"You are quite the tenacious little maggot." Yzabela's warm smile beamed with youthful exuberance. "Yzabela…" began Runa. "What?" the noble feigned shock. "It is a compliment." Runa rolled her eyes. Uninterested in playing her game. She turned to look at Enrieta who had not once taken her eyes off the little girl. Neither had she said anything. Her recent outburst caught them all by surprise. But she knew Enrieta to only act like that when something caught her interest. Although the little girl showed courage to last as long as she had. Runa did not think she had done enough to peak her queen's notice. And yet she did. She would not say it but as the last of Enrieta's memories swam around in her head. She wondered if this reaction was because of him. "Mother!' Mihai yelled, as his platform landed softly on the sand. He left his teachers and ran to his queen excitedly. "Her! I choose her!" Enrieta moved her flowing hair out of the way, "You said that about the last five exhibition matches." "Yes. But this time it's different!" He stomped his little feet and puffed up his chest. Enrieta would not admit it but she enjoyed it when her son pretended to be menacing. "And you said that about the last two exhibition matches. Nevertheless, her?" she did not look at Elliel. "What will your father say? You know he already picked out a champion for you. Why not that one instead?" Mihai was far more expressive than his mother, but the rare times he managed to put on an air of indifference. It startled all present how much he resembled her. He pointed to the corpse of the dead large Nephilim, "Well, you killed him." Enrieta haphazardly nodded in agreement. She had commanded for the warrior to stop his assault on the girl. And he did not listen. All who knew of the Queen of the Nephilim were aware of her unpredictable nature and her dislike of repeating herself. Something the large Nephilim man did not heed. "You know I do not like repeating myself." It was a weak response, one she hoped her young son was still too inexperienced to notice. Mihai was, but Yzabela was not. "Oh my queen, how can you be so cruel to the young Adonis?" Yzabela crouched down next to Mihai and mimicked the same sad expression the boy had. "Look at the confidence befitting a ruler. To pick such a wretched thing to be his champion. Will you deny him such glory?" Enrieta narrowed her brow, she disliked when Yzabela did this. She turned to look back down at the wide-eyed girl who would dare not speak unless she was addressed. There was nothing spectacular about her. She was less than ordinary. Her survival in the exhibition was barely enough to get her attention. She had seen countless warriors kill each other in pursuit of lofty goals and ambitions and petty squabbles and reasons. But this girl was no warrior, she should not have been here. For the briefest of moments she wondered what King Antares would do. "Be that as it may," Interjected Runa Fierar. "It is clear this girl is no warrior-" "Fine," Enrieta sighed and rubbed her forehead. All who were present were shocked by her remark. None more so than Elliel herself. "My queen?! But-" Enrieta raised her hand and Runa stopped. She then placed it on her hip. Her gaze never leaving Elliel. "Leave Serghei to me. The Adonis has spoken." One of Adonis's teachers stepped forward. "Nevertheless Queen Enrieta we must prot-" Before he could finish his hubris. The man burst into flames. His cries were muffled by the raging fire. Elliel recoiled in fear at such a display of power. She looked on as the smell of burning Nephilim filled the air. Mihai waved his hands and the last of the embers disappeared from his fingertips. "Truly you are perfect!" Yzabela clapped encouragingly. And hugged the young boy tightly. "What a display of such power." "Yzabela do not encourage bad behavior." Runa disciplined them both. "Young Adonis, you cannot lose your temper like that. It is unbecoming of you. Especially in the presence of your mother." "Sorry," the Adonis said. Lowering his head slightly. His honest reaction softened Runa's heart only just slightly. "But Yzabela is right… Your powers continue to grow at a terrifying speed." The little boy perked up at the rare compliment he received from his aunt. And Yzabela embraced him again much to his enjoyment. "What is your name?" Of all the stories that Elliel had heard about her. Of the tales of her triumphs and her ruthlessness in pursuit of greatness. None of the stories could ever truly capture the radiance that she exuded. Like a glowing spirit given corporeal form. When she looked at her queen, all she saw was death. Even as her words commanded her to speak. Fright held them tightly in her throat. Even more terrifying than disobeying the queen, she was unsure of what would become of her if her name was uttered. If she would even be granted life long enough to utter those words. But all hesitancy in her left as her queen leaned in. Enrieta Zxyphor would not repeat herself. "E-Elliel ver Nellael my Imper-" her upbringing had taught her to speak to the monarch in the old tongue. And she did so reflexively. She had only been allowed the luxury of stating her name before her face was once more buried in the sand. A large leather boot pressed hard against her neck suffocating her. The back of her head began to burn with terrible pain. She strained her