[Lute]

Lute looked into th small cafe shop, expecting to see people everywhere, but it was rather uncrowded. Last time he had been here, he was with his late mother, and they couldn't even see a seat let alone find an empty one. But, times do change, as do peoples lives. Looking around the room he sees a few waitresses walking about taking orders and carrying out drinks and every now and again some food. Lute wasn't hungry but he could do for a drink, so he sat down at the corner table and waited. As he waited he took another look around the small cafe.

About 25 tables could be seen, not including the one he was sitting at, so that made 26. They were all made of some sturdy wood, nothing fancy just enough to stand the test of time. The dark stain on the tables was offset by jet black chairs, although some of them were starting to lose their black finish from being scratched and slided over time. Two tables, other than his, were currently being used, and they were both alive with conversation. He would guess there was at least 3 people at each table, but he wouldn't doubt if there was more. Th white walls all around them were adored with pictures, in a few of them he recognized the man behind the counter, and assumed him to be the owner of the cafe, or at least someone high up on the food chain.

Lute sets his head on the table, still waiting to be waited on, but not being impatient, he was only going to ask for a glass of water. Lifting his head back up he begins fiddling with his bracelet, making the scales shine a bright red and green on the wall next to him and above him. His thoughts went back to his parents, he remembered his mother wearing this very same piece of jewelry. He remembered his fathers gleaming weapon, 'Belinus', as his father would practice with it outside. He felt tears well up in his eyes but he wasn't sure if they were tears of happiness for those joyous times, or sadness that those times were gone. He puts his head down again, to make sure no one will see him, he had to make sure he made a strong front here. Since this was where his life was to start.

[Inimicus]

Inimicus slowly walked out of the portal his eyes squeezing closed against the sudden burst of light...he forgot how much brighter it was here than the Duskies which were often covered in clouds. Stumbling a bit he reached out his arm to steady himself against a wall. Shaking his head the sun blindness quickly passed, the sun didnt hurt him but god he hated it, as a vampire he really did not like the sunlight even if it was UV filtered by Xanth.

As soon as he could concentrate again he made a mental note of what he needed to do for today, get some feed for Nacht, Clean Xanth's statue, and get some lunch...he was probably spending too much money on blood when he could get it himself, but he didnt want to empty the Duskies of its deer. Shaking his head he decided to get some lunch first, he had been practicing his fighting, running, and climbing since 5 that morning and he was tired and hungry. His stomach growling and his fangs piercing into his gums to remind him he needed to drink Inimicus rolled his eyes and turned down the street heading for the Cafe.

As he entered he allowed himself a moment to adjust to the somewhat dimmer light and looked around. The Cafe never really did get busy, only about 4 tables were in use, one of which only had one man sitting at it. Inimicus took note of that man, he had his head down for a second and seemed somewhat...Inimicus didnt know if it was sad or just nervous, but he was edging towards the first. As the man raised his head Inimicus took note of the jewelry he wore, a fine piece and it capture'd the vampires attention. He hadn't seen craftsmenship like that for a long time, sterling silver but it was casting a red and green shine on places where its reflection hit...it was odd he didn't see any jewels in it. Shaking his head Inimicus walked over to the counter and ordered a glass of blood. Smiling at the waitress he handed her money and walked over to the table with the man sitting at it.

As Inimicus approached he caught sight of the man's eyes...blue grey...a hatchling dragon. He had seen a few at Xanth's statues, young ones honoring her gift to their forebears, it made Inimicus happy to see some people remember what Xanth had done for them. He stood by the table holding his blood and inclined his head to the dragon as a noted of respect. He raised his head and smiled speaking to the dragon in a kind voice.

" Good day, would you mind if I took a seat with you? It does seem like a shame to sit alone on such a nice day "

((OOC: Inimicus will join if you dont mind too much))



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Lute]

Lute didn't hear the man approach until he was right upon him. This startled him and he quickly moved his right hand back towards him to keep his treasure safe, because who knows what manner of person this is. This was his first trip alone to this underground city, and the first time here in a long time with anyone either. Although, Lute looked up at his kind gesture of respect, a small, but effective, head nod, and figured that he couldn't be all that bad. He sat back up in his chair and tried to look taller than he was just to keep an even air about them.

