story window, actively avoiding Varis for a bit so he could cool his head. What was left of her heart went out to the boys. Salem’s forward thinking was what their world needed but he lashed out at the wrong vampires and now he’ll pay the price. And Aaron… she sighed at the thought of the sweet light mage. If it hadn’t been necessary, she would have never paired him with Varis. No one needed to be under his authority and the word Master twisted a knife in her gut. She shivered at the thought. Aaron’s upbringing convinced the boy would start higher on his training regimen but apparently Varis found him lacking. It would be a rough few years if Aaron couldn’t figure out the Count’s pace. Perhaps a helpful push from the shadows…

She shook away the thought. Varis’s inhumane treatment of the boy worked nicely in their favor and she knew Varis would turn up the heat soon. Interfering would only hinder their progress or worse, send everything in the completely wrong direction. And if Varis found out she helped, Aaron would be collared faster than Ryner blinked. She turned away from the window after a murmured “Good Luck” and squared her shoulders as she made her way downstairs. His temper tantrum was likely near its end so quieting the Count down would be easy.

She threw the doors to her study open with a bang and swept into the room with as much regality as she could muster, actively ignoring the obviously brooding vampire in one of the leather chairs in front of her desk. She took another moment to look around her office space, a beautiful rug decorating the wooden floors and bookshelves containing books on every subject and a variety of archeological treasures. She let out a little sigh and finally turned to look at Varis, a pleasant smile on her face that fell flat when she saw Varis paying no attention to her. Instead, he was reading the folder she predicted he’d request later on the students he would be teaching. A folder that was safely stashed in her desk drawers she might add. The Princess cleared her throat loudly.

“Yes, yes. A wonderful entrance. Excellent poise. Perfect pause. The dress hit the desk with the turn but almost perfect.” Varis drawled as he read. “Congratulations. You’ve graduated from C-list to B-list.” Ryner rolled her eyes and sat down behind the desk.

“I’m glad to discover your temper under control.” Varis sent her a disbelieving look. “You were very convincing for someone just acting.”

“The anger was real. The direction was not.” Varis shrugged. “The Astorio deal still irritates me and the Spellman mage’s earlier commentary made it an easy wound to open.” Ryner laughed.

“And your opinion of the boy?” She asked, pulling out a few pieces of paper and looking them over.

“An idiot. Completely out of control and naive.” Varis snorted as he flipped a page. “However, he’ll serve as a useful fracture point. Aaron will get close to the boy on my order and report back everything he says and does under the guise of wanting to crush the imbecile. I’ll indirectly encourage their friendship, build up their bonds and trust, until either the Spellman discovers his close friend’s treachery or the boy betrays me.” Varis explained. “All the while, I’ll be interfering with the investigation. I’ll be sure to extend it, plant false leads and evidence based on what the Salem boy reveals to Aaron. And when something happens? Well, suddenly Aaron is a willing accomplice and both mages should loathe me more than they do now. An excellent way to galvanize the boy. If we’re lucky, the Spellman will exacerbate the polarization and get us exactly what we need.”

“You enjoy this too much.” Ryner sighed. Varis hummed in agreement as he flipped to the part explaining Alder’s changes. A comfortable silence stretched between them, broken only by scoffs from Varis.

“Has this man ever read the treaty? The changes he made to my lessons are horrifying.” Varis grumbled. “He writes like an enthralled mage. Is this the garbage the self important peacock teaches?”

“He does tent to wax poetic about it but his material is solid. I think you just don’t like him.” Ryner laughed. “However, I have arraigned for Alder to be preoccupied most of his class time. It will leave you as the primary instructor as you requested.”

“What business does Alder have?” Varis asked.

“Nothing for you to worry about.” Ryner said sweetly. “In fact, it may even help you with Aaron.” Varis glared suspiciously but didn’t push the topic. Instead, he look at the miniature chess board on her table with its pieces moved. Since he last saw it, a black rook had taken a white bishop. He picked up the newly taken piece, rolling it between his fingers while he considered it. This piece should have stayed in play for another few months. He frowned at it.

“You killed the Eve early. We said end of the year.” Varis placed the piece back down on the table. “My assets weren’t prepared to handle this event and now you’ve forced them out of position while they scramble to cover your tracks. Sloppy job, Ryner.”

“They compromised earlier than we expected. Allowing the breeding bill to move off the table would ruin everything we’ve done so far.” Ryner defended as she pulled out a bottle of blood and two glasses. Vitae Felix specifically. She knew Varis’s favorite and expected the Count to have… objections. He never handled sudden change well. She open the bottle to Varis’s irritable look and poured, passing the ount a glass.

“We made a plan and we work the plan.” Varis snapped, the offering somewhat mollifying him. “We work the plan, with a few spot adjustments, and everything works. Murdering the leader of the Eve traditionalists early is more than a spot adjustment, Ryner.”

“Everything is under control. Just worry about doing what you’re good at.” Ryner smirked over the edge of her glass. “Being an ass.” Varis deadpanned but couldn't hold it, shaking his head with a smile. They sat quietly for another hour, enjoying the silence as they went around their tasks, until Varis stood and stretched. His shirt rode up just a bit, revealing a distinctive set of spiderweb scars jutting up from the helm line of his pants. Ryner did a double take as Varis adjusted his shirt and gave her an inquisitive look.

“Its nothing.” Ryner said, her voice trembling. “Have a good night. Make sure to ask the guards for a car back.” She couldn’t even bring herself to laugh as he grumbled on his way out about not getting a car for the way here. She waited several long moments after he left and her head fell into her hands. Scars on a vampire were nearly rare, especially so on a Sinnenodel the least physically combative of them all, and that pattern itself even more so. The even spacing and grid of the scars screamed Lacrime Solis. Ryner felt sick. She could practically smell the skin burning, the screams and broken pleas of the old days. And she sent him to her. The very one who… She felt the prickle of blood at the edge of her eyes and it took everything in her to keep them at bay. She knew it was his decision, that they rushed in with much less information than they usually had She knew he demanded they take the opportunity but she still felt responsible.

“Well, you’ve made a right mess of things haven’t ya.” A deep voice echoed through the room and Ryner whipped around, an obsidian dagger springing into her hand from a secret compartment in her desk. The wall behind her bulged outwards, forming into an arm and a leg, a torso, the other limbs, and finally a head. Ryner sighed and relaxed, slipping the dagger back into place as her old friend made his way around the desk. The colors of the wall still stuck to his skin and clothes so he shook himself like a dog until his colors went back to normal. A bald man with a salt and pepper beard dropped into the chair Varis previously occupied, not caring that his rugged clothing sat awkwardly at his angle. He kicked his boots up on the desk, earning a raised eyebrow and shrugging in return.

“Yes, I have. I mean, I should- we should- we were too hasty.” Ryner sighed wearily. The man grunted.

“He’d tell ya all pretty like but shut the fuck up and get over it.” The man growled as he reached for the open bottle of blood. He took a long swig. “Shit ya drink fancy crap now. If I didn’t know better, I’d accuse you of falling.” He shook the bottle a bit, growling in displeasure when he discovered it empty. “You still have a bottle or two of that Starag guy’s blood yeah? What was his name… Lathan? Londor? Well, whatever. I’m parched so hand it over.”

“Yes I do but thats for when our youngest comes back. He loved that man’s blood and he deserves something after going through the hell we put him through. Voluntarily or not.” Ryner handed him another bottle, which earned her an eye roll as he bit the glass off, spat it out, and drank the bottle greedily. Ryner picked up the glass he scattered everywhere as he ate.

“Have you found Biero?” Ryner asked. When the man gave her an odd look, she sighed and repeated her question but this time the words sounded more like a song carried too far on the wind.

“That's what he goes by? Awful name.” The man grunted. “Not bad. Your old man locked him up in torpor at the old rite site. Shouldn’t be hard to kill him when its time. Found something better though.” He dug around in his coat for a bit and pulled out a small notebook, flipping it open and slapping it down on Ryner’s desk. The whole book was written in a language most considered dead with little to no existing translations. Ryner had no issue reading it and gasped at the content.

