Lazaruss :" And the rest is a drama… Excuse the lack of rimes, I'll fill it up later. Sorry to keep you waiting. "
A young boy of five was sleeping on a warm floor of white marble tiles. He was wearing a red coat with gilded strands and his short curly black hair was suspended by a thin golden band. The sun was high in the summer sky, hours after a quick shower which sweetened the air with moisture. Beneath this large square terrace, bordered by a beautiful fence of white plaster columns, stretched an ancient city, colored in green vegetation and flour-white houses. Earthly streets were damp and muddy, with a few pounds of recent rain, but his terrace was dry and warm beneath a blue silken cloth for an eaves. A toy horse and a wooden sword were lying on the boy's left next to numerous ceramic pots which held thick bushes of rich blue flowers.
The boy was sleeping. He was exhausted. He just wanted to lie there forever and ever, sleeping without dreams or waking. Yet, someone came to him. A foggy figure of a woman in a yellow dress with golden hair tied in a fat bride, bearing soft green eyes. He was too tired to give her more than a glance before going back to his silent snoring. She took him in her arms, gently dragging him closer and placing his tiny head in her lap. It was all warm and comforting, her touch as she softly ran her palm trough his black hair, her caring gaze watching him from above. He felt like never before. Before… What before ? It was hard to think of anything but now.
" … where am I ?"; the boy whispered in her lap, struggling at the brink of sleep
" You are here with us. "; her voice was like music made of pride and love
As he blinked again he saw another figure, a man with a strong face in a lordly red coat and black trousers. His coil-black hair was short embraced by a silver crown and he had long thin mustaches and a short sharp beard. His broken nose and his sharp eyes were somehow familiar, but he couldn't remember beyond that. The face he bore was a picture of pride and strength, with a light smile, restrained by his dominance. The woman was younger than him, but his real age seemed hidden behind his freshness and will. After all, he did merry her young… Did he ?
" Rest, child. "; he said while holding the boy's hand :" Rest while you can. "
" …who are you… ?"; the boy yawned, lightly grabbing some of that yellow dress beneath his face
" The proudest people in the world. "; the woman spoke trough her warm smile
" We were with you, child, trough all that was. "; the man said :" We cried along with you and shared your greatness in your heart. "
" …I am no child… "; the boy barely spoke in his slumber, but he was still hearing them clearly even trough his drowsiness
" Everything you did, for both good and evil, was great. "; the woman spoke while petting him :" Great deeds are for great men and we can not be more proud of our great man. "
" …my sword… "; the boy whispered :" …where is my sword ?"
A moment later, the man placed the hilt of a wooden toy in his tiny palm. Small fingers closed around it and the boy brought it closer to his chest without even opening his eyes. He smiled a bit before sinking back to the woman's lap.
" Do you know why the world exists ?"; the man asked running his strong gentle fingers trough the boy's hair. He barely shook his head and the man answered :" Because existence is more fun than non existence. God's enemy is boredom and that is why we have what we have. "
" And that's why sometimes the rules that are made unbreakable, "; the woman spoke melodically :" are still broken, and that which was meant to sleep can wake up. I know you love your family and your world child, and you don't deserve to leave them without knowing what became of them. "
" …I don't love… "; the boy yawned :" …anyone… "
" One day, we shall be reunited. "; the man petted his hair :" But not before you're truly ready. "
The woman slowly kissed the boy's forehead with her soft lips and they both stood up leaving him on the floor. He didn't want them to leave. He wanted to go after them, to sleep in their arms and the woman's lap again, but he was too tired to call or stand up.
