Expanse: The City Reboot (Dark Fantasy Epic) Main Thread (Open, Started)

[CrazyBlaze]

Telnor- Dean's Mansion- Tinsdal

"It was a boring, uneventful trip up here. Just a couple of bandit attacks here and there. Though I guess navigating the pass, blind was an interesting experience but that only lasted about a day," Telnor replied cheerily.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Dean's Mansion - Tinsdal

"Well then, best I make ourselves comfortable." Vergil remarked as he walked over to the door, grabbing the key from the bedside table. He then went over to the door, and locked it. After this, he turned to the Vessel.

"Don't want to be disturbed now do we."

As he got closer to the bed, Vergil took off the waistcoat and shirt, tossing them to the floor. Then, he removed his boots, tossing them away as well. He then entered the bed, under the inviting and seductive gaze of the Vessel. Before he went to sleep, he kissed Vessel on the forehead.

"Good Night."

 

[DragonofDecay86]

Vincent - District's Heart - Dojeran

"I'm ready when you are. Let's find some shelter from this weather." Vincent said with a smirk, motioning for Lucian to lead the way.

Now that Vincent was thinking about it though, he didn't really know his companion all that well. He knew that Lucian was a good fighter, and a damned skillful tactician, but aside from that he knew very little.

Maybe it's time I find out who Lucian really is and what he did prior to being a Hunter. Vincent thought, throwing a sideways glance at Lucian as he trekked through the snow.

 

[Korten12]

Lorel Ion ? Dean?s Mansion - Tinsdal

Lorel found out that Velen and Itsuka had gone out to eat, and considering they had history, decided to leave them. He saw Malina who was standing next to an older man, when he realized it was her father. ?Oi, Malina!? Lorel called out.

?Lorel!? She exclaimed, and her father looked over at him.

?You?re alive.? He spoke, ?So it?s true what my daughter told me.?

?Yes.?

?But why? I am still in the dark on this whole escapade. We have gotten very little details.?
Lorel began to explain what had happened in Upper District with his family and it took Noyis a bit to take in. ?I don?t understand why your family would do such a thing. More so when you and my daughter were to be wedded.?

The wedded part made Malina blush. ?Lord Ana?sha, you must understand. Upper District is corrupt. Middle District is dying once more. The once saving grace of the Section has now become a thorn in its side and it?s digging deep.?

?Well that complicates things between us.?

?How so?? Lorel asked.

?You see, I received a letter from my wife just a day ago. She is up for considering of being the next Noble. To replace your family?s spot.?

?But father!? Malina said. ?How can we become the next Nobles? Even you were disgusted with what Middle has become. Are you saying we should truly join them??

?Malina, you know your mother. I love her but she makes all the decisions and I can?t truly go against her. I can only suggest. And she has wanted to become a Noble for a long time
coming.?

?But?? She said looking down.

?I know. We can?t just rebel against our own of kin.?

?Because they?re also Vampires?? Lorel spoke knowing that there was no one around to hear and he didn?t speak loudly.

Noyis?s eyes widened and then he looked at his daughter. ?You told him??

?Yes? I mean it?s Lorel, he wouldn?t go telling.?

?I suppose so. But yes you?re right Lorel, because they?re like us, Vampires. There is so few of us still alive, we can?t afford to start killing each other.?

?I understand, and I don?t want you to put you in any position to do that. But please, try to convince your Wife to hold off joining. I don?t want to have to fight your family. You probably can see it, war is soon to break out and I can?t kill friends, aside from one.?

?Amelia??

Lorel simply nodded his head.

?Lorel, I don?t wish to harm you either, you?re the last of your line. To kill such a line that has existed for so many years? But I plead you; stay in the North, this war isn?t yours. Let us handle this.?

Lorel stepped back. ?No, after Amelia ordered my family?s death and my banishment. She involved me in this. It?s my war now.? With that Lorel left Malina and her father alone.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Lady Fiora De La Croix - The Dean's Mansion - Tinsdal

It had been at least half an hour since Fiora had gotten into the bath, during that time, she had simply let her cares and worries, float away. But, the water had gotten colder, so Fiora thought it best to finish now.

