Setting
The Merlin was standing in his study however, looking over a map of the continental U.S., but this one is marked with another set of borders over the traditional states. A white color is lightly drawn over the southern U.S, with an extension into the midwest, and this represents the Wizard's territory. A bright green covers the state of West Virginia, where the Seelie Court hold sway, for that state is the most heavily forested in the south. Little black dots cover the map, primarily in the major cities, showing where the many Hunters are. To oppose this however, a sickly maroon covers the North-East, and much of the west coast and midwest. That is the land which belongs to the Vampires. A sky blue covers the state of North Dakota, where the Unseelie Court does their business, and a few red Xes are marked across a few major cities showing the last known area of Fallen Knights.
All this the Merlin takes in, and he formulates a plan. He decides to launch a major education plan and fortification of safe houses all along the border. Now, along with the wizards, there are many more people, who have some magical gifts, but it isn't enough to make them full wizards. The Merlin decides to tap this unused resource as an information tool, for he needs every advantage he can get seeing as his opposite Number on the Vampire side is thousands of years old. To this end, he goes to the living area where the entirety of the Senior Council is gathered for the council of war.
"Greetings my old friends, I am very glad you were able to show up on such short notice. I am sure that your own holdings are under threat as well." As the Merlin said this one of the council members, his runner up, smiled and remarked wryly "No need to remind us of how old we really are eh? I remind myself everytime I look in the mirror.."
A few of the other councillors chuckled at this, but another one, by the name of Matthew, stood up and said "Now is not the time for jokes! Even as we speak my stronghold is under siege! Now, Most Honorable Merlin, what is our plan?" He asked with anger rolling through his tone.
"I understand your concern Matthew, so I shall be concise and to the point so that you may all return to your posts as soon as possible. I have devised a plan, one that will be in three separate phases. Phase one is where wizards who lack notable combat skills shall go amongst the various cities to the minor talents and inform them of the situation, and establish an information network. At the same time the Wardens will be establishing at least two safehouses that can act as refuges or fortresses for wizards in the major cities. I predict this will take at least a month for the necessery ground work to be done, and another two months for it to be working properly. No offensive action will be taken at this time. Phase two is where we shall begin our push. With the information from the minor talents we should have a basic understanding of the vampires' strong points and where they are concentrated. I, along with four of you, shall lead the bulk of the Wardens in a push towards the vampires' main points of infrastructure, and attempt a blitzkrieg war. Those wardens that are left in the cities shall attempt to eliminate all vampires from their city, as well as gather the information from the minor talents. And that brings me to Phase Three, where we will launch an all out push to kill the Vampire King Protesilaus, for without him they shall fall." While he outlined the plan the Senior Council were writing down notes and nodding. When the Merlin finished he asked "Now, I want you all to tell the wizards under your command about this, and get the ball rolling. We cannot afford to lose this war, as it would mean the end of a free humanity. You know what you must do. Now go!" With these inspiring words, the council members bowed and walked outside, opened up portals to to their strongholds, and went home, to carry out the Merlin's orders. Victory must be won.
Keira adjusted the sleeve of her daughter's gown as they were escorted through the halls of the Merlin's abode. It had been two days since she'd received the summons and left Darielle and Kiran in charge of her court. The entire arrangement had been a mess of preparations and measures taken to secure the kingdom while she was away. Sylvaya had been pining to go on one of her mother's diplomatic trips and had drew the line at not meeting the famed wizard. Keira had given in and allowed the girl to travel with her. Now that they were in the sweltering Tennessee heat it was obvious that the girl was regretting leaving Chicago, the city where they were holding a temporary court for Sidhe in the area. Upon the threat of the vampire court and an alarming number of Winter Sidhe, she had decided to take the trip to speak of the alliance between wizards and her court.
"Straighten up" Keira tapped two fingers under her daughter's chin as they paused in front of a set of wide oaken doors. She made sure the sunset orange and pinkish gown she wore was straight as the wizard escorting them opened the doors, allowing the Queen to sweep into the Merlin's meeting hall. She raised her head at the few remaining wizards in the room. It was perfectly time, just as the younger members of the council had left, leaving advisers, the Merlin, and several wardens in the room.
