Scions of Stone

[Angelique Diavolo]

This is part one of Chapter Six in a story that's been role played in Istas over the past year. As we reach a point where we will be involving other people not just from Istas but the community in general I'd like to introduce the story here.

The story from the beginning can be found on The Solantavo Syndicate story forum at the following link:
solantavo.crimson.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1696

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Chapter 6: Into the Depths Pt. One

*note left at Elysium for Azrael*

Lord Azrael,

An aid has been assigned to my class and not knowing how to occupy her time I've engaged her with preparing my curriculum for the coming semester. I find most of my evenings free and am available at your convenience to open the grimoire.

Angelique Diavolo

*a message returned quickly*

I find the ritual room in the Town Hall sufficiently secure, we shall perform the rituals there if that is suitable. I will meet you there.

-A
___________

I hadn't expected such a quick response, and was very glad I always have my ritual robes and implements ready for use. I quickly stripped out of the clothes I wear to teach and handling them with the respect they deserve I selected a robe in black, one with a neutral connection to myself for meeting with the Seti. This grimoire wasn't mine, opening the wards was something I've little experience with and the Seti's magic shouldn't be influenced by anything personal. It was only a few moments before I pulled my cloak around my shoulders and headed for the ritual chamber in the cities center.

I entered the building and made my way to the warded teleporter that allowed only select members of the city to ascend to the ritual chamber. The room was dimly lit and cold with deep shadows forming around the Gothic architecture. Little decorated the room, it was simply set out with the tools needed for the purpose of ritual. Drapery masked the bare stone walls, red at the summoning side of the room, with a bloodwood altar table and summoning circle. The summoners side of the room was neutral white also with an altar table in a pure white wood and abattoir carved in a white stone.

I stood silently taking in how the room was set up when the Seti drifted from the shadows adjusting the cuffs of his raiment as the semicircular waistcloak dragged lightly on the stone floor. The Seti's ritual attire looked to be made of leather, in a coal black colour that seemed to absorb the light. It was unlike any raiment I'd ever seen before. I felt nervous as he looked up to me, like a school girl I fidgeted tucking my hair behind my ear.

“Sataa,” Lord Azrael said in his soft accent.

“Sataa Seti Azrael,” I said respectfully.

The man nodded slightly looking me over, then nodded again meeting my eyes. I felt awkward, like I was under dressed for a gathering, in my raw silk houpelande. I kept quiet and returned his nod waiting for direction from him.

“Do you have a preferred method by which you intend to breach the wardings?” The Seti asked.

“These kinds of wards are new to me, having only recently begun to work with blood magick.” I answered.

The Seti nodded once and spoke clearly, “then you will assist and do as told...” then he added pointedly, “-exactly- as told, during the ritual, yes?”

“Aye Seti,” was all I could find to answer him with.

He studied my eyes... it is the only explanation I have for his behaviour, not just looking at me, but always studying, seeing deeper than I or anyone perhaps wants him to see; I knew my eyes my very aura would give away my anticipation and curiousness for the task at hand; as well as my intimidation of him. After a moment he nodded again gently.

“The grimoire?” he asked as he held out a gloved hand.

I withdrew the scale skin covered grimoire from my sachel and offered it to him. Taking it Lord Azrael moved silently and kneeled to place it in the center of the summoning circle. I watched intently as the necromancer placed a black tallow candle on the far altar table; he then placed a half skull covered in old runes on the edge of the abattoir, it was hollowed out with the inside brain pan polished. Next the Seti placed an ancient looking obsidian dagger on the opposite edge. I continued to watch the Seti place his implements, he followed with a silver etching of a many arrayed star filled with runes. This star I noted had six points not the five of my own pentacle; and his runes were unfamiliar, not the sharp edged runes taught in the Lyceum these were ancient and fluid, this he placed on a third edge of the circle. Lord Azrael finished laying his ritual implements with a cadecus wand placed opposite the pentacle, I noted the serpent however was inverted. As the Seti placed his wand he looked to me and said a single word, “enter.”

Lord Azrael stood slowly looking to the grimoire's circle as I stepped into his own and stood a step behind him; he explained to me that we would need to form a connection, so that I would more completely perceive what he was observing.

“You must accept me into your mind... are you willing to do this?” he asked

“Aye Seti,” I answered nodding gently, looking to him.

The Seti turned to face me and rested his hands on my hips as he stepped closer holding my gaze. I instinctively put my hands on his forearms and watched the smooth silver of his mirrored eyes swirl slowly after a moment; the silver swirling filled my field of vision and suddenly I found myself in a room in my mind. I knew immediately it was my mind and my room, and before me was a door. The door was arched, old hardwood ornately carved, buried in the knot pattern on the door is the letter D. The room had five walls, three of which have similar doors, the floor was flagstone, the walls a stone stucco in deep terracotta. Loudly the sound of a single massive knock surrounded me in my mind and echoed in the room.

Softly staring at the entry door I greeted the Seti, “saluti”.

From the other side... the sound seeming very very far away, “sataa.”

I stepped towards the door and after sliding the heavy wrought iron bold aside I opened it. Looking out into the emptiness there was a fleeting sense of vulnerability that rushed past me like a warning, in the darkness I could see two twin mirrors a far off, but quickly they appeared nearby. Around them from the shadows the Seti's features solidified until he was standing in front of me as close as he was on the material plane, but still outside the threshold of the door.