Within a few moments, she got herself dried and dressed in some evening wear. Afterwards, she left her room, and wandered down the hallway, en route to the kitchen. As Fiora walked, she could her voices coming from one of the rooms, a man and a woman to be precise, but she couldn't make out who it was specifically. The overall mood of the conversation seemed to be relaxed.

She decided to avoid the people that remained in the hallway, and go straight to the kitchen, to pick up something to eat before she went to bed, as it the day turned into the early hours of the evening.

After spending around quarter of an hour in the kitchen, she hurried back to her room on a full stomach. Fiora changed into some nightwear, got into her bed, and went to sleep.

 

[FinalDream]

Kalyn Alexander Vaalender - Dean's Mansion - Tinsdal


Scarlett slipped away from the group at the first opportunity and returned to see her father. He looked annoyed at her arrival back in his chambers but with a resigned sigh and a bottle of wine he decided to answer her further questions. Kalyn poured himself a generous measure and offered Scarlett a glass, against her better instincts she accepted and sat down opposite him on a comfortable, red velvet couch.

?Well what are you waiting for?? Kalyn smiled sipping his wine.

?Why did you take my mother to see a man who specialised in the study of abilities??

?Ah. Well. I was working for the Red Stain at the time. You see I have a certain ?itch? that must be scratched, so to speak, and in return for a discreet service to fulfil this ?itch? I help the Red Stain when they call. A little too often mind but I can hardly refuse them.?

Scarlett looked a little repulsed. ?The Red Stain used my mother to keep you in their debt??

Kalyn?s smile tightened and he sat forward putting down his glass on the table between him and Scarlett. ?I won?t lie to you Joanna.?

?Scarlett.?

?Excuse me??

?Scarlett. My name is Scarlett.?

?You mother called you Joanna.? In the brief moments she lived before I had her killed, mused Kalyn.

?I didn?t know my mother. Sera gave me my name.?

?Ah yes. And how is old Sera??

?Dead.? Scarlett remarked coldly.

?Really?? Kalyn sat back with a look of disappointment. ?Shame. Anyway as I was saying. I won?t lie to you? Scarlett? your mother was provided to me on the agreement that I aid the Red Stain in their work. Nothing like the sort you do of course. More academic, pressuring people or finance. That sort of thing. One such job was the study of abilities with the intention of determining a method to neutralise their use in an individual.?

?So, the Red Stain was looking to counter abilities then?? Scarlett interrupted thinking back.

?Yes. Of course it was no accident that your mother had an ability. The Red Stain knew and hoped to take advantage of it. When it began to fade you mother. Isabella. Approached me with the intention of joining my study to find out why her ability was fading. The rest you know.?

?Where you successful in defeating abilities??

?Of course.?

?How??

Kalyn grinned and took a sip of wine.

?You have your secrets. I have mine.?

Scarlett drained her wine glass and watched as her father poured more into it.

?What about the girl, Tear?? Scarlett remarked.

?Not much to say really, she was born many years later. The study had long since finished. After her fathers death she simply vanished.?

?Did you know Sera had taken her as an apprentice??

Kalyn sat forward with a serious expression. ?What? When? Have you seen her??

?She was responsible for the ballroom deaths at the Nehelem Estate back in the middle district, I believe she was working with Sera to destabilise the district. ?

?Well.? Kalyn remarked. ?This does come a surprise... Anything else??

?How did my mother die??

The colour drained from Kalyn?s face. This was the big question. ?Did? Sera never tell you??

 

[CrazyBlaze]

Telnor- Dean's Mansion- Tinsdap

"Yeah she could take care of herself. Plus there was Vergil and Itsuka and Velen and Scarlett and Lorel and myself to fight as well. Oh and some guy named Hailen. He seemed to be a pretty good water mage. or was it Ice. I forget. So yeah both me and Vessel are good friends though we are no longer in a relationship anymore. It kind of turned into one of those really quick burst relationships that quickly fizzle out," Telnor replied.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Lady Fiora De La Croix - The Dean's Mansion - Tinsdal

Just as Vergil was getting off to sleep, he could feel that the Vessel was moving closer towards him, and one of her arms was laid across his chest, as she rested her head on his shoulder. He smirked briefly.

