Crimson Moon - Plot

[†Arisen†]

Fey nodded. She kept a hand on the wall as she walked. She could hear water running, trickling through rocks almost.

"Its down here. That other door was a fluke I bet. Just a trick incase someone tried to come down here."

After a moment, she paused, "The engravings end here. The door isn't too far. probably right in front of us. Wanna walk into it?" she giggled a little before reaching out. Yes. It was the wooden door.

"Here, help me find the handle."

[Silver]

Justin reached above her and methodicallt began feeling down the door. The wood was smooth to the touch, not worn of rotted, but as solid as the day it have been made. He wouldn't doubt that it was magic of some sort, enchanted or the like. His hand his metal, rough with rust. "This is it I think." He tried it, but it wouldn't budge. Even with his added strength it wouldn't give. the door stood strong against him.

"I think you have to open it. Figures something so simple in a place like this would be rigged." He didn't like the idea of her going through first, into whatever lay beyond, but as he had thought before, this was her adventure. He was just along for the ride.

Besides, the creature had followed them here, albeit slowly, but with purpose.

he turned his back on the door and took a few steps away. "Open it, get inside." He wasn't entirely sure if what had followed them was dangerous, but he wasn't really willing to find out at the expense of Fey's life either; the other side of that door seemed to him less dangerous. He had weighed the options and made the decision; if that chamber held the answer to Fey's curse, so be it, she probably wouldn't get hurt. But if she remained out here, waiting with him for the creature to approach, she could get hurt in the crossfire. At least from within the room she could call for his help.

[†Arisen†]

Fey nodded, reaching for the handle.

"Just don't get hurt," She whispered, pushing down on the handle, almost jumping when it opened. A soft gloden glow fell out, causing Fey to blink as her eyes struggled to adjust.

She quickly slipped inside, remebering what Justin had told her. She closed the door behind her and was shocked. It was a forest inside. She could even hear birds calling. And wolves somewhere. But, she couldn't see any of the creatures she heard.

She collasped to sit on the floor, in shock and awe.

[Phoenix Ashes]

"Nice to meet you Arsen, as for killing you lets not be hasty. Reg come over her, you should be able to but a binding spell on the poison and it will give us more time. Arsen lay down."

Reg gently bent over Arsen and pried the cloth from the wound."Gwen I'll need some of your hair."

Gwen yanked a chunk of hair and passed it to Reg. Reg spit on the hair and pressed it hard to the wound."Sorry." Reg then begins to chant a spell, her hair turning white and a physical energy could be felt vibrating the air and being focused on Arsen.

Gwen approached the bars and called over to the guard. "You know guard, you caught two vamps and a mongral."

" Hey, I resent that comment!"

"Hush, and concentrate,"whispered Gwen under her breath. "You said a werewolf was responsible for the murders. Thus why are you holding us."

"That mongral, as you call her, was seen transforming and you were found near making you possible accessories."

"I didn't do it. I know nothing of this murder!"Shouted Reg, and under her breath to Gwen "the spell is complete it should hold for a day or two, long enough to find a cure, hopefully."

Gwen then smiled and turned back to the guard.Gwen began shoutting every swear word she knew.

" Gwen"

"What"

"Who did you say was the captain of the guard."

"Jagger, why?"

"That's what I thought you said. I meet him 60 yrs ago. I was giving a lecture on the art of using scent hounds. Jagger came to my lecture, he was pretty young at the time. I don't think he'll remember Dmitri Alexanchi Korpochch but it might be a try."

"Your a genius, if Jagger remembers you we can explain and get out of here.Guard! I have a message for Jagger from Dmitri Alexanchi Korpochch, he is an old friend. I must see him at once!"

Guard: "Sure you do."sarcastically grins.

"Listen move it, if you don't at least inform Jagger he'll be very disappointted with you. What harm could a message do" batters eyes' lashes.

