The docks of Kurayo were busy as always, ships coming and going with goods to trade and visitors to drop off. Seagulls squawked loudly, dock workers shouting instructions at each other. It wasn't hard to notice that visitors weren't very welcome here unless they have established a solid alliance with the citizens here. Even the Eldritch felt the treatment for a while until they befriended a couple of the ruling houses here. Well, it was a shaky friendship at best. It was more of a 'you-scratch-my-back-and-I'll-scratch-yours' type of deal.

Countess Sybille Blaque was standing by the docks. And she stood out like a sore thumb with her [url=https://nl.pinterest.com/pin/310748443011742842/]red dress. It had a flowery pattern and hugged her curves, the skirt reached just above her knees. Over the short sleeved dress she wore a red jacket with long sleeves and high collar that flowed down till her ankles. In her hand she held a black umbrella that shielded her from the temporarily sun that had just about begun to poke out from the impenetrable darkness that shrouded the lands. Purple tinted glasses on her nose which aided her sight. Her long, black and curly hair was braided and placed over her shoulder. It provided a beautiful contrast to her pale skin.

In her other hand she held a letter. A date and the name of the ship she was expecting. Signed by a man named Tacticus Silanus. How very Roman she thought to herself…Revaliir never ceased to surprise her. It made her wonder if humans here were somehow related to the ones on Earth? She lowered her head briefly, a small smile on her black lips. Perhaps she will never know…

Looking up she saw the ship that brought her guest approach. Briefly glancing over her shoulder to make sure her servants were ready to accommodate him. She had brought a carriage with her to take him to her mansion, there was enough room in therein case he brought along companions. The Eldritch lived quite a while away from Kurayo. Most would advise against, considering that the forest was cursed. But not for them, it reminded them of home. The spare rooms were also prepared for his stay, it would certainly be a lot safer for him than at an Inn.

The Countess waited patiently for them to approach her, she wasn't that hard to find. She closed the letter and handed it to one of the servants to store it away. As soon as Silanus got off the boat she waved her hand at him to draw his attention. When he approached her she offered him her hand, "Welcome to Kurayo. I'm afraid my husband won't be able to join us for he's on a business elsewhere. So you'll have to put up with me for a while." she chuckled. 

The island of Kurayo has always carried a very bad name. Plagued by infected people, werewolves, vampires, black sorcerers and some say even zombies! This was the reason why Silanus had never visited there; however now that he met an important person there… Things were pretty different when he saw a possibility to expand the Fratis´ influence. Perhaps he could become ally of some wizard, he could tolerate them. Undead, on the other hand…

When the small galley powered by rowmen finally arrived, Tacitus Silanus looked all around. All he could see were sailors here, suspicious people there, it was not the best arrival. He expected atleast one person to recieve him, damn it! Oh, there she was, the countess he had been speaking too. Well, he could not help but appreciate her for a while. He expected the countess to be less breathtaking… He tried not to look as a damned fool when he walked towards her, he did not want to ruin a possible alliance.

Tacitus Silanus looked back at his henchmen and said: "Somebody stay on the ship, we need men who woulda watch the galley. Last thing we want is some… Unexpected visitor to steal it…" Six men decided to stay there guarding the ship, while three other people came. They were carrying a large crate that seemed to have something valuable inside. Silanus, who was wearing his finest red plumed helmet and crimsom cape, finally walked towards the countess. 

When the countess lent him her hand he shook it with his palm. Not an usual hand shake, as he held his hand a little close to her elbow. It was very common between the Fratis and Silanus simply hoped it was not an offense or something awkward in her culture, since it was the only greeting he knew. He cleared his throat and respectfully said: "Greetings countess… Black? Countess Blaque, Sybille Blaque, am I right? Well, it´s a sad affair that your husband won´t join us, but as soon as somebody guides me in this island, my comrades and I are more than fine!" The general looked back, expecting the men who were carrying the crate to come faster. When they finally arrived, he simply said: "Very well, dismissed." He was usually strict with his soldiers, but this time he wanted to seem even more than he was. He wanted to be seen by the countess as a respected general, to be fair.

Silanus opened the crate infront of the countess. It was filled with fine onyx and copper jewerly. It was not the most valuable thing they could give, but for a gift it was good enough. He looked at the countess Blaque and spoke once again: "To begin our future alliance in the right way, the Fratis offers you those fine pieces of onyx jewerly as a gift. We don´t expect something back, only loyalship if we get to form an alliance." Alright, countess Blaque, couldn´t we find a more… Suitable place to discuss our matters? The docks don´t seem like the best idea, honestly…" Once he was done talking, the general looked around the place. It was darker than it should be, even if it was daytime. Where was all the daylight? Just before the countess could answer, he raised his hand and ordered two of his soldiers to come. If he was going to a place in an unknown island, Silanus should atleast bring some bodyguards with him. When they jumped off the galley to come, Silanus covered his right arm in his crimson cape, expecting an answer from Sybille.

