Eternal enemies immortal lovers (Open)

[silvertongue217]

1,000

The great Lord Richard Damian Frencesco Moore (the third) paused dangling over the foyer and watching himself gently sway above the marbled tile, he slowly closed his eyes and took a low breath trying to imagine what he would be feeling right now if he wasn’t technically dead, was the castle warm? Did it have a nice scent to it? Would his muscles be straining right now? . It was winter outside but the castle fires were burning strong and he imagined the castle was actually quite warm and toasty, he was on his 1,000th pull up and even though it was impossible for a mortal to do it he still imagined feeling the burn after a work out, the satisfaction of pushing a limit and getting results. He was dead though so it didn’t matter at least not in any way that counted his pale marble skin was sculpted to perfection and even if he continued to do a thousand more push ups.

It would make no difference

1,001

He continued keeping his eyes closed as he moved up and down on the metal bar he affixed high into the ceiling, even though it did nothing he quite liked working out for the solitude it gave him and the internal peace it brought. Sure it didn't accomplish any thing but it did take away the troubles he was currently going through.


1,020

It was by accident but he felt responsible, he should have known going down to the village was dangerous after not feeding on animal blood for so long. Even though it was only three days he needed animal blood more often than if it were human. Of course on that day he had been so eager to get out of the house that he didn't really think about his hunger.

Until it was to late

He went down to the small village outside his castle and for the most part enjoyed himself yes the hunger was hard to control but with more than a thousand years of practice under his belt he managed it. Even stopping to visit a few children whose parents (and ancestors) he knew. That night however he found a pair of lovers at the beach, a young girl and fresh faced boy who looked ready to blow off some teenage lust. They smelled good but it was tolerable, Alex hadn’t had a lover in a long time so against his better judgment he had inched along in the shadows playing the voyeur to their little moment of solitude.

They were having a good go at it when tragedy befell them in the form of the teenage girl cutting her self on some of the rock. The smell of her blood heady with the endorphins of her lust hit him and hit him hard blocking every thing else out. Before he knew it he was traveling across the beach his coat flapping in the night leathery wings as he approached the woman. She didn't even have time to react before he was on her biting into her neck and draining her blood in one smooth motion. He ignored the boys thumps on his back and waited until she was drained before feasting on his less desirable but equally tasty blood.

He growled and dropped falling the ten feet down into the foyer and landing lightly on his toes. He watched some of the servants scurrying and ignored them instead reaching for his black coat. He left it open and walked quickly the cloak once again flapping as he bounded across the hall and up to his tower. He ignored his reflection in the mirror knowing that what would look back at him would only serve to irritate him further. He was of course pale and muscular his body may as well have been chiseled from stone, his hair was dark as midnight and long going down to his chin which held rough stubble, his eyes were dark black tinged with red. He was a handsome man or would be if he didnt give off the air of being some one you didnt approach under any circumstances.

The death for the young lovers haunted him as hard as he tried to ignore it he still saw them still felt their blood pumping through him. He had to dispose of the bodies of course unless some one found them and the trail led back to him. A part of him thought he probably should have moved went into hiding for a while but he loved his home and it was one of the few places he found solace in.

So he would pray no one found him out

He walked into his room and closed the door locking it and sliding onto the bed. He couldn't sleep of course but the bed was a place he often found quite and peace in. He sunk into it closing his eyes and breathing in deeply trying to find his center and peace.

 

[silvertongue217]

giving this one a bump

 

[silvertongue217]

giving this one a bumb

 

[landiek]

Nestled in the black woods not far from Hamburg it was said to live a witch. Kalista was dispatched by the Holy Church to destroy this sinful creation of Lucifer's. Kalista was sitting in an inn when she heard rumors of another demon slaying people around another village a mere four days ride to the east.

"Another test, lord?" She muttered softly as more people began to gather in the main room. Her target was a beast that terrorized farmers. She watches each travelor enter and all they do. Another two hours pass and no one acts unusual. Slowly she rises to see about a room when the wolves howl omminsely outside. Patrons begin to huddle to the fireplace in fear.

Observing this new behavior made Kalista more sensative to the mood that follows. A large man enters and two dogs enter beside him. Whispers swirl from fearful lips as the beasts have wolven characteristics. Kalista slowly opens a vial of blessed water. She pours a small pool into the mug she was drinking from and uttered some words in Latin as she stares at the man.

