[center][h3]Auriëlle[/h3] & [h3]Nalla[/h3][/center] The closer she got to the land of Nallan, the stranger the people became. Many villages had apparently bound together. Their chieftains swore fealty to the mysterious queen of the town. Her rise came with a fair few convenient deaths though. All who refused to bend the knee were found dead at night, with a smile on their faces. Then she reached the sphere of influence of Nallan and things shifted. People were happy. Bandits were a rare sight, peace reigned between the various tribes and villages and trade was growing ever more. Especially the closer she got to Nallan itself. It was strange, yes. Especially the stories that Nalla was blessed by the goddess Neiya. After her own experience, she knew that wasn’t impossible. Hell, there were plenty of stories of the Sun’s Daughter improving a place where she stayed. So instead of stalking the place under the cover of darkness she just wandered in. The guards gave her a side-way glance but let her pass through the wooden gate. It really wasn’t a shithole like most other cities. For one there was a bustling market and stone paths in the town. That alone elevated it above all other places she had visited. Then there was the palace. It was big, far too big for the location. Though not as big as Ketrefa’s wall, it looked far too nice for the town. Maybe the ruler really did have even bigger plans. But that wasn’t her business. Her business was with the local queen and the Servant named Parn, whom she guessed would be inside that palace. So with a leisure stroll she walked towards it. The palace itself even had walls but this time, as she approached the gate, the guards eyed her suspiciously. One guard, wearing fine leathers with a large beard spoke as she neared. "State your business. Is the Queen expecting you?" His voice deep and gruff. “I don’t think she would.” Auriëlle said as she stopped, keeping a respectful and safe distance from the guards. If only they knew who they were talking about. “My business is with an old friend of mine: Parn.” She said the lie without even a hint of disbelief. She did not move further. The two didn’t seem too keen on just letting anyone in because they knew a name. Still, it was worth a shot. The guard eyed her up and down then gave a side glance to the other guard, before nodding. The guard, a younger looking man, rushed off up the steps. Several minutes went by before the guard asked, "You a mage?" She wasn’t about to reveal her trump card though. “No, sadly not. Never could learn a spell to save my life.” She offered with a kind smile. It was a lie but only because she had learned the demon spell just a few weeks ago. In truth she would never call herself a mage. He gave a satisfied grunt and the conversation died. Before long footsteps approached and the guard was there, accompanied by two people wearing white robes. The gruff guard parted as they approached. One was a man with curly black hair and green eyes, the other a woman with muddy blonde hair and brown eyes. Both wore smiles on their faces. The man then spoke, "Please, follow us. The Queen would like to meet you." “Okay..” Auriëlle slowly said. Did the queen vet all visitors? Did she even have time for that? From the way the town and the neighboring villages looked, Auriëlle doubted that. Someone had to be the steward of all those projects. Still, she there was no point in refusing so she followed the two, white robed servants. Up the stone path they went, the pillars of the entrance looming ever ahead. The inside of the walls was void of any life except greenery, not even animals roamed and it was well kept. Through the pillars they came to the entrance to the palace proper, and just above the entryway way there was a massive symbol embroidered into a white cloth. A red heart with a crown, and a ruby eye at the center loomed down on her as they entered the shadowed halls. They walked quickly and with purpose, going past many rooms. There were servants here and there, wearing the same white robes but most were empty bedrooms. Eventually a light shone through and they came upon a courtyard and a very peculiar sight. People made of plants lingered within. Two adults and two children. The adults were variants of green leaves and different leaves but the children, they were blood red in places running down their backs, arms and legs. And what could pass as their hair on their heads. One of them had a face also blood red in coloration. She kept pace with the servants but managed to take in a few details. The heraldry itself was a clear indication that at least something related to Neiya was happening here. Perhaps