“Seti Azrael,” I addressed him in a soft accent.

“Indeed,” he responded with a slight nod.

I stepped back from the door and smiled telling him to come in; as he did so I felt a tangible weight, an old power not my own in my mind as the door closed and bolted immediately behind him. The Seti looked slowly about the room then focused on me. As I held his gaze he nodded slightly and told me it was very appropriate. The necromancer stepped to me in my mind as he had in his ritual circle placing his hands on my hips and I gently laid my hands on his forearms instinctively. Staring into his eyes the silver pools began to grow and fill my vision once again, my perception altered from the room in my mind to the ritual chamber we both stood in. The Seti raised his eyebrow watching me as I blinked and then smiled gently to him.

“I remain here,” I heard softly in my mind.

“Do you still perceive my presence in your mind?” he asked.

“Yes, I do,” I answered and he nodded slightly.

Lord Azrael turned from me to face the summoning circle, he reached down and took his obsidian dagger then reached back with one hand for me. He moved my hand to rest on his hip so that I was standing directly behind him; in my mind I heard him tell me to move with him, to turn as he turned. I watched over his shoulder as he made an elaborate pass in front of us both to the north with the dagger while he whispered a soft quatrain. I didn't understand the language but in my mind I could hear “Savara” whispered in echos. The Seti repeated the motion with me following directly behind him, and three more times I distinctly heard “Savara” whispered in my mind. As he finished the lines of the pentacle below us filled with a soft silver, like quicksilver liquid, in the grooves in the stone; which illuminated us from below as he turned once again to face the summoning circle.

From a pouch in his raiment I watched as Lord Azrael took a single humanoid tooth; as he studied the circle his fingers curled around it and I could hear it being ground to a powder in his clenched fist. Once finished he tossed the powder toward the circle, and it seemed to hang suspended in a cloud just inside the summoning circle. There was a jolt in my mind that caused me to blink and stare at the Seti; after whispering another phrase I didn't understand there was another jolt, not painful but it resonated deeply into the corridors of my mind. I opened my stance behind him to brace myself for anything that was to come.

Across the room from us the summoning circle began to glow a soft violet and as I watched two spectral hands curled around the edges of the grimoire, lifting it slowly from the stone floor. I saw the figure of a woman holding the grimoire within the summoning circle. The woman seemed confused and when she lifted her gaze to look upon us she immediately looked afraid.

“You will obey,” were the words Lord Azrael spoke to her, his voice cold and emotionless.

The temperature of the room dropped as soon as he spoke, and the woman in the circle looked as if she were going to flee with the book. The Seti raised his hand slowly curling his fingers as though grasping something unseen; as he did so the woman lifted a hand to her neck and screamed silently.

“You will obey!” The Seti repeated.

As he did so the woman simply nodded... a nearly tangible defeat emanating from her. Lord Azrael nodded to her once then turned to look at me, his eyes having taken on a warm white glow. He asked me if I'd tried to open the grimoire and I informed him I hadn't; with a slight nod he turned back to the spectral woman in the summoning circle.

“You were chosen because you can touch things in the Lands of the Quick,” he explained to her.

As he did so, a soft whisper crossed my mind telling me to close my eyes. Once closed I heard him tell the woman to open the grimoire and even with my eyes closed there was a bright flash of light accompanied by a blood curdling scream. In my mind again I heard the Seti tell me that there was often a physical component to the opening mechanism... his voice was calm. A moment later he told me I could open my eyes again. The woman in the circle was left with spectral flesh hanging from her skeletal features, and though there was no sound the woman seemed to still be screaming; the edges of the summoning circle looked charred as if by heat.

“Wraith are a cheaper alternative to the resources needed to otherwise bypass a security ward,” the Seti said coldly.

As I think back, I felt no remorse for the woman, she wasn't family and no longer of the Lands of the Quick; my only concern was that she remain contained. She still held the grimoire though now she was on her knees; as the Seti studied the tattered remnants of the woman's flesh he asked her if she could perceive the words on the first page; in a whisper as if her vocal cords had been seared away she told him yes... The Seti asked if she recognized them and with a sob she answered no. The Seti then asked the wraith to turn the pages slowly and carefully, making sure to pause a moment with each turning. What was left of the woman's eyes widened and defeat emanated off her once more as she began to turn the pages slowly one at a time; and I heard him repeat in my mind that I may need to shield my eyes again.

There were three more flashes, each followed by a scream more and more faint until the last flash brought only an echoed whimper before the grimoire fell to the stone with a thud. I was filled with an intense curiosity as I heard rustling and brief movement in the circle. In my mind I was told I could open my eyes and lowering my hand I saw that the tools were gone, and the protective and summoning circles faded away as the Seti waved his hand before the both of us.

[Angelique Diavolo]

Chapter 6: Into the Depths Pt. Two

“Now let us see what we are dealing with,” Lord Azrael said softly as he took the book and sat it on the bloodwood table. Backing away slowly he whispered, “In por,” and the black tallow candle lit, thought it produced no real glow. The Seti raised his hand to the drapery behind the book and as though superimposed on the cloth I could see several sigils slowly begin to materialize in a soft cobalt blue hue. Over and over the words for telekinesis were whispered as he delicately turned the pages of the grimoire from the distance we stood from the altar table; as the pages passed symbols continued to fill the foreground of the drapery glowing gently; seven in all.

