Heirot

This thread was started by Eslin…

Eslin:

Sinead was gliding through the halls. Her destination was the kitchens. There were servants all throughout the halls. They were cleaning the fine decorations, and going about their daily task. When they saw her they swept into curtsies and bows, and wished her a good morning.

As she got closer and closer to her destination she began to smell the good smells of breakfast being prepared for her and for the various Lords and Ladies who flocked around her and took part in the Council.

When she opened the one of the double doors to kitchens, the smells became stronger. She walked into the kitchen and everyone looked up for their work and bowed and curtsied best they could while keeping the cooking going.

She usually summoned the head cook to her chambers, and gave her orders from there. She had felt like walking this morning, and after all she could say she was just surveying the kitchens. The head cook walked up to her, “It there anything I can help you with my Majesty?”

Sinead looked into the cook’s gray eyes. She liked this woman. She was in her mid years, and was at an average height, well rounded, with light red hair pulled tightly into a bun. She always kept the kitchen in order, and Sinead didn’t know what she would do without her.

“Yes there is something I need. As you know we have a guest here in our kingdom. I’d like to have a feast dedicated to the Shogun. He will be helping us out so much, and I think It proper to seen him off with a full belly. I would like to hold the feast tomorrow at sunset. Please show him our finest. If you have any questions about where it will take place the Mistress of Household will be more than willing to tell you.

Sinead had informed the Mistress of Household yesterday evening at little after the meeting with the Shogun. The Mistress of Household kept her servants straight just as well as the cook kept her under cooks straight. All these people made Sinead’s life a little bit easier.

When she reached her chambers the messenger she had summoned was waiting on her. She handed him an invitation and ordered him to bear it with all speed to the Shogun. It read: You Majesty, Shogun Kitanai of the kingdom Ongoreth. You are hear by invited to attend a feast in you honor. It will be held in the main ballroom of the palace tomorrow night at sunset. Sincerely, Queen Sinead of the kingdom Ighten.

She watched as the messenger bowed and hurried to deliver the message. After he left two more entered. One would take invitations to the important. And the other to annouce the feast to the not so important. Anyone in the palace, not a servent, would be welcome to attend. And those outside the palace, of high standing, would be welcome too.

Zenmusha:

OOC: And now, to lift the moods...

IC: Vlad, now in his usual attire, stalked the queen around, keeping to the shadows with lifetime expertise. "So, is she thinking of making a feast? This'll be interesting.... Hehehehe..."

He teleported to a dark cornen of her chambers, where he couldn't be seen by her... Not that he cared, he just liked to put up a bit of a show. "So, you decide to feed the rebel leader... How inspiring. I'd say it's a kind of tribute, don't you think?" He moved away from his spot, and glared almost predatorialy at her. "I never thought Ighten would become so weak that it needs the help of revolucionaries to survive... Hehehehe..."

He walked a few steps toward her, and closed his eyes, smiling dementedly. "Guess we have no choice but to treat him well... At least YOU have no choice." He opened back his eyes. "Tataa, Mistress." He slowly turned into shadows, and teleported out of the room.

Eslin:

Sinead sighed. Things would be better if she wasn’t constantly reminded of her problems. Of course she’d felt Vlad presence. They shared a sort of bond; him serving her and all. She liked him too, but sometimes her problems became a heavy load on her back.

Sinead made herself stop that line of though. She was not a weak ruler. She hardened herself and accepted the situation. She would see Shea burn.

But in the mean time she was going to make the Shogun feel welcome. After all, she was doing this so there would be a long lasting friendship between the countries. She hopped that was how it would end up.

Zenmusha:

The Shogun had arrived at his camp outside Ighten's walls. While he was at the meeting and sparring with the Maiden wielding Tenchuu, his samurai and ashigaru (literally "fast-foots"the warriors that are useful but not samurai) had set up their tents. They didn't quite enjoy the barracks... mostly because they usually ended up picking a fight with the Ightener soldiers. Not that they didn't like teaching them their place, it's just that they had to keep their energies for more important things.

Kitanai went to the tent in the centre. In there, there were as much gear as in the others... a stand to put his armour and blades on, some clothes over a carpet on the floor, and a sleeping mat. He began the hard task of taking of his armour when an envoy arrived. "Lord Kitanai of Ongoreth, the Queen Sinead would like to invite you to a feast being organized in your honour. It's been our tradition to hold such festivities whenever a foreign ruler arrives..." He didn't listen to the rest. He knew what were Ighten's standarts. "Tell the queen I accept."

Asking for a bucket of water with which to bathe, he took off his armour, jacket and trousers, and splashed its contents over his naked body. It was a short bath... but still one, unlike some of the men he had seen, that must've never heard of it. Cleaning himself with a towel kindly brought by his servants, he changed to his comfortable kimono. He was done for the day, and would sleep when night came.

Eslin:

Sinead walked into her sleeping chamber. She could see the stares sparkling through the thin sheer blue curtains. She also saw the moon; it was a most unusual reddish color. The door to the balcony had been left opened and the curtains were not drawn. They billowed lightly in the gentle night breezes.

She didn’t bother to light any candles. She could see fair enough by the light of the stars and moon. She frowned at the red moon; she hopped it was a good omen for the kingdom. She looked to the reason she didn’t bother with the candles. Auron was asleep on the large bed. The matching shear blue curtains were drawn and he was sleeping peacefully on his back.

She tried to be as quite as she could. She didn’t need as much sleep as everyone else; she only got about three hours every night. She knew he needed more, even though he wouldn’t admit it sometimes. The servants had become use to this by now. She didn’t make them stay up late with her just to help her undress when she finally decided to go to bed. It did leave her in a predicament though. She’d become extremely good at unbuttoning her dress on her own.

She walked to her closet stationed on the same wall as the door and opened its door. It was large walk in closet that held both her clothes and Auron’s clothes. She began unbuttoning her dress doing the ones at the top first and then doing the ones at the bottom, leaving the middle ones for last. Tonight the buttons seemed even smaller that usual. She was starting to have a lot of trouble, and her anger and frustration level was rising. The darned things just wouldn’t come unbuttoned.

She was in a very odd position saying all kinds of nasty things about the dress’s maker when she felt someone else’s hands reach to for the buttons. They stared to come undone. She froze; wondering who in the world. Then she relaxed. She had been so caught up in trying to get her dress unbuttoned that she hadn’t sensed Auron come up behind her. When the buttons were undone she let her dress slid to the floor and turned around. She yet had to undo her corset.

She bit her lower lip, hopping she hadn’t woke him up, and looked for signs of weariness dulling his features. He seemed to think he could get as much sleep as she and still be make it everyday. He couldn’t; he just wouldn’t admit to it. Instead of the sleepiness she expected, she found a look of mischief in his dark blue eyes.

He was shirtless and only wore a pair of soft dark green pants. It was what he usually slept in. His pale skin was gleaming in the moonlight. She reached up and brush a piece of his coal black hair from his face. She then reached back behind herself and tried to get undo her corset. A look of frustration crossed her face. Why was everything so hard to undo tonight?

He reached around her and undid it too. She breathed a sigh of relief. Corsets were like some kind of torture device. The look of mischief soon began to enter her eyes too. While he was unlacing her corset; she began to undo his pants. Her skin was now bare to the night’s breeze; it felt pleasant. The look of mischief soon began to enter her eyes too. He gently picked her up and carried her to the bed. Their clothes lay forgoten on the floor.

