Surveying all that is her's...

[Tera]

Open to Imperial only, and to that only Lexxum and Poseidon

The cherry of her cig hung out of the window of the carriage as it tracked down the worn old road from Underwood towards the deeper towns in the Concordia forest. Her associate sat quietly across from her mulling over some pointless paperwork.

The carriage had been one of the many that the Dirk's estate held. Even though this particular one she chose simply because it had very thick curtains for that nasty time between sunrise and sunset. Even with the heavy robe that she donned, the sun was still an ever bearing threat to her rule. The color of the carriage she didn't feel very partial to due to her distaste for sky blue.

“What do you think of these two boys?” She spoke up with her usual seductive voice as she watched Winter over the top of her glasses.

“They uh...seem okay...I guess...” the shy girl said with her usual wavering meek voice.

“oh come on, would you bed with one of them?”

“What? I uh...uh...I uh...don't know....” Winters pale skin blushed softly.

A sly smile crested Tera's crimson lips “mmm...that Melancor fellow seems like he might be good for some fun, then theres the lizard. I must admit that I haven't gone outside of the humanoid flavor since that one girl...oh I can't even remember her name now...but she followed me around Salvar for what must have been a month. Cute little cat girl she was, nice little butt and everything.”

Winter stayed silent, her blush still showing that the subject of sex was still a taboo.

The vampress took a long drag on her cigarette before returning to looking out the window. The sun would be setting soon and it was still only the first day of travel. The lethargy of the day hours was slowly being replaced by the power of night. Sleeping during the day had become something of an off and on thing. There was just something nagging in the back of her mind that kept her awake.

There was a little flame of hate for something she didn't quite grasp yet that seemed to grow with every night since she had taken on the position of being Imperial Mother. Winter didn't have the answers nor did some of her aimless wanderings. She figured that it was some little unknown stress that she had never dealt with, so now it was being prominent due to the situation.

She yawned and stretched as she shifted around in her seat. With the fall of night she would be more awake, chances were that she would have to slip out while the carriage still moved and find some solitary soul to feed on for the night. She would have had Winter find her a meal back when they stopped in Underwood for dinner, however it would have been hard to explain a blood drained body to her two bodyguards.

She hadn't shown her truth to anyone in Imperial and only Winter knew of her return. Granted that sometime she would have to hunt down the one known as Ira Shinkara simply for revenge and well, Tera never has been one to leave a job unfinished.

She looked up at Winter for a moment till the young girl looked back at her through her long hair.

“Yes Mistress?” the blonde asked softly.

“Tell them not to stop unless the horses need to rest.” She replied before returning to her scenery watching.

With a small nod Winter opened her window and leaned out only enough to be heard.

“The Mother wishes only to stop if the horses need to rest.”

[Melancor]

The wind called for his heavy cape to escape. Four horses, the waves of the sea, pulled furiously before him. their hoofs punished the dirt road, leaving a small cloud of powder behind their trial. The great wooden wheels of the vehicle spun without consolation. Long leather straps grasped the horses, held them in place, and kept them informed of Melancor’s wishes.

Finally he could have some rest from the busy and bureaucratic processes that took place in The Dirks Estate. More as an attack to boredom than sheer subordination Melancor would escort the Imperial mother in a trip around Corone. The sun was quickly setting in the horizon, and night soon would come.

Melancor had never found himself in this kind of position, serving someone credited as higher than himself, but as much discomfort as it provoked, he would not revoke her of that assumed mentality. She would be doing him a favor, providing a small window to the nomadic life of travel that he once had. He had company, a small bonus to his diversion; he knew Lexxum for some years now, and though he had never seen anyone dignify themselves in the battlefield, he recognized Lexxum as a honorable force.

Melancor’s back rested on the front of the elaborately adorned carriage, driving horses was not much exiting than anything he had done in the last days. He could not help to wonder about Tera. This mysterious woman had always been very discrete in public appearances when it came to her physical appearance. His eyes had already accustomed to see her dark outfit, and when she spoke she would do so with the most eloquence and articulation as the language would allow. Melancor could not avoid to feel a slight air of arrogance in her persona.

He did not know much about her, a position unusual to the Imperial striker, who’s paranoia often lead him to scrutinize even the most sublime of details in body language to assert an individual’s personality. A skill Melancor had acquired with the time of ages, but one that could somehow could not penetrate the Mother’s regal stance. All Melancor could infer was that she must be a sly and talented woman, enough to be the Mother of the Estate.