“These are the wards present in the whole of the book,” he said.

I recognized one of them from the scrolls I opened not long ago and indicated it to him. Lord Azrael nodded gently and told me to dispel it. The mental connection was still made between us and I felt his trust in my ability to do so as I lifted my hand and traced the rune as before; I felt the cost in blood withdrawn as the sigil shimmered a moment then faded away leaving six remaining runes.

“Well done,” he said and I tried to bury the pride that swelled up inside as I whispered, “thank you.”

The necromancer then held up both hands before him and the background of the drapery filled with scores of runes floating behind the six in the foreground. I watched as the Seti's fingers moved runes to compare and contrast to those from the grimoire. From his mind a clam calculation as hundreds of runes I'd never seen before cycled through my field of vision as he matched three of the six and they quickly vanished; dispelled as though it required no effort.

Lord Azrael touched the three remaining runes, drawing them in closer and dragging them to the side. I watched intently as his hands continued to move, his mind meditative and calculative. Turning one of the runes on its side he matched it with a nearly identical rune. I felt him concentrate and another jolt passed through my mind; the rune faded as the others before it so that only two remained.

The Seti arched his brow slightly studying the remaining two runes.

“Curious,” was his response, “These two... they... resist.”

I watched as he looked down a moment thoughtfully, felt intense calculation from his mind as the background of the drapery filled with hundreds of symbols turned into a myriad of equations. I felt myself biting my cheek as I realized what it was I was really seeing, not actual sigils or equations floating in the air but visible thought forms from the Seti's mind via the connection we'd made earlier.

I blinked watching with rapt attention as the equations began to fade one after another until only one remained. Lord Azrael looked up slowly... “hypothesis: these runes are developed to specifically resist Blood Necromancy,” he said explaining that the grimoire was written by a pure Thaumaturge and that his path and her's were in opposition.

“My power with Blood Necromancy is... substantial,” Lord Azrael stated.

“She was preventing a Necromancer from obtaining the contents of her grimoire?” I asked.

Lord Azrael nodded gently then explained, “so the runes resist, substantially.”

“Yours however...” he trailed off

I frowned and nodded and offered weakly, “not so substantial.”

“Attempt the runes, I will safeguard your equat... er, mind.” he told me.

I raised an eyebrow as I felt a soft hum in my mind, a solidifying of something. Though it remained intangible, I could feel arcane energy not my own as I looked to the remaining runes focusing intently on them. I concentrated until the runes filled my minds eye, and I could turn and twist them observing them from all angles; until I finally perceived a crack in both and I felt a draining sensation. Following the perception I felt my mind grow heavy and there were several dull thuds as though something were hitting a barrier just outside the entrance to my mind. Instinctively I braced my mind uncertain of what would happen next.

From far away I heard Azrael's voice, “do not distract yourself with preparation for injury.”

I felt several more thuds and his voice break away. Turning my attention back to the runes there was a loud tearing sound and a flash, the runes glowed brightly, too brightly to even see their outline anymore. In my mind there was a loud rumble and as quickly as it came, the sound and light were gone; and my perception returned to the ritual chamber where once more Lord Azrael was standing beside me. Looking towards the black tallow candle the two remaining runes faded away.

Shaken I inhaled for the first time since entering the ritual chamber and my sense were struck by the scent of blood, rich and sweet, unlike any vitae I'd ever smelled since my embrace. Turning my head to look for it, my eyes fell on Lord Azrael who was continuing to study the now inert grimoire stoically. Blood trickled freshly from his ear on the side I was standing and lightly dripped to his shoulder. Instinctively I reached up towards his shoulder concerned. Lord Azrael seemingly unaware, arched a brow and said gently still studying the book, “curious indeed, and well done once more.”

My accent heavy with concern I pointed out he was bleeding as I pulled a blue kerchief from my sleeve. “And the blood remembers,” he said distantly a moment, nodding slightly then added, “The grimoire is inert. It will likely need translating."

“It can wait,” I said raising the kerchief; “does it hurt?”

Lord Azrael turned arching a brow at the kerchief in my hand then looked to me studying me curiously though he remained expressionless.

“Immensely,” he said flatly.

“Can I help stop the bleeding?” I asked frowning deeply, the scent of his blood strong as I held in the breath I'd taken.

“No,” came his answer and he looked to the grimoire turning and walking towards it. As he reached the table he explained, “it will pass.”

I lowered my hand crumpling the kerchief following him with my eyes. I noted as he stopped the blood was no longer dripping to his raiment, then moved to stand beside him at the grimoire; inhaling the scent again as I approached studying it. My augmented senses picked up the scent of moonflower and frankincense both saturated with the sweetness of his blood. I steadied myself and looked down to the grimoire, it was written in a notably flowing script, though in the same odd elven dialect that the scrolls were written in. It seemed more shorthanded, more notational and less blocky or textbook like than the information columns on the scrolls. I forced myself to focus as I memorized the scent of his blood in the back of my mind; while I listened to the Seti explain that the grimoire could be translated in time using the manuscript translations he completed for me. As he pulled out two freshly penned scrolls on new parchment from his belt pouch, placing them in the table next to the grimoire; he made a point of saying that it would take more time, but the decision was mine whether I do the translation myself and learn this elven dialect, or allow the Seti to do it and learn the script at a later date.

Looking up to him I said softly, “I'd like to work on it, learning as I work through the contents.”