"I believe you know why I am here, Merlin" Keira smiled accordingly as Sylvaya and their attendants stopped just behind her. They watched on as their Queen adressed the Merlin informally. They were equals even here, and nothing was going to change that.
Keira signaled for the attendants to stop as she and her daughter remained standing forward. "I'll have to decline any beverage. But it would be nice for Sylvaya to have a glass of water while we discuss" Keira nodded in approval to the Merlin, choosing her words carefully. "I am here to discuss the alliance as the Sidhe of our...estranged sister-court have made an increasing approach on crossing territory lines set long ago. The Vampires are growing bold as well, daring to drink from members of my court" She felt the familiar fury rise in her throat. "I've stood by idle for too long. The vampire kingdom has overstepped their bounds, and alliance or not I will not stand for this sort of upset"
Her eye was caught by the creature standing before the wizard. It was a shame that they were bound into slavery in such a way. All Sidhe, Winter or Summer, strongly believed in free will for all of Mother Nature's creatures. If only the wizards would see it her way. She bit back a sad sigh for the Tredish and turned her eyes back to the Merlin. "I dare to presume that you've encouraged action to be taken against those...vile creatures." The Sidhe's eyes flashed dangerously. "My own court asks for you assistance, Merlin. But we will not hesitate to strike alone"
Seraphine would not allow herself to mourn any longer. She had just finished fixing her thick and long fire red hair and was now getting dressed in her best little black dress that showed off her intricate tattoos over her back and legs. The boys didn't stand a chance tonight. After clipping in her stockings, slipping on her pumps and refreshing her lipstick, Seraphine ran her tongue over her fangs and was out of the door in what would look to be an instant. Once she was down stairs, two of her fellow vamp friends we waiting on her. The were definitely a site walking down the street to the new goth club in town. The shorter one, Aaliyah, was about 5'3 with cocoa skin and a bad attitude. The second ,Milka, looked like she belonged in the Moscow Ballet. She was tall and willowy with impossibly straight blonde hair. They quickly arrived at the club and walked in with no objection from the large gentleman at the door who was , coincidentally, one of them. Bodies were convulsing on the dance floor as the music made their chests quiver. Seaphine smiled and closed her eyes for a moment. They had no trouble finding willing partners to dance with. A tall man with a spiked collar and mesh shirt beckoned Seraphine too him and she almost scowled. The arrogance. At least male vampire had something to be more proud of. This young man was wearing more mascara than her. But alas, nature was calling and she could feel her fangs lengthen at the process and she glided to him and led him to the dance floor. Not surprising to anyone, he had Roman fingers that liked to test the limits of her garter belt, but unlike most women, she didn't mind. Let the poor soul enjoy a touch before the finale. % songs and one billion grabs for her ass later and he was sweating like a pig. She, of course, was not. She made eye contact with Milka and Aaliyah. They all lead their partners to the rear exit.
"And where are we going now gorgeous?"
Seraphine batted her eyelashes and brought her face to his neck and inhaled before giving it a flick of her tongue, enjoying the way he tensed beneath her like a kitten. "We are going somewhere more private, my dear. I cannot wait any longer to devour you." The statement made in her thick Irish accent was the closest thing to the truth she could inform him.
He looked as if he was going to squeal like a small boy at the prospect and she finally led him out of the door, trying not to roll her eyes. No matter the generation, men were always the same and was always the same technique. Hey, don't fix it if it ain't broken. She was in a deeper part of the alley than her two friends but they could all see each other, not that any of these men knew the difference.
The mascaraed Don Juan pushed her against the disgusting alley wall and she grunted, pushing him off of her and pulling him so his back was too the wall. She was always in charge. She kissed, no matter how much she didn't want to, but it didn't last long before she trailed her lips down his neck. He was very eager at this point which actually made Seraphine a lot happier. The faster she could drain him, the quicker she could move to her next meal. She lightly bit on his neck and judging from the sounds he was making he was extremely grateful. She raised her head and bared her fangs, whether the young man saw them or not, the slight stench of fear waft into her nose, but it died as soon as her fangs sunk into his jugular. Luckily for the hunted, the bite is one of the most pleasurable things a human can experience...before they died of course. He was tasty enough, she supposed. It wasn't like the old days, when blood was pure and mostly clean. Now if it's not the over-the-counter's dulling their senses and pounding through their bloodstream, it was the illegal kind.
