August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 3, 2008 9:33:06 GMT -5
::There's a knock at the door to the house, three times. Opening it reveals a mundane looking man with glasses, in his hands are two battered suitcases. He smiles to whoever met him at the door, its cocky and self-assured.::
The lady of the house? I wish to speak to her, I have a proposition.
::He steps inside before beckoned to do so and sets down his bags. He looks around the space, grinning, and readjusts his glasses with the tip of his index finger.::
Oh this is quite the place, so is the demoness in?
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Jul 3, 2008 11:30:27 GMT -5
::Nyx stares at the man with her black eyes with a blank expression::
Nyx: She is, but she's busy. State your business.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 3, 2008 12:00:27 GMT -5
::August head turns from looking at his surroundings to Nyx, then motions with his hand to his chest.::
Oh, excuse me, how rude. My name is August Krasnow, I come from Vector seeking...
::He rummages through a pocket in his vest, bringing out a crumbled note.::
The demon sorceress Natalia? Believe that is what she is called. I have a mutally benifical proposition for her, however I'd prefer to discuss the matter directly with her, if I may. I'm sure she would be very thrilled to hear what I have to say and offer.
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Post by Natalia on Jul 3, 2008 12:18:04 GMT -5
youtube.com/watch?v=Yt8JbTB2M4sI'll be the judge of that. ::The voice comes from the top of the staircase. Natalia descends quietly, her boots not making any noise on the marble stairs:: Nyx, leave us. Iole's asleep. Go guard her door. Nyx: Yes lady. ::exits:: ::Natalia stares at the stranger for a moment taking in his features. While he seems rather un-extraordinary, Natalia is no fool. There is more to this man than he appears:: What do you want. If it was worth traveling to a den of witches then it must be important. But make it brief. I haven't exactly had the best day.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 3, 2008 12:29:26 GMT -5
::With a smile, August bows.::
Natalia, I assume? Your beauty precedes you. I am August Krasnow and as I'm sure you are already well aware of the moment I stepped into your residence that I do indeed possess something worth your time.
::August readjusts his glasses once more.::
How else would I have survived unskaved to make it to that door? Your protection here is impressive, though flawed and that is where I come in. If you are still interested then please, let us talk somewhere more comfortable. I have quite a few things to show you. If not, then I shall take my leave and provide my services elsewhere.
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Post by Natalia on Jul 3, 2008 12:32:58 GMT -5
::Natalia's eyes narrow. She snaps her fingers and August is hit suddenly from behind. It knocks his legs out from under him and proceeds to move him along the floor. However he soon discovers that it's no more than an armchair. He soon finds himself in the sitting room. Natalia stands over him, somehow making it there before him::
And just what do you suppose I need protection for? Unless you know something I don't. That I doubt.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 3, 2008 12:47:53 GMT -5
::Though surprised by the chair, August actually seems more thrilled by the minute as he is whisked into the sitting room. He's thankful he grabbed ahold of his bags the moment before the chair caught him. He readjusts his glasses again.::
Protection from me, demoness. Your army as well, but please, no need to be defensive. If I wanted to disrupt you and your kind, I would of done that already.
::He adjusts himself in the chair then leans over and opens one suitcase. His eyes looking up at Natalia as he does. He then brings out a old leather bound grimoire with intristict runes and symbols over it.::
I am the apprentice of the - I assume now - late Adolph Crowlith. That name ring a bell, demoness? No matter, what I possess and what I wish to provide for you is quite simple.
::He opens the book, the infernal language written on its pages and the symbols held within should be all too familiar for Natalia.::
Is my expertise in your kind, your magics, rituals, what have you. I can bolster your forces, make them stronger from those that wish you harm as well as protect you from those that seek your destruction with no cost to you. All I ask is for the oppertunity to learn and practice my art.
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Jul 3, 2008 12:52:01 GMT -5
::Natalia's demeanor hardens again, if that's possible::
If I were that trusting I would have been dead long ago.
::She snaps her fingers and the book in August's hands flashes from his to hers. She skims it briefly::
This is the work of a novice. The symbols are shoddy and the spells are outdated. Where did you get this?