I thought that I saw as he nodded slightly, that he smiled gently for the briefest of moments before saying, “I thought as much... So I included a basic ciphering of the alphabet and conjugal dialects on a scroll wrapped within this one.” He then touched the first scroll bundle of the two.

“I'd like to consult with you as I progress to make sure I am on track?” I asked then thanked him for all he'd done to assist her; hoping that her eyes didn't betray the affection she felt for his effort.

The Seti nodded once more then turned to face me, he smiled again for a very brief moment studying my eyes again before turning and resting his hands behind his back, and walking towards the shadows from which he emerged earlier... fading into them once more.

In my mind his voice very very gently said, “you do.” Then his presence in my mind brushed around my consciousness and drifted away with him. I hugged my arms tightly across my breasts lingering on the feel of his presence. It was solid as stone, all encompassing, though not uncomfortably so. He fit tightly around my consciousness, in a protective manner. It took a moment to readjust to that ironclad wall fading from around my mind; before consciousness felt normal again. As I collected the grimoire and the bundles of scrolls the Seti provided I smiled to myself knowing I'd not forget this night anytime soon. Tucking everything into my book satchel I headed into the shadows myself and the comfort of my Chateau.

[Angelique Diavolo]

*a letter on fresh cut parchment written in india ink with a quill pen; the dry letter sealed with the letter "D" in red wax*

Angelique now lived a stones throw from not only the Elysium offices, but Nocturne also; still there was a warm feeling on this cold night, whistling for Lucif and having him take the leather scroll case to his master... Angel stood on her balcony and watched as Lucif launched himself into the drizzle making the momentary flight to his destination, satisfied her letter would reach the Seti directly.


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Lord Azrael
Elysium Offices
City of Istas, Malas

Lord Azrael;

"I make bold to write to you as we have not met..." Its been many moons since I penned those words seeking a safe haven from the unknown. As I look back over my time in your city I see your hand guiding me, I have better vision in hindsight it seems, I rarely see it at the time. What did you see in a fledgling Giovanni lost in a world of Kine?

As Samhain approaches again, and the anniversary of my arrival to Istas a lot has changed. Lady Do'ghym and I have concluded business that puts the Chateau into my ownership; I am the owner of my haven. This Autumn semester I took over as Dean of Occult Studies at the Lyceum in Moonglow. This is new territory for me as no one in my family has held this position since my Great Grandfather. I am grateful to be teaching less, as it has afforded em more time to work on the project in Istas.

The project is proceeding nicely, I have commissioned Zarseph to use the schematic to build the ritual device at the Chantry. I hope to meet with him soon to see how its coming.

I have completed the translation of the grimoire with your primer and the translated scrolls. I can't say that I am anywhere near fluent in ancient Elven, however I am comfortable now working my way through the pages of the grimoire.

I've kept Director Rayne up to date on what we've uncovered and he mentioned to me a report he sent to you some time ago regarding a Gargoyle named Avalon. There was something about phrases she used to describer herself that makes him think that she may be the product of the ritual we've uncovered. When I met the woman I noted her odd markings, and silver talons, unlike the Gargoyle that come from Ter-Mur. I'd like permission to speak to her about a possible connection to our project.

I've begun to collect the components of the ritual and something isn't sitting right with the requirement of Dragons Blood. I'd like a chance to speak with you about its reference in the rituals outline and your advice as to how to collect it. If you are able fit me into your schedule please let me know.

Sir, my experiences in Istas over the past couple years have been both rough and rewarding. More than anything though I am eternally grateful you took me in. Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough but is all I have to offer.

Sincerely,
Angelique Diavolo
Chateau Istas
City of Istas, Malas

[Angelique Diavolo]

Reposted with permission from Zarseph, original post can be found here:
solantavo.crimson.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1696
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The Controller’s face, for days nothing but the impression of unmovable dead stone, twisted the most slightly to annoyance, as the large bundle of copper and brass metal rods ,wrapped carefully into the protective eel skin tarps, hit the snow, a soft thud sounding out into the night a white powdery mist flying to life and clinging to steel and flesh.

The snow had been coming down gradually even since the Controller, a man dressed in all red, had brought the golem by moongate some several miles away from the base of the mountain, a burden, wasting many precious hours of night, hours he knew could have been used in research, but a precaution was a must, and to the logical mind their was no escaping that hindering truth.


The iron golem loomed above him, the massive arm of metal that had once held the burden now hung out in the air frozen in place like a metal branch reaching eternally. The thing knew something was wrong, its limited capacity would allow it to at least sense that, and its single ruby eye fixed on its malfunctioned appendage.

The Controller, now covered in a soft layer of white, looked at his machine through the red lenses, he knew at once that the oils and lubricants had frozen in the artic like conditions; he had not yet time to take the steps to convert many of his golems and other minions to winter climates of his new home.

He made a short gesture to the golem’s other arm, the things understanding, reaching out with its still good arm to retrieve the fallen bundle, the sound of metal joints rubbing singing out. They started again up the mountain in the snowy darkness like shadows, casting no light for them to see by, not for caution of being seen, more that neither needed such to navigate this snowy pass.

His mind worked quickly thinking more like a machine then as a man, the designs for the Professors schematic, a device that if functional had untold potential, had taken priority over the stacks of other rudimentary research, now the man’s machine mind saw only the concepts, the improvements, the numerous calculations and variables to consider which where at first glance, monstrous.

