Darius Nikostratos

Subject: Darius Nikostratos Fri May 15, 2009 11:52 am

I wasn't sure where to post this... so figure this would be a good place to start and you could move if you so desired...

As the council of vampire elders convened for the meeting of Justice, a meeting called to decide what to do about the power that had come to their attention lately, the upstart Lycan At War clan and now a second clan had sprung into existence, Cromwell Lycan At War!

The council consisted of 13 elders, no one knew the age of these venerable vampires, some said they had arrived here from a different universe, it was whispered they were the beginning of all evil that existed within the folds of the Lunar Empire, however this was all just speculation, stories passed down for centuries.

The room was stark, hidden well below the town of Derabasil in the heart of Vampire lands, above in the small manor house were the familiars, large dogs and human slaves to alert and protect their masters. A long table with three chairs sat facing the door, a semi-circular table with ten chairs sat facing it. Behind the long table stood thirteen banners representing each council member.

As the meeting was called to order, at the center of the long table sat Isfet, she had no other name, she was High Councilor. Having come to the vampire lands from Egypt, she was the oldest and wisest of the elders, to her right sat Carys Llewellyn, War Minister and elder from the heart of Wales, it was purported he single handedly slaughtered his home village on the night of his turning, To her left sat Darius Nikostratos, liaison to the royal court in London. Having come to the vampire lands from Greece, Darius possessed the power of persuasion, and could sway almost anyone with just a light touch or whisper, He was deadly and ruthless in his pursuit to wipe the abhorred Werewolf from existence.

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Fri May 15, 2009 12:48 pm

Isfet began, "My brothers and sisters, I've called this meeting to discuss a matter that can no longer go unattended." She surveyed the room to see if she had everyone's attention. "We have long been plagued by this monstrosity know as Werewolf, a scourge of nature, created by the gods to toy with us, our eternal punishment for daring to become as gods ourselves!" There was a mummer about the room, this was the a common belief among the elders "It has recently come to light that there is a clan of Werewolves coming into extraordinary power. Lycan At War." Another mummer about the room, "The master of this clan, Gloomfang The Devourer, has become a thorn in our side!"

Carys leapt to his feet and declared, "We should march on this clan Lycan At War and eradicate them from existence!" Again mummers were heard about the room, "Calm yourself Carys, we marched on them once before at the battle of the Monolith, we were beaten, but not before we killed his mate." Sonja, the youngest among the elders, stood "If I may interject here Isfet, we have heard the Baroness Acacia was brought back by Gloomfang with the help of the Grotto Witches." Angry mummers were now heard about the room, "She now resides not at his side, but at the old Cromwell Manor and has begun a training clan for her Master, Cromwell Lycan At War, and as we speak her power doubles by the hour!"

While all this was transpiring, Darius sat as if lost in thought, only his glowing eyes betrayed this emotions at the news of Acacia being alive.

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Fri May 15, 2009 10:09 pm

A very intriguing story so far, milady. I like the idea of pursuing the fallout from your resurrection; I guess we made the vamps mad. Wink

As to where this thread should go, I suppose it depends on its ultimate destination. If it's intended for official history, it should probably go in the "Whispered Tales, Discordant Myths" sub-forum. If, on the other hand, it's meant as something purely for fun, it can stay where it is.

Awaiting your next chapter with interest,
GF

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Sat May 16, 2009 12:56 am

This will become part of the lore of Tower Crag and the calns Lycan At War & Cromwell Lycan At War... so my love move it were you willl... this story definately has a wicked twist...

As Always...
Needing Your Dark Touch...
LA

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Sat May 16, 2009 1:15 am

Your wish is my command, milady. Wink

Now that I think of it, you may be able to move threads as well; feel free to try it out if you wish.

Wicked twists are always good. Please share! Smile

Eager growls from the Granite Throne,
GF

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Sat May 16, 2009 2:13 am

Thank you My Lord... it was a success... I've also fixed my avatar showing my new Armour... Thank you for your help aquiring this...

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Sun May 17, 2009 5:23 pm

He tried to remember the events that lead up to the day he died.

A junior statesman delegated to Athens, yes that was it. He was in his second year of the senate, and making quite the stir among the elder statesman. The question was being asked all about Athens, "Who was this Darius Nikostratos and where did he come from?"

"Where did I come from? It has been centuries!"

He came from one of the finest families in Greece, near the Aropolis Peninsula, his family made the finest of wines. Darius was following in his father's footsteps, he study in Rome and came back to Greece to run the winery. With his father's urging he took a seat on the town council and was then appointed to the senate in Athens, all by the time he was 25 years old.

