Topic: Chapter 2 Prelude: Master and Apprentice reunited - Kiril and Saladin (Read 43030 times)

Drakilian · « **on:** May 27, 2016, 06:46:10 pm »

Kiril has just opened the door to his next visitor - an Assamite, he has been forced to assume an envoy given his provenance (Sherazhina has informed him his ship has come from Constantinople). Husayn has warned Kiril that while the contract on Basilio is forfeit, and no other one may be taken on him, now that Basilio has left Sofia to Kiril, the ruler of Sofia - the original, true target - is still a possible target of assassination. A contract may have been taken out on Kiril to ease an impending turkish (i.e Assamite) invasion. Following his suggestions, Kiril has agreed to meet with the "envoy", though he has taken myriad precautions against any possible attack, including several hidden ghostly sentinels having been sent in by Amalia and the presence of both Elias and Barabus, the later having been armoured with a massive suit of plate that he wears with the ease of silk wrappings, and armed with a great-axe big enough to crush a lesser man under the weight alone. Elias seems almost comically unthreatening next to his massive fellow guardsman, but Kiril knows that what the Captain lacks in forceful savagery, he makes up for in finesse and brutal efficiency.

The doors to his audience chambers open, and the Assamite walks in, alone, unguarded, unarmed. He strides to the center of the room.

While he stands at an average height, his presence fills the room and stands as tall as Barrabus. His hair is an Ebony black, his skin a warm shade of brown customary to the dark skinned Assamites. His eyes stand out against the rest of his features, a stark, icy blue that could warm or chill the soul equally.

He says nothing at first, but searches Kiril's eyes with his own. And Kiril senses all of his cool collection vanish under that gaze - not because he is moved by it, but because of Husayn's panic.

Saladin! What are you doing here?!

Kiril briefly struggles as he feels Husayn beginning to assert control of his body - something he had no idea the dead assassin could even do.

Please, I need to talk to him! He has to understand, you can't hurt him!

Then, reason

But no... not in here, with all these people present... Talk to him, please Kiril. Let him know what has happened, privately.

Still, Kiril has no idea who this assamite is that ignites such fire within Husayn, what Husayn would have him say.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2016, 08:27:24 pm »

Not a trace remains of the cool, collected nobleman. Husayn's panic gives way to Kiril's rage.

The Lasombra summons dark steel shadows, fully intending to rip the interloper's head off.

Drakilian · « **Reply #2 on:** May 27, 2016, 08:36:42 pm »

NO

Husayn's inner voice roars and stops Kiril cold.

He is my childe, you will not do this!

Daedalus · « **Reply #3 on:** May 27, 2016, 08:49:38 pm »

Saladin says nothing at first. He lets his eyes wander around the room. From the small guardsman to the large brute of a man.

Then he focuses his gaze on Kiril. "Prince Basilio i assume?"

Sethaniel · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2016, 09:42:12 pm »

Kiril's inner voice screams wordlessly.

Disregarding Saladin's presence, he swiftly and suddenly departs the room through the back door, leaving the Assamite with his servants.

Once safely out of sight in the hallway, he paces back and forth, mentally shouting at Husayn.

Who is he? You have a childe? Why is he here?

Daedalus · « **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2016, 06:30:37 am »

Saladin watches Kiril leave.

"How odd." He looks at Elias and Barrabus "Did i say something wrong?"

Drakilian · « **Reply #6 on:** May 28, 2016, 11:02:29 am »

The smaller guardsman with the captain's insignia (Elias) reaches back and scratches his head, "I, uh, I have no idea."

---

I turned him many years ago, he did not deserve the death I gave him and so I gave him a second chance. He has done much with the opportunity I have afforded him and I have grown quite fond of the man.

He is likely here to avenge my death.

Daedalus · « **Reply #7 on:** May 28, 2016, 11:30:49 am »

"Odd indeed." He nods at his own words. "Oh well. I shall wait."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #8 on:** May 28, 2016, 11:34:01 am »

Oh. You're fond of him. Kiril's inner voice snarls bitterly. And you think there's a chance in hell this doesn't end with me tearing his face off and feeding it to him?

What are you suggesting we do, tell him you're not dead, you're just part of me now? And he'll be fine with that, will he?

Daedalus · « **Reply #9 on:** May 28, 2016, 07:36:34 pm »

"Would you mind conversation while we wait? I never was one for long silences. I find them unnerving."

Drakilian · « **Reply #10 on:** May 29, 2016, 12:38:55 am »

Is... are you jealous?

---

"Uh, I guess?", Elias answers. "My name is Elias, i'm captain of Prince Kiril's guard. This silent terror here is Barrabus, he doesn't say much. He's a lot scarier than he looks."

Saladin finds that notion quite difficult to swallow - the man was terrifying even by vampiric standards.

Daedalus · « **Reply #11 on:** May 29, 2016, 06:57:43 am »

"Then i greet you both." He says with a bow. "Perhaps. But i do not judge a book from its cover."

