The afternoon passes and the early stars of evening press against the horizon, fighting against the dying sunlight. A crowd begins to disburse from the central plaza, the last of those who had gathered for an address from the mayor. A strange blend of emotions hangs low amid the city.
Atriox took charge for a portion of the address, fervently denouncing the attacks against the Axemage family and the behavior of certain individuals. The dragonborn thoroughly shamed the unbecoming reactions, insisting that such a great people with a great future ahead of them needed a unified body if citizens if it were going to become a grand empire someday... someday soon.
The mayor Cere adamantly backed the prince, expounding on the changes that were coming to their city--changes that would be enjoyed by those there that day. He lay out the groundwork for many new, profitable adjustments to their economy, successfully softening the shock and irritation regarding the attacks on the Axemages. There was a mixed reaction regarding the kobolds being given access to living in or serving in the town itself, but several faces seem pleased. Mentions of a committee intrigues them.
Cere turns to shake Atriox's hand one last time before excusing himself. "I have a date with Vincent about upgrades to the museum." The dwarf can't help but chuckle and heads off. Atriox, you hear revelry coming from down by the docks. You remember your own date with the pirate woman from that morning.
Atriox begins to head torwards the docks as he listens to the sounds of laughter and merrymaking. He's very curious to see how this goes......
You spot a few tables set up on the docks, lit by magelight and lanterns. It's quite a merry scene, and the sailor known as Sheila laughs mightily as she slams down a set of dice. "HA!" Groans accost your ears as the laughter picks up again, a small band of pirates playing a tune nearby on the beach grass around a crackling fire.
Atriox looks around at everything trying to make sure he goes into this situation fully prepared. They are pirates after all......
He looks around at where all the different crewmen are enjoying themselves. He looks at the ship most importantly
The ship looks even finer up close. You know instantly it must be Sheila's. It's massive with a fine soarwood hull and even an embroidered sail, with detailed glamorweaved gulls in the corners that look as if they’re taking flight.
Atriox admires the ship as he finishes walking the disregarded between him and the captain
Spotting you she laughs and waves jovially. "Hello Mr. Dragon Prince! Here to admire my Annabel Lee? Or are ya here to lose at a round of black tar dice?” She winks and smiles from under her tricorn hat. The crowd roars with laughter and song, frothy drinks being filled from a nearby barrel.
Atriox snorts in amusement and rolls his shoulder's nonchalantly
"Perhaps both. I haven't decided yet. I for sure came to properly thank you for helping in stopping that vermin earlier. You and your men."
Sheila raises a tankard and her men all cheer along with her, raising theirs. "Happy to help! Ridding 'em is what we do best! We know our vermin, don't we boys?" A hardy cheer resounds through the crowd and a new round of singing kicks off with a vigorous beat.
She pats the table and gestures to the recently vacated gambling seat in front of her. With a look of absolute adoration, Sheila gazes at her ship. "What a beaut, ain't she? Ain't surprised you or anyone else comes down to gawk at the doll Annabel!" With a snicker she takes another drink, wiping the frothy mustache it leaves behind.
She thumps the half empty mug on the table, a lopsided, slightly drunk grin on her face. The captain gestures to the dice between you both, black crystals etched with silver runes. They seem to have twelve sides a piece and there are thirteen in total.
"You ever have the pleasure of playing black tar dice, prince?"
Atriox looks at the dice somewhat nervously. He's always avoided gambling as he's not had much to gamble with surviving on his own all these years.
"I've watched others play it from afar but I must confess......I have not played myself."
Sheila chuckles good naturedly. "No worries, everyone's gotta start somewhere. And lucky you!" She puffs her chest out, "You've got the best teacher this side of the Sea of Mandre!"
With a wink she clears the table, setting down one dice in the middle of the wood. "This is the first dice," she explains, gesturing to the 12-sided crystal. "For this first round you can roll it. It is called our 'Black Tar' dice. Whatever number it lands on, we have to try to get as many matches to it as possible."
She noisily slides over 6 of the remaining dice to you, keeping 6 for herself. "We'll each roll our dice and count how many match the Black Tar dice. Whoever matches the most wins." She winks again, sliding the central dice to you to roll.
"Usually we play best 3 out of 5 games. If nothing matches... we start again, and the opposite player rolls the lucky blacky here. Want to try? No bets necessary if you're uncomfortable with it." Her eyes flicker with humor.
Atriox swishes his tail nervously as he ponders the question
"That's awfully generous of you. Why would a master like you play for nothing ?"
Sheila snorts, humored. "Is it nothing to play with a hero of Dragonshore and a prince?" She tsks, teasingly shaming herself. "I don't wish to insult. I suppose if you feel obliged we could bet something small. How about 1 gold a piece?"
Atriox grunts in amusement and sits down accepting the challenge
"No harm done. I didn't think you were intending insult I just found it hard to believe you'd play for nothing. I'll give it a try at the least."
Sheila shrugs. "That's alright! I'm a storm of surprises, that's for sure." With a wink she gathers up her dice, gesturing to the first one you can roll. "Glad you'll give it a try with me. After you." The corner of her mouth twitches into a smirk.
(Go ahead and roll a d12)
Atriox rolls the crystal and gets a 11
"Ah, 11 it is!" Sheila leans back, inhaling through her nose in excitement. "Get your other six dice ready and let 'em fly. Let's see who's got more luck tonight under this bright moon."
The pirate lets her dice fly. They scatter on her end of the makeshift table. She scoffs, a little surprised. "Well the dice ain't givin' me no quarter now! Not a single match."
(4,6,7,2,8,7)
Atriox rolls his dice six times and six times he doesn't get an 11. Atriox just grunts as he didnt expect to win
"Tough luck for round one!" She snatches up the Black Tar dice and rolls it. It skitters over the wood, landing on...
"4! Let's give round two a go, prince Atriox." She winks and rolls her dice.
"GAH!" She raises an eyebrow. No matches again.
(13 11 3 6 8 9)
Atriox rolls his dice and smiles as they land
(8 7 4 7 12 5)
He looks at the captain and asks
"What now ?"
Her eyes light up in surprise. "You've earned a point! Last round." She winks again and slides the main dice to Atriox.
"Go ahead and roll, and we'll see what our luck does for us."
Atriox rolls a 10 and nods to the pirate with a smirk
Flashing a confident smile Sheila rolls...
Her smile doesn't disappear but there is a spark of confusion behind her eyes.
All dice are a miss. No matches.
"Well well well..." she chuckles. "Even without you rolling... You've won." She coyly tilts her head, sliding a gold piece your way.
"Congratulations!"
Atriox takes out a gold piece of his own and gently tosses them onto her side of the table with a smile
"For services rendered by teaching me captain and for a good game."
Shelia Coppertree tilts her head and chuckles again. The pirates behind her start up a new shanty.
"You are quite the noble dragonborn aren't ye?"