" You must wake up now. "; he heard the man from the distance
" …no… "; he sobbed squeezing his wooden sword :" …I don't want to… "
" Go back, child. "; the woman whispered :" You mustn't perish amidst the dreams, without seeing them bloom in reality. "
He managed to open his eyes, casting his long sad gaze after them. They were so beautiful and unreachable, embraced together and with their warm smiles directing their warmth to him. He even reached for them as they were fading away. He reached his hand with tears in his eyes :
" Mom… dad… don't go… I don't want to wake up ! I don't want to… "
Everything faded in the sweetness of rest and sleep took hold of him once more…
Peace… At last. Sleep so sweet and gentle. A pure night, wrapped tight with a wail of stars. It wasn't what he expected. The oblivion was somehow… filled. It was not suppose to be full, but empty. He knew enough to know that for certain. It ached. The pain reached trough his calmness. Why pain, here, this side of death ? It was not to be. In death was suppose to be his relies from such trivial sensations, but they were here as well. Was he so cursed, to suffer this for all eternity ? It was unbearable. They tricked him again ! They lied to him ! They all lied to him ! He was suppose to receive the bliss of rest, not this !
But the stars were not white. Tiny dots of red and green and blue were shaking and shivering before him. Darkness befell him for a moment and than the dots returned, or was he merely blinking ? His flesh was burning with pain. No ! It was impossible. He died. Flesh was not an attribute any more. But it was there. The fires of thirst blazed in his throat and within his chest. Blood was outside. He was so thirsty, it took all the other thoughts away. He had to get to the outside. He had to get to the hilt…
The wail of stars tore like tree bark and glass, bursting in splinters, and the searing light flushed him, wounding his eyes and burning his skin. It took him some time to adapt to the explosion of light which assaulted his senses like a sudden disease. The floor was made of ice and the room was spinning and twisting in the white fog around his head.
" …blood… "
And at last it came to him. The river of cold soothing pleasure freezing the fire within him and unleashing his strengths. He had to have more ! More blood, more haze. It must all come to him ! He must have it all ! There is no other option ! Every drop passed trough his mouth and than a roar came out clearing his sight. He shivered in his weakness on the cold stone, within the cave. It was still too bright. The sound of dripping water was like a hammer banging in his mind. He managed to rise amidst the brown shards of his former cocoon. Raziel was blazing in his claws.
" … Kain… "; he whispered :" …Kain has died… "
The floor stopped spinning and the stone stopped acting like dancing jelly. He bulged as he realized. With an instinctive gesture, he reached for his back and there, waiting for him with the mockery of faith, were huge bat's wings on bones decorated with thorns, and hooks on their ends. No ! It wasn't fair ! Everyone else get to die ! Why not him ? With bitter laughs he started to spin around the chamber, mocking the cave walls :
" …I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm dead… See the dead Kain !... Kain is dead ! Kain is DEAD ! DEAD !"
He fell on his knees, laughing his face off and than his senses reached out, stretching over the land. It was an impulse. He wanted them to stay away from it all this time, but he couldn't stop them. And than the laughter ceased. He widened his eyes in disbelief and got up on his wobbly legs. As fast as he could, he lumbered to the cave entrance and there he beheld the sight.
Sun made of bronze and amber was setting, slowly sinking beneath the green earth, rich with forests, planes and fields. Blue rivers like vanes of ice coursed in their flows and scarce pinkish clouds were perching trough the sky. Cities were tall and huge and the life was simply boiling in every corner of the land. Birds were singing throughout the heavens, flapping in rich herds and from branches of trees. And in the center of it all, the pillars stood, tall, cracked, but clean white, practically glowing with purity.
The sight made his heart clench. It was the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen. The sight of success. He has redeemed in the eyes of Nosgoth. At last… The bliss of death was denied to him, but at least he got to see the fulfillment of his plans and goals.
But what of the Kreedens, and lady Ashee, and the falling pillars, and all that happened up to his climactic sacrifice ? His sight fell down and met with the glowing eye sockets of the scull hilt.
" Was it real ?"; he asked :" Was it a dream ?"
" Does it meter ?"
" Yes… "; Kain sighed :" We went trough. "
With a mighty leap, he fled in the skies, and the cave dwellers returned back to underworld. Their duty was fulfilled.
The night was clean and warm with the rivers of stars stroking all over the dark purple sky in every direction. Young moon was mounted atop the blackened cloud, peeking down on the sight of the ancient pillars. Thick bushes and rich herbs shrouded their great marble pedestal, but it was no obstacle to the two figures which slowly descended on it, gliding down from the night. A lord and a lady.