the queen really was blessed. Inside looked as spacious as she had imagined, yet it felt cold and empty. The many unoccupied bedchambers put her slightly on edge. Did the queen expect a lot of company? Then they came upon the courtyard. Auriëlle was stopped in her tracks when she saw the plant-creatures. Those things weren’t human. They weren’t near human. “What..are those things?” She asked, pointing unapologetically at one of the adults. "Why that's Aurinia and Chio." The woman spoke as they both turned to look at Auriëlle. "With their newborns, Dion and Suria. Have you never seen Sylphi before?" She asked her. “Sylphi? No. Never.” She wanted to talk to them, ask them where they came from. Did they come from the swamplands to the east? Or maybe from the sun-kissed planes to the west? Maybe they had come from beyond the great mountains to the south. She shook her free from the Sylphi’s spell and then walked up closer to the white robed servants. “We shouldn’t keep the queen waiting.” She said, trying to forget the plant-creatures. She was here on a mission. Maybe, if fate wasn’t as cruel as usual, she would be able to talk to the Sylphi later. The servants gave each other looks before smiling and nodding. "Of course, we are nearly there." And they both continued walking. Soon enough, past empty rooms in the long hallways, they came upon another entrance. Larger than the outside. She could see through and into the large chamber. Besides two large tables the room was as bare as everything else, besides the cloth that diluted the light. It was very dim and as they got closer and entered she could see who sat upon a throne across from the entrance. A fiery head, almost orange in color, lightly tanned skin, soft features with amber colored eyes. A crown sat atop her head and a ruby choker seemed to peer into Auriëlle's soul. A man stood next to her wearing servant robes, he whispered into her ear but Nalla did not move her gaze from the newcomer. The servants then bowed before her as they brought the sorceress before the queen. "We bring the one who wished to see Parn before you, Queen Nalla." The man said. "Good. Leave us." She said in a commanding tone. They quickly scampered off and then they left the room, Nalla spoke. "Parn brings you here before me, yet he is not your friend, is he?" She asked. Some of the stories said Nalla was beautiful but clearly they hadn’t done her justice. Auriëlle swallowed deeply when the queen commanded the others to leave her. She saw through the ruse. Which meant she might very well have walked straight into a trap. Yet she had seen no guards. Only white robed servants. Either the ambush was laid even better than Auriëlle expected or this queen really didn’t fear anything. Then again, Auriëlle didn’t feel the least bit inclined to make things messy. “I’ve been asked to check up on him.” She said, slightly surprised at her own honesty. “And on his queen.” "And who asked you of this?" Nalla questioned. “Sarren, one of the rainbow eyes.” She answered. Once again much too truthfully. Why was she answering questions so quickly without even trying to lie? The man, who was most likely Parn, leaned down to whisper in her ear again. After several moments he stood back up and Nalla smiled. "What's your name? It's rare a sight to see someone with such beautiful hair in these parts." “Auriëlle.” She answered but then her suspicion began to take over again. “What is happening?” It was a bashful thing to ask. Even though at this point it was a fair question. Still, years of defiance against any form of authority were pushing back against the authority that Nalla projected. Nalla looked around before settling back on her. "Whatever do you mean, Auriëlle?" She asked with a bemused smile. Something definitely wasn’t right. She squinted at Nalla, trying to figure out her deal. The choker was lovely and entrancing. It made her feel calm, yet there was at the same time a voice in the back of her head screaming that she should just run. There were no guards to stop her, she could literally blast through the door. “How are you making me answer your questions?” Auriëlle asked. Her voice wasn’t nearly as defiant as it should have been. Nalla tilted her head to the side as she looked at her. "Making you? Not at all. I can't make you do anything. I'm simply asking common questions, why oh why would you not want to answer them? You did come here after all." Auriëlle took a step backwards, even though in her heart she wanted to go forward. “Because…I was warned.” She wanted to swallow those words. Yes, she was warned. Tension rose in her chest. Why was she answering her questions? She had to get