"Well, you might as well make yourself comfortable Vessel; after all, its just the two of us." Vergil remarked cheekily and in a hush tone, hoping to not attract any attention from outside. He responded by moving his right arm over her shoulders, placing his hand on her chest.

"You don't have to worry Vessel, my hand will not move up there, or down there." He added as his eyes slowly closed, the last thing he saw, was the fire.

 

[FinalDream]

Kalyn Alexander Vaalender/Scarlett Verneer - the capital of the north, Tinsdal


How did my mother die? The words felt like ice coursing through his veins and Kalyn swallowed the lump lodged at the back of his throat. This was one conversation he wanted to dodge. And badly. Grabbing the cup of wine he took a slow sip and hardened his gaze, from the look on Scarlett?s face she registered it and returned an equally hard gaze right into his eyes. She wanted the truth and would not settle for anything else. He could see it in her eyes. Kalyn too a deep breath and returned the glass to the table.

?No.? Scarlett broke the silence. ?She only told me she died when I was very young.?

?Well she would.? Kalyn remarked dryly and shifting his position on the couch opposite Scarlett. ?Your mother, Isabelle, tried to hide her pregnancy from me. I had no idea but Sera had her suspicions, she seemed to recognise the morning sickness. I?m not sure how. I tried questioning her about it later but she dodged every question with a dismissal.?

?You believe Sera had a child?? Scarlett interrupted.

?I do. And from the way she brought you up when you were apprenticed to her I don?t doubt it.?

Scarlett took a moment to think. Sera had kept that quiet.

Kalyn decided to continue. ?Anyway. Isabelle eventually fled the district when her bump became too noticeable, despite already having a daughter, she wanted to keep you too. No offence Joa? Scarlett but I had no intention of keeping you. Another air to my legacy, especially one from a courtesan, would have complicated matters immensely. Not to mention the scandal it would have brought down on me and the Dean. When Sera found her hiding in the Vo?anna mountains a week due we stayed until you were born. After that Sera? killed her.?

?Sera killed my mother!? Scarlett looked shocked and a little ill.

?I?m sorry Scarlett. Really. Isabelle was taken out into the snow storm that ravaged the mountains not minutes after you were born and had her throat slit. Her body will probably still be there. I had no control over it otherwise I would have intervened. Believe me.?

It was a lie. Kalyn would never admit to giving the order to Scarlett. She would kill him without hesitation.

?I?m sorry.? Kalyn took a sip of wine watching Scarlett with a curious gaze. She had gone quiet. A little too quiet.

Without a word Scarlett stood up and left the room, her fists her clenched tightly, Kalyn could feel the anger radiating from as her world appeared to come crashing down around her. Sera and Scarlett might have gone their separate ways over the past few years but there had been a lot of affection still left between the two.

Scarlett went to bed. Well. She returned to her room and lay down staring at the ceiling for hours before pacing up and down thinking. She couldn?t switch off. Eventually she could feel the exhaustion creeping up on her and lay back down with her knife drawn on the bed. Closing her eyes.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

In a random place, in a unknown time, somewhere within the depths of Vergil's mind...

It was a cold morning in the mountains of the frozen North, the landscape was barren of life, save for two people, a boy and his mother. They had come out to the mountains to explore the land, that had separated the North and Middle Sections, since time immemorial. For the boy, there was adventure to be had, and for the mother, it was to bring happiness to her child. They played amongst the trees and hills of this rocky landscape, finding out more about what had been their home for only a few short years. The day had ended in fun and laughter, a warm friendly smile, had appeared on the mothers face.

The mothers face seemed to be both familiar and alien to the boy, as if he had not seen her in such a long time. She had long grey hair that reached below the shoulders. One of her eyes was red like a ruby, the other, was purple like amethyst. Suddenly, by an unseen force, the boy was lifted up off the ground, and into the inky blackness above. His last sight of her mother, was that she shed a single tear. Then everything went dark.

Back in the realm of reality....

"Mother! Vergil called out in both fear and desperation, his left arm outstretched, to meet an unseen force.
"That was... that was just a dream? But it felt so real. Never mind, I should go back to sleep, force this 'memory' from my mind." He thought to himself, bringing his arm back, and rubbed his head briefly.

