Solum Reign discussion

Here any book or scroll on history can be found any information desired is written within the pages stored here even from the time of the great kingdom of Solum.

Markus paced back and forth with his arms behind his back. His eyes set on the floor before him and their red hue seeming to grow even colder as the dimly lit room grew darker in his presence. An assassin has killed his mate and he was hopeful Valentine had killed the assassin, not to mention set out a party to kill one of the Kralista's precious daughters. Markus gripped his hands together until his knuckles began to crack under the pressure he applied to them. He awaited Valentine as he sent word to him to meet here over urgent message of importance.

Valentine had found the assassin lurking in the throne room like some fowl rodent looking for a crack to scurry into and away from the prying eyes of predators. It hadn't taken long for him to sniff out his hideous sour fear. When he had approached the man he wasted no time trying to kill him but it was a useless effort. It had only taken him less than a second to dispatch the man, however, he couldn't control splatter so annoyingly he got some on his pristine white gloves. Thankfully he had a spare pair. He chucked his soiled pair at a passing servant, uncaring of their skittish behaviour. Flexing his hands he wrapped his gloved hands over the brass handle to the library. He walked in, closing the door behind him before bowing deeply. "Your Highness." He greeted, lifting himself to place his hands behind his back. "The vermin have been disposed of as you ordered." He assured him with a straight, unwavering look. "I apologies profusely for my tardiness. Servants are slack these days." He took a step into the room. "The party have not reported back as to the news of one of the Kralista's daughters deaths. If they do not report soon, I shall assume they are dead or incompetent." He told the Dominus.

Markus laughs at his Arbiter. His voice was low and dark. "My old friend I have every ounce of faith in our troops to kill every last Banphrionsa that exist before reaching the Kralista. She will be weakened by a broken heart more easily than wounded by any physical means. I will tend to our party. they will race forward into the lands below without rest to ensure we catch them on time...I'll be sending my shadows to protect them, my dear brother." He says with a dark smile on his lips. His eyes were focused completely on Valentine now and he had stopped pacing..."I vote we pay Vada a visit soon to ensure our livestock will be ready when we come to collect...I expect a fresh brood...I am tired of the elderly and disabled ones...I want strong men and lush women to feed from...their blood may not be aged, but it is still in good condition."

Valentine gave a quirk of a smile but it quickly disappeared, continuing to sustain his mask of blankness. "I agree, your highness, however, we have learned so far that the Kralista seems have safe guards in place that have already caught a few of our men off guard already." He told him, finding in intriguing how she managed to know their weakness and still have the element of surprise for their men, even when they got just close enough the blade would have made heads roll, but too far away that by a hairs breath their plan was short lived. The damn Banphrionsa still lived and coincidently never knowing how close they had come to death. "I would suggest your shadows do a sweep for sleeping traps." He told him. "As you wish, young, luscious bodies shall be served, of course we shall take a few of the old to keep things interesting." His eyes sparkled with mischief though his face remained calm. "The king has already sent word of rounding up supple blood of our liking, he awaits our arrival of approval." He informed Markus. "We may go whenever you wish."

Markus smirks rather coldly, "I'll be aiming to search the lands over by night so they do not sense my powers at work. I will clear the path for our final party to attack and we will deal damage to them before they even consider reaching the walls of Vada...I want Ӕldingar to remain confident that Vada is on their side. We can't have any mishaps we will take carriage by night to Vada. It will be awaiting us once we have left the mountain range. I don't need dead horse Lycans on my hands...I'll make the journey easy for them. I expect in seven days time by nightfall we will take this journey to inspect the new crop...From the farmers that work the lands here I have received word that their livestock are growing ill and are becoming malnourished. We cannot have Xuin's mortals dying out because of lack of food. When we arrive in Vada we will demand them send us mortal farmers to tend to crops. What few Witch allies we have we will need to use their magic to make a working environment for mortal crops. Our livestock need to be taken care of if we are to tend to our growing numbers, which leads to me gaining more support from the kingdoms of lesser extent and more power for myself. He syas rather coldly with a twinkle of hunger in hsi eyes. He then looks over at Valentine..."And of course power for my fellow leaders the Arbiter and Dirigeant." He adds carefully so no one dares to betray him. It was clear that his mind nor his heart were neither in pain or focused on the loss of his consort. His children mourned her death due to the spy killing her, but he remained goal focused.