neck to see what could be causing such heat. But she could not move. Elliel struggled to breath as she continued to gasp for air. She thought to herself that she should have lied. For revealing her true birth was a death sentence. But in the moment she found no cause to lie to the Queen of the Nephilim, who moments ago just saved her life. And if she were to be killed for something outside of her control. Lest it be by the queen she so desperately wished to serve. For the first time today, Enrieta smiled a thin smile. "Runa remove your foot from her neck. And put away your blade." The Queen of the Nephilim commanded her royal cousin. Runa held her queen's gaze for some time. Surprised by such a request, the unblinking eyes of her monarch did not give her any room to question the order. Such stifling violence threatened to devour her were she not to comply. With accepted resignation, Runa Fierar slowly raised her foot off Elliel's neck. And the flaming blood sword she had conjured above her head dissipated back into one of the myriad piercings that covered her face. "My, my, so quick to temper Lady Runa." Yzabela giggled, covering her mouth. Elliel turned to look at Lady Yzabela who met her eyes with a pleasant smile of her own. Her free flowing hair looked to cover her in a cloud of porcelain white. Her glowing ruby eyes were vibrant with a multitude of red. Nearly everything about her made Elliel feel safe and calm. The sound of her soft voice soothed her wounds. But despite that, there was a small voice within her, a tiny voice whose shout was barely above a whisper. It told her to fear Lady Yzabela the most. "You are not exempt either Yzabela." Enrieta turned her head to look at her. "Oh whatever do you mean?" Yzabela raised her right hand and opened her palm. Elliel followed her hand and above her head, what she saw almost caused her to lose what little reason she had left. Above them suspended in the air a flaming ball of blood that burned with the intensity of the white light above it. In the amassing sphere of congealed blood, faces rose and sank as the sphere rotated itself. The little girl had no way of knowing, but despite the terror of the large blazing orb. Elliel felt it was what was inside that was far scarier. But soon after, the sphere had begun to shrink, and with it so did the power and fear within it. It floated calmly back onto Yzabela's palm and disappeared beneath the surface of her skin. Enrieta was rarely impressed and in such quick succession, it had happened twice. First it was with the King of the Stygians. And now with the girl that lay battered and broken at her feet. Enrieta looked at her but could not see that woman's face anywhere in Elliel. Had she known who she was, the Queen of the Nephilim would have had her executed long before this moment. To be so close to her, so close to her Adonis. Enrieta was sure that all of what remained of House Nellael were banished to the eastern coast and those that did not follow were slaughtered. She made sure of it herself. So how did such a little cub escape? "Do you know who I am?" Enrieta asked, not needing a reply. Elliel-wide-eyed could only nod slowly. "And you know what I have done to your family, to the former head of House Nellael?" The curiosity in her question was apparent. Elliel swallowed hard, "All of Vanaheimr knows what you have done, my queen." From the northern mountain peaks that lead to Hightower, down to the deep south where the thirty-three Lakes of Vorca call home. From the western gates of the great Azul city that point the way to Neith. All the way to the eastern shores of Rochra where Titans Peak stands strong against never-ending storm winds that call out for bloodshed. All across Vanaheimr knew of the great slaying of Vivayna Ver Nellael had the hands of Enrieta Zxyphor. The two heads of their respective great families. At only eighteen years young. The young princess Enrieta led a short but violent rebellion against whom the elder Nephilim's chose to be their next ruler. To give away her birthright, to one so undeserving of being called Nephilim. What followed was a clash of ideals for the future the Nephilim ought to take. Vivayna chose to follow in the footsteps of their former slave masters and close themselves off to the rest of Aurum. Too long had they warred with the Stygians and too long had they suffered greatly for it. No greater example of their abject failure than the sealing of the great Sangerat led by Alucard Zxyphor. From a time only remembered in stories. Vivayna chose to abandon power in pursuit of peace. Enrieta along with other younger Nephilim rejected such disgusting ways. The Nephilim were a proud race, who had overcome far too much to simply discard all they had achieved. Where Vivayna and the elders saw failure and shame with the Sangerat. Enrieta saw pride and accomplishment with her progenitor. For even the great Stygians could not defeat them, instead choosing to seal them away as the only recourse. Their battle was violent, barbaric. And all the same the young Nephilim princess emerged victorious from her clash with the elder Nephilim. The reward for such strength was the throne for Enrieta, and the penalty for such weakness was death for Vivayna and the near annihilation of her house. With Vivayna's death, many of the Nephilim houses who supported her were