Then suddenly, it hits him. "Prince Kiril?!"

Sethaniel · « **Reply #12 on:** May 29, 2016, 07:02:59 am »

I- I mean, that's just-- no! (Yes.)
It's just- you said he's probably here for vengeance. Which means he's here to kill me. Which means I have to kill him first. Except you're being irrational and emotional.

Drakilian · « **Reply #13 on:** May 29, 2016, 09:03:08 pm »

I literally live inside your head, why do you think you could lie to me?

More importantly... how? How can you be jealous? Why would you ever desire my approval? And how could you ever doubt you had it, when I gave my life that you might continue to live yours?

Husayn sounds genuinely confused here, as if he can't understand why Kiril would ever feel jealous of one of his childer.

---

"Yes, that's his name. I take it you thought Basilio ran the joint? He did, a while ago, passed the city onto Kiril and left a few months ago. News doesn't travel too fast far east eh?"

Daedalus · « **Reply #14 on:** May 29, 2016, 09:36:50 pm »

"It certainly does not." Saladin replies with a thoughtful frown. "I would guess it was shortly after Basilio, with the help of Kiril and Anton killed my s... Husayn."

Drakilian · « **Reply #15 on:** May 29, 2016, 09:47:26 pm »

Elias narrows his eyes, "Husayn eh? Hey Barabus, isn't that..."

"Yes."

The giant says the one word and nothing else, his voice coming out as a deep, menacing rumble. Saladin can't quite tell whether or not the man is trying to be intimidating, but it all comes off as somewhat excessive, really - there's something to be said about subtlety, a trait the man clearly lacks.

"Huh. How'd you know Husayn?"

Daedalus · « **Reply #16 on:** May 29, 2016, 09:55:25 pm »

"Ah, well isn't that the question of the day." Saladin replies. "The easy answer is he murdured me a long time ago."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #17 on:** May 29, 2016, 11:09:14 pm »

Quote from: Drakilian on May 29, 2016, 09:03:08 pm

I literally live inside your head, why do you think you could lie to me?

More importantly... how? How can you be jealous? Why would you ever desire my approval? And how could you ever doubt you had it, when I gave my life that you might continue to live yours?

Husayn sounds genuinely confused here, as if he can't understand why Kiril would ever feel jealous of one of his childer.

I'm not lying! I'm just. . . (confused)

Kiril seems to have calmed down, at least for now.

Anyway, what's so difficult to understand? You understood well enough when you let me take your soul.

A pause.

We should go back in. You want to talk to him, right?

Drakilian · « **Reply #18 on:** May 29, 2016, 11:15:09 pm »

Elias takes that in for a second.

He then just looks away from Saladin, muttering something about "those damned vampires" and "why the hell does everything have to be so complicated".

---

Yes. I miss him. You can explain what has happened, and that I am not truly dead. He would not harm me, knowing I am alive.

As for your own motives... that is for you to explain, if you so wish. No doubt he will want to know why you killed me.

Daedalus · « **Reply #19 on:** May 30, 2016, 05:26:32 am »

Saladin raises an Eyebrow. This man probarly had loong day

"Complicated? Do not worry, i will explain myself when Kiril comes back."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #20 on:** May 30, 2016, 08:07:53 am »

Kiril, having composed himself, returns to the room in time to catch Saladin's last remark.

"You'll explain what?"

Daedalus · « **Reply #21 on:** May 30, 2016, 10:21:59 am »

"First running off and then eavesdropping? Not off to a great start here, Prince Kiril."

"But no matter. I will get to that. My name is Saladin. I come seeking answers about Husayns death, which i believe you had a major part in."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #22 on:** May 30, 2016, 12:06:44 pm »

Quote from: Daedalus on May 30, 2016, 10:21:59 am

"First running off and then eavesdropping? Not off to a great start here, Prince Kiril."

This is what you're so impressed by? Someone idiotic enough to introduce himself by condescendingly rebuking his host?

Quote

"But no matter. I will get to that. My name is Saladin. I come seeking answers about Husayns death, which i believe you had a major part in."

"I know who you are. Husayn told me."

Drakilian · « **Reply #23 on:** May 30, 2016, 12:16:46 pm »

In his defense, you killed me.

Daedalus · « **Reply #24 on:** May 30, 2016, 12:22:47 pm »

"What?" Saladin replies with a surprised look on his face. "How did he tell you this, if i may ask?"

Sethaniel · « **Reply #25 on:** May 30, 2016, 01:02:04 pm »

If this goes poorly, I'm killing him.

"He seems to think you'll be loyal or sensible enough to handle this: your sire still exists."

Drakilian · « **Reply #26 on:** May 30, 2016, 01:05:32 pm »

Husayn says nothing to that, but Kiril does not need to have the Assamite in his head to sense his disapproval.

Daedalus · « **Reply #27 on:** May 30, 2016, 02:08:33 pm »

"Sensible enough?.." He repeats, with a slightly confused look on his face. Then it hits him.