Valentine's brow rose as he gave a nod of respect. "Of course. An excellent plan, your highness." He told him, remaining still. "How kind of you, your highness, but of course no mistake shall be made. I shall assure you our journey will be a smooth one." He told him. "Feeding livestock to keep livestock a descent deed of you. The ill mannered staff we have so far are by no means experts in keeping crops well and on cycle." He murmured, eyes glowing with danger. "As per usual the power is divided equally." He nodded, finding that Markus was seeking something he shouldn't. "It is nearly nightfall now, I shall have the horses prepared and the carriage awaiting to make our trip across kingdoms." He bowed. "In the meantime I shall send up a meal for you and dispose of the vermin in a proper manner. I am truly sorry we could not stop him sooner." He offered smoothly, standing straight. "I will bid you good eve and see you in an hour." He turned on his heel and went for the door, eager to get things into motion.

Markus raises a hand, "Oh and Valentine, I would require your loyalties in an upcoming....event. I would ask you to act as my advisor and my equal as you already are. Do not fall subject to a mortal's womb. I expect that our children will be plotting against me. They believe me power hungry. I only attempt to look out for what can give us advantage in our progressing kingdom. Do I have you as my confidant? I will seek out the traitors and have them punished in the Eye of Sol." He says rather coldly having no heart for even his own children or equal leaders should they dare challenge him. Only Valentine and the Dirigeant had the power to challenge him.

Valentine turned to look to the Dominus side on at his halting. "What would you have me do in this up coming event, your highness?" He asked, giving a bow of gratitude to Markus for bestowing such grand words of praise upon him. "Even if our children plot, they are far too young to know the meaning of power." He pointed out. "But of course, a mortal is mer food, nothing more, nothing less. I do not intend to fall prey to their ill manners and fowl tongues." He assured Markus, making note to have another female snag the Dominus's heart once again. If he did not have something to entertain his needs he became brash and far too annoying to handle. Valentine abruptly knelt, hand over heart and hand behind his back, bowing his head. "You have me as a humble servant, confident and advisor. I would never wish to betray such wisdom." He told Markus, taking a stand to his full height once more. "I pray I see you in an hours time." He murmured before opening the door. "Just be careful you do not fall prey to your own desires." He warned before leaving.

Markus was glad to have Valentine at his side. He was the only person he felt he could truly trust, especially if he couldn't trust his own children. His heart bled still for Serenity his beloved, but he was looking at the politics of the matter and his consort was murdered which meant one of his long lost love's sisters were to die in place of the murder. As much as MArkus could say he cared for his consort he knew better than to ever believe it something possible to love anyone other than the one that the damned Kralista stole from him. Valentine knew this and was the only one to ever see any such weakness in Markus. It was such a reason that he was so trusted. What Valentine meant by, 'Just be careful you do not fall prey to your own desires.' Could have had a double meaning in Markus's mind...did he mean the desire of his beloved or the power of which he so desperately clings to being pulled from by his own brood of offspring. It was like he was Kronos, the Greek titan of Time and his children the Olympians.

((Skip?))

((sounds good...no one will be there, but my prince maybe and your servant girl...I'll come up with something you post first this time please.))

((you pick we can skip to throne room or entrance whatever..))

((Sall good...later we can do Gabriel and Annabelle???))

{End of Scene}
[Moving onto Vada Throne Room]

Irina's pale fingers skimmed over the faded pages of a tome, though her eyes weren't on the ancient writings. Her attention, therefore her gaze, was on a small but noisy mouse running about beneath the seemingly endless shelves of the library. Specifically the way the tiny creatures feet scurried over the dust ridden floor with ease. Vampires were supposed to be the epitome of speed, of reflexes and of agility. Just watching the furry, warm blooded mammal wander around quickly as if he owned the place made her doubt everything her kind were supposed to be. At least in the fact that vampires put so much stock into themselves that it seemed ridiculous such a puny living thing could easily match their skills. Shaking her head in amusement, she deftly stood and pushed in her chair to the small table she was previously residing at. The tome started to travel back to its designated place as if someone invisible was taking care of it for her. One of the perks of telekinesis, Irina thought happily as she started to wander between the many isles of recorded knowledge.

