Priceless allies, priceless gifts (Kalinda)

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Month of Kalendryas in the Season of Winter, Era XV

The shadow-clad figure sauntered down the street. His streaming raven mantle, wrought of the finest silk, displayed an elegant trim of silver fox fur. Touched by the magic of priests, the mantle not only distinguished its owner as a hero of the realms, but also as one of the most recognized individuals in all of Arium. This was no ordinary traveler that crossed the avenues of the perilous city of Vortex: it was Faust D’Rinishad, the Weapons Master of House Kitrye’veresi.

For all of the dark elf’s responsibilities, none demanded his attention more so than the ones in the necromantic city. Despite overseeing the impressive military of the First House of Har’oloth, he had numerous obligations to keep and alliances to maintain. And on top of that, he had businesses aplenty to tend to and a host of family members and friends to take care of. He was a busy man, but for as much as he gave back to the city of his origins, so too did it abundantly repay him in return.

It was not long before he arrived in front of the impressive abode. He’d visited on occasion throughout the seasons, and the last time he’d come had been many months ago. This was none other than the residence of Shivanya Torbryn, arguably the Prince’s most long-time ally and friend. She’d helped him when no one else had. And in many ways, she’d saved his life.

Faust had oftentimes sought out her expertise over the years for her wisdom was impossible to deny and was always helpful. Back when he and Rilvin had discovered Cerranna Kitrye’veresi’s emaciated form in the bowels of House Kitrye’veresi, it had been Shivanya who’d revived Cerranna from her deathly state. And, of course, it had been Shivanya who’d provided Faust the means of accessing his treacherous aunt where he’d ended her life once and for all.

She was more valuable than any sword could ever be.

Ironically, that was precisely the reason that he’d come. Stroking the skull-bobbled pommel of Soulseeker, his adamantite long sword, the Prince tossed back the cowl of his cloak and knocked against the woman’s sealed entranceway. He had means of speaking with her directly, but he found that approach to be rather rude as it basically included dropping in unannounced. And, as Shivanya was ever the etiquette-driven woman, Faust had every means of returning the cordiality.

[Kalinda]

„Faust!“ It was a young dark elven boy that greeted the Weapons Master of House Kitrye’veresi excitedly. Vashti stood in the doorway, smiling at his older cousin. He was wearing black pants, a black silk shirt and an elegant black cape this time that made him look like a little prince. A sword was at the boy’s belt, quite a change from their last meetings where he had complained that his adoptive mother wouldn’t let him learn how to fight let alone use arcana.

“How are you?” he wanted to know. “What brings you here? How is our cousin, the Matron Kitrye’veresi? I hope all is well? And how are the other Kitrye’veresi?”

A barrage of questions was raining down on Faust, and then, as if he’d noticed, Vashti stopped and looked rather embarrassed. “Forgive me, cousin”, he apologized. “I shouldn’t ask so much. Please come in and tell me what you’ve come for. If you need to see mother, I’ll inform her of your visit right away.” And with that the boy stepped away from the door so that Faust could enter.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

A thin smile curled along the dark elf’s lips at the sight of his cousin. He noted the long sword dangling at the boy’s belt, and his well-groomed silver brows arched slightly. “Vashti, serale. You are looking older and more mature every time I see you,” He kindly said, chuckling faintly and opting not to ruffle the boy’s hair as was his customary greeting. Vashti was certainly growing, and Faust had no doubt that Shivanya’s heir would fit in nicely in the chaotic realm that was Vortex.

“I am doing well. This winter is a little too harsh for my liking, but I’ll survive. Our cousin, Matron Rilvin, is faring excellently, and she is doing a wonderful job managing the affairs of our people. Truly, we are blessed to have her,” Nodding sincerely, the dark elf flashed his typical grin and stuffed his hands into his trousers. There was still the matter of Portshire to contend with, but Faust decided not to bore his younger cousin with details of that particular debacle.

Vashti’s maturity manifested through his composure, something that the dark elven prince observed with grim amusement. He liked the ‘innocent’ side of his cousin, but he recognized the value of his personal growth as well. In any case, his mother was doing an excellent job of nurturing him.

“Actually, that is exactly why I came, that and to see you of course,” Faust answered, closing the door behind him as he stepped inside. “I would like to speak to her about something, and maybe when we’re done, you can show me a thing or two with that sword of yours. I am interested to see what you know…” He continued, offering a lighthearted wink.