"Indeed it is, have a seat, you look well... er... seasoned around here", Lute said, noting Inimicus's calm demeanor. Inimicus looked as if he was almost comfortable here, except he was squinting alot and seemed to be shying away from the lighted area, taking a seat in the shadows. Lute wasn't sure what manner of race he was, and he didn't want to be rude and ask. Lute has not been exposed to much of the population of Elysia, having lived in a small community of Dragons all his life, until he came of age, he was unwise to most of the ways of the world. It wasn't until he notice the small package of blood in his hands that he understood, and he spoke without thinking.

"Oh! You are a Vampire aren't you?" Lute blurted out not thinking, but quickly covering his mouth hoping he didn't sound rude

[Inimicus]

Inimicus almost laughed, but he forced the laugh to remain internal and instead replaced it with a calm smile. This hatchling was obviously very new here, he seemed very jumpy and when he had noticed Inimicus he had darted his hand away to hide the Jewelry from Inimicus. Not many people were this inexpierienced and it made Inimicus smiled, he liked the chances he got to do what Xanth had said and help guide people, normally he just cleaneder her statue, which he liked, but this was something far more enjoyable.

The Dragon sat up in his chair, was it to hide his embarassment, seem important, or prove to himself he wasn't afraid? Inimicus didnt know but it was rather amusing, Inimicus was tall but in general dragons were far more built than he...a racial trait he gathered, he was tall and built more along the lines of an assasin with muscle gained from his hunter training, dragons generally were very strong in body noticably. As the man asked him to sit Inimicus smiled and sat with his traditional medival grace...he knew it looked out of place since he was only 22 but it was a habit he had no desire to get rid of, that and for all this hatcling knew he was hundreds of years old. He smiled as the man commented on his seasoning, it made Inimicus smile he hadn't even been in Elysia a year, he guessed with Xanth's help calm came to him faster.

The dragon seemed confused a bit looking at Inimicus, finally he blurted out

" Oh! You are a Vampire aren't you? "

and this time Inimicus couldn't help but laugh. Chuckling a bit, not in a mean way, but just out of the humor of the situation, this hatchling was so inexpierienced. Inimicus covered his mouth and cleared his throat, waving his hand in mid air he spoke cheerily to the young dragon taking a sip from his glass of blood before doing so.

" Do not feel the need to be embarassed by that realization. It is not something most people can tell easily until they get used to being around Vampires and I take no offense at your statement. Yes I am a vampire, and may I assume that, from your eyes, you are a dragon who has not yet chosen a sept? "

Inimicus smiled and took another sip, the boy didnt need to answer he already knew the answer. Placing down the cup of blood he extended a pale hand forward and locked eyes with the dragon, he continud to be glad each day he had chosen the warrior's path so he didn't have to worry about hypnotizing people with his eyes.

" I am Inimicus Malus, Acolyte to Xanth and might I ask your name? "



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Lute]

Lute almost winced as he chuckled, it sounded polite but he was still unsure, but he put that thought behind him as he listened to him speak. Inimicus seemed to have an air of dignity and grace only seen in the old world, the kind of people his father used to talk about when he was young. Lute wondered just how old this vampire was, the family crest, displayed on the clasp of his cloak, seemed to make him seen even more antique.

"Do not feel the need to be embarrassed by that realization. It is not something most people can tell easily until they get used to being around Vampires and I take no offense at your statement. Yes I am a vampire, and may I assume that, from your eyes, you are a Dragon who has not yet chosen a Sept?" Inimicus said towards the young Dragon.

Lute looked down and away, he forgot how easy it was to tell Dragons from the other humanoid races. Furthermore, he forgot how easy it was to tell how inexperienced Dragons are that haven't chosen a Sept. His cheeks burned with even more embarrassment and he looked up at him to reply, knowing how bright red his cheeks were.

"Y- yes... I've just finished my basic combat training, nothing major just the basics." Lute stuttered, but his voice changes slightly, stronger, "I came to this place in search of a Dragon to help me train further." Lute looks at Inimicus and calms down a bit and relaxes.

"By the way" Lute started, his voice, still strong, and sounding a bit more confident "My name is Leucetius, but i most of the time go by Lute" He said, feeling a bit more confident about himself.

[Inimicus]

Inimicus smiled kindly, this one was certainly new to the Underground. He wondered if he had spent most of his life in the dragon homeland of Nirim...many of the fledglings he had seen had frequented the underground, this one seemed to be relativly new to all of this. As Inimicus spoke his cheeks seemed to fill with red dye which was very obviously a sign of embarassment...though Inimicus could already tell that, this dragon was sitting in a very embarassed posture.

