[More like PG-13 but you never know]

Neveah heard rumors of the lost mines of Edelweiss opening below a ruins sight. Initially she wasn’t going to go because it sounded too good to be true. However, the money in her pocket was beginning to run low and scavenging off of corpses wouldn’t suffice for long term wealth. The vampire did not live a lavish life prior to her journey to Revaliir but she certainly did not want. The fact that all of her hard work and legacy was now for nothing had been devastating. Veah essentially had to start over but even that required coin. After hearing enough chatter about the possibility awaiting, the redhead decided it was worth the trip.

The journey would be the furthest she had ventured out since her awakening. The vixen made her way down to the docks during a moonless night and met with one of the seedier captains. “Ancense, huh? You know it’s all rubbish - that talk about riches from an ancient civilization,” he grumbled with a half smile in between puffs of his pipe. With delicate fingers, she plucked it from him and inhaled a hit of the spicy herbs for herself. “And you’ve never taken a trip just for the possibility of adventure?” Neveah replied and handed the pipe back with an even bigger smile. “All I’m saying is don’t be expecting too much,” he replied with a sigh. “I never do,” Veah answered and tucked her a pouch of coin between his chest and shirt. She patted the spot and began to walk away. The redhead paused and glanced back at him, “See you tomorrow night.”

The following night she boarded with him and the rest of his crew before traveling south east to Adeluna. Per their agreement, they made a pit stop to get her closer to the mountains they would return in three days. They agreed to wait approximately half a day for her before heading back home. She said a quick farewell and left the safety of the ship to make her way to the pass. The vampire could smell death but it wasn’t the pure scent that she knew well. Instead, it was soiled with unholy magic and overly sweet flora. She paused to allow her sight to shift given the incredibly low amount of light. Even with her heightened senses, the vampire began to feel slightly disoriented. The redhead glanced at her compass with a puzzled look. Neveah reached for her dagger. Quickly, she cut her forearm and wiped the blood on a tree. While this would alert others to her presence, it also was intended to help her find her way back. Then she grazed the wound with her fingertips to force magic forth and heal the spot even quicker.

The vampire knelt down to see some crushed leaves and looked forward and the faint path. She didn’t expect to be the only one lurking around but she couldn’t tell how recent someone else had been there. Neveah pushed back her cloak and shifted her whip and dagger forward. The vampire closed her eyes and drew forward dark energy. When she opened her eyes, her gaze was a deep plum and a toxic mist shrouded her hands. A demonic language poured from her lips as she tainted both weapons with unholy energy. “Fin,” she whispered, flicking her hands as if to shake off water. The mist cleared and her eyes transitioned back to green. A small part of her felt foolish for not trusting her casting abilities and instincts but on the other hand, she couldn’t be certain of her strength or magical arsenal anymore. The dark magic, however, she knew in her soul still existed. Let’s get on with it then, she thought to herself as she walked forward towards the entrance of the catacombs.

Treasure. The prospect of obtaining a wealth that had once not been available to an individual before was quite a lure. Rumors turned to whispers, which in turn became travelers to move towards their possible fortunes. This was an exciting outlook for many who wished to make their fortunes. Then there were those that understood this escapade for what it truly was, looting in dangerous catacombs. Amateurs were making their way to the ruins in hope of increasing their station in life with found gems. Many would only find peril and death. It was for these truths that the Champion of Strength and War made his way to the Ancense Ruins. Recruits had spoken of possibly leaving to seek their own potential riches, but Kiba did well to squelch their ideas. Training took precedence over treasure seeking especially if there was little likelihood of finding actual treasure. Kiba was of the mind to make your own fortune in life instead of hoping to find it from another source.

The diowolf took his leave of the Fort to keep an eye on those that did attempt to find some sort of gold or treasure in the depths. He did not want to leave them without some sort of official supervision if it could be helped. For this excursion he decided to go packed light considering there was a potential for tight spaces in the catacombs. Strength’s Authority wore his newly acquired sapphire sword as it was slimmer and easier to wield in small spaces. Armor was not going to be a possibility with little room to move around.

”Duath,” he simply called. The shadow familiar materialized at his master’s side with white voids where his eyes should be. ”Your assistance will be needed on this venture.” An ethereal chuckle echoed in the air as the creature disappeared. Kiba grabbed a small bottle to place it in a pouch at his waist. Prior arrangements had been made to make his transportation to the ruins easier. Thankfully, the mages had not moved on from the Fort yet for they could provide a quick move to his target.

Night had already fallen over the ruins and all of those that where there already. As he glanced around to catch his bearings, Duath moved into the shadows to investigate if there were any travelers still on the surface. Kiba’s Reztreal flared at the manifestation of power. ”That was quick,” he murmured. Shadows formed into the humanoid image beside the diowolf, a small laugh echoed even if it was strained. -A vampiress is here and I am unsure if she sensed me. Beware of her strength….she almost clipped me even at the distance.- Kiba’s brow lifted in curiosity at his familiar’s statement. It was not often that Duath spoke, but even less often when he expressed any sort of caution. This intrigued Kiba.