From the clashing sound of the metal and wood emerged a soft voice. It was winter, that subordinate of Tera’s who let the wishes of her mistress known.

“The Mother wishes only to stop if the horses need to rest.”

“So be it.” The words escaped Melancor’s pale lips as they rose his voice above the ruckus.

[Lexxum_Vordic]

The Imperials mobilized for an operation a few days ago. I just returned from my long trip to Serenti that lasted for several years of training. Needless to say; I was absent from the ranks of the Imperials for a time. I stole a glance upwards and noticed that a carpet of stars blinked across eternity overhead staring down at us like a million winking sets of eyes. I'd barely gotten a day to recover when the orders were given to march once again. The life of a Mercenary was never meant to be an easy one.

Gathering my belongings and preparing provisions for the long trip ahead; I made sure that my supplies were ready. Some carriages were taken from the estate as well as the most able bodied horses that the funding provided by Max Dirks' could afford. It was mid afternoon on the first day when we prepared to leave Dirks' Estate near the city of Radasanth. Our target was a small town within the boarders of Concordia Forest called Reshas; a small district of Radasanth. It was a provincial district primarily responsible for some of the lumber and supplies that made its way towards Radasanth in a constant sort of supply trail. If the supply trail were to be suddenly cut off...only Lord Mitra knew what havoc this would cause Radasanth then.

In a militant mood; I gathered the weapons I would surely need for the trip ahead. If this was a military operation; I wanted to be prepared. I gathered my sword; Tap Buster and sheathed it in its intricate scabbard. The glowing green sword made of plynt seemed to give off light as much as it absorbed it. The living tap energies within the weapon were still largely a mystery to me; but I worked to uncover its secrets with each new day of training. The carriages were inspected; the horses were readied, and the other members of the rapidly declining forces of Imperials prepared for the march. Our journey was to take us through Underwood and through Concordia Forest lasting roughly a week's time all together.

Preparing myself for the long journey ahead; I greeted the Mother of Imperials, a stunning representation of Lady Suravani, and let her know that my blade was at her utmost disposal. I greeted my companion and friend; Melancor, whom I'd spent the past few years with training in Serenti. The military service to that city was a prosperous adventure indeed. I'd learned much about my friend. I'd learned he was a hard worker; a cunning force of nature, a loyal individual, an outspoken person, and above all other things, I learned he was a friend.

I fought alongside his blade during the war that we were assigned to whilst on duty at Serenti. We were able to crush an army of the Syndicate and save a gathered force of men from the different corners of Corone meant to squash the army of the Syndicate. The battle was a huge event. I represented my membership in the Imperials well. I also did my ancestors of the tribe justice as I fought and kept my honour. The trip was largely uneventful.

On one of the last few nights out; we passed Underwood and resupplied there, getting fresh rations and other necessities for the road ahead. We were lucky to avoid the endless stream of refugees moving back and forth from Radasanth and, some of the crazier ones, to Radasanth. The state of Corone was dire. I kept up with the news whilst I was in Serenti. Corone slipped into an empirical state; attempting to crush all remnants of democracy under an fist made of steel. I thought about all of these matters as I double checked the spear sheathed across my back. It was one of the provisions that I took with me when I left Dirks' Estate. I also had with me a full suit of armor; etched with the markings of Imperials. The gear was masterwork in quality and make. The material was plynt. I made sure to gather together the best sort of equipment I could take for myself before setting out on the road again. I had a full tower shield with me that was also fitted on my back and it was masterwork plynt quality. The symbols of the Imperial were also present on the surface of the shield.

I wore a cloak. The cloak was made of Vlince and marked colored red; it was a cloak that meant loyalty to the Tel'Algrim in Raiaera. My cloak flowed with the night wind as I walked alongside the carriage in a brisk run. My fast metabolism allowed me to keep pace with the horses and even move like they did when I pushed myself! My training had made me faster and considerably stronger than what I once was. I turned my attention towards the inside of the carriage where Tera and Winter lay in waiting. My full suit of armor reflected moonlight. I felt warm inside the suit but it was a worthwhile setback. Only a temporary one. My heavy boot falls crunched the earth as I walked upon it; there was no need for stealth. Ever vigilant; my eyes were upon the road around us. I was weary for bandits. I looked up towards Melancor's position on the carriage. I knew he was in command of the carriage. At the first sign of trouble from bandits; we would be ready. I kept pace with the horse carriage and saw Winter's pretty face emerge from within to give Melancor an order.

