Fallen World (Mature, Dark)

[Nephtys]

You walk forwards and begin to hear noices from within the walls, raucous laughter suddenly cut off, cries of pain and demented moaning, but when you come closer to the gate the sounds begin to die out. Within its vault darkness awaits, solid and malicious like a thing alive, or undead. Suddenly it grows cold, very cold, and you feel the ground beneath you is hard with frost. Something swirls within the darkness and you feel the weight of a hostile consciousness regarding you hungrily.
You pass under eyes you cannot see and get the feeling of being stripped to the bones before you emerge unscathed on the other side. It seems you were expected.

 

[Gli'jar]

Canthan falls in line as the group proceeds nodding in confirmation of Ysande's request, as they approach the gate he speaks. "I am struck by the ancient elven poem." Canthan clears his throat and speaks, reciting each line first in elven before translating into common, "The abyssal horde marches upon Cel-Candon, the imperial army stands in defense. By the ancient gate we weep, as we watch the dying moon of dawn. As far as my eyes can reach, there is but one vast gloom for me."

He shudders as he passes through the gate, finishing as he passes through, "I dare not speak aloud in the silence for fear of disturbing the dwellers of the horde."

 

[WarlockLord]

The Mystic is annoyed. "Darkness. Cute." he remarks, once safely through.

 

[Autumn]

Ysande gives a small shiver as she passes through, but as she emerges on the other side she gives a confident smile. It's clear that they've been noted and approved; from hereon in it should be easy.

Coming to a stop she looks about her for some sign of a welcoming party, or any other indicator of their onward path.

 

[Nephtys]

After the dead peace and silence inside the gate the noices of the camp strike you as even more chaotic than before. The bustling shantytown that has encrusted itself upon the slopes of Aeil-Candon provide no lack of impressions, but you are used to seeing past distractions to what really matters. Among the diverse assortment of humaniods, flashcrafted, flitting shadows and fiends you see one observing your group with unconcealed interest. From his appearance, unusually handsome even for his kind, you realise he can only be an Incubus. He makes his way closer in a walk that exudes confidence and leadership, if you did not know him for a fiend you might have been tempted to trust him with your life.
[sblock=Ysande]Ysande you recognize his as Giovanni, your old associate. He greets you with a telepathic smile that makes your heart beat faster.[/sblock]
"Welcome to Aeil-Candon. I am Captain Giovanni Kazach. General Mokninchel has given me the task of guiding you trough the matters at hand. If you wish I will take you to your quarters, or show you around the few entertainments available in this heap of offal that tries to pass for a city. The General will see you at one hour past midnight until then your time is your own, or mine if you wish it." He ends with a piercing smile directed mostly at Ysande.

 

[WarlockLord]

"Greetings, Captain Kazach," replies Mystic, extending his hand.

 

[Gli'jar]

Canthan nods in recognition but remains quiet.

 

[Autumn]

Ysande's eyes follow the incubus closely as he approaches, her expression cordially neutral. His appearance is unexpected, though not entirely astonishing. A surprise, yes, though not a tremendous one. Or, for that matter, an unpleasant one. No bad thing to have an additional connection here. At his mental smile of greeting she flashes him an intimate smile of her own, meeting his eyes for a moment.

Not easy, playing these games with demons. As guarded as she is, a smile from him can still dry her mouth and send her heart racing. But of course, long practice has left her a master at ignoring such things, giving no outward sign.

At her shoulder, Kaj hisses. "Giovanni. What a lovely surprise." His voice positively drips with malice.

Ysande turns to him with a wry smile. "Manners, Kaj," she says lightly but firmly. She lifts one forefinger and rests it on his lips. His eyes blaze for a moment, but meeting nothing but amused admonition from her own he finally gives a sigh and turns away.

She turns back to the incubus. "A lovely surprise, indeed," she says with an unaffected laugh. "We'll have to... catch up, later on, hmmm?" She cocks her head playfully. "But of course, it would hardly be fair for me to monopolize your time before I've given my associates a chance to take advantage of your services as a guide."

She looks to the others.

 

[Bloosquig]

Big nods at the Incubus. "I'm fine with what I have. Whenever you all are ready I'm ready to continue on."

 

[Nephtys]

The fiend clasps Mystics hand in a firm handshake, "It's nice meeting you Alienist, I have heard much about your exploits. Well, as much as could be expected of one with your moniker."
His smile turns mocking when his gaze slides over Kaj and changes again when it comes to rest on Ysande. "Indeed we all have our duties, cruel as they may be. Alas, the General would disapprove if I neglected mine, and I would not want to distract you too much from yours. The coming days will challenge even you, and you all need to be prepared."
"Since you've come directly from the Capital I'll assume you've all had your fill of amusements, and most of the local diversions here are but poor imitations. So, if you will follow me to the citadel and your quarters I can answer your questions along the way."