"I'll do it at at the end of my shift.Maybe"

"That's fine." Gwen turns and bends down to Arsen "I got the impression earlier that he might be a friend of yours, so lets hope this guard will do as asked, if not then I have other ways. Either way we'll get you out and some help. If we can't I'll kill you myself."

[†Arisen†]

Arsen sighed, "You can't get a message to Jagger right now. He's out cold. Shadow maybe, but not Jag.

"But.... Shadow would get the message first and get us out..."

Arsen was muttering plans under his breah, leaning back against one of the walls, calculating.

"So, you're Reg and Gwen, right? Thanks," He gave a small smile, "Hopefully, we can get out of this together."

[Phoenix Ashes]

"No message to Jagger, fine, but I'm not staying in this bloody cage any longer then I have to."Gwen walks over to the bars gives them a shake if they could jimmy the door up off its hinges, maybe, for there certainly was no windows and it was solid brick walls and a good two storeys below ground. Or maybe they could create enough of some sort of illusion the guards would be forced to move them. Reg would have to do most of the work, Gwen wasn't sure how her mind control would work on other vampires. The other problem was Reg had to be burnt out after having transformed and performed a spell, and for Gwen wasn't doing much better she'd have to feed soon which would drain Reg even more.

"Reg are you up to causing an illusion of fire, enough of one to drag some attention down here maybe get us moved."

"I don't know Gwen will they bother, or will they figure on letting us burn."

"Unless Arsen has an suggestions its the best I got right now."

[†Arisen†]

"I say we wait," Arsen muttered, "The londer we're here, the more chance we have of word getting out."

He sighed and closed his eyes, "Besides that, Fire won't bother them. They're trained to fear nothing. not even punishment.

"They're little more than killing machines."

[Silver]

Justin turned, placing his back flush with the door. He could hear the thump and slide of the creature coming closer. His nostrils flared, but caught no scent, not even that of Fey on the other side of the door. his skin shuddered as he swallowed down the urge to change. He wasn't sure if it would be an asset or hindrance.

In moments he was able to hear the heavy breaths of the animal, a rattling, painful sound. His head cocked and the corner of his mouth twitched. What was drawing nearer was beginning to sound more like an old man rather than a terrifying monster. As an afterthought he knocked on the door behind him.

"Fey? You might want to come out for this." Perhaps it was just some caretaker, or old member of the staff. He wouldn't be able to tell, but Fey might.

[†Arisen†]

Fey blinked when she heard the knock and pushed the door open a bit, "What is it?"

Her eyes followed where Justin was looking, "I don't recignize him. I've never been down here before..."

She watched the creature draw back into the shadows as the light from the room flooded the hall.

"It looks like hes been down here awhile.... What should we do? Leave him be?" She blinked at Justin curiously, "But, You've got to see this room! Its amazing! Its so bright...."

(Sorry its so short. I had a brainfart too. ><)

[Silver]

OOC: At least your hasn't lasted a few weeks!

BIC:

Justin shrugged one bare shoulder. He glanced back at the creature. It had reached the edge of the light pouring out from the crack, the light which illuminated Fey's face.

With a sigh at the odd goings on he turned to face the stranger.

"Who are you?" He stood before Fey, allowing her to see, but effectively blocking her from the creature.

The creature retreated another step. A rusty sounding voice emerged from the unseen voice box.

"I came only to see her returned." The voice sounded unused and awkward, as though it wasn't meant to speak. To Justin's ears it sounded like his own when he spoke in his wolf form.

"Who are you?" Justin took a step forward, his eyes adjusting to the slight advantage the lights gave him.

"No one." The thing, male, went to jump back, but seemed to have misjudged, and tried to put weight on his bad leg. He stumbled, caught himself, then hobbled back farther.

Justin cleared the distance in a moment, his vampiric speed aiding him once more. He clutched at an arm, covered in a scentless skin. He pulled the creature forward into the light, and nearly swore at what was revealed to his eyes.

The creature's arm had come up to shield his face, whether from the light or to protect his identity Justin could not tell.