The keeper brought food to the man and hastily retreated. Now the silence was deafening as he ate. The group by the fireplace grew larger and the pair of dogs were growling at the people causing them to panic. Kalista decided to get personal and joined him at his table.

"Are you an anceint royalty or do the townsfolk fear you because of your animals?" Kalista was calm as she spoke and watching for signs of possession.

A low gutteral growl lifts from the man's throat. His body begins to shake and bones crackle. He stands as his skin breaks and hair forms about his body. The face distorting and growing longer as his nose sinks inwards and turns black like leather. The transformation was quick but Kalista wasn't afraid to launch her attack.

The crossbow under her cloak swirled into view as the man was gaining girth and height. She fired two silver bolts at the beast's heart, dropping him to the floor. The wolves with him also changed into larger creatures and attacking everything around them. Kalista was ready and snapped her hand straight. A silver bladed dirk flew from her sleeve and landed in the wolf's neck. It would take minutes for the poison of the silver to kill the dog but freed her to focus on the other dog attacking the people by the fire. Kalista pulled a blade.from her boot as she rushed over and sank her blade into the back of its head. Her quick twist would damage the spine causing it to spasm uncontrollably.

Finally both dogs were dead. Kalista drug the animals outside and lit them on fire. The bodies seemed to dance in the flames. Those brave enough to watch remarked at her use of swords to kill the unholy beasts. Kalista came back and examined the man laying on the floor. No one gave a name to him so she dubbed him. lost soul unnamed. then drug him out and burned his body with his dogs.

An hour before sunrise Kalista was at the local church in prayer. Asking absolution for the lost soul and when finished tasked a priest to pen her letter to the Holy Church. Three demon dogs destroyed. Two animals one man.

She left silently and sought out the 'witch'.

 

[landiek]

Kalista rode hard during the day following the rocky road towards Hamburg. The next moment Kalista was stopped by highway men. As they surrounded her, Kalista muttered again. "Yet another test for me to prove myself, Lord?"

"What brings you to Hamburg?" One asked.

Kalista saw no reason to hide her facts. "The Holy Church sent me to destroy a witch said to reside in yon woods. A demon so vile she plucks out the eyes of any traveler caught near her home. Shaves the flesh off men to broil in a stove and offer to her master Lucifer... most likely prowling like a starving animal just inside the trees.. watching us. Biding her time to capture us one by one. Possessing the birds and trees to lay in wait to flock us as we pass."

The men get spooked and start looking at the woods. Each certain they see the witch's victims warning them to flee. Horses start prancing about from the tight jerks at the reins. A loud screech comes from the upper branches.

A man screams as he is yanked off his horse. The other three race off heading away from the woods. Kalista hops off her steed and pulls out her crossbow. She looks to the limbs overhead. Scanning each move coming from the foilage before targeting on her adversary.

Claws come out at her and it was her own stupity that caused her to drop her weapon. Thankfully she carried extra weapons dipped in holy water or salt from the sea of Galilee. Kalista sinks her blade into the neck of the creature lifting her off the ground.

Loud screams fill the woods as both women drop to the earth. The heavy thud winds Kalista and the witch now bleeding can not maintain her alturnate form.

She springs down on Kalista attempting to choke the life from the emissary of the Church. Holy relics adorn her clothing making the witch yank her hands back in pain. Kalista makes her move coming and splashes the witch in the face with Holy water. "In the name of the Holy Father, God Almighty and his sacred son Jesus of Nazareth. I bless thee with holy water from the Holy Church! Be delivered from your bondage of Satan."

The witch howls in pain as Kalista grabs her crossbow and fires a bolt into the witch's heart. Black goo spews from the wound across the ground so Kalista sprinkles salt in the puddles and sets them and the witch's body ablaze.

"May your soul be purified by fire and sins forgiven." Kalista prayed then crossed herself before heading into Hamburg.

 

[landiek]

Kalista rode into the city gates and headed to one of the buildings marked with a roasted pig. All the fight was past and she needed food to regain her strength.

"Keeper, meat and wine with warm bread if you have any." Kalista requested as three coins drop to the counter between them.