“You found Yvaine?” Ryner demanded in disbelief.

“And if I did, you can bet your undead ass they will soon.” The man stood, retrieving his book. “I’m recovering her before they do.” Ryner nodded and the man stood to leave, walking back to a wall.

“And now its noon.” Ryner whispered. The man paused and clapped a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“We’re almost there. Just a little longer.” The man said, obviously uncomfortable by her emotions. “Keep in touch. The wilds are a bit lonely now, priestess.” Ryner chuckled and a thought struck her.

“Rhalgar, your box. He changed the time and I’m worried he may hurt the boy accidently. He needs something in case Varis takes control and I’m not present.” Rhalgar squinted at her, weighing the pros and cons briefly, before handing over a black box from hs coat. He stepped back into the wall, melding seamlessly into it, and vanished.

Ryner wrote a short note on it and put it in the basket for outgoing delivery, labelled Aaron Starag.

note

When the snake grows too venomous, find him and ring twice to escape and thrice for help.

Of Blood and Magic

The Red Hand

Interacting with: @WeepingLiberty @Gisk @MsMorningstar

“Save your fire for the Sinnenodel snake, Countess. Your baseless accusation doesn't bother me. If you take issue with how the guard has handled something, you may file your complaint through the standard channels. My sister is even on campus to more easily attend your whims.” She waved off the guards behind her, who made their way back over to the scene behind her to assist. Lucan quickly gave them orders and they circled the perimeter. “If you have questions about my duties, you may ask them to Lord Salazar himself. Since your family has taken over the Eve’s intelligence network, he has an active hand in these deliberations. I have neither interest nor authorization to explain this to you.” Nox ignored Cassandra and nodded at Mariette when she approached.

“Council business.” Nox stated impassively to Mariette's question. “Return to your lodgings now, all of you, before I treat you like misbehaving children and carry you there myself.”

Of Blood and Magic

Let the Dance Begin.

_{Interacting with: @trainerblue192@Obscene Symphony}

“We are pleased to hear it. With how soft he is on his household, we were worried he would slip into easier habits.” The mage caressed his cheek caringly. “Stop pouting, it’s unseemly. Ryner provided you with an excellent opportunity to mold the minds of the next generation. You should feel honored.” The mage hummed as Varis murmured his understanding, his eyes lightning a bit. “Perhaps we will attend one of your lectures. We haven’t the opportunity to see you in such a manner yet. With the Princess’s permission of course.” Ryner and the mage locked gazes. “We wouldn’t want to overstep our bounds, now would we?”

“Academy policy requires any guests intending to visit a student give two weeks written notice normally and must be off Academy grounds by six thirty.” Ryner replied without hesitation, sipping at her wine while maintaining eye contact. “As long as your Excellency complies, I see no reason why your visit to my Academy should be denied.” As the pair spoke, the servant’s door cracked open and another servant whispered in Isadora’s ear, who nodded and curtsied next to the Queen. After holding it for a few moments, the Queen acknowledged the mage’s presence and leaned in as the woman whispered into her ear.

“Dinner is over.” The Queen ordered. “Sybil and I. Have business. To attend to. Ryner, we will. Discuss the Spellman. Problem in.The morning.” With little warning, she stood and swept away in one fluid movement with a grace and speed that defied her earlier motions. Her footsteps barely a whisper, she was out of the room with the blink of an eye. The mage huffed under her breath and stood from her chair, directing her sightless gaze at Aaron. Ryner sighed and looked sympathetically at Salem. Under the table, she patted his knee comfortingly as he watched the rest of the group silently.

“We were glad for a meeting, Mr. Starag. We believe we see some potential in you. We merely need to cut out the Noila influence. Right Varis?” She asked as a servant cleared her spot and moved her chair.

“Indeed. Whether he sinks or swims, I will ensure he is an asset to our House.” Varis concurred. “However, my bets are on sinking right now.”

“Varis darling. Play nice with the boy sometimes.” She chuckled. [“We do hope you don’t disappoint us, Mr. Starag. Take care. Varis dear, approach us so we may discuss some business. We have a delightful surprise we know you’ll have fun with.”

Aaron stood as Varis did, paying attention to the two as they spoke and bowing deeply to the mage woman when she finished. Beneath the surface, uncertainty gripped him again; Lady Sinnenodel seemed like she wanted to speak to the Count privately, but Aaron had not forgotten Varis’ warning about staying close. He wasn't sure what to do, but this time, he didn't dare guess.

“Please pardon the interruption, Master,” he said to Varis, bowing his head, “Will you have further need of me, or would you prefer I leave you and Her Excellency to your business?”

“You will attend me.” Varis spoke, not sparing the light mage a glance. He held out his arm for her to take, leading them over to Lady Sinnenodel herself. The vampire watched the door the Queen escaped through but her position shifted at some point from reclining to sitting upright, arm stretched out to her side. The mage girl settled in the next to her and snuggled close to the vampire, letting the vampire’s arm settle around her as she laid her head on Lady Sinnenodel’s shoulder. Varis knelt in front of them, his eyes fixed firmly on the floor in front of them.

“After your little incident with our favorite House,” The mage spoke coldy even as the smile stayed, “We thought it prudent to look into the matter ourselves.” She reached back onto the couch and frowned, looking back at her seat. A white envelope lay across the chair, far too neat to have been accidently dropped. “Goodness. Varis, be a dear and fetch that for me. It's your chance to earn back my trust.” Varis’s jaw clenched. Her attempts to separate them were irritatingly obvious and he wasn't about to let her have her way. His eyes darted to the side, looking for anyone he could send other than the boy, and his spied Isadora helping clear away the dishes.

“Mage,” He said loudly, snapping at her. A few servants looked his way but he focused on Isadora, who looked a little disconcerted to be at the center of the Sinnenodels’ attention. “Fetch.” He pointed where the envelope lay. She put on her court smile and curtsied before hurrying to complete the task. She handed it over to the Count and hurried back to her duties.

“Excellent. Open it quickly. We’re sure you’ll love it.” The mage gushed, clapping her hands. Varis carefully opened the envelope, wary of her last lesson. He could still feel the bite of obsidian from that one. Thankfully, it seemed this was just a plain envelope and he pulled out a few of the papers inside. It was a list of transactions made by Count Illios, the vampire who snatched his business deal out from under his nose. Apparently, the Count indulged in serious underground gambling far too frequently for the Council to willingly overlook.

Kneeling next to Varis with eyes trained pointedly on the floor, Aaron was more than happy to go entirely ignored by the Lady and her mages as they had their rather one-sided exchange. The way the mage woman behaved with her Lady unsettled him, though considering that the images of the girl’s back and eyes would probably find their way into his nightmares later, Aaron wasn’t particularly surprised to find yet more oddities surrounding her. He did, however, bristle at Varis’ tone with his aunt, his brashness toward her incensing Aaron more than anything the vampire had done to him so far. He’d had this problem in the past, getting angry when his mother or aunts were treated poorly; he knew it was irrational, but he could never seem to shake it.

While Varis read, Aaron was thinking. Lady Sinnenodel seemed to be trying to separate him from the Count, and Varis seemed keen on preventing it. Aaron was starting to wonder if Varis’ earlier warning had been for both their benefit; it had seemed strange for Varis to warn him for his own sake when the vampire seemed otherwise content to let him suffer whatever consequences came his way. But why would Varis care if his mind was read? If anything, it would just give him more information on his new mage, would it not? Aaron examined the floor as he searched for an answer, but he kept coming up with none.

“I appreciate the opportunity, my Lady.” Varis smirked. Illios's holdings would be his if it was the last damn thing he did. The mage reached up and wiped gently at Lady Sinnenodel 's brow with a red handkerchief and nodded. “I expect so. You won't get a second chance.”