The next morning, Sinead opened her startling blue eyes and looked around. Her gaze drifted to where Auron was sleeping peacefully once again. She smiled, he always looked so…innocent when he was asleep. A satisfied smile came to her face as she rolled over and slid off the bed onto the floor. This tiles where cold against her feet. She walked to the closet and opened to door taking out one of her silk robes. It was a dark read color with sliver claps.

It was still early in the morning. The sun had yet to rise. She could hear the servants just getting up and beginning their daily actives. There was a buzz of excitement about to palace, and the hours before the feast would pass slowly.

Zenmusha:

Kitanai awoke by midday. He had always had the habit of sleeping late before an imminent battle, to gain whatever energy surplus he could. Rising silently from the comfortable mat, he got dressed up in an old training kimono and went to one of the many improvised training ground. It was merely a clearing in the middle of a forest of tents where the men spend the time warming up. And right now, that was what he needed to begin the day. Breakfast would come later.

After spending his usual four hours of practice, Kitanai was only a bit sweaty... Unlike his Samurai and Nibu Wolves, that seemed ready to faint from exhaustion and dehidration. He left without a word, merely bowing slightly, and the men bowed back, curving a lot more. He proceeded to his tent, and threw another cold water bucket over himself. The servants had left his meal in a short table by the ground: sake, rice and miso soup. Looking to see if anyone was watchiing, he grabbed the sake bottle and drank it all without resorting to the small plates by the soup... He didn't quite like the constant gentleman crap imposed by society, so he used up well these small escapes.

The meal was done in half-hour. After that, he spent the rest of the time in meditation... And when he awoke, it was almost time to leave. Changing to a more comfortable kimono, a plain dark blue one, he grabbed his swords and moved to the palace, followed by two of his Wolves, knowing that Kenta had probably asked that psychic girl on a date and would be waiting at her doorstep...

Their entrance was far more peaceful than last time. The servants knew well now not to stay too close to them, the Wolves were more relaxed, and there wasn't the pressure of the last meeting. My, this palace's big... He seemed to walk for an eternity until he arrived at the dining room. Many nobles were there, and the typical barbarian foods, fatty and in gross number, were there as well... Roast pigs, baked potatoes, fatty sauces, smelly cheeses, and not a single fish or vegetable in sight... He walked by the nobles silently, hiding the deep despise he felt for them. His Nibu Wolves weren't as discreet, as they were grinning mockingly at the surprised men and women.

Sinead could be seen sitting in her chair, with her husband Auron by her side. An empty chair was by her free side. "Queen Sinead." He bowed, and sat down without saying a word. The two Wolves tried to sit as next to him as possible, ending up near the Queen Maidens... A brief moment of tension passed between the antagonic guardians.

Emora Deen:

Tenele came to a halt, her red dress swishing around her as she did so. Her perfume was like walking through the sweetest smelling gardens. It was one of those scents that you just didn’t want to stop smelling… Her hair wasn’t as bad as she thought either; the stands of silver made her seem the more enchanting. The strands blew in the breeze as she stood at the doorway, dragging across her face and some across her neck.

Two guards stood in the door way, the doors open, people passed by, but no one seemed to wonder out, they might be looking for there seats… She turned to Vladimir, still holding the rather frightened noble by the arm. “What should I do with him?” she asked her friend and looked into his eyes for a moment.

Inside the lively music turned more softly into a smooth melody. It came from an orchestra in the corner of the ballroom upon a plat form. The ballroom was lit with candles in chandlers and on the tables. She could see Sinead through the window. “Hand him over to the palace guards?”

Eslin:

Sinead stood in front of the mirror in her sleeping chambers surveying her reflection in the mirror. She turned and faced Auron who was sitting in a large padded chair behind her. She twirled in a circle like little girl. “How do I look?” she asked him.

The servants had come to help her get dressed after she’d finished her lunch. They scrubbed her till she shone. She’d had a dress specially made just for this occasion. It was made out of silk and was dark blue in hue. There was sliver embroidery spider webbing across it in many designs; it shimmered in the light.

Her hair was perfectly straight and cascaded down her back like a shimmering golden waterfall. There was a silver circuit in her hair. She had many circuits of different metals to match any outfit she might wear. This circuit was not only silver, but it was set with sapphires. She wasn’t decked with only sapphires, but one could also see diamonds sparkling form her jewelry and clothing.

When she twirled Auron could see her slippered feet. The slippers were the same hue as the dress. He smiled at her. She was really beautiful. “You look awful my dear.” Sinead’s eyes narrowed to slits, “Awful? Are you sure?” Auron stood up and laughed, “Of course I mean it. You look awfully beautiful tonight.”

Sinead’s face once again changed to one of an excited child. “Why thank you! You look splendid tonight too.” He was wearing finely made black pants and a coat that matched her dress. It was also crisscrossed with silver embroidery. His black hair was brushed and perfectly in place. His dark blue eyes seemed like ice, but that was how they always seemed.

Auron peered out the glass doors of the balcony. The sun was just setting; it was a lovely sunset with hues of orange and pink. “I do believe it is time to make our grand entry.” Sinead too looked out, “Yes it’s time. Come let us go before we’re late.” Like the feast would start without them.

Auron took her hand and escorted her out of their rooms. They strolled down the corridors toward the ballroom. There was no one out in the halls at this time. The servants were either at the feast, or they were spending their free time doing better things. Auron looked down and to his side at her, “Are you ready to face the nobles, I’d call them rabble, that you’ve invited to the feast?” Sinead laughed, “Oh be nice my dear. Yes I’m ready for what ever they may throw my way. I don’t really expect anything to happen, but anyone of them could be a spy. Make sure you keep your eyes opened.” That was like telling a cat to watch for the mouse.

They soon came to the ballroom. It was decked out in the palace’s finest. There were servants every where going about their duties, and good smells started coming to Sinead nose. There wound be good food served tonight. She and Auron took their palaces. There was a spot reserved for the Shogun at her side.

Sinead was just wondering where the Shogun could be when he made his entrance. The
Shogun and his people seemed more relaxed than they were the other day. She took that as a good sign. She watched as they came toward her and Auron. The Shogun bowed took the seat beside her. “Queen Sinead,” he said.

She nodded to his bow and gave him a diplomatic smile, “Shogun Kitanai, it’s nice to see you this evening. I trust you had a good day? I’m sure you’ve heard of my husband, Auron, but I don’t know if you have ever meet him before.” “Auron, this is the Shogun Kitanai.” Auron nodded and reached his hand across to the Shogun.

Sinead gave her Maidens and encouraging smile; she hopped it would erase any tension. Tonight was supposed to ease tension between the two parties.

Zenmusha:

Outside:

Vlad sighed. Guess he'd have to wait for a while before poking fun at Migo. "Yes, hand over Football to them... Let's have some fun at the feast, for now. Later, we interrogate him." He grabbed Migo by the collars, and shoved him towards the guards. "Take this guy to the dungeons." The guards seemed reluctant. "Want me to suck your blood?" He grinned, showing his fangs. It worked...

Grabbing Tenele by the waist and pulling her closer to him, he walked up the stairs. "So, let's show those ugly nobles what a pair of true lovers looks like... Hehehehehe...." Not fully against his will, he was starting to appreciate the idea. And maybe that would explain why he suddenly turned her around, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her lips. "There, that's shown them..." He winked at her, preparing to repeat the trick in front of some disbelieving guests.

