Romaine enters Madara's chambers, a bit of confusion and worry on her face. "Madara," she calls. "Are you here?"
Romaine has just enough time to hear an eerie deep growling before she's knocked onto her back by two HUGE flesh-crafted dog-beasts. Each one takes one of her arms and pulls hard until Romaine is stretched out on the ground like a fallen crucifix. Then something rustles near Romaine's feet...and in a split-second the rustling is now by her head as she sees a glint of steel and finds Madara crouched by her head, holding her sword to Romaine's throat. Madara freezes like that for a moment-- studying Romaine-- and then a small smile creeps across her face and she stands. With a quick series of barking-noises, Madara speaks to her dogs, calling them off. The dogs reluctantly release Romaine's arms, and Madara holds out her hand to Romaine.
"The rudeness of entering a Cainite's chambers without first knocking is beyond my comprehension, Romaine. You are lucky that I knew you were coming...and lucky that I am in a good mood. My darlings will not be so gentle next time, however, and if you were to enter without my being here to control them..." Madara narrows her eyes at Romaine and watches her aura to see if she un-der-stands now.
Romaine nods, shaken up by the dogs and Madara, having never seen her as viscious as this. After a moment, she finds her voice. "I... I came to ask a favor. Have you heard the latest with what has happened?"
Madara puts a hand to her head in frustration and nods, and Romaine can see that the Madara she THOUGHT she knew is back. "It is a horrible loss...men who worked under me...I knew so many of them...we relied on them...so many deaths..." Madara seems to come out of her funk and looks up. "I have spoken with the Prince about this in private, but he was so angry that we did not get anywhere in our conversation. I have my own suspicions..." Madara glances back at the table in her room, and then back at Romaine and smiles sheepishly. "Forgive my rudeness, Romaine. Come! Sit!" Madara leads Romaine over to the table where they sit. "I am sorry-- please continue."
Romaine sits and watched Madara. "As you know, I've been told, to make the rest of the Primorgen trust me, to steal a letter from Rustovitch, and, with the latest happenings, I don't like what's going on. I need help, and your the only person I trust here."
Madara's eyes get big. "Romaine-- that I cannot...WILL not do. However, in light of the current change in our circumstances, I do not want you to journey far from our city. I remove that challenge, and will replace it with another." Madara taps her fingers on the table. "Klausenberg is not a far city. With the loss of so many guards, we are in desperate need of more men. I have been pondering if it isn't time to...assimilate Klausenberg." Madara looks up, thinking. "They are under the same threat we are-- perhaps if we offer them our city as their new homes, they will want to leave willingly and huddle under our protection...giving us a population-boost. We will strip the town and bring all that is salvageable here. We should bring this to the Prince's immediate attention, of course, and I would be accompanying you. What do you think? And...do you have the ability to Dominate or use your Presence to your benefit?"
Romaine looks at Madara, a twinkle in her eyes. "I'm not as potent as you may be," she begins. "But, I can... persuade enough if needed." A mischievous grin spreads on her face, alarming Madara a bit. After a moment, her face takes on a sadder look, "I so much wanted to play with the Wolfies," she says, a quiver in her voise. "Then can be so fun to watch." Suddenly, she smiles again, "not to say that watching the rest here isn't entertainment though. Yes, I accept, and not a moment to soon as the tide is approaching."
Madara smiles at Romaine in a little bit of confusion. "Yes...this is the time for acting quickly. Romaine-- we need to speak with the Prince so we can depart as soon as possible. I would not miss my own ball for the world! Now...let me grab some maps of the surrounding area and think of who we should propose to bring with us, and I'll meet you in front of the Prince's chambers in, oh, say about a half hour?" Madara is so wrapped up in her thoughts that she barely gives Romaine the chance to answer as she escorts her to the door and opens it.
Madara gets a knock on her door. Her ghoul answers it, and returns with a message. "There is someone here to see you. It is ... a tall dark haired man. He says he comes on behalf of a Sister Florentia. Should I let him in?"
Madara looks up from the maps she's pulled down off her shelf and pauses in thought. "Continue looking through these maps-- I'll go to the door, myself." Madara changes places with the ghoul, walks over to the door, and opens it.
