Buda & Pest

[RedDrake]

*It is true, my face is motionless, practically dead-cold, right now. The savaging beast is gone. The time of fury has ended, the waves of despair have calmed, and the sunrise is upon us. Blessed it be the sun that can still tame my fury! I’ve survived the worst night of my unlife and I’ve managed to vanquish a foe more powerful than anybody I’ve ever encountered… except… except my sire, but that’s an another story.

What matters now is Sophia and these traitorous fae-folks, but wait! She is looking at me. If only I could read her thoughts. For a brief moment I’m looking straight into her eyes. I do not really know anything from her. I', only seeing her as a woman with a tragic past. She is beautiful, maybe the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Not even a charming FIanna ragabash could compete with her beauty. It must have been a pain to die and become a mistress of the night. A kindred predator, who is lurking in shadows, hunting for blood. Such a tragedy! But the most sorrowful thing is that she became a member of the clan of darkness, gaining her powers from the manifested emptiness and vast darkness itself. Does she really know where her powers are coming from? I only know it because I was travelled to the Abyss once and after that I can always recognize it. It’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten. That she is no garou, she does not know the spirit world. How can she summon shadows and other things from there? I wonder if she sees herself this way. I don’t think so. But I’d be good to know.

What are you thinking beautiful Sophia? What do you see when you are looking at me? Are you thinking I’m a monster? I’m a monster, I know that better than anyone else. But the idea that I may be considered as a spy or a traitor is logical but at the same time very unnerving. May whole unlife is about struggling for not to forget my sacred duties. I’ve never bent my words, never cared about being forsaken and never doubted their importance. I’ve joined this crusade for a reason. A reason beneficial both for them and both for the world itself! I wonder that is she doing here. What are her goals?

But I’m interrupted why that petite-blabbing boggan again. That fox girl is the least irritating, yet that do not mean I’ll pardon her crimes. Yet Sophia’s answer is interesting. She is not lacking courage and this is the time when strength must be shown. They still think that all of us are werewolves. But what is this oath? I don’t like the sound of it. Spirit oaths are dead serious agreements. I wonder if their oaths are the same? We really have no time for this. If my fellow ragabash friend Vulture-wing was still alive he’d say that let’s make the oath and let the others kill them. But he is dead, so are his pranks. I miss him. *

/Ger/ - We should get moving!
*I insist on going.*

/Ger/ - Meanwhile you, faeries, can tell us about who are you really working for. You were mentioning some kind of Mist. What is it? We need sincerity before any agreement! We’re already aware that we were used to defeat your enemy, Lord Telaron from the summerfolks. You have lured us here on purpose little speaker! Let’s go, and on our way back, we can discuss the details!

<… spineless traitors…>

*To be honest White Raven should do the talking. I don’t have the mood for that. To show how determined I am, I start walking to the exit, showing the way.*
_________________
"Ashes to Ashes
Dust to Dust.
From ashes you've come
And to ash you'll return!
AMEN!"
(Angel Dust Andersen)

[Freiherr von Rosen]

Characters present: Albrecht von Wulfhard, Sablepaw, Sophia d'Auxerre, White Raven.

*Unfortunately, the strange fox-thing doesn't quite seem to understand the Spirit Speech, for it merely tilts its head curiously, while producing a disturbingly human-like smile.
And hops another lap around Sablepaw.*

-/Lat/ That was nice! Do it again?

*Regardless of the reactions, she's off to Sophia, whose answer greatly surprises her.*

-/Lat/ Ooooo! Then you must be really powerful!

*And she just stands there, eyeing her. What a weird creature.
Meanwhile, the other two certainly give the negotiations no rest. They too are aware that time is running out; in multiple senses.*

-/Ger/ It is siiiimple, friends! An oath! We're gonna promise that we'll help you in eeeevery way we can to defeat the Summer Queen of this realm, and share with you aaaaaaall their weaknesses we know of!

*His bearded comrade interjects.*

-/Ger/ Many of those apply to all of our kind, so that's giving you a lot!

*And again, the Pocket Socrates.*

-/Ger/ Indeed, indeeeed! The offer of a lifetime, friends! Heck, the offer of centuries! 'Cause we're magnificent bastards like that! Without us, you'd surely fail! And what do we ask in return? Weeeeeell... until this whole ordeal here is concluded, you must promise to protect us the best you can! C'moooon! You're big and mean and strong, surely, you can do that!

