-Within The Forge-




Evyette POV



She slumbered upon the silken cloths; she enjoyed the heat that emitted from the flames around her that were roaring, until a sudden rush of energy hit her like hungry wolves at the scent of fresh prey, she rolled onto her stomach heaving she had been awoken. She sat up; her golden clothing shimmering against the fires that surrounded her. She whistled out into the air and her hellhounds emerged into the room; their eyes were furious but their ears and tails lowered in submission. “What is the meaning of this.”
stepping tentatively onto the fur carpets that adorned her private chamber.

She approached the closest flame and whispered into it; summoning each of the members of her house to come home and to speak with her each. Evidently there was only reason why such a flow of energy would have been able to enter her realm; supposed she’d have to ask her siblings whether or not they felt it too. It mattered not at the moment. “Come home my followers. I summon thee. For I believe most of all the Citadel is finally appearing.”





-In the Mortal Realm-


Stephani POV



The thrumming of the music made her heart skip erratically, she swayed to the beat not caring who saw her dance; to her nothing but the music mattered and anyone who was attempting to distract her was going to be fairly disappointed; so consumed by the melodies that the burning hot hand that grasped her wrist made her stumble and flinch; forcing her to break from the crowd as the creature who had grabbed her tugged insistently. The humans seemed undeterred and some gave her mad looks as she left the crowd and found herself in the corner of the room. Standing before her was a sage; his eyes aglow with fury and flame. Why is a Sage here? Have I done something wrong?
“What is the meaning of this.”


Suddenly it was as if the music, the people and the scent of sweat and alcohol disappeared as she found herself in her home realm, her skin immediately moistened with sweat and she scowled; she had been working for months in order to give herself such an outfit that now it was most certainly destroyed by the heat that the realm produced; though it was naturally her most comfortable environment being surrounded by fire. She realised that she was not the only Assassin nor the only Sage or Hellhound who had been brought back home. What’s going on? Why have we been summoned without warning? Has something happened?


Evyette emerged from her chamber in full battle gear, Stephani suddenly found herself feeling very underdressed as Sages, Assassins and Hellhounds in turn lowered themselves to their knees, some of them trembled out of fear; others smiled in anticipation for the order they were to be given. “Rise children. It seems a book from the Citadel has appeared in the mortal… human realm. Find it. Seek it out and bring it to me.”
“A book?” Citadel?”
she mumbled; not realising she had spoken out of turn. Her cheeks became red as Evyette’s eyes settled on her. “Is there a problem.”
“No Madame.”
she swallowed.

Just as soon as they were whisked into the Forge they were returned to which they came just moments prior, immediately Stephani recoiled at the change in environment and shuttered; rubbing her arms; making her way towards the exit she stopped by the coat room taking her coat from the guard who sat there, a human male who smoked she held herself back from coughing.

Stepping out into the cold her eyes glimmered in the dark, naturally only those who were claimants like her would notice that her eyes were different to that of a mere humans, she held her coat tight as she moved towards her apartment; surely if she had been summoned by her Ancient then perhaps all the other houses had also been summoned. “She ought to expect us to fail, it’d be a fucking miracle trying to find it. Besides, we have more to worry about, has she not warned us that we’re dying out? Sending us on a quest is like asking us to deliberately die.”
she shivered.


-Cape Town, South Africa-




“Coffee please.”
she placed the coins on the counter down, waiting for the person on the other side of the counter to respond to her request; as soon as she was given her hot cup and her change she nodded in thanks, turning and leaving the small cafe. She held the rim of the cup to her mouth and breathed out a puff of icy cold air, immediately cooling down the black liquid to something more lukewarm. As she walked the streets she felt a sensation of the wind swirling around her; her hearing sharpened waiting for any signs of danger; but it seemed like it was just the air and not some claimant of Quinnox after her.