Inimicus smiled kindly as the dragon stuttered out an explanation for still being a non-septed dragon, Inimicus took another sip from his glass of blood as he listened to the explanation and then waved off the embarassment. He smiled however when the dragon gave his name freely...not something seen often even here. He smiled and took another sip before speaking

" Well then Lute, it is a pleasure to meet you. As for not having chosen a sept dont be embarassed, there is no need for that, in fact one might feel even more proud for the future ahead of them, I know I felt proud before I chose my path as a vampire. If there is anything I can do to help you on your path, or help you figure out where you need to go just ask. However I find it odd that you have not of yet received anything to eat or drink, have the waitresses been missing your table? "

Inimicus raised his hand and called for a waitress, one came over and Inimicus smiled over at Lute

" feel free to order whar you will, I will pay for today "



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Lute]

Lute had relaxed into an almost friendly state with the Vampire. Lute has always been able to become friends with just about any person he meets, today was almost the exception, but he's gotten used to the surroundings now and is looking forward to having a pleasant chat with a new person, let alone someone with an entire new outlook on life! He wanted to ask so many questions about vampires, and their kind, but he kept most of it inside. He wouldn't exactly want to be probed on the life of a Dragon, simply because he has only seen so little of it, nor did he want to think about which Sept he was going to join, the choices were so different. But, enough about that if it came up, he would talk about it. He listened to the vampire talking about his pride, and felt a little foolish for his embarrassment, he just didn't want to seem weak. As he listened he was sure food was mentioned and he perked up. He hadn't eaten a good meal in a while. He watched as the man called for a waitress, and when she arrived, Inimicus turned to Lute.

"Feel free to order what you will, I will pay for today" Inimicus said, not knowing the hunger that dwelled within him.

"I hope you'll forgive me for not ordering your choice of beverage" Lute chuckled, hoping to not to offend him, and turned to the waitress "Ill have some sweat tea, iced tea if you have it, and somkthing made of chicken, anything with chicken, hopefully something cheap i don't want to run my new friend out on me"

[Inimicus]

Inimicus chuckled lightly to himself as he mentioned food. The Dragon perked up, not completly noticably, but enough to Inimicus who trained as a hunter to notice slight movements from people...apparently his new Dragon friend was hungry. The waitress came over and took out a pad of paper as Inimicus turned towards Lute. He chuckled appreciativly as Lute said he wouldn't be ordering blood and watched as the man ordered some tea and chicken...hmm he had good taste though Inimicus prefered hot tea. Inimicus handed the waitress some money and watched as she walked away, lifting the glass to his lips he took another sip of his lunch....it felt so odd to him still to even think of a beverage as lunch, but at least his teeth were happy.

He turned towards Lute and smiled, he took another sip of his beverage before speaking.

" Well it depends on what you want to train in if you are going looking for a dragon. There is a red dragon who runs the weapon shop so he could train you some more in fighting I suppose...I dont know much about him, a blue dragon runs the pub The Hinds Head...if you cannot find him there I would suggest you inquire with the art woman Piper about his whereabouts, his name is Wolf and the one who runs the weapon shop is named Zephyr. Other than that I am unaware where you can find a...green...or a gold I believe were the other septs. I would suggest you go to Xanth's statue, perhaps if she is not too busy she can give you some guidance I found it helped me a lot when I first entered Elysian Society. However if there is anything I can help you with please do tell me, and if you have any questions feel free to ask...i don't take offense easily "

He smiled at lute, he could hear the waitress coming back, perhaps some food would make him feel abit more at home.



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Lute]

[OOC: Many appologies about the godmod of you turning towards me, i know it wasn't major but i still wish to apologize]

Lute listened intently to the Vampire telling him about the different dragon trainers that were around the area. He perked up at the mention of the Red Dragon, he remembered his father, and his glory. The Blue Dragon, Zephyr, sounded interesting, but he wasn't quite sure what the blue dragons were known for. He only knew the Red and Green Dragons. He was about to say something and the waitress came up beside them, setting a plate and glass in front of him. After he took a drink, and a couple bites of his chicken sandwich, he continued.