From the waist down his legs were bent, their shape lupine. He balanced on large paws, equipped with dewclaws, his coat a silvery gray. A tail was curved up between his legs, covering his sex. His left leg was hanging near useless, the knee looking as though he had once torn a cruciate that had not been repaired.

"Please," the gruff voiced pleaded. "Please let me go."

Justin loosened his grip but did not release him. "You have not answered my question." He looked back at Fey. "What shall I do with him?"

[†Arisen†]

Fey blinked, sliding out of the door, but leaving it open.

"If he lets you go, will you tell us your name?" Fey asked after a moment of thinking.

"..." It was silent for a moment, "And if you close the door."

Fey glanced at Justin, "All right."

She reached back behind her, pulling the door closed just enough to leave a sliver of light pouring out.

"Thank you," The creature sighed.

"Your name?"

"C-can you have him let go...?" It muttered quietly as though he didn't want to be heard.

"Justin..." Fey muttered, "Should we?"

(Ah, very good point.)

[Silver]

Justin shrugged. "He isn't going anywhere fast with that stump." He slowly let go, his hand hovering in case the thing tried to make a break for it.

The creature lowered his other arm. Pale gray eyes looked around him, latching onto Fey's face. "You look the spitting image." He had dark shaggy hair, not completely unkempt, but wild. His face was strong, the cheekbones low, a cleft in his chin. He seemed afraid, but not of Justin, more of discovery of secrets. His eyes were warm as they looked upon Fey.

Justin decided to ignore his remark. "A name. You owe us a name." His arms were akimbo, his face stern.

The creatures right nostril twitched in irritation. "Names are but a label given by humans at birth, they have no meaning other than identification to the mortal race."

Justin rolled his eyes. "Humour me or deal with a pair of useless legs." He crunched a knuckle to accentuate the point.

"Pharen." He tossed his head and Justin could suddenly see that he was not as old as he seemed at first, just the encumbrance of his leg and lack of practice with his voice had made him seem older. He could be no more than thirty.

[†Arisen†]

Fey blinked, confused with what Pharen said.

"What are you doing down here?" She asked quietly.

"Wandering, exploring. Lurking under the ciry.Hunting."

"Hunting...? For what...? And you said I looked like somne, who?" Fey pressed, moving ccloser behind Justin, as though she was afraid of Pharen's answer.

"I am just hunting for what has been lost," Pharne said simply.

"Why wont you stop answering in rhymes?"

"Isn't life a ryhme?"

"Well, can't you at leaset tell me who I look like then--without the ryhme?" Fey muttered hopefully.

[Silver]

OOC: Alucard hassled the Hoff.... lmao

This is going to be a short post too >_<

BIC:

Pharen looked away from her. "Not my place. May I go now?" He looked to Justin instead, who in turn looked to Fey, one eyebrow quirked. "My leg cannot take much more." He was standing with the majority of his weight resting on his good leg, and it was beginning to tremble.

"How badly do you want to know?" Justin directed his question to Fey while looking at Pharen.

[†Arisen†]

(I love that thing. It changes all the time. XD Thats where I got the Manslaughter one. LMAO)

"I-I'm not sure... but... if he seems to know me...

"Pharen, were you in my pack? Uhm... I think they called it something like Brate.... I can't remember," Fey sighed.

(Yes, I stole that name from my new story. ><)

He blinked at her, "Cira and Linx were the Alphas...?"

"...I can't remember...." She muttered hoplessly.

"Then I cannot tell you," Pharen said simply. Fey whined.

"Why not? Please tell me," She begged.

(I think mine was short too... And I'm listening to Skynyrd's 'Saturday Night Special'.)

[Silver]

Justin threw his hands up in the air. "This is pointless. Fey, continue through the door to God knows what on the other side. Pharen, limp away, you are of apparently no use to her." He motioned towards the darkness beyond the little light from ehind the door. "GIT!"

Pharen quirked a smile for the first time and slowly began the process of turning around and heading back the way he came. "Find me when you remember, pup." With that the gloom swallowed him back up, like the arms of a lover encircling their paramour.