Atriox snorts in amusement
"I try to be most of the time but in all honesty captain I'm not really being noble right. No just being practical hoping if I put some good out there the universe will return it onto me so to speak. I think your smart enough to know someone like me didn't just come here to play a game. However fun said game may have been."
She leans on the table, crossing her arms. "Truly. I wondered this whole time. What made you accept my offer to come visit? A prince gambling with a vicious pirate?" There's a twinkle in her eye.
Atriox chuckles at her banter but gets serious after a moment
"Indeed. Now is there somewhere we can talk privately Captain. I have an offer to propose to you."
"Certainly! First Mate!" She calls out loudly, startling a few fellows nearby. A big burly fellow looks up from an intense arm wrestling contest, not flinching an inch.
"Yes Capt? Wus the catch?" His accent is thick.
She stands, gesturing to Atriox. "Keep an eye on the scallywags, won't ye? Going to shoot the breeze."
"Surely will mam!" Effortlessly he smacks his opponent's arm on the table to a roar of hoots and hollers.
"This way," Sheila gestures and leads you on to the deck of the ship. It's marvelous and clean, the embroidered gulls on the sail sheltering their heads neath their wings in a magical slumber.
"I have a fantastic ear--two of em in fact--" She grins wide. "What can I do ya for, Atriox?"
Atriox thinks about how to put this correctly. She may seem friendly enough but that doesn't change the fact that she's the captain of a pirate crew.....
"I am in the market for a few ships......say three. Along with able captains and crews to man them. The purpose of these ship's will be to transport myself, some freinds of mine, my army, and.........my Gold."
Atriox looks at the captain for her reaction specifically when he mentions his gold
(17 perception and 13 insight)
Atriox walks around the deck of the ship and admires it so more before stoping a little ways behind the captain
"I know it's a little unusual. A prince asking a pirate for help I mean. But I'm a practical man. My thinking is this.....I could hire some boring innocent captain who could maybe get the job done. But you......you have experience, you know these seas I would imagine pretty well, being a pirate grants you a different perspective than most captains, and your ship is quit formidable from the looks of it. So to get to the heart of the matter I want your ship to lead me and my freinds voyage. With you at the wheel of course. What do you think?"
She turns to look over her shoulder at you. A smile grows across Sheila's face, her eyes lighting up brightly. "Well ye know how to flatter a captain, haha! It might be pretty words but you're not wrong. This seadog has a lot of old salt." She winks, running her hand along the railing and turning to lean on it. She seems relaxed and honest, despite her profession. (Your perception/insight senses nothing nefarious)
"A voyage sounds jolly good! We often do shipments and the like, and we has our own share of gold. So what ye suggestin' isn't unfamiliar to us." Sheila tips her head to the side. "Are you looking to go somewhere near? Far? And..." she trails off, trying to gauge your reaction. "You said you're in the market for a few ships. Are you wishing to hire my here Annabel Lee? Or purchase her?"
Atriox chuckles at the captains enthusiasm. He didn't expect this to go so easily but nonetheless he's not unhappy with how this is turning out
"It is true I did say ship's. I need two other medium ships that aren't hulking beasts but can still be defendable. In fact captain.....why don't you hunt for my two other ships. Your expertise on the matter is far better than mine. As for you and your ship I'll hire both. But as a......open contract. At the end of this trip I'll take everything into consideration and decide wether or not I'm hiring you for a more long term arrangement. How does that sound to you my lady ? If you impress it'll be well worth your while. I could always use someone with your talents."
She grins wide. My my, aren't you the gentleman! You have a deal."
She reaches out to shake your hand, a twinkle in her eye. "As for the cost of the journey, where is it that you're headed? I'll give you the fairest price I can."
Atriox shakes her hand back with a smile of his own
"It will be a two part journey. The end destination is the heart of what will become my empire. My homeland, Arkhosia. But before that we need to go to the Komodori Dessert. I have something I need to collect from there and I'm sure Alrik would be happy to go back for awhile......"
Atriox says the last bit with a smirk on his face.
Sheila tilts her head, coyly asking, "How many bodies need passage for this journey? Arkhoshia is quite a distance... Half way around Alverathion." She looks to be calculating costs, supplies and time in her head, drumming her fingers on her palm as she counts.
Atriox shrugs as he thinks about the question
"I cant be 100% percent accurate right now but I'd say 550 people would be a safe guess off the top of my head."
Her eyes widen a smidge. "No wonder ye need two more ships..." She turns and looks across the harbor, searching. "This town's a bit small for a shipyard. There's a mighty fine shipwright down the coast though. I can see what that scallywag has."
Sheila thinks, turning back to you. "Galleys like this might be a bit pricey. But a cheaper longboat... Not me style. Also not as comfortable." She looks thoughtful.
"What about a pair of Triremes? I could haggle them down to probably 20k. Don't ask how." Sheila laughs. You can't tell if she's joking or serious. "And another... 10k to have me and me crew guide yer journey on all three ships. How's that?"
Based on the fees you've paid before and the number of men coming along... You're utterly surprised at how cheap that is. It could easily be seven times thst price for the distance, food, and bodies. (Make an insight check)
You notice she is straight faced, but there is a look there as if she's nervous. That she hopes you don't ask too many questions about price.
Your look lets her know you are smarter than that, and are familiar with travel costs. After all... You are a prince.
"Well ye said your associate Alrik is coming along? The Tempest, correct?"
Sheila seems sheepish. "Seems a swell way to avoid the storms, havin' a mage guard aboard. If he can aid us in that... The trip should go faster. Safer." She tilts her head. "Call it a discountable service for passage?"
Atriox tilts his head as he studies her
"That can't be the only reason for such a generous offer. Tell me Captain why your being so nice if you wouldn't mind me asking ? Hopefully you don't intend to cross me.....that'd be very unfortunate."
Atriox takes a slow deliberate step closer to her
Atriox grunts
"In fact I don't believe I did mention anything about Alrik or his abilities. Indeed you seem to know a good deal about him. Why is that...."
He takes another step closer to the captain
Sheila chuckles nervously, her hands up.
"No, no! Now don't ye be thinkin' sour of me, prince." She says. "I shudder to think I be fool hearty enough to cross ye and your 500 some odd armed soldiers aboard me ship! I may be a pirate but I be an honest one."
She walks over to a barrel, keeping her hands up and her eyes on you. Taking a seat, she crosses her legs and leans forward.
"Course ye could understand the docks are all fulla rumor and intrigue like the finest courts. Just with a bit more colorful language." The captain smirks.
"I heard about the battle when we pulled into port. Heard of the heroes. Heard of the Court of Magi holding a tribunal." She tilts her head. "I've not a magic bone in me body, but I know their names like the currents of the sea. It..."