Adella had a dark-blue gown and a golden belt around her thin waist. Scars of sorrow, made by her tears still stretched over her cheeks as a reminder that some wounds never do heal. Her dark-blue hair was strapped in a ponytail that fell to her shoulders and the neck of her pretty dress was replaced by a white lace in a shape of a bat that stretched its wings over the upper parts of her blue bosom. Tarian held her by the hand. He had a dark red sateen coat and brown trousers. His clean white shirt had a lace hankie, neatly pinned to its neck with a ruby pin and his lush brown hair was razed up, shadowing his stone-pale face.
They observed their surroundings with a strange gaze of confusion. In a moment, another pair stepped forth, emerging trough the thick bushes which moved before them to open their path. Jasmine took off the hood of her black cloak, revealing her self to her siblings. She was in a silken red dress with white ends of its sleeves and belt, and the corners of her black cloak were connected to her wrists by strips of silvery silk.
Next to her was her lover, Alex Telban. He became a general in the high council of NUC, and met Jasmine, as the ambassador of the vampire community after Kain went to hibernate. They fell in love and after a while finally received the consent of his superiors to let her take him in as a part of her house. It was about 130 years ago. He bore a dark greenish outfit of coat and trousers and a white shirt, and had a half cape over his right shoulder. Short blond hair was neatly combed back and his green eyes displayed a state of concern for his dark-bride.
" Greetings, Jasmine. "; Adella acknowledged her presence
" Greetings Adella. Tarian. "; Jasmine replied respectfully and Alex bowed before the two elders :" Were these, your summons ?"; Jasmine asked
" Urges… "; Tarian spoke trying to be specific as he tasted their emotions :" We all had a powerful need to come here. "
" Whit your permission, my lord, "; Alex spoke :" , I only followed Jasmine here. She was persistent to come, and I wanted to come along. "
The two elders smiled. Alex was still a bit shy in their presence. Jasmine had some trouble at start, convincing him that she means well, and her siblings were a bit displeased by this. Though it's been more than a century, and the fact that Adella and Tarian left it aside in the start, Alex was never comfortable around them. He still remembered how they did scowl at him, while Jasmine was still trying to seduce him.
" That too is a need, Alex. "; Tarian replied :" But… there is something… something hidden here… "
" My mind was constantly spinning over this place… "; Adella whispered :" In dreams and in waking, I knew I had to come. "; she gazed at Jasmine who climbed on the pedestal with them :" And you too had the same urge. That is… "
" By my fire !"; Tarian bulged and sighed :" Can't you feel him ?"
Adella frowned in misunderstanding and than her eyes widened. Alex felt something, some strange warmness, a feeling of love within the air around him, like he was hugging his parents or something. But also a sense of being small, like being in the presence of something big and breath taking. Jasmine was shocked, gazing around, trying to see trough the thick shades :
" Could it be… ?"; she whispered :" … after so long… "
" How long ?"; a voice came to them from amidst the pillars
At once the three elders fell on their right knees and dropped their sights on the marble floor in front of them. Alex didn't know why, but he knew they had a good reason, so he did it as well.
" Six hundred… "; Jasmine spoke
" … and fifty years… "; Tarian added
" … and thirty four days. "; Adella concluded :" Give or take. "
The same voice released an instant chuckle :
" Oh, come now. "; he spoke :" Where are they ? Those brash younglings who never knew how to kneel ?"
" We've grown old. "; Adella whispered
" Old ?"; the voice asked :" Is that the word ? What words would you use to describe us than ?"
" The oldest. "; Jasmine sighed
The three razed their sights, seeking amidst the pillars with a certain sense of eager.
" Fitting. "; the voice responded and his shadow formed amidst the columns :" Yes, gaze upon the cruelty. Time has shown no mercy towards your sire… "
The four razed their gaze and observed the speaker. Kain emerged to their sight, unraveling the wail of impenetrable darkness. And as they beheld him, they sighed slightly, but other than that, they gave into no shock. They knew what to expect as soon as they've recognized him, and his wings were a revelation for which they've already had a set place within them. Alex on the other hand, could only bulge while his lower jaw shivered in amazement and fear. It was indeed Kain. It had to be. Such a monster, and worse yet, a sight into his own future. What kind of a being was he to become in his distant evolution ?