Inside:

Kitanai rolled his eyeballs to look at Auron's hand. "Lord Auron" He simply nodded, as if Auron wasn't looking forward to a handshake. He stood impassive in his seat, waiting for something to happen... "In Ongoreth, waving your hands close to someone is considered offensive." He stated, both to explain his actions... And to discreetly call Auron a barbarian...

The servants poured wine on his chalice. Kitanai would never feel comfortable using those things, that much he was sure of... Sighing imperceptibly, he sipped his chalice, tasting the drink. And then, he saw the vampire and the maiden kissing. He knew Vlad was THE No Life King under Sinead's control, since he had been given a very complete description of him, both physical and mental, and so guessed his identity right. "You should keep your pet with a tighter leash." He said, sipping his drink again, unnaffected by it all.

Emora Deen:

Tenele smiled and walked up the steps with him. She felt relaxed around Vladimir when he wasn't being frightening... At first she was shocked, when he kissed her. Her hands were on his shoulders, because when he had turned her to him she had no idea what he was going to do. She closed her eyes and no thoughts of anger filled her mind.

When the kiss ended she was shocked to find she was disappointed. She didn't even say anything, she just put a hand to his face, closed her eyes, and kissed him back, making there moment together even more believable. But, she didn't kiss him to make it seem they were lovers. She kissed him on a fools hope that it was what they were...

Zenmusha:

After Tenele's compliance with the second kiss, Vlad peeked into her thoughts, and smiled with only a small bit of insanity showing... A refreshing twist to the usual 100%. "As always, your anguish is delicious, Tenele Raider. A fool's hope that I meant it..." He laughed silently. "I never do things without a motive. And I've grown past simply taunting you, so... Don't think I'm above having a mate."

He put back his hand on her waist, and pointed to the dining hall. "Let's make those idiots green-eyes... By the way, you do look fantastic. I wasn't joking." He winked at her again. "Eh, haven't lost my touch yet. Soon, she'll be my apprentice, my kinswoman... And a great addition she'll be... I can sense it. She might have potential."

Emora Deen:

Tenele smiled. "I'm glad you find my anguish... tasty..." she said and grinned for a moment. He actually meant to kiss her other than to fool the nobles? "Does that mean you want pore water on me while I sleep any more?" she asked looking over at him and biting her bottom lip to keep from laughing at him. Should she tell him he had crimson lipstick on his lips? She really should.

"Um... you have something on your lips..." she said and smiled at him, finally taking the chance to look at all the shocked faces in the room. She bit her bottom lip lightly again, trying not to laugh at them. She wished she could read minds like Vladimir could, not only could she tell what they were thinking of her and him… but she could tell what he was thinking of her… besides what he said.

Eslin:

Auron retracted his hand, “Sorry if I’ve offended you My Lord, but here in Ighten a handshake is considered a friendly gesture.” Auron thought how outlandish these people were. They don’t even want to touch you. Like we’re below them or something, what snobs! He smiled though. He wanted to show these people that he wasn’t below them, and it was always nice to be on good terms with you allies. He thanked the servant that poured his wine and took a few sips of it.

Sinead took a sip from her chalice. It was a fine vintage. She sat it down and looked to the scene the Shogun was talking about. She sighed. So Tenele had fallen for him. They could have waited for a more appropriate time. She wondered why Tenele was so late. Both her and Vlad should have been here earlier. “His not my pet. He’s my willing servant. I’ll will have a talk with him about this later.”

Zenmusha:

Vlad, as usual, overheard the conversation between Sinead and Kitanai... And was quite sure that she wasn't exactly pleased by the kissing bit. And that made him very, VERY happy! Even if he did respect Sinead, Vlad enjoyed to push the seals as much as possible. But for now, he decided to pick on someone else... After all, there were many a snobbish noble in here, and each practically begged to be pranked on.

The first dish to be served was peacock. Sinead had really punished her coffers this time... "That girl needs to learn money's not to be wasted..." He whispered to himself. The "nobles" gladly shovelled down the trays of peacock that continued to make their entrance...

Whereas the Shogun looked disgusted at how the animal was arranged! "Fatty sauces, huge chunks of meat, bone everywhere... Barbaric!" He didn't mind eating a dish like that, but that was when on travel or something... Not in a relaxed festivity. Drawing his tanto (Japanese dagger), since he didn't trust the knives there, he patiently sliced it piece by piece, then used the conveniently placed bread to grab and eat the meat. His Nibu Wolves did the same... But were a bit more clumsy about it, dropping the piece of meat as they brought it to their mouths every now and then.

Vlad had gotten another of his brilliant ideas! "Tenele..." He looked into her eyes, as innocently as possible. "... I'm not going to do anything to upset the Shogun... I just need to teach a lesson to these good for nothing, money grubbing nobles. Please, could you allow me to use my block stage B abilities?"

Emora Deen:

Tenele thought for a moment, knowing that if she said yes the Queen would have her head... She thought for a long moment, looking from the Shogun, to Sinead, and then back to Vladimir. Why can't he just ask some one else...

She looked back into his eyes and she did trust Vladimir to some extent. "Alright." she finally said and nodded. "Just don't cause any one to choke and die..." She smiled slightly, something telling her she had sealed her fate for good this time.

She then looked back at her plate at the food that she knew was going to make her gain a few pounds and she noticed that she wasn't that hungry. The encounter earlier had caused her to lose her appetite so she pushed the food around on her plate while waiting to see what Vlad planed on doing...

Zenmusha:

Vlad snickered, holding back his urge to laugh insanely in the dining hall. "Approval recognised. Limited lifting of Block Stage B skills confirmed." His red pentagrams shined... And he got up. "Ladies an' gentlemen..." He bowed towards the Queen, the two men near her, and the Maidens and Wolves. "Sluts and pimps!" He bowed mockingly to the nobles. "I regret to announce... I must go to the loo."

He jumped into the long table, and went towards the exit... meanwhile kicking dishes, chalices and candles into the lap of their respective owners or into the ground, depending on how much he (dis)liked them.
He got off at one of the edges with a sommersault, winking to a disgruntled fat lady that seemed to be trying to say something about an outrage... And making her even redder.

Kitanai couldn't help but smile. "Looks like someone has taste in this palace after all..." Truth be told, he enjoyed seeing those useless men and women being vexed in front of their ruler. He'd done the same to his useless nobles... Of course in other, more subtle ways. He looked to his Wolves, that were slowly getting more comfortable around the Maidens, and already laughed a bit louder than usual as they retelled other of Vlad's pranks.

And speaking of the devil... An insane peacock shot through the entrance, jumping to the table and looking apparently in panic to the remaining dishes. "My brother!! Where's my brother!?" He screamed, looking angrily at the nobles, and squirting his "milk" to their faces... The maids put down the trays, and attempted to chase the mad bird, but he always found a way to pass through their legs or bite at their hands.

"Assassins! You are nothing but assassins!" He cried in a childish voice. With unnusual strength, he jumped up into a chandelier, and "squirted" the maids as he swung on it. He gave a little more impulse, and used the momentum to jump, faliring out his tail feathers during the flight. He ran back to the corridor, out of anyone's reach....

After a few seconds, Vlad entered again. "Would you believe it if I told you a really weird bird passed through the corridor right now?" His grin was gleeful...