*He giggles merrily, not being overly fazed by the worn-down condition of his newfound hound escort.*

-/Ger/ Soooo, whadoya say?! Are we friends? Will you sweeeeeear it?

*He now addresses these words to all four "big ones" present. Here comes the moment of truth.*
_________________

[Sophia d'Auxerre]

*Sophia slowly casts her gaze around the destruction, trying to think through their position now. The crater that the Lord left is huge, still smoking from the power that caused it. Some of the forest trees lay splintered, tossed as if they were used toothpicks. How she managed to escape that without a mark...

Though, pondering that, Sophia turns her stare to the injured wolf beasts and the scortched, crippled Albrecht.
The wolves are just fodder, they were expendable. True they had abilities that she found curious...

Albrecht however...
She glares to him, injured and exhausted. Back to his kindred form, signs of the monstrous beast that once wore his armour have all but vanished it seems. Her thoughts are barely reflected upon her porcelain features but her eyes are cold, thoughtful.
A spy? Perhaps... Though not linked with the other two, they treated him with unknowing as much as the rest of the vanguard.
The silence of the "man" is now far more understood. But his status, his status made no sense if he holds such a form. Was he wolf? Kindred first? An experiement?

Her thoughts are interrupted as one of the strange and annoying fairy creatures comes bounding up to her. The fox.. girl... thing. It runs with a strange elegance given its odd form.
Sophia is genuinely surprised by it's fluent pronounciation, her brow raising as she peers down to the creature.
Her gaze slowly glances to Albrecht then down to the fox before answering.*

-/Lat/ It takes more than that for me to change. Besides, it seems others decided it was their turn instead.

*She looks over as the other creature and the dwarf speak of "spilling the secrets". With a glance to the others, it seems only she heard the offer, or the others are ignoring it at current. There's no trust to them, and rightly so. Having been spying and now clearly trying to stand behind and with us instead of in front of us. But what was that...?*

-/Ger/ Oath? What Oath?

*Sophia glances once around her, to those with her and the surroundings. Almost painfully aware how close sunrise is getting. They cannot delay long. She fixes her gaze back on the... creatures.*

[RedDrake]

*Thankfully all the others have survived it too. Maybe I’ll regret this later, but now I’m content with them surviving. It’d be good to know what Sophia knows and thinks about this whole encounter with the mad fae lord. She might even think that I’m a spy or something similar and that verdict just cannot be farther from the truth. Yet it wouldn’t be comfortable if the whole vanguard knew about my original kind. Two werewolves are enough. A vampire who is a werewolf too, it’s nearly unthinkable. Of course, she’ll definitely speak with the Komtur, and that is the right way. Maybe she’ll consider this a trick or faerie magic or something like yet. I look human, well, kindred, to be precise, again.

I’m in no condition to stop that so I’ll let fate to decide. We’ve much more serious problems right now. We’re in the enemy’s territory, we’re injured and sun-rise is upon us and I need blood. If nothing else succeeds I can escape to the penumbra from the sun but it’s my last resort plan.

Finally I look around first the place where Telaron exploded. Nothing has survived there, a pitch-black crater and magical fire. Even the forest shall never forget this night, Telaron burned into its memory as a never-disappearing scar. Unlimited ego, but such a waste, his skills were perfect.
Even though I understand that he was some kind of guardian here, his reactions were similar to a mindless Red Talon ahroun’s reactions while protecting his territory. Understandable, logical but executed mindlessly. Speaking of the Red Talons… our little cute Sablepaw and her prophecy will give us tough times all in our way.

What is that dwarf looking? Oh yeah, the three turncoats are trying to act brave. I’ve not forgotten their acts and I don’t really care for their reasons. They’re indeed very lucky that I’m in no condition to fight right now. I’ve to be careful because the beast inside me wants to taste faerie blood. Especially after hearing their “proposal”. What are they thinking? Mob, the scum of faeries, manipulative cowards. They’ve used us to get rid of their summerfolk enemy. Who are they working for?*

<But yet, the Komtur needs the information. I’ll not speak nor promise anything.>
*But if they’re coming with us by their own free will it’s our gain. We can execute them later.*

/Ger/ - I agree, we need to leave as soon as possible.

*Solidarity from a Shadow Lord? Oh Gaia, what’ve I done? My sin is too great beyond comprehension if I’ve to endure this. Yet I must admit I’ve seen far worse Shadow Lords than him.*

/Ger/ - Yes ,I can.