Darius was well liked among his peers, and ever sought after by the ladies. Tall and willowy with dark smoldering eyes and dark brown hair, yet almost aquiline features, his build belied a strength none would have guessed, and an intelligence most disregarded. He was also wiser than his youth suggested, and knew of his father's enemies, that had now become his as well.

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Sun May 17, 2009 5:51 pm

"Darius! What have you to say about this?" He shook his head to clear his mind, what was he doing here? Oh yes! The Lycan At War Clan.

"Forgive me I seem to have wander a bit, this is all old ground we have covered." Carys seemed to hiss, " And you still have not given us your opinion on this matter," he took a breath and looked about the room, his audience was primed, "What does the court in London say?"

Looking about the room he noticed the large dog lying in the corner and felt a start, was his brother's spies here?

"London thinks we should wait for the time being, it's true this particular clan seems to be gaining in strength and reputation, but they are still small, and members seem to come and go with just a few remaining loyal." He was concerned, but did not want to alarm the council, things were not good in London, but he wasn't ready to discuss that just yet, there was still time.

"And what of this new development with the Lady Acacia? Does London know of this as well?" Mummers filled the room as Darius rose and faced Carys, "My dear Carys, of course London knows" the lie seemed to roll off his tongue with ease. The animal in the corner seemed to stir. "As I said London would have us wait, they do not relish an all out war at this moment." He turned to the room and silence prevailed, "The humans are about to coronate the new Queen, would that we move on this clan or for that matter any other clan at the moment could mean a declaration of outright war."

Isfet slowly rose looking at Darius, "you will go to court, once the new queen has been crowned, you will have council with her aids, then return to us with your report." Darius smiled, " As you wish, I'll leave at dusk." She turned to Carys, "You will spread the word that war is on the wind, to have all clans ready to do battle, you will await my summons." With a deep bow, "your will My Lady!" Carys then strode from the room Darius note the animal was no longer in the room, his brow arched as he thought "Was that Carys' familiar?" She turned to the room, "You will all go and gather what information you can, once Darius returns from court, I will call another meeting, until that time, individual skirmishes are still allowed, We don't want those filthy wolves thinking we are scared of them." With that the council meeting was over.

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Sun May 17, 2009 10:58 pm

Things are about to come to a head, it would appear. Hmmm...

A good start so far, LA! Why do I get the feeling that Darius has his own agenda, quite apart from the Council's? And how will Lycan at War handle this new threat? One thing Gloomfang is not good at is politics! Lol.

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Sun May 17, 2009 11:14 pm

do you like the way he's slipping back intime while other events are taking place around him? you're gonna like what's going to happen my love...

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Sun May 24, 2009 8:11 pm

As Darius prepared to leave the room, Isfet spoke, "Darius. What of the Lady Acacia?" Darius seem to stiffen with her words. "What would you have me say? I knew not she had been brought back! You most of all should know what this means to me!" The councilor sighed. "then you still Love Her?" Darius Swung towards Isfet blood in his eyes, a rage like she had never seen emanated from him as his shout shook the beams above their heads, "SHE WAS TO BE MY WIFE!" Isfet was taken aback, she had never seen such rage in this wise and usually placid Vampire. Darius had always been the calming effect to Carys' mental break downs, yet the sight of him in such rage tore at her heart, she could not bear his pain over that filthy beast! "What can I do to help ease this pain I see?" She reached to touch his arm. Darius hissed at her, "You are no better than those WITCHES! You are the one who plotted with the Gypsies to turn her before it was ordained!" Isfet drew back in alarm, she was much older but she knew his strength, and she was no match. "I was protecting you." He bare his fangs at her and again hissed, "I need not your kind of protection! If it were no for the laws of our people I would myself tear you to pieces and offer you to the Lady & her kin as a peace offering. So be careful who you try to protect in the future!" Darius whirled and stormed from the room. Isfet collapsed into her chair still shaken from the venom in Darius' voice. She had no doubt that he would follow through with his threat should he find her meddling again.

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Sun May 24, 2009 11:23 pm

Darius went to his home to begin packing for his trip to London, he had not been at court for six months. He sent a missive by courier to his servants that he would arrive within the week and to have the townhouse opened and ready for his arrival, a second was sent to Adella Hawthorn, one of the soon to be Queen's ladies in waiting, and one of His Children, he was returning and to make sure he had an invitation to the coronation. One the befitted is station at court, after all her was a Count.

He ordered the coach to be ready for the trip to London within the hour, and taking no chances, for he had to travel through the Wolf Lands to reach the Human Empire. His coach had but one window at the very top, both doors were solid and banded with iron. He would be traveling through that accursed land in the light of day with a dozen armored knights escorting him, he felt safe enough.