Sybille was a bit confused when he grasped her hand in a roman way but quickly adjusted her own grip to mimic his. Theory confirmed, his culture is very similar to the Romans on earth. Now if only she could remember what? She smiled and was relieved that he didn't mind her husband's absence. "Yes, Blaque, pronounced like the color. His absence saddens me too, he was looking forward to meeting you but alas." Not every male in this world wants to talk business with a woman unfortunately. But that won't stop her nor Solomon.

She followed the General's gaze when he looked at his men carrying a large and heavy chest. she wondered what was in it. His stuff? What kind of stuff would it be if it was that heavy? She didn't step closer when the chest was brought, not wanting to seem too curios. Or in other words, nosy. The General however opened the chest and offered its contents as a gift for receiving him. 

It was filled with jewelry of onyx and copper materials. She bend through her knees and picked one up, a bracelet with black pearls made of onyx with a few copper wires to decorate it. No matter how cheap they were Sybille always had a weakness for jewelry. There were so many of them as she caressed her hand over the other pieces. She wouldn't know what to do with all of them but she gladly accepted the gift.

Standing up again with the bracelet she looked back at the General, her gaze staring through the purple tinted lenses. When he asked for a more suitable place to talk business she nodded at him and pointed at her carriage but couldn't say a word as he ordered his bodyguards to accompany him. When he turned his attention to her again, she smiled broadly.

A cautious man… she observed. She closed her black umbrella as the sun was disappearing, "My carriage will take us to Corpsewood Manor, we live at the edge of Koschei's cursed Forest. It will take us a while to travel. Do you wish to visit some stores before we depart? Or perhaps tour through the city, our cathedral is quite a gem." she said as she guided them to the carriage, using the umbrella as a cane now. Her bejeweled hands clutching the handle as she turned sideways towards the General and his bodyguards. Awaiting answers.

When Tacitus Silanus listened to the countess´ question, he looked around him before answering. This was not the place he honestly wished to visit. Two drunk men, sitting near the docks were staring at him; how disgusting… When he turned his glare to another side of the place, he saw two sailors yelling at each other who then started to punch each other. "How barbaric…" He thought. Who knew what else was awaiting for him deeper in the city? Bandits? Thieves? Assassins? Drug addicts? Ill people? Vampires? Werewolves? Of course it was way better for him to go directly to the manor using the countess´ carriage.

Silanus looked at Sybille once again, trying to not look ungrateful at her offer to explore the city. He then spoke to her, answering her questions: "I ehh…. I think it would be smarter to directly go to the manor, just to avoid any kind of problem that could happen." He then sighted and licked his own lips, it was an awkward situation for him, to be honest. She was talking of crossing the cursed forest as if it was usual. Back in Canelux, Koschei´s cursed Forest has a pretty bad reputation. Ghosts, wizards and other kind of creatures kidnapping kids and murdering travelers. It was obvious that he was confused. "Well, perhaps crossing the Cursed Forest is not easy for a carriage, I mean with all the trees and mud how could mere wheels and horses walk through there? That´s the only way?"

Looking neutral, he put his fist towards his face, covering his mouth and touching the tip of his nose. Great, now he looked like a coward, who would want to make an alliance with a coward? Speaking slowly the general said "Nevermind, forget about it. I am sure you know a route or something since you live here. Alright… Where is the carriage?" Trying to look natural, Silanus smiled. Of course, it did not look like a normal smile, more like a forced or confused one. Since he was a child, Tacitus Silanus had a great fear of wolves, but simply thinking about werewolves made him anxious. This land was rumored of being ruled by some of them, if he was to see a werewolf the general might simply faint… "Let´s go, men. Follow lady Blaque, she will lead us to a carriage." When the bodyguards walked, Silanus stopped one of him with his hand and whispered to his ear: "If you see something unusual I want you to tell me." The guard gave him a steady look, nodding his head he simply said: "Of course, sir." Then, both of them walked towards Sybille Blaque, looking for a carriage.

Sybille smiled and nodded at him as he declined the sight seeing tour of the city. Her servant opened the door for them to enter the carriage as Sybille began to walk towards it. Only she stopped when he began to question whether or not her carriage could make it to the forest? She frowned and tried to fight back a chuckle. Silly man she thought to herself. Of course it would make it, and the road wasn't in that much of a bad condition. Unless it rained or stormed.

She was going to assure him that the carriage will make the trip but the General decided to trust her and follow her lead after all. She waited until the General stood by her side so she could loop an arm around his with a smile. "Tell me General, is it the vampires that worry you or the werewolves?" She teased, her foreign accent that resembled the Arabian ones on earth, as they walked towards the carriage. The vehicle was black in color on the outside with a few silvery ornaments and decorations on it. Two lanterns hung to the front side of the carriage. It was actually simple looking compared to other carriages one can see here. The seats were covered in a dark green fabric as were the curtains that covered the windows. The vehicle was pulled by 2 black horses and it was large enough to seat 4 people on the inside plus have 2 servants seated in the front of the vehicle outside and 1 in the back. 