She shakes her head. "It keeps us safe to have a master of storms aboard. That's all. Less repairs I have to put here Miss Annabel through. And there might be rumors of sea critters congragatin' near Komodori... Extra hands to fight isn't bad. I have a shipment to deliver there."
"Ye can bet on it!" Sheila grins wide, producing a coin between her fingers--the gold that you gave her gambling at dice. She twirls it and it catches the lantern light on the docks.
"Send word with me mates, we'll arrange for the funding. I'll find ye the sturdiest vessels I can." Standing, she walks over to shake your hand. "Enjoy the festivities tomorrow! I know we will."
With a laugh and a wave, she flicks the front of her tricorner hat up and saunters back down to the docks, a spring in her step. You now have fairly certain passage for yourself, your friends and your armies for the next few months.
Atriox shakes the captains hand back and nods politely
"Till then. Have a good night my lady."
Atriox takes his leave and heads back to the velvet fang for the night
You pass by many scenes of revelry and pre-party enjoyment. There's definitely an interesting set of customs here for this harvest.
Freshly cut vines and greenery from the crops skirt every building and wrap up the mage lights near businesses. Garlands of woven seaweed hang in large net-like structures against some booths in the middle of town. Although rather unassuming on their own, being woven together gives them a rather unique, beautiful look.
You see many more unique things on your way back and find the front of the Fang is cleaned and brightened up with white wash and fresh paint on the sign. It looks like it is being well taken care of. It still blends in well to the surrounding area, but... definitely more of an eye catcher for those visiting for the holiday.
You enter and the bustle in the main room is louder than normal. More visitors are enjoying the spa and buffet accommodations than you're used to--likely those who are wholly unaware of the other secretive items offered.
Magnolia greets you as you enter, a warm smile on her face. She blushes a little. "Welcome back, sir! It's nice to see you again. I'm sure you've been busy. May I get you anything for the evening?"
Atriox looks magnolia over and notices how she's blushing
"Perhaps you can later my dear. For now business sadly. I need to find Dahlia, would you happen to know where she is ?"
The dark elf softly smiles, a look of compassion or pity on her face--you can't quite tell. "No problem sir. She should be in her room upstairs. Your old room, I believe."
Atriox gives her a wink and a nod and heads upstairs. Once there he knocks on the door and waits
You hear her her voice from the other side of the door. "Come in, it's unlocked." The way she speaks is nonchalant, as if she expects it to be one of the other girls. When you open the door she looks over from the desk in complete surprise. It takes a second for her to recompose herself, but long enough that you notice.
"H-hello, sir." She pauses, "Atriox." She quickly corrects herself, straightening up. She remembers how you didn't like that before. "I wasn't expecting you. How are you doing?"
Dahlia tries to keep from fidgeting, looking uncertain about why you've come to see her. It's hard to read the emotions on her face. She looks like she is doing well, if only a little tired. It seems she was working on a book or two, along with a stack of envelopes.
Atriox looks around sheepishly. He admittedly has been avoiding Dahlia since his idiotic behavior when last they spoke. Finally he looks her straight in the eyes
"I'm sorry to disturb you madam, I'll take up as little of your time as I can. I simply came to deliver something but first I must ask......have you heard about Willow?"
Her expression turns mournful. "Y-yes. Unfortunately so."
She gently closes the book in front of her, looking at the cover. It's hard for her to keep eye contact with you. "For the first few days he was back, Oxious was inconsolable regarding... well..."
Dahlia trails off, looking like she is trying to forgo showing the emotion bubbling to the surface. Her red tail wraps around her legs and the chair in a subconscious, somewhat self-soothing manner.
"I'm... happy that you were able to meet her. She was a joy to many of us. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't likely be here."
Clearing her throat, the half-dragonborn blinks rapidly and looks up. "S-so sorry, you said you had something to deliver?" She reluctantly stands, showing as much polite grace as possible. "My apologies, I shouldn't keep you waiting. I know you're busy." She says the last part with almost a hint of sadness.
Atriox looks worriedly at her. He still feels a deep connection to her. She's a kind brave woman that he respects. He walks torwards her
"Hold out your hand please."
He waits as she does so. Once she has he takes out the necklace with Willows ashes in it and puts it in her hand but still covers it with his own
"I know how important she was to you and Oxious. She was a wonderful soul. That much was clear in the brief time I knew her. I was there afterwards. I.......I couldn't leave her there Dahlia. It wasn't right......but I couldn't bring her back with me either so.....I set her free. I brought you something to always remember her by and so you'd always have a light in the dark."
He fully removes his hand revealing the necklace in her palm
Dahlia's breath catches in her throat. Slowly cupping her fingers so she cradles it in her hand, she strokes the surface with her other. Admiring the beauty of the design as well as the soft, fiery light soothing her from inside, her mouth is open but she is at a loss for words.
"A-Atriox?" She whispers, shaking her head almost imperceptibly. "Is this-- is this really--"
She can't finish her thought. Overcome, she sinks to her knees in front of you, hugging the necklace to her heart. A sob escapes her. She bows her head, filled with gratitude, reverence and humility.
"...Thank you. Truly. You are sweet, powerful, wonderful prince. I don't feel I deserve such kindness."
Atriox kneels beside her gently running a hand on her back. While silencing her compliments
"I don't deserve such praise. Truly. I just couldn't stand leaving her there and I knew she was your family here in a way. Any decent person would done as much hopefully. And I do care for you.....I hope that much is still clear despite our.....awkwardness of late."
She relaxes at the touch, sinking against Atriox. She seems at a loss for words again. It takes a moment for her to gather her thoughts.
"I... I can tell that now. I am so, so sorry for making you feel... slighted. Or rejected. That was not my intention when we last..." Dahlia pauses, regret and shame thick in her words. "I respect you, Atriox. Greatly."
She hugs the necklace to her again. You notice she is still faithfully wearing the bracelet you had made for her as well. It looks well polished and cared for, as if brand new still.
Atriox welcomes the closeness and chuckles a little
"I did at first. I thought I was offering you everything. I felt hurt, and spurned. But it was just my wounded pride. I now think it was a gift more than anything from fate. I think I was actually offering you a gilded prison cell. I offered a life where you'd be forced to sacrifice everything for people who may not even accept you. To spend day in and day out a slave to your title and duty. No I don't want that for you. You've done well with the Fang here as much as I can tell anyways, in fact I think you enjoy your new job princess. Which is why I have a new offer for you."
Dahlia finally meets Atriox's gaze, her golden eyes searching. It's apparent she is relieved and curious at the same time.
"What offer might that be, sire?" She uses the title with playful gentleness.
Atriox can't help but smile at her playfulness.
"I'll be leaving soon for my home. As you know....there will need to be a lot of rebuilding done of course but.....I want you to come. As I said you've done well in your new position and I'd like to give you another new opportunity. Once it's built of course I want you to be the Head Matron of the Golden Fang. It will be the largest and most impressive of all the Fangs. What do you think ? It could be a new beginning for you Dahlia......with Willows death......theres not much left to keep you here is there ?"