Seraphine drank as quickly as she could and let the boy's body drop with a thud as she licked the remaining blood from her lips, she took the mans wallet and sliced the front of his neck with her retractable claw. It was of the utmost importance that we stay in peoples nightmares, and out of their reality. Smoothing out her hair and dress she turned to face her friends.
"Sera are you finished?"
"It looks to be that way"
Seraphine growled loudly and her perfectly manicured nails grew into claws. Some had certain levels of anger, but even with Seraphine's age there was no denying the fire inside. She witnessed the man responsible for Aaliyah's death open a portal that revealed doors opening up to call up on his "protectors." She scoffed at this. Coward. To dare commit such a crime and dare retreat behind other beings.
Not wasting any time Seraphine ran towards them, it took her longer than expected. By the time she arrived towards the mouth of the alley, Milka was fighting bravely, but she too was reasonably young with her age right over 260. The "protectors" ambushed her and overcame her strength, forcing her to the ground. Milka was still putting up a fight, but this was one she was less likely to bounce back from.
With the two warriors preoccupied with Milka, Seraphine launched herself at the man whom she presumed to be a warden. He was tall, at least 3 inches taller than her in her heels, which said something. She was most definitely not a short woman. She was also not young by any means. Over six hundred years of practice definitely gives one an...advantage. Even in Louboutins. Blocking and hitting. They constantly went back and forth. Seraphine was surprised to find that she was almost out of breath. Almost. Behind her she could hear Milka expelling her last shrill cry as one of the protectors ripped her head from her shoulders as the other one had been "disposed of".
Seraphine echoed a shrill cry of her own and made to attack before the protector could come to his master's aid. She swung her right foot up and it collided with his face, but not before the man grabbed her leg firmly and tackled her to the ground. Air shot from her lungs as she looked up at the darkened face and hissed, nearly spitting in his face but thought better of it.
"Release me, warden. I will see you dead for what you've done"
Sylvaya scanned her eyes over the wide hall as her mother spoke. She'd been to plenty of meetings with her mother, but this one was supposed to be "crucial" to her race. In all honesty, she didn't exactly understand how talking to a cranky old man was going to help the Sidhe. They should be out there fighting off vampire hoards, she should be fighting them. What better way to prove herself to her court than by killing a few bloodsuckers. But her mother would never let her out. "Princesses are supposed to rule their country through diplomacy and good leadership, not through bloodshed" as her mother insisted whenever she brought it up. Princess Sylvaya Saphira of the Seelie court would never see a battlefield if she had anything to say about it (which she certainly did).
The young princess's eyes strayed to a tapestry pinned to the wall across from her. It was a wide woven cloth, meant to look old. The fabric was obviously newer because of the detail of the "Supernatural Tree" printed on it. Most tapestries were made by Sidhe seamstresses and depicted the Sidhe race at the top. This one was an unbiased one, similar to the one Sylvaya's mother had created specifically for their diplomacy hall in West Virginia. The top held the four ruling races: Vampires, Wizards, Seelie Sidhe, and Unseelie Sidhe. The branches reached out to the Hunters on the left side and Fallen Angels on the right. Humans were somewhere near the bottom. Sylvaya scanned the tree, looking for the Unicorns and Sprites she loved. Their image was not shown on the display.
"Where are the Unicorns?" She turned toward the Merlin in mild anger. "Or Sprites and Fairies? This is incredibly inaccurate! The Goblins and Trolls and Centaurs are missing to! It's outrageous!"
"Sylvaya!" Keira sent a scornful look at her daughter. Still, she admired her daughter's passion. All living things were equal, not lesser than one another. "You'll have to excuse my daughter, Merlin. She has not remembered her court grace lessons through her anger." Keira sent another hard look at the girl. "But also you must understand that in our court she was raised to know that all creatures are equal to one another without exception. She is just expressing these beliefs. I believe it will turn her into a gracious queen one day if she learns to channel that passion into a more hospitable way" The queen recovered quickly. "Sylvaya, if you intend to learn something, I insist that you join us and leave the tapestries alone."
