The Conquest of Valynthia⒊
Posted: Sun Nov 17, 2024 11:12 pm
⚜ 1st of Ash, Year 124, A.o.S ⚜
⚜ The humming of kinetic energy moving through the air as the vampyre zoomed forth. His aetheric senses echoed out after every hundred miles, the vampyre keeping an eye on the amount of aether he was using to maintain his propulsion and scan. So far it was nothing but open terrain before him. He knew there were mountains near the border of where the Deadlands are. You learn as much when educated by the state. In anycase, he was determined to find the place. Since he left at around sunset he would take the time to rest during that time as well.
It was still early, maybe around noon when he caught the scent of blood. Then the disturbances in the flux came in and he counted how many presences there were. He counted at least seven, and it seemed there was a fight happening from what he was sensing. Landing up on higher ground he watched the scene unfold. A woman was locked in combat with raiders, highwayman he assumed. He wasn't sure what they were after but his chivalry couldn't allow for this to happen. The woman was unarmed, but that didn't mean she was helpless. Arcs of lightning flowed from her hands as she sent the raiders recoiling in pain.
She was a feisty one, that was sure, she was hurling profanities just as much as she was firing off bolts of electricity. He watched in amusement as she fended them off, but could see more were coming from the south which caused his brow to arch. She would stand a chance against that many, so he decided to lend a helping hand. When she realized that reinforcements were closing in on her she panicked, and the other raiders she was handling saw that too. The ones that remained took advantage of her confusion and jumped her, or at least they tried. Grabbed by an unseen force they found themselves in the grasp of the vampyre.
Being stronger than the average mortal, it wasn't hard to snap both their necks, the sound echoing as his crimson orbs looked at her. "I suggest you take a breather, I'll handle them." he noted as he noted her glare as he walked passed her. he was somewhat famished and would have his fill of an unlucky robber. It was moments like these that he was glad he was a vampyre as he commenced his slaughter. What they thought would be an easy score became something out of a nightmare. It was clear to the woman that her savior was not normal.
When the dust settled he found her looking in shock at him, almost recoiling as he approached her. "Are you ok?" he inquired though he could see the concerned look on her face. He looked her over once and could see her injuries. Kneeling down he extended a hand, but she simply just glared at him. Not unexpected from a spitfire. I can handle myself you know, I never asked for your intervention on my behalf. she hissed at him, finally finding the strength to get on her feet. He looked her over, finding she was quite the beauty, knowing full well the hold brunettes hold over Monteliyet men.
With a sigh he turned to leave, but she grabbed his hand. Even though I didn't ask for your intervention, the least I can do is thank you for your help. Care to join me for a meal sir....? she offered, and Dreyfus gave her a welcoming smile and nodded. "You may call me Dreyfus" he obliged. Well met Sir Dreyfus. You may call me Velasandra, Velasandra Bathory. Following the woman she guided him to her campsite, preparing to fix them both a meal. The vampyre however had a meal of his own, reaching into his featherlight bag and pulled out a bag of blood. It was still warm too, and baring his fangs he sank into it.
If she was honest watching him do so was a bit unsettling but she relaxed if only for a moment before turning her attention to her food. So what are you exactly? Do you drink blood to sustain yourself? she inquired, her gaze as scrutinizing as a wolf watching its prey from afar. He smiled, as the crystal rose formed in his hand, to which he placed into the featherlight bag. "I am something alive yet dead. Blood helps keep my power from consuming my soul, and as long as I have a pint a day, I will be fine." he replied, returning his own scrutiny upon her. "Why are you out here all alone? Surely more than being outnumbered by bandits and ruffians?" he jokingly poked at her, which she didn't like.
She stared at him for some time before huffing as she continued to eat her meal. It's none of your business. she hissed at him, though after a while she seemed to think about her options before relenting in a huff. If you must know, Im going to a place that you may not have heard of. It belonged to my ancestors and has remained a stain on my family name for far too long. It lies at the foot of the mountains south of here. she noted pointing in the direction. It didn't take long for him to realize she was talking about Valynthia.
"What a coincidence, or maybe an act of fate. I happen to be headed in that direction myself, to a place called Valynthia. Perhaps you've heard of it?" he inquired coyly, as the look of shock came over her. How do you know about that place?! Who are you really?! she demanded, standing to her feet, arcs of electricity coursing around her hands. Dreyfus smirked though he was quite unamused by her aggressive tone and stance. "As I told you, my name is Dreyfus. As for how I know about Valynthia, an old man brought it to my attention. I was asked to clear out the corruption that lingers there and free the souls trapped there."
It was clear that their goals aligned, and Dreyfus wasn't going to turn away just because some stranger wanted to be cautious. It was clear to him that it would be better to work together than fight one another, as one-sided as that battle would be. "Look it's clear neither one of us are going to back down from our goals. You wish to erase the stain from your family's name, and I wish to free the souls trapped there and ultimately settle in Valynthia. Why don't we work together and achieve our goals?" he offered, extending a hand out to her. She stared at his hand for some time, the vampyre noticing the contemplation going on in her mind.
He was certain she was weighing her options and in each scenario, he could tell that working together worked in her favor. Very well. After seeing your capabilities I can see it would be in my best interest to work with you. she reluctantly agreed, shaking his hand. He would take the next few moments to heal her wounds, which surprised her as she had never experienced something like that, knowing necromantic healing from other forms of magical healing. Gathering her things, Dreyfus constructed a kinetic platform for the both of them to ride on. She was cautious at first but once she saw it was sturdy she stepped onto it.
With a push off the ground and Velasandra tightening her grip upon the vampyre they were off towards Valynthia. Dreyfus being a master of his craft accelerated their platform. "Hold on tight." he reminded as they zoomed through the sky. After several hours of flying through the air, he could feel his reserves waiting and decided to slow them down, though the good news was that they could see the city of Valynthia in the distance. Landing atop a large hill overlooking the valley that led to the city, both mages looked on with awe. "There it is. The lost city of Valynthia." he noted, looking at her as tears flowed down her cheeks. He went to wipe them but she swatted his hand away.
Forgive me, I didn't mean to get emotional, but no one in my family ever thought they would see this place ever again. she whispered, wiping her cheeks of the tears. "Why is that?" he asked, taking a knee as he enhanced his vision to get a better look at the city. Because before my family were the Bathorys, we were a part of the Valcurian. My real name is Velasanda Valcurian.
Crimson orbs looked at her as he stared at the woman as she took in her ancestral home. He allowed her to have that moment before patting her on the back. "Come, let us get a bit closer before we set up camp for the night. I'll keep the first watch." Taking her hand he kinetically jumped them a bit closer to the city gates, finding a shady spot under some trees that seemed to weep and droop. Being closer to the city he could feel the overwhelming sense of dread that permeated from the place. As night fell he would ponder what awaited them come the morning when they went inside to investigate. ⚜
"Common Speech"
"Silandris Speech"
"Self-Thoughts"