Glass shattered at the table behind Varis and Aaron. Isadora stood with a platter at her feet and the remains of wine glasses scattered at her feet. Her eyes were wide open and tears ran freely down her face as she watched the Sinnenodels. She clutched at her head and sank to her knees, mouth open as she gasped before a heart wrenching wail escaped. Ryner jumped to her feet and was at the woman's side in a heartbeat, searching for something causing Isadora such agony.

Aaron’s head snapped up and around at the sound of glass breaking, and he was met with the sight of his aunt in apparent agony, in tears and crying out. His heart jumped into his throat and he didn’t even think before he was on his feet, rushing over and nearly sliding as he fell to his knees next to the woman, searching for some cause of her pain.

“Aunt Dora, what’s--” he was cut off when he felt something take hold of him from behind: a hand, hard and smooth as marble, clamped over his mouth. By reflex, he tried to pull away, tried to reach for his sword, but he couldn’t move, and his sword wasn’t there anyway. Princess Ryner was right there, and there were others who could see him, but no one seemed to notice what was happening. Why couldn’t anyone see? Why wouldn’t anyone do something?!

As he tried and failed to struggle he started to panic, but no sooner did he feel it than the hand yanked him back; he felt the horrible jolt of falling backward, but he was powerless to stop it. Then everything went dark.

Glimpse

Aaron's lines from earlier echoed through his head; his wrist burned and for a fleeting moment, there was bliss. He fell through the branches of tall pine trees, fell until he was upright, in his dorm room, face burning and gut quivering as he stood naked at Varis’ command. The hand jerked his head to the side and he was kneeling on cobblestone, hot embarrassment welling up as he was forced watch his old tutors witness his humiliation.

He was shoved and fell backward into a chair in a quiet room, moonlight spilling onto white marble floors from tall windows. There was no chance to calm himself, no time. Cello between his legs, he was struggling to keep his composure and looking pleadingly to Lucan, seated beside him with a violin.

“Remember. Regardless of what happens, you can count me on your side.”

Confused devastation consumed him as the hand dragged him back into darkness. It was cold, terribly cold, biting and burning where it touched him. His ears filled up and he couldn’t breathe; he was underwater, freezing, drowning, as everything he’d ever known and worked for went up in flames.

Failure. Disappointment. Unfit. Unworthy. You didn’t work hard enough. You aren’t good enough. They don’t need you. They don’t want you. They’re getting rid of you.

Another jerk of the hand and a gut-wrenching cocktail of sickening shame and cautious optimism gripped him; he stood at attention alongside his mother and aunts, organ music filling the air. Everyone was dressed head to toe in black, and Dora was crying, but all he could think about was who might fill that empty space by the Queen.

He was all the more ashamed because he knew it was sick. Twisted. Deplorable. But how could he not consider it? Cold panic crept up on him; what would the Queen think? What would your mother think? What the hell is wrong with you?

He was mortified; horror smothered his mind until the hand wrenched his head down and he fell to his knees before Princess Nox, a brand new Dawn in his hands, pride and awe aching in his chest. The glint of the metal grew brighter; beams of golden light emanated from the crystal in his shaking hand, and a tidal wave of relief crashed over him. Weeks and weeks of pent-up anxiety finally melted away; every muscle in his body complained as they finally relaxed, but the pain was meaningless compared to the joy that rocked his very core.

The hand knocked him sideways and he was standing before a tapestry, still incomplete. There had always been something daunting about it. Something ominous. A family tree, but he knew better. He knew some names were missing. More than a couple. Nobody talked about them. Nobody remembered them. Nobody cared to learn them anyway.

All those muscles twisted again as anxiety and panic roiled inside him. He couldn’t sleep. Couldn’t think. He could barely keep his food down. Desperate hope and crippling fear consumed his every thought, the weight of dozens of generations pressing down on him. Cold fingers of dread wormed their way into everything; just a few weeks left, what if the worst happened? What would happen to him then?

He lost his footing and caught himself on the edge of a bathroom counter, pristine white furnishings smudged with red. The teenaged boy in the mirror was hunched over in hysterical laughter, covered from head to hip in blood.

His hand slipped and he was falling, rolling, pinning someone down. He couldn’t see their face, couldn’t see anything; all Aaron knew was the searing in his ear and the ache in his side and the stinging in his knuckles as he frantically attacked, throwing his weight behind every desperate punch. His mind was aflame with pain and grief and blinding anger; he barely heard his victim’s shouts over his own heartbeat. The only thing that did ring clear was a hand gripping his throat and the world turning sideways, the floor coming up to meet him, the stars in his eyes and explosion of pain as his head cracked against the floor.

The impact brought him no catharsis; his chaotic panic only mounted as the stars faded away to a door at the end of a hallway. He needed to get in there. An armoured mage was in his way.

“Why can’t I see her?” he asked again, voice strained with emotion.

The mage shook his head and sighed. “You know why, Aaron.”

“But they used to at least let me talk to her! Over skype, or, or through the door—”

Aaron was cut off by a chorus of disturbing, guttural noises from behind the door, several voices murmuring urgently around it. Tears stung in his eyes as he tried to rush past the guard, only to be restrained again.

“Mom!?”

All he could hear was the steady ticking of a metronome.

Dead. Dead. Dead. Stop breathing. Dead. Dead. Footwork boy, what did I tell you?

A shock rocketed up his arms; his sword clattered to the floor. He was tired and frustrated, covered in sweat and breathing heavily, heart pounding, staring Lucan down. When the vampire turned his back, Aaron inhaled sharply and rushed him; Lucan dodged and kicked him square in the chest, and he landed hard on his back.

“What did I tell you about breathing dead boy?”

The hand over his mouth dragged him painfully down through the floor and dropped him in a tall, echoing room. On one wall a massive portrait of Landar Starag looked down at him sternly; the other was lined with urns, generations of honourable mentions stacked up high, high above him. He felt so small. He was so small. He needed to get bigger. Get better. Be better. Measure up. There were big shoes to fill. He had to set an example.

Aaron felt something like cool glass glide over his skin; as it did, the hand’s grip on his mouth loosened, icy fingers trailing back across his cheek until they finally disappeared. The glass soothed his panic as it passed over him, and the room once again went dark.

He hadn’t noticed the ringing in his ears until it started to subside, nor the burning in his lungs until he could finally breathe again. When he opened his eyes he was in another room, warmly lit with stone walls and low ceilings. Lined up were fourteen blank sarcophagi - wait, he hadn’t counted - but for some reason, he was not alarmed. The soft notes of a distant piano did wonders to calm him.

Salem watched closely as he saw how Aaron and the others behaved around the council members. How could Aaron stand to watch his family treated so poorly? So, low. It wasn’t right. The thought was soon cut off as Isodora seemed to all but collapse on the floor. Salem quickly rushed to her side as soon as he was able to, kicking away any glass before he knelt to meet her gaze. "Aaron make a light! Aaron!” Useless Salem pulled out his phone and turned on the flashlight, checking Isadoras pupils, pulse, anything that could give him a sign as to where her pain was arriving from. Her pulse was fast and anguished, pupils dilated seeming to show her great deal of pain, yet try as he could, Salem couldn't find a cause.

'Someone silence that woman's caterwauling.’ Varis thought irritably as he continued to peruse the papers. The Count's mage won him plenty of money and a nice deed recently it seemed. As the noise continued, Varis finally looked up just as Aaron reached his Aunt. He narrowed his eyes and glanced back at Lady Sinnenodel as a piece of red fabric slipped back behind her. Perfect. Varis waited long enough he knew she would have him before bolting towards Aaron then snatching him up by his neck and tossing him on the table, visibly trembling with rage.

“Shut her up.” Varis hissed at Ryner as he kept his hand around Aaron's throat, waiting for him to wake up from his Lady's grasp. Ryner glared at the Count and rose fully. Her eyes were cold as she stared down the mage who only smiled sweetly at the Princess.

“While I appreciate your presence at my Manor, I believe it is past time you attended your other businesses Lady Sinnenodel. Do have a pleasant morning.” Ryner dismissed the woman, who only laughed. The other mages muttered under their breath and the recliner hovered a few feet off the ground between them, following them as they left the room. Isadora's screaming faded into gasping as the vampire's presence vanished.