I simply observed. My hand was upon the handle of Tap Reaveras I waited for any sort of ambush to occur. Concordia was dangerous by night...

[Tera]

The hunger bore deep in her belly this eve. Had Winter not been what she was, she would have done it all over again in the back of that carriage. Her mind remembered that there were her two guards, but then she would have to kill them both for the sake of remaining anonymous.

It was not really a pleasant thought, she needed these men, needed their skills to keep her safe until her strength grew. Still though, the hunger burned inside her. Just as the thought of finally slipping out the far side of the carriage crept into her mind, the smell of something familiar crossed her senses.

Sweat, adrenaline, aggression.

Either some kind of battle was happening, or someone was waiting in ambush. While she hoped to be filled soon, she could only flick her tongue behind her teeth in anticipation. It was as she readied to slip from the carriage that she heard it growing closer, the sound of running water.

Damn it...

a small, near inaudible growl flew from her throat. The would stop soon for that, and perhaps she could slip out and chase down a deer. But it was in that thought that she realized the smell of people growing closer. Winter shivered a little as she felt her mistress's thoughts, the blood bond was nearly overwhelming under such hunger.

The Carriage lurched slowly to a stop as the sound of water halted just outside. She could hear their hearts beat in the night around them. Only moments passed before the first cry of their ambushers sounded through the night.

“Gut 'em all boys!” Some deep voice called as a thump of an arrow sounded on the side of the carriage.

A full toothy grin, malicious as a demon let loose in an orphanage met with Winter's eyes. She already knew full well what her mistress was thinking. Even though there would be no stopping her, she still spoke.

“Mistress, I advise against this, these two guards will know for sure what you are, do you really trust them?” there was worry behind them that only a person of caution holds.

“If they have a problem with it...” her voice was cold, yet burned with the fire of lust”then I will just have to kill them too.”

once again the smile of death crossed her crimson lips as her leather clad form slipped from the snow white robe and stood as well as it could in the carriage. With a slow roll of her shoulders and a few soft pops of rigor removing themselves from her body she let her blood boil. The silver of her eyes would melt for not being forged in the fires of hell itself.

“I'll bring you back a souvenir, love.” the vampress said as she slowly pressed the door opposite Lex open, her eyes meeting immediately with a filthy brigand charging forth with ax in hand.

“Hello...” her voice said as she stepped onto the forest floor, her hand snapping forth around her attacker's and her other around his throat. With a slow squeeze she began, his fingers crushing under her grip till only blood and splinters were what was left of his hand. As for his screaming and fearful eyes, her ever sadistic smile brought only tears to his eyes.

With one last moment her hunger needed to be sated, baring his throat she lurched forward, her fangs driving deeply into his neck as the blood rushed down her throat.

[Melancor]

The thudding of the cart seemed to grow heavier as night fell upon them. It was all too beautiful, the grim trees appeared to curve in, bowing before their trail as if recognizing a higher being then their own. Melancor snorted as he thought to himself As if trees could understand. decrepit forest, nothing but a gray mass of wood, another scar in the face of Althanas, neither comparing to the crimson of Istraloth, nor the lustful white of Salvar. Only a place where pathetic beasts and low carcass-eating fiends come to play, vile brothel, Has Suravani forgotten about you? Melancor had always loathed Corone, even more the abhorred wood of its forests. Always damp, with the sad and pitiful expression only an old man could reveal, their twisted branches coiled endlessly, stretching like gray, and dusty snakes in the eve of death. Death in it’s natural essence, how beautiful.

Such night brought about melancholic memories. The sky was far more fine from the ocean, where only two realms would meet together in a dace that would last until Suravani had finished garnishing herself the sacred mirror that was the gray sea, always appeased when the treasured silver rays came, when he would follow her breaths as the soft waves soothed the shores far away from sight. Although Lexx was the slightest thing Melancor had come close to consider a friend, there was only one with whom he could share the night.

With the apparent excuse of flinching from the cold rushing breeze he buried his hands inside the darkness of his cloak, followed by the worn leather straps that held the horses from going astray. He would feel the metal burning through his skin, and now he petted the small object wrapped around his finger.