Emora Deen:

Tenele looked up when Vlad began to speak and turned crimson when she realized what he was doing. Dear lord, what have I done? she thought and put both hands to her hand and closed her eyes. "Sluts and pimps!" Oh, dear.... Tenele you are really becoming an idiot. You should have known... She shook her head and when he got on the tables buried her face in her hands. Stick a fork in me.... I'm done...

She glanced at Sinead... she would know who gave him his permission. Not only will she know it but also the council would soon. Then, she realized that she wasn't going to be in town for a while after tonight, it didn't take away the fact that she felt some sort of embarrassment for giving Vlad his abilities....

She watched as the bird ran around the room. She and probably only five others would have any hint as to who it was.... and it wasn't a peacock... And then the King of Destruction returned and she glared dangerously at him through her pure green eyes, still having a good bit of red color to her cheeks. "I am going to kill you...." she whispered. If he found her anguish delicious then he was going to really love what she was feeling now…<br>

Eslin:

Sinead watched the servants as they handed out the first dish. She had put out the finest for the feast. She hopped the Shogun enjoyed it. The servants sat a dish of peacock down in front of her. She picked up her fork and knife and began to neatly dig in.

She didn’t notice the Shogun’s disgust. Auron was beside her about to do the same thing. Sinead was in the middle of chewing her food when she felt a peculiar feeling. It was funny. It was the same feeling she felt every time she or someone else lifted Vlad’s seal. She swallowed her food and look around the room to see if she could spot Vlad.

She found him quickly. He had just stood up. She sat in shock through the entire ordeal. What was Vlad thinking? The feast was ruined. It was over. The nobles were upset And the Shogun, she gasped what would the Shogun think. She quickly turned to face him with an apology on her lips. When she saw the humor on his face it died.

Auron, who had laughed through the entire thing now stood up and applauded Vlad for his performance. “Couldn’t have done it better myself.” Sinead turn around, her eyes crackled like lighting with anger. “What are you saying Auron? It’s awful; the whole thing has been ruined, and with our guest of honor sitting right here.” She turned back to the Shogun, “I am so sorry. I hope you can forgive us.”

“Oh darling, have a sense of humor. It’s not like the noble’s weren’t asking for it.” Sinead shot him a look of pure anger and stood up from here chair. Vlad was now across the room. She used magic so her voice could be heard through the pandemonium. “Sir Vladmir Dracul, I would like to speak to you would you please step outside in the corridor with me. Oh, Tenele, if your any where in the room I strongly suggest you come too.”

Auron looked up at her, “Don’t be too hard on them. Vlad was just having a little fun, like he normally does.” Sinead ignored what he had to say. She smoothed her face and smiled as she walked to the doors, but she let her anger boil underneath the surface.

Auron turned to the Shogun. “I think things have lightened up now. How’s your peacock? Don’t tell Sinead, but personally I don’t like it.” He winked. Things were getting better as the night rolled on. It was always nice to see “the rabble” upset.

Zenmusha:

Vlad gave Auron a rather elaborate bow. Even if he didn't feel very attached to him, he couldn't deny the man had a good sence of humour, as well as intelligence. And he hoped the future rulers of Ighten looked more like him when it came to behaviour...

And the Shogun was a good surprise as well! His bodyguards tensed for a moment there, but joined in the laughing streak that got into Auron and nearly affected Kitanai... Who looked at him and nodded approvingly.

Vlad smiled broader when Sinead announced he was in trouble. So what? It was his hobby! He semiclosed his eyes, enjoying the moment, and winking to Tenele... That seemed rather insensed right now.

Kitanai, in the meanwhile, had kept his smile... Except when Sinead got up and went towards Vlad. He was... her most loyal servant... He shouldn't be punished. Auron tried to change the subject, and for a moment he relaxed again. "Me neither, lord Auron. In fact..." He came closer to him, and whispered. "... I nearly choked with a bone." He got back up. "My lord Auron, please forgive my rudeness sometime ago. I hope you can still accept my friendship." He bowed to him respecfully... Seeing him dumbfounded, he whispered. "Bow back..." And so he did.

That done, he ran to interpose himself between Vlad and Sinead. "Queen Sinead! I must ask you not to punish your servants. They are your most loyal warriors, as they do not fear the anger of their superiors if they believe their superiors are hurting the nation. In our nation, we call it Gi, the right decision." His bodyguards stood ready to defend them. "Please, I'd be honoured to see such demonstration of honesty rewarded!" He bowed before her like a subbordinate... Which was something from him.

Eslin:

Auron accepted Vlad’s bow with a nod. He was glad Vlad was around to lighten the moods. But he didn’t know what would cool Sinead’s mood. Auron bowed to the Shogun accepting the bond of friendship. He would have to have a hand in planning the next feast.

He then watched as the Shogun rushed to place himself between Vlad and his darling wife. He chuckled. She was so beautiful when you made her mad enough. He’d suffered from her wrath many times. She usually got over it, much later.

Sinead stared at the Shogun; he wasn’t angry or offended. She allowed a sigh of relief to escape her. She was touched by what he said. She bowed back to him. “My Lord, I wasn’t going to punish them, more like scold them forcefully. You are correct in saying they are my most loyal warriors. I guess I might have been a little harsh, forgive me.”

Her anger was now cooled. Auron smiled. The Shogun had handled it nicely. Sinead now turned and faced Tenele and Vlad. “Vlad, I’m sure you would like to continue on with your prank. I give you leave, go ahead.”

She knew this was most uncharacteristic of her. She opened her thoughts and hopped Vlad would hear…we’re just going to have a lot of explaining to do to the people. I trust you and your fangs will help me? “We’ll discuss your rewards at a later date.”

She turned to the nobles, “I hope you’ll forgive us for tonight. But I think there’s going to be change around here.” Some of the nobles cheered while others smoldered with anger. “It seems things have just got interesting. I’m sure some of you would like to go home and get cleaned up. I hope you’ll do just that.”

She didn’t care how they took her words with the Shogun; Vlad; and, of course, Auron backing her. Some of the nobles began to leave mainly the snobby ones. Others stayed. They were the more out going ones; there wasn’t many though.

Sinead glided back to her seat where she took a seat beside Auron. He looked at her, “Can I say I told you so?” Sinead laughed, “I don’t know….I guess it might be ok.” She then waved to the servants, trying to clean the mess up, to go on with the feast.

Emora Deen:

Tenele was worried Sinead would be so angry she would send her to the dungeons for the night… and she definitely didn’t want to spend it with “Football”. So she sighed deeply in relief when Sinead clearly cooled down, thanks to the Shogun… it was the second time he had saved her neck… Her eyes opened wide when she gave permission for Vladimir to continue with his pranking and her mouth almost fell open. At first when he had begun his pranking she had realized one thing. He was going to be the death of her, whether a good way or a bad way… he was still going to be the death of her.

As for talk of rewards… Tenele didn’t know what she could take as a reward that she didn’t already have, so she decided she would be quiet and not take anything, return to her seat and enjoy the rest of the night… if she could. She stared at the floor for a moment and realized for the first time what she was. She was uptight… She looked at Vlad. He didn’t care what people thought, he just let lose and did what was fun to him and she did the total opposite. Her life was dull in a way, because she did nothing that would be fun to her, because it would go against what she was. She was supposed to be serious and be a person to be respected because of her rank. You could say she was afraid to have fun… I’m not too old… She was acting like a 50 year old human and not a 50 year old half-elf. She was too serious… she had grown up to fast and it surprised her that she was just now realizing it. But, what could she do to change it? It was the way she was and it would take some time to change the way she was.