purged, whittled down to afterthoughts. In their place new houses rose up, those loyal to house Zxyphor and the new queen. Without their queen, house Nellael was driven into seclusion forever to be shunned and a reminder of the weakness that the older Nephilim still carried. So despite all of that, despite such a thorough and precise dismantling of her kin and her home. Enrieta could not help but wonder what would drag someone like Elliel to her. "Power." Elliel responded, breaking the silence. Her working eye never leaving Enrieta's. "You are strong and I am weak. Weak like Vivayna was. Weaker." Enrieta said nothing. "I want to be strong. I want to be strong like you." How long had it been since she heard such determination? This broken and battered thing before her. Which barely clung to life. All of this, all of what she had done, all of this in the pursuit of strength. To fight, to kill, to be put through horrors meant to break and shatter one's mind. Still she endured it all, because it did not matter if it meant she could become strong. If she could become like her. Enrieta did not know what to say. "It is to be expected." A voice spoke from behind her, all turned to look. "Your greatness commands so many to your cause. Even the kin of your enemies are desperate to serve you. Salok Yn approached. The hooded figure approached with an air of coolness. Such an even stride glided across the white sand. His apparel of choice were Nephilim clothes designed for members of the royal council. Even in the shawl he covered himself with. It did very little to hide the extravagance of the clothes he wore. His face was hidden in darkness and still to gaze into the eyes were to look at the setting sun itself. "Look what slithers its way in," Yzabela spoke out loud. "Lady Yzabela, your kindness is wasted on me." Salok Yn bowed low in respect. "I will never show you such a thing." Yzabela giggled, but there was no humor behind that laugh. "Do well to remember that scum." "Enough," Enrieta interjected. "Salok Yn, you were meant to join us. What brings you here now?" The strange man was careful to show his queen his utmost respect. "Forgive me Imperatessa. There is much to prepare for your journey south in the coming days. But I come at the behest of the emperor." His words rang through the air and Mihai's teacher broke into hushed whispers amongst themselves. Enrieta shot them a look of silence and none dared speak again. "Grandsire is here!?" shot up Mihai who had become comfortable in Yzabela's arms. "Unfortunately not my Adonis," Mihai did not like when Salok Yn addressed him. "But he wishes to speak with our queen." "Do not so casually talk to the Adonis, serpent." Runa held venom in her words. "Thousands go their entire lives without ever even laying eyes on him. You will address him with greater respect." Enrieta could see the tension beginning to rise. She had grown tired of Yzabela and Runa's dislike of Salok Yn. The advisor had done well to guide her for many years now. And she knew she did not need to remind them, but it was his assistance that allowed them to win their war against house Nellael. But she could never find it in herself to scold them properly. For some part of her found comfort in their distrust of him. For there were some days when even she could not help it herself.

Stolen story; please report. "I am done here, take me." She commanded to which Salok Yn bowed in return. Elliel called out to her q, "I-I will not disappoint you Imperatessa." Just a little while longer, she wished to talk with her. "It is not I you need to concern yourself with. Survive long enough under Serghei first." The queen's words carried with it an unsettling tone. Elliel was sure the horrors that were to follow would be far worse than what she had experienced. Enrieta exchanged looks with Runa and Yzabela, they would handle the rest and prepare Elliel for what came next. Mihai's teachers would accompany them. She turned to look at them and they too bowed deeply, acknowledging the decision to make Elliel ver Nellael Mihai's champion. Enrieta began to leave. "Wait mother let me come too!" Mihai moved closer to her. "I want to talk to grandsire!" "Not now my Adonis." The queen shook her head, "I go to discuss important matters. You must rest. It is time for your midday nap." Mihai attempted to furrow his brow, "An Adonis does not need rest." Enrieta studied her son, there were moments his stubbornness reminded her of herself when she was barely older than he was. She wondered if her older brother used to make the same face she was making. "It is some distance to the echo chambers. I am not going to carry you when you start to get tired." Mihai smiled a great smile that brightened Enrieta, although she did not show it. Elliel looked on as they made their way out of the arena. The edges of her vision began to blur and darken. She had done it. After so long, many weeks walking to this place. Just barely becoming a soldier and taking part in this exhibition. She had given her blood, her sweat and her tears all to be given this opportunity. She would not fail where Vivayna did. As the last of her sight left her in darkness, of the myriad of voices that told her terrible things about her. And how she was unworthy of the privilege she now had. Of all the voices, she held on to one, onto hers. Become powerful Elliel.

