Palace of Asyut

[Raphael Augustus]

Once belong to the former king of Asyut, who has long since left, more than 100 years ago, it was taken over by the illustrious Augustus Guild. Now in the throne room, Raphael sits in the giant chair of the former king. While one might expect it to look like a tomb, it does not. Instead it looks like the grand hall of any wealthy king. With the windows neatly polished, and the Blackguard constantly protecting it's borders with the city, it likes like Raphael is the true king of the city, which many there truly believe.

When entering inward, one must first cross the Guard, these men are Soldier Elite, taken from the best guilds, and given a large payroll for their service, and after them is the Blackguard, and unit of assassins who have been serving the Guild since it's formation. While mainly vampires and dark elves, humans are also noted to be among them.

After a long walk into the main build. You must then proceed up a long flight of stairs. These stair then bring you to the main throne room, where Raphael sits. Never fearing assassination, he is generally desplayed, along with several court women. These women are nothing more than slaves, captured from surrounding territories. Some are princess, while others are just peasents.

[Raven Von Winter]

*Land of the vampires they said, land of a million vampires. Raven laughed, she only sensed a couple hundred here, not that it mattered though. She wasnt interested in them, they wouldnt be a match for her, save one, Raphael Alucard Augustus. She's heard praise of him throughout the lands, so much that she needed to see him in person. She needed to prove that she could take him.*

*She rode into Asyut with only a few possesions which included her beautiful jet black Egyptian Arabian mare, Khartal Nadira, and her pet Raven named Death. When they apporached the iron gates of the city, Raven dismounted her horse, and, using her vampiric strength, ripped the gate from its hinges. Raphael needed to know that she was not a force he wanted to mess with. She climbed back on Khartal and rode into the city.*

*Once she made it to the Palace she tied Khartal outside and let Death watch the sky's keeping lookout, while she descended the steps to the large door. She was met by one of Raphaels human servents who was foolish enough to open his mouth. Slowly, Raven turned to look at the pitiful human with glowing red eyes. Before he could run, she had her fangs sunk into his neck and his life was in her hands. It was disrespectful to hunt without first getting permission of the vampire whos territory you are on, but Raven was doing it on purpose, she wanted to see Raphaels reaction. She was provoking him on the steps to his own Palace.*

*Before she had drained the human of blood, she let him go. He may survive, he may not, but she didnt kill him outright. She wiped her lips, and her eyes faded back to black before she swung the heavy door to the palace open.*

*Her plan was to march straight to the Dark Prince, but when she walked through the doors, her plan was foiled. Raphael had to many guards for her to fight her way through. Even though she was over 2000 years old, she could still be killed, and this was not her prefered way of death. So instead, she tilted her head and her red lips smiled seductfully at all the male guards. She was wearing her red satin dress, and silky black hair hung graceully below her shoulders. Being a temptress worked charms for her. As the guards stared in awe, she demanded to be let through. She shocked them all with her dominance which came in a small, beautiful body.*

"Take me to the Dark Prince."

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael had been walking down the narrow passage way, as he came upon his palace, only to see one of his human servants, at least... he assumed it was his, torn to shreads by a female vampire. He watched, ever so curiously as she devoured the moronic man. Humans... Raphael still continued his watchful eye, yet he knew she would be unable to see him, as his cloak was covering his entire body, and thus invisible.

After she was done, she marched into the palace, and Raphael again followed, and when he was half way up the stairs, he heard her issue a demand to meet him. Forceful, he liked that in a woman, granted, those types ended up dead. He always wondered why. He shook his head though, getting such trival thoughts out, and focusing on the matter at hand.

Pulling the hood of the cloak down, he became visable again, as the magic in the thing faded away. Granted, the back of the cloak was slighty invisible as it always was, vanishing in and out. He made sure his broadsword was tucked in place, and his dagger under that. With a nod of his head, he entered. Most of the guards, he had noticed, were starting to pull out their swords, but Raphael waved them away.

He was still behind the woman, yet he was unsure if she noticed him, he did have an aura around himself, he would admit. But then again, being a Scorned One would do that. With his right hand resting on his sword and dagger, on the left side of his body, he waved his left hand at the vamperess.

"So tell me, m'lady, who might you be, that would boldly walk into a room and demand the host?"