Justin listened to the thump and drag of his limp for a moment, before turning back to Fey. "One adventure at a time, young lady. No get ye hence through the damn door!" He was quickly growing impatient with this escapade. He'd come for a bit of a thrill, and this was quickly turning dull. If all that was on the other side of the door was a bloody meadow or something, he was going to be righteously pissed. His feet were beginning to feel numb from the stone floor as well. He wanted to turn wolf and head back to bed, but he might as well finish this or it would bother him. That was the only reason why, he assured himself.

[†Arisen†]

Fey squeaked before sliding back through the door.

"I'm going Justin," Fey called, "I'm just...not sure what to look for..."

She sighed, glancing around the room, "Let me think...."

She crouched down, closing her eyes in thought. Random shapes came to her, a chair, cauldron, bookshelf, and a door.

"Wait a minute..." She muttered opening her eyes and standing. She walked over to the wall to her left, running her fingers along the wall untill she found a handle and pulled a door open.

Inside was a single chair, a cauldron and a bookshelf.

"I think I found it," She breathed quietly. She stepped inside the room, running her fingers along the spines of the books on the bookshelf.

She sighed, "Now what...?

"Please don't tell me its some kind of magice spell or something...."

She sat in the chair, holding her face in one hand and started thinking.

A bright light. Chains rattling.

She sighed and opened her eyes, "Think, Fey. Think. What would you have to do?"

[Phoenix Ashes]

Gwen hated being trapped, she'd been trapped in her last relationship. She was not going to be trapped in a cell now. Sure Reg was here, and tall dark and handsome. She wasn't into guys right now though, for one thing he was too old and troubled. He's right up Reg's alley though. She might be might be encouraged to have some fun. But for the matter at hand, how to get out of the blasted cell. It like it was down to her. Gwen began pacing across the cell door again.

Being stuck in the goal allowed Gwen's mind to wander. She began to dream of her days as a youth wandering the hills of Wales. Her favourite memory was that of laying on a hill. A thunderstorm blowing in, as it came just above her the clouds parted and the sun spilled out. Bathing her in warm, light, this lasted a mere few seconds but Gwen thought to herself this must be what the heavens are like for the gods. Gwen then remembered she would likely not feel something like that again, but at least she would always have he memory.

Reg was exhausted from the spell and memories flashed in front of her. Families she had had, farms, homes, siblings, on and on. None seemed to be of a practical nature to their current situation. What had drawn her to this Arsen character? Most times when she was spooked, she'd merely find a secluded place to hide, but this time, she was drawn to him. It wasn't a physical attraction but a mental attraction, did he hold answers for her or did she hold answers for him.

[Edit: It's not her fault your charrie's name is so darn close to yours! :-p ~Silver]

[†Arisen†]

(His name is Arsen. xD)

Arsen paced to the front of the cell suddenly, reaching through the bars to touch the lock.

After a moment, he crouched down to look up at it.

"Either of you have a pin or something? I think I could get this unlocked," He pulled his wet shirt from his chest, trying to keep it from sticking to him. He turned to look at the hinges as well.

"I remember helping build these..." He murmured, "Theres a way out, a trap door I think."

[Silver]

Justin's back slid down the wall as he sank to the floor. He sighs and rested his elbows on his bent knees as he listened to Fey mumbled to herself within the room. His eyes were half-closed, his ears listening for any disturbance. All that he could hear was the silence of the entombing stone around him.

He began to wonder about the history of Fey that could be concealed in such an ordinary looking room. True the area surrounding it was nothing short of Medieval history, other than the construction of the building it could not be far removed from any other sort of mansion.

Time passed slowly here, and eventually his eyes drifted shut, resisting his attempts to force them open. His head slumped forward, like the head of a puppet whose string has been snapped.

His last thought was how odd it was that his nose was itching wheh he was so tired...