"Greetings, you must be the Lady Madara. I have heard so much about you." He reaches out to kiss your hand politely as he bows. You notice he is wearing priest garb and collar. "My name is Roccio. I believe you are a cohort of Sister Florentia. She asked me to visit you. She said you were troubled, and I am here to help in any way I can." he says with a grin.
"Ah...yes. I do remember telling Sister Florentia...something about needing some spiritual comforting..." A string of curses runs through her mind, but she's able to keep her face smiling and receptive. "But I am being rude-- please, come in...Roccio!" Madara stands aside and lifts her arm to present the room to Roccio. After he's entered, she closes the door and quickly zips over to the table, pulling two of the chairs into the center of the room so her ghoul can continue his work. She faces the chairs towards one another and motions to one while she sits in the remaining chair.
"Thank you, My Lady. How kind of you," he warmly says as he sits on the chair offered him. "I do so few of these visits these days. The Faith is strong in people around here." You notice he could quite possibly pass for being mortal with the blush of life in him. He ALMOST smells living. He looks around the room for a moment, then says, "You have a lovely home." Noticing the maps, "Taking a trip somewhere?"
"We are hoping to leave for Klausenberg shortly...on a friendly visit to welcome the new leadership and extend our protection to them..." Madara answers with a small smile.
After a bit of small talk, Roccio returns to the matter of his visit. "I will be honest with you. Florentia is concerned for you and Amalia. She gave me few details but said she is concerned for your well-being, perhaps physical, but mostly spiritual. It is not like Florentia to interfere in other people's matters, so this must be a very dangerous situation, where she feels I can offer aid." Looking around Madara's home, "I know you are not Christian, and I am not here to convert you, but to help you -- discuss your problems, and find a solution, if you are willing."
Madara looks surprised. "You are right-- it is not like her to be so concerned about a relationship." Madara's forehead creases as she ponders this, and then continues. "What could be dangerous about what Amalia and I have with one another? I am sure that Christians may find it...sinful that two women could fall in love and be involved in all the aspects of a traditional relationship, but I assure you that nothing...perverse goes on. We are gentle and kind, thoughtful and loving with one another. What could be dangerous?" Madara leans forward with her forearms resting on her knees as she looks at Roccio with alarm.
Roccio looks at Madara, trying to hide his surprise. "Oh, well, Florentia perhaps should have given me more detail. I had no idea... Well, I mean..." Roccio stammers a bit. "What I mean to say, is that Florentia made no mention that you and Amalia were ... uh... knowing one another in that way. She only told me from her experience with the werewolves... that the two of you were... now what did she say they called it? ... smelling of worm?" he says with a puzzled look on his face. "One of the werewolves said you and Amalia have a tainted spirituality. ... I had no idea you and Amalia were ... involved with each other..." he continues.
"Regardless there is hope, even for smelling of the worm... even for the ways you have chosen. God loves you. God loves everyone. He forgives. Even in undeath. God even created Caine, you know..." Roccio looks at Madara with a sincere look on his face. "We can find a way to decrease the worm smell." Roccio starts sniffing the air, forcing his dead lungs full of it. "But you have to want to give it up. Even if you dont want it right now, if you want a better life for yourself... just say it."
Roccio stands up, "I do hope you will take my offer seriously. We have all of eternity for you to make up your mind. I am sure you will make the right decision... the decision for your conscience. Do what is right, and the Eternal One will kill the Worm in your soul, before it is devoured."
Roccio says, "I hope I haven't taken too much of your time... Good luck on your trip. Just remember, the Eternal Being loves you, and wants to see you happy. Just accept His/Her/Its Love. I am hear if you want to know more about it. Florentia will gladly talk to you as well."
As he walks toward the door, he looks sincerely into Madara's eyes, turns and leaves. "Have a good evening and a good trip, Lady!" he shouts to Madara as he leaves.
Madara meets Romaine in front of the Prince's chambers looking a little distracted and thoughtful, and holding some rolled-up maps. "Ah Romaine...good. Now let us speak with the Prince and see if he likes our ideas. I have a plan that I think he will agree to very readily!" Madara takes a deep breath, turns, and knocks on the Prince's chamber door.