With a very serious tone he asks "You... Diablerized him?"

Sethaniel · « **Reply #28 on:** May 30, 2016, 02:20:05 pm »

"Yes."

Daedalus · « **Reply #29 on:** May 30, 2016, 02:30:29 pm »

"And you still wish me to do nothing?" He asks Husayn in Arabic. "If what you say is true, you should have no trouble giving me a answer." He says to Kiril directly after.

Drakilian · « **Reply #30 on:** May 30, 2016, 04:37:31 pm »

Sethaniel · « **Reply #31 on:** May 30, 2016, 05:03:04 pm »

You could have given me a little more; how does he know I don't just happen to speak Arabic?

"He says yes."

Daedalus · « **Reply #32 on:** May 30, 2016, 05:36:28 pm »

"What a stubborn man" saladin replies with a sigh. "It would have been preferable to just invoke Kadd and be done with it." He mutters.

"Very well Prince Kiril." He says with a bow. "You are safe from me, but be warned. You have enemies within Rafiq, or Assamites, which i believe is your word for us."

OOC: Kadd is the Assamite tradition of vengeance.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #33 on:** May 30, 2016, 05:52:09 pm »

He was fortunate indeed, to have gained your favor.

Is he always so stolid? If I thought basilio dead, then learned of his diablerie, I'd have a little more to say than just "oh, okay. Well, I won't kill you but someone else might. Bye now."

"Thank you for the warning. Safe travels back to wherever it is you came from."

Daedalus · « **Reply #34 on:** May 30, 2016, 06:01:40 pm »

"You misunderstand, Prince. I have no intention of leaving just yet. I want to know everything that happend. And, in return i will do what i can to quell the brewing hate for you."

Drakilian · « **Reply #35 on:** May 30, 2016, 06:31:12 pm »

I am alive, and he would not have me dead. Perhaps he believes I truly control your body, and this is a cover. Or that I am hidden.

Or, just as likely, he received the letter that I wrote requesting that Basilio and his children not be harmed, and he respects my wishes.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #36 on:** May 30, 2016, 06:51:39 pm »

wait. . . You wrote a letter? Then why the hell did you tell me he was probably here for vengeance?

Anyway, I meant "I'd want to talk to him," not "I'd want to kill him."

"Hmm. You'll do what you can?" Kiril seems unimpressed. "Everything that happened. . .

"Husayn was obligated to attempt an assassination upon Basilio, former Prince of Sofia. He succeeded at failing said attempt."

Daedalus · « **Reply #37 on:** May 30, 2016, 07:50:09 pm »

"So quick to judge." Saladin replies while shaking his head slowly.

Saladin gives Kiril an Equally uninpressed look

Drakilian · « **Reply #38 on:** May 30, 2016, 08:13:23 pm »

I didn't think he would get the letter - I, ah, didn't send him one.

At Saladin's reply, Husayn winces.

i'm sorry, please give me a second.

Husayn reaches out and seizes control of Kiril's body, speaking through Kiril's mouth in Arabic.

"Saladin! Show respect, you gain nothing by antagonizing Kiril, save my disregard. I appreciate the effort you have made in coming here but I would ask that you show Kiril the same respect you have shown me. We are, for better or for worse, one."

Kiril regains control shortly thereafter.

Daedalus · « **Reply #39 on:** May 30, 2016, 08:39:13 pm »

"Now i believe it." This time Saladin kneels properly. "I apologise for not treating you with the respect a prince demands."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #40 on:** May 31, 2016, 09:44:32 am »

Kiril nods. "Accepted. Now, Husayn says he requested that Basilio and I not be harmed. Yet, apparently there are those who disrespect his wishes?"

Daedalus · « **Reply #41 on:** May 31, 2016, 11:15:39 am »

"Yes."Saladin says standing up. "The messenger that delivered Husayns letter appearently offended them. And, almost started a fight. I believe it was your brother."

Sethaniel · « **Reply #42 on:** May 31, 2016, 11:41:31 am »

You gave Anton the letter? What were you thinking?

Daedalus · « **Reply #43 on:** May 31, 2016, 06:22:07 pm »

"Actually, i think he even got stabbed. But have no fear, they managed to conclude it relatively safe after that"

Drakilian · « **Reply #44 on:** June 01, 2016, 12:46:34 am »

I gave Anton nothing. Basilio received the letter.

Sethaniel · « **Reply #45 on:** June 01, 2016, 02:53:16 pm »

And gave it to Anton?

Drakilian · « **Reply #46 on:** June 01, 2016, 06:32:03 pm »

It would appear so.

Drakilian · « **Reply #47 on:** June 03, 2016, 03:00:33 pm »

With that, the Saladin leaves Kiril to his own devices - always staying nearby, however, for love of his old master, and for interest in the man who he has become.

~End Introduction

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Author Topic: Chapter 2 Prelude: Master and Apprentice reunited - Kiril and Saladin (Read 43030 times)