out. No she had to get closer. “Where is Parn?” "Warned? What could she have been warned about, Parn?" Nalla asked, turning her head to look at the man next to her. "I do not know, my Queen. But here I am, Auriëlle and I have heard many things about you from my brothers and sisters." Parn said, stepping forward. Nalla spoke again, "Why would Sarren warn you about Parn and me? Is he fearful of progress?" She asked. She took two steps forward again. Perhaps because there was nothing to fear or perhaps because she wanted to show that she wasn’t afraid. Her eyes turned away from Nalla and focused on Parn. He looked healthy, with no chains on him at all. Maybe she had him under some kind of spell. That wasn’t her battle though. “He thought something strange was happening here.” Auriëlle said, as she kept her eyes on Parn to make sure he was at least physically okay. “And there is.” Gods she hated whatever spell she was under. Her gaze turned back to Nalla. “Sarren feared for the wellbeing of his brother, not progress.” She motioned at Parn. “But to me, he looks fine. So I will tell him that.” The fact that the Servant knew of her had rattled her though. Had he seen Galdezor’s final memories? She had to get out of there. “I would like to request my leave now.” Why did she have to ask it, she could just leave! She was Auriëlle. Nothing could stop her! Nalla frowned at that. "But you've only just arrived. You must be weary from your travels? Why not stay here, as my guest? You'll be well taken care of, that I can assure you." She cooed. She swallowed again. Maybe she could stay and investigate the whole palace some more. There was still the Sylphi whom she wanted to talk to. And of course there was Nalla herself. Auriëlle had to know her full story about the young queen. “Very well, I graciously accept your offer.” Nalla smiled again. “Excellent. I will have my servants prepare you a room and bath. You will join me for dinner and we can chat some more. Until then, feel free to roam the palace.” she said, clapping her hands. The two same servants came back in. “Oh and Auriëlle? Do be careful where you wander. The palace is large, you might get lost.” She said with a wolfish grin. “Now, Tirn, Yarce, treat our guest to the finest room and have her bathed.” They bowed again and waited for Auriëlle to follow them. The command to join her for dinner didn’t sit right with her. She had no authority over her! Alas, she couldn’t refuse either. So she just kept quiet as Nalla summoned her servants. A bath would feel good, maybe too good but she would still take it. After that she would use that permission to roam the palace to explore every nook and cranny. Even if she would find herself ‘lost’. Silently but without bowing to Nalla, Auriëlle followed the two servants to her room. Down the halls they went until they arrived at a room far removed from the rest of the little commotion in the palace. Yarce led her in while Tirn kept walking. It was pleasantly furnished, with a fur bed, table with a chair and a small storage area with a white robe. There was a small window, more of an outlook into one of the courtyards, it had a wooden shutter but was open. "I will take you to the bathing chamber when you are ready. Tirn went ahead to get the water ready. If you'd like, we can also wash your clothing." The woman said to her. “Don’t touch my stuff.” Auriëlle snapped. Which surprised her, considering she couldn’t snap just a minute ago. “Wait outside. I’ll tell you when I’m ready.” Yarce, who had flinched at her outburst gave a solemn nod and left. She felt no more need for pleasantries. Especially not after what she was just thrown in. For a moment she peered out of the window into the courtyard. The sun was still out. Why had she been answering so truthfully to the queen just a moment ago? Worse, why did she agree to stay? If she hadn’t, she could’ve been outside the palace now. She could ride for a few days, find the nearest rainbow eyes and tell him to relay her message. That would’ve been it. Instead she was here, reading to get into a bath. Luckily the queen hadn’t asked her if she was a sorceress. Now Nalla would assume she was just a helpless girl without her weapons. With that knowledge she undressed and put the robe on. She put her stuff in the chest, though sadly it lacked a lock. Then she stepped out of the room. “Show me the way.” Yarce bowed her head to her and continued on. A relatively short walk later they arrived at a door. Tirn waited outside and nodded at Yarce. "You'll find everything you need inside. I trust you can find your own way back to your room, we have other duties that need to be done. Do enjoy your