But machines don’t fear monsters, and he thought on as a machine, numbers and questions mixing, chemicals and equations merging; he had labored long at it, and there still was work to be done but like a machine he had constructed piece by piece, delivered in dark the materials form the numerous exodus supply areas.

He needed power now, and a storm of significant strength had not yet brewed and reached the mountain top, but it was the season and the Controller knew it was only a matter of time before lighting found the shadow-iron rod and brought the machines in the darkness of the Chantry to life, constructions of cold logic and iron, constructions which would allow the Controller to complete the Professor’s schematic, and beyond that the scrolls and scrolls of dark research that dust now clung.

They reached the valley; he knew it would only be a few moments before a floating unit came to meet him and the machine of burden that loomed next to him, but his eyes where already seeing beyond the world in front of him numbers and questions filling the space behind the blood red glasses.

[Seti Azrael]

Azrael could feel Lucif’s expectation as his crow messenger landed on his and the Setess’s personal balcony at the Elysium Office building. The Seti rose from his desk and moved to the rear of the dimly lit office, to the heavy steel door leading out to the cold balcony. He whispered a word to dismiss the ward momentarily and then opened the door. Lucif flew inside and lighted upon the vampire’s shoulder, offering the small scroll case he held in his beak, then immediately began to preen the cold droplets of mist from his feathers.

The Seti closed the door and turned once more to his desk, crow-on–shoulder, and opened the scroll case to read the letter.

Azrael arched a brow only slightly, and then inked the pen sitting not far from him on the cold stone desk. Sitting pen to fresh parchment, he began writing:



Angelique Diavolo
Chateau Istas
City of Istas, Malas


Professor Diavolo,


Hindsight for our kind can unfortunately be a curse more so, perhaps, than any mortal could ever know, for we are doomed to look back for a very long time indeed. However, your time here in Istas, has been well spent thus far. Though not without it’s hardship with the loss of the last of your mortal family. You have shown resilience in enduring.
It is likely the most important aspect of unlife: endurance.

What did I see in a young Giovanni?

Potential.

All of you, mortal and Kindred alike, living here in Istas are intricate equations of infinite potential. Each equation continues to develop and shed variables, but as each of you do so (and with careful tending) the potential you possess to bring advancement to this city and to the Setess and I increases exponentially.

Each of you possesses singular expertise and talents. Each of you continues to be chosen carefully…The Equation, is a careful balance. And each of you continue perform beyond expectation, time and time again.
Your personal accomplishments far exceed your own expectations, if I remember correctly. Your haven, your unlife, and the mortals and Kindred you have already built into it. Let the Hallowed Eve then, be a marker for you. You have accomplished much in a relatively short time. You will accomplish more, much more, as the amount of time for your existence nears an infinite variable, and you begin to truly see existence in a frame of mind of decades, and then centuries.

I am pleased to hear that you have sought out Zarseph for assistance in what is becoming quite an experiment indeed. His background, and more importantly, his analytical frame of mind are well suited to the subject. His talents are singularly and specifically suited to the physical aspect of the maintenance of the alchemical portions of your endeavor. I am pleased with what he too is already accomplishing in his short time in Istas, since his Introduction to Setess Zendra and I. Trust in his calculations.

In regard to Avalon…

I left you, professor, in charge of the operation and culmination of these experiments. The choice to involve those you deemed necessary for it’s success was also specifically an aspect I left in your hands. If you believe she will be of assistance in the project coming to successful fruition, then you already have my answer.

However, I might offer a bit of political advice. When you seek Avalon, seek first her charge, Lady Izznet Hunar, and explain your expectations and desire to involve her servant, Avalon. Lady Hunar has already been in contact with the Setess and I, Introduction has been made to us, and her Domain is recognized. Follow the protocol of Domain in any dealing you have with other kindred, and in this case, since those in question are indeed already of our kind, Masquerade is not an issue. This may seem like an unnecessary formality, since your intent is of beneficial arcane and scientific co-operation with Avalon, however, I assure you, these formalities are what separate us from the ravenous predators within each of us.

The preservation of Order and propriety above all things.

On a separate note, your mention of Dragons blood, and something you have found in error should be further studied. I will await your analysis, but indeed, I am highly doubtful that the experiment involves actual vitae from a species of serpentis rex.

In all that each of you are and continue to become, I am thanked. Do not forget that…

Forgetting will produce, very, negative results,…I assure you.



Carpe Noctem,

-A



Quietly, Azrael rolled the parchment and inserted it into a small silver scroll case. Lucif hooked his beak in the small semicircular wire, made specifically for him, and turned expectantly toward the door. Azrael rose and whispered softly to the crow, “Professor Diavolo.”

Azrael felt recognition from his retainer immediately, and opened the door, watching as Lucif took flight once more into the cold drizzle of the first of many winter storms. The Seti closed the door, locking it behind him.

[Angelique Diavolo]

Excerpt from the Journal of Angelique Diavolo:
solantavo.crimson.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1103&p=6671#p6671
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*sitting at her desk in her study beneath Chateau Istas Angel, dressed in her ritual raiment sits at an antique roll-top bankers desk*

I had to wipe dust from the cover of my journal tonight, have I really been so preoccupied that I've neglected recording my own thoughts on the experiment I've been engaged with? I don't remember a time when I've been so engulfed in the enjoyment of a project, not since working with Father in the field...