Dahlia blinks, surprised. Her eyes still shine with tears. "W-what?" She almost can't believe it. "Y-you still want me to come with you?"
The comments about her being able to still do what she loves and at the same time, be with him, fills her with happiness. Despite their strange relationship she is grateful he understands her so well.
She practically jumps into his arms. "Yes! Yes I would love to go! I will gladly accept your offer." She squeezes him in a tight hug, afraid this isn't real. "Honestly? I was dying to see your home... I just couldn't bring myself to admit it before. With everything going on, I... just, thank you. I'll make you proud. I would never waste such an opportunity."
Atriox laughs at her excitement
"You don't need to make proud, I have full confidence in you that you will run the business perfectly. And why wouldn't I want you to come ? I still care about you, and your an amazing woman. Skyhold needs amazing people to bring it back to life. I'm glad your pleased by my offer, that settles the matter then. We leave in a week, please be ready."
Atriox gives her a gentle hug then stands up. He makes to head to the door but a pang of hunger hits him and he has to hold a hand against the wall to steady himself
Dahlia's grateful expression turns to one of concern. "Atriox? What's wrong dear?" She stands and makes to follow him, her head tilted trying to see his face.
In all the excitement she didn't really notice before. But now the dry skin, the cracking scales, the bloodshot eyes...
"Are you alright..? You look like you haven't slept or eaten in days. H-here, come. You can take the bed, I'll bring you something to eat if you'd like?" Her voice is soft, but her outstretched hand hesitates to touch him.
Atriox sits down as he try's to make the feeling inside him go away. He takes a few deep breaths to steady himself before he looks a Dahlia
"Thank you but the food wont help. Listen there's something I need to tell you ."
"Yes?" She kneels by him, looking up into his eyes. "What is it, Atriox?"
The desire is there. The hunger to feed. It would be so easy. So quick. But you're still able to suppress it... For now.
Atriox doesnt know how to tell her exactly but he thinks he has to try.
"Dahlia.....you know I'd never hurt you right ? You trust me dont you ?"
"I..." She thinks back to all the times they've been around one another.
Although she hasn't known him long, he has been nothing but loyal to his word. And he's protected her time and time again. She even escaped Tyranus the White without a scratch on her.
"Yes. I trust you." Dahlia looks questioningly at him. "I know you wouldn't ever hurt me. Not intentionally. Why do you ask?"
Atrioxs nods absently and looks at her golden eyes hoping to find some hope in them
"Good. Good. Because what I'm about to tell you.....I dont want to scare you or cause a panic. I'm still me. I'm just.......a little different now. In the last few weeks so much has happened. We practically fought a mini war and won......but in the time frame.... I contracted something. A curse or s disease I don't know. But its changed me Dahlia...."
"Oh no..." She looks crestfallen, worried for his health. "A-are you alright? What is it? Priest Petvin, or--or Oxious--they may have something to help? I can try to help, even, I may know a spell perhaps, or..."
She hangs on the word, hoping she can help in some way to ease his worry. Some how.
Atriox shakes his head. He's trembling a little bit
"I....I don't know how to tell you Dahlia.........wait perhaps I can show you. Please......please dont be afraid of me or think less of me."
Atriox exhales and breaths back in before lowering his head all the way down to where his chin touches his chest. He concentrates hard for a few moments
When he looks back up his eyes are red and his fangs are extended. He meets his blood red eyes with her golden ones sadly
"I'm a monster now......"
Dahlia's eyes noticeably widen. They dart between your eyes and your fangs, and all along your cracking scales. There's a very quiet heaviness in the air. The moment drags on for what feels like an eternity.
Your senses have sharpened again. The twang of hunger is stronger now. Blood is so close... it is right here. Fresh. Young. A fountain of such succulent energy... It would be completely unlike Dorokor's. You can hear her breathing. The beating of her heart. Every flutter of it makes your mouth water, your fangs extending ever so slightly further. It is as loud as a war drum, and in the pronounced thundering of it, the uneasiness that your own heartbeat is so deathly quiet--almost nonexistent--sends a shudder town your spine.
Her thin voice breaks the silence and the drumming, almost if she can't believe what she's saying. "You've been turned..."
Her red tail wraps around her again. You can tell she's contemplating what to do. What to say. There's a definite sorrow there, an awareness that she does not have the knowledge or the power to fix something like this.
Willing herself to stand, Dahlia nervously takes Atriox's head in her hands and kisses him on the top of the snout. Her voice is serious. "I do not think you are a monster. We've had our own share of friends cursed recently, haven't we? T-this is... just like that, in a way. You are nothing lesser because of it."
Atriox let's out a sigh of relief. He saw all the emotions that crossed her face and he cant blame her for any of it
"I don't know about that. A normal person doesn't want to drink the blood of those they care about......."
He looks away in shame
"But this is what I am now untill I can find a cure. Who knows if there is even one out there. No matter thank you for listening. It means more than you know."
He takes her hand and kisses it
Her expression softens. "Hey... I trust you." She grips his hand. "And I'll always be there when you need someone to listen."
Dahlia runs her hand along the scales at the side of his face. "I'll fetch you something from the kitchen. I'll find something... appropriate. Will you stay here tonight? Please?"
Atriox nods but stands up
"Very well but while your doing that I have to attend to something. I'll see you back here in a bit ok ?"
She tilts her head. "Alright. No problem. I'll be here when you return." She gets the door and opens it for you, making her own way down to the kitchens below.
Atriox walks across the hall to his other room to check up on Dorokor
Opening the door you see her sitting up in a chair, her leg casually up over the side of the arm. She has the chair turned, staring out the window at the pitch dark of the sky and the lights twinkling below. In her hand is a goblet of thick, dark red liquid.
"Well hello, there."
Atriox chuckles at the sight of her. He finds her casualness oddly cute. He thinks about it and he doubts anyone has ever applied that word to Kora
"Hello yourself and how is my cheiftes tonight ?"
As he asks he walks up and casually puts a hand on her leg that happens to be out over the chair. He highly doubts she minds his hand and uses the time to feel her powerful muscles under her gear
She turns her head to look at him, an eyebrow raised. "I'm quite well. And, may I ask, how are you fairing?" She takes a slow sip of the blood, maintaining eye contact with Atriox all the while. "Are you hungry?"
She says the words with almost a mocking sweetness, as if she knows you've been fighting it the last few days. After the interaction with Dahlia, the smell of the fresh blood is almost too much. She swirls around the half that's left, the noise of it making your eyes glow.
Atriox growls slightly and uses his hand to squeeze Koras leg
He thinks about the offer and about what Dahlia wants. Perhaps itd be best if he did drink some. He is hungry after all......