bath." Yarce said, flashing a small smile before leaving with Tirn. The door opened to reveal another short hallway lined with torches and at the far end there was a glow of light. She ventured into the chamber to find herself with a pleasant view of the outside garden. Pillars kept the ceiling up and extended an overhang. There was a low wall that separated her from the outside world, but it didn't prevent the view from being enjoyed once in the water. The bath itself was a large basin of water with many different flower petals and other floral scents mixing around in it. There was also a bench next to the pool and some towels. After checking all the pillars for potential ambushers, Auriëlle got into the water. It was pretty cold but that was to be expected. Still the whole room with the view on the courtyard was a magnificent piece of construction. She definitely hadn’t expected it in a place like this. In fact it made her think of Acadia. In the bath she ruminated over what she learned about the queen with her mind clear. She was definitely manipulative to a supernatural degree. The fact that she could instill a degree of obedience in Auriëlle was proof enough of that. But it didn’t look like she was actively dangerous or trying to harm Parn or anyone else. She was just peculiar. If she had a gold Ketrefian coin for every peculiar king or queen out there, she would’ve been rich beyond her dreams. After the bath she returned to her chambers, where she found her stuff. Untouched. Sure it was dirty and after such a clean, nice bath the grim was exceptionally notable. Yet it was her gear. It shared her sweat and blood. When she was once more dressed like a traveling mercenary she began to wander through the hallways of the palace. The Sylphi were interesting but they were also put on display. Royalty liked showing off their best sides. Auriëlle refused to be distracted though. There were far more interesting things around. The palace, for one, was becoming much too nice for the region. So she wandered through the hallways until she finally found what she was looking for. A stairwell, hidden in plain sight. Tucked away in a corner. Well, the queen had given her permission to go wherever she wanted. So she slowly began to descend down into the lower parts of the palace. The air became cooler as she ventured down into the depths. The flight of stairs was long, lit by torches but she eventually arrived at a hallway. At the far end there was an entrance with more light. Voices could be heard within but the view only showed some tables. It was the only way forward. She disliked the torches being lit. it made stalking in shadows so much harder. When stealth wouldn’t work, Auriëlle opted for brazen confidence. She was, after all, told that she could go wherever she pleased in the palace. Besides she was a sorceress. So she marched on forward, making no effort to make her footsteps silent, and headed for the entrance with the tables. It was a servant room, where the white robed people were eating and chatting at tables that were hidden by the wall. When she entered, multiple heads turned to look at her, most with smiles, some with narrowing eyes. After a moment of intensity, and silence, they went back to eating and chatting amongst themselves, seemingly paying her no mind. It wasn’t so unusual for servants to eat in a place hidden away. So Auriëlle paid them no mind. Instead she took a moment to observe the three corridors running from that main hall. She took the first one and continued on. She ventured further in, no one gave chase to stop her. There were many more rooms lining the hallway, and all of them were shut tight. Only the dimness of torches gave any sort of light. There were many artistic pieces on the sides of the hallways, all having something to do with the color of crimson, a ruby and a heart. The symbol of the Love Goddess was also mixed without. She came across no one else as she passed junctions and other hallways. She eventually came to the end, and the hallways branched to the left and right. In front of her was a door ajar. The door was too inviting to ignore. Slowly she approached it, making sure anyone who would be inside wouldn’t notice her. When she got close enough she peeked inside. The room was pitch black, even with the light from the hallway, it did little to illuminate what was in but there was a strange dripping sound. She slowly snuck in and closed the door behind her. When it was shut completely, banishing all light from the hallway, she held out her hand in the dark and created a flash of light, so she could see the room for just a second. The flash did its work well, for