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Post by Vindicta on Oct 14, 2012 20:59:49 GMT -5
This thread is closed to Natasta [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,600,true] | [atrb=background,http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7259208802_a0867d477c_z.jpg]One might assume that the endless litany of servants, bodyguards, politicians, and counselors would wear on a king’s nerves. It did. But he was not so bound by his duties that he couldn’t sneak away for some privacy. He was raised in the elite schools of Skeletos before his ascension to the throne. As a young king he was at high risk for assassination. But that didn’t stop him from wanting a little “normalcy.” On occasion he would give his guards the slip, usually causing a ruckus among the higher ups of the empire. It wasn’t like he couldn’t take care of himself.
As a child he was placed with some of the most brutal trainers. His parents like true Royals of Skeletos, desired self-sufficiency in the case of something terrible. Unfortunately, something terrible did happen. His father died tragically. It was a horrible day for the young boy king. His mother took the throne for a time before relinquishing it to her only son. That was how Dracul came to power in summer, the fifth generation of the Eighth Age under his Lordship, Dracul Maximus Serpentarius of House Serpentarius.
He slipped through a well-concealed hole in the side of the mountain. The twisting, turning corridors could confuse anyone who was not familiar with them. There were numerous paths that led to different chambers but only a few that led to exits. As a child, Dracul’s father had taught him and told him to memorize every path. So he did. Since then he had known every path and chamber by heart. The maze of interconnecting tunnels seemed unending. So when it seemed as if it would go on forever, the exit was visible by the light that filtered through the opening.
The mouth of the cave was situated on a plateau that overlooked a large portion of the territory. From here he would sit and collect his thoughts. Away from the noise and chaos that was now his existence. His mother would not be pleased that he was away from his “throne” that was a large rock stationed in the dead forest within the desert. She expected him to be the king that his subjects expected him to be. He was expected to lead the empire with an iron rule but uphold justice and punish interlopers with a draconian temper. He was supposed to be the next Dragon of Skeletos.
Several generations prior to Dracul’s birth, the Serpentarius family was nothing more than a band of bodyguards and assassins. They were notorious for their vicious temperaments and ruthless cunning. They bred into noble families and became slyer about their deeds. However, the most famous of their work was killing venomous snakes that plagued the land. As a group, the snake-slayers would carefully distract a serpent while others positioned themselves to strike. Other times they would wait until the legless beasts had their jaws encircled around prey to avoid being struck. Regardless of the method, House Serpentarius earned their reputation. For that, they were nicknamed the Dragons of Skeletos. Dracul was destined to be the next Dragon. But now he just wanted to have a little peace.
He stood on the plateau, towering over the world. His fiery eyes glanced over the land with a dismissive stare. The world would be find without him for a few minutes.
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tay
DRIFTER
[AWD:25]
Posts: 3
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Post by tay on Oct 14, 2012 21:28:38 GMT -5
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,600,true][atrb=bgcolor,#000000] Natasa was not a Skeletos native, no, the girl more or less had been forced here via a "good relations" agreement. When the dragon king had still been in reign of Skeletos, him and her father made an agreement between the two packs that when both the heirs turned two - they were to be betrothed. The untimely death of the king meant that his son had ascended to the throne quicker than previously thought, her queenly duties had been honed, refined to not only make her an admirable leader but a confident and supportive mate. Her mother and father had taught her all they could before she took the trek to her new forever home, Natasa was unsure of how Dracul felt about the arrangement - but like herself he would learn to like it whether he wanted to or not.
Leggy appendages propelled the svelte, regal image across the deadened forest of her new home. Dangling from her jowls was an admirable prize, an too slow fawn that had strayed just a little too far from the herd. It was small, not sickly, but unable to keep up with the dominating pace of the fleeing herd. Now it swung listlessly from the jowls of the queen, eyes glazed over permanent fear from what would ultimately be its imminent death. But this prize was not necessarily just for her, no, she had a suitor who she imagined could use a good meal. The figure of her husband, her mate, Dracul.