[Raven Von Winter]

*Raven spun around at the sound of a man's voice, pulling her sword from its spine sheath and pointing it at him. No one ever snuck up on her, her senses didnt allow it. But this man did, and Raven was furious. He just stood there, watching, and didnt even flinch when she drew her sword on him, which made her even more angry. Her eyes changed from black to red in an instant, and she hissed at him. Power emanated from her body with her strong emotions. She was visually upset, and stalked towards him. Once her power touched him, she instantly knew who this was, the very man that she came here to meet. She cursed herself for not knowing sooner, but her rage had clouded her vision. She narrowed her eyes and spoke.*

"I am Deianeira of Babylon, more commonly known as Raven Von Winter in this age."

*She let her sword arm drop, and shoved a finger into his chest.*

"Dont you ever do that to me again."

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael chuckled in his hand, then glanced at the sword. He simply pushed it away with his hand, and kept walking, however, his body was more than ready to roll should the woman decided to act even more like an impulsive creature. His guards once again started to draw their weapons, this time Raphael meerly stared at them, and they quickly fell back into postion.

"Forgive me m'lady Von Winter, I meant no offense, nor did I wish to 'ruffle' your feathers." He said, with a sweeping bow. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Raphael Alucarde Augustus, leader of the Augustus Guild, a ruler of this small palace."

Walking a little ways away from Raven, he turned slightly so that she could see his gray eyes. His smile was tight, yet it showed that he was taking it all in with a gusto. Though he truly did wonder why this woman was here, though he hide that well. His swords swayed gracfully under his dark cloak, and his white lace gloves were now brought before his face. His white hair seemed to spill around his back, and he looked as though he was perfecting a move.

"Now, what grace has the Creator decided to bless us with? Or were you simply coming for the sake of coming?"

[Raven Von Winter]

*Raven had originally come to Asyut to meet the Dark Prince, the one whom she heard rivaled her powers. She wanted to make sure he knew that she was the most powerful vampire, but his little trick had shaken her. When she touched his aura, she sensed his strength. She was the oldest vampire in the world, but his power made her think otherwise. She realized that he would make a better ally than enemy.*

*Raven glanced around at all of the guards, eager to rush her. Raphael had told them no twice, she worried if she kept up her rude and dominant ways, he wouldnt stop them a third time. He had been nothing but courtous to her, maybe she should return the favor, being its was his castle and all. She sheathed her sword and felt some of her anger slip away. When she looked back at Raphael to speak, the blaze in her eyes was gone.*

"I have traveled from a land that many people do not even know exist, just to see if the stories I've heard were true. It's been said you have taken on the Demon King, and killed a dragon, along with other great feats. If this is true, I pledge my loyalty to you. Not only do I believe you would be a great ally, I fear having you as an enemy. Our powers rival the other, and I do not wish to see the outcome."

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael spun, this time, his face was now pointed towards Raven, he clasped his hands behind his back, and his eyes became narrow. His smile was now gone, and for a moment he appeared deep in thought. Raphael knew to pick his words carefully, and yet, it seemed odd for this woman to come in and demand an alliance. He studied each inch of her, trying to decifier that piece of the missing puzzle. She must have some reason to think that she could "ally" with him.

"Ally you say, m'lady Von Winter? So tell me, what city do you own that would benefit me in an alliance? Is it really an alliance you speak of, or a treaty of No Agression. For believe me, I seek not to fight any vampire, as already, our race is weak enough. But an alliance, you see, is a friendship between to cities, not two vampires."

Turning again, he walked over to a small bench and sat down, with a wave of his hand, many of the guards left, though undoubtedly, still watching. The remaining one walked against the wall, and stood with their backs strait. Raphael then patted the bench, asking Raven to join him in sitting. His smile had since returned, and the glint in his eyes showed a hidden intellect.

"Come, standing is for those who are on a power trip. And tell me about yourself, I fear you know plenty about me, and yet I know nothing about you." He smiled inside when he heard her talk about the dragon, and Stratus, not just any demon, but their leader, their King. It is doubtful their were any higher, yet he had lived against atleast three attacks. Granted he was the one attacking, and Stratus defending, but still, what was more amazing, was that towards the end, Raphael was one of those that Stratus hated more than anyone. Flies can do that. He thought.