" You have indeed grown. "; Kain spoke :" We sense your age, your rises and falls… and very little death in your lonely past. "
The overlord gestured them to stand up and they did, not taking their sight off of him. A warm smile on his face seemed to infect the three elders and after a moment they were in his arms.
" Oh Kain… sire… "; Tarian spoke :" So long… "
Kain released his hug and gazed with an examining stare at confused Alex. Jasmine cleared her throat and taking him by the hand she brought him before her sire :
" This is Alex Telban, the one who holds my heart. "
The younger still didn't know what to say or how to act. He just nodded and spoke insecurely :
" I am… honored… by your presence… My lord… "
Kain frowned a bit and than burst in a swift laughter :
" Amusing. "; Jasmine smiled at these words :" We like him. You've seemed to have bean making mostly the right choices after all. "
" You doubted ?"; Adella asked
He glanced at the pillars, as if trying to catch their top :
" Kain died in the world of your failure, to be reborn in the world of your success. "; he looked back on them. They were a bit confused, but than again they always were, when he was around :" But memories fade… Come ; tell of what has come to pass. "
Adella, Tarian and Jasmine were overjoyed, competing for their rumbling to Kain of all the things that were in his absence. Humans have accepted Jasmine as an equal member of their council, an ambassador of the three houses, though she would always have to regain their trust when ever someone new would come into the position. It was tiring but she would press on none the less, for her Zatarra were worth it. The humans had a hard time in their short life age, accepting someone like her, always asking about the dark gift and the eternal life. Most of them wanted to live forever but she was very selective about the expanding of her house as well as her siblings. The Leiman treaty ensured that, and there was still enough disliking for the blood-thirst to be generally left alone, concerning that issue. Her work was priceless in the relations and her advices helped the human consciousness evolve beyond the bonds of their dark ages.
Tarian and Adella were mostly busy with each other and the three houses. It was their duty to ensure the secrecy and erase all traces of their existence. They mostly fed on Servants, humans whose minds they've shrouded by hypnotic spells. The Servants were one of the points in the treaty. They were homeless, criminals, or other hopeless people with no cause, now given a new purpose, to bleed for the taste of their masters. A Servant had a deep devotion for his vampire lord and was treated as a possession of the house, a beloved pet. To kill a Servant while feeding, issued a punishment of a 50 years imprisonment, since they were loyal and caring humans, taking care of them during day time.
Of course, the predatory nature of a vampire craved the hunt every now and than. Each of them was obliged to report any such activity to the NUC superiors. It was Adella's and Tarian's duty to ensure that it does not spill into the public. Only a small number of human lords knew of the vampire existence, and in return, the vampires gave them their aid in various crises situations, advices and all necessary help they would need. It was the core of the Leiman treaty.
" … The humans have developed so much in your absence, Sire. "; Jasmine was explaining to Kain who was sitting at the edge of the pillar's pedestal :" Wars have bean rooted out, disease, hunger… They are so curious, always asking how and why, and a simple because is never a satisfying answer. "
" Their consciousness evolved. "; Adella said :" They are sharp, intelligent, and their persistence and precision earned them great achievements. They are still a bit distrustful to us, but curiosity is their driving urge, now more than ever. "
" And now that you have come back, "; Tarain stated :" we must perform a Sonissym, the festivity of return. "
Kain frowned at him, questioning, and Jasmine cut in :
" It is a celebration in the honor of awakenings. We rejoice our emerging trough cocoons, stronger and evolved, and most of all our reunion with our family. "
" All the Houses will gather here. "; Adella joined :" They all want to meet you. "
" We don't do parties. "; Kain replied in his grumpy manner
" But it is our tradition. "; Jasmine protested :" Surely you won't deny our children the sight of their Patriarch ?"
Kain closed his eyes and grumbled something quietly :
" You are all deserving… "; he said :" Throw your little party. "; and than to him self :" It can't be much worse than what we've endured thus far. "
They laughed and immediately begun to make preparations.