As they sat down in the carriage Sybille knocked on the wall behind her to signal the rider to return home. "You should fear them. The Vampires and Drow are the more 'civilized' of the bunch. But the werewolves are down right barbaric, more so than their ancestors the wolf." She warned the men. To pass time she began to talk about Kurayo as she looked out the window. The carriage had to cross the city before it could follow the dirt road to Corpsewood Manor.

She understood that Koschei didn't had the best of reputations out there. Even she before the Eldritch became a resident had heard terrible tales about the Cursed woods and the inhabitants of the Isle. A bunch of outcasts, scorned by their own kind instead of offering compassion for their 'afflictions'. Something the lupine folk still resented to this day. "Kurayo isn't so bad if you like the macabre…My husband and I choose to live here because of its history. These people aren't just outcasts, they are survivors. Making this island their home and protecting it at all costs all the while maintaining this fragile peace." 

Looking out the window she admired the city…Cobblestone streets lit up with lanterns, couples parading around arm in arm. And visitors growing suspicious of every movement they encounter in dark alleys. "Visitors can be protected from the denizens of Kurayo, one needs its blessing from one of the ruling houses. Unfortunately I'm not one of them. So I can not guarantee your safety if you choose to wander off." She then turned to the General and his men, "So I have to ask that you do not wander off too far from the mansion, or into the woods. And never trust the wisps that roam there. Vicious tricksters…" She smiled when she saw the cathedral in the distance, just the peaked roof at least. "That's the Cathedral I mentioned earlier."

The cobbled stones lead outside towards the outskirts of the city. A couple of houses dotted the plains here and there, most likely outcasts among the outcasts or citizens who needed more privacy. The stone road eventually turned into a dirt road and turned into a path through the woods. Charms would hang from the gnarly branches of the trees to ward off any evil. Hoots of owls and cries of wolves could be heard through the woods. Along the road however small posts with lanterns were lighting up the path. and at the end of it stood Corpsewood Manor.

A Gothic styled mansion with gardens and weeds surrounding it. As if civilization and wilderness were fighting for control. Here and there one could see signs that the house was still under constructions by all the scaffolding and the amount of supplies scattered about. Sybille smiled when she saw her home in the gloomy woods, taking off her tinted glasses to reveal her amethyst eyes. "This used to be an abandoned manor, falling to ruins. But my husband and I rebuild it and made it ours. The garden is still a mess but we're getting there."

It was obvious that the architecture style and interior design was Gothic with hints of eastern influences. The color themes were mostly dark, dark greens, reds, purples, some gold and silver touches. And lots of black. All the windows had heavy curtains covering them, chandeliers and candle light illuminating rooms and corridors. Sybille ordered her servants to take the chest filled with jewelry to her bedroom. Entering the mansion Sybille turned to her staff and the guests, "Show these gentlemen to their rooms and see to it that they have everything they need." Turning to the bodyguards and General Silanus, "Make yourselves comfortable and feel free to explore just be careful of the constructions." 

Speaking of constructions, while the men were being escorting Sybille took the opportunity to check up on the progress. The maid gave the men a small bow and motioned for them to follow her. Ready to answer any question they might have for her about either the house or the Counts.

Tacitus Silanus could not help but say, in a low yet listenable voice tone: "Hmph, was it THAT obvious? Damn…" A small, insecure grin appeared in his face, trying to hide the fact that he was ashamed about his fears. 

The woods were nice to see, not as bad as Silanus had thought. Beautiful owls or sometimes even foxes could be seen at a distance, pretty animals which helped him relax. The worst thing were the howls of the wolves, but nothing he could not handle anyway… "You know… This place is not so bad, the fog and the mysterious enviroment is charming, uhh in an odd way." He was speaking the truth; the cold breeze and the white fog was different from what he was used to. It was a nice trip.

When the carriage finally arrived, Silanus and the other soldiers took a time to look at the house. It was very different from the houses they had at home, at the beggining it seemed strange, but then, good looking in some way. The men jumped off the carriage. They would, if course, stay close to the manor, just as the countess suggested.

Silanus looked around the place. It was interesting, yet spooky. If it was not for the animals, there would be complete silence, something not very usual for the General. "Tell me, Sybille. How did you get this important position? Do you have the protection of the damned blood suckers or something? Or are you on your own?" Silanus was curious, yet he tried to avoid seeming too interested. While he was talking, the soldiers, with their bags, followed the maid inside the manor, leaving Sybille and Silanus alone.

The general hid his right arm in his long, red cloak as he continued to speak: "Vampires aren't THAT bad, you know? They are arrogant, they undermine their enemies, that's their problem. Once you knock them senseless and crucify them, leaving the blood suckers to rot in daylight, they're not intimidating." An arrogant smirk appeared on Silanus' face. He was proud to tell how he punished the vampires that dared to enter his villages. "Well, countess, let's not ignore the main fact why we're here. Now that we are alone, tell me, what is the main objective of your… Cult…? What are your relations with the empire of Adeluna? Do your people like them, hate them? Let's do this properly, as diplomacy is boring when done badly…" said the General, walking slowly towards the door, yet looking steadely at the countess.