Just the sound of his name would send shivers up one's spine, Natasa felt no fear from the serpentine king, though - she reveled in his darkness. Emerald green eyes scanned the cliffs, eyes immediately narrowing in on his muscular frame as he slithered between the cracks and into one of the caves's labyrinths. Hot on his heels the femme fatale swung her womanly frame into an smooth, flowing lope as she closed the distance between them. He was well through the mouth of the cave and into the vastness of the adobe even before her meat hooks resounded on the granite flooring of the platform, but that did not deter her from her advancements toward her new mate.
Nat twisted and turned through the never ending maze of the carved out mountain. Her nails on the stone flooring made guttural, scratchy sounds through the bowels of the mountainside as she searched for wherever his hide had disappeared too. Following the wafts of his musky scent, she pursued him with less vigor now, taking in the brilliance of the glittering stones and relishing the coolness that overtook her body. It was relaxing down here, knowing she was alone (and also not). It was a thinking place, someplace for one would escape into their own personal utopia.
One turn and it took her almost straight into him. Natasa halted, dropping the frozen in time fawn at her feet as she watched his muscular, decadent frame. Taking one, two, three purposeful steps toward him Natasa spoke cooly, the subtle purr in her words evident through the echoing reservoirs. "Dracul, I brought you something." The new queen stood proudly, seriousness filled her facade, the cutting edges of razor blades never quite leaving the honey suckle tones of her voice.
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Post by Vindicta on Oct 14, 2012 22:42:38 GMT -5
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,600,true] | [atrb=background,http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7259208802_a0867d477c_z.jpg]At the first sound of his name being called he shifted and stared at the emerging figure. Natasa. The current Imperatrix (Queen) of Skeletos manifested herself before him. Her slender form and sharp words coated by honey escaped the mouth of the cave. In her feminine jaws hung the lifeless body of some poor creature. He raised his eyebrows, slightly amused. The dark lady who had been betrothed to him intrigued him. Her viperine green eyes and thinly veiled cunning made her a rare find beyond the gates of Skeletos. But nonetheless she was his mate and Queen.
Their betrothal was formal and had gone smoothly. Their fathers had arranged it like the emperors of old. His mother had given him a slight smirk the day he had met Natasa. She remarked something about him learning to like the girl. At the time he was too busy putting up a front to appease his father’s wishes to really allow her words to sink it. Draken, the late Dragon King, had demanded that Dracul be presentable and on his best behavior. When the Dragon King told someone to do something, it was done regardless. Even the prince did what the Imperator said.
The unfortunate death of the Dragon King had swept any relationship between the young couple to develop under the proverbial rug. They were together whether they liked it or not. A betrothal was like a promise – a commitment, and the Serpentarius family always kept their word. Thus, Dracul and Natasa were officially wed soon after Draken’s death and funeral.
It wasn’t completely terrible; Natasa was of noble birth and extremely intelligent, giving her a distinct advantage over the other women in the noble families. He supposed there were worse things to end up with than the mildly supercilious princess-turned-queen. She was shrewd and a surprisingly skillful tactician. The young woman possessed exceptional beauty and wit. Making her the envy of the higher-class girls of the upper tier. But her mind was something Dracul couldn’t grasp. The man could easily break the psyches of anyone of his choosing. But Natasa was a mystery. Sometimes, he desired to know what was going on in that brain of hers. Sometimes though, he wondered if it was better to leave it a mystery.
While he was a rank above his mate, his mother had counseled him in nurturing a decent, if not deferential, relationship with his wife. It wasn’t hard though considering Skeletos women were renown for their superiority over females of other tribal packs. His great-something grandmother had been the first female to seize the throne. Her rule would be forever immortalized in the pack’s history of a male-dominated field.
He often regarded his new wife with and implacable air softened by a quiet sense of reverence. An Imperator never lowered himself to anyone. He either treated someone as an inferior or someone as an equal. Only two women would ever be held as equals - his mother and his wife.
