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 Posted: Tue May 17, 2011 7:10 am
This is Kryos Kaplan's personal office and meeting area for the top brass of the academy.
Within is a large ornate desk riddled with battle strategies and wreathing it is a semi-circle of hard-backed chairs. The seat behind the desk is no more plush then those for the guests but it allowed the user to tilt back. Along the wall behind the desk are shelves upon shelves bearing tomes of maps and memoirs of great military men past. A large recessed window lets in volumes of sunlight to the right of the congregation and over-looks the water and the shore beyond.
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 7:03 am
 Kryos sat behind his desk with an array of papers fanned between his hands. On each were diagrams of his estate and lists of all the weapons that were stationed on the walls. He'd gone over his land's defenses hundreds of time before but something new was always coming to light, whether it be an impaired wall from foolish training or a shift in command. He had to be able to play each rank and position to it's fullest potential. Not that anyone would attack the Rose Estate of course; they had provisions to withstand a siege for months and self-sustaining gardens underground to let them win a war of attrition easily. A big factor was also the underground tunnels that would lead behind any entrenching army and allow his forces to launch raids of their own. The shapeshifter set the pages down after taking a deep breath and looked out the bay window. Dawn had crested long ago and he could hear the cries of the trainees as they fought and the bellows from his captains. Another day in paradise. Kryos tilted back and kicked his heels up onto his desk as he reclined. Team 2's leader hadn't yet returned from the field, perhaps he would take over the duty for the day. A smile crossed the lord's face at the prospect of getting his hands dirty with pitiful students. Unfulfilling, probably, but oh so much fun.
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LostLoveVampire Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri May 20, 2011 9:15 am
 Lapis - LazuliThere was a soft knock on the door before the young man was invited inside. In his usual attire of white and black, the second in command stepped in and gave the customary and respective bow before taking a seat across from Kryos in the chair on the other side of the desk. He rose a brow at the man's relaxed position, feet kicked up on the desk and everything. The dragon dare not comment however and simply looked down at the portfolio he carried.
"Sir, it seems the head for Team Two has still not returned and his students are becoming restless. Would you like another teacher to step in?" Lapis asked, leaving it a slightly open ended question because he knew that the older male loved to spook the students as much as possible by showing up unexpectedly.
"My lunch appointment was cancelled so I am also available to teach. Team Two has not yet had their stealth training, much to my disappointment," the stoic gentleman mentioned with a soft frown. He prided himself in the skills of stealth and silent attacks, so he was annoyed when the team leaders preferred to train their students with nothing more than brute strength, loud scare tactics, and a fan-fare of movements.
Lapis considered it almost ugly.
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Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:25 pm
The door to the office opened and a young man in floral robes was asked to enter. The woman that allowed him to enter had made the young Fortune Teller raise a brow. He had not seen a woman in some time, though that was probably because all three houses were male dominated in every aspect. The sight of the silver haired, pale-eyed woman in her complimentary business suit was strange, but almost comforting.
Of course Thrice didn't know that Lazuli was just as deadly as any other man in this house, maybe twice as much considering what she was (or is he was?).
"Please wait here and make yourself comfortable. Lord Kryos will be with you shortly," Lazuli told the young man before closing the door and returning to her desk. She had other work to do beside entertaining a child of a mystic that Kryos suddenly had taken interest in.
'Though it kept him from noticing my change, so I guess I can thank the little con-artist,' Lazuli thought with a shrug before sitting at her desk.
In the office the boy almost collapsed into a chair. Pain buzzed along his body, just under the first few layers of skin. It kept the voices at bay and he was able to focus on pooling his third sight into the cards.
Thrice had managed to push himself from bed and shower. Thankfully a shower had not caused the pain he had suspected, but he only remained a small amount of time under the hot water. He washed, brushed his hair and slid on fresh robes before asking a driver to take him to the Rose Estate.
'A request from the head of the Rose Estate. How odd,' he had thought. It was enough to make him interested.
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LostLoveVampire Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:07 pm
The fortune teller was not waiting long before the doors opened again to admit the Rose Lord. Rather than entering with a flourish like the neighboring circus inhabitants, Kryos strode with purpose and elegance."Please, lovely, stay seated. You've already done me the great honor of coming out to my Estate. I know how Midnight's family detests my House." The man breezed by Thrice, placing a hand gently on his shoulder as he passed before taking his own seat behind his desk. The wooden surface was usually coated in papers but it had been wiped clear in anticipation of the fortune teller's arrival.