she could see not only large collecting pots, the crimson liquid within them but also the pale bodies that hung above them, dripping with fresh blood from multiple deep cuts along their bodies. It was a mix of women and men all naked, eyes shut but with smiles on their faces. The sight made Auriëlle jump backwards. Her back hit the door when darkness took over again. Had she seen that right? Then the smell hit her. That familiar, coppery smell. She outstretched her arm again and released a flash. Showing the pots and smiling…corpses? If they weren’t dead yet they soon would be. Why would the queen do this? Why was she collecting blood? Blood was only useful for one creature… Auriëlle spun around and opened the door again. Blood drained from her face but raged through her body. Her heart was beating faster and faster. She couldn’t care less about the door. Her feet carried her back through the corridors. She had to get out, now! Before she had dinner with the queen. No, before she was the queen’s dinner. Before her, from another corridor, she came. Walking slowly, she turned to face Auriëlle with knowing eyes and a smile on her face. She wore a low cut, crimson dress, ruby sparkling in the dim light. Her crown sat upon her head as always, and at her side, was a blade. “I did tell you.” she said, eyes narrowing. Auriëlle eyes widened. Out of reaction she outstretched her arm. An orb of fire formed in her palm, ready to fill the corridor with flames. “This doesn’t need to end bad.” She said. “Not for either of us. You let me go and I will keep my mouth shut about what I saw in there.” Her heart was still racing in her chest. Nalla tilted her head, looking at the flame before looking back to Auriëlle with another wide smile. She shut her eyes and then said, “Your heart is beating so quickly.” her amber eyes opened again, “Tell me, Sorceress, does it scare you? I would have thought one with your talent, would not be so opposed to grim realities.” “I’ve accepted plenty of grim realities but I prefer not to die to one of them.” Auriëlle said. Her mind was getting clear again. Making her ready to fight for her life. For a second she thought of Oraelia. Would the goddess of light be proud of her behavior now? So deep in the ground? She was trying to make a deal with a vampire for her own life. Where was the third option now? Maybe she would’ve wanted Auriëlle to release the prisoners. That didn’t matter now. Not to Auriëlle. She just wanted to live. Everyone else be damned. “Just let me go and I will swear on Tekret that I’ll tell nobody about what you are or that you’re draining innocents of their blood.” “Innocents?” Nalla scoffed. “No. If one is to maintain order in this world, one must rid it of the worst. Murderers, thieves, rapists… I could go on, but no, they aren’t innocent. Most anyway.” she began to walk back and forth. “Did you think I was going to harm you? Once again, no dear Auriëlle. I don’t harm that which is unique in this world. Not unless that which is unique decides to fight back.” she stopped and outstretched her arms at Auriëlle. “Now, won’t you eat something with me before you go?” she asked with a bemused smile. “Wait.” The fire in her hand vanished, as Auriëlle lowered her hand. “They’re not innocent?” It was a surprisingly pragmatic way to get your blood as a vampire. Though it rested on the idea that there was always enough evil in her borders. Yet outside the walls she hadn’t seen any of the usual corruption or poverty. In fact Nallan was very prosperous and peaceful. “Well you would forgive me for believing you would kill me. Vampires are not particularly known for their restraint.” Even though she only ever heard of them from stories. “But seeing that you’ve got no interest in slicing me open then I might as well join you for dinner.” Not to mention that there would be delicious, hot food. Hopefully. Still, in the back of her head Auriëlle kept herself on her toes. Ready to strike should Nalla get any funny ideas. “All is forgiven.” Nalla said, dropping her arms to her side. “Such stories… Do you know how cruel the gods have been to vampires? So much power, at such a price. No wonder all the stories paint us so cruelly. It doesn’t help that the white-haired woman slaughters us with impunity. Do you know of her? Hm, let us retire to the dining room before we continue our discussions.” she said, walking away before glancing back, “Come, Auriëlle.” She led her up to the first level in silence. They turned down a set of hallways that led them past the throne room and up a flight of stairs to a second level. THere they came to an open room, much like the washroom, but higher up and