*I’m preparing to carry my stuff. We’ve no time to waste.*
_________________
"Ashes to Ashes
Dust to Dust.
From ashes you've come
And to ash you'll return!
AMEN!"
(Angel Dust Andersen)

[Inu]

I look again to Sophia but I don't need to know what she thinks about them. They stink. They might be really in trouble and they might really want to come with us and that is a good news. But all that chattering about marvelous secrets... They hardly know anything useful. Still they know more about the faeries than we do and it can be interesting even if we can't use it during our journey. We have to question them anyway. Those leeches will do the job and I will also learn the details. And I guess my Dances-With-Winds will love this story. So I sigh and look around to check all my companions.

-/Ger/ I won't hurt you as long as you cooperate with us. But you will also need to convince the leader of the Black cross that you weren't spying on us. Or at least you won't do it from now on.

I stretch my back and the move still hurts. I sigh again. Looking at Sablepaw I'm lucky that only my back hurts. But she can walk thanks to Gaia. Sophia is all right. Albrecht is another story. But he will also survive, not to mention that I have to know everything about his cursed life! Or death...

I speak up.
-/Ger/ We need to leave as soon as possible!
Then I walk to Albrecht and soften my voice. I even fill it with little solidarity.
/Ger/ Can you walk?

I still only care about Sablepaw in this team. But we need everyone. And I have to find out all the little dirty secrets about these walking corpses before say goodbye to each other. No matter how that break up happens.

[Sablepaw]

*Limping closer to White Raven I finally take a glance around the once beautiful place. Scorched, smoke-scented, dead soil, a huge blackened hole, a wound on Earth where the Flaming One died. The land is miserable and injured beyond recognition, just like me. Voice of Thunder tells me he knew about... me being controlled. White Raven deals with the Wyld Dreamthings - he's definitely in better shape to do so than Voice of Thunder. Sunset Mane also appears, seemingly unharmed. These Leeches are tough bastards, that's for certain. But my grimness and the sense of defeat still haunts me; I don't even try to leap at the strange beings or attempt to lock my jaws on one of them until they tell us what they need to tell.
And anyway... the grotesque Vixen-Twoleg-Thing doesn't seem so bad. Her mere vicinity eases the pain, fills my mind with remembrance about the Season of Rebirth, of fresh sprouts and leaves and flowers. And it's like she... she is some sort of Spiritual being.*

- /Spi/ Do you... understand me?

*The mysterious, silent yet ominous Spirit-Speech leaves my snout... maybe that's my only way to communicate with her. Or fox-speech, though that's harder, especially when I'm in such pain.*

- /Spi/ Can you... heal me?

*I have no reason to trust this thing but somehow her scent... it reminds me on the Spirits of Life. I follow her even when she turns towards Sunset Mane, asking her why she hadn't changed.*

<Because she's a Leech, an Empty Twoleg, not a Garou! Although... that's what I was thinking about Voice of Thunder as well. What if she's also a dead and Empty Garou?>

*I glance at the One who saved me, the One Who Should Not Exist - now wearing his Twoleg form again. And then to the tiny one who is the most talkative. It speaks about some kind of... alliance?*

<You don't even know who you want to ally with! So you Wyld-things, you seem to have a dedication toward living things. So when you spied on us, you missed the point that most of those Twolegs were dead?! Or are you trying to fool us?>

*Again, it's too complicated. Like Spirits, they want an Oath for an Oath. Unlike Spirits they don't seem to know who they're dealing with. And they speak about someone who wants to hunt us? The same alpha-female thing the Flaming One threatened them with? The One who punishes the oathbreaker? The Wyld doesn't make any sense. Neither do Twolegs. This little Thing combines both. I have no idea whether I want them to join us or I want to eat them. Not that I could talk to it without the help of White Raven. Or Voice of Thunder, for that matter. Not that I feel like talking or making decisions. I just want to endure anything, I just want to prove my worth to Griffin but my instincts and wisdom fail me and the horrid burnt wounds make everything hard. The foxlike thing could be nice company, though, especially among all those walking dead Leeches, that's one thing for sure.*
_________________
- Cobolymancs (Sablepaw), Red Talon, Theurge, Lupus
- Setétholddal Osonó (Darkmoon Stalker), Bastet, Bubasti
- Bosszú Fagyos Karma (Frostiger Kralle der Rache), Fenrir - Schwerter von Heimdall, Modi, Ulfr

[Freiherr von Rosen]

Characters present: Albrecht von Wulfhard, Sablepaw, Sophia d'Auxerre, White Raven.