”She will want to head towards the entrance, so let’s greet this mystery woman.” His statement wasn’t a question but a heads up to the shadow creature. Weapon was kept sheathed at his side as he made his way to the entrance ahead of the woman. His Reztreal flared again as it crossed over the female, which was surprising. The flare was familiar, even if he couldn’t quite place it. He stood by the entrance that would lead down to the ruins with his arms crossed over his chest. There was little easy way to show that he was not of confrontation other than holding his ability to fight easily at bay.

”Good evening,” the diowolf remarked as the red haired woman came into view.

Truth be told, Neveah felt a bit annoyed that she was even in this predicament. She wanted nothing more than to wake up in her old life. The vampiress had virtually no family beyond an estranged relationship with her daughter. Everyone else of blood was gone. The redhead had cared deeply for another elder vampire, Nemesis, and trusted him with her life, sharing many intimate moments. However, the pair had not committed themselves to each other solely. They had aspirations far greater than the mundane dream of monogamy. No, Neveah craved more. She wanted the world to burn at her feet after having to rebuild herself so many times. Their guild was going to ensure that happened. The whole world would bend to their will - they just knew it. When not actively at the hall, the vixen also opened a brothel with a fairy that had a taste for chaos. Butterfly Kisses began as a steady source of income that was completely legal, something new to the deceitful redhead. Veah's share grew when Kisalina stopped coming around but her thirst for more was not satisfied. Fate would introduce her to a man named Lyall Grouff, whom most would only know as Mr. Bright. Lyall came into Neveah's life during a time where she could not show her face without risking being assassinated. He was by far one of the most intriguing men she ever met in her incredibly long life. Essence of Nix, an expensive, deadly drug, was only one of many things he introduced her to. Eventually she would be a supplier, running the shipments through the brothel. The whole thing had been one of her greatest achievements - especially for a vampire who was a bit crazy. And now? Now, everything she had ever built meant nothing. 

"Everything happens for a reason. By the Gods, trust the Tree, trust Fate," a voice in her head chided the bitter vampire. "Well, pretty sure the Tree is dead - at least the one that gave us power in our youth. Oh, and so are you," Neveah growled back in a soft voice. As a fallen deity from her homeland, the vixen had little use for all those divine and their faithful followers. She had seen far too many rise and fall. Frankly, to be plucked from mortality seemed to cause more to die than not. In fact, she could not think of a soul that was once graced by the Tree that still breathed. She shook her head at the thought while her movements remained slow and calculating. "Now that's just rude," the voice replied. Veah rolled her eyes. "Enough." The predator tried to push back the memories of her God-sister and their time as goddesses. Looking up at the moons did not bring her comfort. It only reminded her more. Nami had been good at the whole being optimistic and looking at the glass half full. Neveah, however, grew to be a cynic in her old age. The glass wasn't half full. It wasn't even half empty. It was simply a glass that needed more wine. 

A small shiver raced down her spine. The vampire's head snapped to the side as her body pressed up against a nearby tree. Her whole form stilled as silence embraced her. Her emerald gaze scanned the area. Her nostrils flared several times to take in sharp, quick whiffs of the different scents around her. Neveah felt confident she was no longer alone but struggled to pin point the other person. She reached into her cloak and unsheathed her dagger. With a tight grip, she began to walk forward once more with a quicker pace. Veah spotted another and a shadowy figure off to the left but heading towards the same general direction. "That must be the entrance," she thought to herself. Surprised to hear no response, Neveah's gaze narrowed at the male ahead of her. He was much larger than her, both in height and muscle. This did not inspire fear. Instead, she was excited by the opportunity to be challenged. The simpletons around the docks provided little excitement as taking their lives was far too easy. Veah had to toy with her food for a prolonged amount of time while avoiding being caught by the guards first if she were to get any enjoyment at all. Her pace quickened as her eyes dilated further and a sense of giddiness flooded her senses.

However, his deep voice stopped her in her tracks just a few feet away from him. The vixen's shoulders fell back as her jaw slackened. Neveah's head tilted to the side a little with an expression of disbelief. "Oh my god," she shouted gleefully. The dagger slipped from her hand causing a loud clatter as she bounced forward. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into was would likely be an awkward embrace. She pulled away slightly and placed a hand on each of his cheeks. The redhead squished them side to side. "It's you, it's really you!" Neveah cheered. "It's the almighty Kiba Balatro, Keeper of the Stars, God of the Heavens, Almighty Protector of everyone that cannot actually protect their damned selves," the vampire added before laughing a little too hard. She backed away and placed a hand on her chest. "Whew, good thing I didn't lead with a little fire," she grinned, waggling her fingers with a few sparks coming off her finger tips. She turned away to go grab her dagger and put it away. "What's a good ole boy like you doing here?" 