I've notes a plenty with regard the ritual, I guess perhaps they've taken the place of my writings here. I haven't really stopped to think about what I am feeling or what I think about the project. I've been concentrating on preparations and understanding of what we are doing. My ancient Elven has improved a great deal with the Seti's key and my taking the time to translate the rituals grimoire myself. I don't know that its of much use in daily practice but I am pleased to have another tool to use in my search for magickal understanding.

I am also pleased in the contacts I've made in Istas. Director Rayne's introduction to the Gargoyle Avalon was a blessing. There are magickal summonings that work for Stone, she is proof of one such ritual. I spoke to her at length with the permission of her mistress Lady Izznet Hunar. Though made from stone she is alive, she eats and drinks and serves her ward. We touched on my findings and the use of Vitae, her own summoner has protected her from its need; Avalon likes apples... I miss apples. There was a time Gargoyle like her were summoned from a mountain to serve as guardians, and from what I read in the scrolls and grimoire, the ritual I am preparing is similar, to summon from stone a guardian for the summoner. Though I have no real need for a guardian, eternity I think would be better spent shared than alone.

Zarseph has the apparatus constructed, and I've collected most of the components, we are almost ready to begin. I need to consult with Lord Azrael about the matter of Vitae from Serpentis Rex, it makes me smile seeing it in writing, I've never considered Dragons as such but it is fitting. Soon I keep telling myself... soon we will begin and see the fruits of our efforts.

My family is growing and it makes me very happy.

Angelique Lizbet Diavolo
November 14th, 2010

[Angelique Diavolo]

Reposting for Zarseph from the Solantavo Syndicate Story Boards:

=====

--Powering Up--


As he stepped back once more, the slow realization of limitation once again crept unwanted back into the Controllers calculations; but behind the crimson monocles the dark eyes never left the portly spike of shadow iron that grew from the chantry’s flattened rooftop. Deep below though his ears could not perceive, he knew his clockwork constructs would be busy pushing the great handles of the turbine in an endless wheel. He knew many would not survive the strain of the task, but such where the calculated risks and risks well worth the gain in the logical mind.

The thought was interrupted as his eyes narrowed; the faintest flue hue had begun to form atop the great spikes tip. Much time and resource had been spent in the calculations and labor to construct the lightning rod, and even more so spent in the lining of conductive metal wires, some as thick as his arm, under the special tiles of the Chantry’s floors. All though he calculated where necessary, for holding to a minimal standards of the Exodus research code was necessary without question, especially is such would heighted the threshold of his researches success.

After laboring calculations he had estimated this very night to have the highest probability of drawing a strike of raw energy, energy he had intended use for, down from the eternal fall of snow. Below he knew every ounce of power within the crystals of his constructs where now pushing forward for such an end.

The air was growing heavy now, a rippling tension as the heat slowly emitted from the great spike, and to the logical mind’s disapproval a tinge of raw emotion wormed itself into his mind; fear.

Of all the adjustments he had had to make after acquiring this new condition, this one had always proven the most hindering in the arena of research. This heightened emotional state which could only be described as a manner of phobia of fire. He understood and had adapted to his bodies tendency to act as tender to the flame, but the emotional fear that came with it had always proven more the burden then the burden itself, and now as the energy in the air grew and the certainty that his calculations would be correct and a strike of raw energy, hot burning energy, would soon rip down toward the rod sent the chilling image of him combusting into ash, his undead shell burning as parchment thrown to the flame.

“Illogical” he thought slowly, focusing his mind once more to the great lighting rod; he had taken time to study these limitations, he knew his percent chance of not combusting from this distance where within acceptable ranges. Though the numbers he knew, never the less he once again took another step back.

Before the sound of the fresh snow crackling under his boot step could reach his ear, the world turned white.
He did not scream or jump at the suddenness of the lightning bolt ripping through the air crashing into the great rod sinking into it, the air rippling in violent vibrations as the entirety of the lightning rod glowed in blue brilliance. He felt the fear in him again, his body aching to turn and run to the teleporter, anything to be aware from the terrible source of heat, and for one moment of dismay a single leg lifted slightly as if to turn.

“Down” he muttered softly, though as the words left his lips, it twinged in the faintest of frowns at the absurdity of speaking to one’s own ligaments. As the waves of fear seemed to bellow upwards form his chest pushing their illogical perceptions into his waking mind. Slowly he focused his mind, his eyes fixing on the power crystals that lined the base of the lightning rod, an eagerness filling their usual void. He would not allow himself to depart in till he confirmed the activation with his own eyes.

As is the nature of lighting, the seconded after the initial strike and the air was once again clam, the snow resuming its continual flow to the Istas’s floor. He breathed in deeply, feeling the cold air rush into his now cold body, though he knew this action was not now necessary, but only a lingering habit of a lifetime occupying a living body. Dread filled his chest, it seemed tonight would be an oddly emotional one for the stoic Controller, his eyes focusing harder at the still dim power crystals, as if the power of will alone would continue the process.

As soon as the seed was planted it was promptly erased away, as the sound of an electrical ripping filled the air above the Chantry, a vibration emitting from the base of the great rod, and as the beginning of a red hue lifted from the power crystal’s cores, a faint smile crossed his lips. It was like watching flowers open for the sun come mornings rays, the blooms of red and white energy slowly raising from the crystals to linger in the air above them, continually sinking and swilling upon itself forming what appeared to be living blobs of light atop each of the crystals.