[Raven Von Winter]

*Raven watched Raphael study her, and she backed up as if his gaze could burn. She sighed a breath of relief, unnoticable to anyone but her, when many of the guards retired from the room. She wasnt worried about the the guards themselves, just their sheer numbers. She looked back upon Raphael and he layed his hand down on the bench where he wanted her to sit. Raven glared at him, not wanting to be that close to him until she could accurately gage his power. She was trying to ally with him, and she didnt want to make him angry. Being the temptress that she was, she figured she could work her charm on him. She smiled, then slowly ran her hands down her body as she walked towards him. Upon seeing the place he wished her to sit, she sat down, but closer than he origanally intended so that their bodies were touching. She laughed at the expression on his face and spoke.*

"What city do I own? Well you could say that I own the ancient city of Babylon, but that is in ruins. I was princess of that glorious golden city back in 2334 BIS. We could travel to it, see if its inhabited, and I could reclaim it, but I fear that it is nothing but rubble."

*Raven placed a hand upon his knee, then smiled at him.*

"You say you know nothing about me, well, I have over 2000 years worth of history, some that is lost to even me. I was first created when my husband was murdered. I lost the will to live, and thats when the vampires caught, and bit me. I've used my gift to rid this world of the scum that took my husband away from me, and my work is still not done. I will not stop until every last demon is dead."

*Her eyes went red at the thought of her poor husband and his killers. Nothing would stand between her and her purpose, not even this vampire. She removed her hand and stood up in front of Raphael.*

"You fought the demon king. I also have a reason for wanting him dead. Don't you think that having me on your side would be benificial to both of us? If you say no, you are my enemy, and I will join with someone else. It doesnt matter to me if I kill vampires. If any are in association with demons, I will finish them. If you stand in my way, I will kill you too."

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael listened to the woman speak, and although he knew some about Babylon, the old city, he knew very little else. This woman claimed to be the oldest vampire, though clearly she has yet to visit the Razor Cliffs, as their are men far older than her. But he listened, he chuckled when she sat close, and touched his leg, were he a normal human, who would have longed to be with her, he would have been lusting after her. But women were not a challange to him, one was like the rest. If not a whore, than a slave.

Then she stood before him, stateing if he was not with her, than he was against her. This caused him to burst out laughing. He stopped though, when he caught her eye, she was serious. And with a gasp, and a smile, he leaned forward, resting his knees on his legs. And then clasping his hands together, he placed his chin on them. He tilted his head gently to the side.

"Listen, m'lady Von Winter. You must understand, I don't 'rule'," Making quotation marks with his fingers. "Asyut, I am just incharge of it. We are nothing more than a market town, so having my support will do you little. However, are you asking that I will lend my support when you are introuble, then I will be there, I would be more than happy to help. But alliance between two cities is unlikely, as Asyut has no king, and has not had one for atleast two hundred years." He stopped, and leaned against the bench, the back of his head resting against the wall.

"So if it is a embrace of friendship that you want, then I gladly say yes. I see little reason we should be at war with another, even though war with me means little." Placing his arms against the top of the bench, he seemed quite at easy, yet with one flick of his wrist, he could easily be ready to fight. She has come to talk, not fight though. He had to remind himself.

[Raven Von Winter]

*Raven paced in front of Raphael. He had more or less agreed to what she wanted. She didnt come asking for an alliance between two cities, because she didnt belong to one herself. She was a wanderer, doing things that needed to be done, killing people who needed to be killed. A thought crept into her mind, and she stopped pacing.*

"No king of Asyut you say, well, why cant it be you? You seem powerful enough to rule. Why dont you take over the other guilds? You dont like killing vampires because our kind is weak, well why dont we band together as a species. If we want to dominate, we need an army. You start here, and I will go to Babylon, or if you want, we could stick together, show everyone how powerful we are as one."

*She began pacing again, deep in thought. If they unified all the vampires, they could wage war on other kinds. An army was what they needed to take out the demons with ease. The new friendship with Raphael was exactly what she needed to begin her conquest of this land.*

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael smiled slightly to himself, still leaning back in his chair. His hair spilled around his shoulders, and he narrow face seemed only to lighten at the thoughts she had spoken. Finally he brought up his right hand and placed his cheek in the the open palm. He rested his head to the side, and took care to watch. She could never grasp the full understanding of Asyut, the malace or lust of the city. Those that left, always came back, wanting more, and only he knew why. Finally he spoke.

