As you come upon the large wooden door, you notice a faint glow from underneath and the sound of soft music eminating from the room. A soft womans voice sings a song you have never heard, and it draws you forward. You go to knock but before you can the door opens and Calliope stands before you. "I see you seek me" she says in a soft hushed voice with a smile upon her small oval face. "Please do come in" she says as she moves to the side allowing you a glimpse of the chamber.
The room is large and well lit by a myriad of candles, large tapestries of fine quality hang on the walls, and everywhere you look there are tasteful objects laying about. The carpet is a plush black, contrasting with the gret stone walls. The air is sweet with the smell of a subtle yet familiar incense and immediately you feel at ease.
"Please have a seat" she says as she ushers you to a very old, settee carved of wood and and what appears to be bone. The ornate design is unlike anything you have ever seen. As you sit on the plush red velvet cushions you notice how oddly comfortable it is.
"Would you like a drink?" she asks as she slowly walks to the bar on the right wall, her graceful movements remind you of a cat, subtle yet seductive as her small hips sway gently with each step she takes. On the bar you notice a variety of goblets
as she reaches above the bar, standing on her tip toes, her sheer silken dress clinging to her every curve, and pulls down an old black bottle.
You find yourself mesmerized by her eyes, unable to look away as she smiles at you then begins to pour the thick red liquid into the chalice. Replacing the cork she turns to you and walks toward you carrying two goblets.
As she reaches you she hands one to you, her hand, amazingly soft yet a bit cool touching yours sending a pleasant chill through you then smiles softly and sits next to you
"I hope you don't mind all I have at the moment is wyne" she speaks in a seductive hushed tone, the smell of perfume on her skin assaulting your senses as she takes a sip smiling. "Shall I tell you about me?" she asks then watches you as you take in the vision before you. You manage to whisper almost inaudibly and she leans back on the settee, crossing her well shaped legs and begins.
"I am the only child of Lord Daniel DeMarquis", she speaks softly almost in a whisper, "born into a time of great turmoil upon this land. My mother was called Katherine although I never knew her as she died when I was very young." Taking another sip of her wyne and looking away as if lost in thought a sad smile crosses her small face then she looks back and continues to speak. "My father was a very handsome man, and so it ahppened that when he was not busy overseeing this land he had some woman on his arm. To say he was a most elgible bachelor would be an understatement, and as much as I'm sure he loved me he left my care to Asmodius and marianna, may they rest in peace now".
"I was taught at an early age to read and write, because of my fathers position foreign languages were expected of me. It was assumed one day I would take his place, beside a man of course", she chuckles softly a hint of mischief crossing her delicate features momentarily then back to a serious expressionas she continues.
"T'was the year I was twelve that great war began, after many years of hostile feelings it finally came to pass. My father being the patriot he was declared this house a safe haven for all who would be in need and then joined the ranks of those who fought, leaving it to Asmodius and Marianna to manage. I have to say I was a bit of a handful, yet they they still managed to care for me and tend to those who came here seeking refuge. Asmodius being a quiet man had been very particular about my education while Marianna was like a mother tending to the more sensitive sides of a young girl. One day Asmodius called me into the Great Library and had me sit, he wore an expression I had never seen nor do I care to ever again. Marianna stood by his side looking somber. They had to inform me of my fathers passing in battle and how this was all mine now. Now, Asmodius was a smart man and he knew I was not equipped to handle such responsibility so he set about preparing me, I would no longer be a child at thirteen now I must be an adult".
"As the war drew closer to my home Asmodius acquired troops to protect us, and allowed me to watch and learn the techniques of weaponry and defense. Fortunately these were abilities that I was not to need, for that very year near the end of the Autumn cycle the war ended. About a year after the end of the war a strange visitor began to appear to me as I lay in my bed at night. She was beautiful and gazed at me lovingly, I could feel I should know her but I could not place her at all. Then one night as I lay sleeping I heard Marianna screaming, I quickly woke from my slumber and jumped out of the bed running to see what was the matter. I reached her chamber and saw through the crack she and Admodius standing there, she was crying and he was trying to comfort her. I had learned the value of privacy as a young child, yet I stood there unseen and listened as she spoke the words that made my blood run cold. She had seen my mother. I now knew who the figure that came to me at night was."
Rises and walks to the bar refilling her drink then returns and sits down looking at you with a soft, sad expression then she continues. " At first I thought my mother only a spectre, bringing news of a forthcoming death, and had I been but right I would have been happy. But she was more.....she was dead yet she lived and all the stories ov the vampyre began to circulate among the servants. People started dying mysteriously and I at fourteen came to understand the ability of fear to drive rational people to maddening acts. I never mentioned my mother coming to see me, except to Marianna and Asmodius, and they swore (more to reassure me I thought) that should anything happen they would always tend to me. I thought this strange and frightening in a calm way. But I was too soon to find out if they would keep this promise. Late one night my mother once again appeared to me, lovely and cold she was. She smiled and beckoned and while I knew I should not I could not help but follow her. So follow I did. I cannot recount the things that happened next I can only say that I was forever changed. As for Asmodius and Marianna, they have served me faithfully as promised."
Rising and walking to the door of her chamber with a soft smile on her face, she turns to you and speaks softly almost huskily "I must be about other things now, but it has been wonderful to have the company of one that listens so well. I do hope you stay for a time that we may do this again, now I must be about my duties". She smiles at you with a strange glint in her eyes of emerald green andushers you out the door closing it softly behind you, leaving you in the darkened corridor once again.
East WingTorture Chamber, Prison
Lower DungeonChildren of the Night, Demons