There was a tap on her shoulder and she turned spooked that someone had managed to sneak up on her; until she realised that the bony frozen hand on her shoulder belonged to none other than her mother figure and her ancient. “Daenu. Pleasure as always.”
“You forget your place.”
“Perhaps I do, perhaps I do not. What do you want from me? What task must I fulfil to keep you away from me?”
“A book from the Citadel, Bring it to me and kill whoever gets in your way.”
“Why yes, of course. I shall. Any hints for its location.”
“No but it is on the move.”
Daenu disappeared after that, and she was left annoyed.

Returning to her apartment as quickly as she could, she discarded of the cup of coffee that she had only half finished drinking, she didn’t care that she had been wasteful, Daenu evidently even if she had no idea what the book was wanted it for herself and it was Natalie’s job to acquire it. Taking her phone out of her pocket she dialled a number; a fellow Ice Claimant who hadn’t lost her ability to see answered. “If you have seen her, then you know our orders. Please book a flight for me. I believe we may need to start somewhere and I feel as though Europe would be the place to start.”

-Within The Forge-




Evyette POV



She slumbered upon the silken cloths; she enjoyed the heat that emitted from the flames around her that were roaring, until a sudden rush of energy hit her like hungry wolves at the scent of fresh prey, she rolled onto her stomach heaving she had been awoken. She sat up; her golden clothing shimmering against the fires that surrounded her. She whistled out into the air and her hellhounds emerged into the room; their eyes were furious but their ears and tails lowered in submission. “What is the meaning of this.”
stepping tentatively onto the fur carpets that adorned her private chamber.

She approached the closest flame and whispered into it; summoning each of the members of her house to come home and to speak with her each. Evidently there was only reason why such a flow of energy would have been able to enter her realm; supposed she’d have to ask her siblings whether or not they felt it too. It mattered not at the moment. “Come home my followers. I summon thee. For I believe most of all the Citadel is finally appearing.”





-In the Mortal Realm-


Stephani POV



The thrumming of the music made her heart skip erratically, she swayed to the beat not caring who saw her dance; to her nothing but the music mattered and anyone who was attempting to distract her was going to be fairly disappointed; so consumed by the melodies that the burning hot hand that grasped her wrist made her stumble and flinch; forcing her to break from the crowd as the creature who had grabbed her tugged insistently. The humans seemed undeterred and some gave her mad looks as she left the crowd and found herself in the corner of the room. Standing before her was a sage; his eyes aglow with fury and flame. Why is a Sage here? Have I done something wrong?
“What is the meaning of this.”


Suddenly it was as if the music, the people and the scent of sweat and alcohol disappeared as she found herself in her home realm, her skin immediately moistened with sweat and she scowled; she had been working for months in order to give herself such an outfit that now it was most certainly destroyed by the heat that the realm produced; though it was naturally her most comfortable environment being surrounded by fire. She realised that she was not the only Assassin nor the only Sage or Hellhound who had been brought back home. What’s going on? Why have we been summoned without warning? Has something happened?


Evyette emerged from her chamber in full battle gear, Stephani suddenly found herself feeling very underdressed as Sages, Assassins and Hellhounds in turn lowered themselves to their knees, some of them trembled out of fear; others smiled in anticipation for the order they were to be given. “Rise children. It seems a book from the Citadel has appeared in the mortal… human realm. Find it. Seek it out and bring it to me.”
“A book?” Citadel?”
she mumbled; not realising she had spoken out of turn. Her cheeks became red as Evyette’s eyes settled on her. “Is there a problem.”
“No Madame.”
she swallowed.

Just as soon as they were whisked into the Forge they were returned to which they came just moments prior, immediately Stephani recoiled at the change in environment and shuttered; rubbing her arms; making her way towards the exit she stopped by the coat room taking her coat from the guard who sat there, a human male who smoked she held herself back from coughing.