Tenele curtsied to the Sinead. “Thank you for being so forgiving, my Queen…” she said and rose up, still looking at the floor the servants already beginning to leave looking rather angry and disheveled. She looked to the Shogun, “Your highness…” She curtsied again and then turned to walk back toward her seat, a number of empty places were around the table now that most of the nobles had left, she hoped they wouldn’t return.

Why am I like this? What makes me act like this? She thought as she reached the half-way point to where her seat was. Why am I always so serious and so… I’m more dead than Vladimir is. She realized in the end that though Vladimir was dead, he was more alive than she had been in a number of years. She shook her head. Just relax… you think too much. Loosen up...

Zenmusha:

Vlad lifted an eyebrow when the Shogun interceded for him. "So, the man's more than just sense... He's humble enough to ask for forgivance in the name of two lessers... Rare thing to find." Against his will, he was beggining to like Kitanai. His Wolves went back to their seats, relaxing again and carrying on with their talks with the Maidens... who were starting to circle around them...

His grin went sadder when Sinead gave him permission to continue his prank... Half the fun in it was in making her pissed! He heard Sinead's thoughts, though, and nodded imperceptibly at her to make sure she understood that he heard'em.

Oh well... A wish is a wish. He levitated a few jars of water, and slammed them against the leaving nobles. "Here, you need to cool down!!! MWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" A few birds outside flew away in panic when his demonic laughter echoed in the hall. Truth be told, they quickly passed from anger to fear... Who knew what that mad vampire could do?

He overheard Tenele's thoughts. She was passing quickly from anguish to self-pity... And that he hated. He jumped up to the table, and walked to her. "See? that wasn't so bad." He caressed her cheek, and turned to the other remaining nobles. "I congratulate you all for passing my sense of humour examination! To laugh at onesself is to be humble! And that alone makes you almost worthy of my respect. Since I've been ellected as this party's jester, here's a brief demonstration on how the drunk bats fly!"

His leathery wings sprouted out, and he grabbed himself quite a few bottles of whine... And flew around, intentlly crashing against the chandeliers, singing dirty songs out loud, and dropping the empty bottles against the ground, which the servants shilly cleaned...

Emora Deen:

Tenele stared up at him as he caressed her cheek and immediately she felt better. He was right it wasn’t so bad… How was it possible that even when he barely said anything he still made her feel loads better... She smiled at him before he turned to the remaining nobles.

She jumped slightly when his leather wings sprouted from his back. He flew around and she couldn't tell weather he was drunk or acting drunk. But, it was still funny. Some of the maids dodged his bottles but no one was hurt. Look at what he's done to me... she thought as she smiled and watched him. He's made me fall for him.... and rather hard. As if she cared... she liked the fact she had fallen for him.

Tenele thought for a moment and remembered that they had a prisoner in the dungeons awaiting interrogation. He could wait… but then again what ever Adrian had planned could have something to do with the feast and it could in danger the lives of Sinead or the Shogun. So it would be a good idea to interrogate him as soon as possible before a whole mob of evil dudes showed up and killed some one…. She would talk to Vlad about it when he came down from is entertaining.
Logged




Gwyndolynne:

Gwyn knew she was late. She was always late for everything. She would probably be late for her own death. This thought made her chuckle. It was just that she was so intent on keeping up with her magical training that she lost track of time that night.

She had barely heard a knock on her door; when she finally opened the door he was there.

"I'm so sorry," she said before he could say anything. "I lost track of time and I know we're late please forgive. Give me a moment and I'll dress." Without waiting for a reply she shut the door.

She felt a small pang of guilt. It was awful the way her internal clock ran. She had rushed into a deep blue colored dress she had found in the closet and put on some jewelry. There was no time to do anything with her hair so she simply pulled a brush through it.

She opened the door again and there he was, "I'm ready now."

Zenmusha:

Kenta had spent the day either training or helping the others with camping duties. Even if he was a Nibu Wolf, he didn't have any special privileges when it came to camp duty...

So, by the end of the day, he was all sweaty. He followed the Shogun's example, and poured a bucket of water over himself, dreaming for the day he'd be back home, bathing in the natural hot water pools of his homeland... He shook himself dry, and got dressed on his kimono.

The others smiled when he passed. Someone had mentioned his "date"... Blushing, he hurried out, and towards the dorms. When he arrived there, the feast had already begun. He knocked on the door once... And was greeted by a rather discomposed Gwyn. His eyes open wide with surprise, he waited for her to get ready.

"Let's go! We're late!" He grabbed her hand, and they both ran to the palace. When they arrived there, they continuously asked around for directions, what didn't really help, given Kenta's dexterity with words...

Somehow, they got to the dining hall. Kenta didn't even notice the flying vampire, nor the litter around the room. "Kitanai-samaaaaa!!!!" He ran to the Shogun, and bowed on his knees. "Kitanai-sama, I'm terribly sorry!!! Ididn'tmeantoarrivelateand..."

Kitanai shoved his head lightly with his foot. "It's ok, Kenta. But please be more careful next time. Actually..." He smiled. "You missed quite a show." He pointed to Vlad.

Eslin:


Sinead took note of Vlad’s nod. He’d heard her thought. She made sure that she blocked her thought process off again. There was no need to tempt him. She watch the rest of Vlad’s prank. She thought he was enjoying his freedom a little too much, but Kitanai seemed to being enjoying himself; as long as he was happy she could suffer through it. She thought about all the explaining she would have do for the nobles.

She looked from the Shogun to Auron. Auron was enjoying the rest of Vlad’s “show”. The Shogun seemed to enjoy it too. But she though she had seen something pass between them while she was stompping off to scold Vladmir. She wondered what it could be? She didn’t worry though Auron couldn’t keep a secret form her for long.

When Kenta came running up to the Shogun with Gwyndolynne at his side she flashed them a smile. Kitanai was a good ruler. She should take notes. She was also glad to see that Gwyndolynne had made a friend. It showed Sinead that her work with the two nations wasn’t in vain. The servants began bringing out the next dish, fish with a little veal on the side. They cleared the peacock and set the new dish down in front of her.

Emora Deen:

When the second dish arrived Tenele sat back down at the table and picked through it for a while and then decided she might as well eat since all her food was gone in the house except what she was taking with her.

So she ate a little bit, knowing at least one or two more courses would come next. She saw Gwyndolynne arrive before the second dish started and smiled as she had brought a friend... Kenta was it?

She sat; eating quietly and watching with amusement at what Vlad would do next. It was plane to see that it wasn't as fun to him now that Sinead had given him permission.

She wondered if she could step out to talk to Migo for a little while... just to see if anything was planned for the feast to night. She wasn't as frightening as Vlad is when it came to threats, but she could probably manage to get something out of him and since she was through, not even realizing it, with the second course she decided it was a good time, because she could get back before the third course and sit easily knowing that there would be no assassination attempts.

For some reason she had the feeling that some one some where was watching the whole thing and laughing... not because Vlad was putting on a great show... but because they were being to blind to notice anything else.

Gwyndolynne:

Gwyn sat next to Kenta and watched the antics of Vlad. Though she had never met him, she had heard of him from those walking around the palace. She knew better than to read his mind; not to mention she didn't want to draw any more undue attention to herself and Kenta. It was bad enough that they had been late due to her lack of time keeping skills. But her mind had a different plan. Sometimes she couldn't help, it just happened; unconcious of it, she gave him a little poke.