*The destruction caused in the middle of the Fae grove is notable. All around the large crater, smoke rises from the tortured soil, and entire trees shattered and fell with horrible screeches that could even be heard in the Spirit World. For whatever reason, this slowly-fading magical fire seems uninclined, at least, to spread further destruction, preventing the entire realm from burning down to ash.
Perhaps not even Telaron would have unleashed this final spell, if that were the foreseeable consequence.
While the survivors recuperate and demand answers, the trio of merry lil' fairies appears to be utterly unfazed by the fact they're amongst gigantic monsters who wished to spill their guts just minutes ago.
What are they up to?
The strange, humanoid fox hops around Sablepaw, sniffing her from multiple angles. Her aura, her spring-like scents and strange, intangible magic ease the sheer pain the Cliath's grievous wounds would otherwise cause. Whatever this Wyldling is, it has a deep connection to living things, and possibly even the mysteries of the Umbra.
The stocky, bearded dwarf - wearing a small axe and leather armour - curiously inspects Albrecht, particularly his now-normal sized armour and weaponry, letting out an intrigued "'hmm...". He dares not approach too close.
And the main culprit, the smallest of them all, the spy the size of a human lower arm hops on top of a freshly-broken tree stump and answers White Raven with a distinct sense of impunity.*

-/Ger/ German! Much better! I was originally born in Germany, y'know, before-... ah, never miiind! So anyway! Please calm doooown, there is no attack coming, not for tonight, at least!

*Speaking of "tonight", the vampires, now finally at a relative peace of mind, unmistakenly sense the very much imminent coming of the dawn. Perhaps they can still make it back to camp in time, perhaps they'll need to burrow in the womb of Mother Gaia. And perhaps they'll just turn into a pile of ash.
At any rate, haste must be taken.*

-/Ger/ We will have aaaall the time in the world to talk, but if you waaant us to talk, you will first have to promise you will not hurt us! Heck, we'll even accompany you and help you fight your... uh, enemies.

-/Ger/ And you sure have many now.

*Notes the bearded one, on a much deeper voice.*

-/Ger/ They will know of what happened here. Trust me. Perhaps they already do. And they will want to kill us just as much as you folks. So this is not a trick.

*Then the tiny Fae resumes the thread of talking, hopping up a "great" distance and clapping his hands together to emphasize.*

-/Ger/ Yes! Yeeees! We want to live, because living is so much more fun than not-living, yes?! These slimy summerfolks were going to kill us anyway! They kept looking dooown on us! It was just a matter of tiiiime!

*The voices of these creatures strangely echo while speaking. It would seem it wasn't simply the sorcery of the Fae lord, but rather a phenomenon peculiar to this unsettling race and unsettling realm.
Meanwhile, the fox-girl carefully and elegantly rushes over to Sophia, asking an awe-filled, respectful question with a fully normal, human pronunciation of Latin.*

-/Lat/ Why didn't you wear your big war-form, like the others?

*Meanwhile, Cicero Minor continues his speech.*

-/Ger/ It is simple, friends! Veeery simple! You promise to protect us, and in return, we promi-... what promise, swear to spill aaaaall the wonderful, mystical, magical-

-/Ger/ -marvellous...

*Adds the dwarf.*

-/Ger/ Yes, maaarvellous faerie secrets you and your allies wish to hear! And help you locate the Queen who'll be hunting you now! And help you defeat them! Yeeeees! Kill them all up good! All it takes is a siiiimple oath! Ja-wohl!

*The only thing more disturbing than the annoying vocal affectations of this midget is the realization in the Garou and the Kindred that should they reject the offer, these creeps could probably slip away as quickly as it gets.
And they have no time for a second goose chase. No time for anything at all.*
_________________

[Sophia d'Auxerre]

*Never, never had she ever had to run so swiftly. Even when caught pulling the wool over others eyes, even from the mob that her brother had led! Never had she ever had to move so fast in her life and unlife.
She presses herself against one of the thick trees to shield herself.

The light, that consuming, ferocious flame suddenly expands hungrily in its explosion. Sophia closes her eyes tightly, if she was to survive, she wouldn't wish to be blind also.

If her heart still was beating, surely now she would hear it like war drums against her ears.

The roar of the explosion is painfully loud and the force of it threatens to uproot the trees and by the sounds of the creaks, cracks and crashes, it's succeeded. It almost seems like the world would be consumed by this light, this noise before finally... Silence.

