Vampire: Dark Ages - Act II - Scene 1: The Crossroads

[Taduz Illyannovich]

[Taduz, see PM.]

Low voiced and angry, eyes still closed "M'lady, the wretch Lothar is here, with others whom I take to be your family. He has one of the children on his lap..."

Olaf trounced him once, mayhap he gets to do so again.

Listen to their conversation.

[Seska Karantanija]

Her eyes flash golden, but otherwise she makes no move. No movement for an inhumanly long time.

Finally she reacts. "Fetch Bojan and Pierre. They are to stay at the door, but are not to make any threatening gestures. I simply want them near."

With a determined yet graceful stride she approaches the parlor. As she passes servants and guards she greets them warmly without breaking step. "I am feeling much better, thank you." "It is wonderful to be back."

Reaching the parlor, she throws the doors open, and with a warm smile calls to her children, "My dears! Come here. I missed you so much! Damijan, did you help your father with the estate? Zala, how are your lessons coming? Cvetka, come to me sweety. I'm sorry I was delayed for so long. Let me get big hugs!"

[Since everyone else is being introduced to them for the first time, Lord Branimir Karantanija is the hereditary Count of Tótkomlós. Damijan, their only son, is eleven (almost twelve!). Zala is the eldest daughter at ten and as tall as her brother. Cvetka is several years behind them at six.]

[Sabine]

I turn into a doggy. Then I glamour myself to look like a cute puppy. Maybe the children will come play with me, and they won't be sitting on that disgusting man.

I walk into the room after Lady Seska. I wag my tail a little.

[Taduz Illyannovich]

Wait a few a bit to allow the Noblewoman to have her reunion with her Family.

Enter slowly, using all the polite mannerisms and body language that a Lord is due in his own domain when I am introduced..

Will they notice her chill skin, or the scales.

[Alína Nyárí]

The Path To The Village

Alina takes her leave, Dora flying overhead on her way back to her hovel on the edge of the village.

Blood is fresh in living bodies. Leave it there until you need it. If you are trying to convince others to let you feed from them, they would feel better about it knowing that they'd survive, yes? But I do not think you can do this without sharing your secret. It's only fair, since they're sharing their very essence with you.

The healer nods at these words, and is silent for awhile on their way to her farm, making the occasional clicking noises towards Zoja as they pass through the village.

Eventually she glances at the shops and abodes around them, commenting on various patients she had not seen since leaving for the "dinner party." "I wonder if there are some among those I have treated and will continue to treat I can trust. Father is too old and frail; I fear what the knowledge of what has happened to me will do to him should he find out."

[Seska Karantanija]

Will they notice her chill skin, or the scales.

[Blush of Health and a high-collared dress. Nor can you really see her back when she doesn't trim her hair. It's all covered. I had 30 minutes to get ready while you slowpokes awoke.]

[Taduz Illyannovich]

Will they notice her chill skin, or the scales.

[Blush of Health and a high-collared dress. Nor can you really see her back when she doesn't trim her hair. It's all covered. I had 30 minutes to get ready while you slowpokes awoke.]

[Was more of a long reaching reflection, not talking about the right here and now.]

[Goatkiller666]

Lord Branimir rises from his chair and approaches his wife, taking her by both hands, though not yet stepping close to hug her. Damijan and Zala both hug her under their father's arms. The Lord squeezes Seska's hands and then releases them, so she can hug the children.

Lothar smiles and puts down Cvetka, who squeels and runs past her mother to the puppy. The child is remarkably similar in size and age to Sabine. Cvetka picks up the puppy and spins in a circle. "Oh Mother, thank you!"

Branimir waits for the commotion to still slightly, then gestures to Lothar. "This man has a message to deliver from... a lady of your acquaintance?"

With a strained look, Lothar bows to Seska. "Ah, yes. I bring sad tidings, and the body of the novice Marianna. My mistress instructed me to bring her remains here to you."

Branimir concludes, "I had the body placed in the crypts. I wasn't sure what to do with a nun's body, but until the ground is fully thawed, there's little to be done."

"But why would some novice christian nun wish her remains sent here? Even her man here doesn't know."

[Taduz Illyannovich]

I agree with the Lord...

Look at Lothar, smile.

I cannot wait to get my hands in you.

Listen to the guards outside the door, and elsewhere within the keep, whispered conversation, rumors, idle chatter. Ladies in waiting, maids. What the servants say outside the reach of their masters is always interesting.

There is much to this land I don't know, and much I must learn.

[Goatkiller666]

The Path To The Village

It is within thy power to overcome age and frailty in your father. To drink of your blood would grant him strength and extend his life greatly. I... it is against The Word for him to drink so... and yet I know that your condition need not lead to damnation. What else becomes questionable?

But, you must tell him. Keeping such a secret does not honor his wisdom, frail though his body may be. Your people live the harsh truth, they do not hide from it. Honor thy father and thy mother.

[Sabine]

I play with Cvetka. I forget that everybody is scared of Lothar. Cvetka is fun. She laughs and squeals just like me.

I stay glamoured to look like a puppy, but I turn back into a puppy girl so I can squeal and laugh too. I still have fur and ears and a tail and a puppy nose. But now I'm laughing like a girl.