“Neletia…” he murmured, not loud enough to be heard above the trashing sound. “…come.”
As if a demon had lurked inside his chest to harness the wind, a gust of mind and a swift white glow imploded under the heavy black garment. Again, nothing that could not have been mistaken by the galore of sound and effects the uncomfortable, yet convenient, situation called for.
Melancor felt her sleek body grow through his back, smoothly rolling through the heavy black silk, stretching around his chest calmly, resting her warm head over his right shoulder. She was tiered.

I am sorry… Melancor thought, knowing she would hear him.

It would be better now. It was naïve for Melancor to think, that through the abhorred forest, and knowing the human greed not so vainly traced upon the history of this region that it would be a peaceful night of stargazing and of melancholic fevers. And his assumptions where proven right when the relative silent peace of the moment was broken when she spoke, not to greet, appease, or annoy, but to warn. Melancor felt her body shook and her grasp tighten before quickly letting loose.
Careful. She exclaimed in a seriously tone before quickly pouring out from the cover of Melancor’s cloak, and rocketing to the sky, her luminous skin glowing white in the moon, while emitting her quiet and resonating cry before disappearing into the clouds.
She had just released Melancor when a rain of weak arrows impacted the side of the cart, barely piercing through the robust wood of the fine vehicle. Melancor had no time to flinch, but the attack had failed to injure him.

“I far know too well how bad aimers humans are!” Melancor exclaimed as he pulled violently on the horses and brought them to a hesitant and intolerable halt. They rolled their necks and stomped their feet as thick saliva ran down their corrugated mouths and their breaths trashed relentlessly.

Melancor was sitting atop the side opposite to the one now incrusted with arrows. He slid down from the cart swiftly as he head the small wooden door open at the other side. He placed his hand on the cart as he crossed around to meet a mob of men emerging from the shadows.

What he saw next was an act much more entertaining than what he had ever expected for the evening. A rush of adrenaline, now more palpitating by the moon, had been summoned as the enthusiastic thoughts of him killing a couple of brutes to release some tension emerged in his head. It had been a while since he had played with some blood, specially since he had settled in the manor.

He was beaten by Tera.

He could only but appreciate such sublime way of killing, to other whom might consider it beyond the abhorred, Melancor would only see beauty as the body of the man began to be torn to pieces and be stripped, gray, from every ounce of crimson liquid life that ran through his mortal veins. This was better to witness than Melancor’s watery genocides.

Large gushing drops of blood fell upon the ground as the Imperial mother feasted on the man. Terror struck like a wave across the group of men, who’s eyes, wide open, glistened white in the dark as they shockingly stood to see one of their comrades die in tender pale hands. He was abruptly reminded how much he yearned to again impose such feeling.

Melancor snorted pleased, a smirk in his face and his eyes upon the culprit. two voices emerged, but only one was heard.

“My, my, we have a vampire in our hands.”
My, my, we have a vampire in our hands.


Just as a reference: Melancor speaks in blue, and Neletia speaks in gray

[Lexxum_Vordic]

In an instant; foreign scents traveled across the wind and touched my sharp nostrils. My hands were wrapped firmly around the hilt of my weapon. Without a pause; I drew Tap Reaver fluidly. Sensing the odds around us; I could see the outlines of individuals rapidly approaching us. I suddenly realized that this was an ambushing party! Three figures emerged from the foliage like shadows detaching themselves. I could see their various heights and observed their various builds. A couple of them were armed with bows made of some combination of liviol and other materials.

They were well trained and by the way the moved. I observed the confidence in their step. The way they seemed to radiate arrogance. The swine! Orders were whispered from Tera; our commanding officer, when suddenly a spray of blood touched the air. This was my signal to begin the melee. As a trained soldier; I prepared myself to duel to the death against these brigands that would do Imperials harm. Preparing my weapon in my hands; a volley of arrows was shot on either side of me. I saw hints of glowing steel catching the moonlight; and dove off into the underbrush landing with an audible thud.

It wasn't my most graceful moment to be sure; but as a huge, eight-foot tall lizard man, I was able to cover much more ground than these Sapiens could without the assistance of archaic arts. Or divine blood. I quickly rose from the ground as I heard the distinctive whistling sound of arrows plunging through the air and injecting themselves into various portion of the ground I just walked. Some of the arrows managed to pierce the side of the carriage, whilst others manged to miss all together. Just one arrow made it to my feet and plunged itself in the earth. It had my name on it! Making the distinct sound it would make; I took a step back and hissed. This raiding party was too well prepared!