A moment later his eyes shifted to the ground as he felt the roof shake under him, the loose snow dancing around his boots, he knew this would mean the sub-generators in the various levels below him where coming to life as well, including the one which would give life to the incubation chamber for the Professors upcoming experimentations in life-giving. More than that, most of the tools from Exodus had been denied to his use without continued power, now such tools would once again be capable of prolonged function, and as that notion both came and passed the smile which had lined the Controller’s face slowly faded away, returning the face of the logical being to that of eternal stone once more.

“Activation, complete.”

As he turned slowly towards the teleporter, the sound of crunching fresh snow echoing into the valley; his mind moved to the new compounds and sedatives he had been wishing to induce to his specimens, there was also need to make sure the powered bone saws and other such devices where working to optimal standards, and of course there was always the need for dinner. As the air hissed and the red spark emitted as the magic ripped the Controller to the lower levels, his mind slowly started the calculations needed to satisfy all the afore mentioned, simultaneously. It was looking like it was going to be another productive evening for Science.

[Angelique Diavolo]

Excerpt from the Journal of Angelique Diavolo:
solantavo.crimson.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1103&p=6908#p6908
==========

*laying across her bed in the Chateau in Istas Angelique writes as she waits for Perrin to come home*

Thyme is asleep, her mind in a happy place, though she is nestled away a floor below me I can almost hear her breath, her little snore the only sound in the house. I feel her more strongly now, and she me when I allow it. I don't want to overwhelm her with my craziness too soon... The pieces fall into place if you let them; "don't make things more complex then they need to be Bella..." Jacques would tell me. Thyme fits in, Perrin adores her as much as I do, and though I can sense some jealousy from him on occasion, I have been able to quickly wipe it away by adoring him.

My classes go well, the difficulty the Archmagister predicted with the Council of Mages hasn't as yet come to fruition. I can hope it never will, but Militant groups never keep to themselves for long. Perhaps they have more to keep them occupied than any of us are aware. Magincia has been invaded yet again, demons... the Bane Chose and now blackrock Elementals. Will it ever cease? I long for a day I can fullfil Jacques wishes and rebuild the coffee house he used to frequent with other heads of our family. Bonito Pentangeles has also sworn to his Nonno to rebuild it when he is able, I met him in Vesper and we spoke of the legacy of our grandfathers. Bonito says there is one other still living of our gaggle of children, Albere Bepo has moved to Minoc, changed his name and is living outside magick circles. How the mighty houses have fallen...

Not mine! Mine grows, the Diavolo will live on forever. I am so close to starting the ritual I can hardly wait. Zarseph has powered up the device that will house the experiment, its ready for us to start. Lord Azrael visited me and Thyme over the Winter Solstice and sculpted the stone Thyme quarried out of the Istas Mountains for us to created Crios... I already think of him as my childer and he is only a statue adorning my craftroom. Crios'Lap, Gargish for Bloodstone; all that remains is for me to get the quantity of Tzimisce vitae... the last component needed for us to begin the ritual and awaken him from his sleep in the stone.

All our work and preparation will soon pay off!

Angelique Lizbet Diavolo
February 12th, 2011

[Angelique Diavolo]

Journal Entries for the Week of April 15th, 2011 - Apriil 22nd, 2011


Night One:

Perrin drew my bath for me tonight, measuring the natron salts and myrrh. After years of living with me, he knows my nightly procedures as well as any practicing ritualist. Tonight I will activate the circle and move the statue of Crios'Lap into the apparatus to begin the ritual. So much can fail... but a lot more can be gained.

Angelique Diavolo
April 15th, 2011

PS. It was a success, the first night of the ritual went well.

I picked up Avalon at the Library and took her to the Chantry, Zarseph and I explained the apparatus and its function, then I conducted the first night's tasks. I only hope the coming nights go as well.

=====

Night Two:

It's just Zarseph and myself till the end of the week. I entered the circle using the command word and added both a measure of my vitae and that of the dragon, resulting in the barium solution becoming clouded by the vitae. I then added a bonding agent, a measure of enerofurite.

I gave the statue its name while in the circle, Crios'Lap in the tongue of the gargoyle from Ter-Mur it means Bloodstone. If this works that is what he will be. After intoning the quarters and intoning Crios' name there was a reaction in the tank. The solution turned ebony in hue, opaque enough to obscure sight of the statue within. The glass is now warm to the touch... I can only speculate as to what is happening. I exited the circle with the command word and came home to not my observations.

=====

Night Three:

Zarseph was busy checking the apparatus when I arrived, I am comforted knowing he is here with our creation when I am not; however I will feel a deep regret should something fail and he becoming a victim our the ritual.

We have no real need to speak... a nod from Zarseph and I know... I trust that everything is in order. This controller is not family, or is he. He is a member of this clan... Have I so completely traded family for clan?

I entered the circle with my command word and followed the steps outlined in the ancient scrolls. Nothing happened...

It wasn't until I intoned the quarters and used his name again, intoning it that there was anything to note. The room dimmed as the apparatus drained power from the crystal grid Zarseph had created.

Like my predecessor from all those years ago I can only hypothesize that the reaction is metaphysical, that intoning Crios' name activates the vitae; like a summoning ritual. When I open my sight with Auspex I can see the magical reaction slowly building in and around the chamber.

Then it happened... I almost killed all three of us. In my excitement I almost left the circle without using my command word.