Romaine looks to Madara and nods, still a bit slighted from being pushed out of Madara's chambers like some rotten cabbage.
The door opens and a tall guard stands there. He nods to them as he lets them in. The Prince is siting upon his throne staring out the window. He turns to them and stands.
"Greetings Madara, Romaine...how may I help you this night?'
"My Prince..." Madara bows. "Romaine and I have been talking, and we have a plan we would like to propose. Klausenberg seems to be emptied of it's Garou population, so mortals are currently in rule there." Madara begins to pace a little. "Because of the..." Madara's jaw clenches, "...horrifying loss of our soldiers we have recently learned of, we are in desperate need of men. Klausenberg has too long been an up-for-grabs city. I believe we can serve two purposes by assimilating the people and resources of Klausenberg into Balgarad." Madara pauses.
"We would do this by sending Romaine and myself, along with Cainites that have the ability to Dominate, to the city to invite the new leaders of Klausenberg to the upcoming ball. We would be...VERY persuasive. In fact, we would insist upon accompanying them back here, ourselves." Madara smiles. "Then once they were here, you could...program them to do exactly as you wished. When they return to Klausenberg, they would be VERY compelled to command the entire city to pack up and move to Balgarad. They would, of course, bring all their resources with them, and we would level everything remaining to the ground so that no trace of city remained. No longer would we have a city so close that could be used as a threat against us. We would be the only city within at least a 2-week's ride, and our population would suddenly increase by 50%!" Madara's face is flushed with excitement, and she stops pacing to stand before the Prince.
Reynold nods as he considers this...
"It is a good plan! Yes the influx of new villagers and more soldiers will help us replenish our losses. Madara, Romaine go now and do this. And for the sake of Belgrade do not fail. I place my trust in you..."
Madara bows deeply with a big smile on her face. "Thank you, my Prince! We will not fail you!" Madara realizes that she's monopolized the entire conversation, and takes a step backwards in case Romaine has something to add.
Romaine bows to the Prince, letting Madara explain the plan as she understood the details better. "Thank you, my Prince," she says and prepares to leave.
Madara and Romaine quickly pack the things they'll need for the 2-week journey. Madara tells Romaine to bring along a couple of ghouls if she likes, and meet her in the stables. She then goes up to the roof where her messenger-birds roost, and picks the best of the owls. She chirps to the others, letting them know that if her precious raven Zaran should return, to instruct him to fly the path to Klausenberg to find her. Next she goes to her Childe Sarad-- as he is very skilled at Domination-- explains the plans to him, and tells him to select 3 of his ghoul-guards for this journey. The two of them set about getting the rest of the things they'll need-- food and water for the ghouls, and large, thick pieces of canvas which will be used to make shelters for the Cainites during the day. They will not be bringing a carriage with them as it would only make the journey go slower, and speed is of the essence.
Madara, Sarad, the three ghouls, the owl, and the ghouled horses all stand ready for Romaine to arrive as Madara checks the saddle straps. Suddenly Madara gets a pang of fear when she remembers Florentia's servant's words...about how she and Amalia are in a dangerous situation with the Wyrm...and she wonders if she shouldn't go speak with the Sister immediately about this. Then she peers at Sarad's eager face and sees the excitement in the other men, and decides to write a quick note which a messenger could take to the Sister. When she's done writing, she calls a stable-boy to her and commands him to take the letter to Sister Florentia, slipping him a rather generous tip.
Romaine arrives, bringing nothing more than the clothes she wears. "Are we ready to go," she inquires, noting all the preparations Madara has gone through. Romaine smiles at this, noting how Madara is frantically getting things prepared in such a rush, while Romaine herself has always been ready to move out, not needing more than the clothes she has, or can steal, her knife, and her instincts.