[OOC: Yeah, I know, kinda crappy for a post after such a long break, but well.. I'm trying to give us a new angle here... don't ask me what though...]

[†Arisen†]

(I had an idea, but I've completely forgotten how I worded it. xP)(I think I remembered!... Kinda...)

Fey sighed and put the book back on the shelf and walked back out into the grassy room. She stood there for a moment before she saw some movement amoung the bushes.

Then, a pair of eyes were staring back at her as a wolf walked out.

Fey blanched and took a step back, causing the wolf to pause. Then, it took a step forward again. It wagged its tail in a friendly manner, causing her to stop.

"J-Justin....?" She muttered. She carefully took a step back, where the wolf puased.

It went on like this untill Fey was back against the exit door, the wolf nosing her hand gently whimpering a bit it's tail still wagging.

[Silver]

Aidriana stood over Justin, watching her pet sleep. Gone were her usual bangles and silks, in there place was the resplendent gown of a courtier. Rich red muslin hugged her form, the skirt barely brushing the tops of her polished shoes. Pearl earrings dangled silenly from her ears and a matching cord of the sea gems laced around her throat.

She was glad she still had the power to make him sleep, it had aided her in the past and she was not sure if she could wield it over him in the present; thankfully her magic had not failed her.

She brushed a lock of hair off his face before motioning to the guards in the shadows behind her. They stepped forward, their faces solemn and still as they lifted him up and began to take him away.

"To my chambers, if you please." SHe deftly waved them away as she examined the door before her. The king had asked her to come and claim her pet before he felt fit to removing him himself. Justin may not adore her, but he was one of her favourites. And the girl behind this door held some meaning to him, although what she could not fathom. She was a mortal, of no great beauty or wit asfar as she could see, but something kept him near her. This would require investigating.

[†Arisen†]

Fey was sitting on the ground, the wolf curled up in her lap, sleeping. She wanted to get up and go outside, but she was too afriad to move.

She sighed and sat there, petting the wolf idly.

"Justin," She whined softly.

(Its shitty because my comp died and I'm at the school typing this. ><)

[Phoenix Ashes]

(I'm sorry if I misspell characters' names, if I make any sense at all when I write it's a miracle. I'll try to copy and paste from now on.)

"What do I look like a pin cushion? No, but Reg should be able to conjure up one give us a second.Can you do it ?"asked Gwen.

" I need a metal object."

Gwen fished around in her pockets and dropped a few coins in Reg's outstretched hand. Reg gently stroked the coins copper and silver, still warm from Gwen's pocket. She began to visualize hatpins and hairpins, better to give Arsen a variety of sizes, and she began to chant the spell silently. The coins slowly lifted and began to spin counteer clockwise, gaining speed. Some began to fuse, others melted and stretched. They then began to take shape as hatpins and hairpins, when finished they floated gently and softly down into her palm. Reg got up slowly and walked over to Arsen, she placed the pile of pins into his hand.

"I hope that helps, they will only last for about half an hour. After that they will turn back to coins." Reg then collapsed down beside Gwen. Gwen nestled Reg close to her and wrapped a protective arm around her, and stroked her hair gently.

"Don't worry Reg we will be out of here shortly. If Arsen helped build the dungeon he is probably the worst person to lock up in it. He will get us out." I hope, thought Gwen to herself.

"If she can conjure up pins, why couldn't she conjure up the key?" Asked Arsen, exasperation in his voice.

"Simple," answered Gwen, patience waning "a lock is individual and complicated. To create a key she would need to see the inside of the lock, for she must be able to visualize what she conjures up. Which in our current situation is difficult. So before she uses anymore energy, please pick that lock."

[†Arisen†]

(Don't worry about it. Its no biggie. ^^)

"Fine, Fine, I'm working," Arsen sighed, crouching by the door and started working at the lock. It took him about ten minutes then, "--Got it!"

The door swung open, "Lets get out of here. If we come across the gaurds, don't let the knives hit you--there's a poison on them that can kill anything."