She glances about the room and then eases over to a table giving her fair view of all doorways. Kalista listened to the talk of local gossiping, waiting for more stories of another demon preying on the innocent.

 

[landiek]

Double post

 

[silvertongue217]

The door banged open a group of workers at the dock moving in and rubbing their hands to stop the cold. They were haggard looking men with gaunt faces and black soot in spots. They shuffled in going to the bar and making some rounds with the regulars before finally sitting down and relaxing.

“So did you hear what happened to the Neely girl?” One man said taking a big gulp out of his dusty ale.

“You mean the Neely girl and the Harkens boy?” Another man said eagerly stuffing his face “nasty business that way but pays them right for going to the beach and getting busy with one another they weren’t married”

“I don’t care if they were married or not” The bartender Missy said shaking her head “neither one of them deserved to die like that their throats slit utterly white”

“Some say it was the ghost of the Moore estate” Another piped up his voice fearful “that ungodly place should have been dismantled years ago!”

“Aye” The lead man said nodding “bad juju in that place but there aint no such thing as ghost! Most have been some kind of wild animal that drank their blood nothing more nothing less”

 

[landiek]

Kalista listens to them talk. She felt sorry for the couple and uttered a silent prayer that the saints forgive them for falling prey to the sin of passion.

One mentions a place. Moore's estate a place she knows nothing about but the local folk have a fear. A demon spread fear that needs to be flushed out.

"Already leading me onward, lord?" Kalista asks taking a small sip of wine.

The meal sits as Kalista rises and walks over to their table. "Forgive my intrusion but this place you speak of.. why hasn't your priest blessed it clean? What foulness was discovered there?"

She flashes several coins. "For the table to sup as I am encouraged to cleanse the devil from these lands."

 

[silvertongue217]

They exchanged fearful glances before the leader hesitantly spoke.

“We have tried before blessed it many times in all honesty this is the first incident w have had in I believe five hundred years it more than likely was a beast that did the job because that place has been empty since its last lord did almost a thousand years ago” He explained before taking some of the coin.

“The place still has a sort of feel to it though” one of the other men insisted eying her up and down and licking his lips “I would love to show you it if you wish?”

 

[landiek]

Kalista listens as they speak. It seemed that another demon may have taken over since it was centuries since incident. Still demons can be patiently waiting for the right victim.

"Aye I would like to see this place but right now I have need of rest and the church to replenish my supplies." Kalista admits. "Perhaps on the morrow after morning's vespers."

 

[silvertongue217]

“Very well Ma’am” The man said his cocky grin widening as he nodded rapidly “I will take you there in the evening would you like me to escort you to the nearest church? I believe Father Abraham is there he can take you in” he said getting up and flashing him his most charming smile.

 

[landiek]

Kalista shook her head. "I would be glad to go but my meal awaits. It would rude not to finish it."

She rose and returned to her table giving herself room to think what she needed for this unknown demon. Her mind whirls around various holy symbols as well as holy water. Silver wouldn't be as useful now but a cross of dogwood would be helpful.

Kalista kept an open ear for whispers behind her as she ate the rest of her meal. One never knows if the very company isn't corrupted by mind tricks.

Before taking her last drink of wine Kalista whispers. "Keep me safe from the demon's corruption and the lust of man, Lord. I want to be faithful to my calling."

 

[silvertongue217]

There were a few hushed whispers about the new comer. Of course the main thing was about her beauty which was of course highly sought after in such a cold and unforgiving land. Several of the men were already talking about proposing to her before the night was over while some of the darker were ones were plotting to get her alone and try to take advantage of her. The more protective men in the cavern quickly shushed that kind of talk even if the undertone didn’t necessarily go away.

Once she was finished the man came back up a bit more subdued this time. He escorted her to the church and got her set up with Father Abraham a kind elderly man who took her in and got her set up with very thing she needed and a place to rest.

 

[silvertongue217]

Whoops double post

 

[landiek]

Kalista went with her escort to the church. It was nestled in the middle of this village. Kalista took this as a sign of being the heart of the city. Protected by the people and full of faithful members that she could revitalize her faith and continue to do her duty.