Our travel routes were obviously leaked to the hands of the enemy for them to know where our carriage would be. My soldier's mind quickly attempted to decipher the mystery; but the battle was already upon us. The first casualty was registered by Tera. I turned from my current position to witness her drinking the blood right out of the neck of the poor fool who'd attempted to harm her! I'd never seen an Arta feeding before; but I heard all of the legends dictate that it was a gruesome affair. I pitied the attacker that fell to Tera's power; but I had my own concerns. Two of the three men broke off from their assault group and were making their ways towards me.

Apparently; their liviol arrows were enchanted in such a way, that a single arrow was multiplied into a storm of arrows. I did not like the realization of that as I witnessed them loading more of their seemingly enchanted arrows into their weapons. I cursed silently to myself and prepared myself for the battle that faced me now. I quickly moved towards my left as they launched their second volley of arrows in my previous direction. I leaped towards a nearby tree and then rebounded off it; lunging myself physically towards the exposed back of one of the attacking individuals.

With my weapon in my hands, I gripped it tightly and prepared a downward strike at the upper section of my opponent's body. He turned towards my leaping, imposing form with a look of fear in his eyes. He attempted to quickly load an arrow into the bow; but it was already too late. I felt the impact as my enchanted; plynt weapon pierced the body of my enemy. He screamed in a way that startled his opponent. I fell completely on top of my enemy and felt many bones break. A spray of blood flew upwards from the piercing wound I gave my enemy. Blood landed upon my person and I could taste the cold fear that still traveled through his heart. Landing upon the man; I looked at his compatriot. The man's lip were shaking.

I pulled my weapon out of his friend's body and pointed it directly at him.

"Your move." I said, even as I took my hand and streaked war symbols made of blood down my scarred face.

[Tera]

There was no Imperial mother, no quiet, gentle leader of men. In this moment there was only the truth, that for a vampire there is only one true thing that states the fact.

Monster

Wolves were once called monsters, and so were elephants. But they no longer were because people understand them. Vampires will always be simply, monsters. There is no understanding, only fear of the dead that seem to serve only one purpose and that is to lay waste to the living.

The dead weight that was her victim crumpled to the ground when she relaxed. Her appetite whetted, but unfulfilled. A dark smile crested her lips as she watched her other opponents falter in advancing. Her hand rose to her face and moved back over her head to clear a bit of hair from her face, serving only to spread the leaked blood across her face like some shimmering black mask.

Her knuckles popped as she clawed her hand for a moment, a growl of hunger growing from her chest as she grinned at the next one. He stood ready with sword in hand, yet his knees and elbows showed the fear he tried to hide. It was then that she noticed Melancor off to her side.

“I bet you weren't expecting something like this from the Imperial mother huh?” she said softly with a dark menacing tone that said it's okay to fear her, she will only eat your heart if given the chance.

The next one came forward out of some burst of survival based courage, making a wide downward swing that she simply sidestepped.

“Pathetic...” she whispered as her left hand shot forward, her hand driving deeply with a wet sound as it penetrated the skin. With a slow searching movement she reached around inside his belly, his screams like true music to her ears.

Winter sat quietly as she listened to the chaos outside, feeling just hints of her master's emotions. Even for such a bond as theirs, she couldn't help but feel the passion, the hunger, the pure undeniable blood lust. She panted softly whilst focusing on the feelings and thoughts, driving her mad with the same blood lust, but she knew she could not step out of the carriage per Tera's orders.

It was only made worse when Tera placed her hand over her new man puppet's mouth, stifling his screams as her hand clutched his heart. With but a slow movement she felt his arteries and veins give resistance, but only for a moment against her strength.

Still it beat as she placed it to her lips, biting deeply into the thick muscle as hot blood once more passed across her tongue.

[Lexxum_Vordic]

Looking upon me like a congress, the trees seemed to yawn with sadness at the blood loss occurring so close to their roots. The moon lurked overhead, hanging in a seemingly low overhang. Stars lit up the tapestry of space, winking with a sort of melancholy pattern. I had a chance to look up at the infinite cosmos and wondered where was my Lord Mitra? Hiding in this tapestry of stars perhaps. A few clouds lurked overhead.

