Library: Shadows of Life

Shadows of Life--A Beginning and an End To All Things. In which Shanden and Bassor conclude one part of the game, only to begin another. The door opened slowly, revealing a careworn face in a dark suit. "Yes?" "I'm here to see Bassor." "Ah yes. The master is expecting you." The door opened further, "Please, won't you step inside?" The door opened fully as I stepped inside. Pillars leading up to a cathedral ceiling adorned the center of the room. I glanced up, studying the images above me. "The master had it done several years ago. Fascinating are they not? It is from Milton's Paradise." "Paradise?", I questioned, a bit suprised. "I would of expected Dante's Inferno." "My master finds it a refreshing change.", the servant replied. Quirking my lips slightly, "You master has a keen sense of the ironic." "Indeed he does sir. Now please, step this way." We walked beneath the angelic pictures, into a darkened hallway which led into what appeared to be the serving area. Lush white carpet adorned the floor. In the center of the room sat Bassor at a narrow oak table. Shifting the sword at my side, I stepped into the room, blinking once as my eyes adjusted to the light. Bassor. Devil or damned, I had yet to figure out. Skin so pale to be translucent, his hair the color of darkest night, a startling contrast. His features, delicate, almost fragile. As his crystal grey eyed gaze passed to me, I felt a slight chill. I had fought his kind before, but there had always been an unspoken deal of sorts between Bassor and I. Up till tonight, neither of us had been willing to break that. Taking a calming breath, I took another step forward, my hand away from the sword hilt. "Bassor, I had no..." His hand raising slightly from the table, he gazed at the servant, "You are dismissed." As the servant scuttled out of the room, "Please Shanden. Be seated." I slipped into a chair at the opposite end of the table, waiting for his next move. He snapped his fingers and various servants stepped into the room, their eyes down to the floor. Placed before me was a crystal goblet filled to the brim with a dark vibrant red liquid and a plate of steaming sliced meat. Nothing was said until the servants left the room. Then, reaching for his goblet, Bassor said softly, "Shall we make a toast Shan?" Brushing the silver streak of hair from my eyes, "It is your choice Bassor." "Then we shall toast. To life eternal. The sweet kiss of death will never touch us." He smiled, sipping the liquid, staining his lips crimson. I raised my own drink in salute, but sat it down. "Bassor, I don't know if I should be disappointed or insulted. Human flesh served with blood wine? I thought we had more respect for each other." He laughed, finally revealing the telltale pointed white canines that marked him. "Oh Shan, I have enjoyed playing the game with you. There have been few players with your skill." Keeping my nerves steady, "Bassor, you're mixing tenses. I'm afraid you're slipping." "No my dear friend, tonight you crossed the line. Killing Adrien was a mistake. A serious one I fear." I raised my hand slightly off the table, fingers outstretched. "I had no choice in the matter. He was trying to gorble Es." Gorbling. The newest trend in vampire killings. Feed off your victim while fucking them. Leaves them smiling every time. Bassor paused, inclining his head slightly. "Adrien was always a bit impulsive. Stiil, he had his uses. He will need to be replaced." Shit, so that was what this was all about. "Bassor, I'm sorry, but I have no choice to refuse. I've told you before, I'm not interested." "Ahh, but my dear Shanden, I'm not asking this time." With speed that only the undead are capable of he lept from his seat diving towards me. Damn he was fast. I was expecting something like this. Kicking back my chair, I began to draw my sword as I fall backwards. I was fast. He was faster. My sword was half-drawn before he was upon me, his soft lips upon my neck, the sensations of pain and pleasure wracking my body. As oblivion took me, I couldn't help but admire his style. Letting me come in armed was a masterful ploy to get me to relax. I recall little of the next few hours, as I hovered between wakefulness and the void. Finally I awoke fully. As my eyes adjusted, I found myself suprised by what I saw. Objects were sharper, clearer to my vision, yet at the same time it was if they rested in shadow. Nothing was as vivid as it once had been. I truly now lived in a world of darkness. There was a soft, throbbing pain in my chest as I struggled to raise my head. In response to my movement a form stepped out of the shadows. Bassor. "So the sleeping prince awakens without another kiss." He pressed his long, delicate fingers against my lips, "Shh. Do not speak, save your strength for later. You put up quite the fight my friend. I fear we had to restrain you." His fingers trailed down my face and throat until they reached the throbbing pain in my chest. Tapping the stone spike that lay nestled between my ribs and the ground, "I do believe you'll behave now though." With a quick jerk, he pulled the spike upwards, freeing my trapped form. As the pain washed over my body, I closed my eyes and returned to the warm and welcoming embrace of oblivion.

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Library: Shadows of Life