"This may sound stupid, coming from a dragon and all, but i was never really explained what all the Septs where involved with. My father was a mighty Red Dragon, Borvo. Red Dragons seem to be warriors, fighters of the highest caliber. Trained in nearly every weapon class. My mother was a Green Dragon, she was a healer, but at expense of her own health, but the blue and Gold Dragons are a mystery to me, can you explain them to me? Me and my parents lived in an area where there weren't many Dragons, let alone Elysians., and i didn't get to talk to them about it."

[Inimicus]

Inimicus smiled and thanked the waitress as she returned with food for the hungry dragon. As she wandered away he turned his head towards Lute just in time to catch the questions coming from the Dragon. Inimicus smiled, he wanted to chuckle a little, but even as innocent as it would have been it still would have come across as rude. How sad that this hatchling didn't know much about his own race...if vampires had a race not covered in blood to speak of Inimicus would say it was much like him. Still this one was from Elysia, to not know about the septs, about his homeland...was something quite sad. Inimicus didn't know much about the septs, only general things...and he wasn't sure even that was right. If this one wanted to know more he had to seek out a dragon or Xanth, but Inimicus smiled, he could do what he could.

" Well I do not pretend to be an expert on Dragon kind, I am a vampire after all. However I know a little bit so I will tell you what little I know. Red Dragons, like you said, are warriors...the comparison to my caste of hunters trained in weapons and fighting. I have met one, Zephyr at the Weapon shop, and from what I have seen their strength surpasses anyone. Green Dragons are healers, also something you know...however I do not know much more about them. Blue Dragons are mentalists, much like Vampire Illusionists or Charmers...from what I know they can read the thoughts of others...however I dont know any more than that. Gold Dragons I have also met one of, however she is absent of late. They are Dragons of the heart from what I know, counselors...I heard they can sense emotions but I'm not too sure. I cannot say much more, Dragon Rituals are rather shrouded in mystery. I would suggest however that you do one of two things to find out more: Ask an older Dragon, either here or in Nirim...or go to Xanth. Though she isnt a dragon and your race is not one of hers she is a goddess and knows everything there is to know, though she may or may not tell you immediatly "

Inimicus smiled kindly at Lute, he loved his goddess but he wasn't about to pretend she didn't enjoy playing a little. He remembered her appearing as a teenage girl and going to the Halloween party...it was nice to see a goddess with a sense of fun. However Inimicus wanted Lute to be prepared for her not to answer, she was a goddess and did have other things to think about over the whole of Elysia.



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Lute]

Lute listened intently to the Vampires words, munching a little more on his sandwich. He didn't figure that a vampire would know dragons beyond a few small facts, but he was grateful for any information that could be given. His inexperience was apparent but also was his willingness to learn. He took a swig of his tea, half gone, or was it half full? He thought about his various choices ahead of him.

"I'm sure my parents should have, i mean, would have taught me... but my father died while i was still at an young age. My Mother, deeply depressed, longed to see him again. It was all she could do to raise me, so we didn't have the normal family setting. I'm sure if you weren't born a vampire you would understand. although, I'm not sure how old you are. No offence meant."

He felt tears well up in his eyes, talking about his late mother made him tear up all the time. He quickly shook his head to shake them away, as not to let them be shown. Even though the action was an obvious one. He settled himself back down and focused on the moment at hand.

"Anyway", he said, sniffling a little and try to find some resolve, "I am not strong like my father, I'm not sure if i am strong enough willed to heal, but i should get more information about these other two Septs"

Lute marveled at the fact of using mental powers to bend the will of an opponent, or controlling the 'air' around him emotionally. He wasn't sure which sounded nicer. he gathered himself to ask yet another question

"Sorry for the onslaught of questions, this will probably be my last, and probably my dumbest. Where may i seek council with this 'Xanth'? I've heard this name before, often from my father before he passed. But i never met this person, or deity, as it may be."

[Inimicus]

Inimicus sighed as the dragon spoke and put down his glass...so he had lost his family too. Inimicus wondered how many in Elyisa had lost their family early and through unnatural actions...it was somewhat sad to see but at least in Elysia they always had family. Inimicus smiled a bit as Lute wondered about his age, he loved the curisotiy people had about Vampires...after all you could meet a 10 year old looking boy and find him to be a thousand year old vampire. Inimicus however was only 22...he wasnt at all old just acted it and as such the memory of his own loss was all too recent, though thanks to Kaida he had started moving on. Sighing again he spoke kindly to Lute