Only for a few moments as those who survive take a breath.. or pause considering Sophia's breath was stolen a long time ago.

She opens her eyes carefully, to check if that blinding light still emanates. She straightens herself, seeing that it has dimmed and now disappeared. There's still noise though. Screeching.. squeaking? Hard to tell with the distance.
Sophia carefully peers around the tree, the roots and fallen branches of the front trees obvious. Peering past them, she tries to see the shape of Telaron... But nothing. Yes, so arrogant that he had to greet death on his own terms.

Pondering that though, Sophia holds agreement.*

<Better by your own hand than an enemies.>

*Sophia moves back the way she ran with a swift pace, clutching up her dress in one hand for easier movement. She moves through the debris of broken branches and roots as she tries to see where the Lord stood, looking around the area to see if the others survived and if they didn't... Evidence that they were caught in the explosion.
Standing, observing around the crater, she looks for the hulking beast figures. It would perhaps be a mild inconvenience if they were lost. Though she was highly curious of the shadow trickery that she'd seen displayed.

As for Albrecht... Well...
That would be a loss given the fact for the travel so far he has proved himself as a skilled warrior and holding intelligence. But now? Hrm.

She sees a hulking figure, finding it to be White Raven as well as the fairys. Immediately she readies herself to attack or defend, depending on both the beast and fairy creatures intentions.
The wolfbeast is hurt though, this is evident, and the creatures... are they trying to help..?

The deep words from the beast ring out toward the fairy folk. Sophia looks sharply to them, studying the creatures both with curiosity and caution. She drags her fingers through a few strands of her flame red hair to push them back before managing to obtain her air of grace again. Though her glare shows she's not to be mistaken as fragile.
The fact she bears no wounds would perhaps enhance this opinion!

Sophia takes a step forward as White Raven glances to her and she glares to the creatures, intent on hearing the answer to his question!*

[RedDrake]

*It happens. The world falls to darkness after blazing like the sun itself. Fire scorches everywhere and an unknown force sends me flying. This may well be my end. That fae lord, that arrogant fae lord may crash my hopes too. This may be the end for real. So be it! I don’t mind dying! Yet, I wished to die in a battle against the Wyrm, not a fiery-arrogant lord who cannot accept defeat!
Shit…
How can a vampire lose his consciousness?
Damn…
A tree…
Not good… and the world… goes … away…

So… uncivilized…
But…
I feel… some kind of pain…
I smell… burned flesh, fur…
It hurts…
What happened?
Am I alive? No… I’m.. a damned one, an undead… but.. it cannot be the final death.

No.. I hope in the final death there are no such irritating voices. I open my eyes slowly. The little traitors. Why are they helping us? It makes no sense. Nothing makes sense. It hurts.. everything. My… armor… is.. is…

No…

My… family heritage.. noooo! I’d need the best smith in the world to fix it.
I’ve barely survived…

Somebody is lying in me, it is… Scorched-Paw, she has survived too. That fanatic theurge.

I need blood…! I need it, badly!

I’m still confused. I try to stand up with the help of my sword. I’ll be like a walking stick…

My gifts are undone, I change back to homid, and I may be able to barely stand. These wounds will take time and blood. Blood…

So I’ve saved the prophecy? It must be a bad joke. Every rotten prophecy just brings misfortune, they’re all a deathtrap. This one has nearly killed me in the first night. It may have already destroyed my armor, my precious armor! Speaking of which, I need to get it off, but I won’t leave it here, never! It has served me for centuries, I’ll not abandon it.

It seems I’ve received most of the damage. No wonder that the Shadowlord was very good at hiding and saving his sorry ass. But at least he does not plan to stab me. I’ll let the others speak.Even existing is painful enough right now.

I look at Sablepaw. My voice is like a whispering now.*
/Ger/ - You were controlled, I know.
_________________
"Ashes to Ashes
Dust to Dust.
From ashes you've come
And to ash you'll return!
AMEN!"
(Angel Dust Andersen)

[Inu]

Even the jump couldn't take me far enough. I slowly stand up, shake my head and vertiginously look around. A crater is all that remained from the Fae Lord. But what happened to the others? Sablepaw is seriously burnt but lives. Thanks to Gaia. And somehow that Silver Leech also survived. Tough bastard, whatever he really is... We will make a good use of him. There are so many questions I want to ask from him... But it can wait. I turn to the little slippery faeries who - I don't know why - stayed and try to help us. They lost their last chance to escape without being questioned and probably tortured by the leeches. If they think their help will make us forget their spying then they are wrong. But it's not my problem. I just want to hear what they know when they are questioned. Moreover I have my urgent question myself.