I can't believe my mistake.

=====

Night Four:

Again tonight there was no notable reaction from simply adding the vitae, the catalyst for reaction is activating the circle and intoning Crios' name. Tonight the liquid in the tank changed hue from ebony to cobalt blue, the blue matched my raiment. I can now see the shadow of a figure within the chamber and with Auspex can see that the magical reaction remain steady, the aura having grown brighter. The glass is warmer the temperature of a mortal man. The blue is odd seemingly like liquid sapphire.

=====

Night Five:

With a nod from Zarseph I entered the circle and added only my own vitae to the tank tonight. After intoning the quarters and Crios' name the solution in the tank seemed clearer... like the vitae had been absorbed into the stone perhaps. The magical aura showed the process to be continuing but there was something more.

As I turned to leave the circle there was a pull from the tank... or maybe in my mind.

=====

Night Six:

Tonight my vitae did not cloud the chamber's solution, the stream of my blood could be seen trailing through the barium solution to the eye, nose and mouth of the stone figure contained there.

After intoning the quarters and his name I could feel a consciousness in the tank, like that of a child... its him, its Crios'Lap. Then as I was leaving out of the corner of my eye... did I see movement or was I hoping to see it?

[Angelique Diavolo]

Chapter 7: Becoming

I hovered on the verge of awaking a long time tonight, in my mind there was a presence, alert, calm, crystal clear. In my mind I caressed this new presence in awe of it, knowing who this was without having met. Criso'Lap was conscious, he was awake and waiting for me to bring him home. I couldn't help but smile, I felt pride in our work, happiness at claiming a new bond and member of my house. Perrin kissed me, I opened my eyes to see him looking down at me, his own eyes dark and enticing.

"Buona sera il mio serpente dolce," he said in a whisper.

"Buona sera il mio camminatore dell'ombra," I whispered back.

Perrin too was bound to me, I felt his feelings, heard his thoughts; three now, were present in my mind. Thyme was busy in the kitchen preparing a meal for Perrin and herself, and patiently Crios waited, he knew I was coming.

I greeted the night with Perrin as is our custom, then we dressed and joined Thyme in the kitchen. My Elven caretaker never seems to rest, it makes me happy to watch Thyme and Perrin tease each other; I hope Crios fits into our family just as tightly.

I left the Thyme and Perrin cleaning up from dinner, pulling a fur cloak around my ritual robes as I left to meet Avalon at the Library All the while Crios waited, his mind was still though he was aware of me. He seemed outside of time as if for him time hadn't begun to pass. Avalon and I walked from the Library to the Chantry where the equipment that housed Crios'Lap was set up. We met Zarseph on the second floor, he was busy checking dials, ensuring the device was working properly. Now that we were all here it was time to finish what we began a week prior, to release Crios from the chamber and see if he can survive on his own.

I entered the circle using the command word, once Zarseph told me were were set to proceed, I charged the quarters and in my mind Crios responded with his name from within the chamber. I excitedly told Zarseph to begin draining the tank and watched anxiously as the gears and mechanisms began pumping the fluid from the tank. Crios was on his knees, naked the stone he once was now soft, moist flesh though retaining the mottled granite appearance of the stone he was carved from. I helped him to his feet and like a newborn he wobbled learning to stand. I banished the circle and helped him out into the room, only to feel pain from him as he crumpled to his knees as wings erupted from his back. It was amazing, his wingspan almost as wide as he is tall; the flesh on his back repairing itself as if by blood healing. It was an hour or so before Crios could walk on his own and in that time I sensed from him a constant soaking in of his environment, fresh imprints on his mind.

The whole while the one thing I never sensed was fear or shock, he simply absorbed and adapted as time passed. When Avalon approached him he reached out and touched her cheek from him I sensed that he recognized himself in her. Both summoned to watch over their charges. Crios expressed himself mostly with his hands at first, it took a while for him to find his voice, soft and low toned, like sand sliding down a mountain side. Avalon and I agreed that Crios and she would spend time together so that he might know he is not alone of his kind. The manner of their summoning may be different but they both were stone made flesh.

A quick movement from Zarseph triggered a protective response in Crios, he immediately spread a wing to cover me and pull me to him. Instinctively he guards me like Perrin and Thyme, the bond is strong between us. With Avalon's departure, Zarseph and I conducted a final exam of Crios to make sure he was intact and stable. I made arrangements with the Chantry owner to bring Crios back so that together we could track his development. Once we were assured that Crios was fine, I brought him home to the Chateau. Thyme was in her room though I could sense she wasn't asleep. Perrin was out of the city for the night so I took Crios to his new room and got him settled. I then showed him the rest of the house and where he could find me when he needed or wanted me. I am not sure what I expected of him, but I was pleasantly surprised when he perched on the corner of the chateau balcony, crouching down like a statue and cleared his mind to observe.

I watched him for a long while, burning the blood to view him with the augmentation of auspex I could see a constant aura of magick from him. Crios mind was quick to focus and his reactions swift as he seemed to absorb his new surroundings learning almost via osmosis every nuance of the night in Istas. In the darkness I couldn't see him turn his head but I felt him look upon me and sensed the affection of a retainer from him. I left him and went to sit in my private quarters while communicating with him in our thoughts. Crios needed to know the small details that effected his existence and at three hours old we began his education in the unlife of a Kindred and all that it entails...