"If you would like my queen I can carry him," Salok Yn offered. "I will have you tortured to death." Enrieta shot him a dreadful look as she carried a sleeping Mihai. The journey to the Echo chambers was just as long as Enrieta had said it would be. The distance from the Killing Arena, where they had just been, to the halls of castle Ba'al where they now walked was no easy traversal. And yet through much of the time Mihai had spent it asking his mother all sorts of questions about the various things they saw along their way. The Adonis' studies had always kept him on the western side of the castle. Very rarely did he have cause to journey to the other regions. Even the journey to the Killing Arena for his champion exhibition, was in part even more special for it was held in the eastern region of the castle. A place he had never visited before. But as great as Mihai was, despite being so young. He was still a child, and not immune to the tiredness all children felt when exerting so much energy to care about the world around him. There was no fuss when his questions slowed, Enrieta simply picked him up and he rested his head on her shoulder as his questions turned to yawns. The rest of the way Enrieta Zxyphor and Salok Yn walked in silence. It annoyed her slightly that he refused to say anything. Of all her council, it was his thoughts she most wanted to hear. For he was a Stygian, who better understood the Stygian King than one of his own kin. Instead Salok Yn chose silence. As they arrived at one of the many Echo Chambers that littered the castle. Just from its exterior alone one could tell the room they would enter was of great importance. Unlike the rest of the castle hall that was a harsh black marble and marked with golden pillars every few paces. The door into the Echo Chamber was a richer bronze. The handles were expertly crafted with the idea of elegance over practicality. They spiraled with a sharpness that looked like it could draw blood if one was not careful. The grooves across the door were of the ancient tongue of the Nephilim, they pulsed with power and authority. They had no effect on Enrieta but Salok Yn could feel the energy, a warning that he was not of the chosen blood. This was no place for a Stygian. All the same He stepped in front of his queen and pushed the doors open. They did not make a sound as they swung open to reveal a lavish room. Golden curtains danced from wall to wall. Behind them ancient weapons hung hidden behind veils of shimmering light. The floor was covered with tiled marble, the pattern far more extravagant than of the halls of castle Ba'al; all manner of beasts and Nephilim were painted on it. They danced and laughed as though they would come alive. Large resting seats formed a circle around the center of the room. On them silk ruby sheets reflected the light from the candles that hung on the ceiling. On the seats soft pillows of varying colors rested gently. The room had not been used in some time, for the quality of the pillows still retained their shape and luster. But of all the fancy and shining things that could be found throughout the room. It was the massive bronze pan that sat in the middle of the resting seats that drew all attention. There was no need to doubt what was within the contents of the pan. The soft scent of blood in the air was more than enough to prove what the dark red liquid was. Its stillness was unnerving. Enrieta sat down, and lay a sleeping Mihai next to her. She caressed his back softly and ruffled his blazing white hair. "How long will you make me wait to hear your opinion of him?" Salok Yn moved behind them towards the trey with various drinks on it. "My opinion of him has not changed my queen." He did well not to raise his voice to disturb the sleeping Adonis. "It is as I have said, Antares Xerxes is an extremely dangerous man. His desire for the grimoires although shocking. I do not find all that outlandish." Salok Yn did well to underplay his true feelings on the matter. The revelation that King Antares sought the Nine Grimoires of Nyx was shocking to say the least. Even to someone like Salok Yn who had lived far too long to see all the world had to offer. But this reveal, although unexpected, did well to accelerate his plans. For a sparse moment, fate sought to align itself with him towards their goal. It angered him greatly. "How could you say that? This proves he seeks power. To conqueror Aurum." Enrieta turned her head slightly. "Why else would he so brazenly state his desire?" "Yes it does seem likely that his aim…" Salok Yn handed his Queen a glass of rich human blood. "As for why he would talk so openly about it, hubris? Narcissism? Maybe perhaps to get a reaction from you. Or…" The advisor allowed his words to float in the air. "Or what?" Salok Yn slowly made his way around into view. His hood moved back enough that only his sunset colored eyes were visible. "We could be looking at it incorrectly." Enrieta sipped her drink, allowing her thoughts to wonder. He took it as permission to continue. "Perhaps the focus should not be on his desire to collect the Grimoires." He was careful to word what he would say next. There was no need to push Enrieta anymore down the path he desired. "But instead our focus should be on what could force the King of the Stygians to undo a century of peace. What does he need such power for?" Enrieta sat up, "Salok Yn. What do you know?" The Stygian chuckled, "A great many things my queen. But do not take much heed in what I say. This is only mere speculation." Enrieta did not say anything. She studied the words of her