Keira turned back to face the Merlin as her daughter crossed to them. "Now, as we were saying. In my opinion, the first step to victory is showing unity despite our enemy's endeavors. At first I thought one of my two sons would be the best choice, pairing them up with a wizard. But the boys are in Europe, securing a treaty with the fairies of that area."Her eyes went to her daughter, wondering briefly if Sylvaya was the answer to their unity.
Sylvaya hissed in displeasure as she crossed to her mother, furious that the old man was treating her like a child. She was princess of the Seelie court, not a mere apprentice underling of his. What right did he have to boss her around. Her mother, however, was another story. Queen Keira of the Seelie Court, mother to Princess Sylvaya and princes Eric and Evan, certainly could give her orders. Not being able to deny the queen was an important part of Sidhe culture, but it was a pain. Not to mention the insulting tapestry. There was no "mankind". Only creatures that nature blessed with her life. How dare the old man interfere.
"Now, as we were saying. In my opinion, the first step to victory is showing unity despite our enemy's endeavors. At first I thought one of my two sons would be the best choice, pairing them up with a wizard. But the boys are in Europe, securing a treaty with the fairies of that area." Sylvaya's eyes snapped to her mother again. She'd sent those two to visit creatures she knew Sylvaya loved, and then wanted to use them to show the force of the Sidhe court? What about her, the heiress to the throne, soon-to-be queen of every Seelie Sidhe in the world. Wasn't their confidence enough in sending her to help the wizards? Granted, she didn't like the old man to begin with, but being able to leave the protected walls of a castle or court would be enough!
"I'll do it!" Sylvaya agreed quickly. "If It were allowed I would pair off with another wizard."
Sylvaya took the letter in her hand with a badly disguised smile. "Thank you" She tucked it into a bag an attendant handed her, glad she had thought to bring a change of clothes. With a swish of magic she transferred the gown she wore into a mortal outfit; simple but effectively making her stand out. She gave a small curtsy to her mother before slinging the messenger bag over her shoulders and stepping through the portal into a green park. Sylvaya was suddenly surrounded by lush green trees and grass. The air was overhung with the acrid smell of pollution but Sylvaya took no notice.
"How did he expect me to find this Alexander" Sylvaya cursed under her breath. The address on the paper was easy enough, but she didn't have the map of Chicago memorized as her mother did. And asking for help would be asking for death in such a politically torn area. Anyone could be vampire or Unseelie.
"So Keira does send her pretty little daughter to do her dirty work" Sylvaya spun as she heard the wickedly cold voice from behind her.
The voice belonged to an Unseelie Sidhe. He was taller than she was, dressed in mortal garb that outlined his toned muscle distinctly. Cold blue eyes stared her down as Sylvaya took a step back, surveying her situation. Judging by the black, star shaped pendent that pierced his left ear he was one of the Winter Court's higher ups. Stars in her kingdom were marks of crimes against the queen. In the Unseelie kingdom, they were the marks of assassination squads the Queen ordered to track and kill higher ups of Summer. Sylvaya imagined that she was at the top of his list, right below her mother.
"I wouldn't talk so big, Winter" Keira fumbled slightly as she jerked the dagger from the inside lining of her bag, holding it out in front of her as she'd been taught. The blade was made of silver, with a hilt decorated with falling leaves. It was a specially made one, the tip being made of just a pinpoint of iron. Enough to wound when it pierced skin, but the essence caused barely a ringing in the ears of whoever was touching its hilt. It was one of Sylvaya's most prized possessions.
"Are you sure this..Alexander...is the best choice for showing my daughter around Chicago? She's been there before, mind you. But she's never left the court before" Keira wondered as she followed The Merlin toward his study, worry blossoming in her mind. The world was a dangerous place, and though Sylvaya was as skilled a fighter as either of her brothers, she was still naive on how things worked. "And will she be able to find your Warden? Surely he won't recognize her by face, even if she's a princess of Summer. If he were to mistake her for one of the Unseelie bunch...."