He gazed at her with an approving look and gave her a respectful nod of acknowledgment. He spoke evenly, “Lovely as always m’lady.” The words rolled off his tongue as if oiled and polished. The Imperator watched as the body fell from her lips. He examined the prize with an accepting demeanor. “Once again your display of skill makes you a rarity among women.” |
[/color] He stated in a neutral tone filled with dignity and purpose. The masculine alpha was direct and unflinching in everything he did. He walked with his head held high and blazing eyes passing a mere glance over the rest of society. He was above everyone, and made sure they knew it. His physical strength as well as his unforgiving duplicity made it hard to find fault in the Machiavellian beast. Dracul’s education and countless hours of training made him the perfect specimen of his race. Even though he was classified as an adult, he was still young and growing. Years to come he would gain even more power and wisdom to rule his pack. He was unstoppable. Walk "Talk" Think[/size][/color] [/blockquote][/td][/tr][tr][td] [/td][/tr][/table][/center]
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tay
DRIFTER
[AWD:25]
Posts: 3
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Post by tay on Oct 15, 2012 23:05:55 GMT -5
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,600,true][atrb=bgcolor,#000000] Skeletos had treated her kindly since her prompt arrival. The desert was a barren landscape dotted by even deader foliage was an drastic change from the mountainous, cold climate from where she was born but she had adjusted to the temperature and climate change well, or at least she thought. Acclimating to her new home was half the battle, in the mean time she had a King that she also served and spent her free time trying to get to know. It was complacent comraderie for now, both happy enough with the suitors they had been paired with but none going to great lengths to delve deeper into their relationship.
But Natasa didn't complain about their lack of personal time. Dracul was a busy man, and she was never one to fawn over a male without good reason. She fully accepted that she would need to become his friend, earn and gain his trust, and furthermore sow the seeds that might kindle the ignition of love. Deep in her heart even if their passion never truly hit their hearts, she did love Dracul, she was devoted to him from the time she stepped foot on the grounds of his palace and from either moral devotion or otherwise she loved him.
That was all swept under the rug as she stood before him, carcass dropped at her feet as she nudged it tenderly toward his relaxed form. His approval swelled her chest, a small smile of contentment spreading over her lips as he spoke about her worthiness to him. "Thank you, my lord." Her seductive purr echoed off the cave walls, not quite accustomed to speaking to him in a manner of love or honey or other pet names, he was her king and whether she adopted those pretty names he would always be.
"Come down here for a trifle of relaxation, hm? Excuse my disturbance." The Queen settled her haunches on the ground before him, if he beckoned that she should take her leave she would depart as quickly as she had come, but in a typical womanly sense she feigned that maybe they could come to know one another. Dracul knew everything about her past, the very basis of her personality, and obviously knew what she looked like but that wasn't necessarily knowing someone. But only time would tell if he cared to know about her, or just know of her.
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Post by Vindicta on Oct 16, 2012 23:26:08 GMT -5
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,600,true] | [atrb=background,http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7259208802_a0867d477c_z.jpg]“You’re not disturbing me,” he replied mildly. The man then proceeded to tear off a chunk of meat from the carcass. He was quiet for a moment as he swallowed and cleaned the excess blood from his mug. “How are things, today?” It wasn’t that he was poor at making small conversation with his new bride; it was just that he didn’t usually make a habit of it. Dracul was an individual of directness and undeviating purpose. He often addressed the Imperatrix as “my lady” or simply by her name. The young king hadn’t quite gotten the hang of idle conversation. So his “domestication” was something of a process. In time he would get better at it.
The general populace had accepted Natasa as their queen. Sure there were a few mumbling rats that preferred to complain about everyone rather than find something to occupy their time with. But the young couple had been received on mostly agreeable terms. Dracul was quite pleased with the turnout.
It was hard as a monarch, especially being as young as he was, to fully grasp how the pack felt about him and his administration. So far he had avoided the dangers during his official inauguration and the possible threats to his rule. Things were beginning to settle down and he could focus on actually leading the pack. It was finally starting to fall into place. With Natasa at his side, Dracul would hopefully live to see the empire flourish and pass down to his heir. It was coming together beautifully.
