It is said that the older a vampire becomes, the more tempered they become. After their fledgling phase, they fully understand what it is to be a vampire. After that, they may have their bouts of animalistic feeding or overly human-like compassion. But it often balances out. Not so with Mirabella. A True Vampire of high renown, she is known as the Savage Princess to some. She never lost the fighting spirit some say she had long before she became a vampire. Though she herself could not say if this is true or not. Alas, it did not matter as she was riding with haste towards her own fortress. Unlike many other vampires, she had not given in to the vainglory of age. Instead of a massive mansion casting it’s long shadow all the way to their governed villages and vineyards, Mirabella kept to strong walls and an open courtyard. Where a handful of Fledglings and Neophytes were training. They were part of the Order of Fangs and direct disciples of Great Knight Mirabella. “My lady.” A servant approached her as she dismounted her black steed. The vampires of the Sanguine Alliance have long been proud vampires and rarely shared their blood with any creature. However, the horses here were fierce and loyal. And thus they were given the gift of the blood.

[b]“Hesarim. Gather everyone in the main hall. I have an announcement.”[/b] She said as she removed her riding gloves in a delicate manner. [b]“An announcement, madam?”[/b] Hesarim asked with a slight tone of delight in his voice. A shine came in his eyes the likes Mirabella hadn’t seen in years. [b]“Yes. It would seem that the higher Lords are finally listening to the lessers’ pleas. Gather the people.”[/b] She repeated as she passed him and walked towards the keep’s main door. An hour later she sat in her chambers. Not dressed in her crimson, silk dress but in pitch-black armor. With her helmet on a stand next to her mirror. Armor or not, she did like looking pretty. It confused her enemies. So she sat there, quietly brushing her long, blonde hairs in the mirror. They flowed over her shoulders, putting the accents on all the right places. When you have lived several human lifetimes, you learn to master a few things. When she was happy with the result, she stood up, took her helmet under her arm and walked towards the door leading to the main hall. Though when she opened it, she did not stand on the same ground as the lessers she was ruling over. No, she was on a balcony. Right looking over her kindreds as her most trusted and oldest advisors stood next to her. Elevated amongst the common dredges of the bloodsuckers.[b] “My children!”[/b] she began. Her voice echoing through the hall. Demanding all attention. [b]“I bring joyous news.”[/b] Even her oldest friends hung on every word she spoke. [b]“My guardian and mentor, Lord Ersten, has deemed it necessary to show the world once again that we exist. That we are not some fleeting annoyance. No, he wants to show that we are [i]eternal[/i]!”[/b] The entire hall erupted in a roar. Mirabella basked for a moment in the uproar, delighted that her dutiful minions were so happy to die for her. For obviously, a lot of them would perish. However, after a minute she wanted to continue. She only had to raise a hand and the entire room fell silent. [b]“Soon we will march upon the fortress of Rotwatch. Which guards the lands to the south, as well as Justinian’s ground. Shall we remind them why they fear the night!?”[/b] Again the roar and cheer broke out. Though this time it was silent a lot faster by the Lady. [b]“My kin, I bid  you. Write your friends and make them join us. Write your sire and make them lead us. Write your enemy and challenge them! This raid will be a chance for all of you to prove yourself! To feast upon human blood and indulge in the spoils of war! Now drink, feast, fight! For tomorrow the preparations begin.”[/b] The hall below broke into chaos as everyone did as their lady bid them to do. Above it the older vampire merely whispers. No doubt gossiping as a court loves to do. She turned to Hesarim again: [b]“Prepare the Fallen Keep crow. I have more duties to attend to.”[/b] She ordered. Though Hesarim was hesitant. [b]“The Sanguine Alliance does not correspond with the supposed brides of Daigon.”[/b] He remarked, trying to divine a reason why she wanted the crow prepared. [b]“Well, I am not acting as the Sanguine Alliance. I am acting as Lady of the Order of Fangs.”[/b] Hesarim gave her a curt nod and went on his way.
[hr]
[indent]
[quote]To the Widows

I contact you with a proposal. Soon you will learn of the activity in the Sanguine Alliance. Lord Ersten has called for a raid on Rotwatch. As you may or may not know, these raids are far more brutal, grand and bloody than a human raid could ever hope to be. Though I loathe the loss of good vines. Therefor we offer you the almost unique chance of a joined venture. I, personally, will guarantee the safety of both your people and the refugees that will no doubt come from this adventure.