Stepping out into the cold her eyes glimmered in the dark, naturally only those who were claimants like her would notice that her eyes were different to that of a mere humans, she held her coat tight as she moved towards her apartment; surely if she had been summoned by her Ancient then perhaps all the other houses had also been summoned. “She ought to expect us to fail, it’d be a fucking miracle trying to find it. Besides, we have more to worry about, has she not warned us that we’re dying out? Sending us on a quest is like asking us to deliberately die.”
she shivered.


-Cape Town, South Africa-




“Coffee please.”
she placed the coins on the counter down, waiting for the person on the other side of the counter to respond to her request; as soon as she was given her hot cup and her change she nodded in thanks, turning and leaving the small cafe. She held the rim of the cup to her mouth and breathed out a puff of icy cold air, immediately cooling down the black liquid to something more lukewarm. As she walked the streets she felt a sensation of the wind swirling around her; her hearing sharpened waiting for any signs of danger; but it seemed like it was just the air and not some claimant of Quinnox after her.

There was a tap on her shoulder and she turned spooked that someone had managed to sneak up on her; until she realised that the bony frozen hand on her shoulder belonged to none other than her mother figure and her ancient. “Daenu. Pleasure as always.”
“You forget your place.”
“Perhaps I do, perhaps I do not. What do you want from me? What task must I fulfil to keep you away from me?”
“A book from the Citadel, Bring it to me and kill whoever gets in your way.”
“Why yes, of course. I shall. Any hints for its location.”
“No but it is on the move.”
Daenu disappeared after that, and she was left annoyed.

Returning to her apartment as quickly as she could, she discarded of the cup of coffee that she had only half finished drinking, she didn’t care that she had been wasteful, Daenu evidently even if she had no idea what the book was wanted it for herself and it was Natalie’s job to acquire it. Taking her phone out of her pocket she dialled a number; a fellow Ice Claimant who hadn’t lost her ability to see answered. “If you have seen her, then you know our orders. Please book a flight for me. I believe we may need to start somewhere and I feel as though Europe would be the place to start.”

-Within The Forge-




Evyette POV



She slumbered upon the silken cloths; she enjoyed the heat that emitted from the flames around her that were roaring, until a sudden rush of energy hit her like hungry wolves at the scent of fresh prey, she rolled onto her stomach heaving she had been awoken. She sat up; her golden clothing shimmering against the fires that surrounded her. She whistled out into the air and her hellhounds emerged into the room; their eyes were furious but their ears and tails lowered in submission. “What is the meaning of this.”
stepping tentatively onto the fur carpets that adorned her private chamber.

She approached the closest flame and whispered into it; summoning each of the members of her house to come home and to speak with her each. Evidently there was only reason why such a flow of energy would have been able to enter her realm; supposed she’d have to ask her siblings whether or not they felt it too. It mattered not at the moment. “Come home my followers. I summon thee. For I believe most of all the Citadel is finally appearing.”





-In the Mortal Realm-


Stephani POV



The thrumming of the music made her heart skip erratically, she swayed to the beat not caring who saw her dance; to her nothing but the music mattered and anyone who was attempting to distract her was going to be fairly disappointed; so consumed by the melodies that the burning hot hand that grasped her wrist made her stumble and flinch; forcing her to break from the crowd as the creature who had grabbed her tugged insistently. The humans seemed undeterred and some gave her mad looks as she left the crowd and found herself in the corner of the room. Standing before her was a sage; his eyes aglow with fury and flame. Why is a Sage here? Have I done something wrong?
“What is the meaning of this.”


Suddenly it was as if the music, the people and the scent of sweat and alcohol disappeared as she found herself in her home realm, her skin immediately moistened with sweat and she scowled; she had been working for months in order to give herself such an outfit that now it was most certainly destroyed by the heat that the realm produced; though it was naturally her most comfortable environment being surrounded by fire. She realised that she was not the only Assassin nor the only Sage or Hellhound who had been brought back home. What’s going on? Why have we been summoned without warning? Has something happened?