"I don't for one reason. Greed. You see, m'lady Von Winter, I don't want Asyut, it is not worth anything to me taken. However, when divided, I make so much more. That and I can loaft around doing nothing all day. But mainly it is the money." Stood then, coming right up, then crossing, and catching her, wrists. Bring their right hands out, and placing his left on the small of her back he started to dance. Not really paying attention if she was following or not, he lifted his head upward, then brought it back down to look at her face

"You see, m'lady, Asyut is like rare kirin. Though the kirin might taste good, and you could undoubtedly sell it to the highest bidder, however, should you keep the kirin, you can make so much more money in the long run by showing it off. I look far ahead into the future, and in the future, I will make so much more." He said with a wink.

[Raven Von Winter]

*Greed, that sounded about right. Everyone had it, just some more than others. Some were willing to sacrifice everything for it. Raven knew she wouldnt be able to convince Raphael to take Asyut, but maybe she could get his help with Babylon. He surprised her when he grabbed her wrists and began dancing with her. She glared at him, not the least bit amused. The more she tried to get out of it, the more she felt him pull her in. He danced to a tune only he could hear, and she was forced to follow.*

*He was a stubborn one, not unlike herself, but difficult to deal with. She was used to manipulating men, but not him. It frusterated her that she couldnt, so she needed to play along. No longer was he forcing her to dance, but she danced right along with him. She the looked up and whispered.*

"Asyut, fine, leave it as it is. But Babylon, help me gain control of it. Not only will we be able to amass an army, but we can become rich from it as well."

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael kept on dancing, not paying much attention to the discomfort that involved her. She seemed compitent enough, though she was unsure of the steps. Softly he started to hum, a soft song long forgotten in the records of time. He closed his eyes gently, the music was more alive in his head than one could ever know. The song about an elven princess, who fell for a human farmer. It went on how they tried to hide their love, yet in the end, were discovered. But instead of being forced to live apart, they killed themselves to be together in death. Rolius and Jhunletya, the tragic story of lovers.

The dance, should would remember it, was also ancient form for the song. A play of sorts, the two dancing partners would spin in and out with each other. Though in the end they would be forced apart. However, their was no one to pull the two away, so the dance continued. Their bodies twisted, and he spun her around on his hand. Soon the pace quickened, as though when the end, in trying to run from their family. Faster and faster they went, the world around them fading into a distant memory. Soon she spun out of his hand, and pulled away, and their he was, on a knee. Looking up, a gentle smile splashed across his face.

"You should have asked that before," He spoke as he rose again. Little droplets of sweat hung off his body. Yet, the rythem was still in his head, and the applause was fading away. Days long since passed. He spun, taking a seat on the bench again. Resting his hands on the edge, his knuckles white. His hair seemed unaffected by the sweat, and his eyes seemed brighter. He was in no way out of breath, but he found sitting more comfortable than standing. "I would be more than honored to help you out in anyway that I can. Just name the time, and the place."

[Raven Von Winter]

*Angry at his forcefulness at first, her harsh feelings made way for new ones. Ones that took joy in the dance, for the last time she had danced like this was with her husband. Raven followed his lead, learning the new dance as she went. She closed her eyes and gave in to him, putting more trust in a stranger than she ever had before. He began to hum the tune and she listened. She had heard it somewhere before, but couldnt place it.*

*The dance sped up at the end, along with her heart beat. Not only could she hear the sound of blood pumping through her veins, she could hear his too, and his heart beat in rythem with hers. When the dance was over, he ended on his knee in front of her, smiling. She smiled back; the dance was more enjoyable than she could have imagined. As he sat down, she took his hands.*

"Now, lets go to Babylon now."

[Raphael Augustus]

Raphael gently petted her hand, and looked up. It was not one long, or hope of something more. It was one of respect, like something one would attain for a friend, not a lover. He nodded his head at her request, but knew there was a lot at stake, should he leave, he would leave the entire area of Asyut open for attack. And then there was the problem of raising an army, a diffucult undertaking in and of itself. He she thought about these things? Or was she very much impulsive?

He gently removed his hands from hers, and leaned back against the chair again. He said he would help and he would. But only once she was ready, and he was not sure she was. Did she know how to rule a city? Or how to bring people to follow her? Did she know how to lead. All very important questions, and ones he had hoped she had asked her self.


But finally he spoke, after taking a few more breaths. He asked in only one question, only one question that was vital to how she would proceed through the designs of building a city, building it up to make it strong. One that pertained to any travel. "How do you plan to start?" For simply going would prove nothing.