He snarls and snatches the goblet almost reluctantly. He stares at the red liquid for a moment and downs it in one go
After words he throws the goblet at her
"Who or what did I just eat exactly ?"
The flavor is delightful. Exotic. It feels like the best thing you've ever tasted. There's even a strong bite of alcohol at the end. The mouthful is refreshing but leaves you craving more; your gut knots hungrily.
Kora catches the goblet and shrugs. She honestly looks unconcerned. Perhaps even a tad buzzed.
"This 'poor, lost little sheep' was a bilge rat drunk on stolen ceremonial wine." The orc humors him, looking like she doesn't have a care in the world.
"Watched him from up here. Some elven fellow. Alone. Easy prey." The corner of her mouth twitches. "Best drink in a while. I brought back a goblet as a midnight snack. Or perhaps it was for you."
Kora sets the goblet on the floor. "Didn't need my little fledgling going into a blood rage at this... Party tomorrow. Might be unwise."
Atriox grunts and doesn't let go of her leg
"Well how considerate of you. Or is it just self preservation I wonder ? No matter I'm glad your enjoying yourself. Just don't cause to much trouble will you ? I will be across the hall......attending to something."
Atriox gives her a smile and his eyes flash
Dorokor rolls her eyes. She definitely enjoyed the drink of drunken blood from the festival reveler. "Attend away. And don't be an idiot. Self preservation would put me anywhere but this city." She puts one of her hands over his, pinning it there for a moment. "A place full of guards and people looking at me like a rabid mongrel in need of being put down."
She sighs, releasing him like it's too much of a bother. She flicks her hand as if dismissing his worry. "I would rather not cause a scene, either myself or because of your own uncontrollable urges. You're young. Newly fanged. Don't think of me as so cold."
Atriox is left slightly confused by her words and her hand
"Very well. You've given me no reason not to trust in you Kora. As for the towns people.....you can't blame them. A mongrel you may not be, but an instrument of death ? Most certainly. On some level there minds recognize that."
He removes his hand only to grab a fist full of her hair. Not harshly just.....playfully. he bends down and inhales her scent. He can smell the blood she recently consumed and how its affecting her.
Kora grunts, not minding at all. A cocky smile grows on her face. "Well don't you know the nicest things to say... You really are an aristocrat."
She grabs the dragonborn's horn, teasing him. She knows he's still hungry, the sanguine scent thick in the air. "You sure you don't want to go for a stroll? That small cup likely bought you an extra day at most... I can show you the safest places to feed."
Atriox chuckles and just to be mean extends his tongue and teases her neck for a few seconds and then let's go all together and steps back
"I do rather like the sound of that. But I have a.......previous engagement. How about we meet up in a few hours ? By then I should be done and can sneak away."
She snorts, letting him go as he pulls away. Her eyes glow a bright red. "You're no fun... But I'll agree to that. The moon should be gone by then... fantastic time to feast."
She stretches lazily, cracking her back and shoulders as she does. "I'll be waiting."
Atrioxs snorts and heads back to see Dahlia.
You return to your old room, now Dahlia's, and the first thing that you notice is a potent smell. It's definitely blood. Your eyes dilate and redden automatically, and you scan the room. You see her pawing through a new book on the bed, legs crossed and deep in concentration. Beside her on a table is a large pitcher, a cup and a knife, along with a folded towel below it.
Her golden eyes dart to yours when you enter and you see her hesitate. "Welcome back. How are you feeling?"
Atriox coughs in the awkwardness trying to figure out what to say. He wants the blood but he doesn't know where it came from and he's suddenly feeling very shy. He doesn't want to drink it in front of her
He ignores her question all together and points at the blood
"Where'd you get it from.......if I might ask that is ? I don't wish to seem ungrateful."
She smiles gently. "Well, I uh..." There's a bit of sheepishness in her voice. "I went to the kitchens. Was able to get a pitcher of blood from the chef. He didn't ask any questions surprisingly--it's pork blood."
She closes the book softly. It looks to be a book on arcane arts and magic, the binding glittering in the lamp light. "I may have also tried to.. well.." She clears her throat and shrugs, looking away. "No matter. Would you like a cup? I already poured one for you."
Atriox sheepishly nods at her. He walks over and takes the cup. He turns around and drinks it quickly
The blood flows down your throat easily, almost too easily. It tastes no where as good as what you got from Dorokor--it's watered down and a bit tasteless. Near the end though is a twang of something... delicious. Like an invigorating aftertaste, powerful and sweet. It doesn't taste like pig's blood.
When you turn around again, you see Dahlia watching you closely. She doesn't look scared, just apprehensive. Waiting to hear how you feel.
Atriox looks from her to the thr pitcher of blood. His eyes squint almost in accusation
"This isn't JUST pigs blood is it......?"
She shrinks under his gaze. There's a glint of something on her face, perhaps fascination or surprise. "You could tell them apart?"
The way she's acting makes you question her behavior. You notice the smell of blood is still in the air. With her attire--a long sleeved top covering a bandaged arm--and the knife nearby the pitcher, you can surmise she tried to add some of her blood in it for you. Apparently not very much....... but the taste was definitely not that of an animal.
Atriox growls a little in frustration
"Dahlia! This isn't a game! If I had not been already somewhat sated, this little stunt of yours could have driven me to violence.......I don't know what I would have done if I hurt you..."
"I-I just wanted to... T-The book said that was best for you, a-and..." Her words trail off in the weight of her idiocy. She looks ashamed.
She hands the book to you. The cover is thick and heavy, and the pages worn. It contains several chapters on exotic beasts and curses. One dog-eared section is labeled "Vampyr Sooths and Symptoms". Diagrams show locations of vital arteries on humanoids, blood letting techniques with a special type of knife, and even a balm for the afflicted skin.
"I saw it in Oxious' office when we were last there together... It came to mind tonight, s-so I fetched it. The page was already marked... I didn't mean to upset you." She looks at her hands like a child.
Atriox calms down a little, as he understands her intentions where good. He looks at the book a little before returning his gaze back to hers
" I'm sorry.......I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just I'm new to this and like I said.....if I hurt you, I don't know what I'd with myself."
He goes over to her and puts a hand on her cheek smiling as he gazes into her golden eyes
Dahlia relaxes a little, leaning into his hand. "I understand, Atriox... Thank you. I appreciate your concern for my safety. I know you always have. Even afflicted with something like this, you're just as graceful a prince as ever." She smiles up at him. "I'll be more careful in the future."
At that moment there's a sharp knock at the door. Dahlia freezes up, anxiously looking past you. There's a second knock, and then--
BAM!
The door flies open, magic sparking along the edges like a ghostly plume. Oxious stands alert and black eyes blazing. He takes in the scene, looking from the red rimmed cup, the knife, the position you're both in. He spots the book in Atrox's hand and his eyes narrow. With a furious flip of his wand he knocks you back into a chair near the bed--or something does. It feels like a force near you knocks you down, and it reminds you of what you felt at his house the one time you and Dahlia visited.