The whole scene was only before Aaron for a moment before it faded away, and a new panic gripped him. He felt the hand around his throat before he saw its owner, and by reflex he grasped the arm it was attached to, struggling against its grip. But it wasn't moving, and when Aaron finally saw who was responsible, his hands flew down to his sides, colliding rather painfully with the edge of the table he found himself pinned to and gripping it tightly. His pulse quickened under Varis’ trembling hand, as did his breathing, when he understood what was going on and what had just happened to him. The back of his head throbbed, his knees stung, and the rage clear on Varis’ face was enough to keep Aaron speechless, jaw working wordlessly as his eyes flickered around, searching on instinct for some escape.

“Welcome back, boy.” Varis spat. Seeing the boy terrified was quite amusing but he had a role to play right now. Varis made a mental note to explore this piece of fun more later. “What was my one instruction tonight? Was I not clear enough for you?”

Aaron opened his mouth a few times before any actual sound came out, the hand around his throat distressing him more than it should have given that he wasn’t actually being strangled. “I-I’m sorry Cou--Master!” he managed to stammer out, nervously fidgeting; his positioning was awkward at best, his spine was grating against the edge of the table and Varis offered no room to move. “She-- I--”

“Did I ask for apologies or did I ask for an explanation? Your whimpering and whining sickens me. If you hadn't failed me again, you wouldn't need an apology.” Varis cut him off, pulling the boy to his feet by his neck. “Can't even bother to remember three damn feet? Three feet! Pathetic. No wonder your House threw you away. Maybe I should do the same.” He snarled and let the boy drop from his grip, not caring he was dropping him on broken glass. “And I thought your performance this far was a fluke, nothing more than nerves. It's clear now you are utterly incompetent.” Varis wondered if maybe he was over doing it but… it was fun and the boy was an excellent stress reliever after dealing with the damn Devil herself.

Aaron fell to his knees when the Count dropped him, hands flying up to his throat as he gulped for air he hadn’t even been lacking in the first place. He winced when his knees hit the floor, new shards of glass biting into them alongside the old ones, but it was the sting of Varis’ words that occupied his mind, flooding the mage with horror and shame as all of his fears were openly vocalized.

“That is quite enough.” Ryner demanded and the room went still with her words. It was as if a leash wrapped around every neck in the room, vampire and mage alike, and forced them into compliance. Isadora's whimpers faded away and Varis went stock still, unable to do anything but watch the Princess. “Your behavior is unacceptable, Count Sinnenodel. Retire to my study so we may discuss your actions when I've made sure Isadora is well. You are dismissed.” Varis glared at her and stormed from the room, slamming the door loudly behind him and cracking the door frame. Ryner sighed and the intense aura vanished as she scooped Isadora up and put her in Varis’s empty chair. She did the same with Aaron and Salem, depositing them gently back into their seats.

“I do apologize about this disaster of a night.” Ryner apologized, curtsying to the group. “I will have the main course and desert sent in so take a moment to collect yourselves. I will have a life mage in to take stock of your injuries. Please, stay as long as you'd like but speak to a guard when you two are ready to leave.” She gave them both a look. “Together.” With that, she took her leave.

Aaron visibly flinched at the Princess’ command, breath catching in his throat. He could do little but follow when she moved him to a chair, and simply nodded at her words, waiting until she was gone to drop his face into his hands.

Salem stood from his chair and moved over to Aaron. "Cast me a light will you? I swear...I can't make heads or tails of you Mr. Starag.” Salem’s voice was low, almost as if speaking to himself as he knelt by Aaron and began to pick the glass from his wounds. "This'll hurt a bit, but luckily I come prepared for such events, not much but...well you can all afford life mages so it’ll do.”

+

Ryner watched the boys enter the car and drive off from a second story window, actively avoiding Varis for a bit so he could cool his head. What was left of her heart went out to the boys. Salem’s forward thinking was what their world needed but he lashed out at the wrong vampires and now he’ll pay the price. And Aaron… she sighed at the thought of the sweet light mage. If it hadn’t been necessary, she would have never paired him with Varis. No one needed to be under his authority and the word Master twisted a knife in her gut. She shivered at the thought. Aaron’s upbringing convinced the boy would start higher on his training regimen but apparently Varis found him lacking. It would be a rough few years if Aaron couldn’t figure out the Count’s pace. Perhaps a helpful push from the shadows…

She shook away the thought. Varis’s inhumane treatment of the boy worked nicely in their favor and she knew Varis would turn up the heat soon. Interfering would only hinder their progress or worse, send everything in the completely wrong direction. And if Varis found out she helped, Aaron would be collared faster than Ryner blinked. She turned away from the window after a murmured “Good Luck” and squared her shoulders as she made her way downstairs. His temper tantrum was likely near its end so quieting the Count down would be easy.

She threw the doors to her study open with a bang and swept into the room with as much regality as she could muster, actively ignoring the obviously brooding vampire in one of the leather chairs in front of her desk. She took another moment to look around her office space, a beautiful rug decorating the wooden floors and bookshelves containing books on every subject and a variety of archeological treasures. She let out a little sigh and finally turned to look at Varis, a pleasant smile on her face that fell flat when she saw Varis paying no attention to her. Instead, he was reading the folder she predicted he’d request later on the students he would be teaching. A folder that was safely stashed in her desk drawers she might add. The Princess cleared her throat loudly.

“Yes, yes. A wonderful entrance. Excellent poise. Perfect pause. The dress hit the desk with the turn but almost perfect.” Varis drawled as he read. “Congratulations. You’ve graduated from C-list to B-list.” Ryner rolled her eyes and sat down behind the desk.

“I’m glad to discover your temper under control.” Varis sent her a disbelieving look. “You were very convincing for someone just acting.”

“The anger was real. The direction was not.” Varis shrugged. “The Astorio deal still irritates me and the Spellman mage’s earlier commentary made it an easy wound to open.” Ryner laughed.

“And your opinion of the boy?” She asked, pulling out a few pieces of paper and looking them over.

“An idiot. Completely out of control and naive.” Varis snorted as he flipped a page. “However, he’ll serve as a useful fracture point. Aaron will get close to the boy on my order and report back everything he says and does under the guise of wanting to crush the imbecile. I’ll indirectly encourage their friendship, build up their bonds and trust, until either the Spellman discovers his close friend’s treachery or the boy betrays me.” Varis explained. “All the while, I’ll be interfering with the investigation. I’ll be sure to extend it, plant false leads and evidence based on what the Salem boy reveals to Aaron. And when something happens? Well, suddenly Aaron is a willing accomplice and both mages should loathe me more than they do now. An excellent way to galvanize the boy. If we’re lucky, the Spellman will exacerbate the polarization and get us exactly what we need.”

“You enjoy this too much.” Ryner sighed. Varis hummed in agreement as he flipped to the part explaining Alder’s changes. A comfortable silence stretched between them, broken only by scoffs from Varis.

“Has this man ever read the treaty? The changes he made to my lessons are horrifying.” Varis grumbled. “He writes like an enthralled mage. Is this the garbage the self important peacock teaches?”

“He does tent to wax poetic about it but his material is solid. I think you just don’t like him.” Ryner laughed. “However, I have arraigned for Alder to be preoccupied most of his class time. It will leave you as the primary instructor as you requested.”

“What business does Alder have?” Varis asked.

“Nothing for you to worry about.” Ryner said sweetly. “In fact, it may even help you with Aaron.” Varis glared suspiciously but didn’t push the topic. Instead, he look at the miniature chess board on her table with its pieces moved. Since he last saw it, a black rook had taken a white bishop. He picked up the newly taken piece, rolling it between his fingers while he considered it. This piece should have stayed in play for another few months. He frowned at it.

“You killed the Eve early. We said end of the year.” Varis placed the piece back down on the table. “My assets weren’t prepared to handle this event and now you’ve forced them out of position while they scramble to cover your tracks. Sloppy job, Ryner.”