Strength’s Authority was unsure of what he should expect. It was not often that Duath warned against anything. The shadow familiar was a quiet entity that hardly interacted even with his bonded master. Kiba was surprised at the amount that the shadow was talking that evening. It did tell the diowolf that this vampire femme was not one to take lightly. He raised a brow at the black distance that the woman was coming from as he contemplated how to handle this situation.

His voice was low and even as he let out his greeting. Kiba made no movement in order to keep the potential of interpretation of threat low. The scent carried on the breeze brought back some memories that he had thought best to be locked away. There had been too many happy memories that were just that, memories. Everything else had been lost long ago to an unending Void which ate his entire world. The fact that Teu and the children were alive was more than he could have ever wished. Now, Kythe, and this scent was a surprise.

The shout of disbelief and glee made his eyes widen in surprise. The unmistakable red hair made him let a shocked breath. ”My sentiment exactly,” he replied in a hushed tone. He had never been exactly close with Neveah, but he would always eternally grateful for the allowing him to raise her daughter. Isleen had been one of the best things to come to his life. Though the awkward hug she was giving him was just that, he slowly wrapped his strong arms around her slim frame. Kiba held her against his chest and inhaled her scent that was so similar to Isleen. He was almost moved to tears.

Eventually, they released one another for Nev to place a light touch to his cheeks. Now he could feel a laugh build in his chest with a roll of his bicolored eyes. ”Oh, lovely…there was no possible way for you to forget all of those, huh?” he joined her in laughing. Both seemed to be almost in a state of shock and a little hysteria at the almost fictional reunion. How was this possible? ”I am glad you didn’t lead with fire. It would have made this reunion slightly different.” He watched as she leaned down to grab her dagger. His eyes watched every moment she was making as if attempting to discern if what he was seeing was true.

When her question was asked, Kiba couldn’t help but blink a few times in disbelief. ’What am I doing here? What are you doing here?! How did you escape the Void? When did you get here?” His hands were thrown up slightly before he managed to cross arms over chest to contain himself. ”And by the way, you can add another title into your little list there. Strength’s Authority. Have to keep up appearances as things move forward. Seriously, how did you get to Revaliir?” The diowolf couldn’t help but reach out and lightly touch the side of her arm. Neveah had always been Nami’s connection. Kiba had been on the outside of the relationship, but he had always admired her. She had known that being a mother had not been her forte. Trusted Nami as well as Kiba to take care of Isleen, and that had not been an easy decision. Isleen had not been heard from…though his hope was growing as more were appearing randomly. Now that Neveah was here, he hoped that he could help her in anyway possible. He owed her that much.

Towards the end of her past life, the vixen was not known for her sanity. She held loyalty and respect in high regard but she had grown even more impulsive in her old age whereas most levelled out. Veah often heard voices that belonged to loved ones as if they were beside her to advise or even antagonize the vampire. Her desires were fairly simple but these people were quite different than her which made guessing how she would react to certain people and situations difficult. Neveah did not always listen to them, despite convincing arguments, because ultimately it was her life. At her core, Nev was a selfish creature.

Staring at Kiba, her heart swelled with happiness. If he was here, surely Nami too had survived the transition as she was, arguably, more powerful than the diowolf. And if that were true, the voices Neveah was hearing did not belong solely to deceased people. This idea opened a whole new world of possibilities. The redhead had a wide, genuine smile that looked almost unnatural upon her lips. She was not a woman who allowed herself to be truly seen. To be open and honest meant to be vulnerable - which was something she was not in a habit of doing.

Their embrace had been just as uncomfortable as expected but the redhead did not care. She did not let go until he did first. This was the first time she felt like there was a chance of being her old self or at least having some semblance of belonging. Not only did seeing him give her hope about Nami but surely it meant Isleen was well. She chuckled at his response to her picking on him and his many titles. “Not a chance,” she replied with an amused tone. She then nodded in agreeance. “I would feel so bad if I mess up that pretty face of yours,” Neveah added in jest. She knew he would have been a worthy opponent and she may have actually lost that fight. A battle between the pair would have been one for the books, but she was glad to avoid it.

“Whoa now, I meant here as in the ruins. You don’t strike me as the type to pillage and plunder much less raid the ruins of the deceased - though, really, who would you be hurting, mister Strength’s Authority?” Neveah asked with a grin. She paused and tilted her head with a perplexed expression. “Void? You’re not the first to mention it but I don’t have the faintest idea of what you’re talking about,” she replied with a softer, more serious tone. “I woke up in a city similar to Lunaar and have been trying to get back on my feet. The last major event from Daeluin that I remember is the war when Teu was blessed by Death. Nemesis and I were rebuilding the Veil while I also ran Butterfly Kisses,” the vixen explained, trying to be concise with what she shared given the pair had never been close. If one were to remove Nami from the situation, and therefore Isleen, there was a good chance they would have hated each other. “And what of you?” she asked with a curious expression before adding, “How is Nami and Isleen? By the Gods, I can’t wait to see them.”