" Jasmine, invite the humans. "; Adella spoke :" I will start decorating the pillars and set the stages, and Alex, you bring the Zatarra house. "
" I will summon our houses, My angel of the night. "; Tarian kissed her hand and dispersed into bats. Something as important as this warranted more than a whisper for a summon
" The humans are to be invited ?"; Kain asked a bit surprised
" But of course !"; Adella spoke :" Oh, come now ! They should meet you as well. It will be a very important event, and they must know of your return. Now ; the refreshment should go there and the music… "
Kain just closed his eyes, unable to listen any more. He and Raziel seemed to be destined for a glass case in a museum, or worse yet, to be entertainers for a bunch of ogling children. It will be more than humiliating. As if decorating the pillars was not ridiculous enough idea. But when he was given a second of privacy, he whispered back to the hilt :
" I'll see to get us out after an hour. "
" Can you make it half ?"
It was eleven PM and the high council was in session. The governing building of NUC in Meridian held a big round room with rounded wooden desks, placed around in rows. Viewed from above, it would seem like a big target. The floor was in red carpet and the ceiling held an advanced light of energy streams, bended in a thick spiral over the whole surface. Closest to the center were the desks of Grand Marshal Xeran Ethalack and higher regents and further away were lesser ranks and generals.
Xeran was a strong man and a cunning political leader. Sixty years old, he was at the peek of his success. Dark brown hair with gray templates and a few more touches of gray was neatly combed backwards to reach his neck, and a thin silvery half ring connected to his ears was holding it back. He was in a standard purple uniform, completed with his medals and the crest of the Grand Marshal, hanging around his neck on a broad strip of red silk. It was a gold medallion in a shape of a sun with the words of NUC oath engraved on the back, and also powerful protective magic forged into the object. Magic was not suppressed by technology.
Just in the middle of in session, a gust of wind blew the large glass entrance dour open and a big brown bat flapped its wings to the center of the floor. The sudden act brought a commotion amongst the human lords, but they knew who it was. With a small red flash, Jasmine formed in the center and bowed before them :
" Forgive my brash intrusion, my… "
" Lady Jasmine !"; Grand Marshal Xeran spoke with rebuke :" You should know your manners better ! What is the meaning of this outburst ?"
" I have the news of utmost importance, Grand Marshal. It couldn't wait. "
" Very well. "; he said, knowing full well of the urgency, judging by her entrance. They knew her well enough to recognize the importance of her news, and such a rush, must be provoked by something big :" But for bypassing the appropriate procedures, you may find your self demoted. "
" Please, accept sincerest apologies for my heist, but the news I bring could not wait ; My sire has returned !"
A murmur boiled throughout the entire room and grand marshal had to still them all by the ringing of his electric bell :
" Quiet down !"; he said and than to Jasmine :" You have seen him ?"
" Yes, Grand Marshal. "; she said :" And the three houses are extending our invitation to you. Tonight, at the great pillars, we celebrate his Sonissym. We will be honored by your presence and all those you bring along. I ask to be excused now. We still have much to do. "
Grand Marshal Xeran nodded, trying to keep his calm, and once she bowed, Jasmine got out the way she came. It actually soothed the humans to have her gone, so they could figure out what to do now. Jasmine knew that too, but it was inconsequential. She just wanted to get back to her sire. It was too long since he went to sleep and she valued every second in his company. She just hoped that Alex will accept him as well. The poor darling was completely beside him self. In one moment, Jasmine thought that his eyes would fall out by the intense widening and bulging. The thought made her heart laugh and she flapped her wings as fast as she could.
The moon was high and the stars plentiful. Magic lights were dancing around the sight and melodic tones of fairy music were melting throughout the plane. Powers of the Zatarra house cleared the thick bushes and covered the earth with short grass and flowers, making it into a beautiful dance podium and the Tergetti prepared a colorful firework that would ignite the night every few minutes. Sumnaly made an effort with the lighting and illusions for decoration of the scene with special effects, and decoration of pillars with glowing spirals that streamed up and down the columns. Numerous tables in white cloth, with blood stocks and refreshments more suitable for humans were scattered around and the creatures would feast and enjoy the taste, giving into celebration. Servants, dressed in white were moving amidst them, tending to increase the comfort of their masters as best as they could and also, there were chairs for some of them who would be tired or recently blood drained.