-/Ger/ Who is the ruler of this land and where is she? How much time do we have before the next attack? You are better tell us the truth. We know when you lie. - I glance at Sophia as if she could read their mind.

We don't need intimidation but I am also far from being friendl. I have to know it now! We might need to leave as soon as possible. Or we might be already late and those little worms are helping us to keep us here while the reinforcement arrives... Everything is possible.

[Sablepaw]

*The One I must kill is not only invincible but he grabs me, lifts my Pure-blooded Giant form up like I was a little pup and I can only wiggle viciously and desperately in his firm grip.

And then... the whole world flares up; everything becomes hot, fiery pain, powerful enough to send both of us flying and crashing against a tree. I shriek in sheer terror, my instincts have finally found their way back into my heart, panic floods my veins and blinds my eyes. I roll in the remains grass and in the dirt before the fires would utterly consume me. The agony follows the shock shortly after the flames are gone from the wretched, smoking shape my body used to be. Blistering wounds and sores cover me, some of my tissues have ruptured and a part of my fur has completely gone leaving only blackened, reeking ash stuck and grown into my burnt skin.

Water pours down on me, killing the last tongues of fire... water from the Other Wyld Dreamthings who help us for reasons I can't understand and - for now - couldn't care less about.

Along with the pain and the terror comes the grim realization. I have no idea why I did that. I remember everything... yet I wasn't myself. The terrible Wyld Dreamthing somehow... his voice, his command overrode everything. Even the Prophecy. I just tried to slay Voice of Thunder for no reason at all. And yet... if it weren't for him I'd be dead. The Prophecy would be lost... along with the future of my Tribe... and maybe all Garou.
And maybe he's dead - he was dead to begin with. A dead and empty Garou. Something I can't comprehend but all I know is that he saved the Prophecy.*

- /Gar/ I... didn't want to... attack... you... I don't... understand. I wasn't... myself. You... whatever you are... saved... the Prophecy.

*My growling is shattered and maybe hard to comprehend and I don't even know what's with Voice of Thunder. He's still a horrible Twoleg-Wolf - and dead Garou wear the shapes they were born in. But still, he's not alive. He's a lifeless Wyrmthing. Everything with his mere existence is wrong. Dead Garou should become Ancestors, guiding the living Ones. They shouldn't become Leeches, no matter how strong they are. I don't even know why I've just said what I said. I'm confused, everything is so complicated. I hate that Twoleg-piece in my mind, the ability to think, it just makes everything dreadful and hard.
I'm shaken not only by the roaring pain - the only parts of me that aren't in pain have probably died away - but by the fragility of the Prophecy. How I couldn't resist some monstrous flaming Twoleg-Wyldthing. How I failed in every single thing since we got here and that's just the things I can remember.*

<Griffin... forgive me. I shall be strong... I shall endure everything and I'll never forget the Prophecy... never, ever!>

*But it's hard to be strong now with all these injuries - some of the flesh, even more of my spirit. I don't even dare to lick my damaged pelt right now with its putrid, burnt stench. I try to stand up and take a few, limping steps, possibly towards the Shadow Lord but I avoid his gaze. Despite all my suffering and woe, I don't even whine and cry. The horrible events, or more like, the horrible possibilities of all that could have happened, the fact that my determination can be taken away from me by some words silence me utterly.*
_________________
- Cobolymancs (Sablepaw), Red Talon, Theurge, Lupus
- Setétholddal Osonó (Darkmoon Stalker), Bastet, Bubasti
- Bosszú Fagyos Karma (Frostiger Kralle der Rache), Fenrir - Schwerter von Heimdall, Modi, Ulfr

[Freiherr von Rosen]

Characters present: Albrecht von Wulfhard, Sablepaw, Sophia d'Auxerre, White Raven.