Besides the obvious flaws in the plan, Keira knew that the Winter Court had loosed its Sidhe into Chicago long before the death of such an important vampire figure. Her own Sidhe were fighting them under the noses of the humans for years. The wizard Warden might not know Sylvaya, but any Sidhe would. And not one of them would hesitate to kill the young princess and leave their opposing court without an heir in a time of war. She wondered how adept this wizard would be if the Merlin dared to give him watch over her daughter.
"This war worries more then anything else right now. The idea that so many will die is a tragedy in itself, and I will not allow anything to get in the way of victory. Do I have the assurance of your full support? The warriors of Summer will be sorely needed.."
"Go hifreann leat!", she shouted to the night.
To hell with the warden and all else who step into her path. Which is ironic to say, she thought better, because that is exactly what I want. Smiling, she rounded the corner and fixed her path on the park ahead when she smelled it, Seelie AND Unseelie. What an interesting coincidence. I was beginning to think the entire night was for waste. She quickly lessened the heavy cadence of her steps to a whisper to not alarm the possible confrontation, but she knew even before she spotted them. The Seelie was young, even for most and the Unseelie was older, a male. Seraphine had seen him before and even worked with him, she scrunched her face at the memory of one too many inappropriate gropes from him.
He looked like he was about to devour her. He was obviously much more confident in the situation and Seraphine looked down at her feet as a spark of pain went through her chest. She almost felt sorry for the young one.
I have to help her...
Absolutely not! Are you insane! She is the enemy!, her mind reeled back.
I have no choice, no one deserves to die a fearful death, not even a Seelie.
Past the grunting anger of her conscience, Seraphine "adjusted" herself and fluffed her hair. She threw on her brightest smile and sashayed to the two fae. The Seelie, of course saw her right away. Seraphine gave her a wink and looked to the man as his gaze rested on her, then her chest...
"Ahh my little spit fire"he said as she walked around and nuzzled his neck," It has been too long."
"Indeed it has Joshua. Who do we have here? Another woman?", feigning a wounded expression.
To this he snorted, "Hardly my dear, just a young Seelie bitch that will never see the daylight again."
She ran her hand up his chest and kissed his neck. Seraphine saw him close his eyes at her delicate ministrations and she saw the opportunity to look to the younger fae and motion pointedly with her eyes. Suddenly, she spun joshua around and slammed her lips to his. He of course, returned it wholeheartedly and she almost gagged. She hated this aspect of her life. Most women would kill to have men beg to even kiss their feet, but there's no correct way to explain the insecurities it brings. She just hoped to God the young fae got the message and bolted. Otherwise, there wasn't much else she was willing to do.
She broke the kiss, faking a dreamy look on her face.
"Well that was nice." and before he could even bat an eye, Seraphine bolted from sight. Leaving an extremely confused and unsatisfied Joshua behind and a ,hopefully, non-existent Seelie girl.
Vampire. Sylvaya sensed her before she saw the redhead. The woman was walking seductively toward the Unseelie Sidhe in front of her, ignoring Sylvaya all together. She doesn't know who I am Sylvaya sent a silent prayer toward the Mother Gaia before she used her magic to shroud herself and bolted toward the exit of the park. Hopefully the Unseelie wouldn't reveal to the Bloodsucker who she was. Being a Sidhe princess was a dangerous title in Chicago. It would be better if she avoided other Sidhe while she was here, lest they gossip about the Queen of Summer sending her daughter to the forefront of the war. Keira pulled out the little piece of paper and held it up as she exited the park.
"288 31st street" She read off quietly, glancing up at the street sign. She was at Janura park, a few streets over. If she headed east she'd be fine.
Before leaving, Sylvaya turned to the brick wall surrounding the park. She could leave a message for the vampire woman that had saved her. She pricked her finger on the tip of her blade, mixing the silvery blood with magic so that only a supernatural could see it. Bringing her finger to the bricks she carefully scrawled her message. Thank you....if we shall meet again, I'll refrain from killing you -S.S. After stepping away, she sealed the small wound with magic and set off down the street, assured that her cloak would hide her from anyone who hadn't been exposed to her magic. Both the Vampire woman and Unseelie male would see her if they were looking, but she wasn't too concerned with that.
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