[Kalinda]

„Thank you“, the boy said as Faust remarked that he looked older and more mature every time he saw him. “And I am glad that the Lady Rilvin is faring excellently. It is good to have somebody like her. It is good to see that she is not turning into another Alaret.” He smiled at his older cousin. “But please follow me. I’ll take you to mother’s office. She is just writing to her old acquaintances in Primus Gaudeo, but I think she’ll take a break for you. She is always happy to see her friends and allies.”

The boy talked as if his mother was just another noble lady rather than a vampire who’d participated in quite a few violent crimes in her time. But then he was prejudiced, he couldn’t help it. No matter what his mother was or what she’d done, she’d saved him when he’d been completely alone, when there’d been nobody else to help him. He’d grown up with her. To him, her vampiric ways, her necromancy, the people she surrounded herself with, were normal.

Vashti took Faust to an ornate door, painted with a city scene, the view across Hon’elgg, as seen from the highest tower of the Temple of Haya, a beautiful scene. “She is putting vysstichi things into the house, to remind me of the other part of my heritage, without making me act like a man of the noble houses, just informing me, for which I’m grateful”, the boy remarked before he knocked on the door. He slipped into the room behind, and as he returned, he told Faust, “Mother said you could come in.”

The Lady Torbryn looked much like the last time Faust had seen her, a tall woman, with raven hair and pale, pale skin that almost seemed translucent at times. Red eyes hinted at her vysstichi heritage. She’d been a half blood when she’d still belonged to the mortal world. She was not unattractive, but not the stunning seductress one would have imagined one of her kind to be, she was strong, powerful, second to Toherro in power in this city …

This time she was wearing a red dress, the exact color of her eyes as she sat behind her desk. The walls around her were decorated with pictures of the surface world, landscapes, people … and as always the picture of one Esh’lahier, her companion of a time that was almost forgotten …

“Faust”, she spoke, inclined her head in a greeting. “My son told me that you would like to speak to me. I am willing to listen, as always.” Vashti was about to leave the room, to leave the adults alone, but the lady shook her head. “Stay. It is time you learned more about this world. You will be part of everything a couple of ordinations from now. You need to know.” The boy nodded and quietly took his place nex to her chair, looking at Faust from out of his red eyes. Even though he was a boy, there was nothing childlike about his gaze now.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

“Your mother is a good woman,” the Vysstichi Prince candidly commented, and he offered a reinforcing smile to the boy. Had Vashti’s dark elven heritage not been so prevalent, Faust would have suspected that the boy truly was Shivanya Torbryn’s son. Of course it saddened him that his young cousin belonged to another, but the Prince was similarly happy for him as well. He couldn’t ever have provided the same love and affection that the vampire had shown the boy.

Trailing after Vashti, the dark elf’s flowing cloak swept the floor behind him. He glanced at the paintings and the murals that decorated the wall, many of which depicted scenes of underground labyrinths and Hon’elgg. It was when he saw the towering Temple of Haya, however, that he was reminded of the nature of Shivanya Torbryn. Theirs was a strange relationship, one wrought by far too many twists and turns to count. She belonged to the darkness. Faust was an adopted child of the light. And yet, they had become allies –no, genuine friends. The thought brought a smile to his face.

“And that is a wonderful thing too, cousin,” Faust said, chuckling amusedly. “Had you grown up in House Kitrye’veresi like me, you’d be cleaning the floors, polishing the statues, and shining the armory right now.” Grinning, the dark elf patted Vashti’s shoulder. The life of a Vysstichi noble was not an easy one. From the beginning, they were taught to fend for themselves, to take responsibility for their actions, and most importantly, to serve.

Upon arriving at Shivanya’s office, the dark elf thanked the woman’s heir and proceeded inside. As usual, the vampire’s visage spoke of centuries of wisdom, wisdom that Faust had oftentimes sought throughout his life. He entered slowly, his feet falling onto the carpet like silent feathers. Regarding Shivanya with soft crimson orbs, the dark elf lowered into his trademark and flawlessly-executed bow. “Milady, as always, it is good to see you again. You look absolutely ravishing.”

With Vashti requested to stay, the dark elf merely smiled. “Thank you for seeing me again on such a short notice. There is indeed a matter that I would like to talk to you about, but first, there is something that I wanted to give you,” Pausing excitedly, Faust reached beneath the folds of his cloak, procuring a small box. He approached Shivanya’s desk, delivering the container atop it before gesturing for her to open it. The box contained a unique item: an enchanted amindolite robe once owned by a light-born elf whom Shivanya was duly acquainted with.