He flicks the wand again and sends the book shooting from your claw into his grip, holding it up. "Okay... Who wants to explain what's going on?"
Atriox growls a little bit from the shock of being knocked back into a chair all of the sudden
He flexes his hands into fists and then back out before addressing Oxious
"Well hello partner. Good to see your back to your wand flipping self again. I meant to come and have a chat with you but it seems you beat me to it."
Atriox chuckles a little bit and stands up.
"Do you recall the day we were attacked in the woods by the orcs ? The day you were taken ?"
He narrows his eyes. You feel a force push up against you again, his unseen servant trying to buffer you from moving.
"Yes... It's not a day I care to remember often."
Atriox growls slightly again as the invisible servant bumps him and he decides enough is enough
He balls his fists and concentrates. Never in his life has he tried to summon anything let alone a invisible servant. His frustration grows as nothing happens.......then suddenly Atriox hears a voice in the back of his head. He's heard this voice before.....he doesn't know if it was in a dream maybe or somewhere else but he listens to what the voice tells him and redoubls his effort and concentrates again
After a few moments Atriox feels rather than sees that it works. He can feel a presence......that he somehow summoned waiting for him to command it.
Atriox smiles and thinks his order as he does the unseen servant rushes Oxious and shoves him up against the wall
The air smells of strange magic, an energy cracking under your skin as the servant moves. It sends waves of power rippling over the surface of every scale. It's euphoric in its own way, like the killing blow in battle or your first drought of blood. The air even tangs with the smell of sanguine metal.
Oxious is completely taken by surprise. He's bounced up against the wall like a toy, the force slamming his head back. As it connects with him the form shimmers like smoke... not completely controlled or perfected magic yet.
The servant is that of a giant beast with bulging snake eyes and a writhing body. If you could see Oxious' servant, yours would dwarf his terribly. As it flickers back out of sight, you catch the look of painful astonishment on his face.
"W-what the hell?! Since when do you know conjuration?? I can think of several times that would have been helpful before now!"
He grumbles, struggling against it. "Why are you in here with Dahlia? With my book?? Are you nuts?"
Atriox face is a myriad of astonishment, pride, concern, and slight regret
He straightens himself and clears his throat
"How's it feel PARTNER ? And for your information you old stubborn ass billy goat it's my room that I lent to her. I thought you were big on technicalities and agreements ?"
Atriox chuckles and releases the spell that summoned the invisible servant. Atriox goes over and extends a hand to help Oxious up
"Apologies for the force of my servants touch......I'm afraid that I am in need of practice when it comes to this sort of thing. As for an explanation as I was saying the day you got captured I was left for dead. But i was far from dead unbenonced to the orcs. You see my freind I got infected with something that day. Or cursed I'm not quit sure on all the details yet. As for the book.....Dahlia was merely concerned for me and borrowed it to try and help."
"Agreement my ass..." He takes your hand and hefts himself up, rubbing his chest and looking around as if to spot the massive servant that's gone away.
"I guess I was a little quick to jump to it." He grumbles, apologetic but not admitting it. "I just got word from the head chef that one of my associates--" he glances at Dahlia with an accusatory look, "requested a few liters of blood. He knows any strange requests need to be brought to my attention. I also noticed my book was missing... Dear, that was entirely too dangerous for you to attempt."
It's the first time you really see him firmly admonish any of the women, and even still it's with a sincere desire for her safety. Annoyed, she fidgets and folds her arms feeling like a scolded child. "Yes, I'm well aware as I've been told... Thanks."
"No I'm quite serious. And not just because of him." He glares at Atriox. "I can't believe you've been turned... and that night I was taken?" He walks over to the pitcher on the table, staring at the blood-drained glass. "Shit..." he curses under his breath. "That was too many days ago. I'm surprised you haven't even had a--"
His eyes widen, and the tiefling cocks his head at you. "You haven't frenzied, have you?"
Atriox rolls his eyes
"No Oxious. I haven't gone a killing rampage. The battle helped.......and Dorokor. One of the reasons I didn't end her on that battle field was because I knew she could help me."
Atriox goes and sits down grumpily
"I have done my best to control myself and I think I've done a find job at it. It's not like this was a choice Oxious !"
"I know, I know. I didn't say that, I just..." He rubs his temples with one hand, exasperated. "Tomorrow is the festival, but perhaps that would be a good time... can you schedule to meet with me? Perhaps in the morning at my house?"
Oxious levels a stare at Atriox, trying to gauge your health and sanity with everything going on.
Atriox thinks about it before looking at Oxious with a cold and calculating stare
"I suppose so......depends on what you want."
He rolls his eyes and takes his book, saying sarcastically, "Nothing diabolical today."
Oxious levels a glare at Dahlia, mouthing 'be careful' at her. He then turns and strides out closing the door quietly behind.
Atriox watches the old goat leave the room and houghs in annoyance. He stands up and looks at Dahlia with an apologetic half smile
"Im afraid the air in here has become far to serious for me my dear. How about i come back another night when everything......is more relaxed and normal."
Atriox goes to the door and looks at her again
"I appreciate what you did tonight my dear. It was extremely reckless......but very kind as well. Not many people would be that understanding. But you were."
Atriox gives her a real smile and leaves heading back to his room
(Make a perception check)
(14)
The room appears empty when you enter, your eyes taking almost no time to adjust to the darkness. You hear a voice whisper behind your ear as the door closes.
"Is your business concluded?"
No one is behind you... but the glow of her eyes catches your attention. She's got her boots planted firmly to the ceiling as if gravity is reversed, arms folded and staring down at you a head higher than you are. She has a mischievous leer.
Atriox rolls his eyes and looks up at her
"Somebody is certainly enjoying themselves aren't they. Yes my business is done and early too. Leaves us plenty of time to do whatever we want with the night."
Her eyes narrow. She leans forward close to his snout, inhaling deeply, and her smile grows. "You've had more blood, haven't you?"
In a swirl of misty smoke she rematerializes upright in front of Atriox. She takes his horn in her hand again and studies him carefully. "Smells like a rather light cocktail of flavors... animal and humanoid blood. What did you think, hmm? Did it sate you?"
Atriox grunts at her grabbing him and gives a slight shake of his head
"Not really......it was strange. I see what you mean when you spoke of animal blood. Dahlias blood barely made it tolerable. Perhaps that's just my preference. Perhaps its time to hunt ?"
"Dahlia's blood? Very nice..." She lets his horn go, her eyebrow raised. "Yes, animal blood is like piss water. Let us glutton ourselves for the festival, shall we?"
Dorokor wraps herself in a thin cloak and slips out the door like a shadow, leaving Wound behind in the room.