Evyette emerged from her chamber in full battle gear, Stephani suddenly found herself feeling very underdressed as Sages, Assassins and Hellhounds in turn lowered themselves to their knees, some of them trembled out of fear; others smiled in anticipation for the order they were to be given. “Rise children. It seems a book from the Citadel has appeared in the mortal… human realm. Find it. Seek it out and bring it to me.”
“A book?” Citadel?”
she mumbled; not realising she had spoken out of turn. Her cheeks became red as Evyette’s eyes settled on her. “Is there a problem.”
“No Madame.”
she swallowed.

Just as soon as they were whisked into the Forge they were returned to which they came just moments prior, immediately Stephani recoiled at the change in environment and shuttered; rubbing her arms; making her way towards the exit she stopped by the coat room taking her coat from the guard who sat there, a human male who smoked she held herself back from coughing.

Stepping out into the cold her eyes glimmered in the dark, naturally only those who were claimants like her would notice that her eyes were different to that of a mere humans, she held her coat tight as she moved towards her apartment; surely if she had been summoned by her Ancient then perhaps all the other houses had also been summoned. “She ought to expect us to fail, it’d be a fucking miracle trying to find it. Besides, we have more to worry about, has she not warned us that we’re dying out? Sending us on a quest is like asking us to deliberately die.”
she shivered.


-Cape Town, South Africa-




“Coffee please.”
she placed the coins on the counter down, waiting for the person on the other side of the counter to respond to her request; as soon as she was given her hot cup and her change she nodded in thanks, turning and leaving the small cafe. She held the rim of the cup to her mouth and breathed out a puff of icy cold air, immediately cooling down the black liquid to something more lukewarm. As she walked the streets she felt a sensation of the wind swirling around her; her hearing sharpened waiting for any signs of danger; but it seemed like it was just the air and not some claimant of Quinnox after her.

There was a tap on her shoulder and she turned spooked that someone had managed to sneak up on her; until she realised that the bony frozen hand on her shoulder belonged to none other than her mother figure and her ancient. “Daenu. Pleasure as always.”
“You forget your place.”
“Perhaps I do, perhaps I do not. What do you want from me? What task must I fulfil to keep you away from me?”
“A book from the Citadel, Bring it to me and kill whoever gets in your way.”
“Why yes, of course. I shall. Any hints for its location.”
“No but it is on the move.”
Daenu disappeared after that, and she was left annoyed.

Returning to her apartment as quickly as she could, she discarded of the cup of coffee that she had only half finished drinking, she didn’t care that she had been wasteful, Daenu evidently even if she had no idea what the book was wanted it for herself and it was Natalie’s job to acquire it. Taking her phone out of her pocket she dialled a number; a fellow Ice Claimant who hadn’t lost her ability to see answered. “If you have seen her, then you know our orders. Please book a flight for me. I believe we may need to start somewhere and I feel as though Europe would be the place to start.”

-Within The Forge-




Evyette POV



She slumbered upon the silken cloths; she enjoyed the heat that emitted from the flames around her that were roaring, until a sudden rush of energy hit her like hungry wolves at the scent of fresh prey, she rolled onto her stomach heaving she had been awoken. She sat up; her golden clothing shimmering against the fires that surrounded her. She whistled out into the air and her hellhounds emerged into the room; their eyes were furious but their ears and tails lowered in submission. “What is the meaning of this.”
stepping tentatively onto the fur carpets that adorned her private chamber.

She approached the closest flame and whispered into it; summoning each of the members of her house to come home and to speak with her each. Evidently there was only reason why such a flow of energy would have been able to enter her realm; supposed she’d have to ask her siblings whether or not they felt it too. It mattered not at the moment. “Come home my followers. I summon thee. For I believe most of all the Citadel is finally appearing.”