“They compromised earlier than we expected. Allowing the breeding bill to move off the table would ruin everything we’ve done so far.” Ryner defended as she pulled out a bottle of blood and two glasses. Vitae Felix specifically. She knew Varis’s favorite and expected the Count to have… objections. He never handled sudden change well. She open the bottle to Varis’s irritable look and poured, passing the ount a glass.

“We made a plan and we work the plan.” Varis snapped, the offering somewhat mollifying him. “We work the plan, with a few spot adjustments, and everything works. Murdering the leader of the Eve traditionalists early is more than a spot adjustment, Ryner.”

“Everything is under control. Just worry about doing what you’re good at.” Ryner smirked over the edge of her glass. “Being an ass.” Varis deadpanned but couldn't hold it, shaking his head with a smile. They sat quietly for another hour, enjoying the silence as they went around their tasks, until Varis stood and stretched. His shirt rode up just a bit, revealing a distinctive set of spiderweb scars jutting up from the helm line of his pants. Ryner did a double take as Varis adjusted his shirt and gave her an inquisitive look.

“Its nothing.” Ryner said, her voice trembling. “Have a good night. Make sure to ask the guards for a car back.” She couldn’t even bring herself to laugh as he grumbled on his way out about not getting a car for the way here. She waited several long moments after he left and her head fell into her hands. Scars on a vampire were nearly rare, especially so on a Sinnenodel the least physically combative of them all, and that pattern itself even more so. The even spacing and grid of the scars screamed Lacrime Solis. Ryner felt sick. She could practically smell the skin burning, the screams and broken pleas of the old days. And she sent him to her. The very one who… She felt the prickle of blood at the edge of her eyes and it took everything in her to keep them at bay. She knew it was his decision, that they rushed in with much less information than they usually had She knew he demanded they take the opportunity but she still felt responsible.

“Well, you’ve made a right mess of things haven’t ya.” A deep voice echoed through the room and Ryner whipped around, an obsidian dagger springing into her hand from a secret compartment in her desk. The wall behind her bulged outwards, forming into an arm and a leg, a torso, the other limbs, and finally a head. Ryner sighed and relaxed, slipping the dagger back into place as her old friend made his way around the desk. The colors of the wall still stuck to his skin and clothes so he shook himself like a dog until his colors went back to normal. A bald man with a salt and pepper beard dropped into the chair Varis previously occupied, not caring that his rugged clothing sat awkwardly at his angle. He kicked his boots up on the desk, earning a raised eyebrow and shrugging in return.

“Yes, I have. I mean, I should- we should- we were too hasty.” Ryner sighed wearily. The man grunted.

“He’d tell ya all pretty like but shut the fuck up and get over it.” The man growled as he reached for the open bottle of blood. He took a long swig. “Shit ya drink fancy crap now. If I didn’t know better, I’d accuse you of falling.” He shook the bottle a bit, growling in displeasure when he discovered it empty. “You still have a bottle or two of that Starag guy’s blood yeah? What was his name… Lathan? Londor? Well, whatever. I’m parched so hand it over.”

“Yes I do but thats for when our youngest comes back. He loved that man’s blood and he deserves something after going through the hell we put him through. Voluntarily or not.” Ryner handed him another bottle, which earned her an eye roll as he bit the glass off, spat it out, and drank the bottle greedily. Ryner picked up the glass he scattered everywhere as he ate.

“Have you found Biero?” Ryner asked. When the man gave her an odd look, she sighed and repeated her question but this time the words sounded more like a song carried too far on the wind.

“That's what he goes by? Awful name.” The man grunted. “Not bad. Your old man locked him up in torpor at the old rite site. Shouldn’t be hard to kill him when its time. Found something better though.” He dug around in his coat for a bit and pulled out a small notebook, flipping it open and slapping it down on Ryner’s desk. The whole book was written in a language most considered dead with little to no existing translations. Ryner had no issue reading it and gasped at the content.

“You found Yvaine?” Ryner demanded in disbelief.

“And if I did, you can bet your undead ass they will soon.” The man stood, retrieving his book. “I’m recovering her before they do.” Ryner nodded and the man stood to leave, walking back to a wall.

“And now its noon.” Ryner whispered. The man paused and clapped a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“We’re almost there. Just a little longer.” The man said, obviously uncomfortable by her emotions. “Keep in touch. The wilds are a bit lonely now, priestess.” Ryner chuckled and a thought struck her.

“Rhalgar, your box. He changed the time and I’m worried he may hurt the boy accidently. He needs something in case Varis takes control and I’m not present.” Rhalgar squinted at her, weighing the pros and cons briefly, before handing over a black box from hs coat. He stepped back into the wall, melding seamlessly into it, and vanished.

Ryner wrote a short note on it and put it in the basket for outgoing delivery, labelled Aaron Starag.

note

When the snake grows too venomous, find him and ring twice to escape and thrice for help.

Talrae, a VR-MMO RP

Still looking for more adventurers to join us!

Testing well everything!

Let the Dance Begin.

_{Interacting with: @trainerblue192@Obscene Symphony}

“We are pleased to hear it. With how soft he is on his household, we were worried he would slip into easier habits.” The mage caressed his cheek caringly. “Stop pouting, it’s unseemly. Ryner provided you with an excellent opportunity to mold the minds of the next generation. You should feel honored.” The mage hummed as Varis murmured his understanding, his eyes lightning a bit. “Perhaps we will attend one of your lectures. We haven’t the opportunity to see you in such a manner yet. With the Princess’s permission of course.” Ryner and the mage locked gazes. “We wouldn’t want to overstep our bounds, now would we?”

“Academy policy requires any guests intending to visit a student give two weeks written notice normally and must be off Academy grounds by six thirty.” Ryner replied without hesitation, sipping at her wine while maintaining eye contact. “As long as your Excellency complies, I see no reason why your visit to my Academy should be denied.” As the pair spoke, the servant’s door cracked open and another servant whispered in Isadora’s ear, who nodded and curtsied next to the Queen. After holding it for a few moments, the Queen acknowledged the mage’s presence and leaned in as the woman whispered into her ear.

“Dinner is over.” The Queen ordered. “Sybil and I. Have business. To attend to. Ryner, we will. Discuss the Spellman. Problem in.The morning.” With little warning, she stood and swept away in one fluid movement with a grace and speed that defied her earlier motions. Her footsteps barely a whisper, she was out of the room with the blink of an eye. The mage huffed under her breath and stood from her chair, directing her sightless gaze at Aaron. Ryner sighed and looked sympathetically at Salem. Under the table, she patted his knee comfortingly as he watched the rest of the group silently.

“We were glad for a meeting, Mr. Starag. We believe we see some potential in you. We merely need to cut out the Noila influence. Right Varis?” She asked as a servant cleared her spot and moved her chair.

“Indeed. Whether he sinks or swims, I will ensure he is an asset to our House.” Varis concurred. “However, my bets are on sinking right now.”

“Varis darling. Play nice with the boy sometimes.” She chuckled. [“We do hope you don’t disappoint us, Mr. Starag. Take care. Varis dear, approach us so we may discuss some business. We have a delightful surprise we know you’ll have fun with.”

Aaron stood as Varis did, paying attention to the two as they spoke and bowing deeply to the mage woman when she finished. Beneath the surface, uncertainty gripped him again; Lady Sinnenodel seemed like she wanted to speak to the Count privately, but Aaron had not forgotten Varis’ warning about staying close. He wasn't sure what to do, but this time, he didn't dare guess.

“Please pardon the interruption, Master,” he said to Varis, bowing his head, “Will you have further need of me, or would you prefer I leave you and Her Excellency to your business?”

“You will attend me.” Varis spoke, not sparing the light mage a glance. He held out his arm for her to take, leading them over to Lady Sinnenodel herself. The vampire watched the door the Queen escaped through but her position shifted at some point from reclining to sitting upright, arm stretched out to her side. The mage girl settled in the next to her and snuggled close to the vampire, letting the vampire’s arm settle around her as she laid her head on Lady Sinnenodel’s shoulder. Varis knelt in front of them, his eyes fixed firmly on the floor in front of them.