“It belonged to Iseril Al’lende…” Faust explained after the vampire discovered it. “I recovered it from the Second Matron of Herozzal several months ago, and I’ve been told that the robe’s magical properties are unrivaled. You have been very good to me, milady, and you were the first person I thought to give it to when I retrieved it. Be wary, though, for I know little of the cloak other than it is very powerful. But hopefully you might have some use for it…”

[Kalinda]

„Yes, she is“, Vashti agreed as Faust said that his mother was a good woman. “Some might condemn her for what she is, but she has never been anything but friendly to me. She saved me when I was alone and helpless. I love her almost as much as my real mother.” He said that with a sad smile. His real mother had been a vysstichi, traditional in every sense of the word, and she would probably have started insulting him and treating him like a lesser being if she’d lived long enough, but despite all the problems that boys in vysstichi society were facing, despite all the unfairness, he’d loved her, in a way. Sometimes he missed her even though he could barely remember her face now. He’d been with Shivanya longer than he had been with his real family.

“I don’t like cleaning the floors”, he remarked. “Although I don’t think that would have been my job if I had grown up in House Kitrye’veresi. Mother was one of the noble ladies, even though she was not a sister of the Matron. They’d more likely have forced me to take up the sword or arcana and fight against the House’s enemies.” The boy shrugged. While he didn’t mind fighting in general, he wanted to do so as a free elf and not a slave or something close to it.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

The lady looked at the box for the longest time before she opened it. “Iseril Al’lende”, she whispered. The tone of her voice was strange. There seemed to be a hint of sadness, of regret in it, but also a kind of affection. “I knew him, when he still walked among the living.” He’d saved her in Primus Gaudeo, and he’d hunted with her. He’d killed with her. The memory of those children was still fresh in her mind, but Faust would never know of that despicable crime nor what made her change. “I think you. I will indeed have use for it. What shall I give you in return?”

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Smiling innocuously, the dark elf granted Vashti the liberty of his thoughts. The young boy could not begin to imagine the hardships of growing up in a Vysstichi household, especially one ruled by a tyrant matron. Of course, Vashti’s perception of his heritage would naturally be skewed subsequent of living in the house that he was, but Faust wouldn’t be the one to expose him to the reality of their mutual background. Life was hard for a Vysstichi noble. Life was even harder for a male Vysstichi noble. There were expectations, demands, and duties that could not be fulfilled by the weak-willed.

Patting the boy’s shoulders, Faust spared his young cousin a kindly grin. He enjoyed Vashti’s innocence. It reminded him what he was doing in Har’oloth. It reminded him that he’d returned to his homeland to promote change.

* * * * *

Studying Shivanya’s seemingly astonished reaction with masked curiosity, the dark elf politely lowered his gaze. He was uncertain what Shivanya’s pained expression inferred, but either way it was none of his business. Shivanya’s affairs were her own, and the dark elf respected that.

“I’m glad. I thought that you might like it,” the dark elf said with a curt nod. Smiling faintly, he paused self-consciously as she asked what he’d like in return. Faust didn’t make it a habit of exchanging gifts to receive gifts, but there was something that had indeed crossed his mind during his visit to Shivanya’s home. Back in Jaedaxia some time ago, he’d crossed paths with a vile creature on some God-forsaken quest that had nearly gotten him killed. He’d slain the creature, of course, but in the process he’d nearly poisoned himself to death. Had he been able to immobilize the beast sooner, however, he might have saved himself from a few more flesh wounds and perhaps a few more lives as well.

He instinctively stroked the skull-bobbled pommel of the adamantite sword strapped to his hip.

“I recovered this in Herozzal many months ago…” He said softly, sliding the beautifully crafted sword, Soulseeker, from his belt. Showcasing the weapon in front of him with both hands, he held it to the vampire for examination. “It’s creator, a Vysstichi woman named Y’uli, had it empowered to increase its user’s speed. The edge, too, was magically sharpened to keep it keen. Anyway, for a long time I have been searching for a sword to complement my other one. This one has every attribute that I desire from a blade, only there will be times when I may need to do more. My associates tell me that there is a necromantic spell capable of immobilizing those it afflicts. I believe Spirit Shackle is its name. I fought an Udran’Beydir many years ago who utilized that particular spell against me, and I can personally vouch for its potency. In any case, I was wondering if it might be possible to enchant Soulseeker with it and perhaps activate the magic with a trigger word or something else that you may feel more appropriate…”

Meeting Shivanya’s gaze, the dark elf waited patiently for her answer. She was one of the most apt mages he knew, and if there was anyone who could accomplish his requested feat, it was her.