oldest advisor and teacher. All knew the strength of the Stygians, none more so than the Nephilim themselves. She knew there was no desire for the Stygians to collect the grimoires. They did not need the power of the old ways. Their strength was more than enough as it was. Not even Barranagan Xerxes himself upon defeating the mad emperor sought to reclaim the great books. Enrieta was curious that even Salok Yn in his wisdom was unsure of the actions of the new King of the Stygians. It further raised the interest Enrieta Zxyphor had in Antares Xerxes. A smile crossed her face. "Oh, does my lack of knowledge amuse you?" Salok Yn asked. "Do not be so foolhardy to think all my thoughts revolve around you." Salok Yn chuckled at her remark. And in that moment the once still pool of blood, rippled rhythmically. Gradually the blood bubbled. It continued to rise in its torrent of action, but never once spilling over on the sides. Before long the blood had grew bigger. Taking the form of an old man. The uncontrollable nature of the blood began to coagulate and sharpen its form. Various jewels and patterns in his appearance grew sharper with focus. Even the detail of the roses that covered his attire had become apparent. And a moment later, the blood had perfectly replicated the appearance of the Emperor of Aurum, Nero Blackrose. "Daughter," the voice was rough, as though a torrent passed through it. But she could hear signs of her fathers voice. "Emperor," Enrieta did not stand but lowered her head slightly and opened her palm. "Such arrogance not to stand in my presence," Nero chastised his daughter. Enrieta rolled her eyes, "Is that why you wished to speak to me? Do well not to wake Mihai." She could see her father soften his demeanor when Mihai was mentioned. He looked over to see the sleeping boy and brought his attention back to the Queen of the Nephilim. "And what of your meeting with the King of the Stygians?" "As expected none of the terms we proposed were accepted." "So it is a failure then?" Enrieta shook her head, "I did not say that. Since we could not agree on anything. He will journey south." The blood copy of the emperor raised his eyebrow, "Are you sure he will come?" "He will come." "Very well. Now tell me in detail what it was you discussed and how he acted." A chair formed behind the blood emperor and he sat down, keen to hear what his daughter had to say. And so Enrieta spoke of her meeting with Antares. But as she regaled her father with the contents of their conversation she would not tell him everything about their encounter. No, such a foolish thing would not be a mistake the Queen of the Nephilim would make. She would tell him just enough to satisfy his curiosity and nothing more. For as long as Enrieta had known her father, she knew she could never trust him. It had been something that she had always felt, but only after the death of her brother had she begun to listen to herself. What she did now was only a test. To see how he and the others would react when the time came. Reza's naming ceremony was close at hand and everything would change. But she needed to know who she could trust. And among that list of names, her father was one of those she needed to know. "He is far more cunning than what they say about him." A rare note of admiration from Nero Blackrose. "I am glad you can see it too." Enrieta finished the last of her drink. "He is calculated, unlike his brother before him." "And you are sure he will still come?" "You doubt me father? But you will see, word will be sent. All of Aurum will know he is coming south soon enough." The assuredness in her voice impressed even Salok Yn who stood silently in the shadows. "Very well. Well done daughter," Nero rose. "We await your arrival at home." Home. The word made her laugh. Enrieta lowered her head again in acknowledgement. And the blood copy of Nero Blackrose began to dissolve. Slowly at first but then with added haste. And before long the blood bubbled to a stop back in the large circle pan. And once again they were left in silence to ruminate with their thoughts. "You think it wise?" Salok Yn offered a few words, "To with hold that King Antares seeks the grimoires?" Enrieta placed a hand on her sleeping child, and felt as his rhythmic breathing reminded her of pleasant times. "Wise? No I do not think so. Emperor Nero dislikes being caught off guard." "Then why?" Antares' cold smile materialized in her mind "I want to see how far they are both willing to go. If they are willing to go as far as I am." Enrieta rose her drink, signaling she wanted another. Salok Yn approached, "I have taught you well." The red liquid filled up the glass. Enrieta thought about his words, "That you have." Despite her apprehension, there was much value she found in Salok Yn's wisdom. "And what of the other thing? Everything we have done hinges on Antares heading south. Are you sure he will come?" It was only for the briefest of moments, but Enrieta managed to get a glimpse of his beautiful face and the wide grin he bore. "He will come. He has no choice." She would not ask him how he managed to do it. Or if it was even possible to do it again. For it was something they knew they could only do once. And to use it in such a manner too many may have seen it as a waste. But many did not understand things like Salok Yn did. And Enrieta knew that better than most. Things had been set in motion, and everything led to Talterra. "Begin to prepare my things. It is time I head south, to home." The Queen of the Nephilim repeated the word, home.

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