He stepped out quietly, listening, "The gaurds seem to be off-duty too.... We should be able to get out fairly easy."

[Phoenix Ashes]

"Good, lead the way since you appear to be familiar with this place." said Gwen, as she threw Reg gently over her shoulder, for Reg was by now completely unconscious. "If you don't mind me asking, what were you doing in that clearing? I figured with what happened in the court you would have gotten as far from the court as possible." She paused expectantly, but when he didn't answer, continued. "Also, what is about you that has got Reg so contemplative? It's like she's met you before. I mean, yeah she's probably on her tenth life, but she usually doesn't go running up to people when she has had one of her freak out sessions. So impart some of your mysterious background to an impartial listener."

[†Arisen†]

"They think I'm the first vampire," He shrugged, "I can't remember more than the past 70 years. Before this, I was just killing the houses I lived in. lets get out of here. I hate it down here."

He stepped quietly through the dungeons, leading them through everything, the empty crates, the others calling out to them through the bars in the cages.

[Phoenix Ashes]

" Well, my suggestion is once Reg has more strength probe her memories. She has a few hundred years worth of memories from a variety of different lives. She may be able to give you more information and I'll just act like a sieve. Lets first get out and have a bite to eat. You surely know some good hunting grounds outside the town."

Gwen shifted Reg carefully from one shoulder to the other trying to keep out of the reach of the crates.The minds though she reached for, she couldn't resist. The weaker ones she feed off their minds with such ease. she would burn through their energy fast but it didn't matter she was starved. Some she fed too much as she passed their cells and she saw them fall back to the floor.She moved faster past. Hoping Arsen had not noticed. The one bonus was that the other inmates were becoming more quiet.

[†Arisen†]

Arsen nodded, "yes, but I'm fine with not knowing. its safer that way for me."

Arsen quietly led them through the dungeon, "We can leave through the maids quaters."

He sighed and continued to lead them on, "The exits over here. The gaurds seem to be gambling or something. If were lucky, they're gambling witht ht emaids."

[Silver]

When Justin awoke his body immediately told him it was sore and stiff, the muscles crying out as he tried to move -- and failed. His arms were bound, the warm metal not noticeable to him at first, but increasingly irritating as they limited his movement. A growl rumbled through his chest as he glared at them angrily, trying to flex his arm. They wouldn't give.

"Magic." He snarled the word and cast a glance about him. He knew only one person who would want to use magic on him, and how stupid was he not to realize she was here? "Aidriana! Where the fuck are you hiding?" He pulled himself up as much as possible on the bed, his shoulders aching from the strain. Pillows and comforters lay beneath him, rumpled and disorderly; he couldn't tell how long he had been out. "Come out you old hag, I know you're here somewhere."

"For once in your life Justin, can't you keep a civil tongue in your head?" Aidriana's skirts rustled gently as she stepped towards the bedside. "I've done you no harm --"

"Except chain me to a bed." He quirked an eyebrow at her. At least he was still dressed - well, as dressed as he'd ever been.

She shrugged one pale shoulder, no remorse or embarrassment apparent on her face. "One does what one must."

"Why must one do anything?" He let his head fall back to give his shoulders a rest. If she was going to release him she would have done it by now.

"Because you are causing trouble, and it was either leash you or sacrifice you to the wolves." She looked at him with her cold eyes, no amusement, no candor. Truth, her eyes said.

His brow wrinkled. "What do you mean?"

"That girl you were with, she is trouble. His Highness was not pleased to learn of her."

That made him sit up again, the chains snapping his wrist back as he tried to extend their reach. "What do you mean? How'd he find out? I thought he was busy?"

Her laugh was light and soft. "A king is never too busy to know his own court."

Justin growled again, his eyes flashing. "Speak plainly, sorceress. What's going on? Where is Fey?" He badly wanted to stand up, to force her to tell him; not that he ever could. She would have him flush against the wall in mere seconds.

She laughed again, before turning her back and heading towards the door. "All shall be revealed."