“After your little incident with our favorite House,” The mage spoke coldy even as the smile stayed, “We thought it prudent to look into the matter ourselves.” She reached back onto the couch and frowned, looking back at her seat. A white envelope lay across the chair, far too neat to have been accidently dropped. “Goodness. Varis, be a dear and fetch that for me. It's your chance to earn back my trust.” Varis’s jaw clenched. Her attempts to separate them were irritatingly obvious and he wasn't about to let her have her way. His eyes darted to the side, looking for anyone he could send other than the boy, and his spied Isadora helping clear away the dishes.

“Mage,” He said loudly, snapping at her. A few servants looked his way but he focused on Isadora, who looked a little disconcerted to be at the center of the Sinnenodels’ attention. “Fetch.” He pointed where the envelope lay. She put on her court smile and curtsied before hurrying to complete the task. She handed it over to the Count and hurried back to her duties.

“Excellent. Open it quickly. We’re sure you’ll love it.” The mage gushed, clapping her hands. Varis carefully opened the envelope, wary of her last lesson. He could still feel the bite of obsidian from that one. Thankfully, it seemed this was just a plain envelope and he pulled out a few of the papers inside. It was a list of transactions made by Count Illios, the vampire who snatched his business deal out from under his nose. Apparently, the Count indulged in serious underground gambling far too frequently for the Council to willingly overlook.

Kneeling next to Varis with eyes trained pointedly on the floor, Aaron was more than happy to go entirely ignored by the Lady and her mages as they had their rather one-sided exchange. The way the mage woman behaved with her Lady unsettled him, though considering that the images of the girl’s back and eyes would probably find their way into his nightmares later, Aaron wasn’t particularly surprised to find yet more oddities surrounding her. He did, however, bristle at Varis’ tone with his aunt, his brashness toward her incensing Aaron more than anything the vampire had done to him so far. He’d had this problem in the past, getting angry when his mother or aunts were treated poorly; he knew it was irrational, but he could never seem to shake it.

While Varis read, Aaron was thinking. Lady Sinnenodel seemed to be trying to separate him from the Count, and Varis seemed keen on preventing it. Aaron was starting to wonder if Varis’ earlier warning had been for both their benefit; it had seemed strange for Varis to warn him for his own sake when the vampire seemed otherwise content to let him suffer whatever consequences came his way. But why would Varis care if his mind was read? If anything, it would just give him more information on his new mage, would it not? Aaron examined the floor as he searched for an answer, but he kept coming up with none.

“I appreciate the opportunity, my Lady.” Varis smirked. Illios's holdings would be his if it was the last damn thing he did. The mage reached up and wiped gently at Lady Sinnenodel 's brow with a red handkerchief and nodded. “I expect so. You won't get a second chance.”

Glass shattered at the table behind Varis and Aaron. Isadora stood with a platter at her feet and the remains of wine glasses scattered at her feet. Her eyes were wide open and tears ran freely down her face as she watched the Sinnenodels. She clutched at her head and sank to her knees, mouth open as she gasped before a heart wrenching wail escaped. Ryner jumped to her feet and was at the woman's side in a heartbeat, searching for something causing Isadora such agony.

Aaron’s head snapped up and around at the sound of glass breaking, and he was met with the sight of his aunt in apparent agony, in tears and crying out. His heart jumped into his throat and he didn’t even think before he was on his feet, rushing over and nearly sliding as he fell to his knees next to the woman, searching for some cause of her pain.

“Aunt Dora, what’s--” he was cut off when he felt something take hold of him from behind: a hand, hard and smooth as marble, clamped over his mouth. By reflex, he tried to pull away, tried to reach for his sword, but he couldn’t move, and his sword wasn’t there anyway. Princess Ryner was right there, and there were others who could see him, but no one seemed to notice what was happening. Why couldn’t anyone see? Why wouldn’t anyone do something?!

As he tried and failed to struggle he started to panic, but no sooner did he feel it than the hand yanked him back; he felt the horrible jolt of falling backward, but he was powerless to stop it and everything went dark.

[insert memories in hider - RIP me-A new one daddy varis]

Salem watched closely as he saw how Aaron and the others behaved around the council members. How could Aaron stand to watch his family treated so poorly? So, low. It wasnt right. The thought was soon cut off as Isodora seemed to all but collapse on the floor. Salem quickly rushed to her side as soon as he was able to, kicking away any glass before he knelt to meet her gaze. "Aaron make a light! Aaron!” Useless Salem pulled out his phone and turned on the flashlight, checking Isadoras pupils, pulse, anything that could give him a sign as to where her pain was arriving from. Her pulse was fast and anguished, pupils dilated seeming to show her great deal of pain, yet try as he could, Salem couldn't find a cause.

'Someone silence that woman's caterwauling.’ Varis thought irritably as he continued to peruse the papers. The Count's mage won him plenty of money and a nice deed recently it seemed. As the noise continued, Varis finally looked up just as Aaron reached his Aunt. He narrowed his eyes and glanced back at Lady Sinnenodel as a piece of red fabric slipped back behind her. Perfect. Varis waited long enough he knew she would have him before bolting towards Aaron then snatching him up by his neck and tossing him on the table, visibly trembling with rage.

“Shut her up.” Varis hissed at Ryner as he kept his hand around Aaron's throat, waiting for him to wake up from his Lady's grasp. Ryner glared at the Count and rose fully. Her eyes were cold as she stared down the mage who only smiled sweetly at the Princess.

“While I appreciate your presence at my Manor, I believe it is past time you attended your other businesses Lady Sinnenodel. Do have a pleasant morning.” Ryner dismissed the woman, who only laughed. The other mages muttered under their breath and the recliner hovered a few feet off the ground between them, following them as they left the room. Isadora's screaming faded into gasping as the vampire's presence vanished.

The whole scene was only before Aaron for a moment before it faded away, and a new panic gripped him. He felt the hand around his throat before he saw its owner, and by reflex he grasped the arm it was attached to, struggling against its grip. But it wasn't moving, and when Aaron finally saw who was responsible, his hands flew down to his sides, colliding rather painfully with the edge of the table he found himself pinned to and gripping it tightly. His pulse quickened under Varis’ trembling hand, as did his breathing, when he understood what was happening and what had just occurred. The back of his head throbbed, his knees stung, and the rage clear on Varis’ face was enough to keep Aaron speechless, jaw working wordlessly as his eyes flickered around, searching on instinct for some escape.

“Welcome back, boy.” Varis spat. Seeing the boy terrified was quite amusing but he had a role to play right now. Varis made a mental note to explore this piece offun more later. “What was my one instruction tonight? Was I not clear enough for you?”

Aaron opened his mouth a few times before any actual sound came out, the hand around his throat distressing him more than it should have given that he wasn’t being strangled. “I-I’m sorry Cou--Master!” he managed to stammer out, nervously fidgeting; his positioning was awkward at best, his spine was grating against the edge of the table and Varis offered no room to move. “She-- I--”

“Did I ask for apologies or did I ask for an explanation? Your whimpering and whining sicken me. If you hadn't failed me again, you wouldn't need an apology.” Varis cut him off, pulling the boy to his feet by his neck. “Can't even bother to remember three damn feet? Three feet! Pathetic. No wonder your House threw you away. Maybe I should do the same.” He snarled and let the boy drop from his grip, not caring he was dropping him on broken glass. “And I thought your performance this far was a fluke, nothing more than nerves. It's clear now you are utterly incompetent.” Varis wondered if maybe he was over doing it but… it was fun and the boy was an excellent stress reliever after dealing with the damn Devil herself.

Aaron fell to his knees when the Count dropped him, hands flying up to his throat as he gulped for air he hadn’t even been lacking in the first place. He winced when his knees hit the floor, new shards of glass biting into them alongside the old ones, but it was the sting of Varis’ words that occupied his mind, flooding the mage with horror and shame as all of his fears were openly vocalized.