In return, I ask a few simple things: information on Rotwatch and the surrounding lands and aid in covering up our approach. A lesser request could follow during the march. Also, I expect a blood tithe. One-fourth of every adult refugee, his or her spouse and children. Our preference lay with those from more distant lands. Though I suppose we could negotiate which ones will join the Sanguine Alliance.

Lady Mirabella of the Order of Fangs[/quote]
[/indent]
[hr]
Elizabeth could believe her eyes when the local burgermeister read the letter to her. A raid!? Against Rotwatch!? Humans were not used to war. It was the one blessing of living around the Black Water. They were blood bags and blood bags worked best when alive and reproducing. Sure, there were sacrifices. But war was rarely one of them. Still, the local vampire Lady had demanded that a third of all boys above 18 were to present themselves within the next 3 weeks at her court. She also decreed that all normal activities for those boys were to seize and they would, henceforth, start training. Sure, Elizabeth was somewhat ready for a war. She had her makeshift armor. Made from all the gifts every blacksmith of every village she visited gave her. The pieces didn’t fit together as well as a vampire crafted piece of armor. But it offered more protection than any other human could beg for. Though she was not asked by name, she knew she would have to show up for this raid. If only to lead the humans. She was their hero after all.

Elizabeth fell back on her wooden chair, looking out the window at the full moon sinking. She was living more and more like a vampire these days. Awake at night, sleeping during the day. She had to, if she wanted to represent the humans in a council populated by almost only creatures of the night. In a way, she hated the job. The tyrants would never listen and the people believed she could bring change. Still, it was better than the farm life she lived a few years back. [b]“My lady. The lads have a request.”[/b] Diedrick said as he entered her room. Several men, no boys, walked into her room with their hats in their hands. [b]“Mi’lady-“[/b] but Elizabeth was already up and held up her hand to stop them: [b]“I am not a lady. And whatever you will ask, I am afraid I will have to refuse. I have matters to attend to.”[/b] But the guys were steadfast. [b]“Mi’- Miss. We heard the rumors. A march for Rotwatch. We would ask you to stay here for a bit longer. ‘Tis closer here to Rotwatch. We’ve already received ravens from nearby villages. Our humble settlement would serve as a gathering point for the people.”[/b] Elizabeth remained silent for a moment. She was supposed to go eastwards. Yet still, what vampire would really hate it if she wasn’t coming? [b]“Very well, I’m staying. And I suppose you want me to train you?”[/b] She said. The boys just nodded, all at the same time. She had figured as much. She and her warband were one of the few humans who could actually fight. And fight was a big word. Ever since she killed the Accursed, her and her people were permitted to slash hay with a sword. Still, it was more experience than most others had. [b]“Tell the men to make shields from lose planks and grab strong sticks from the woods. It will do for the training of today.”[/b] The two lads she looked at nodded and vanished. Then she turned to several others: [b]“Tell the smith to start forging axes. As many as he can and then some more.”[/b] A few more lads vanished.[b] “I want hay dummies up before daybreak.”[/b] The last of the guys went to work. When they were out the door, Elizabeth collapsed on her bed again. [b]“You think they stand a chance?”[/b] Diedrick asked. [b]“Not at all.”[/b] Elizabeth admitted, looking at her pile of armor in the corner. [b]“They’ll be slaughtered like pigs. The best I can do is make sure they might actually die with a sense of glory.”[/b] But Diedrick looked rather grim at her. [b]“There is no glory in dying. No matter how many you take with you. When you see your blood make mud under your boots, glory is a far away thing.”[/b] Elizabeth, tired, closed her eyes. [b]“I know, Diedrick. I know. It’s just, it’s the best I can offer.”[/b]