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 3, 2008 13:02:08 GMT -5
::August smirks, though now getting slightly anxious::
It is one of many from my former master's collection. I have several others with me as well, you familiar with the Grimorium Verum? Or is that just another novice book, oh demoness?
::August leans back and crosses his legs::
But if you find my offer of services and materials to be so novice, I'm sure your associate...
::He takes another glance at the crumbles note in his lap.::
Shaft would be more interested.
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Post by Natalia on Jul 3, 2008 13:15:30 GMT -5
::Natalia smiles a cold unfeeling smile::
Shaft? You really have no standards about who your "art" goes to, do you. Shaft's magic is making mere use of a curse I bestowed upon him. Ironically he's using the very thing he hates and has sworn to exterminate. I'm referring to a witch's power of course. But any of the arcane arts are heresy in his eyes. You wouldn't last as long with him as you have with me. You're a bold man for coming here and waving your little bag of tricks in my face, and then going so far as to threaten helping my enemy. But there is more going on in this new war than there appears. So answer me this. Why should I not sever your head from your diminutive shoulders here and now? Or better yet, Eva's little performance last night had quite an impact on Echidna. She's in the basement as we speak trying to craft a better creature. Maybe I should give you to her for her experiments. She'd love a new toy.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 3, 2008 13:24:17 GMT -5
::This was the moment August had been waiting for.::
My art can be used for either side, I can help you as much as banish you. My 'bag of tricks' is far more then it appears, you should know full well what a human of my kind is capable of against your ill-gotten ilk as well as what we can do for you, if we so choose.
::Casually, August rests his back firmly against the back of the chair.::
So, how about this, attack me. Strike me down, right here in this chair. If I survive, however, perhaps you'll reconsider my offer?
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Post by Natalia on Jul 3, 2008 13:40:16 GMT -5
::Natalia eyes him with interest::
You really think killing you is the worst I can do? I've survived four hundred years of war and bloodshed. Not one human, elf or any other has ever been able to kill me. And do you know why? It's because I'm protected. There is a very specific way to kill me and believe me you're way under qualified. But don't fear. I may have use for you yet.
::She gets very close to his face::
Tell me, what do you know about gateways?
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 3, 2008 13:50:45 GMT -5
::August smirks.::
That all depends.
::He leans in closer to Natalia.::
Which realm or place you interested in, and this a roundtrip or one-way?
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Post by Natalia on Jul 3, 2008 14:09:28 GMT -5
::Natalia smirks and laughs a low cackle::
So it's a deal then.
::It's not a question, just a statement of fact::
But there is one more thing. I'm quite certain you're going to betray me at one point or another. You are a business man after all. So lets get one thing straight. This project I have you working on, you are under contract to me until it is over. Afterward you are free to do as you please. But only after you are through. Do I make myself clear?
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 3, 2008 14:19:21 GMT -5
::August leans back again, resting his hands on his lap.::
Then it's a deal, so when can I get started? Mind you, if what you have in mind is what I believe you're 'contracting' me for, then I'll need a room to work in peace. This will require some study for me and a space that, under all circumstances, must not be disturbed by any of your kin until it is completed. Can that be arranged?
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Post by Natalia on Jul 3, 2008 15:10:49 GMT -5
::Natalia ponders that for a moment::
Your quarters are provided, and no one shall disturb you. As a matter of fact one of our rooms will be vacant in the morning. But to ensure that you are not bothered, I will assign one of my lieutenants to guard your chamber. Her name is Lillith. I think the two of you will get along quite well.
(OOC: if you wish you may start posting in "The Witch's Headquarters")
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 3, 2008 15:33:35 GMT -5
::August raises an eyebrow::
Lillith? Interesting. Very well, may I be directed to my quaters then? I'm sure you have quite alot to do, as do I. I'll keep you updated periodically on my progress as well.
::August grabs the handles to his suitcases and stands, stepping to the side of the chair and waits.::
Shall we? Oh and don't forget my shoddy novice book.
(ooc: Very well, though I may create a thread just for the character's room. Have certain writtings I wish to attend to and do not want to clog up the other, already busy thread)
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Post by Natalia on Jul 3, 2008 16:26:30 GMT -5
(OOC: Sounds good. In that case you can probably keep using this one)
::Natalia tosses the book back to him none too gently::
I have no need for it. My own tome serves me just fine.