The second course was delicious and she was famished. She ate her way through it at a steady but lady like pace. No need to disgust everyone and she was here to enjoy herself. She leanded back in her chair and breathed a deep sigh. Tonight nothing would bother her.

Zenmusha:

Vlad was just about to make another fake crash against the chandeliers, when Kenta and Gwyn arrived... And he noticed she was a psychic as well. And such a discovery made him crash quite painfully against the chandelier... Not that he cared, pain was nothing to him. He was stuck in it, though... And Sinead would be downright pissed if he simply sliced his restraints off... possibly taking the thing down with him...

Well, his wings were what kept him from moving around mostly... So, he just retracted them... Not before balancing himself around for a bit though... And landing flat on his back over Gwyn's plate. His head was hanging around close to her chest, and his eyes were closed, as if he was either drunk or out cold... from the crash landing, that is.

He read her thoughts delighted, knowing not to make her aware he was peeking into her own head... She was a begginner at the psychic game... whereas he was the master. He waited until she brought her face closer, and opened wide his eyes, and broadened his smile, showing off his fangs. "Hello, dinner..."

Gwyndolynne:

Gwyn was utterly taken aback. Here was the very man she had seen walking in and he was grinning at her bearing his fangs. She gasped and it was all she could do to stop herself from crying out loud at the intrusion upon her dinner plate.

"Hello dinner," he said to her and her eyes went wide with fear. Would he feed off of her? What should she do?

Thinking quick, she controlled her emotions as she could feel the wind picking up around her. The last thing that was needed was a hurricane right in the middle of Queen Sinead's feast. She tried to tap down on her mental abilities that were under her control. But under all this calm she was panicking and she knew he could read it on her.

Taking a deep breath she adopted what she hoped was a smile, "Hello to you sir. However if you are hungry I do believe that the next course will be served soon."

Zenmusha:

Vlad smiled back insanely. "You see, I'd rather eat something fresh... Or actually, drink something warm... Like that delicious vital fluid that rushes through your veins just as we speak... Hehehehehehe..." He turned around, no longer lying across the table, on his four as he brought his face closer to Gwyn.

He sniffed her around... "You smell like a new Maiden... Looks like we'll see each other a lot... Lovely..." His eye twitched, and suddenly his claws pierced through the table. "Can't wait to work with you... Yeeeesss, I can anticipate we'll be great training mates... Hahahahahahaha...." He laughed silently and sinisterly, tasting her fear to the last.

Kenta was taken aback by the vampire's display. He knew he was Sinead's trumpcard... But still... He was threatening... His hand reached out for his Katana... But Kitanai waved his head, commanding him not to attack the vampire. He would only get killed. And besides, he knew Vlad couldn't attack a citizen of Ighten... He was just toying with the new girl.

Eslin:

Sinead smiled in amusement at Vlad. She wondered if he knew that the remainder of Gwyndolynne’s dinner was splayed across his back. “Hello, dinner,” he said. Sinead sighed, poor Gwyn. She probably thought he was quite the monster. She gave Gwyn a reassuring smile. Vlad wasn’t going to feast on her! For him she had a frown ready, but it just couldn’t hold. She had finally allowed herself to unwind. She’d been so worried about what the Shogun would think before. She looked to him beside her and she hoped he was enjoying this. She looked at Auron on her other side. He was through eating and was leaning back sipping his wine. The servants come out and began clearing away the remainders of the last course.

Before the feast the servants had split into two groups. Those who would serve the food and those who would clean it up. The servants with the most experience were granted the privilege to serve her, Auron, and the Katanai. The same group of servants had been severing them all night long. The clean up crew took their plates to the other group of servants brought out the next dish and placed the dish in front of her. Sinead looked up at her to let her know she was appreciated and froze. The servant who had been serving her all night was the head servant here at the palace. The face wasn’t that of a woman, she was staring into the face of a man who had a sadistic smile spread across his face. She could see pointed fangs protruding from that smile. Something was wrong here... Adrian wasn’t supposed to be serving her!!! “What are you doing here? You Arken scum.”

She heard a commotion coming from the entrance. It seemed like the nobles were coming back, but she didn’t recognize any of the faces, nor would they dare come here wearing weapons. Auron was just about to dig into is next meal, but stopped as the hairs on the back of his neck began to stand on end. The mood at the feast was changing quickly. It no longer felt safe and relaxed. He looked to Sinead, his face turned to horror. His love was in danger. But, before he could do anything he felt something hard make contact with his head and he fought for consciousness, but he was slowly losing the battle. The “servant” that had hit Auron over the head dropped the silver platter; it made a loud clanging nosie as it hit the floor tiles. A scream rang out throughout the room from one of the ladies.

Emora Deen:

Pratically everyone in the room could hear the coversation between Vlad and Gwyn, but even if they didn't they still watched with intrest. Tenele could hear almost every word and for the life of her she couldn't figure out if she was jealouse or not. For one, those were almost the exact same words the No Life King had spoken to her on there first meeting. But, she knew he was only joking with her, he loved to prank after all and he was only joking... right? What could she expect if he wasn't? Tenele had finally gotten to the point where she didn't care, giving herself a mental slap she smiled. It was quite funny if you knew he was only playing around with the girl.

Did he know he had food all over his back? Probably. Did he care that he had food on his back? Probably not. He was really going to need a bath with all the dirt and grime he was collecting on himself.

Tenele brushed a strand of silver from her face and stared down at her almost full plate. Sinead would send for the third corse soon, maybe she would eat then. The servants entered and began to bring food to the tables. One servant in perticular caught her eye, she was the one delivering the food to Queen Sinead... something didn't seem right, the woman held a sadistic grin just like... Then as soon as Queen Sinead looked up the fake cover of the person warped and molded to become a man, his clothes changing with his body and face. It was easy to tell that and the fact that every single one of the servants were male and that the people coming in through the front door were most definitely NOT nobles.

Adrian...

Tenele stood quickly when she saw what was happening, when it registered in her mind. She pushed the chair back, stepping back on it and onto the table and jumping off it onto the other side just as he pulled his weapon. A mini-crossbow (I've gotten fond of crossbows lately, hehe). He took aim as the Queen's Maidens stood. Even if she had magic he was immortal. "Now you die, my queen...." Tenele pulled her Katana and brought it down on the arm, slicing it off and as the hand fell and turned to mist Tenele grabbed the cross bow from the air, spinning to face Adrian and shooting him, the small arrow going through his right eye, sending his head back a few inches.

She stood in front of Sinead with her sword held out and ready to die for her Queen. As Adrian's eye regenerated the rest of the "servants" pulled there weapons.

Gwyndolynne:

The hall was in a uproar. Gwyn was going to reply to Vlad's comment when she noticed Tenele jumping up with her cross bow and running for the queen. That's when she saw the men swarming the hall. It was like something out of nightmare. Sending her senses out she could feel the hate for Queen Sinead and the others radiating from the men. She thought quickly, did she have her dagger with her? There wasn't one in her belt so reached down and felt along the top of her boot. Sure enough there was a smooth handle waiting there for her.

Looking behind her she saw a wounded man on the ground holding on to her ankle, smiling demonically at her.