*When giants leave the scene of history and life itself, they almost invariably tend to slam the door so hard as to make the world tremble, and all those who behold stand back in utter stupefaction.
That is exactly what's taking place right here and right now.
The defeated Fae lord's grasp is hauntingly strong and even the doubly supernatural Albrecht von Wulfhard finds it hard to break free, let alone remove his sword as well. But even with this delay, he manages to, while his foe's body becomes increasingly transparent and fiery, a terrible magic brewing inside that threatens to break free and devastate the world - his world - any moment.
Crushing all his hopes of turning back time. Of undoing the atrocity he has become. Of righting all wrongs.
As he darts away, as all but Sablepaw dart away, his last hope is that the "explosion" will not be one of sunlight. His enemy, after all, was not only a being of the Wyld, but also of Summer, Day, and everything that's considered the bane of those who bear the curse of Cain.
Sablepaw is grabbed, like a mere pup. Her frenzied bites lack the elan and dynamism in this desperate grasp to cause any harm. She is utterly confused. She understands nothing. Her mind is a battlefield of contradicting urges and thoughts.

And then it happens.

As the undead, glowing Silver Fang jumps forward in the last moment, with a horrible roar of sound, the Fae lord behind them becomes a living volcano, disintegrating in a blaze of glorious flame. And not just any flame. It is as though the very essence of this ancient creature would disperse, raining a deadly firestorm on the backs of all those present, melting metal, fur and flesh alike with a terrible hunger.
For the first few moments, there is only pain. Immense, devouring pain. Then, as Albrecht and Sablepaw are thrown against a tree by the violent blast, its massive bole surrenders with a sigh and cracks, collapsing with a roar of its own, while the fur of the pair catches flame and must be extinguished as quickly as possible through furious rolling in what's left of the grass - or the very, scorched earth itself!
Sophia and White Raven are more fortunate, having had ample time - and other methods - to start running. The Shadow Lord only gets "tasted" by the flame before the blast wave launches him forward and landing safely on a pile of strange mushrooms. The supernatural celerity of the Lasombra, coupled with her much greater initial distance enables her to completely bypass the explosion behind five, or six layers of wood. She never had to run so fast in her un-life!
Only moments later, somebody sprays a rich spring of cold water on the Abomination and the Prophet, killing what's left of the fire and leaving a very soothing, life-giving sensation.
It's the other three. They're all alive and unhurt. But why are they still here? Why are they helping them? The screeching voice of the little spy invades the ears of the duo with unmistakable certainty.*

-/Lat/ Goodness gracious! Are you alive?! Please don't die!!

*Even with all his magical defenses, Albrecht was baked in his own metal armour. His heroic act of sacrifice meant that it would be he who'd bear the brunt of this final spell. His fur is scorched and blackened, his skin disfigured by horrific signs of burning and all the steel he wears must quickly be discarded to give him some comfort. But he's alive. He made it, against all odds. And so did Sablepaw. And so did his sword. The journey continues...
The Red Talon finally regains her full consciousness. The spell is over, broken by the death of the one who invoked it. She now realizes what she's done, or rather, was trying to do, completely against her will. But then, she also realizes what "Voice of Thunder" actually is. And just how close she was to dying and therefore, losing the Prophecy.
This creature, this horrible affront against Gaia... saved her. And with her, perhaps the entire Garou nation. The ways of this world are immensely strange, unpredictable, and indeed, ironic, as much as she's able to comprehend the notion.
While the trio of Fair Folk busy themselves around them, trying to ease their sufferings, their gazes involuntarily wander back towards the clearing. Where once the mighty Fae noble Telaron Fireheart of the Summer Court stood and fought, now lies only a massive, night-black crater.
Nomen est omen, said the ancient Romans. Indeed, this lord had the heart and soul of fire.*

Albrecht: Crippled.

Sablepaw: Mauled.

White Raven: Injured.

Ambience
_________________

[Sophia d'Auxerre]

*Sophia stares as she watches the beast that was formally the silent knight of Albrecht impale their destructive foe with a sudden furious strike through the Lords body. The whole battle seems to pause for a brief millisecond when the sword exits the other side of Telaron's body, the surprise evident on his face, the fury shown from the beast of Albrecht.

Relief. If only for a moment. Sophia smirks in satisfaction as she watches Telarons eyes widen, his body freeze in shock at being defeated. Just a pity it wasn't her being that close to watch the life drain from his eyes...

It's only a second before the black, hulking form of White Raven attacks. Sophia having the arms of shadow try to cut off further words from Telaron as well as remove his sword. Let him die overwhelmed, defenceless, humiliated! It succeeds and the blade clatters heavily to the ground.

But it seems he refuses to greet death unless it is on his own terms, the shadow arms do nothing to prevent his final, furious words being silenced.