“That is quite enough.” Ryner demanded and the room went still with her words. It was as if a leash wrapped around every neck in the room, vampire and mage alike, and forced them into compliance. Isadora's whimpers faded away and Varis went stock still, unable to do anything but watch the Princess. “Your behavior is unacceptable, Count Sinnenodel. Retire to my study so we may discuss your actions when I've made sure Isadora is well. You are dismissed.” Varis glared at her and stormed from the room, slamming the door loudly behind him and cracking the door frame. Ryner sighed and the intense aura vanished as she scooped Isadora up and put her in Varis’s empty chair. She did the same with Aaron and Salem, depositing them gently back into their seats.

“I do apologize about this disaster of a night.” Ryner apologized, curtsying to the group. “I will have the main course and desert sent in so take a moment to collect yourselves. I will have a life mage in to take stock of your injuries. Please, stay as long as you'd like but speak to a guard when you two are ready to leave.” She gave them both a look. “Together.” With that, she took her leave.

He visibly flinched at the Princess’ command, breath catching in his throat. He could do little but follow when she moved him to a chair, and simply nodded at her words, waiting until she was gone to drop his face into his hands.

Salem stood from his chair and moved over to Aaron. "Cast me a light will you? I swear...I can't make heads or tails of you Mr.Starag” Salems voice was low, almost as if speaking to himself as he knelt by Aaron and began to pick the glass from his wounds. "This'll hurt a bit, but luckily I come prepared for such events, not much but...well you can all afford life mages so itll do.”

The Gifted - Concluded

James Kingston

---

Location: Sidewalk, Millennium Plaza
Skills: N/A

---

---

James froze like a deer in headlights when the police called out to them. It wasn't likely he would suffer any injuries from this but the other two probably weren't as death resistant as he was. James turned to face them slowly, preparing to jump into front of the other two in the event of shots fired, just in time to watch the woman do something to them. They squinted at the trio but James wasn't really sure what…

“The heck is that?” He finished out loud, thoroughly confused. The guy must be magic or something, chanting like a wizard and things, clothing, appearing from thin air. He turned and bolted with the group. “If we can make it to a housing development, I can probably hide us. Everything is mostly cookie cutter style here anyway!”He shouted unnecessarily. “Unless you have a better idea, Ms. Sunshine?”

Of Blood and Magic (Closed)

N/A

The Fallen Goddess - A Journey of Heroes

Beatrix shook her head with a smile as she moved past the commander of the Snow Leopards. While a Goddess and thus rightly demanding her respect, no self respecting Luvalonian would consider themselves a child of Rofella. The Goddess of War and Peace commanded a portfolio that created a comparison which perpetuated the horror the Luvalons so determinedly resisted. However, she wasn’t summoned for a debate on theology. There were more important issues on the table so she held her tongue. Beatrix instead focused on the smug look that crossed the woman’s face. The hieromancer liked the look, much nicer than what she expected, so she decided to try and keep it on the commander’s face.

The resulting discussion, detailing the disaster that befell their would be comrades and seeing the horror that slaughtered them, filled her with determination. They would find this Goddess and end these atrocities and Beatrix would lead a contingent to each of these nations to help them rebuild. She sent a silent prayer to them. Her considerations were cut short when a hulking creature stomped in.

“Well met Kharne! When we have a chance, you should have a drink with my men and I. No doubt you have a myriad stories to tell!” Beatrix clapped him on his… she meant to hit his arm but only reached his wrist. “And I would love to hear them all!”

“My forces are best used on the frontlines. Our enemies will break against our shields and wards. They will buckle beneath our wills and chains.” Beatrix explained. “Our magic allows us to control vast portions of the battlefield or even quarantine enemies. Our forces may be small but our shields count for three more.”

Of Blood and Magic

Let the Dance Begin.

_{Interacting with: @trainerblue192@Obscene Symphony}

The resulting silence stretched the rest of the course, only the various guests eating and Varis fiddling absently with his glass heard in the room. By the time the servants began collecting empty plates however, Salem suddenly felt it click in his head, the delicate movements Varis made on his wine glass since just after he sat.. stroke, tap, pause, stroke, stroke, stroke, pause, stroke, stroke, stroke, pause, stroke, tap, pause. Over and over again, Varis repeated the sequence as he listened to Aaron, pausing sometimes to sip at his glass or swirl the blood.

The concerned inhale was no more than a whisper, if even that. The vampires at the table, and Lady Sinnenodel’s mages, almost snapped their necks turning their collective gaze on Isadora. The poor woman’s face turned sheet white and she trembled, the glasses on the platter in her hand clicking. Her eyes were fixed on the Princess. The Queen’s disapproval shifted to suspicion as she appraised the scene. “Go.” The Queen said. The mage hurried to the Princess’s side and gently laid her hand on her shoulder. “Are you well, Princess?” The woman whispered.

All the while, Ryner watched Varis’s fingers for far longer than it took him to stop his actions. Her face was blank but her eyes seemed ill at ease. Isadora’s touch seemed to bring her back and she nodded at the woman. "Yes, thank you. I remembered a rather important piece of paperwork I forgot to submit to the Council on behalf of the school. No need to worry; it is a matter I can handle come tomorrow.” Isadora hesitated a moment before curtsying, picking up the tray of glasses, and leaving the room once more.

“I’ve always said. You need more organization.” The Queen snapped, breaking the brief lull in conversation. “Your sister. Recently started using. A rather colorful. Method of labelling. And scheduling. Perhaps a lesson. From her could. do you well. She never seems. To have these issues.”

“I’ll see when our schedules cross, Mother. It has been a few decades since I’ve seen her after all.” Ryner responded stiffly. She relaxed quickly and a sly smirk, eerily similar to Varis’s. “Though perhaps now is the time to mention exactly what those papers are about."

“Varis has done exceptional work blocking the past few issues I’ve written for the Council. He has quite an eye for technical reading and analysis.” Princess Ryner said thoughtfully, swirling her glass. “As such, I was considering waving Varis’s treaty law requirement. He knows it better than most here after all. But then I thought to myself, it would be remiss of me not to offer the best for my students here at the Academy and so starting tomorrow Varis, you’ll be Count Alder’s TA.” She sipped at her wine, a smug look on her face peeking over the glass. “Though it is more a formality than anything else. Several important family issues are pulling at the Count’s attention and I thought it easier to find a substitute for him this year."

“Princess with all due respect, I don’t have the time-” He stopped talking when she set her glass on the table and the smug look on her face vanished, eyes darkening quickly.

“You broke my school’s policy when you convinced my arena master to waive your self defense credit. Although I expected it, I’m disappointed in your heavy handed approach. I’ve grown to expect a certain degree of finesse from you.” She arched an eyebrow and sat back, inviting the Count to disagree. Varis stayed quiet. “Since you won’t be participating in that class, you’ll have plenty of time for your TA duties.”

“I appreciate the opportunity and the compliment.” Varis acquiesced, his calm and relaxed manner clashing with his eyes. “You have a brief review of Count Alder’s lesson plans prepared for my review?”

“You keep all of the projects you’ve worked on or a copy at the very least?” Varis’s eyes narrowed as the the smug look crossed Ryner’s face again. “Then you already have what you need.” Varis sat in silence, seething again. Just under a year before his invitation to the Academy, the Princess included a request to evaluate and improve a professor’s outdated lesson plans on the treaty law. Varis shredded the papers, disgusted with the Noalian propaganda involved in it, and sent back an entirely new plan. With everything going on, he’d forgotten about that. Apparently, the Princess had had plans.

“I do have a folder with images and names of everyone you will be teaching. I know you dislike being caught unaware.” She added, finishing the conversation. “Come to my study after dinner to get it. As a side note, TAs grades are based on both the professor’s and the student’s reviews and pass rate.” Varis remained silent again, fuming.

“Mr. Starag,” The mage spoke again as she tied her blindfold back on as a tomato, basil, olive, and mozzarella salad and a small glass of pinot grigio was set in front of the guests. “We are interested in your appraisal of our dear Varis so far. We afford our darling more independence than the rest of our house at the moment and we want to ensure he is as strict as consistent as we taught him.”