[Alína Nyárí]

The Path To The Village

It is within thy power to overcome age and frailty in your father. To drink of your blood would grant him strength and extend his life greatly. I... it is against The Word for him to drink so... and yet I know that your condition need not lead to damnation. What else becomes questionable?

But, you must tell him. Keeping such a secret does not honor his wisdom, frail though his body may be. Your people live the harsh truth, they do not hide from it. Honor thy father and thy mother.

At first the healer blanches at her familiar's suggestion. "Tell Tati? Assuredly it will kill him!" But as she listens further to her advice, her head slowly nods, and then breaks in to a grin she quickly covers.

"You still get those laws reversed, Dara. Remember the ten commandments are listed multiple times, and the wording for that commandment changes. Honor thy mother and thy father, later becomes Love thy father and thy mother. The sages go in to long discourse as to why this is the case.

"But forgive me my levity. I will ponder your advice and perhaps speak with Tati when the time feels right."

[Seska Karantanija]

She hugs her kids in return. "Hello my darlings."

Even with the children hugging her, and smiling at finally being reunited with her family, her voice is calm and even, "Cvetka, be careful. She is still feral. Remember what I have taught you about dealing with wild animals." She looks at Branimir, "... as a precaution, only. You know how excited animals make her."

Addressing Lothar, "Good sir, many thanks for bringing Marianna here. I had worried as to her safety after the commotion. We shall see to her... care." She gives a sharp whistle behind her, as a signal to Bojan to enter, and presumably drag Pierre with. "You must be tired after traveling all this way. Bojan, Pierre, please show our guest to our finest accommodations. Be mindful of his tastes and make sure they suit him well."

[Attempting to imply to Bojan to throw his arse into the nastiest cell around without alerting him until out of the room.]

[Taduz Illyannovich]

I stay glamoured to look like a puppy, but I turn back into a puppy girl so I can squeal and laugh too. I still have fur and ears and a tail and a puppy nose. But now I'm laughing like a girl.

Dear puppygirl, so impulsive, yet she tries. I can teach her what she wants, but how will the Lady explain this.

The only change in my face is a quizzical raising of the eyebrows at this change.

This should be both enlightening and entertaining.

[Goatkiller666]

The Path to the Village

In this case, there is no difference. Lying to your father shows him neither honor nor love; it only protects your heart. He will not thank you for that.

Alina's walk leaves the hills where the castle is set and enters the village proper. On the far side of these small homes, and down the path following the stream, will be her own home with Tati and the foundling boy, some chickens and a small garden. For a moment, as one of the village dogs bounds up to her without raising an alarm to sniff her and jump upon her hip, she can almost forget that all of the horror had happened. All is peaceful here, as it has been for the past many years in her home village.

[Goatkiller666]

In the Castle

Branimir waves at Bojan and Pierre, "Rest yourselves, we have already established him in our best rooms. See to my Lady wife's luggage, or rest yourselves. We have kept the house quite well in your absence."

Lothar glances at Bojan, and then stares longer at Pierre before licking his lips nervously and returning his attention to Branimir and Seska. "My lady, it would be my honor to pour you a drink, if it would please you. Some mulled wine, perhaps? It is just as good as his Lordship had implied, though I scarce believed it possible. It must indeed be the brisk evening that brings out the warmed spices in the wine. I do not think I will ever taste its like in warm Venice."

Cvetka squeals louder, at her puppy's own laughter. "Mutti! Laughing puppy!"

[Alína Nyárí]

In this case, there is no difference. Lying to your father shows him neither honor nor love; it only protects your heart. He will not thank you for that.

The Jewess slowly nods as she considers her familiar's advice.

Alina's walk leaves the hills where the castle is set and enters the village proper. On the far side of these small homes, and down the path following the stream, will be her own home with Tati and the foundling boy, some chickens and a small garden. For a moment, as one of the village dogs bounds up to her without raising an alarm to sniff her and jump upon her hip, she can almost forget that all of the horror had happened. All is peaceful here, as it has been for the past many years in her home village.

Reaching down to scritch at the friendly, panting head, Alína chuckles softly and glances around her before continuing on her way. "It is good to be home," she sighs to Dara. "Keep your eyes and ears open for any calls of distress, but it is my hope to make it home to greet Tati and Shmuely before it gets much later."

Shaking the reins lightly, she continues to cluck towards her horse.

"Come Zoja. Let us make our way home."

[Goatkiller666]

On the Road to the Village

This story continues over here.

[Seska Karantanija]

In the Castle
Lothar glances at Bojan, and then stares longer at Pierre before licking his lips nervously and returning his attention to Branimir and Seska. "My lady, it would be my honor to pour you a drink, if it would please you. Some mulled wine, perhaps? It is just as good as his Lordship had implied, though I scarce believed it possible. It must indeed be the brisk evening that brings out the warmed spices in the wine. I do not think I will ever taste its like in warm Venice."

"No, thank you. I do not require a refreshment at this time." She pauses. "I would, however, like to talk with my husband."

[Goatkiller666]

Lothar looks around the room, eyes widening further. "Y-yes. Of course, milady." He moves quickly out the door, then down the hallway, hoping to be out of sight before everybody can follow him.

Not wanting to seem too eager, Bojan and Pierre bow politely before also leaving the room, but they break into jogs as soon as they're out of sight.

Branimir watches them go, then waits for the other guests to follow before his wife will speak.