-In the Mortal Realm-


Stephani POV



The thrumming of the music made her heart skip erratically, she swayed to the beat not caring who saw her dance; to her nothing but the music mattered and anyone who was attempting to distract her was going to be fairly disappointed; so consumed by the melodies that the burning hot hand that grasped her wrist made her stumble and flinch; forcing her to break from the crowd as the creature who had grabbed her tugged insistently. The humans seemed undeterred and some gave her mad looks as she left the crowd and found herself in the corner of the room. Standing before her was a sage; his eyes aglow with fury and flame. Why is a Sage here? Have I done something wrong?
“What is the meaning of this.”


Suddenly it was as if the music, the people and the scent of sweat and alcohol disappeared as she found herself in her home realm, her skin immediately moistened with sweat and she scowled; she had been working for months in order to give herself such an outfit that now it was most certainly destroyed by the heat that the realm produced; though it was naturally her most comfortable environment being surrounded by fire. She realised that she was not the only Assassin nor the only Sage or Hellhound who had been brought back home. What’s going on? Why have we been summoned without warning? Has something happened?


Evyette emerged from her chamber in full battle gear, Stephani suddenly found herself feeling very underdressed as Sages, Assassins and Hellhounds in turn lowered themselves to their knees, some of them trembled out of fear; others smiled in anticipation for the order they were to be given. “Rise children. It seems a book from the Citadel has appeared in the mortal… human realm. Find it. Seek it out and bring it to me.”
“A book?” Citadel?”
she mumbled; not realising she had spoken out of turn. Her cheeks became red as Evyette’s eyes settled on her. “Is there a problem.”
“No Madame.”
she swallowed.

Just as soon as they were whisked into the Forge they were returned to which they came just moments prior, immediately Stephani recoiled at the change in environment and shuttered; rubbing her arms; making her way towards the exit she stopped by the coat room taking her coat from the guard who sat there, a human male who smoked she held herself back from coughing.

Stepping out into the cold her eyes glimmered in the dark, naturally only those who were claimants like her would notice that her eyes were different to that of a mere humans, she held her coat tight as she moved towards her apartment; surely if she had been summoned by her Ancient then perhaps all the other houses had also been summoned. “She ought to expect us to fail, it’d be a fucking miracle trying to find it. Besides, we have more to worry about, has she not warned us that we’re dying out? Sending us on a quest is like asking us to deliberately die.”
she shivered.


-Cape Town, South Africa-




“Coffee please.”
she placed the coins on the counter down, waiting for the person on the other side of the counter to respond to her request; as soon as she was given her hot cup and her change she nodded in thanks, turning and leaving the small cafe. She held the rim of the cup to her mouth and breathed out a puff of icy cold air, immediately cooling down the black liquid to something more lukewarm. As she walked the streets she felt a sensation of the wind swirling around her; her hearing sharpened waiting for any signs of danger; but it seemed like it was just the air and not some claimant of Quinnox after her.

There was a tap on her shoulder and she turned spooked that someone had managed to sneak up on her; until she realised that the bony frozen hand on her shoulder belonged to none other than her mother figure and her ancient. “Daenu. Pleasure as always.”
“You forget your place.”
“Perhaps I do, perhaps I do not. What do you want from me? What task must I fulfil to keep you away from me?”
“A book from the Citadel, Bring it to me and kill whoever gets in your way.”
“Why yes, of course. I shall. Any hints for its location.”
“No but it is on the move.”
Daenu disappeared after that, and she was left annoyed.

Returning to her apartment as quickly as she could, she discarded of the cup of coffee that she had only half finished drinking, she didn’t care that she had been wasteful, Daenu evidently even if she had no idea what the book was wanted it for herself and it was Natalie’s job to acquire it. Taking her phone out of her pocket she dialled a number; a fellow Ice Claimant who hadn’t lost her ability to see answered. “If you have seen her, then you know our orders. Please book a flight for me. I believe we may need to start somewhere and I feel as though Europe would be the place to start.”

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.