Of Blood and Magic

Let the Dance Begin.

_{Interacting with: @trainerblue192@Obscene Symphony}

Silence pressed down on the room’s occupants after Salem finished speaking. Ryner and Varis made eye contact while the Queen glanced once at Lady Sinnenodel’s mage and back to the recklessly forward boy. The mage brought a melon slice and chewed on it for a moment as she regarded Salem. Varis picked up his glass and leaned back, fiddingling with the stem. Isadora, with a look from Ryner, shifted discreetly towards the servant’s door. Only the woman chewing disturbed the silence..

Inwardy, Varis sighed. It was obvious his Lady and himself were goading him into a mistake. If no one at the table acknowledged what just occurred, he should take the hint and maintain the charade. Instead, the plant mage handed himself and quite possibly what few rights he had over to the Sinnenodels. He would have to tread carefully or the arrogance he’d shown thus far would come back tenfold. The woman tapped her fingers gently against her napkin.

“We find your demand both amusing and insulting. As a mage, you should be thankful for anything your betters do for or to you.” Her voice rang sickly sweet. “But since your naivety amused us this evening, we will allow you an opportunity to redeem yourself.” The mage reached behind her head and drew off the blindfold. Her eyes were partially sunken in, a deep red covering what remained of her sclera and the last of the pupil colored like puss. Faint scars reached a few inches past her eyelids. “What disrespect” the mage chuckled on the word, “have we offered?”

Salem watched as the mage removed her blindfold, revealing a grotesque scene that more interested him, than repulsed him. Severe acid damage He’d seen these before, never once as a form of accident. No, these monsters clearly disfigured their mage in order to make her more complacent. It was clear the type of people he was dealing with, Salem would need to watch his next moves more carefully.

“I refer to the intrusion of my mind. Lady Sinnenodel, I acknowledge that you view things as mere objects, and if that's the case, my mind is no possession of yours. If anything, aside from my own it would, by your logic, be the possession of Mr. Bordeleux who is not present at the moment to have given you his blessing to use his item.” Salems eyes wandered back towards the mage and a slight frown began to form. Poor dear...such a cruel fate to have to live

‘Game, set, match.’ Varis shook his head as the Queen narrowed her eyes at the mage and Isadora slipped out of the room. Ryner sat forward, prepared to object to anything that occured on her school grounds if it endangered the foolish mage’s life.

“That is quite. An accusation. Mr. Spellman.” The Queen raised her voice. “I expect you. Have some proof. Of this intrusion.”

Salem clenched his fist under the table as the queen spoke. “I don't quite know how one would prove such a thing. I can only describe to you what it is I felt and know, Your Majesty.”

“Your feelings. Mean little. When bringing. Accusations. Against my council.” The Queen responded. “Mortals easily. Misconstrue their own. Experiences since. They have so. Little to gauge. Them against.” The mage woman hummed thoughtfully.

“Perhaps there is more to this than we see.” The mage turned to the Queen. “The boy blatantly disregards our superiority, pushes for massive reform, and fabricates claims against a Council Member. All the night after the Eve’s little debacle. We find this an interesting coincidence.”

“Describe your. Experience, boy.”The Queen demanded.

Salem cleared his throat as he looked sincerely at the Queen. “Of course your Majesty. It began as I went to catch a glance at Mr. Starag, only finding myself unable to do so. I felt cold, lifeless hands, like that of a spectre, gripping against my face, forcing me to look onto images of my past. Starting from the most recent, going all the way onto my childhood. Most were memories that caused pain, or negative emotions. Very few slipped in that offered some form of comfort. Anytime I wished to look away from the barrage, those cold spectre hands would grip me once more and force me to look on. I was suddenly jolted back out of its grips when Varis mentioned the potential of enthrallment of the mage council members.”

Salem sat forward, both hands clasped together on the table. “Your Majesty, that is the experience I just had as I sat at your table. Now, I do not personally state that Lady Sinnenodel ordered her mage to do so, but as magical law stands, any magic made by a mage is the vampires responsibility. Is it not?”

The Queen’s eyes turned black almost immediately and her frown deepened into a scowl. “Do not presume to lecture me on laws written by my hand.” The Queen boomed. The previous lethargy faded as her irritation became apparent. “Since your arrival you have spouted radical views and blatantly disrespected my Council and her authority. While I encourage progressive thoughts, I will not have you attempting to cause turmoil within my ranks with false accusations. In light of recent events within the Eve household and here on my daughter’s campus,” Ryner moved to speak but the Queen held her hand up. “You will be placed under observation and your family's assets will be seized until our investigation into your intentions has concluded.”

“Mother, Salem is speaking from inexperience and an obvious trauma. There is no need to launch a full investigation into him.” Ryner protested. “The boy offers free medical services to those in need. You can't shut down his operations with practically nothing against him. And if it turns out to be true, it would be a gross violation of the treaty and its laws.”

“While the description of his ordeal matches several mental interrogation techniques, the boy already admitted to having no other evidence of the event. It is entirely circumstantial that the attack originated with my Lady or her mage. It is also possible, and more likely, that the attack came from another source considering the increase in the Red Hand’s activity as of late.” Varis countered Ryner. “In consideration that an agent of the Red Hand has managed to infiltrate the Academy as Countess Marivaldi’s partner, it is likely they have resorted to other techniques to fracture our unity. Mental magic is not an uncommon branch and an agent of the Hand could have inflicted something upon Mr. Spellman without his knowledge.”

“I meant no disrespect Your Majesty, I, a mere mortal, simply wished to gain clarification on if I recalled your laws correctly. That way I could know if my allegations towards the pair would be correct or if I must offer an apology to Lady Sinnenodel for misunderstanding your laws and thus wrongfully placing blame towards her.” Salem turned to room. “I know nothing of this Red Hand you speak, so I doubt I'd be aware of any of the hands involvement with my mind. With more information to consider, aside from the only mage I could have seen responsible, I ask humbly for an apology that I may have spoke too soon in my accusation towards Council Woman Sinnenodel. As you said, Your Majesty, mortals can rarely process their emotions so well and having my mind infiltrated is a very disturbing thought to bear.” Salem bowed as he could in his chair towards the Queen then Lady Sinnenodel. “My sincerest apologies.”

“As such, we support the Queen’s decision to investigate the Spellman family. The Marivaldi’s should prioritize them in fact.” Lady Sinnenodel’s mage demanded as the conversation continued without acknowledging Salem. “We find the very possibility of more unwitting victims both disturbing and dangerous. If the Red Hand exploits such staging grounds, we suggest closing all of them.”

“I apologize you Excellency but closing charity funded organizations would damage our standing with the vastly majority of the community. We should be careful not to take extreme measures with such little information. If anything, the boy mentioned he found acting as a guest stressful earlier and it could be as simple as a case of overactive nerves.” Ryner interjected. “Stressful situations often trigger mortal’s overly colorful imaginations. Run your investigation mother but ease his restrictions. I will add etiquette lessons to his schedule so we can prevent this behavior in the future.”

“If my theory proves correct, he is still a danger to himself and others.” Varis reminded the table. “He must stay under someone’s eyes. On campus, there are plenty of guards but when he returns home, he becomes a flight risk at best. It is imperative we assign an escort or temporary watch for his breaks.” The Queen seemed to consider this, her eyes clearing as the assembly spoke.

“Very well. The Marivaldi’s will investigate the Spellman assets but the boy will have his freedom still.” The Queen decided, her voice returning to its slower pace. “On his breaks, he will accompany Aaron home until the investigation is complete. The boy will have no contact with his family or assets until the Marivaldi’s deem it safe. That is final.”

Salem looked towards Aaron, eyes shaking slightly as he looked down and nodded in agreement to what had been decided for his fate.

Silence descended once more. Isadora slipped back out into the room. Ryner shot a sympathetic look at Salem and Varis sipped at his blood, disappointed in the Spellman child but satisfied he learned his place. The mage went back to eating alongside the Queen. Lady Sinnenodel herself now wore a small smile.