The body at my feet was ripped apart by my powerful claws. I easily dismembered him and tore him to pieces. He lay dead on the ground, grass threatening to consume his body. Sanguine substance stained the tops of blades of grass, creating a crimson river. Blood seeped into the earth. I kept my foot upon the man's chest crushing any attempt that the man might make at rising. His chance for resistance and battle was already over though. I knew that the man was dead.

Staring at me, the second man had his weapon at the ready. His hands shook for a moment as he sheathed his longbow and drew a sword. "You don't scare me lizard!" A metallic ring filled the air. I kept my sword pointed at his person. Ducking low in a combat position, I prepared to engage the warrior that stood before me. The others might be cowards, but these particular individuals were warriors. I recognized the fire in their eyes. The fires burned almost as intensely as the stars overhead.

"You are brave. I will give you that. Let's see just how brave you are!"

I leaped towards him. Moving to bring my sword down in an overhead strike, I became like a blur. My weapon was going to come crashing down upon his head and end him! Or so I hoped. The clever brigand evaded to the side and moved in such a way that brought his sword up to intercept my person. I didn't recognize the material of the man's sword. It was colored in a fashion that I'd never seen before. This man was clearly one of the leaders of the bandits. My sword hit nothing but air and this frustrated me. But I kept on moving. I turned to intercept an attack. My blade glowed with the Tap power that lurked within it.

There was a loud impact of blades as I clashed against this proud warrior.

I wanted his equipment...

[Melancor]

Ha ha! They look like insects!

Neletia told Melancor as she rose into the night sky to preside over the battlefield. Man permeated from the shadows and descended upon the cart like an angry horde of bees. It was the only means humans knew, an easy way to increase their wealth, go rid their enemies from sight or to kill boredom. It was violence, but such sins never go unpunished.

A man rushed toward Melancor, with sword in hand just above his head, two of his comrades had fallen against the vicious beast feasting just beside him. He could see the fear in his eyes tainted with streaks of blood. His expression seemed grim as his face hang loose from its position, yielding a heavy frown and an open mouth as he roared with his aggression.
Melancor had only but to extend his hand before him, strip of earth froze, the slan slid and stumped in his path. Two or three steps where enough to reach the man, as he desperately tried to recover from his offense, Melancor was quick to seize the man, wrapping his arm around his neck and holding his wrist with his hands, deceiving his sword from touching Melancor.

Then like a wraith emerged from the earth long arms of water, twilling and trashing through the man’s legs as they reached his face, and invaded his head. Melancor tightened his grip and the water rushed into the mans skull, filling every space, though his nose, his ears and even his eyes until the violent grasp of piercing nails sensed to bother his arm.

Ahh….pretty, you have not lost your savage ways, Melancor.

“And since when have humans stopped being a dispensable nuisance?”

Melancor whispered as he released the heavy body into the ground which fell face first without making a sound. His hand gasped tight that one sword that man held with his cold hand.

“What a bothersome night.”

[Tera]

Not much startled her, nor did much really impress. Her crimson coated hands were wiped carefully on the torn tunic of the first fall as she watched Melancor. His anger was most intriguing in that his power over water made such an interesting display. Lexxum had charged off somewhere out of sight, yet not out of earshot. The screams were like a beacon in the night as she looked back at the carriage for a moment, Winter peaking with a soft smile from within.

Her belly was full, and now the calm after the storm set in, her senses ever so high and nearly intoxicated. The carriage lamps blurred and prism. Even in the dark colors were vivid beyond the norm. With soft care the sanguine wiped her face, stopping for a moment to remove a piece of stuck heart from behind her fang. There was a long pause as she studied the male before her. Everything she had thought, save for one little thought, was proven different. Still if need be, she could kill him now while Lexxum was off, then blame it on one of the thieves.

“Melancor...” she said softly as she approached him, the corpse in his hand falling with the sound of but a pin drop.

It was the blade in his hand that would make Tera calculate the next move. Those silver eyes piercing through as if she could command him with her sheer will. Time was for now against her in this, one way or the other, she would walk away with from this and return to racial anonymity at the manor.

“You know if you tell anyone what I am, I will have to kill you and them.” simplicity were the words. She was still the Imperial Mother, still his commander.