Kryos leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers before his chest. "I'll be brisk so we can get down to business. As you may have guessed, I am Kryos. I've asked you here to foresee a coming threat to my house. I grow suspicious of the men I hold closest and try as I might, I know my sight is clouded with emotion. Camaraderie in times of war is paramount, but it's tainted my judgement. I need you to give me a name, dear Thrice, I need to know who means to undo me." The lord's eyes fixed on the blonde conveying both the severity of his question and his appreciation of the view. "And if not a name, a date, perhaps. I won't lie, your powers are much a mystery to me. I apologize if I've asked too much."
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Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:33 pm
As soon as the man entered Thrice began to focus his sight on the lord's aura and what was in store for him. The young man saw bits and pieces, but did not focus in on anything too specific. He wanted to be ready and wanted his vision clear before he spoke of what he knew.
When the Lord presented his dilemma, the young mystic was not surprised. It was not rare that men in the seat of power would ask this of him or his kind. However, it was dangerous, because if a name was said it could not be retracted. Trust was frayed and when people fell under suspicion they often took out those that pointed the finger. Thrice had to be sure of who he was accusing as a saboteur and that he was going to be safe from said menace. Of course, giving his current wish for painful vices, he wasn't sure he cared if he was protected or not.
"My Lord Midnight tells me that you are an honorable man and I trust that you will see to it that when I tell you who is poisoning your home from within, I will not be harmed by said traitor," Thrice spoke eloquently. It was amazing how he could fight through all the pain that was wracking his body and still form such responses without problem or stammer. A soft smile floated across his lips as he sat further in his chair and took his deck from his sleeve.
Slowly his elegant hands, tamed to remain still and unwavering, moved the hand-painted deck in the middle of the desk. After shuffling, the first card was drawn and the contract was sealed between client and Teller.
On the first card was a tall black tower, two wayward forms having just been thrown from its peak like wingless sacrifices that hurtled toward the ground and unstoppable demise.
"You are right. The Tower speaks of an obstacle before you that is dangerous and will require great care and thought," Thrice told him softly, his eyes dancing as he let his sight linger over the card. He had to be sure it was a person standing in the Lord's way. Sure enough; in his Vision he began to see a form standing in a doorway, menacing and dark. The next card was flipped over and pressed to the side of the deck, the Tower sitting above the deck. This new card sported eight golden chalices and a woman standing beneath them, as if ready to receive the overflowing liquid. The card was upside down however.
"The person is driven by ego and greed, but not for money," Thrice explained softly before moving to the next card. He was beginning to see clearer and he was sure the next card would be more specific. His pale fingers twitched as he flipped the ornate card. A man rode a horse and held aloft a gleaming sword. Thrice chuckled.
"Normally the Knight of Swords is just translated as a strong male figure that advises one to be patient, but from what I am seeing, the sword is what the card is wishing me to see," Thrice mentioned as he let his hand hover over the card. He reached for the next card, but paused and looked to Kryos.
"Tell me my Lord, do you have an extensive armory? Does one man stand at its head and hold a ring of keys?" Thrice asked, not wanting to be too specific, but just enough. The card under his hand hummed and Thrice knew he was getting to something close.
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LostLoveVampire Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 2:10 pm
Kryos listened patiently as Thrice drew each card and explained it to him. Fascinating... he thought, but vague... While the start of the reading began to create misgivings in the lord's mind, his expression remained resolute and unchanged. The clues the fortune teller was giving him could point him to just about any member of his staff. They all sported egos and desired power, that was no secret. Any charlatan could have walked through the gates and figured that out. But... Kryos waited and then the teller's question sparked a fire in his gut. As a military institute, he naturally had a large arsenal at his disposal that he kept under locks to keep rebellious entrants from misusing their power. All his generals had keys to their own specialty sections but there was only one man who had access to each store house. LaFleur... The corners of his mouth curved skyward at this revelation. "There is such a man, yes."
