⚜The Conquest of Valynthia⒉⚜
⚜90th of Searing, Year 124, A.o.S⚜
⚜ The day came early, but Dreyfus and his somewhat counsel had gathered in the study of his father to access things, update the vampyre of the happenings while he was abroad, and plan for the future ahead. The coven's aid has been indispensable since you left, they have helped us in ways I didnt think possible. If you hadn't made those connections, we wouldn't have the means to survive like now. Victor noted as he gave Dreyfus a report on the state of the defenses that were added while he was away. We have also domesticated the fauna you found within the warrens. So far no one has gotten sick from eating them, and no belly goes unfed. With the help of the Railrunner coven, we have enough supplies to last us till the next delivery. Hannah added, also handing him a logistics report of their current supply levels and routes, as well as a projection of when they would need to restock and the coven delivery dates.
We have about a good 40 soldiers, that I've been training in marksmanship, and Victor with the sword. Also, there are some mages, not a whole lot, but enough for us to have somewhat of a force of battlemages. Donivan noted, showing him a progress report of the new recruits and a plan to further their training. I plan to take a few of the other craftsmen to find some suitable materials to help reinforce our defenses and maybe even upgrade the homes and buildings around here. Also will be looking to open the forge once we find some decent quality metals to work with. Argo added, also handing him a report of what materials they would need and the building projects. The vampyre was impressed, that even in his absence his people were still striving for better.
He smiled before he moved over to the map that now hung upon the larger empty space on the wall on the left side of the room. "Tell me, Hannah, if the village continues to grow at the rate in your report, how long before we have no more room to expand?" If more people continue to come I would say by Glade of 125 we wouldn't have room for them. Why do you ask? he tilted his head to the side so that his glowing suns looked at the ivory-haired woman. "As far as I'm concerned this place is doing well, but it won't be enough. The defenses we have in place are suitable, but not enough to keep the Order and the new government from coming for us. I noticed scouts watching the perimeter while out on my surveying walk the other day."
The news caused the other four to clammer amongst themselves, that is until the vampyre stabbed the map with a knife. "We will need to find a more suitable place to call home, and soon. That brings me to my next point." he said as he pointed to the spot he had stabbed. "It has come to my attention that there is a place that we could essentially call home, but it must be cleared of corruption first. I won't ask you to join me but know I plan to set out to this place. It's near the border of the Deadlands, a place called Valynthia."
He allowed those words to set in before continuing with what his plans were and what they needed to do while he was away. "Now while I'm gone I need you all to prepare for what is to come. Victor, please increase the patrol, and keep an eye on the order scouts that have been watching us. Hannah, coordinate with our coven liaison to ensure we have enough supplies for the move when the time comes but don't elude to the possibility of us moving. I don't know how connected the covens are to the new government. Argo and Donivan I need to you arm our fighters, and make sure they are ready to defend their new home."
With that, they bowed and nodded in acknowledgment of their tasks and left to get started. Dreyfus was left staring at the map and gauging the distance between the estate and this mountain city. He wasn't sure if he could make the journey in under two days but he knew he would have to try. He also knew he would need blood for the journey, because if he was going to be moving as fast as he could with his magic, he would need to recover from the aether drain. He didn't think he could get any more blood orbs from that spot in the city, now that things were coming back to normal, and the city was starting to come alive again.
It was most likely that the order had that area cleansed so he would need another source. It took a moment or so for him to ponder his options. That's when it hit him, he could ask Hannah to make some provisions for him. Going to where he knew she would most likely be, she nodded in acknowledgment of his presence. Is there something you need of me, sir? she inquired, returning her gaze back to the patient she was tending to. "If you would be so kind, I would like to ask you for.......a favor." he whispered, and waiting for her to hand the patient off to another nurse she stepped away with him.
"I'm going to need for you to gather at least four to five bags of blood. One Liter each before the day is done, if you are able. I think it would be best so as not to accidentally kill anyone, that you gain these from different participants, as well as their names so that I can properly compensate them for their donation." he asked in hushed tones. The ivory haired woman nodded and went to gather volunteers as the vampyre went to prepare.
He wasn't sure what he was about to walk into. Just how corrupted was this place? Could he even cleanse said corruption? No that would definitely take work and help outside of his own expertise. He wouldn't really know what to expect until he got there, and he wasn't sure how far south he would have to go. As he walked he watched the many folks wave and smile in passing, which he would return in kind. He was doing this for them, he was making sure they had a place to call home, a haven. And as much as he wished he could just walk away from them, well that ship had sailed a long time ago.
They had grown on so even if something were to happen he couldn't see himself leaving them anyway. That realization only lit more flame to the fuel that was driving him to find this place, too much was riding on this.
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Sometime later that afternoon, the sun was setting and Dreyfus was strapping on the last piece of his armor. Hannah had arrived with 6 warm vessels of blood, and a list of the six volunteers who she procured them from. With a nod, to took them and placed them in his featherlight bag. That would come in handy. Argo had come after a few more moments and handed him his sword. I took the liberty of sharpening yer sword for ya, just as a way to say thank you for all you have done for us. the blacksmith chimed. The vampyre smiled, taking the blade and holstering it, and tied his featherlight bag to his waist.
"Thank you both, and I appreciate your thanks, but none is needed. You can take the man out of serving the people, but you can't take the service out of the man. The sense of duty never leaves you. I shall return with new of our new home." he said, patting both of them on the shoulder as he headed out. At the estate entrance, Victor was waiting for him. You have only just returned and now you are off again. No rest for the wicked I suppose. he chuckled as he patted the vampyre on his back and wished him good luck on his journey.
Taking one last look back as the sun tucked itself beneath the horizon, Dreyfus launched himself forward, kinetically leaping to cover as much ground as possible. Watching him leave, however, was a figure that would have been recognized by the vampyre. A wicked smile crept onto the figure's face as it quickly vanished along the wind. ⚜
"Common Speech"
"Silandris Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"
