Vermillion

Kaitlin Bloodhawk,
My name is Valar Amlaruil, true name of Elros Valrinar. I had the pleasure of meeting you earlier this year accompanied by my mentor Atreides Bloodhawk, you granted my permission to join the Church of The Lady of Strategy, a fact I am proud of to this day.

Under the tutelage of one as capable as Atreides it would seem my spiritual growth has grown exponentially since our last fated meeting. The lady has seen it in her planning and wisdom to aid me on my adventures and spare my life numerous times, on account of brilliant strategy. Recently the Lady granted me ruby knight chess piece which appaeared in my hand after a fated occurence with a half white dragon half storm giant. Truly surprised, Atreides instructed me that this was a sign from the Lady herself as a sign of approval of my actions.

I have taken this as a personal sign from The Lady herself, and I have felt the urge to throw down my personal goals and devote my work, my goals, my life to the Lady and her aspirations. It is with this in mind I implore you to grant me your permission to become a Divine Seeker of the Red Knight. My allegiance still lies to the Queen of Evermeet, but seeing as the Queen's standing orders are for me to pursue my goals as i see fit I would be yours for any service that the church might for one as talented as myself. I eagerly await your answer, already atreides has been teaching me his knowldge of this and all religions, and my thirst for more knowledge and power can only be quenched once I am fully indoctrinated into the church and it's personal affairs. Thank you.

--Valar Amlaruil (Elros Valrinar)
Agent of Queen Moonflower's court and Royal Assassin

�A game, Valar?� She is tall, dark braided hair, blood-red armor, eyes sparkling like rubies.

She enters without waiting for an answer, laying out a black and red marble chessboard with pieces carved from ruby and
black sapphire. He feels swept up by the game, inspired, almost as though in a dream.

�You asked Lady Bloodhawk a question.�

Move.

"I have your answer.�

Move.

"Your request is granted.�

Move.

�You shall become the first Seeker...�

Move.

�Those that shall come to be called the Vermillion Slayers.�

Move.

�Go forth, and practice your art in my name�Checkmate.�

He looks up, and she is gone. He snaps back, as if waking up. The chessboard is just the one that Atreides always uses. The woman in red is gone; in her place is Atreides, staring at Elros staring back at him. Atreides lifts his eyebrows in question. "What? It's your move."

The Birth of the Vermillion Slayers