" Oh trust me...I do know exactly what you are speaking of. My parents were murdered...not even a year past...along with my brother and sister and, well, me. Thieves broke into our house and murdered them all in their sleep...then stabbed me, I was saved by being turned into a vampire so you will understand if I say that in some part I know what you are speaking of. "

He chuckled a little than held up a hand to ward off any comments that may come were Lute insulted

" that is not to say I know your pain, everyone's is different and it teaches us all something different. Just know you aren't completley alone in Elysia even if at times it seems that way....perhaps even when you think you are most alone is when you are least alone. As for my age I am 22, 23 in September...though I do understand the curiosity given my race. "

Tears welled up in Lutes eyes, Inimicus let a soft look come over his face. It would take time for Lute to accept his parent's death, but eventually he would and he would be strong as all dragons are.

" I do not know how septs are chosen, don't get me wrong. However anyone can be strong if they try to be, even as a human I was well able to defend myself, and anyone can be strong willed. Your parents may have been great dragons, given the esteem you hold them in I am in fact sure of it. However you Lute, are you. Don't try and be them be you, if you try and be them you will always stay in their shadow by your own grief. I am sorry if I sound harsh, i do not mean to and I know what you have been through...just never think of yourself as weak when you can be whatever is within you to be. If your father and mother were great honor them by being as great as you can be, dont try and measure up to anyone but yourself. "

Inimicus hoped that didnt sound rude, but he didnt like seeing people doubt the abilities they had because of another person. Even when Inimicus had doubted himself it was more self doubt, not doubt that he could live up to someone else. He smiled as Lute asked about Xanth, it was nice to see people willing to seek the goddess's help. Chuckling a little he spoke

" not the dumbest trust me...often people hear the name of Xanth and that is all....some not even that. As far as I know Dragons are not her race...she helped them, but Dragons use to be from Earth where I come from. However Xanth is willing to help anyone who is really in need. If you want I can take you to her statue, I need to go there as it is to clean. I can help you try and talk to her though she is often elsewhere as a goddess should be, if she hears you maybe she will come and help you "



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Lute]

Lute finished off his sandwich and was taking the last bit of his tea into his mouth when the Vampire spoke of the state. He almost spit up his tea when he spoke of the statue. gluping it down, and letting Inimicus finish he quickly responded.

"That is Xanth!?" Lute said excitedly "What beauty, what grace! No wonder shes a goddess! I have not laid eyes upon her but her statue is magnificent. It caught my eye and wouldn't let go."

He settled down, and calmly looked back up at Inimicus

"Please, take me to her statue with you, i shall ask her immediately!"

[Inimicus]

Inimicus raised an eyebrow, this was even slightly intense to Inimicus...and he was the most simpering person ever. Still it was somewhat pleasing for Inimicus to see people take an interest in the goddess...of whatever sort it was not enough people cared about Xanth given that everyone should. Inimicus lowered the eyebrow and took a gulp of his drink to finish it up, if his teeth could make noises they would be sighing because that lunch had truly hit the spot. He was honestly surprised how his feeding needs changed, since he had gotten use to his vampiric nature at rest he didnt need to feed much...3 or 4 times a week was all he NEEDED, but since becoming a hunter he found whenever he got incredibally active, training with his weapons or with his running he needed to feed more, it was odd. Luckily for him he had begun to enjoy the taste of blood so it wasnt so much a need as a joy to consume.

Placing the empty glass on the table as well as some coins for a tip he watched the dragon finish his food, drink, and speech than stood up. He smiled at the dragon and waved a hand towards the door before speaking

" Than my new friend....follow me and I will take you there "



• Piper's Boutique • Dafont • The Beast • Starry Sky • Model • Obsidian Dawn •

[Lute]

Lute watched as Inimicus laid some coin for the waitress. The man was kind, he wasn't sure how the mannerisms of most vampires were, but this man was kind. Lute also felt happy that someone called him friend, Lute hasn't called anyone friend for years. He smiled and nodded to the vampire.

"Lets, i must finish what i have started, this was my whole reason for coming here"

As he stood up, the red and green gleam from the rings attached to his bracelet caught his eye and he smiled, he wished that his mother and father were here, and hoped that they were watching from a better place. He wasn't sure where a dragon would go when he died, but he hoped he wouldn't find out for a long time.

"Now... Which way was it again?"

[OOC: If you wish you can start the next post at the statue, or post here and i can post us at the statue, but i figured you would want to since you are leading]