The coach was loaded and as Darius mounted the steps to enter the open door, he noticed the large dog again. This was odd, Darius choose not to have a familiar, he hired his guards, and domestic staff, he wanted no one near who wanted the gift of immortality, he had turned many when he was younger, but after Acacia had been stolen from him, he shunned those who wanted this gift. GIFT, HA! Twas more a Curse than ever a gift! He hunted far from his home, and never brought one back to play with, He'd done that all when he was younger. Now he hunted to keep the hunger at bay, or to Kill the Werewolves he found running alone. He had not reached this age by being foolish.

As he closed the door to the carriage and settled in for the long ride, he tapped the top of the coach to signal he was ready. The coach lurched into motion, Darius settled back into the coach for the long ride, he would make the entire trip in the coach.

He remover a miniature portrait from the inside pocket of his coat, framed with an intricate pattern of solid gold and encrusted with diamonds and sapphires. The young woman in the picture had dark auburn hair that flowed down her back in a riot of curls, crystal blue eyes twinkle out from a face of such beauty and a smile so sweet and innocent. As he stared at the picture his mind wandered.

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Mon May 25, 2009 8:09 pm

"Darius! Darius!" The boy running through the halls of the senate was shouting at him, "Darius, word has come from your home, there has been an attack!" Darius whirled and grabbed the boy by his shoulders, "What are you talking about? An attack where and by whom?" The boy still panting trying to catch his breath handed a letter to Darius, he recognized his mother's handwriting and the family seal. He handed the boy a coin and went to the rooms he kept when he was in Athens attending to government business.

Darius poured a glass of wine and sat down to read his mother's missive, he had a feeling of foreboding as he opened the letter,

"My Dear Darius,
I'm writing this letter to you with the saddest of news. The farm was attacked three nights ago by a coven of Vampires. Your father was killed, your sister and brother are both missing, and I fear for my life. Please return posthaste, and bring the mighty Army of Athens with you.
Please son I don't think I'll last much longer"

Your Loving Mother

Darius slammed a fist on table and called to the page outside his door, as he scribbled a quick note and placed his seal upon it, "Take this to Marcus, do not wait for an answer, I will not be far behind you!" he handed the note to the boy, "Now go as fast as you can!" He called out to another boy, "Have the stable master saddle my horse, I leave for home this night." He threw a few things in a bag, strapped on his sword and headed to the main hall to talk to Marcus Maysok, Captain of the Imperial Guard and his good friend.

Marcus had seen Darius the moment he arrived at the main hall, there was no denying the man was in a rage, he met him half way, "Darius I will do as you ask, but it will take me a minimum of two days to arrange everything." "Marcus, if you can do this any faster I beg of you to do so! I leave now. I need to know you will not be far behind me!" Marcus grabbed Darius by the shoulders, "I will push this as fast as I can, but it does take time. We will march as soon as I can get the men assembled. That is my promise to you" The men embraced and Marcus headed towards the barracks to assemble the men and prepare for battle. Darius head towards the stable.

Subject: Re: Darius Nikostratos Tue May 26, 2009 10:29 pm

The coach lurched to a stop, bringing Darius out of his thoughts. The driver tapped on the top of the coach, he opened the window, "What is it? Why Have we stopped?" "Begging your pardon my Lord, It is dawn, we need to feed, water and rest the horses for a few hours. We have another day before we reach the Werewolf Lands." Darius released his breath, "Very well, we'll stop at the next inn. You can attended to their needs. We'll resume the journey at dusk." With a nod, "Very good My Lord, I'll alert you once we arrive." The driver closed the window and the coach resumed its rocking motion.

Darius settled back into the cushion, he was hungry, he had not hunted for 3 days now and was feeling the pains. He detested the custom of keeping human slaves to feed upon whenever he felt like it, it was a barbaric custom. He preferred the challenge of a true hunt, something other than the those frail humans, they presented no challenge for him. The true challenge was a Lycanthrope! Yet that was not what he truly wished to hunt lately, werewolves were beginning to leave a bitter taste in his mouth. He lusted for his own kind, yet he knew the laws, to take the life of a vampire was to bring one back to the race and he would never again turn another into the monstrosity that he was! NEVER AGAIN!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He rode hard for two days, stopping only long enough to rest his horse and take what substance he could find along the road.

He could see smoke rising in the distance, the tendons in his neck bulged as he clenched his teeth and spurred his horse forward, "Please Dear God don't let me be too late!"

The fields were a blaze, the distillery also, but the main house still stood untouched. Darius leapt from the horse as he entered the courtyard, running through the house shouting for his mother.

Blood, that's all he could see, it was everywhere, but there were no bodies, just blood! Darius felt as though a winter draft had passed through him, he turned to the window, he felt a pain at the back of his skull and then darkness.

Two days later Marcus arrived with his army, What they saw cause men to evoke the names of the gods and pray... There was nothing but blackness.