Now he was inwardly grasping for more information. So he knew who it was, but when and how the blonde amorist was going to strike perplexed him now. That smug b*****d. He could see those docile blue eyes now, feigning innocence and compliance while withholding his devious plot. Oh, he knew just how to deal with a traitorous general. It would not be pleasant, it would not be quick. After all, this would be a wonderful learning experience for anyone else who thought they could take the shapeshifter's seat of power. Kryos didn't want to interrupt Thrice, but he had another question. "Are there others?" His confidence in the oracle's abilities had returned and he was eager to unlock more secrets.
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Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 2:45 pm
If Thrice was happy that his prediction was true, he did not show it. Keeping his face serene and calm the young mystic let his hand fall upon the deck again. It hummed with power and Thrice suddenly felt the power. This was the power to give or take life and it actually rattled the boy. Closing his eyes he bit his lip and opened his senses, letting the pain flood in once more.
The searing pain flooded his body and he actually shook with effort. He flipped the card and placed it at the other end if the deck. A man a woman lay entwined together in a living embrace. Wrapped around The Lovers like a gentle snare was a vine of brilliant green. At the end of the vine was a gorgeous red flower in bloom. This card was also upside down. There were many translations to the layout, but Thrice felt the sight take over. The card suddenly blackened and only the flower remained in full color.
Suddenly the pain forced Thrice to see in only one direction, the future. His finger pointed to the flower and he spoke in a soft and gentle voice. He prayed he would be forgiven for speaking such truths.
"LaFluer, the flower with hidden thorns, is waiting for your most trusted generals to request a distraction, such as a celebration or a trip away. A weakened link in the chain-mail will appear and he will strike with the three men he trusts above all. With the keys you trusted him with he will take a weapon of great power and strike for you. Protect your heart and whoever holds it," Thrice whispered. Then blackness took his vision.
The young fortune teller's eyes fluttered closed and he fell against the top of the desk, panting and trying to pull back into the present. Wincing he tried to push himself upon again. His arms shook with effort.
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LostLoveVampire Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:10 pm
Thrice's first tentative shake brought a crease to the lord's brow. So far the reading had been rather smooth, pretty, even, in the distribution of cards and the teller's practiced movements. This tremble that over took the blonde's body had Kryos suddenly sitting forward in his chair with his hands wrapped anxiously around the arms. He usually didn't let his emotions get the better of him but with the reappearance of his most rebellious student and the traitorous vibe tainting the air of his abode, he was worn and weary with not the strength to keep his guard up. His muscles continued to tense as the last card was drawn and revealed. He paid little attention to the intricate art on the card itself but instead kept his gaze fixed on the man before him. As he'd hoped, words began to fall from the delicate painted lips and laid out the plot against him.
Just as he'd expected. That runt... When Thrice suddenly slumped forward, almost with a sense of panic Kryos lept from his seat and slid around his desk to kneel and press his hands to the boy's shoulders. If the oracle were ill or hurt there would be hell to pay. Midnight would... Kryos dismissed the thought, he didn't have the time to spare on it for the moment. Gently, Kryos helped the other to sit up again and back in the wooden chair. Under his breath, the lord muttered a command word, "Ledus." His breath turned to vapors for a moment and then a cool sensation spread from where his fingers rested on Thrice's arms and throughout the blonde's body. "Are you well, master Thrice?" Kryos still bore a look of concern, and while it may have been interpreted as concern for the fortune teller, it was mostly concern for his loins should Thrice have come to harm from the reading. When Thrice nodded and sat up on his own power, Kryos pulled back and stood.
"You've done me a great service, oracle. Given me insight to my enemies. There is not a price that could be justly placed on this gift a mere mortal could pay." The commander moved back behind his desk and leaned down, splaying his fingers against the smooth wood. "I can at least make you comfortable for a night. It would be my honor for you to be my guest this evening and share dinner with me an a few special guests. I have a room already prepared for you that my guard will escort you to should you accept." As if on queue, an armored man stepped through the door and stood at attention to await his orders.
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Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 7:28 pm
 A strange cooling sensation slid through the young man's body and for a moment the pain seemed to ebb away. with the reduction in pain his sight receded and Thrice was able to see and think clearly once more. The future did not bombard his senses anymore and he felt himself drawing back into the present with a strange relief. Had the future been pulling on him that much?