“Have you spoken to my mother today?” He asked. “I believe she wanted to talk to you about the upcoming Administrations Ball.” Tradition calls for the empress to organize the event. That meant Natasa would be at the center of managing the somewhat chaotic affair. Dracul’s mother was quite fond of Natasa and had offered to help the new Imperatrix settle into her role.
Mirellye, the former Imperatrix, had given birth to Dracul alone. She was not granted other children to dote upon and Dracul was taken from her to be educated when he was but a mere pup. So her life had been spent being a supportive wife to Draken until his death. So when Dracul married Natasa she had tried to be an active presence in their lives.
“I’m fairly sure she will want you to use her personal bathing pool before attending. She is quite fond of you.” He spoke neutrally but a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. The former queen was indeed very partial to her daughter-in-law. By inviting Natasa to private quarters and offering personal water stores was a sign of charitable intentions. “If it bothers you and would like to simply organize everything by yourself, I’ll try to have her attention occupied doing something else.” He didn’t want Natasa to be turned off by his mother’s attempts even if her intentions were honest.
The Administrations Ball was a fairly new tradition implemented around the past two generations. It involved the upper stratum of the Authority class getting together and basically dining and being entertained once a year. The Imperator, Imperatrix, the Subsidiary Authority, the Assembly, and the Praetorian Guard would be present. Basically the high authorities would congregate and have a lighter atmosphere to discuss certain issues in the form of a social gathering. It was better than nothing and allowed Dracul a chance to really get to know his father’s former administration.
“Know your enemy, Son. Whether it’s on the battlefield, in the courts, or even in your house. Know your enemy.” His father’s words had been drilled into the boy’s brain from an early age. Draken had not been a very trusting man. He had always been paranoid that someone in his Assembly was crooked. When he passed, suspicion was obviously directed in the direction of murder. However, because there was no motive or actual proof of a crime, Dracul was simply installed in Draken’s place. Dracul had always wondered what had happened.
It was said it was a simple accident while hunting away from the safety of the Skeletos’ borders. Draken had supposedly been fatally kicked in the head by a large elk while hunting in the north. But Dracul knew better. His father had been too smart to get close to such a large prey animal without backup. Also, Draken never ventured north unless it was on a diplomatic mission. The young man never truly bought the story about the hunting accident but he typically avoided bringing the subject up. It was a burden mentally and socially. He couldn’t talk about it without seeming mad or trying to insight a witch-hunt. So he pushed the thought out of his mind.
I can’t think about it now. There’s too much going on.
OOC - Wow, longest post in forever. Word count - 802 Walk "Talk" Think | |
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tay
DRIFTER
[AWD:25]
Posts: 3
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Post by tay on Nov 16, 2012 1:07:42 GMT -5
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,600,true][atrb=bgcolor,#000000] Deciding that he wouldn't beg her leave immediately, the newly appointed Queen folded her muscular haunches beneath her and situated her rump on the granite flooring of the cave. She watched him with inquisitive, green eyes as he tore the carcass to pieces, chewing hungrily on the fresh pillage as he inquired - quite gentlemen like if she might add. "I'm very good, your pack and home has been nothing but accepting to me and I am ever so gracious. What about yourself, my King?" Her soprano notes were melodious, quiet as she spoke. The twinge of metallic liquid seeping into her nasal canals, an primitive growl erupting from her intestines.
Natasa figured that Dracul had a lot on his plate at the moment, he had to acclimate to the reserved placement of prince hood to suddenly becoming the Imperator of a great region of wolves. She couldn't imagine dealing with not only a father's death but also the new position thrust upon her, she was having enough of an issue dealing with one of those things. Though trained to be a Queen for her whole life, she never could have anticipated that her role switch would have been so soon.
"The Administrations Ball." Her first line of duty was to organize and put on this magnificent ball, her subjects would get to know her and her King and there would be festivities that would last well past a day. Her stomach churned thinking about it, but she remained composed. It was a daunting task, and she didn't know why she was minutely anxious about it, but she spoke with renewed eloquence as she tilted her head to his form. "I haven't contacted your mother today, finding her is my next task." Ending her sentence with a pleasant chuckle the Queen curled her tail around her folded haunches, mulling over the events that would proceed this private time with her new husband.