"Hello Romaine! Yes, we are ready to go. I see you...travel very lightly. Well, no matter-- I thought you might, and I have an extra gown you can borrow once we reach Klausenberg. No ghouls? Well, that is probably better...keeps our numbers smaller. Here-- " Madara nods to Sarad, and Sarad walks a beautiful ghouled horse over to Romaine. "She has Celerity, so do not be alarmed once we reach the forest roads." Madara turns to face the group. "All right, mount up. We will only get a half-night's ride this evening because we are starting out late, but that is a half-day closer to Klausenberg." Madara jumps up on her horse, holds out her arm, and her owl perches comfortably on her gloved wrist. She nudged her horse with her knees, and the group starts their journey to Klausenberg.
Romaine looks at the horse and pets it gently, whispering to it a bit, then mounts up on the horse (Animal Ken 2, just letting him know that I think he's pretty and that I'll protect him along the trip so don't jostle my butt.) She rides along side Madara, discussing more about what is to happen in Klausenberg.
Madara and Romaine's small party was riding through the thick forests north of Balgrade towards Klausenburg. It was their second day out, and their trip had gone quietly. The full moon was out tonight and the dark wooded road that they traveled was bathed in silver light.
Suddenly, the forest went silent. Madara and Romaine looked around nervously, as a large dark skinned man stepped into the road, gripping a large axe.
"The Voivode was right, he said the fools of Balgrade would try to enlist the mortals of Klausenburg." Then the man started to grow. His muscles knitted tighter together, forming knotted thick knobs of armored flesh. His face took on a horrifying semblance the likes of which no mortal face had ever become. The dreadful think pointed its huge axe at the party from Balgrade, and screamed, "Kill them!"
In the blur of an eye the woods were alive with movement. More forms than Madara or Romaine could keep track of were moving. The thing that had blocked their path hurled itself at Sarad. The massive beast leapt at Sarad, bringing its massive axe down in an overhead chop. Sarad desperately raised his axe to block the blow, but proved to be too slow. the blade of the axe cleaved down throuh Sarad's shoulder, splitting the young Cainite nearly in two. The horrible thing looked up, grinning as it began to drain the blood from Sarad's quickly rotting corpse.
From all around the small party sounds of combat rang out. Flesh crafted Szlachta, seven in all had emerged from the woods, and had closed to engage the ghouls from Balgrade, though so far neither side had gained any advantage. As Madara struggled to recover herself after the vicious death of her childer, she also noticed two more men standing behind the beast thing that had killed Sarad, both holding the leashes of a pair of horribly mutated hell hounds.
Madara feels agony slice through her soul as she sees her poor Sarad-- her right-hand man, and faithful companion of over 15 years-- sliced through by that...that...demon!! From the days before Soreaxe he had prowled the forests with her, protecting their lands as her ghoul. She had only-- and extremely reluctantly-- made him her Childe when Prince Reynold asked her to create Childer. She had never wanted to do it ever again after the tragic death of her first Childe Tavia, but eventually saw the logic of the Prince's command. And this...this was the reason why. She still had her other Childe Veni, but he was more animal than man. Sarad was the one she had made captain of the guard because he was more her mental equal than any other of her brood.
All of this flashed through Madara's mind in the time it takes to blink, but she felt the impact of every memory. And then the rage came as the Beast took her over. Without even thinking, Madara activates her Celerity and brings her great sword over her head in a swinging arch, aimed right at the feeding beast's exposed neck.
Madara spurred her horse forward, rage burning through her as she charges the Tzimisce that had just killed her childe. Screaming in rage, she brought her sword down in a mad overhand chop that would have taken the foul things head from its shoulders, but at the last second, it stepped out of the way, letting Madara cleave into what little remained of her poor childer. Madara spun her horse around, bringing her sword around in a wide arc. The Tzimisce jumped back, barely escaping the swords long reach. A mad flurry of blows followed as the two combatants circled each other, slashing and hacking at each other.
In the background, Madara was vaugely aware of the battle. Her ghouls had done well, but the three men had finally been pulled down by weight of numbers, and the surviving szlachta were circling Romaine now.
Romaine reins the horse and prepares to flee, using Obfuscate to hide herself from the fiends.
Somehow-- probably because of their small numbers and quick horses-- Romaine and Madara are able to flee from the Tzimisce. They make it back to Belgarad without further incident-- just in time for Amalia's return to the city, and a meeting called by the Prince.