Chaos, panic erupts again as the Fair Folk screech and run, the ominous orange glow brightens, rivalling if not surpassing the moon-glow from Albrechts form.

The wolves, the beasts, they immediately turn to jump.
Sophia doesn't stay to see if they made it. Perhaps they could soak the explosion.
As for Albrecht... if it even was Albrect anymore... who knows. An asset, a spy? Now was not the time to ponder whether his loss would be mourned.

She reaches down, bundling her dress up before she too turns to get away from the blast as fast as possible!*

Blood Point spent = Celerity

Dexterity + Athletics

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 5d10 Rögzített 10-Sided Dice Results: 8, 10, 9, 9, 2 (Total = 38)

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 1d10 10-Sided Dice Results: 3

Soak

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 2d10 Rögzített 10-Sided Dice Results: 6, 1 (Total = 7)

[Inu]

Not only the Fae thought it was impossible. The other wounds are annoying stings camparing to that penetrating stab. We finally succeeded. That Silver Fang leech, monster of the Wyrm succeeded, to be exact. And we helped him to destroy a strange manifest of the Wyld. Deadly and dangerous but still Wyld. I'm not sure if this should be called victory at all. But we still live.

<Mariel? Another mysterious name forgotten. Now we'll never find out who was this semi-god and why he attacked us. All I know is that he isn't hte ruler. Just a sentinel. And are all the pawn of the Wyrm in this nightmarish Prophecy...>

But even in his death, he can't rest in peace. He grabs Albrecht to die with him. At least not Us... and at least he really dies and won't walk and contaminate with his undead presence as leeches do. But he is to explode! I turn away and jump as far as I can defending my head with my arms. No time to help to Albrecht (actually I wasn't planning to help him, he is already dead...) and no time to find Sablepaw. I can just hope that she is covered by the armor of the leech.

Jump

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 9d10 10-Sided Dice Results: 10, 5, 1, 5, 2, 4, 8, 6, 7 (Total = 48)

Soak

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 6d10 10-Sided Dice Results: 3, 3, 4, 10, 7, 7 (Total = 34)

[RedDrake]

Strength (+potence)

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 11d10 Rögzített 10-Sided Dice Results: 8, 6, 3, 3, 10, 10, 3, 4, 10, 7, 6 (Total = 70)

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 3d10 Rögzített 10-Sided Dice Results: 4, 5, 5 (Total = 14)

6 + 4 = 10 successes for strength


Soak

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 20d10 Rögzített 10-Sided Dice Results: 1, 1, 9, 7, 1, 2, 6, 9, 5, 2, 1, 5, 8, 6, 10, 5, 8, 3, 4, 8 (Total = 101)

9 successes.

*This was time when we both used our master technique. Both of them were marvelous beyond belief. No ordinary vampire or garou would have withstood it, but I have. It’s my curse and yet my power too. I’m sentenced to continue my existence, even the cost of Telaron’s life. Today, he was defeated. A great warrior has just passed by. Yes, it’s impossible, as my existence. This is a timeline which should have never existed in the first place. *

<Rest well Telaron! If I’m to succeed you’ll not die. I’ll undo this wretched timeline. I’ll undo everything. Just wait, wait for it!>

*But know, he’ll wait in the past, ever lamenting his mistake. He should’ve let me go.*
/Lat/ - Rest well, Telaron!

*His died with dignity, a real tragedy to the world. Faeries are like dreams, and the world needs dreams. Rest we… what? I see in his eyes that even this time he is still planning something.*

/Lat/ - … mad fae…

*He is blocking my sword with his own body. What is he up to?*

/Lat/ - Psh…

*Explode? Now? And… what..? Sablepaw knocks on the back of my armor, still in her fury. We’re going to… explode? Now?
I don’t care, but she will die. I’m using my full strength to free my sword and myself from the fae lord. If I cannot break free of his grabbing I cut his hand with a swift swing.*

<She’ll attack me… doesn’t matter>

*My plan is simple. Turn around and jump as long as I can, covering and taking Sablepaw with me. Her bites cannot really pierce my armor, not yet at least. I only have seconds for this. *

Dexterity + Athletics - 3

Dobás:

Eredeti dobás sorozat: 7d10 10-Sided Dice Results: 1, 3, 6, 2, 7, 3, 2 (Total = 24)

_________________
"Ashes to Ashes
Dust to Dust.
From ashes you've come
And to ash you'll return!
AMEN!"
(Angel Dust Andersen)