"Let go, scum!" she yelled at the man and sliced off his hand at the wrist with her dagger.

She pushed herself up off the floor and continued to run towards the queen. She had to do her job.

She slid off her chair, under the table that Vlad was still on and made to run for the queen and Tenele. The other Maidens were already forming a circle around the queen and Gwyn just knew she had to be over there. Is this what the dreams have been telling me? Is this why I was so drawn to come here? she thought. It must have been. She started to run when something grabbed her pulled her to the ground.

Zenmusha:

Vlad immediately turned to face Sinead when she mentioned Arken scum. It took him a moment to recognize Adrian... And another to notice armed servants entering the room. In the brief moment of indecision about whether to attack Adrian, that was being half-pummeled by Tenele, and slaughtering the invaders, Gwyn had been twice grabbed by Adrian.

He would've attacked him, if Kenta, suddenly feeling something between bravery and anger, hadn't drawn his blade and jumped on the vampire, stabbing him in the heart. "LET GO OF HER!!!!!" He twisted the sword, and pulled it out, dragging a spiral of flesh that splatered him in blood. And though he did let go of her, he turned to the young man, that met his sadistic glare without batting an eye. "You'll pay for th...."

Adrian was cut short. In a brief flash of light, Kitanai had jumped out of his seat, landed silently behind the vampire, and drawn and hack at his neck in one move. His face twisted for a moment... And then he fell, the head rolling on the ground an instant before it all turned to dust.

The other Nibu Wolves had drawn their own blades, but weren't a match for their leader's speed. Trying to repent for their fault, they charged at the armed servants, but were stopped by Kitanai. "It's your turn, vampire." He looked straight into Vlad's eyes.

Vlad smiled at him, nodding with unnusual respect. "Thank you, My Lord. I wasn't lying when I said I was thirsty..." He turned to the many men, walking relaxed towards them. They attacked him... And then, he went into bloodlust... He bit the neck of one, gripping him above the ground and waving him around as his blood poured out down into his eager throat. He drank it all, until his teeth pierced through his flesh and grinded through his bone, decapitating him.

"How dare you attack my Master... For that... Squeal like pigs..." He smiled insanely at them, showing his blood reddened teeth. They all plunged on him, and their arms were sliced off, their bowels were ripped, and their heads were crushed against the ground after their knees were kicked broken. The few remaining tried to make a run for it... But he simply jumped at them, with such power that his claws ripped through them. By the end of the stunt, he was covered in blood from head to toe, looking rather... Satisfied, in his own demented way.

Emora Deen:

Tenele attacked another man as soon as he even looked like he was going to make a go for her queen. She stabbed him through the middle as he hissed. He was a vampire to?! Adrian must have sired a lot during the time he was gone from Ighten.

Then she saw it, Adrian’s head fell from his body and it rolled to the ground. He was dead! She was more shocked than anything and this was the wrong thing for her. To be shocked made your reaction time slow and before she knew it some one, with very good fighting skill actually. She spun around and blocked. Dang she hated being so horrible with a Katana. So she stabbed some one and as they fell took the sword from there hand, sheathing her other one. Just in time, she blocked the attack. This guy was good… and he worked for Adrian?

She blocked and when on the offence. And so began a fight that was unlike any that she had fought in a while. She began to pull off moves that she hadn’t even tried with Vladimir or the shogun. For one she hadn’t wanted to kill them. She spun around and attacked with more force. This dude was maybe to good. He swung with anger that could be felt in the blow and Tenele knelt and swung at his feet, he jumped up and came back down and as soon as he was down she rammed upwards and into his chest, the long sword going all through and his dead weight pushed the his own body until it was almost to the hilt. Blood ran down onto her hands. She pulled the sword free and looked around as the body seemed to fall in slow motion and she put her hands to her side. It seemed that these fools new they were both out numbered and out skilled…<br>
Tenele looked to Vlad as she dropped her sword on the stone floor and looked at her blood-covered hands and back to him. “You need a bath…” she pointed out to him and looked around. “I have a feeling Football knew about this… But… you really do need a bath.” She needed one to, since she also had blood on her, but she hadn’t taken the time to notice.

She walked to the Shogun. “Thank you,” she said and looked up at him. “Thank you for killing Adrian.” Inside she was jumping for joy that the beast was dead. She didn’t think it was good for her to smile though after such massacre had happened.

Eslin:

Sinead turned and looked calmly into Adrian’s eyes as he took aim at her with his cross bow. There was this look in her eyes that said I dare you. She never flinched throughout the whole ordeal. An escape from the Citadel located in the heart of Arken did that to a person. She had a protection spell ready just incase he decided to make a rash decision and fire that little toy of his.

Was her sister really expecting this creature to kill her? Tenele rushed in from the side, and Adrian was force to focus on her. Sinead stood; the Maidens were beginning to form a protection ring around her, and the guards from outside began to pour into the room. There was no way they could have missed the commotion.

Sinead looked around the room coolly assessing the situation. The phony “servants” were either dead or dying. Adrian’s head hit the floor and rolled till it turned to dust. She mentally thanked Kitanai. She hoped Vlad had enjoyed tonight, and she agreed with Tenele. He needed a bath. Once she was sure the situation was well under control she went to Auron. He had a large lump on his head.

She thought about how idiotic the assault was. They only took out one of the fighters leaving the rest. That was their downfall…underestimation. She sent a magical wave through Auron’s body. His eyes snapped open and he began reaching for the sword at his side. When he saw her he relaxed and began looking around the room. “Darn, you took all the fun. You could save any for me?” Sinead smiled, “No. No fun for you; they didn’t even save any for me. I guess there’s some rule against queens bloodying their hands.”<br>
She turned and faced the doors where the guards were. “Guards, take the bodies out of here. Then go find out what happened to my servants. I want to know how this scum got in here, and if there’s any more of them waiting to jump out of my closet and say ‘boo’.”

Sinead walked over to the dust that was Adrian. She dropped a holy flare on top of it consumeing it instantly. She never wanted to see his face again. She raised an eyebrow at Vlad. He was covered in blood. “I trust you’ve satisfied your thirst, and I hope it will be a while before you bother me ,again, with stuff like blood taxes.”

“I also thank everyone here tonight you’ve proven your loyalty to me once again.” She smiled a warm smile at Tenele and Gwyn like the words were for them alone, but they weren’t. Then something Tenele had said struck her, “Football?” she asked. She would hear the reply later.

She turned to the Shogun and bowed her head in thanks. “I’m sorry that our little feast has turned out so badly. Maybe we should try again later. Or would you rather continue on with this one.” If they did continue on it would only be her, Auron, Kitanai, Gwyn, Kenta, Tenele, and of course Vlad. All of the nobles had fled long since; it had been too much for them.

She thought about the other rooms available. She could have the servants bring wine and they could all relax after the grueling feast. But she would see that some washed off before they came.

Auron’s earlier humor at not getting any fun faded quickly. He sat dejectedly in his chair. He felt like he’d betrayed his dear Sinead. She had been in danger and all he’s done was swim in an unconscious state.

He silently thanked everyone in the room too. What would he have done if they hadn’t been there. He burned with guilt. He knew Sinead was perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but he felt the need that he had to protect her. He slumped in his chair. Looking for all the world like a child who’d done something wrong


Emora Deen:

Tenele wiped her bloody hands on her dress, oh well it really was hopeless for her to keep an outfit from getting ruined. She looked up to her queen. "It doesn't matter to me, my lady, if it is decided that they would like to stay then I will stay as well."