Thrice had read about how some of his ancestors had developed their power to the point of appearing in an astral form in the future, but he was sure that's what lead to more madness. The inability to decipher the present from the future would be maddening.
"Thank you, my Lord. I believe Midnight would become concerned if I did not ret-" the young man began as he gracefully got to his feet. However, that did not remain constant. As soon as he put enough pressure on his wrapped ankle he bit his lip hard enough so the scream would remain silent. He looked away and gripped his robes before giving a pathetic smile.
"Forgive me. I'm afraid I will have to take advantage of your offer. I-I am in no shape to return to my home," Thrice told him truthfully before leaning over and gathering his cards. He slid the face-up cards back into the deck after flipping them over but hesitated when he touched the top card still on top of the deck. He paused before drawing the card and looked it over.
Thrice glanced from the card and then to the Lord of the estate. Slowly, he moved toward him, carefully not to stress his ankle or worn body. He reached out and touched his arm gently. His eyes were gentle, but still slightly fogged from the journey into the future.
"My Lord, do not dismiss this as superstition, I beg you," Thrice prepared the man softly, "But do not sleep on the left side of your bed for a few nights."
With that, the young man bowed gracefully and then asked the guard to show him to his room.
As soon as the young robed gentleman left, the petite silver-haired woman slid through the door and beside her master. She held a clipboard to her chest and a pen was placed behind one of her pointed ears. Looking over the Lord's face she rose a brow. Rarely had she ever seen Kryos rattled in any way, so this was surprising.
"Sir," Lazuli began, knowing he would not want to show any sort of weakness in front of everyone. "I take it the meeting was educational. What do you require or your favorite marks woman and ninja?"
Of course the word conjured thoughts of men dressed in all black running around on rooftops, but Lazuli was far from that. She... er... he... it was the only one completely qualified within the estate to adequately teach the ways of being completely silent right before the kill. On some occasion, the servant had proved it to her master.
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LostLoveVampire Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:22 pm
Kryos sat back at his desk as his second in command entered. He should have known she would pick up on the same signals he did, that cunning little devil. He set his elbows on the arm rests of his chair and laced his fingers together before his chest as he offered Lazuli a smirk. "For the moment, my dear, I require nothing of you other than your usual vigilance." Since Thrice's reading, the man had begun to relax again now that he was gaining the higher ground against his opponent. He still didn't know of the accomplices though, so his hands were tied. He could always make an example of his arms keeper in an effort to dissuade the others from going through with their plan, but it could backfire as well and instead force the rebellious hand. At least the situation didn't seem so urgent anymore - especially with the new recruit he was bound to have by the end of the night.
At the thought of his devious plan, the sorcerer felt a warmth begin to pool in his stomach. The plot was rather ingenious, he thought, but the big reveal wouldn't be until later that night. The delay was all well and good but the lord of the estate had a rising need that would need to be taken care of before then and he knew just how to do it and who to do it with. His pale tongue darted out to sweep along his mauve-tinted lips. He let his gaze linger on Lazuli for a moment, his mischievous intent unveiled. "Hm, I do have one favor. Send for Rorcinka. Have him meet me in my chambers. And see to it that he doesn't gain access to the interrogation room... it would spoil my surprise." He chuckled and stood, sweeping around the bureau and stepping lightly up to his commander as if half floating. "And you know how Ror is. Best not to see him like that."
The shapeshifter wasn't about let such a delicious opportunity pass him by. While he didn't much care for women, he appreciated a strong body and in this case the first problem could be fixed. Kryos placed one hand firmly on the girl's hip and the other came up to almost roughly hold her chin as he planted a hard kiss on her lips. Dominance was everything in his society and he took every chance to establish himself at the top through whatever means available. After a moment, he relinquished his subordinate's lips and trailed his mouth in tiny nips along the captive's jaw to the cream-colored shoulder. His hands snaked around behind the general, one pressing firmly at her lower back and the other between her shoulder blades until he began to feel the telltale signs. The supple breasts that pressed against him soon disappeared and, in their close proximity, he felt a bulge rub against his thigh. "There. Now you should have nothing to worry about." Kryos murmured against Lapis' neck before withdrawing his embrace completely. "See you at dinner!" He grinned before brushed passed his now-male second in command to escape to his personal quarters.
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