Atharen, A Fantasy Roleplay Forum

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☠ I wasnt expecting him to send for me, let alone to be so insistent on it. Whatever it was it must have been important for him to go to such lengths. Arriving I took a deep breath, not knowing what it was exactly I was about to walk into. There really was no telling with my father.

I had to admit I was a ball of flustered emotions as I made my way to the old family manor, to see my father. I wasn't all too sure what he could want of me. My father was a rather unpredictable man, as even I was not privy to his plans or ambitions half of the time.

He was nearly as ruthless as he was gentle, as passionate as he was harsh, and as sadistic as he was empathetic. I sometimes believed he derived a demented form of amusement from the suffering of his enemies, apparently due to his unbearably harsh upbringing, lethally addicted to murdering those who he deemed evil.

"Care to explain to me why my father sent you to escort me to the family chateau?" I whispered in a hushed tone, running my hands through my hair as the wind danced through it. The escort never answered, and I didnt wish to press it and further, knowing full well I'd learn soon enough why I was being called. This season was always busy for my father, the hospital he ran having the influx of patients due to the season change though this was unusual, even for him.

If I had to be honest, the escort was acting suspicious, attentive.....no alert as if they were on the lookout for something. Their caution raised mine, my hand gripping Vaccine. Could this be why my father wanted to see me? Because trouble was coming?

Approaching the extravagant home, I made sure my appearance was acceptable for my father, as he would tear into me, in his own passive-aggressive way. Coming into view of the attendants stationed outside, receiving a quaint nod from them both before crossing the threshold, a wave of nostalgia washing over me.

It had been some time since I was here, I couldnt really stay here after mother died, the pain of being without her too much to bare. I was brought into the foyer and was told to wait a moment. Looking around I began to reminisce about my childhood, seeing the events flashing before me.

"How odd, coming to a place like this." I pondered, rubbing my chin as I traced my hand along the walls. Why did I feel like a kid again? Ahh, that's right I came back because Nicoli was the only family I had left, and for him to send for me meant that something was wrong.

I waited nervously as I was unsure what could have the staff of the manor clamoring about. They were preparing it seemed, but for what? Then again the old man was like a cunning wolf, and he was always 10 steps ahead. As I pondered the reasons for my summons, there was a commotion at the front door, which seemed like trouble.

Going to see what it was I found myself chuckling, seeing who was there. Cullen must have been trailing behind me, like the shadow he was. "Its ok, he's with me." I noted, moving to grab Cullen by his collar, ushering him to the side. "You shouldn't have followed me Cullen, what were you thinking?"

His head hung low, as he felt as if he had done something wrong, to which I lifted his head. "Its.... it's just that I saw the way they grabbed you and it made me nervous, so I followed you." he sulked. "No its ok, just be careful next time." I said, motioning him to follow close behind me.

An attendant soon came into the foyer I was in and greeted me. She informed me that my father was out in the garden and that she was to bring me to him. Nodding we followed her, through the home of a family I came to know and love. Nostalgia still ran through my body walking the halls I use to play in.

Once out in the family garden, I saw him for the first time in years. He was tending to the rose bushes mother loved to care for. I never miss a beat ya know, coming out here and tending to the rose bushes as she did. he said, never looking in my direction. Its been how long and you can't even come home to check on your father? Your mother's rose bushes? You wound my son. he said finally breaking away from his work to look at me.

Standing he gave me a smile, though it faded when his gaze fell to Cullen. It was clear he didnt not approve of an uninvited guest be he wouldn't make a fuss over it. If Cullen was truly a problem he could easily kill the street rat. "I take it you didnt have me summoned just to berate me about being a neglectful son? Is something the matter father?"

Ahh yes, that. You will be moving here with me. Something big is coming on the horizon, and if my sources in the royal court are right, It means things are going to be getting far more interesting soon. he spoke, moving to enter the house, Cyrus & Cullen following behind him. "That will take some time to accomplish. It's a lot to move from here to Lower Nivenhien" he chimed in as he followed.

No need, I already had that taken care of, your things are being moved as we speak. he noted as we continued our walk, ultimately ending up in Nicoli's study. Sitting at his desk Nicoli looked to Cullen then back myself. In any case I wish to see you close by, we are the only family we have after all. I would be devastated if I were to lose you as well.

I smiled, but I knew there was another reason he wanted me around. "Are you sure that's the case and not that you think I've gotten sloppy in my murders?" I inquired in elven tongue. He laughed, fixing the glasses on his face as his eyes looked into my very soul.

If I was concerned about that do you honestly think that you would be standing before me now? oh no, on the contrary, its because of your murders that I wish you to be close by. he corrected in the same tongue, a smile fixing on his face as a look of concern and confusion fixated onto mine.

I was curious as to what he meant but he didnt divulge on it further, and I didnt press him. Knowing Nicoli, it would all make sense and come together in time. Nicoli's eyes fell on Cullen, which caused me to look at him as well. If he is going to be around, we'll have to clean him up....he smells of the streets, piss, and worst of all....poverty. We'll make sure he fits the part of being your servant well. he summarized, snapping his fingers as two women came took Cullen from the room, most likely to clean him up.

Tell me, how many have you killed since we last saw each other? I hope you have been using that discerning restraint of yours good doctor? he inquired, returning to the notes on his desk. I stood and moved to stand looking out the window. "The urges to kill are strong, but I hold my own against it."

I began, flipping some of my hair from my face, as I looked out of the window and onto the view. "The mortal disease is not one I can cure with impulsion. It must be handled with care, carefully removed one patient at a time father, you know that." Nicoli only chuckled as I spoke as he knew how fervent I was about my work.

Standing from his desk, Nicoli came to join me by the window, picking up a bottle of brandy and two glasses. Come, we toast to a new beginning as things will surely be changing soon, and I'll need you at your best for what is to come. he said, making me even more curious to know just what his father is planning, and what was to come in the future. ☠