"Thank you for accompanying me. I pray the angels comfort you in your daily path. Your kindness shall be rewarded." Kalista smiled as she stepped into the archway. Two gold coins dropped into his hand as she was introduced to the Father.

The father was very kind and heard her confessions. It bothered her about deceiving the theives but at the same moment she was talking about one of Lucifer's followers.

Kalista had him write to the Holy Church, witch near Hamburg destroyed. Sprinkled her last victim with holy water. Burned afterwards. Sought lodgings and resupplied holy water. Have heard of another evil force near Moore's estate. Will investigate on the morrow. Lady Kalista.

 

[landiek]

Kalista rose at the crack of dawn and went to the alter for morning prayers. As usual she asked for strength to continue her fight against Lucifer's misguided followers. To be aware of those turned into vile creatures bent on destroying the faithful to the church. To preserve in her calling and remain undeceived by the illusions a demon can create.

Kalista took communion then rose to ready herself for the ride to Moore's estate. She was unable to get her horse to calm down enough for saddling.

 

[silvertongue217]

The escort met her at the front of the church grounds. He looked cheerful and freshly washed clearly trying to impress the girl.

“Ready to go” He asked looking over at her horse “I don’t know whats gotten into your horse my dear but it is a easy walk to the castle” He said nodding his head at the mountain where you could see a hint of the castle grounds.

He nodded and began walking whistling to himself as he did and throwing curious glances at her “so why do you do this?” He asked scratching his head and glancing over at her “seems a lonely life on the road hunting for all the things that go bump in the night what drives a lady to do those things? If you don’t mind me asking?”

 

[landiek]

Kalista met her escort with a smile. She notices his improved appearance and admires his natural features.

When he makes a reference to her horse, Kalista sighed. "Some days she is afraid to go into the devil's den."

Kalista looked towards the castle. "A walk then."

Kalista liked his whistling and found it soothing. His questions were common and Kalista found it easy to answer.

"My grandfather was a grounds keeper of a small. He was faithful to his job. A woman from the woods died and was buried outside of the kirk grounds. Her kinsmen cursed tge priest for not burying her on holy ground. A demon appeared and slew those on grounds. I went to the holy church begging for help. They said that I was drawn to smite Lucifer's allies. I have been under orders of the church since I was fourteen. I'm almost thirty and will serve my calling til I die." Kalista explains.

 

[silvertongue217]

“Sounds like quite a life” He said leading her up the rocky path that would take them to the castle “Not one I would enjoy but I am just a simple farmer don’t have much time for demons and Lucifer” He said bringing her to a pair of heavy wrought iron gates that led into the castle grounds.

Meanwhile deep in the castle Richard looked up.

“What’s this?” He murmured cocking his head listening to the two heartbeats “some one coming to my castle?” He murmured feeling nervous as he rose and downed the rest of his animal blood in one smooth gulp. What to do? He could scare them away but he had no idea if they would stay away and he wasn’t quite ready to let go off his ancestral home. He could hide but it would be impossible to make this entire castle look like it hadn’t been lived in.

He could try however

Which is what he decided to spend his time doing. He used his super speed to clean up and even though there wouldn’t be a fine layer of dust at least it would pass a curious eye. Hopefully these people were simply passerby’s curious about the infamous castle. Ones that wouldn’t want to stray to far or to deeply in.

“There we go” The farmer said opening the gate and leading her inside “here we are the infamous Moore castle”

 

[landiek]

"I dreamt of a simpler life but my calling must be fulfilled." Kalista added with a nod. The walk led to a large gate that might have intimidated most people with its appearance of ominousity.

As she glanced over it's size a small pang of guilt filled her heart. She could live in a home like this had she ignored the church's mission for her life. She tilts her head as images dance fanciful dreams of grand balls and elaborate dinners that might have happened in such a glorious splendor.

"What other history do you know of this place?" Kalista asks passing the gates and entering the grounds. "Who was the last heir of this large home?"

Outside was tall grass and mountain flowers but spots were practically manicured as to say invisible staff still cared for some of its beauty. Kalista took several deep breathes to gather any staleness that lingers but didn't notice any.

Kalista sprinkled salt on the path and mutters softly. "May your angels guide my steps in the den of the lions."

"Will you wait for me or return to the village should I pass into the mouth of the home?" Kalista asks as she steps up to the doorway.