Atriox also leaves his glaive and goes into his dresser to find a nicely made black silk cloak. Simple but comfortable, plus nobody will see him. He then follows after Dorokor
Dorokor leads the way through the shadowy alleys. It feels strange moving about the city with this sinister intention. It bathes everything in a different light. Although you are not starving anymore, there is that needful itch you have, that unquenchable thirst.... Your city here now looks like a market full of fresh meat...
At least to Dorokor.
She flashes a grin at you, her tusks white and her eyes red. She walks close, linking arms with you as if you're dating. It is very un-Kora like, mostly just a disguise as you move among the buildings.
"Ahh," she hisses in your ear, "see there? A couple. We could each take one... how romantic." Her voice is sweetly sarcastic as she continues to walk with you, pulling you along and showing you the ropes. "Another drunken bachelor there, he would be easy enough prey... Oh, or there? A lady of the night." She smirks. "Oh riiiiight, you like those... well just let me know what you feel like. Different ages and different races all have unique flavors..."
You've never heard her this chatty and it's rather odd to listen to.
Atriox tightens his arm around Koras and goes along with the couple's charade. Though he must admit to himself at least he's not minding the contact
He looks at Kora
"I have a alternate proposal my dearest. Lets go this way shall we ? I think you'll like this idea."
Atriox steers her torwards the docks
Kora smiles. "Oh really? Surprise me." She seems keen on seeing how you lead this masquerade through the city, hunting like a wolf among sheep.
Her eyes follow the line of boats and ships bobbing in the water like silent sentinels. Quite a few parties are happening aboard still, despite the late hour. You see several merchants still unpacking their goods for the festivities the next day, the air full of salt, fur, seasoning and pottery. Down near the end a bulkier fellow watching over half a dozen large unmarked barrels, and an old man sleeps against a mooring post, a fishing pole in his hand.
Atriox turns to Kora
"My thought is this. Why settle for sharing a meal when we can have our own feasts ? Why hunt a weakling who we can only take so much from when theres prey around that we can drain dry. Plus they will offer some sport as well instead of a lamb waiting for slaughter. All we have to do is find a few thugs that nobody will miss."
He looks at her and smiles, his eyes glowing red
The vampire eyes you with a mix of pleasure and pride. "I was a little worried how you'd take to this. If you'd be a pup just weened from the teet, whining for milk when fresh meat was placed before you... or if you would mercilessly leap at the throat of your next kill."
She stops and smiles. "Then the ache in my leg reminds me how vicious you really can be. But," she pauses, "Still in control. You'll need that." Her eyes flash in warning as you both continue.
Her eyes scan the crowd. "Someone nobody will miss, is that right..? Gangs are like families. You have to be careful targeting someone like... him." She nods to the muscular fellow. "Smell that tang in the air? Dream Flake. Thin slivers of a dried, black fungus... when placed by your gums it induces hallucinations and euphoria." He helps another thinner fellow roll the barrels up the dock, his eyes scanning the area for trouble.
"You target the tail of the snake, you get the head." She watches as they meet with a shadowy figure at the top, a pointy smile glinting in the lantern light. Coin is exchanged and they begin loading up the barrels into an awaiting cart.
Kora looks around the dwindling crowd. "If you look for drug dealers there are a plenty. But you also risk a spiked drink. Let's just say I've had a harrowing experience with Devil’s Root I'd rather not relive."
You do hear a faint cry muffled in the surf. It barely catches your ears, but Kora hears it too. Faintly. She looks at you, intrigued. (Roll a perception check)
Your ears prick sharply, other sounds mixing with the strangled yell. No one else on the busy docks seems to have heard it. You and Dorokor make your way towards it with a steady, beating pace.
Something else the two of you can catch on the air... the smell of blood. You can see the specks of red along the dock as if gems glittering in the starlight. "This is intriguing, is it not?" Kora smirks, her tusks protruding slightly more. "Lead the way, princeling."
(Roll a survival check for me, or another check of your choice to try to track where the injured individual went)
Atriox bends down slightly trying to be cautious as he hunts. Hes snorts quietly as Koras remark and continues onward following the trail of blood
The blood is fresh. It's almost still warm, and just as intoxicating. Something robust and sweet, like smoked honey, makes your mouth water.
You easily follow the drops down the rest of the docks to the very end, where a small ally is situated. You almost wouldn't know it was there it you weren't looking for it. A dark elf man groans from the shadows, a shallow knife wound and a knock on the head leaving him dizzy and afflicted.
You hear muffled cries again, and look to see another dark elf dragging along someone unwilling, a female half-elf who is clawing and scratching to get away. He's got one unsavory hand clamped over her mouth and a small blade in the other, eager to seek out the shadows. Your survival skills tell you she pulled a knife on the first man before the second took her.
Kora turns to eye Atriox. "Is this what you're looking for, or shall we move on? There is a witness... unless we handle that loose end as well." The way she says the words is chilling but you know she's leaving the choice up to you.
Atriox eyes grow red at the site of what these men are trying to do. He may be a monster for now......but he's determined to be the best he can be given the situation.
Atriox looks to Kora
"We can help her, remove two peoces of filth from this plane, and maybe have a grateful citizen afterwards. I can think of a few ways a indebted woman might come in handy. Especially out at sea. Speaking of after this we need to have a discussion about our trip."
Atriox looks around for any advantages. Buildings etc.
Kora rolls her eyes slightly but agrees with your request. "I've already fed quite well... I'll handle the half-full glass right here." Her eyes shine looking at the dark elf thug.
You glance around trying to get a good feel for what you have to your advantage. There is rugged cliff up ahead, veering off to some rough rocks and surf down below off the dock to the left. To the right are the buildings--a little decrepit from years of briny air. The alley slides between what was once some sort of port postal service, now barred and boarded up, and a barber shop with thick, dusty windows that is closed for the evening.
There are a stack of crates leaned up against the front of the barber, and along the other side is a larger alley leading to the back. You spot a service ladder leaning against one wall that would take you to the rooftop. You also spot some cleaning supplies--a push broom, a bucket, a can of paint and a bag of tools. Behind these buildings is a much larger one providing no way out; some sort of customs and regulations building.
Atriox nods at Kora and moves quickly to the ladder so he can get up to the roof while trying to be silent
The rusty ladder creaks as you ascend, but the noise of the surf almost drowns it out completely. The last thing you saw of Kora was a flash of movement toward the fallen man. With her out of sight your priority is now finding the other thug--your meal for the evening and your first real hunt.
Finally atop the roof you move with ease, your clawed feet barely making any sound. Reaching the edge you peer down into the darkness below, sensing movement carrying on behind the building. It's about 12 feet below you. The clink of a knife against rock can be heard; you figure it has been dropped as the woman wrestles to escape. You hear a language you don't recognize, the man speaking in a very gravelly, shadowy tongue.