If the feast was over she'd either stop by the dungeons to take care of some unfinished business or go straight home, she hadn’t quiet decided yet. Well, she wouldn't need Vlad's protection in the night, not that it was a bad idea to have him over... She felt like hitting herself, one day she would remember in time that he could read her thoughts, that way she could stop her woman mind from thinking thoughts...

She hid the blush that wanted to come to her face after she realized her thoughts were wondering again. "So what would you all like to do?" As far as she was concerned, wine probably wasn't good for her... then again a little never hurt.

Zenmusha:

Vlad gave a particularly pervert smile at her suggestion. Even after all that blood, seeing Tenele wipe her hands in the dress still made him feel thirsty. He could feel the smell of blood all around her... Even if it was the blood of a lowly vampire.

"Queeny, does licking dresses, preferably with the owner in them, count?" He grinned at Sinead like a naughty teenager... Glancing at Tenele to undo any misunderstandings.

The Shogun, who had returned to his seat and "happily" ate the latest dish, nearly choke with a piece of food when he heard his suggestion. What kind of pervert land is this...? Sheesh, nothing wrong with having fun, but no need to think about it all the time! He merely smilled, though.

As for Kenta, he was burning red. The bad thing about being as young was that he'd just react in a silly way whenever someone mentioned.. stuff related with girls. He started eating his meal faster...

As for the other two Wolves... They took on the cue to try and ask the Maidens they fancied better on a date... And got slapped badly.

Eslin:

Sinead felt her blood rise with anger. But she suppressed it before her checks could turn red; Vlad would enjoy that too much. Instead she looked at him coolly. “Vlad, you for one should be grown enough to know what is acceptable and what is not, and if your unsure, it’s most defiantly not acceptable. Sinead heard the Shogun choke beside her. Vlad was going to ruin her yet.

Something from earlier surfaced in her mind like a bubble rising to the surface of a calm lake. She focused her gaze on Tenele. “Tenele, you said something about ‘football’ earlier. I’m curious; if you would, please elaborate.”

Auron, who was beginning to feel a little relief from his guilt, sifted at her side and cocked a listiening ear to hear how Tenele would respond.

Emora Deen:

Tenele's eyes widened at what Vlad was implying and she tried to keep from blushing, but she felt her cheeks burn. She didn't think it was appropriate either... especially in the company they were in! He better be lucky he was immortal... or else she would have murdered him then and there. Sh

would have to hit him later...

Tenele turned her head towards Sinead. "He is a spy that we, Vlad and I, discovered tonight in the maze out side the palace. He was conspiring with Adrian about something and I'm guessing it was what happened tonight... I'm not fully certain though..." She looked thoughtful for a moment. "He is in the dungeons at the moment awaiting questioning... I was just about to go down to question him when this happened."

Tenele glanced back at Vlad still a little stuck on the first subject, wondering if he would actually have been bold enough to try such a move... Knowing him probably... likely, most definitely. She knew one thing, it would have embarrassed the hell out of her and thankfully he hadn’t done it. She guessed he was only joking… and that was good.

Eslin:

Sinead nodded her head at Tenele’s answer. She said, “The spy will have to be questioned, but not tonight. I think we’re all tired, and we’re all in need of a good hot bath.” She sighed. “I do believe the feast has finally come to an end. I’m going to retire to my rooms for the night.”

She turned to the Shogun; maybe ending the feast was a good thing. The less time Vlad had to embarrass her the better.

She bowed to the Shogun in a show of respect. He’d done it to her and she figured it was a part of his culture. “I’m honored to have you come here tonight. I hope you don’t leave here thinking badly of us for anything that has happened tonight. I’m truly sorry if you were offend.”

She took the mistress of the maids aside and told her, “I’d like you to do the best you can to clean this mess up, and get the guards to remove the rest of the dead bodies. Thank you for your heard work and loyal service.” It was always good to encourage your servants so they would like you instead of despising you.

She then went to collect Auron, who was a bit tipsy, so she could go see about getting a hot bath before going to sleep.

Zenmusha:

The Shogun bowed back to Sinead. "I was honoured to be here, even if fate had it that you were put in embarrassing situations." With that, he turned around and motioned for his Nibu Wolves to come along with him. Kenta looked at Gwyn's face. "Well, I must go now... Goodbye. Hope to see you again soon, Gwyn-chan."

Vlad was only slightly upset that Sinead hadn't taken his .... as he'd wanted. It was getting harder and harder to make her shout at him... He sneaked behind Tenele, and wrapped his arms around her waist, while his head rested over her shoulder. "So, want me to lick your dress clean or not...?" He was really testing her patience, but what the hell...

Meanwhile, the Ongorethians had exited the palace. "Hey, Kitanai-kum, did'cha check out the amount of hotties working for the Queen? Hell, you should start thinking of allowing women into the Wolves!!" One said. Kenta blushed. The other laughed approvingly. Kitanai only smiled. "You HAVE noticed that the only reason they are women bodyguards is because we're in a QUEENDOM. I'ts so, to prevent any affairs." The other simply replied: "So what? You need a girlfriend anyways! And we could use a pretty girl to look at while spending countless hours gurading you..."

Kitanai looked back at him, grinning maliciously. "So, you'd have an affair with my girlfriend...? That's what you conveied..." The Wolf gasped. "Only joking, Rikichi! I knew you would react like that..." He patted his back, and the four went back to their camp.

Emora Deen:

Tenele relaxed when she realized it was Vlad who had put his arms around her. She turned her head slightly towards the direction his was in, any further and she'd kiss his cheek. She blushed when he asked her the question and she wanted to smile, but tried not to.

"Well, isn't that the most romantic thing I've ever heard..." she said grabbing his arms and pushing them open so she could turn around and face him. "It probably would taste like a mix of soap and perfume with blood... not very tasty if you ask me... You can have it if you want... as soon as I take it off." She smiled wondering what had him in such a glorious mood. But, who knew with him, he was always happy.

"I think I'll be going home now..." she said looking into his eyes. She wanted to spend more time with him... since she was leaving in the morning. She wondered if he'd come home with her or they would go some where else together... or if she would just go home alone to her empty house. She didn't feel lonely any more that was for sure.

Eslin:

Sinead turned and watched the Shogun glide out of the room with his Wolves. She smiled at his back. She believed that they were still on good terms no matter what had happened tonight.

She felt a warm presence behind her; she spun around a looked up into Auron’s twinkling eye’s. She smiled and hopped he wasn’t too drunk. He took her hand and began to escort her to their rooms. “I think the feast went well. Don’t you?” he asked. She giggled. “I think it was completely ruined,” she said with a light voice. “Well it wasn’t completely ruined; it would have been better if I had gotten the chance to kill off some of those Arken scum,” he said.

They came to the doors of their rooms. There was a servant standing at the doors. The woman said, “Is there anything I can help you with, Majesties?”

Sinead recognized her face. She didn’t think she would ever trust any servant whose face she didn’t recognize. “Yes, Kaley, I’d like a hot and warm bath, and I’m sure Auron needs one, too.” She winked at the servant, and wrinkled her nose at him. The servant rushed off to comply.

Sinead and Auron strode into their rooms to wait on the bath. Some time later a very clean Auron and Sinead laid down to go to sleep in each others arms. They missed the interesting exchange between Vlad and Tenele.