[Melancor]

As Lexxum was proper, he had taken on most of the men, and Melancor knew it was his proper pleasure, a machine made solely for war. Born in Fallien and created by divine hand, it all sounded far too familiar. Lexxum was still taking care of a few of the unfortunate men who had dared to venture into the woods tonight.

He heard the imperia mother as she rose from the floor, he looked over his shoulder to see as she approached him. Her hands bared the blood of her victim, her face, nose and forehead did the same. Her harsh voice arose from her throat to issue a warning.

Oh… She is not a nice one is she? Asked Netelia in a tone on awe.

I am afraid not

The grip upon the human-made sword tightened, slowly the blade rose in the air, perpendicular to Melancor’s body, and toward Tera’s heart.

Hmmmmm

He looked upon Tera’s silver eyes, they stared and give the ominous message the a feral beast was trapped inside and ready to retaliate. A monster? A head of the Imperial clan? All this time she had managed to hide her true self under Melancor's viginalt eye, he knew there must have been something more to this woman, after all, she was the leader. he could expect human fearing such a vicious creature, as for him…

Melancor smirked, then dropped the sword into the ground. “As you wish”

You big wuss.

[Lexxum_Vordic]

The sword fighting was elegant. Different from dueling against arta warriors, completely sentient opponents were infinitely less predictable. With the night hugging my red scales, I was hell bent on spilling more blood. After a quick shimmy, we continued to counter one another blow for blow. In terms of skill level we were about equal. But I knew that this enemy had tricks up his sleeves and there were more of them out there. I was trying to prolong the battle as long as I possibly could and savor the kill. I would claim a trophy or three from these brave brigands.

Over our heads the moon shone down as if laughing at us with its infinite secret knowledge. I had no time to admire the scenery because I was busy dancing with my opponent. Sword clangs vibrated in the air sending their loud ringing noise across the wind. The battle was not about stealth, it was about survival of the strongest and smartest. My opponent took to talking to me and I was wondering what the hell he was going on about. "Back down now lizard beast and we'll only rob you of your personal belongings. Do you know how many of us there are in the woods? If I fall you will have to take down all of us. You and that bitch of a leader we surveyed in the carriage. We know all your dirty Imperial secrets. Our scouts are bringing in reinforcements even as you and I fight. You seem a stout lad, why don't you make the correct decision and surrender? That would be sparing a lot of Imperial losses." Hearing those words set me off. I was trying to fight on the man's level which prevented me from acting to my full potential. Seeing that early mistake, I decided to take it to my dirtier tactics of fighting.

I was a berserker after all. I parried another strike and then took a step backwards to orient my thoughts. With my eyes narrowed into thin slits, my boots crunching the earth, my scales seemed to glow crimson in the night. I stared at my foe and he backed off for a moment seemingly pondering what I was going to do next. "So what will be it Fallien warrior?" The bandit was smart, he knew quite a bit about the Imperials. I had to give him that. I turned my attention towards the carriage. Melancor was there, and so was Tera, the Imperial Mother.

Even if I had the authority to make the decision, for them, I was merely one of the Heads of Security. If I should fall, Melancor could pick up the slack. I turned my attention back towards the bandit staring me down. "There will be no surrender. Prepare to die." And so, the bandit began. "I'm sorry we couldn't negotiate for your-*" And at the same time as the human began yet another speech, I prepared the powers at my disposal. I was acting scout. I didn't have to be with the main carriage and there were more of them out there. Letting out a mighty howl, I called one of the powers at my disposal. I had a two minute charge with my Blood Rage ability.

I was going to use each precious second. Once I let out the howl, I felt my blood becoming super hot and my rage reach almost peak level. A change occurred in my opponent. I could taste the fear he radiate in my jaw. I wanted to feast upon his intenstines! Moving quickly against him, my body felt as though it was swimming within liquid. The world slowed down. I had the edge I needed to fell my opponent and was upon him before he could mount a decisive reaction. My plan had worked and I'd caught him completely off guard.

[Melancor]

Melancor had just uttered those words when, as if swallowed by a horrid monster, his body made a lunge back into the shadows. He moved in an undulating fashion through the dark woods, using them as a varier to defend himself from the projectiles of a few men that had already established themselves unto the thick branches. across him, Tera had banished into the darkness as well. A trail of what must have been five men, followed her into the shadows, where the sounds of shattering blades and dashing arrows resounded. Melancor could not worry, though. In the darkness she was the most able.