Atriox grins down at the sight below him. His eyes blazing red. He knows somewhere deep down this shouldn't be pleasurable. That hunting another being for their blood should disgust him.......but it just doesn't. At least at the moment
Atriox listens to the mans interesting dialect for a moment and decides to not waist anymore time
He closes his eyes and concentrates. As he does Atriox turns into a mist that silent moves down the side of the building till he is literally right behind the disgusting man
Atriox leaves his mist for and before the man can even react Atriox grabs him and slams him into the wall of the alley, following with a blow to the back of the head
Afterwards Atriox looks to the woman and casts charm person holding a finger to his lips while smiling
The half-elf, who has backed away in utter shock, slowly nods as her eyes glaze over. She is instantly charmed. Her muscles relax and she remains half kneeling, waiting patiently.
The man however is irate and stunned, trying to lash out but unable to gain his balance back. He's easily half a head shorter than you, a stream of what you can only assume to be curses issuing from his mouth. He stumbles forward, trying to take a swing at you (15 against AC with disadvantage).
The blow glances off Atriox's gear ripping his cloak a little bit. Atriox growls threateningly towards the scum his eyes blazing red
Atriox lifts his hand and throws two bolts of energy at the man
(Eldritch Blast 16&19 for attack and 11 total for both bolts on damage)
The black energy flows from your palm and slams into the man's chest. It sends him flying into the wall again, his head cracking audibly.
As he sinks to the ground he struggles to move. The smell of blood becomes pungent in the damp alleyway.
Atriox smells the blood and almost looses loses himself as he basks in it but he remembers he can't indulge just yet
He goes over to the woman a squats down next to her. As she looks at him he says
"Go to the Velvet Fang. Tell them Atriox sent you. You were attacked. But your safe now because of me. Tell them to take care of you and give you a bath and new clothes till I get there. Now go"
As she leaves Atriox smiles to himself and gets up. With glowing red eyes he goes to the man and picks him up by the throat growling. Atriox is so tempted to just to drain the thug here and now but barely decides against it he carrys the man torwards the abandoned building.
Along the way he see's Kora with her prey and motions torwards the building
She chuckles and follows after, the drow slung over her shoulder as if he weighs nothing at all.
You find the back door to the abandoned building locked. (What would you like to do?)
Atriox grabs the door handle and uses his strength to pry it off as quietly as he can
(Strength 21 stealth 14 again lol)
The rusted bolt breaks effortlessly, making a muffled CLANG as it snaps. The door swings open letting out a cloud of dust.
Inside the dark building are countless boxes of old scroll cases and parchment. A few counters with tarnished metal bells and stamping instruments sit abandoned. It all smells of decaying old books and salt.
Atriox looks to Kora and extends a arm
"Why after you my good lady. I wouldn't want to keep you hungry and out in the cold of night"
Atriox winks at her
She snorts, her eyes rolling. "Smart ass..."
She pushes past you and enters the room. "Never tried to be this discreet before. Lot of extra work..."
Dorokor flips her catch up into the counter with such force you're sure you hear a few ribs crack. Bonebreaker is a fitting name after all.
Before he can react she opens her mouth unnaturally wide and clamps her jaws around his entire throat. Both her fangs and her tusks pierce his neck from either side, skewering each jugular. He thrashes in a raspy scream, but she drains him so quickly and so efficiently that it's less than ten seconds before he stills. Your shoulder aches, distinctly remembering how painful her bite can be.
She straightens her back and rolls her shoulders. Wiping her face she turns toward you. Her eyes are piercingly bright, her tusks crimson.
"Remember... Control." Her voice is quiet but commanding. "Do not let the monster take over."
Atriox lifts his thug up by the face crushing any hope of the poor bastard screaming and clamps his already well armed jaws around the mans throat
(Wis. Save 16, con. Save 25...damn lol )
Atrioxs drinks from the man but unlike Kora he doesn't wish it to be to quick. He's fully in control of himself but he doesn't stop himself from reveling in the taste.
His hand squeezes the mans face harder his claws digging into the side if his head as blood pours around his fingers. He clamps his jaws down harder and finishes draining the man after a minute or two.
When the the bastard is finally drained and dead Atriox tosses him away across the room like a doll. When he turns to look at Kora his eyes are ablaze with red, his dragon maw stained red along with his hands.
Dorokor is leaning against the counter and staring at Atriox with a burning intensity.
"Bravo... Quite a show."
She can't help but smirk. There's a look of pride and fascination about her. "Even as a fledgling you're a natural at this."
Atriox chuckles
"I do have a bit of an advantage compared to most other races."
Atrioxs eyes glow red again and he uses his super speed to run at Kora and hold her up against the wall by the throat. He's forceful but not painfully so. He's also got on hand wrapped under one of her legs so all her weight isn't at her neck
"Im a dragon. I can eat almost anything and it fills me. If i can tear a deer apart or anything else then its not so strange that im feeding of of blood now is it ?"
He uses his thumb on the hand thats around her throat to caress her neck and cheek
Dorokor grins maliciously, unfazed by the aggression. She remains impassive and intrigued. "I see that. Perhaps it was fate my bite didn't kill you that night we met."
Her eyes flash. "Though I sincerely tried to... You're obviously a scrappy bastard."
Atriox smiles with pride and a little hint of pleasure. He's definitely enjoying himself
"I prefer determined or just stubborn. But im glad you didn't. Otherwise we wouldn't be here now would we ? Enjoying this fine evening. And it is a fineeee evening."
He looks her over head to toe in appreciation
Dorokor reaches up seductively and strokes Atriox's face, but her hand ventures to the side and yanks on his horn. Her grip is like a vice as she pulls his face closer.
Her eyes flash again. "You are playing an interesting, dangerous game again, dragonborn... as I think you're well aware."
Her eyes relax as she looks him over. Her grip loosens as her fingers brush against his head frills.
"You really did well. I'm proud. Wasn't quite the way I was picturing it going... But it was very..." The corner of her mouth twitches in humor. "Very you."
Atriox grunts
"Dont be getting to soft on me now. I don't think either of us are ready for the day Bonebreaker gets all soft on me."
Atriox chuckles at himself and lets go of her neck to hold her other leg so that hes carrying her but can still see her. Plus he just likes her legs he thinks to himself with amusement.
He carries her over to a table
"As for the game im playing......it wouldn't be fun if it was dangerous. Life rewards the brave after all."
Dorokor laughs, almost snorting. "Bravery indeed. The last time someone called me soft, I ripped their heart out and ate it."
You can't tell if she's serious or not at first, but then the look the orc gives you tells you the answer immediately.
She cups Atriox's chin and pulls him close to her. "But I agree with your sentiment. Let's see how well life rewards you now after tonight's indulgent feast."
"Indeed my cheiftes indeed. I intend to feast again before the nights out."
Atriox closes the gap and begins to unwind in her embrace as they revel in their kills and dinner with a whole different type of feasting
(Fade to black)
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