"I'd be honored. I truly appreciate your family's acceptance of me, your mother has been nothing less of a doll." Dipping her head in a respectful gesture, her ears perked forward in what seemed to be surprised as he spoke about occupying his mother if she wished to organize the event herself. Though she felt somewhat reserved in a manner that it should, it was her right as an Queen after all, but she chastised herself - convinced that she would have many more to plan all on her own. "Oh no, I'm quite appreciative of her help. I'm sure she'll make sure my decisions are going to be nothing less than perfection, and that's how I expect it to be." She hoped to boost that she wanted the best for him, and no doubt his mother did also, between the two women the ball would be nothing less than a hit.
From what she could tell the ball was a new occasion, a second generation tradition that herself and her children would go on to continue. The idea of this new marriage and children caused butterflies of excitement, she felt like she was caught up in a whirlwind of new proposals and plans that all were to be full-filled. She couldn't contain the anxiousness that edged into her mind, but she handled it with the fluidity and queenly mannerisms as she had been taught too.
Something was obviously troubling her husband and she was torn between asking him what was wrong and letting him maintain his privacy. Dropping her nostrils in an display of affection that she had been shown from her mother that was both respectful, but also comforting to the male species. Gently brushing her muzzle against the back of his neck, right behind his ear as her breath blew into his thick coat. "Thank you."
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Post by Vindicta on Nov 19, 2012 1:14:51 GMT -5
[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,570,true] | [atrb=bgcolor,301b18]If anyone was to judge the couple from afar, it could easily be said that they were the “model” pair. Perhaps the term “power couple” might come to mind. Either way, from a distance they were basically perfect. Both were fairly young and both were exceedingly, if not disgustingly, intelligent and well kept. Together they were the epitome of opulence and power. Being at the helm of the oldest surviving packs on the continent wasn’t terrible either.
But beneath the surface of wealth and the allure of freedom, they were still kids trying to find their place in the world. They didn’t get to pick each other. Their lives had been planned for them. They were stuck with one another and would just have to go along with it because it was the “plan.” No freedom. No power. Life was not always the bed of roses that they portrayed it to be. There was only the plan, a plan that could not be undone or changed without serious consequences. Neither Dracul nor Natasa had gotten to freely choose love. So the only thing left was to figure out how to love each other in spite of things. Love was something that had to be learned.
“I’m fine. Thank you for asking.” He was yanked back into reality. “Well, if there’s anything you would like for me to do then I’ll see to it that you are provided for.” His words were genuine. He stood, somewhat curious, as she gently nuzzled him. Dracul received the gesture of affection awkwardly but didn’t show it on the outside. The Imperator quietly returned deed with a likewise one. She seemed so…kind.
The male had no experience in showing affection of any kind outside his parents. Even then the closest thing to endearment he had gotten was a, “good job, son,” from his father. Sure when he was a pup his mother doted on him and showered him with gentle praise. But he had been taken from that early on. Becoming an heir was more important the royalty than having a life. So his life was devoid of open warmth. He needed to commit himself to learning how the female mind operated.
The kings of old had often had a history of promiscuous behavior. The most famous playboy of Imperators, Ecthelel Cyne, had bedded so many women that a fair percentage of the current pack was most likely related to him in some way. Dracul had not been schooled in the ways of seducing maidens with a flick of the tail. He hadn’t learned how to make women flock to him – fawning and sighing like adolescents do. His adolescence had been stolen from him. Perhaps it was a good thing that young Dracul had not had the chance to dabble with pretty servants or romance noblewomen. Such scandalous behavior often attracted the wrong sort of publicity. Maybe it was better that he became king so early.
“I was thinking…” He paused. Rarely did he find himself hesitant. But this was new to him. “Perhaps you and I could spend more time together.” Dracul finished strong but it was clear that this was his first time in setting up an actual “date” of sorts. Hopefully though, this would be the first in a long line of rendezvous.
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