facing the sunset. There was a long table with one end partially hidden in the shadows of a pillar. There was no one else there except for servants putting a modest amount of food on the table, all on one end. Nalla gestured to Auriëlle to take that spot. Auriëlle took her designated place, though waited before the queen took her seat and began to eat herself. There was much to choose from. Meats and greens, and with refreshments. “A white-haired woman? No, I have never met her.” She said. “Though I have met a white-haired man. Carn. They could be related.” She noted. “But yes. Some of the gods can be cruel.” She looked at her own hands now. “Or careless.” Nalla sat down in the shadowed end, pouring a dark liquid into a cup. She took a sip. “Carn?” Nalla said aloud. “Odd name but yes. I have heard rumors, of a white haired man and women, wandering the highlands, one doing great things, the other two with… Questionable motives. Has this Carn never mentioned this to you?” Nalla asked. “I have a habit of not asking.” Auriëlle answered. “It made that life easier, most of the time.” The truth was that if she asked about his past, he could ask about hers and she wasn’t ready to tell anyone about Acadia. Nor did she want to tell Nalla Carn’s story. That was for Carn to tell should he ever come to Nallan. Then she dug into the food, keeping her silence and waiting the queen out. Auriëlle wanted to know what game she was playing. Because of course she was playing one. In a palace like this there was only one thing to do: scheming. Sadly, the sorceress was painfully inept at it. "You were blessed by a God too, no?" Nalla asked suddenly. "Parn told me about your stunt at Jalka. How you vaporized that poor fool. Such power." She said, giving her a playful smile. “Half-vaporized.” Auriëlle corrected. Even though she absolutely could’ve erased him from existence then and there. She kept her gaze on her plate. “And…yes. I should be blessed by a god. Or at least that’s what I’ve been told.” And so the dance continued. Except Auriëlle had enough of it. She looked up to face Nalla now. “Let’s skip the formalities now, shall we.” She said as she wiped a bit of chicken from her cheek. “And just ask me what you really want from me?” There was no tact in her voice or demeanor. However there was no outright hostility in her voice either. Just impatience. Nalla leaned forward on the table, smirking. "I like that about you. Soooo… To the point. So hot blooded." She licked her lips and then laughed before leaning back in her chair. "Very well, I wish for you to work for me. I collect unique things after all, and you are up there my dear. It's no secret that I'm constantly expanding my borders, who better to lead my men then someone of your prowess?" “Lead your men?” Auriêlle looked appalled for a second. “Half the time I’d be in these walls drilling a bunch of snobs how to wield a spear and I can’t even wield a spear myself.” She leaned back into her own chair with her arms folded. “Beside I [i]suck[/i] at leading people.” Not a lie, again. The Redspears were fun to hang around with but they were Carn’s people, not hers. She loved fighting too much to get up and bark orders. Even when she spat out commands, they only followed them because Carn would make them. “Here’s what I have in mind. I need a place to get back to when I need a break.” Which was about every five to six years. “A place that doesn’t yell at me or throws mud at me.” Both had happened in nearly every village she stayed at in the first years of her new life. “You give me that in Nallan and I will help with some of your wars. Not all of them. I’ve got other promises as well.” Her mind went back to Carn. She began to miss him but if she wanted a safe place for herself, she would have to earn it now. Hopefully he could wait another year. Hopefully. “And to start the agreement off, I’ll be the tip of your spear for a full year.” “Deal.” Nalla said after a long moment of silence between the two. “Nallan will treat you as they treat their Queen. You will not need to teach them how to wield a spear, I have others for that. But you will learn to lead, through fear or respect, it matters not. I’ve a feeling if you fight with those you lead, they will come to respect you regardless.” Nalla smiled again at her. “As a show of good fortune, I shall give you a house in Nallan, unless you prefer to stay here, with me?” she said, fluttering her eyes. Auriëlle’s heart nearly stopped beating during the pause. This was the closest she had ever come to a home. To a place she could go back to. When she heard the word, a small satisfied smirk formed on her lips. It would appear Nalla