[Kalinda]

„Herozzal“, Shivanya repeated. She’d asked one Brahkula Hun’virr, a human woman who claimed ties with one of the Matrons to gather information for her many months ago in exchange for a gift. What the result of this endeavour would be remained to be seen. There were things a human, even one of Brahkula’s talents, couldn’t do. “I would like to hear about your experience in Herozzal sometimes. As you may know, it is hard for me to travel longer distances, and the vysstichi of other cities do not take kindly to the presence of a woman of mixed blood in their middle, even one like me. I would like to experience Herozzal through your eyes sometimes.”

Her eyes widened as he drew his sword. “The name of its creator is unknown to me”, she informed him. “But I recognize a perfect weapon when I see it. I have the power to do what you want – it is not a particularly hard spell, but I need to ask another thing from you.” She was amazingly polite and friendly even though she could just force him, even though she was more powerful than him, stronger and faster. She didn’t resort to violence and threats anymore, not as much as before. “I want you to give my son a lesson in the use of a longsword. He’s had other teachers, but I want him to learn from the best. It will help him to get to know different kinds of fighting styles.”

[Faust D'Rinishad]

“It would be my pleasure, Lady Torbryn. Herozzal is a fine place. Of course it is much different than Har’oloth, but I do enjoy occasional visits there,” the dark elf answered pleasantly. He understood Shivanya’s caution. For all of her abilities, even the vampire’s might was insignificant to the powers that were the Matrons of Herozzal. They were a formidable hierarchy, one composed of overzealous, fanatical women who lusted after insatiable strength. “In any case, I would love to share with you my experiences there whenever you’d like.”

Although initially surprised by Shivanya’s subsequent request, Faust’s obsidian visage did soften as she asked him to ‘educate’ her adopted son. He glanced to Vashti slowly, a thin smile appearing across his lips at the sight of the sword strapped to the boy’s belt. Vashti was his cousin, possibly the only cousin whom he truly cared about. He was fond of Rilvin, of course, but theirs was a relationship forged more so by necessity than by candidness.

“It would be an honor and a delight, milady,” the Vysstichi Prince earnestly replied, dipping into a low bow to emphasize his claim. “I’ve been curious to see how young Vashti has been faring, and I would be more than pleased to teach him a thing or two. Though, seeing as he is your son, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s quite adept already.” Looking to Vashti again, Faust winked lightheartedly. Faust had always liked the lad's spirit. Vashti, in many ways, reminded him of himself.

[Kalinda]

„I am looking forward to hearing about Herozzal“, the lady said. Even if she made the vysstichi aware of what she was, even if she made them aware of her power, entering Herozzal would be a risk at the best of times. Some of the Matrons equalled her when it came to arcanic strength, some of them were more powerful, and they would do anything to have somebody like her in their possession. They only wanted one thing – power. She could relate to that desire, in a way, but she preferred to be the one in power, not the one hiding, fearing for her life.

“Vashti has been training for about two months”, Shivanya said and looked at her son. “Maybe he will give you a demonstration before you leave, while I enchant your weapon. It will be a long time before he has mastered his weapon, but his teachers have said he is making progress.” Vashti looked very proud as she said this. She wasn’t somebody who made compliments if she wasn’t absolutely certain you deserved them. It meant a lot to him.

“I am trying my best, mother”, he told her and turned to Faust. “I would be honored if you became my teacher, Faust. I know that you are one of the most powerful warriors in all of Arium, and I I can only hope that I will be your match one brightening.”

[Faust D'Rinishad]

“Has he now?” the Prince asked with a smile. Shifting his attention from the Lady Torbryn to her adopted son, the Vysstichi dipped his head approvingly. “I’ve no doubt that you’ll become a fine swordsman one day, my young friend. With diligence and practice, I am sure that your name could easily surpass my own throughout the land.” Chuckling softly, Faust maintained his smile as he rested his hands on the jeweled pommels of the swords strapped respectively at his sides. Of course, Vashti had a long way to go before such an event could come to pass, but like any other skill that needed to be learned, practice made perfect.

“And the honor will be mine, Vashti . It’s not every brightening that I can spend time with my favorite cousin let alone share with him something that has become my life’s passion,” Faust continued. At Shivanya’s suggestion that they spar, the dark elf’s shoulders heaved in a small shrug. “Not a bad idea, and it is one that I’d be more than up to, that is, if Vashti wouldn’t mind.” Grinning and winking at the smaller boy, the dark elf glanced indicatively to the sword fastened to his belt.

Obviously, Faust was fairly interested to learn how far his younger cousin had come. Considering Shivanya’s resourcefulness, he had no doubt that she’d assigned a seasoned sword master to oversee Vashti’s training. But there were things that Faust could show him that no one, not even the strongest fighters in the Empire, had ever seen before. He had more tricks and secrets up his sleeves than all of House Kitrye’veresi combined, and to impart them to his cousin, one of the last surviving members of his bloodline, was something that he’d very much enjoy doing. After all, it was the least he could do for all that Shivanya and Vashti had done for him.