Cameron sat in afar corner from sight and hearing as he read a book. He came here when no master desired his presence. Few entered the library and came back as far as the advanced history and magic books. He remained where he was until he heard footsteps moving closer. He quickly stood. he wasn't dressed in anything but a ragged loin cloth, but at least it was something. He was a lowly Lycan and if it was his master coming here to find him he knew he would be beaten.

Walking out past the end of an isle slowly, her eyes continuously scanning the tomes, she was surprised when she saw someone standing not far from her out of the corner of her eye. Turning to look at them, she remained silent for a moment, taking in their appearance. There was a lot to take in considering all he had on was a loin cloth. "Hello," she said in distracted voice as her thoughts raged for her attention. With her eyes finally meeting the Lycan's, she smiled at him. "Don't stand on my account. I presume you are here to read, and I'm guessing that's what you were doing before you heard me." Nodding to his book which was on on the floor beside him, she asked in an amused tone, "Thought I was someone else?"

Cameron simply nodded refusing to open his mouth before a Princesa of Xuin. she was Markus' daughter which meant power and that meant she probably was just as cold and heartless. The Dominus was bad, but for the rumors his children were worse. Cameron leaned down and picked his book up. "Sorry Madam...I shall place it back on the shelf." He said turning around to place it back." He said a bit nervously.

Shaking her head with a slight laugh, she looked at it him with a smile. She hoped to ease his evident nervousness of being around her. It was secretly one of the main reasons she wasn't around people. Everyone treated her so differently than they would if she was a commoner. It was to be expected, but it was no less irritating to her. "You don't have to call me madam. That makes me sound old... okay, well, I guess I am old. But I don't look it, so madam is unnecessary." Looking at the book he put back, she then looked back at him. "What's your name?"

((gtg shortly))

"Cameron, Princesa." He said trying to remain formal as possible with her. He was intrigued by her smile and it made him feel a bit off about her now. "I am a Lycan..." He said as if it wasn't clear. He looked her over for a moment she was by far wise and still pulling off youth for her age. "With earthly Immortals as Vampires there is no true rating in youth and elderly simply power of ancients. "He added feeling the smile was inviting to speak rather than cold and deadly.

((okay))

Irina held in a small laugh as she thought, I guess Prinsesa is one step up from madam. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Cameron," she said with a nod and a smaller smile than before. It was indeed obvious that he was a Lycan. They weren't treated very fairly in her opinion. Though they were slaves to the vampires, they were still living beings and deserved to be treated as such. "Well said. Do you come here to read often?" She asked as she glanced over at the books with a small frown. "If you do, I'd like to ask if you have any recommendations. I have only just managed to read back to this section and find myself a little lost in selection."

Cameron was frightened to admit that he read which was illegal for most slaves forbidden by their masters. He was one of those forbidden. He wasn't allowed to know their origins and history or anything of the sort. "Um, yes..I would most recommend if it is history you search for look into the years of Solum." He said moving quickly to the far aisle against the wall where a stone shelf was built into the wall full of ancient scrolls. "Here you are Princesa...This is of the beginning roots of all kingdoms. IT actually began here in this very marking of land known as Xuin. It was the kingdom of Solum when mortals and Witches lived in peace together." He said with a frown.

Seeming to be happy with his choice, she moved over to the shelf and reached her hand up to grab a scroll. Irina seemed to briefly hesitate before taking one out. Though she had had many years to master her magic, there were still times when her psychometry acted unbidden. Sometimes what she saw put her on edge. Ever since one particularly fateful day this happened, she had taken great caution in only touching things when it was absolutely necessary. The only exception was books, caused by her eagerness to gain more knowledge. "The day all the races live together in peace once again will be the day I die of natural causes," she said in an off handed tone. "Though it is not a crime to hope, thankfully enough."

Cameron rolled his eyes not wanting to feel this comfortable in front of a vampire, but he did somehow. "I don't think Vampire lived in that mix. I may not be half as old as other's, but I have read enough that before there were two races...Witches and Mortals lived side by side...Mortals grew greedy for power and Witches grew more humble. Both split up made new kingdoms and some quarrel with love created Vampires which led to the ancient kingdom of Solum being refounded." he explained rather coldly. As if the kowledge was simple emotion enough for the subject.