At the hill top from which they observed the festivity, Grand Marshal and his regents, bearing gifts for the new comer, stood and took a look at the scene. An escort of their security staff was with them, a small band of armed bodyguards, not too large to be considered insulting for their hosts.
Grand Marshal Xeran wore a formal type of pale uniform with a gilded neck and golden strips for edges. Decorations hung under his right shoulder and the ends of his coat were reaching his shins. Black trousers and a clean white shirt with laces made him seem most influential, and of course the crest of Grand Marshals was still residing on his chest.
General Sevros Tensun was the most familiar with the number of vampires and their names, and after evaluating them, he stated :
" I recon there are all 250 of them present, sir. I don't see Kain, but he's about to make an entrance by the customs of the festival. "
Grand Marshal nodded and sighed :
" All right… Let's go in and say hi. "
It was just the short slope down the hill, and they all followed the Grand Marshal's example. As soon as they've descended to the dance ground, the vampires opened up, letting them mingle amongst them. The creatures were ecstatic, gently gliding and swaying to the lullaby tones, like in a trance of passion, though giving the arrivals their due by respectful bows. Human lords and their security swiftly scattered around, even some vampires offered them a dance or perhaps something more. One such approached Grand Marshal :
" Why, ser Grand Marshal, "; she spoke teasingly :" aren't you all dressed up tonight ? Such a fine looks just blows me away. "
" Forgive me… Eshida Tergetti, right ?"; he asked and she nodded with a smile
She was in a dark dress, the color of brown smoke, with red flames at the bases and sleeves. It was exposing her bosom a bit more than proper, but she's always had that expository style. Her skin was almost like humans though more pale and her eyes were golden. Crimson hair was falling around her head in many thin brides with a white pearl on the end of each, and her big red lips were stretched in a smile, exposing her fangs. She was one of the younger turned, about 70 years ago, but still almost twice older than him.
" You remember me. "; she giggled joyfully
" Ah, my memory is cursed, when I managed to slip you out of my mind. "
She giggled again and stepped a bit closer, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable :
" Loosen up, dear sir. Tonight we celebrate. "
" And tomorrow… ?"; he asked with a shrewd look
" So, that's what this is all about ?"; she asked :" You fear that he'll lead us against you ?"
" Wouldn't you, in my place ?"; he loosened his smile
" Of course, dear sir. "; she laughed and came even closer until he could feel her breath on his ear :" But I wouldn't have the courage to be so frank… "; and than whispered :" Perhaps we could share some time together tonight. You'd be surprised how gifted I am in meters of pleasure. "
Anyone else would get insecure, but the humans didn't elect anyone else. Xeran was a stubborn and a firm man. He knew clearly what he wants and what he doesn't want, and there newer was much compromises with him. In Eshida's case, he definitely didn't want to give her a chance to compromise his position in NUC by such a relationship, even for a night. A relationship with a vampire couldn't get very far without becoming one, save for some touching and blood-draining, and he wasn't about to engage in that ether. So, putting on his sad look, he cleared his throat and spoke :
" Some other time, my lady… "; he gently took her cold bare shoulders, removing her from his chest :" …but I appreciate the offer. "
She smiled :
" But a dance, you still owe me… and I'll collect later tonight. Until than, dear sir… "; she gave him a wink. Than suddenly her eyes widened. Turning around she sighed :" Ah, "; she spoke :" It is time !"
In a few minutes, Adella, Tarian and Jasmine stepped to the pillar's pedestal. The music quieted and all the attention was directed to them.
" Alone and lacking we were of our family. "; Adella spoke clear and loud :" But no more !"
" No more !"; the vampires replied simultaneously
" The sleep has passed and the clouds cleared away. "; Tarian spoke :" And our lost have found their path !"
" Te path back to us !"; the vampires replied
" Moon and stars, pillars and blood, and Mother night with arms so sweet "; Jasmine razed her voice :" Send us the one whom we have longed for, so ! Come to us Kain, father of us all !"