[Kalinda]

„But it will be a long way until I am more powerful than you, won’t it?“ Vashti asked. “I still have a lot to learn.” The tone of his voice was completely serious. In this moment he didn’t seem like a child at all, but more like a miniature version of Faust – or his undead mother. “Maybe I can show you what I already know when mother and you are done, talking Faust. You are my favourite cousin as well.” The boy came a bit closer, and a bit of that childlike innocence returned. “I like you better than Rilvin. She’s Matron and everything, but you are better with a sword, and you are nicer as well.”

[Faust D'Rinishad]

The dark elf pursed his lips. He wasn’t so sure. Despite Vashti’s limited experience, or lack thereof, he did have the blood of an immortal coursing through his veins. Having faced off against a Vampire Lord before, the Prince of Har’oloth was duly aware of a vampire’s inherent advantages, some of which included supernatural strength and speed. With even some training and minimal guidance, Vashti would indeed become formidable. Faust almost shuddered as he considered how strong Vashti might be in another decade or two.

Smiling at the boy’s remarks, the dark elf dropped a gentle hand upon the boy’s shoulder. “Keep practicing and you will. And I would love to see what you’ve learned so far.” He said, alluding to Vashti’s earlier aspiration to become an equal swordsman. Quickly turning to the Lady Torbryn, Faust waited to see if she had anything else to address before he and Vashti proceeded with their first training session. As much as the dark elf reveled at the thought of Soulseeker after Shivanya put her personal touches on it, he admitted that the prospect of teaching Vashti was far more exciting.

[Kalinda]

OOC: We don’t have to turn this into another NPC training like Rilvin’s and RP everything out if you don’t want to. I realize that this can quickly become boring and repetetive!

Vashti did have the blood of a vampire running through his veins – his mother had given him a taste of what she was, but in all ways that mattered he was still a mortal child, maybe a bit stronger and faster, but still just an elf. He had begged her to make him like her, but she had always refused, stating that he had to grow up first, that he had to experience the mortal world, get to know it so that he knew how to move in it and not attract any attention when he was dead. He needed to be aware of what he would lose. Others like her would have taken him by force, would not have cared, would not have been so concerned about a mortal child, but she had always been different. She could be just as evil as the vampires that hid in the darkness, those monsters, but her evil was much more subtle. She rarely killed as if she were a savage beast anymore.

For now she had nothing else to say, and with a nod she told Vashti and Faust that they could go now so that the boy could show his elder cousin what he was capable of. Vashti took Faust’s hand and looked up at him. His eyes were shimmering with anticipation, as if he were just a little boy that wanted to go and play with his favourite relative. “We can go and spar in the courtyard”, he told Faust. “I don’t think mother would appreciate it if we used our swords in her office and ruin the furniture in the process. Besides, she’ll be busy with Soulseeker anyway.” The boy looked at the beautiful sword, as if he hoped that he’d own such a weapon one brightening. “Or did you intend to use it now?”

[Faust D'Rinishad]

OOC: sounds good to me! lol

“Yes, when you say it like that, the courtyard does sound like the better option,” Faust agreed with a chuckle. Before following Vashti’s lead and disappearing into the courtyard with his younger cousin, the Prince of Har’oloth offered a reassuring smile to Shivanya. Vashti’s energy and innocence, as always, were sobering reminders of what he’d lost when House Kitrye’veresi had fallen, but he was nevertheless happy for the young boy. Vashti had found a mother in Shivanya that he could never have found in a traditional dark elven family –and he was better for it.

“I have a spare,” He explained later when Vashti inquired about which sword he would use. Gripping the left fold of his cloak, he withdrew it enough to reveal a sheathed blade attached to his sword belt. Its pommel was encrusted with a polished emerald, and its handle was wrapped in black leather. The weapon’s obsidian hilt was curved like most weapons, though decorated in a gothic style that presented it far more ominously to the observing eye. He granted Vashti as much time as he wanted to glance the weapon over.

“They say that a sword is the soul of its wielder and that one can tell a lot about other people by the way they treat their swords…” Faust began with a grin. He gestured to Vashti’s blade then. “Judging from the way you carry that, I’ve no doubt that your sword will become an extension of your soul in time. Tell me, though, before we start, about your sword, Vashti. Does it have a name? Do you remember when you received it and from who?” He interestedly asked.