She laughed softly, as much at his words as to the roll of his eyes. "True enough. The race of Vampires is relatively new compared to that of the Witches, let alone Mortals. However, life is full of constant change and evolution, so just like with any battle, a conclusion will eventually be wrought." The coldness of his tone made her sigh softly. Irina didn't blame anyone who disliked her kind or saw them as monsters. Moving to sit at a near by table, she crossed her legs and moved the chair so she was still looking at him. Before she continued to speak she placed the scroll on the tabletop gently. "I am well aware of how despicable Vampires may be to other beings. To Lycans in particular, might I add. Our creation threw a spanner in the works and for that I am truly sorry. Even though I am a vampire myself, there are things we do that I don't agree with." Just because she had to drink blood in order to live, that in no way meant she was happy about it. In truth, one of the biggest reasons she became a vampire was out of persuasion of someone who was very close to her. Now that they were gone, she no longer felt the zest for being an immortal she once held. "But as for being the newest disturbance in out world, we do have a high price to pay. We are creatures of the night and are, as you would already know, extremely vulnerable during the day. So for now everything is evened out."

Cameron nodded, "Yes, well I am in no place to speak of my opinion on you or your people." He said blandly before turning his back to her and facing the shelf. Cameron didn't want to offend the daughter of the Dominus not today or any other day.

((sorry for shortness I have gtg here shortly and my brain suddenly died on me.))

Irina laughed lightly and waved her hand dismissively. "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, whether they be a ruler or a commoner. Why else would each individual have the ability to reason and decide things for themselves? If people weren't supposed to speak their mind, they would all be like puppets under the ruler of some King who wanted nothing more than a society full of rag dolls to govern over." Unrolling the scroll, she started to read it quickly, having learnt to speed read after many years of repetition.

((That's alright ^_^))

Cameron nodded lightly not abotu to state that he already felt that way abotu the three rulers of Xuin. "My Lady...not to change the subject of interest so quickly, but word has broke through the halls that a fight broke lose in the execution chambers and your younger brother Jakub was banished and possibly killed on the harsh terrain that challenges and opposes his inner element." Camerons aid rather blandly as if he was supposed to care but was unable to.

Irina didn't show much emotion at hearing his words, but one emotion she did show was amusement. It passed so quickly however that it could be taken as a person seeing things. "He is always getting himself into trouble. Thank you for telling me though. I barely ever converse with people outside of the library, so I should probably go ask my father what exactly occurred." She couldn't say she was sorry to hear what had happened, but she didn't think to believe that her brother was dead. Of all people Irina knew better than to ever underestimate Jakub.

Cameron nodded respectfully. "I understand he still remains in the Execution Chambers. I expect you will meet a new face there as well if the rumors are true. The fortress is full of secret passageways the Lycans often sue to get around more quickly. I have word from an unreliable resource that Jakub and yourself do not share the same mother only to be revealed in the chamber itself." Cameron informed her hoping this didn't displease her to not know something as Markus and Valentine often became enraged when they were not informed of something before everyone else.

"It's not much of a secret that Jakub and I were born of different mothers. This is most likely the reason that my father doesn't mind me staying out of the public light." Irina couldn't help but laugh softly as she stood up and pushed in the chair. "I think the correct term for what I am is 'accident'." Most people might consider it unusual that Irina was so okay with knowing she was unplanned and, essentially, unwanted. Frankly though she didn't care about her parents or her conception. All that was important to her was that she was alive, and since she was she may as well live her life. "Looks like I'll be reading this in my room," she added as she picked up the scroll and looked at Cameron. "It was a pleasure to meet you, and I hope to see you in here again sometime," she said sincerely before she turned to leave the library, deciding to go find out more about the current events she had just heard of.

Cameron couldn't believe what Irina was saying. She knew already when so few knew before. Jakub was the only one without the same mother as his siblings, yet she seemed so nonchalant about things. It was that sort of behaviour that put him on edge as if he were about to be punished for something. "Irina...Forgive me." He said bowing his head, "Lady Rosa...I...yes the pleasure was all mine. "He tried convincing himself when the entire time he awaited some form of punishment by her.

She seemed a little confused as to why he was apologizing, and it was clear when she stopped by the door and looked at him over her shoulder. "Cameron, you didn't do anything wrong. Therefore you don't need to apologize." Irina wondered if she should put his behavior down to how Lycans were treated. They were punished over the most minor of infractions, so she guesses it was a natural reaction for him to have. With that she seemed to almost vanish, where in reality she just took off at a fast speed to go find out where her father was.

{End Scene}
[Irina left to find Markus; Cameron remains in the Library]