Sari-liane

This is the first part to a continuing tale of a high state ball, not all is what it seems... or is it?

The turn of the years had been cruel to the Empire, now rotting ruins are all that remain apart from the Dragoni Temple known as Draco-Nummos. The lands suffered from storms this eve, almost as if the the 4 men of the apocolypse were riding out. Somewhere within the Chaos Lands, the Inn known as the Farmers Sideburns was to pay host to a strange affair. Little did John-Bob the Bar Tender known, tonight would change the course of events within Allula. In fact, since the time of NeoPhis when the Farmers Sideburns hosted the Lord Frostwalker's funeral this would be the busiest it had ever been...


[Stranger 1]

Walking down the hallway, he pulled the crimson red cloak tighter around him. It had been a long time since he had shown himself to those whom thought he were dead... Maybe now might not be the time, but now it would be. [i]"You should apraise yourself Brother, for we are not to be ashamed of what we are... you SHALL go tonight and I'll hear not a word otherwise..."[i] Was what his brother had said to him the other night. And as always he was sworn to follow the word of the Master. Pausing near a mirror, he gazed upon his image. Though still pitch black, and his eyes forever burning a firey orange/red colour he had managed to force the Dark Matter within his body to adopt a more of a 'elven' stature. Gone for now was the horned armour, the demonic corners... Glancing over himself within the dark green toga of the Desuri and the crimson cloak he smiled. It had been many years since he had worn normal clothes. Clipping his feet he once again marched down towards the grand hall and unto his first public meeting for over 100 years.

Resting his hand gently upon the hilt of the Soul Sword he pushed the twin doors open with the other. His giant size, towering over most within the Inn already. The light from the candles and other magical sources all seemed to drain when he drew near, as if his very presence masked the effect of light itself. Nodding to those whom he regonised in turn, he grunted at a servant and headed towards the bar. Growling from deep within his chest he promptly ordered with his deep booming voice "A Quart of Glowfire man, and make it fresh...". As always his manners were somewhat lacking, but then he was the Dark Lord and had once been Emperor so he was given a few graces...

But then again, who would dare to answer back at him...



[Stranger 2]

The cooling essence wafted though the room as the Mistress of Death decided to make her entrance. Not often is it an occurance for a Godling to make themselves known or shown to those whom do not deserve thier grace, but the chance to take part in a meeting with the most powerful people in Allula... who wouldn't come?

Gently materilizing outside the Inn, she softly pushed open the doorway, a woman no means bar 18 years, her raven hair long and curly as she smiled demurly towards those gentlemen who felt the urge to gape. As she moved inwards a small cough signaled her to turn around and look within a mirror.. Her small smile deepened as she watched her scantly clad body shimmer within the reflection. Her eyes focused in on an unseen watcher and looking up, she winked then, Cocking her head to one and all, she raised her hands and giggled softly. Not many here would know whom she was... But then, they couldnt do anything even if they did....

[Stranger 3]

The fire spat out towards the man as he placed yet another log upon the hearth. His voice was almost a whisper as he spoke towards another. "The message came via magic Mi'lord, From the Lord of Dragonia it seems. A meeting of somekind..." He stopped as a bout of coughing erupted from the wooden throne like chair. As finally the coughing subsided the voice was almost a rattle, bearly a hoarse whisper as he spoke. "Regality has often been denied existance of intelligence Wendian, but he is nay a fool... remember that in your teachings...". "Aye Mi'lord" was the quick reply from the young man, moving towards the center of the room, he grunted as he picked up a massive tome and placed it afore the throne upon the oak table. Opening it to page 166 he ran his finger down the curly writing then looked up towards the other man. The aging figure returned the glare, his bald head no-longer smooth and reflective, but blenished with kidney spots and small inuries. Though his green eyes were still pericing as he motioned for the pail of oil to be brought closer. Wendian gently pushed the silvered pail and looked towards the two dogs afore the hearth. His nose winkled as the smell of foul flatiance gifted his nostrils. Within his mind he joked to himself "So much for the guardian hounds...HA!" As the old man drew closer to the Pail he looked up as Wendian asked "What do you intend to do Mi'Lord?". Ignoring the question for now, the old man looked down into the pail and spoke horsely "show...".

As the oily surface shifted, a view of a barren land sprang into view, nothing to be seen apart from cattle and tradesmen. The old mans voice rattled as he hissed "Show...", the view instantly shifted and focused in upon a large coaching Inn, dozen of red tunic laden guards marching, guests arriving... A giant like figure caught his gaze for a moment... His arrival upon horse back with another dozen or so like him spoke that a new faction had arrived within Allula. Raising a greying eye-brow for a moment, he hissed louder "Show..."

This time the view appered to zoom in upon a large room filled with dozens of smart but cloaked people. The Lords voice bemused as he spoke "Ahh, the cream of the crop..." He watched for a few moments as a darkened monster of a man arrived, shortly followed by a weakling. He smiled somewhat as he remembered a few.. antics with the well known Dark Lord in the past. Rubbing his eyes for a moment he glanced around the room once more then as he was about to dismiss the magic he spotted a wavier in the shadows of the room. Rattling at the pail he hissed "Zoom... and expand"

Upon his word, the view changed and moved towards where the shadow seemed to quiver, then as it began to expand its range, the multi-realms came into view and instantly the sight of Her Lady of Death gifted the old mans eyes. His voice cackling as he spoke "So what do we have here hmm... mingling from the people... tsk tsk" Then with a click of his fingers he closed the spell. "Windian, prepare the magic, I feel like a trip out for a pint..."

<--- To be Continued --->

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