Vergil looked over to the Vessel, a symbol of joy for him. She was still asleep, but it seemed that she had moved a little further away from him.
"Perhaps she had her own dream." He thought as he returned to slumber.

 

[Korten12]

Lorel Ion ? Dean?s Mansion - Tinsdal

Velen and Itsuka arrived late as the sun began to dip below the horizon and the snow fall began to pick up and lights went on and people went insider their homes. Lorel sat down on a porch with a glass roof and walls, so he could see the snow fall. On the table he was eating some food as he had been too busy to eat.

He saw Velen and Itsuka walk in the room and he greeted them. ?Haven?t had times to talk.? Velen said.

?Yeah, you guys sort of wondered off.?

?Sorry about that, we were hungry.?

?Uh huh.? Lorel said as he crossed his hands.

Velen and Itsuka sat down. ?So what happened when you vanished??

?I fell down a hole into a large elaborate cavern which I had to go through many caves until I came out in Tinsdal. Sort of convent but it I came out in a warehouse.? He explained as he eats.

?Interesting.? Velen said.

He finished eating. ?Do you know that the Ana?sha Father and Daughter are here??

?They?re? Which daughter?? Looking around as if they were nearby.

?Malina.?

?Oh??

Itsuka eyes began to flicker, she was tired. ?So why mention them??

?Apparently the father, Lord Noyis, said that her wife is to become the newest noble.?

?What!? Is Lord Noyis happy about this??

?Indifferent about it. After I told him what happened, he doesn?t exactly want her to become one. But he knows he wouldn?t be able to stop her. But he is just here for the political party so I doubt he would do anything.?

?Be on the guard still,? Itsuka said as she stood up. ?Well I am going to go to sleep.?

?I am going to as well.? Velen said.

?As shall I.? Lorel spoke.

All of them split up and went to their own rooms and went to asleep.

The Next Day

The sun rose and there wasn?t a single snow drop but the ground was completely frozen and piles of snow. Lorel awoke and stretched.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Dean's Mansion - Tinsdal

It was the early hours of the morning when Vergil woke up and yawned. Out of the window, he could that all the snow that had fallen over the last day or so, had vanished. Vergil carefully got out of the bed, moving the Vessel's arm off his chest, it seems she had moved a more closer to him in the hours since he woke up previously.

Vergil decided to stretch a little once he was up, to help alleviate any tense muscles in his arms and legs. We went over to a chair by the fire, and discovered a fresh set of clothes had been prepared for him, lying on top of them was a note.

I arranged for the maids to deliver some cleaner clothes for you and your friend. Enjoy the day, Fiora.

After he put the clean shirt and trousers, and then put his boots back on. He turned to the Vessel, who was still asleep mostly, and twitched a little.

"Good Morning" He remarked, but didn't expect a response.

"You know Vessel, this almost feels like a dream. But then I realise, I had an angel by my side the whole time." Vergil said to himself in a sweet manner. He then chuckled as he realised what he said.

"God, that was corny, but I meant it as well. She really has been an angel." He said with a smile as he held his head in his hand.

"Think I'll go grab us some tea. Won't be too long." Vergil remarked as he unlocked the door, and left the room, re-locking the door behind him, and taking the key.

"Well, a lady must have her privacy, especially in her clothes less state." Vergil said to a empty and quiet hallway. He then headed to the kitchen, quietly whistling a happy tune as he went.

 

[CrazyBlaze]

Telnor- Dean's Mansion- Tinsdal

"It was just a couple weeks, mainly consisting of lots of sex. At any rate Its late and I'm tired so I'm heading off to sleepy sleepy land. Take care. See you two in the morning," Telnor said as he left Vessel's parents.

Telnor climbed into the soft, comfortable bed that had been provided for him and feel asleep almost instantly.

The Next Morning

Telnor rolled out of bed, stretched and rubbed his eyes. Yawning loudly he left the room and made his way to the kitchens, running into Vergil. With sleep still in his eyes and voice, Telnor said, "Morn' Vergil"

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Dean's Mansion - Tinsdal

"Ah, morning Telnor. Trust you had a good nights sleep." Vergil replied back with a yawn.