The Tomb of Dimea (Music)

"A child that is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth."


Snow drifted steadily down onto the roof of a black limousine, slowly making its way down the short final street to its destination. The mausoleum that Alexander had long since called home loomed nearby, towering against the dark overcast skies as the car squeaked gently to a stop. How he hated this place, this monument to misery; but it was the only home he knew, and in a strange way, though he despised it, he still somehow felt living here made him better than everyone else. What was that called again? Cognitive dissonance? No matter. He put it out of mind as the door opened.

Stepping briskly out into the cold, crisp air he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets with a frown, winter had been especially bad this year, poor business dealings with the Bhudev's aside. The car door closed behind him as the the limousine gradually pulled away, Alexander's dark leather shoes crunching the snow beneath them as he walked up the path. A tall dark figure dressed in an expensive suit stood watching from the top of the stairs, a lit cigarette trailing smoke from his mouth. Father?


"You're late."
The deep gravelly voice came, not at all concealing his irritation. "I was h-"
Alexander was cut off as he tried to reply. "No excuses. Don't make me wait again."
The middle aged man turned with a derisive sniff, turning brusquely to go back inside. "Come, there is work to be done. I need you to check over something."
Dutifully and silently, Alex followed, taking one last look at the dreary skyline before stepping inside.




"I've had a look, there's too many discrepancies to just sweep under the rug, Father. Whoever did this was sloppy and it's going to cost to cover it up, we'll need to call Yaroslav again to get the FTS to drop this, or someone at Internal Affairs."
His tone was even as he gave the verdict, setting down the documents in front of him. "Damnit Peter, you sniveling bastard . . ."
Nikolai hissed, mumbling to himself as he paced. "We can't keep paying people off like this, Alexander. If you'd pulled your head in and actually did what I asked, none of this would be happening!"
he seethed, glaring at the impassive Alex. "Sorry, father."
came the reply."Useless, everybody's just so useless. Do I have to do everything myself?"
Nikolai rubbed at his temple as he considered. "Fine, I'll make the call. Go, leave me."
Standing quickly, Alex made for the door before pausing. "I won't fail you again, Father."
The tall man just waved him away in response, already dialing a number and slumping down into a leather couch by the window with an exasperated sigh.





Alex's first step out of the room faltered: He felt like he was falling, and in that brief moment of panic a chill shot up his back. A drop where none was expected; His stomach lurched painfully as he tried to make sense of what happened. Thankfully, the floor was only a foot or so lower than he'd thought as he dropped harmlessly onto the soil beneath. Soil . . beneath?
His eyes darted up to a familiar, if alien sight. A broken black sky with a dim white sun, with thin white wispy clouds flowing lazily towards it in a spiral, all watching over a warped and barren land, save for an enormous onyx tree. This is where he was first introduced to- "Hello again."
Those words, that voice, somehow seemed all-encompassing in this place. The voice was almost a physical thing, curling around him and caressing in a strange, disconcerting way. He turned and bowed as his wits returned to him, keeping his eyes downcast. "How may I serve?"
Quick and to the point. Bandying insincere flattery or asking pointless questions here would end up with him punished, one way or another. They had high expectations of him, for whatever reason. His lips drew to a thin line as he remembered the last time he had failed, an uncomfortable memory. "An item of great import has come to Earth somehow, I have felt this."
Alex waited silently, still bowed, unsure if he should speak. "A book. It is imperative that you find it, and bring it here, to me."
As it spoke, its words oozed in a way that sent a shiver down his back. "W-where am I to find this book? What exactly am I looking for?"
he ventured stammering, still not daring to look up. "Am I to do everything for you? You will know it when you see it, and I desire it. That is all you need to know. Success, is not optional."


Sweat beading from his forehead, Alex stumbled as he was flung back into the mansion, tripping to the floor as his world re-oriented, barely catching himself with his hands. Cooking the books would have to wait.