" Come to us !"; Adella and Tatian joined and all of them rose their arms to the sky
" Come to us ! Come to us ! Come to us ! Come to us ! Come to us !... "; the vampires chanted and the human lords frowned in anticipation
Kain actually considered a thought of not showing up. But it would be most improper. They were his children after all, and he couldn't do that to them. So he swallowed his distaste and cast a spell. A white flash bloomed for an instant amongst the three elders in the center of the pedestal, and he unwrapped his wings, closing them behind his back, gazing across the crowd. Sighs of both amazement and shocks passed trough the audience. He felt their feelings ; envy and horror, fear and joy. They were such a bunch of confused children he almost envisioned them as new-bourns. Most of them saw him before his slumber, and those that were reborn after had seen pictures and descriptions, but still his presence was a completely different meter.
He gave them his warmness and fatherly comfort, unleashing his feelings of pride and satisfaction, and they all began to enjoy the sense of being nurtured by their Sire. It was more than a parent's love, it was a powerful sensation which ignited and burned warm and soothing within their hearts, nurturing their spirits in feathery arms of his calmness. Most of them have never felt that, and those younger almost fell asleep like tucked-in babies. The humans tried their best to conceal their gasps, as the vampires around started to act dazed and drunk with satisfaction. Fortunately, their sighs were well concealed within a mixture of others. For a few moments, silence took root, and than Kain loosened his spirit hug, leading his three first amidst those younger as if one of them. Their equal. The tension instantly loosened and the music restarted. Lines started to form. All wanted to exchange a word or two with their Overlord, which he tended to endure the best he could.
The night went on, with almost all attention directed at the awakened Overlord. Uninterested, Kain would share a few advices to each of his children, but would mostly listen, giving an image of wisdom. At one point, Jasmine and Adella asked him to dance and they led the next waltz, shifting, like long ago when they were only fledglings. After that, all wanted to dance with him, and he practically 'had' to take interest in a certain machine, set on the blood tables.
" It is a filter. "; Jasmine explained :" a gift from the humans. The vitae are being purified of much taints by silver dust, and… Well see for your self. "
A Servant girl gracefully filled a goblet and offered it to him with a bow. At the first taste, Kain didn't know that a human blood could be so sweet. He tasted other more powerful essences in his long life, but for that of a human, the blood was extraordinary. Pooling up a chair, he sat there like in a bar and started to sip glass after glass, slowly and silently. He was distant and lost within his thoughts and his offspring gave him some privacy with him self. Jasmine joined Adella and Tarian somewhere at the back where they observed him.
" He's feeling helpless… "; Tarian whispered :" Used up. Like he has no more purpose… "; he looked at them :" No, I can't sense his emotions, but it is obvious. "
" We should give him time. "; Adella spoke :" He must rediscover peace on his own. "
And than Grand Marshal Xeran approached and engaged in a conversation with their Sire. Throughout the whole evening, Kain was blank and uninterested, but now, talking with a human, he seemed different. Like he suddenly took interest in the Grand Marshal. Though a bit surprised by this, his three first, chuckled a bit, before turning back to their siblings and resuming the party.
" Is this seat taken ?"
Kain turned his head in the direction of the speaker. It was an elderly human in a pale formal uniform, made for festivities. Lush brown hair with a bit of gray, was falling back to his neck, suspended by a thin silver half-band, and a big gold sun-shaped medallion, radiating with magic, was completing his outfit. Kain didn't need to look at him to be aware of him, but it was polite. He already knew much of the human, just by a glance, and he rose a corner of his lip a bit :
" Brave of you. "; he spoke and turned back to his cup :" But you are wasting your time. Words won't make any difference to your judgment. "
" Perhaps, perhaps. "; Xeran spoke and took a seat near the vampire, addressing the Servant :" I'll have a brandy. Something a bit older, if you have it. "; the girl bowed and went for the storage as Xeran spoke behind her back :" She's nice now. When she's not smuggling bio toxins. "
" There has bean too many wars already, Grand Marshal. "; Kain spoke in his grumpy fashion
" I'm glad you see it that way. "; he said :" What I don't understand is your current attitude. You kind of stick out, if you know what I mean. "
Kain laughed a bit, taking a tighter grip of his goblet :
" You address one who killed him self, and yet here we are. Kain is a Phoenix, a weapon ! What use is a weapon in ages of peace ?"