::She wonders if that utterance caught his interest. She can tell he thirsts for knowledge above most else::
This will escort you to the guest room. your permanent quarters won't be ready until morning.
::With a snap of her fingers one of the suits of armor that lines the room creaks to life and gestures for August to follow it::
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Jul 4, 2008 1:48:09 GMT -5
::Settled in his new chambers, though already freshly furnished, the childish decor was not at all to his liking. With some minor help, August rearranged the room to his own liking. Dark yet elegant, like that of a Victorian study with deep bold colors. In one corner was a simple bed, another has a desk and lamp with a leather arm chair. Against the wall is a bookshelf with a number of volumes, some of his own collection, others he has borrowed for research. The floor remains bare, just the plain hard aged wood. The single window looking out to the water is the only source of natural light during the day into the room, but August prefers to keep the drapes shut as to not disrupt his study and the task he is assigned - as well as keep anyone from looking in. Above the door frame is a series of odd shapes, recently carved. There's many different variations of the odd shapes carved into the wood fixtures of the room including his bed, the bookshelf and desk. It's apparent he is trying to keep something out... or perhaps something in.:: ::Currently, he sits at the desk, writing into a worn journal. It is engraved with a unique rune. A circle with a pyramid in the center and various odd symbols inside the circle and pyramid's lines.:: My reception at the demoness's residence was as good as could of been expected, though I did hope for a more positive response from the one known as Natalia. Even for a demon, her cocky attitude and elitism is stunning, I've know lesser demons to be more humble but, as my first... intimate interaction with a higher order specimen, she certainly has left a foul interesting impression. I know well she doesn't trust me and perhaps she shouldn't but I get the impression she fears me as well, even just a little. Well, why shouldn't she? I, a lone human walking into her realm unscratched and then to willing fall into the lion's maw that is this place. I'd be wary too, but I shouldn't be cocky about this, least I turn into the demoness herself.
I have been assigned to a interesting task by the demoness, though I fear I came somewhat unprepared for this job. It will require me to translate another one of Crowlith's tomes. A task that could add weeks onto this already work intensive challenge.
I best note the demon's reaction when I mentioned her rival, Shaft, apparently he has been cursed by her. I will have to probe more into this matter as time admits. This also brings me onto another interesting bit of information concerning Natalia and the rest of the coven's hierarchy. I did not realize that she was indeed a Titan princess, created by Jezebel. Meaning she is truly Natalia the Tragic, fascinating. However if the stories are correct, then I must tread lightly these next few days least I upset her or her kin.
Before I rest, there is one last thing that is at the forefront of my mind ever since I last spoke to Natalia. She mentioned 'my tome serves me just fine', I wonder, could that indeed be the Gran Grimoire? I recall reading that Natalia sought Ultimecia for power... and Ultimecia was the last known holder of this text. If she does indeed have the Grimoire, perhaps she has failed to realize the true potential of such a book. It was never intended to fall into the hands of her kind... the untapped power it may still contain could very well provide everything I need to complete my studies. I will try and get a glimpse of the tome next time I speak with her, perhaps I will be able to identify it by the binding, though I've only seen it in the drawings found in the Grimorium Verum. That is assuming she hasn't tainted it. Demons are such wreckless and rough creatures.
-August Krasnow.
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Post by Book of the Twilight on Jul 5, 2008 1:36:35 GMT -5
::It's been some time since August has left his studies when he hears a knock at the door. Lillith enters without waiting for an answer. There's a suit of armor behind her carrying a tray of food::
Lillith: I thought you'd be hungry by now.
::The armor places the tray with surprising grace on the desk where August is working::
Lillith: She wanted to know if the... project is ready.
::She hesitates for a moment as he stares back at her. She had gotten to know him somewhat over the three days she's stood guarding his chamber. She wondered if it was alright to speak freely around him. Then she nearly laughed at the thought when she remembered, who was he going to tell::
Lillith: Can I... ask you something? What is it exactly that you're doing this for? There has to be a reason.
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