"I'm just heading to the kitchen, to, um, gets some morning tea for myself and the Vessel." He said nervously, hoping that Telnor didn't catch on.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Vergil Crawford - The Dean's Mansion - Tinsdal

Vergil and Telnor soon arrived at the Kitchen, and he watched Telnor head to the counter to get something to eat. Whilst Vergil headed to the opposite end, where the staff were taking orders for hot drinks. A woman with red tinted hair greeted him as he arrived.

"Good morning sir, what can I get for you today?" The maid asked happily.
"Can I have a large pot of tea please, for two people that is."
"Certainly sir, it will take a while though, we have to prepare the stove for the water. Hope this isn't an inconvenience."
"Not at all."
"Thank you sir, whilst you wait, would you care for something to eat?"
"Hmm, I fancy... an omelet; with some ham and cheese inside, if that is not too much a problem."
"Very good sir, is there anything else?"
"A side of pancakes, and an glass of orange juice. Sorry, its been a long journey, haven't eaten well in a while."
"Of course sir, this shouldn't take too long. I'll have someone else prepare the tea alongside this. Would you like milk and sugar with the tea?"
"Yes please, just in case she fancies some."
"She? Who would you be talking about?" The maid asked inquisitively as she noted down Vergil's order.
"A Miss Velkan, but she prefers to be called The Vessel." Vergil replied with.
"Ah yes, I know who you talk about. I overheard one of the other maids saying that a breakfast of banana pancakes had been ordered for her. Anyway, I'll go process this order for you now sir." The maid remarked, and disappeared into the back area of the kitchen.

"Of course, the **** had given her a banana muffin back in Mo." Vergil thought to himself, as he remembered his first encounter with the ****.

It was roughly a quarter of an hour later, when the maid had returned with Vergil's meal.

"Here you are sir. Your tea should be ready in about ten to fifteen minutes. Sorry for the delay, its just with the masquerade going on tonight, some of the kitchen equipment has been pre-occupied." The maid responded, sounding apologetic.
"That is quite alright, gives me more time to enjoy this rather fine breakfast." Vergil remarked as he was handed over the tray with the omelet and pancakes on one side. The orange juice and cutlery on the other. He then turned and headed towards a seemingly empty table.

Vergil then began eating away at the omelet. Its taste sent a pleasing shiver down his body. A little while later (about five minutes or so), Vessel arrived at the table, after a brief confrontation with the staff.

"I take it things didn't go so well." He remarked as he took a sip of orange juice.

 

[FinalDream]

Scarlett Verneer - the capital of the north, Tinsdal


It had been Scarlett?s intention to wake early, the bright morning sun was beginning to creep up from the horizon and cast it?s first rays of light across the district. Scarlett looked out of the open window. Most traces of snowfall had vanished overnight but the ground remained frosted and hard. A chill carried on the wind. As a girl of the north Scarlett hardly felt it. Changing into a spare pair of clothes left neatly folded on a chair beside her bed Scarlett headed out and down to the kitchen.

Ignoring the maids flustering around her Scarlett decided to make her own breakfast, declining any offer of help with a polite reminder that might be better served preparing for the up and coming ball. It was simple meal of cooked ham and eggs. Washed down with a glass of fresh juice and a small pot of tea. She ate in silence watching dawn break across the district through the tall windows of the dinning room. Afterwards she left the washing up to a maid who refused to take no for answer and headed to the library.

It was a grand hall, on two levels, old books where crammed into the ageing shelving and the musty smell of paper perfectly complimented the dust hanging in the air. After some searching Scarlett found the book on ancient Sigil?s and settled down in a corner to read. She didn?t want any of the group to see her. Scarlett flicked the pages until she caught sight of the raven wings, perfectly drawn on the paper, and began to read.

There was nothing new. She had heard it all before. Immortality. The rule of one. The sign of a fallen angel and the legacy of death. Scarlett snapped the book shut and returned it before heading out. She was a little disappointed there was nothing else. Deciding to get some more tea and think over the problem Scarlett returned to the kitchen where she bumped into Telnor, Vessel and Vergil.