" No use what so ever. "; Xeran spoke and took a glass the Servant girl brought him :" … in ages of peace. "
" What do you do, "; he asked :" with your bombs and other death-wards when they linger around unused ?"
" We store them for another time. "; Xeran took his brandy and sipped it. It was just right :" There is always another time. "
" Yes. There is. "; Kain smiled :" Dark ages are bound to return and the need will come again for the soul reaver and Kain. But in the mean time, what need is there for frost at spring ?"
Xeran observed him. He was a lonely, tired, old beast who thought he has nothing but power. For an instant he could have swore he was pitting the vampire.
" You just have to find another reason to live. "; he spoke :" There is much more to life than battles. "
Not taking his eyes off his goblet, Kain laughed louder, bitter :
" Why, you think you are a teacher in this tale ! What advice could you possibly offer, mortal ?"
Xeran sighed a bit annoyed :
" Mortal, and proud of it. Most people are idiots for wanting the dark gift. "
" And those that don't want it, should get it. "; Kain smiled :"What a bitter irony. "
" Take a look, Kain. "; Xeran said to him softly :" Take a look at your offspring. Don't tell me you have no fatherly instinct. Family is as good reason as any. "
Kain met his gaze :
" A father ?"
" Two daughters. "; Xeran nodded :" If I was in a middle of a battle and all was up to me, I would still go back to my girls to chase away their nightmares with a hug. "
Nightmares ? Kain frowned at that, looking away for a moment, and than he laughed out loud, happy and amused. All the attention was again upon him for a moment before averting once more for the sake of his comfort. Kain quieted him self and gazed at the human next to him :
" A few of you were able to amuse us like that. "; he smiled cunning :" Very well. We'll grant you our service. Ask what you will and you shall receive. "
" What I will ?"; Xeran widened his eyes a bit
Kain looked at him shrewdly :
" We have some power, rest assured. Your requests aren't beyond our abilities to grant. "
" Because you find me amusing ?"
" Because… we're crazy. Because we're in the mood. Because we can. Because we don't care. At this point, anything is possible. "
" The continuing honoring of the Leiman Treaty ?"
Kain burst in laughs again and his face fell on a table. Banging his fist on the board, all the glass on the desk got toppled down, and the wood beneath his falling fist cracked and broke, but he didn't notice. Xeran had to take the glass with his brandy, not to get it over his cloths, and Kain addressed him again :
" Human, you were offered a favor from a higher being, perhaps a fulfillment of your heart's desires ! And you ask something as simple as that ?"
" I would hardly call a war to extinction, simple, vampire. "; Xeran replied strongly
" But of course it is. Extinction, end, death, what is more natural, more simple than that ? Like the very nature of yes and no. "; Xeran bulged at this, but Kain spoke :" Oh, you needn't fear us, Grand Marshal ! We made the document and signed it. Our word is irrevocable. Something else ?"
" So, you'll grant me a whish ?"
" If it's within our… humble… power to grant. "
Xeran raised his eyebrows. Kain's favor. People want things all the time and there was no heart without desires. But to have the wildest one, achieved, was like a fable. Finally he shook his head and spoke :
" I think I'll save that for later. "
" Wise of you, human. "; Kain smiled :" Most people would rush recklessly, without even considering. Few would consider for a day, lesser few, longer. And the wisest are those who recognize the need when it is actually there, and only then ask for such a gift. "
" In the mean time, I'll wish for another brandy. "; Xeran gestured to a Servant-bartender and he brought a bottle :" What should we toast to ?"
Kain rose his cup :
" To a special lady… who could have bean Kain's queen. "
" Really ? Anyone I know ?"
" Be thankful that you don't. "; he spat a laugh before draining the goblet, and Xeran pored the brandy down his throat.
Lazaruss :" I'll ad one more chapter for the end, and after that I'm trough with POR. I think I'll write something new… But first, to complete my Megas XLR fanfiction and my exames...