His back rested upon a large three, a figure, who's position Melancor did not specifically knew, had already showered his hideout with arrows. Melancor could not see him, but he knew that the archer stood by, waiting for Melancor to make a move, and to fall victim of his sharp shots. Tall grasses and brush covered the forest floor, and although they where not fit for a stealthy escape, they could be properly used for distraction...

Melancor's palm opened, and a sphere of water inflated from the air, spinning slowly to maintain it's structure. His palm moved away to grasp his bow, leaving the sphere suspended, the other reached into his quiver for an arrow. Just as he prepared to make the bold move a man emerged from the brush, a sword at hand, and rushed to ambush. Melancor initiated. The sphere fell into the ground and forcefully it rolled off, rushing into the forest, shaking the vegetation with the sound of a fleeting animal.

The archer reached. Two swift shots where fired into the trial of the stealthy sphere, Melancor rushed from his hideout. The archer had given himself away, it gave him a couple more seconds to observe the trees, but they where enough for Melancor to spot him. Realizing his mistake, Melancor saw as the man struggled to reach for another arrow to retaliate, but it was futile, a clean blow stuck the human in the arm, and he fell from the heights of the forest.

Melancor held his swift move however, the swordsman was almost upon him. He lunged backward and then rapidly bent over, his body still with the momentum. Changing its course and with the might of a cannonball the water sphere broke through the air and stuck the man in the chest. The human was startled as he fell backward, his sword had been just inches from striking Melancor, so when he lunged back against the man, it was no hassle to assert a fierce blow in the man's head with his elbow.

While on the ground the man vociferated a call of aid to his comrades, blood stained his face. No one responded however, and within a second Melancor was upon him. His life was no more.

[Taskmienster]

JUDGING!
Surveying all that is hers…


Due to the incomplete nature of this thread I will not be putting in-depth comments into the judgment, however, I will put in what I see as I go. A little here and there. If you are still active and want to know what you did right, wrong, complain, or talk to me about the thread you are more than welcome to PM me at any time.


STORY (10/30)

~ Continuity ~ 3
Not entirely sure why you were in the carriage to begin with, or where you were going. Now who or why the bandits attacked.

~ Setting ~ 3
Described to a point, but not extremely well, not used, and forgotten for superfluous descriptions of battle.

~ Pacing ~ 4
Only low because it died.



CHARACTER (13/30)

~ Dialogue ~ 4
~Lexxum_Vordic~ You don’t write dialogue, but instead miss the opportunity to write out your character through words by just writing what the dialogue was about. At times this is not a bad quality, but when you have no written words it detracts from the dialogue as well as from what you could portray for your character through dialogue. "Your move." I said,” The dialogue was cliché. [6]

~ Action~ 5

~ Persona ~ 5



WRITING STYLE (13/30)

~ Technique ~ 4
~Tera~ “simply for revenge and well, Tera never has been one to leave a job unfinished.” The use of ‘and well’ followed by a present perfect progressive tense ‘has been’ is not only a slip into present tense (a form of tense too that doesn’t look good in writing) but it is informal writing mixed into an attempt to be a little more formal. [1] “malicious as a demon let loose in an orphanage met” The use of the metaphor that you tried to write in was a good attempt, but fell short of a good use of metaphors. [4]

~ Mechanics ~ 5
Mistakes were rampant throughout both Melancor’s and Tera’s posts, words not capitalized, words misused, spelling errors all over… and Lexxum, your use of bolding certain words was confusing and not necessary…

~Melancor~ ” their hoofs punished the dirt road,” their should have been capitalized, as well as shouldn’t have been there in the first place. The preceding sentence you used horses and waves as nouns that “their” could potentially refer to. Make sure to be careful about what it is meant to relate back to.

~ Clarity ~ 4
~Tera~ In your opening post, the very first sentence set the stage for the entire expectation of what was to come. The first sentence was confusing, you used words that didn’t really fit like ‘cherry’ and had 3 nouns before the word ‘it’ which could have meant anything you said before and was hard to understand. [1]


WILD CARD! 5
Should have worked on it more, instead of dropping it altogether.




TOTAL

(41/100)


GAINS/REWARDS!

~Melancor~ 115 exp; 75 gold

~Tera~ 85 exp; 50 gold

~Lexxum_Vordic~ 230 exp; 50 gold

[Witchblade]

EXP and GP added!