would not move from the subject of leadership. Maybe she would become a leader in the most literal sense of the word. She could stand in the vanguard, drenched in blood. Acting as an example for the rest of the army. Command and strategy would be for the wise men in their tents. Safe behind the battlelines. It would garner the army’s fear first and then perhaps their respect. Then there was the choice between a house in Nallan or a room here in the palace. With the queen. Auriëlle pondered upon the question, letting the same silence Nalla had used reign. A house would be more spacious probably. Not to mention further away from people. Yet it would have to be tended for while she was gone. Which meant servants she wouldn’t trust watching over her stuff while she was somewhere far away. That wouldn’t do. “I think I’ll stay here.” She said with a coy smirk as she grabbed an apple. For a moment she pondered upon asking how Nalla was able to knock the inherent sense of disobedience out of her. Though she decided against it. It was her habit after all. “So what’s my quarry?” Auriëlle sounded eager now. She had missed a good fight. She didn’t want to repeat the Jalka siege. This time she wanted to crush something thoroughly. Nalla waved a hand dismissively, she then looked at Aurielle with a noble gaze. "Firstly, when home in Nallan and in this palace you will address me as Queen or Queen Nalla. Secondly, your attitude needs adjustment. You have hot blood which does well in most places but I will grow tired of it, that I assure you. Thirdly, you will have to go tell Sarren your findings here and then return to me. You did swear on Tekret you would, after all. Fourthly, there will be things you will not understand here at first, things that will make you question your worldview but you must realize, I do everything for a purpose and you will learn to accept that." Nalla then rapped her fingers on the table as she smiled again. "Do these things and I will tell you of the conquest that is to come. Do I make myself clear?" She asked sternly. “Crystal…my queen.” There was still a slight hint of defiance in her voice. It made clear that Auriëlle would not be a puppet whose strings could be yanked whenever she desired. Even though she would dislike the forced obedience, her heart fluttered again at the idea of being on the battlefield. Other royals would either hide their sins away and appear perfect or carry their crimes like jewels. Nalla might be a manipulative, vampire queen that fed on her own criminals but at least Auriëlle knew that now. Nallan would be worth fighting for. Though she hoped, deep down, that she could convince Carn of that as well. "Good." Nalla mused. "And do remember, I have more to offer you than the thrill of battle, if your heart so desires." She said cryptically, taking another sip of her blood. [hider=Summary] Auriëlle travels to Nalla, where she remarks on how peaceful and prosperous the region around it has become. Instead of stalking the palace at night she decides to just enter through the front door and pretend she is a friend of Parn. Instead she gets an audience with the queen. Who asks a few questions which Auriëlle is forced (by Nalla’s crown) to answer. Nalla eventually asks Auriëlle to stay for a little while. The sorceress agrees because she was allowed to walk around the palace. In the lower level, Auriëlle finds a room where dead people are drained off their blood. Which leads her to realize Nalla is a vampire. In her panic she tries to get out but the queen intercepts here and explains that she is draining criminals. Auriëlle, after some assurances that she won’t be killed, decides to join for dinner. The queen and the sorceress discuss various topics like Carn, his family and Auriëlle’s power. Until Auriëlle cuts to the important bit and asks what Nalla wants. The queen wants her to lead her men into battle. Auriëlle refuses, saying that she’s terrible at leading and she would be training people half the time. In return Nalla says she will earn their respect through battle and that she already has people to train her men. Auriëlle eventually agrees to help out Nalla, though not constantly. She also asks for a place to come back home to after years of drifting. The two reach an agreement and Auriëlle’s first job is to take care of Sarren, the Servant that asked her to check up on Nalla and parn. [/hider] [hider=Prestige] Nalla = 0 10k+ chars = +5 Ending = 5 Auriëlle = 11 10K+ chars = +5 Ending = 16 Charm of desire = 0 10k+ Chars = +5 Ending = 5 Vineblade 10k+ Chars = +5 Ending = 5 Bloodied Crown = 0 10k+ Chars = +5 Ending = 5 Servants = 54 10k+ Chars = +5 = 59 [/hider]